HIATUS- The wolf and his lambs

“ Anything that is beautiful people want to B R E A K and you are ＢＥＡＵＴＩＦＵＬ I’m ａｆｒａｉｄ” 18+ Victorian Multi-Muse OC Tracking the tag: inperatoraviditas

[brokenhexrt]

" so you get lost easily… alright i’ll keep an eye on where we go. " A woman who got lost easily… reminded the cat kinda of the Hatter… maybe he should take her there too? Liz would be happy to meet an outsider..

" to do? hmm… well nothing much i guess… if you’re creative you for sure find something. I myself just do … cat things ya know? Hunting, sleeping and being petted… oh and watching the outsiders, in your case; you. As an outsider you could visit the other wonderlanders and learn something about this world and stuff… i dunno. "

[inperator-aviditas]

"Can I pet you then?" The young woman instantly perked up, swiftly turning and shooting a delighted grin towards the Cheshire Cat. Was that inappropriate? To pet a gentleman that resembled a cat? Surely not though, as he had already confirmed to her that he was a cat and not a human. But if this place existed in her mind, then he definitely wouldn't mind her giving him a quick scratch behind the ears.

"Other wonderlanders?" She echoed, blinking in surprise at the cat. How creative had her mind become? Not only did it appear that Elle had been able to create a land and companion for herself, but she had also invented other people to inhabit this strange little land of hers. "Hm, why don't you take me to see something interesting?"

[mus-brunneis]

"Elle…" she muttered to herself, taking in the name. And then another bright smile surfaced. "It’s a pretty name! I’ll be sure to call you that then." More likely than not, it would stick better than Elizabeth anyway. Elle was more catchy and indeed sounded more friendly; less formal and distant. In that sense Dove was the more stubborn one, remaining formal even after a good friendship had been formed already. He would probably keep calling her Elizabeth for a while longer until he got scolded. Ace took a cookie offered to her by Christine, but before starting on eating it, she turned her attention back to Elle when the younger sister approached and told her that Christine spoke of her so often. She never realized the effect she left on other people, so being told this made her feel warm and giggle awkwardly. ” ‘That so? Well I’m happy to meet you as well, I bet you’re just as sweet as Christine~” Meanwhile Dove, who previously kept to the background, took notice of Elle becoming a little anxious. He already knew she was a bit of a fragile soul, and understood that Ace’s open and bubbly demeanor today might be a bit much at first. So he decided to speak up and say: “How about you ladies have a seat, and I’ll go prepare some tea to go with the cookies? Anne and I wouldn’t wish for our guests to be left standing after all.”

[inperator-aviditas]

"Thank you!" A soft smile was given, it was always much easier when people used her nickname, her full name was so rarely used by the people that she knew, and now it was rare for her to answer to "Elizabeth" and if she ever did pick up on it, the young girl often believed that she was in deep trouble. That was what had been used when her governess or mother had been seeking to scold her, so she found herself naturally shrinking away when one called her by her full name. 

"Well I can't promise you that she's quite as wonderful as I am, but I suppose on a good day, Elle has her perks." Christine snickered, playfully nudging her sister's arm who stuck her tongue out at her in response. Deep down neither minded the other though, they were certainly nothing like the Bartholomew brothers, the girls happily admitted that they loved each other, and any fights that did occur between them never resulted in any long term consequences. They simply moved on as mature adults would do. 

"Yes, that would be lovely, thank you." Elle smiled to Dove, rather thankful for the source of calm that he brought into the room. The others were so terribly giddy, and it was a little overwhelming for her to take in at once, especially with the presence of strangers. Plus tea was always nice, it was good at settling one's nerves. 

[inperator-aviditas]

Bring him to me || entwined-in-a-web

[entwined-in-a-web-deactivated20]

"That sounds lovely. Claude, do hurry back. You know I don’t enjoy keeping our guests waiting." He simply stated, shooing the butler off with a forced grin. Wait…what the hell was he doing?? He just sent away his only distraction!! Without Claude there to occasionally interrupt or to speak to, it was just the couple and their guests. That was the last thing he wanted to do!  With Claude well on his way back to the manor, the blond turned back to his uncle, trying his very hardest not to make any eye contact with Nathaniel. If he did, it would only destroy his composure further.

"Oh, I’ve been just fine." He answered rapidly, hoping to steer the conversation in an easier direction. Speaking about himself was a much simpler task than lying about his heir’s lineage. Of course, his own was just as much of a fib than Oliver’s, but he had more than a decade of experience living his lie. It had become a part of him. "I’ve been quite busy with my work as of late. There’s been a disturbing amount of activity around the East End. Ciel asked me to accompany him to further his investigation. I suppose he and I have grown quite fond of working with each other. It’s like he’s grown attached to me."

