poison ivy

ＷＨＥＲＥ: velaris, the art district ＷＨＯ: open to all

asril strolled down the art district doing his best to take in the beauty of it all, they had nothing comparable back home in the winter court. he could swear there were even colors he'd never seen before. the blonde paused at a stall, an artist busy at work, his brush moving over a canvas with a precision that left him in awe. the stall was filled with works of art he'd never he seen the like of—and perhaps never would again. the winter lord took a step closer to the stall and leaned in to examine an oil painting of a mountain and watercolor of a starry sky over a riverbed. he couldn't help but to feel captivated by their charm.

he asked the man his price for both pieces and left him twice as much in payment, walking away with a bewitched sort of grin on his face as he admired his newly acquired possessions. as though it was him who'd made out like a bandit. he began to carefully roll up the artwork when in the distance he could hear the bells chiming from the clock tower—he was late. though he was sure the high lady of spring might understand what it was like to be awestruck by the grandeur of the city and forgive his tardiness. asril raced up the stone steps to exit the district hoping it might be the truth.

#prythians.event03 #delilah / asril #delilah / thread

the Rainbow District had always held a special place in Delilah's heart within the city of Velaris. while the entire city exuded in beauty, this particular corner possessed a unique allure. the artists that gathered there and the works they create captivate delilah, and she much preferred their company to many members of the courts. so much so that she often finds herself there for hours, yet having it only feel like minutes.

todays trip left delilah with only stories from artists she's befriended throughout the years, making up for lost time. she was always drawn to creatives, their minds and thought process through their masterpieces intriguing her. slowly making her way up the stairs to leave the district, delilah turned one last time to observe the rainbow's grace. her dark eyes caught sight of asril a few steps behind her, a rolled up piece of what delilah could assume was a painting in his hands. " lord asril, " she said as a greeting as he got closer to the stair where she stood. " what a surprise running into you here. indulging more in that hobby of yours? " she asked, recalling how he reacted to her calling his wooden sculpture art. her tone was sweet and inviting, yet she wasn't sure what to expect from the future high lord, their past few encounters leaving her perplexed.

isak was unhappy to be in the night court, but hewn city offered many welcome distractions from his woes. liquor was his favored one, downing drink after drink until his mind was fuzzy and thoughts were unthinkable. among those thoughts were the women he found himself caught between. he never meant to love, he feared marriage. for centuries, a night or two with a lovely fae, made clear of his intentions, was enough to satisfy him. how did delilah capture his heart? when did she do so? he hadn't even known there was a heart to capture until she had stolen it away. that letter. that foolish letter written in haste and desperation. she never replied, and he never expected her to. what they were - what little they were to each other - had been made clear since their meeting. why now was he such a fool to believe there was anything more? her eyes and her words mesmerized him into acting like a fool.

and, now, he could worry about delilah no longer. eledenna rosethorne was to be his wife, her identity finally revealed. he did not want to marry, to be tied to someone all their lives, but she was agreeable enough. perhaps they would grow fond of one another. did he not owe eledenna that much? companionship, if love was impossible? and as they spoke for the first time as betrotheds, he wondered if it truly was so impossible. his fear of such an emotion might dwindle with the security of marriage between them, but the future is difficult to predict.

the liquor did its job that evening - isak's mind was blissfully muddled. it was in the bar he found refuge that another fae told him of a sparring club nearby. it was illegal, a place that the son of a high lord should never be found, and isak followed the fae immediately. they waved his entry fee, excited to see the winter court lord take on their best fighters. he exchanged punch after punch, pulling a lead, but soon his exhaustion and drunkenness affected his performance. they got one hit in, then another, then another. his dodges became slow, clumsy, and he was knocked to the ground. isak lifted his head slightly, an ache spreading throughout his entire body, as he debated standing to continue the match. but a sight stopped him cold. delilah was staring at him from the window. he must have been hit in the head too hard; surely he was hallucinating. delilah would not be wandering the streets of hewn city at night, and she would not be spectating a sparring club. it was just an illusion, it must have been. he shook off the thought and extended his arm to be helped up, then resumed his position to continue. it would rid her from his thoughts just as it did before.