Shit…he didn’t mean to say that. His face began to flush ever so sightly. How could he bring up Ciel with Nate right there? Was he asking for his life to be ruined? He just silently begged that the captain had let it side. “But it is stressful work. Now I see why father was always on edge.”

[inperator-aviditas]

Nate had to suppress a chuckle as he noted Elle bristling at her husband's final comment, so at least the dear wife knew of the terrible affair that was currently commencing between two of the Queen's most noted workers. He would have so hated to have to break it to the poor little thing and watch that pretty face crumple in deep, agonizing pain. Then again, the little whore couldn't exactly be too devastated by that revelation, not with the one that she obviously had hidden beneath the strings of her bodice. Or should that be the little secret that was being shown off in the finest cotton blankets that money could buy? Was Alois really so weak that they honestly believed he wouldn't be able to produce a male heir? How sad. 

Though recovery came from a source that the captain wasn't expecting, the boy's painfully dull uncle, a man that was just about as appealing as a rotten cabbage. "Now then Alois, you should know better than to talk about such dreadful things in front of your dear wife. Delicate ears like her own shouldn't have to hear about the awful activity occurring within the East End." 

This only served to further amuse Nate as he noted Elle squirming under the elder man's patronizing tone; It must be so horrible for the little lamb, to hold such a proud title like a Countess and still be spoken to like a little girl in church. Not only that, but he was certain the girl must have encountered some fascinating horrors in her life; namely having the will power to produce three children. After witnessing the birth of his own son, Nate had discovered a new-found respect for his wife, and had since been treating her as more of an equal than before. It was probably why they got on so well now, he had stopped thinking of her as a simple toy to be placed upon his shelf. 

[inperator-aviditas]

Bring him to me || entwined-in-a-web

[entwined-in-a-web-deactivated20]

The blond’s eyes were darting from his uncle, to his wife, to his son and back again. He was just waiting for something, anything to slip up and give them away. It didn’t help that Arnold already had his suspicions about him and Nate knew some nasty secrets as well. Having them together in a room was risky enough. But now throw in the his sole heir who didn’t have an ounce of Trancy blood in his veins and the chances of disaster only increased.

"Oh….Oh, yes! He’s been very well. He has a rather large appetite too, so he’s growing fast." Anything to keep the topic of conversation off of his physical appearance. Anyone who knew the Bartholomew family could tell that the boy was a spitting image of the youngest son. And if Arnold had that information, he’d use it against him. The day that bastard stole his estate from him was the day he’d have to pry it from the Earl’s cold, dead hands. "He’s started to roll over on his own already. He’s moving along much fast than the girls did." He mentally scanned over his words in his head once more, making sure nothing he said could be taken the wrong way. The last thing he needed was to give clues away to the two men who hated him most.  

"He does look more like Elle, though. I suppose my traits went to the others. Funny how that works, isn’t it?" He giggled awkwardly, obviously distressed. With his last laugh, he glared up at Claude, a nonverbal sign to stop him before he said anything else stupid…but Claude didn’t seem to understand. He simply stood there, watching the blond struggle for a distraction. Damn demon… "Ah, er…Why don’t I have Claude fetch us some tea, eh? What would you prefer, Uncle Arnold?"

[inperator-aviditas]

These were not the words that Arnold wished to hear. A little infant that was growing into a boy faster and faster as each day passed? Soon it would be too late for him to quietly deal with the child, it would do no good if the boy could shout for his mother when he attempted to remove him during the night. He had no doubt there was scarcely anything Alois' wife could do if she found him though, she was a pretty little thing, but evidently didn't feature the skill or strength to overpower an elder man if he so chose to attack her child.

An eye skimmed over the babbling infant, and as huge doe eyes met with his, the man felt an intense hate for the little baby clutching at it's mother's breast. It was as if the little demon was aware of all the trouble he was causing for him. Oh how Arnold's life would have been simpler if all the Trancy children were little girls, pretty fools who would fall on their uncle's goodwill at the death of their father. The Countess could keep her title, but he would be in charge of the estate, then it would only that a few hours of interfering with the will and then everything would be his. But no, his nephew had to produce a little bratty boy.

"Earl Grey, Alois." The elder man briefly muttered, turning away from the infant and seeking the adults for a more intelligent conversation. "So how have you been boy? Your work going well?"