#whyyyy do i always write so much #prythians.event03 #delilah / isak #delilah / thread

he looked awful. delilah didn't even bother taking in the entirety of the rowdy club around him, none of it mattering to her, her eyes solely focused on isak. she turned just in time to see him knocked off his feet, a sight that caused a sense of panic in her. seeing him bruised and bloody made her heart hurt, as much as she wanted to deny it. her breath hitched as she watched him lift his head, his eyes meeting hers through the dirty window. time seemed to freeze as they made eye contact, the familiar warm feeling she always got when seeing him start to arise in her. recognizing it, she quickly turned her head, pulling herself out of the moment, bringing herself back to reality. things aren't the same, things between them will never be the same.

pushing those feelings as far down as she could, she looked back into the club, her eyes widening at the scene. he actually was getting up to continue fighting. that was when delilah noticed two things. first, while isak obviously had the muscle and the stature of a fighter, his opponent had at least a head over him. second, isak was pissed drunk, made obvious through his swaying and the glaze over his eyes. if he hadn't been so beaten and drunk, delilah might have passed by, assuming he could handle himself. but he was noticeably highly intoxicated, he was already too battered for her to not interfere.

her head told her to run, to not get involved in this, to not get more tangled up with the mess that was him. it was her heart that shut her brain out, and forced her way into that club. her small stature worked in her favor as she swiftly snuck behind the bouncer, and quickly weaved through the crowd, pushing her way up to where the two fighters stood. before she could come to her senses, she positioned in between the two fighters, her eyes glued on isak's opponent. " he's done, " she exclaimed, her tone matching the brazen look in her eyes, the two staring each other down, waiting for the other to make a move. delilah stood her ground as if her heart wasn't threatening to beat through her chest, glaring up at the fighter that loomed over her, silently praying to the mother that he would back down. the fighter must have figured she wasn't worth his time, for he was the one to back down first, practically scoffing at her as he waved isak off.

delilah didn't waste another second- barely looking at isak as she grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the club through a side door, his inebriated state only making it easy to drag him into a dark, quiet alley. she let go of his hand, still not daring to look at him, both her hands threaded through her hair as she caught her breath. did she really just do that? her actions were impulsive, unlike her usual measured approach in dangerous situations. he had a way of inciting erratic behavior in her, even now. her hands dropped to her sides as she finally dared to face him, her breath still uneven. " for mothers sake isak- are you seeking death!? are you desperate to end your life?! "

open

genevalisse never quite adjusted to the schedule of the night court. they were unique in the way they conducted themselves, sleeping while the sun was high and waking under a star filled sky. there was no point in resisting unless you were content never finding an open business or another fae walking the streets, and yet gen had trouble all these years later. once a week, she would breathe in the warmth of the sun, letting it touch her skin in a way the moon never could. here she stood on what she thought to be an empty balcony, smiling to herself with her silver and opal circlet set aside on the ledge. although always a high priestess, for a moment she was just another fae.

" the other courts are still adjusting to this way of life, it seems. " she turned her head slightly to greet her new companion, pleased that she was not the only one awake.