[inperator-aviditas]

Bring him to me || entwined-in-a-web

[entwined-in-a-web-deactivated20]

Shit…oh shit, oh shit…This couldn’t be happening now. Things had gone from bad to worse almost immediately.  It was almost like Nate had planned something like this to happen. But the Earl assumed it was simply Fate playing another cruel trick on him, as she usually enjoyed doing. Immediately shutting his mouth after his sentences came out less than cohesive, he took the only open seat remaining, unfortunately right next to Nathaniel.

His heart was racing so incredibly fast that he could hear it pounding in his head.  This was awful. He was beyond nervous, Elle was a mess and Claude didn’t seem to be helping one bit.  This was about  to become the worst day of his life, wasn’t it? The day everything fell apart. The day he realized that his entire fate and the entire fate of his family rested in the one man on this planet who despised him the most. Anything could happen. Elle could be exposed, Oliver could be exposed,  his own affair could be thrown out in the open. It was whatever Nate wanted it to be. Why was he doing this? What did he want from him?

"O-Oh, yes…Our  family is quite interesting to say the least." The blond managed to blurt out, a fake smile plastered across his lips. "Of course, you don’t know interesting until you’ve spoken to Cousin Aleister, isn’t that right, Uncle Arnold?"

[inperator-aviditas]

"Yes, he is a rather exceptional member of the family." Of course, Arnold wasn't here to speak with his blasted nephew about the eccentric members of the family that both unfortunately occupied. Oh no, the older gentleman was much more intrigued by the little infant cradled within his mother's arms at his side. The little troublemaker that he intended to see eradicated as soon as possible. It had all gone so well, the Countess had produced two daughters, nothing solid that would keep the estate held within her hands upon the day that brat Alois passed. But then that bitch had to get lucky, and it had took every inch of his being to contain his rage when it was announced Elizabeth had given birth to a healthy baby boy. However, he was determined that to deal with the infant as he had hoped to deal with Alois before, yet this time, he was determined to succeed. 

"How has the boy been, Alois? He is looking well." Annoyingly. Gently he took a pudgy little arm, feeling the pulse of the child through his tiny wrist and being thoroughly disappointed at the strength of his heartbeat. He wasn't a sickly child, Elizabeth appeared to have the ability to produce strong heirs; What a dreadful bitch. 

"Isn't he just?" Nate quickly spoke up, peering over to the infant coddled securely against his mother's chest. The malicious little smirk crossing over his lips gave Elle a horrible chill, and his following question made her feel even worse. "Don't you think he looks so much like his mother?"

[psykoterapia]

[crimsonliutenitsa]

We have a house full of vacant rooms. She needn’t bother you. In fact, she may even be of use to you. You can practice your mothering skills, until our son arrives.

[inperator-aviditas]

Old enemies || theocratic

[volpe-infernale-deactivated2023]

Alma sighed, looking out at the small, mid-day crowd at the pub. Afternoons were always so very boring at the inn. She mostly stood there, and if it was dead enough, she’d go play around in the kitchen. But unfortunately, she had no means of entertaining herself today. There were only about five tables occupied, after all. Terrance was busying himself with reservations for the upcoming holiday and Theo was off running errands. So for the first time in while, she was on her own. However, something began to strike her as odd as she finished pouring another pint for the patron at the bar. Someone had addressed her, a woman. Immediately looking upwards, her eyes widened as they realized who it was talking to her. That woman…Juliette, her name was. The prostitute from years ago. She’d…recognized her??

Deep blue hues narrowed into a sharp glare as they scanned the woman. “Well, if it isn’t the little lass herself. I don’t believe this is the right place for you.”

[inperator-aviditas]

"If you can work here, then surely I can be served here. We were in the same profession not too long ago, remember?" The young woman stated firmly, striking emeralds fixing themselves sharply upon the barmaid. Juliette had been turned out of places dozens of times because of her profession, but she would hardly allow a former prostitute to do that to her. 

Well, prostitute was used lightly in Alma's case, the Irish woman had been renowned for her sharp temper and on nearly every single occasion that Juliette had witnessed a client advancing on her... Alma had punched the gentleman and sent him fleeing. It had been terribly amusing for the young courtesan to observe when she was running errands for Ike, though her giggles had put her in further trouble many a time, and Erik had frequently been forced to rush over to separate the two prostitutes from beating each other. It must have been awful for the older woman, to observe a young woman like Juliette receiving so much attention from potential clients whereas she could barely hold down one. However Juliette never pitied her, she had learnt early in life to never bite the hand that feeds you, it was Alma's own fault for being stupid enough to attack clientele. "Though, one of us was far better at their job than the other, evidently."

[inperator-aviditas]

Old enemies || theocratic

A drink. That sounded perfect to Juliette right now, she had been on her feet for hours -- A welcome change for her, but nevertheless, walking down the street and being glowered at by the majority of the women there was never a pleasant experience. It was hardly her fault that their husbands were unfaithful, and yet, most wives thought it best to blame her for their marriage falling apart. A scapegoat was always a useful thing for them. But all it had done for her was make a stiff drink a requirement, something to settle her nerves for the walk home. However upon setting foot in a local pub, the young woman's blood began to boil as she fixed her eyes on the bartender, and she found herself fixing the other with a smirk as she slowly walked to the bar. 

"Alma."

[mus-brunneis]

To say she was startled was an understatement. Immediately her thought bubble popped and she spun around to face Christine and the cookies she brought. After that, her vibrant eyes shot to another girl behind her, looking quite like her friend but a little younger. A sister, maybe? Once the two ladies were in the room, a third, much more familiar face appeared in the door opening, leaning his shoulder against it, arms crossed and a knowing smirk on his face. Apparently Dove had let them in, which explained their sudden appearance. It took Ace maybe a second longer to catch her bearings, and then she smiled brightly in a way only she could. “Oh gosh, thank you! I’m so excited you came to visit! And you too, uhm—” The way her voice wavered hinted that she wanted to ask who Elle was, but couldn’t quite find how to ask properly. Formalities were never really her thing.

[inperator-aviditas]

"Oh, Anne, this is my younger sister Elizabeth. Though please do call her Elle, we both find her name a little too formal for all our liking." Christine smiled, wandering over to the younger girl's side and offering a cookie from the piled high bowl. The chocolate chips weren't too soft anymore, but she had it confirmed by her sister that they were thoroughly delicious... after she caught the butler sneaking her little sister a few cookies. 

Elle stepped forward reluctantly, feeling a little shy the presence of a new girl, though she had felt soothed by the sudden appearance of that author she liked answering the front door. He was kind, and she did feel rather calmed in his presence, if her sister trotted away with the younger girl, she could always entreat Albus to a story again. 

"Hello Anne, Christine is always telling me so much about you! She thought it best that we actually met face to face for a change." The young girl explained, smiling to the younger girl as she noted her voice beginning to waver.

[inperator-aviditas]

New muse added~

Go give her a quick read, unfortunately she is still without a faceclaim.

[inperator-aviditas]

Bring him to me || entwined-in-a-web

[entwined-in-a-web-deactivated20]

"Everything will be fine. Don’t let him know that you’re afraid." the Earl whispered to his wife as they left the building. It was the least he could do. Nate practically could smell fear on another human being. If Elle was that frightened, the captain would know immediately. And that could lead to danger, for all three of them, and even Sam too. It was about time he taught Elle how to be an actor like him. She could use it. 

Only a few feet away from the door, he was stopped in his tracks  when little Emily ran up to him, clutching onto his leg again. “Papa, will you play with us now?” she asked, bottom lip curling into a pathetic pout.

That little pout…it got him every single time. He could never say no to that face. Besides, perhaps playing with the children would get his mind off of the current situation. Chuckling, he picked up the little girl, lifting her onto his shoulders. “Fine, I’ll play with you now. Were you good for Aunt Christine?”

"Yes! Me and Lucy played e’splorer!"

"Explorer, huh? And what did you explore? Uncle Nate’s big, fat, a—"

But the blond froze immediately the moment his eyes fell upon the gazebo. There was…one more person there than before. Arnold? What the hell was he doing here?! And alone with Nate?! He was doomed, done for, completely ruined. Nate held his deepest darkest secrets. And if they reached his uncle’s ears, he would be forever destroyed, stripped of his title, his home, his family, his livelihood, his lover, everything. He quickly placed Emily back onto the ground rushing over towards the gazebo, where he noticed Claude had appeared, serving the sweets he’d spent all morning making.

"Oh…..U-Uncle Arnold." He stammered in the most forced, faux happy tone he could muster. "What…are you doing here?"

Taking note of the obvious distress his master was in, Claude spoke up. “I believe I reminded you of your uncle’s visit today, Your Highness. Do you not remember?”

WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! YOU NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT—"Oh…right, of course. How…er…silly of me. I suppose you, uh…you’ve met Nathaniel."