#prythians.event03 #delilah / thread #delilah / genevalisse

when visiting the court of the night, delilah always struggled to acclimate herself to their distinctive sleep schedule. it seemed almost ironic that her body would just begin to synchronize with their nocturnal rhythm right before she had to depart. after many years of this cruel irony, she found it easiest to take many naps throughout the day, which gave her some energy to be up with the general population of the night court during some of the night, without having to completely adjust her internal clock for short periods of time.

this also allowed her to have alone time in-between resting throughout the days she spent here, alone time that she truly treasured, especially as of late. she made her way to a balcony to admire the beauty of the quiet city in the sunlight, stopping at its entrance when she saw it was occupied by genevalisse. its been many years since delilah has seen the high priestess, the years not being an accident. memories of endless lessons and lectures flashed before the fae's eyes, bringing a familiar feeling of dread in her gut. she hoped she could leave the balcony unnoticed, yet that hope was killed upon hearing the familiar voice of the priestess. suppressing a sigh, delilah feigned a polite smile as she approached genevalisse. " i have always seemed to struggle with the nocturnal ways of this court, " she admitted, her eyes leaving the fae next to her, admiring the beauty of the night court. " but the struggle allows for rare periods of true silence and reflection." her dark eyes fell back to the women beside her before she continued. " i am surprised to find you up at this hour, high priestess. i presumed with your time here, you would have been fully accustomed to the night court routine. "

closed started for safiya @faemade

since the departure of the other courts from her home, delilah's mind has become a whirlwind of her own life's challenges and concerns. perhaps it could be deemed a touch self-centered, yet in the aftermath of the summit, the weight of the events and changes in her life have taken a toll on the lady of the day's mental and emotional well-being.

it wasn't till she spotted safiya while exiting her favorite book store in velaris that she was reminded of how all the other woes the other courts were facing, specifically the autumn court. they were the only court where anyone was physically hurt in the midst of the chaos of the summit. with safiya having found the wounded tahir, delilah wondered if the past month was also have been a tough one for the spymaster as well. observing her from afar, this possibility made delilah see her with an adjusted perspective; yes, there was still fear there, but now there was also a glimmer of affability.

in the past, delilah wouldn't dare approach the dameti. yet, with a book about ancient night court artifacts tucked under her arm, hoping that it will bring clarity to the heist and the upcoming trial, she found herself approaching the dameti, unease still present, but no longer paralyzing her. " safiya, " delilah called out as she got closer, trying her best to appear calm. " i wasn't expecting to see you in this part of the city. what brings you here? "

#prythians.event03 #delilah / safiya #delilah / thread

mothercauldron-deactivated20240

𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 a closed starter for Delilah @rcbclliouscourt

The fact that Lord Keelan was holding her High Lady and her lady's brother responsible for the disaster that was the end of the summit was a catastrophe of epic proportions. Now everyone of importance has converged to the Night Court.

But her job was spying and information, not rushing to Lady Hei-Ran's side. She was certain her lady had not attacked Tahir or stolen from the other lords and ladies, so her job was to find out who was the real culprit. That would be more helpful than Amaryllis revealing her true position within the Hewn City.

As a resident of the Night Court, this was her home base–and she would take advantage of that. She sent missives to everyone attending that she knew to invite them to her townhouse (not her in-law's residence as she would not risk them), saying they could drop in anytime and take advantage of her hospitality. What her guests wouldn't know is that all of her staff kept a discreet but keen eye on the visitors and reported everything back to her.

Delilah had responded to her invitation, and Amaryllis took that as a boon. She was the daughter of Lord Keelan and thus might have more information than she had heard via her contacts.

When her guest was announced, Amaryllis went and personally greeted her.

"Welcome!" she said, beaming at Delilah, before ushering her into the sitting room. It fit the dark aesthetic of the Hewn City, though Amaryllis had plants and flowers scattered about to fit the views others had about her missing the Spring Court. "Despite the bad circumstances, it's nice to be able to host you for once rather than the other way around."

Amaryllis gestured for her servant to bring drinks and snacks before taking a seat, gesturing for her guest to sit down. "How are you faring?" Amaryllis's concern was genuine, but not without ulterior motives.

#CARO DID NOT DELETE IT THIS TIME LFGGGG #delilah / thread #delilah / amaryllis #prythians.event03

upon receiving amaryllis's invitation to her townhome in the hewn city, delilah didn't give much of a second thought before accepting it. she always found her friend to be a source of solace and cheer, and in the midst of the past month which weighed upon her like a century's worth of burdens, she was desperate for some solace and cheer.

the recent developments in her life have been nothing short of overwhelming. the impending trial, an unexpected proposal from isak that turned her world upside down, and the calm facade she had to maintain within her own family to gather information that she would use to ultimately betray them- all these factors combined to burden her with headaches & sleepless nights. simply put, she was eager to push that all to the back of her mind while she spent time with amaryllis.

however, fate had other plans, as delilah found herself in a startling encounter with Isak on her way to her friend's home. this only made it harder for her to get in a state of relaxation, a state she tried so hard to put herself in prior to seeing him in the fight club. anxiety ran through her as she walked up the stairs to the townhome. sighing, she hoped that masking her worries with a smile would somehow magically make her woes disappear.

moments after knocking on the front door of her friends home, delilah found herself seated in one of the most fascinating sitting rooms she has ever been in. despite the dark aesthetic, delilah still found the room beautiful, and oddly comforting.

" the circumstances are unfortunate, yes " delilah agreed, her gaze no longer taking in the room around her, now falling on her friend who was seated across from her. " but to say i was happy to receive your invitation would be an understatement. i'm usually not drawn to the hewn city, as you know, but i am very grateful to be a guest into your home, which can i say, is simply magnificent. "

delilah paused as the servant re-entered the room, with a tray of snacks and beverages. she helped herself to what looked like a glass of wine, not usually one to drink so early in the day, yet hoping it would ease her.

" i'm well, " she simply responded, the smile on her face not faltering as she did her best to mask her woes. " very pleased to have our home back to ourselves. not that it wasn't wonderful being able to reunite the courts, and it was an honor hosting the events, but it was very tiring. " she took a sip of wine before asking, " and yourself? i can only imagine the chaos the trial has brought to this city. "

@rcbclliouscourt

Delilah, We have spent centuries this way. Near, but never close. I can stand it no longer. Our time at the Day Court made me realize the importance you hold to me, and your absence now has only made it clearer still. I never wish to be parted from you again. Of all people, you should know how difficult it is for me to say such a thing. I know how difficult it will be for you to respond. And yet, it cannot remain unspoken. I have agonized over you - this - long enough. Marry me, Delilah Vulari. I beg you. Save me from this torment you have left behind. If your reply is no, take mercy on me. Do not write. Do not seek me out. There will be no peace without you, but I will be in agony if you keep me near. Isak.

with shaking hands, isak penned the letter, each word more difficult than the last. it was painful to admit such a thing. love had been his greatest fear, marriage even more terrifying. but, as his letter explained, he could not continue to exist this way. and time was running out. asril was seeking out a betrothal on his behalf. it would feel like a betrayal to ruin an important diplomatic alliance, but before anything was official, isak had to try. to ask. to beg. even knowing her answer, the effort had to be made. he reconsidered sending it one last time, then sent it away. there was no going back now.

#this goddamn motherfucking letter #this took way longer than expected oops #also turned out way longer than expected #;)#delilah / isak #delilah / thread #prythians.event03

to say delilah was shocked by isak's letter would be an understatement. not the letter itself; she actually had been expecting that. the odd pair having falling into a habit of keeping in touch through frequent letters and having grown so accustomed to it, delilah actually found herself most at peace in her own home when she read his words. yet this particular letter was unlike any other she has received from the lord of the winter court, or simply ever. she found herself reading his messy scribble as if it was written in another language, despite having grown accustomed to his sometimes illegible hand writing, having to read it through at least 4 times before the words even registered.

"Marry me, Delilah Vulari. I beg you. Save me from this torment you have left behind."

- yet those words come from the man whom even before delilah started to care for, made extremely clear he was to never marry, and only continued to do so as their relationship evolved. the man she was led to believe would never ask this of her, which allowed him to know her unlike