[inperator-aviditas]

Oh, those words took Elle back to a very dark place of her past; similar words had been whispered to her back in that brothel years ago, she can't remember the name of the girl who had whispered it to her, but the principle had been the same. Ike had been able to smell fear, and he absolutely loved it's scent, he practically got off to his ability to intimidate young women into submission. She had never been honestly quite good at acting brave as a young girl, but she was a woman now, and the ability to hide her innermost feelings had unfortunately become a practice the young mother had become accustomed to. 

Ah, but her youngest daughter quickly served to distract her as the child insistently tugged at her father; a smile crossing Elle's lips as her husband finally gave in to Emily's begging, both those girls always could wrap their father around their little fingers in an instant. It was evident he adored every moment of it, the affection that a child could deliver was so pure and sweet, it was unlike anything the pair had ever experienced and they did so enjoy it. 

Bouncing the cooing infant in her arms, the young mother began wandering back over to Nate; a watchful eye briefly being cast over to her eldest child to ensure she was safe and well. 

Content with her daughters, Elle returned to the gazebo, and was met with mild shock as she noted that blasted old coot sat beside Nate chattering away. How had he got in here? A side glance to Claude explained everything, and the Countess had to resist the urge to ram her foot up the smug prick's arse.

Nate's own smirk wasn't helping, especially with his addition to further panic her husband's speech pattern "Only a few times, but it's always incredibly interesting to speak with your family, Alois." 

Act calm. Act calm. Trying to recover from her husband's terrible stammering, Elle clutched Oliver to her chest and elegantly lowered herself into the seat at the side of Arnold and gave him a somewhat warm smile "Hello Uncle Arnold, how have you been? We've not seen you in so long!"

[inperator-aviditas]

Bring him to me || entwined-in-a-web

[entwined-in-a-web-deactivated20]

"It’s alright, I’ve never been quite fond of him myself. He’s a damn bastard."  He quickly covered his mouth as he realized he was cursing in front of the children again. It had taken him a very long time after the eldest’s birth to cease his bad habit. It was a vice he’d had since he was a small child. But he didn’t want his own children speaking in such a way, especially seeing as they were growing up in high society. It was seen as trashy, especially for girls to be cursing so heavily. So he tried his very best to tone it down.

The blond’s eyes trailed down towards the little bundle in his wife’s arms. All this over a little baby. His expression soon grew solemn, ice colored hues glued onto the child. Why did he try so hard to protect this boy? He wasn’t his son. Hell, even after raising him and giving everything to him, the boy would never grow to call him father. Why would he put forth so much effort for a child produced from sin? His eyes soon met with Oliver’s, and he soon knew the answer. When he looked into his son’s eyes, he saw the same, innocent face staring up at him in adoration. The same face from his childhood. He reminded him so very much of his brother. He had made so many mistakes back then, mistakes that only led to harm the boy he cared for so much. He promised himself he would be redeemed. He would do anything to prevent any harm from coming to the little boy.  With a small sigh he nodded, agreeing with his wife’s words. “Yes, I don’t like the idea of him alone with my children. Let’s go.”

[inperator-aviditas]

Elle's eyes rose to fix a stern look on her husband, but she noted that he had already realized his mistake and was looking rather apologetic over the curse. That was something she had been forced to adapt to in the Trancy household, Alois would suddenly curse occasionally, and use language that she had only heard in her time in the brothel. Similar to the language that was used by the little gangs of street boys who would bother the girls in the brothel during the day till they were chased off. It always did strike Elle as peculiar why the son of an Earl would know such despicable language, yet she didn't know the details of his line of work, and truthfully,  Alois could be monitoring the poorer areas of London more often than she realized. However, both were adamant that their children weren't to learn such poor language, so it was hardly well received for her husband to be cursing before her son. 

Though as both stepped back out into the garden, the young woman froze in horror, clutching the cooing infant tightly to her chest as she observed the sudden changes that had happened in mere seconds; Alois' bloody uncle had arrived, and Nathaniel was having a chat with him. 

Spying the elegant couple entering the garden, Nate could barely hold back a snigger at the horror that was held within Elle's pretty face. Did she honestly think that he was so cruel that he'd rat her out to this weaselly old man? Honestly, even he had standards when committing deceitful acts to amuse himself,there was no fun in telling Arnold straight out. "Ah, there they are Arnold, I said they'd be right along, didn't I?"

[apfelstrudy]

Jane Eyre (2011)

[hauntedgardenbook]

Bringing Home the Yule-Log. Victorian Christmas card, Nova Scotia Archives collection.

[aechlys]

July 1869. It’s got a SHEER watteau back. SHEER. WATTEAU. Into a bustle!

[redthreadedcostumes]

[inperator-aviditas]

redthreadedcostumes: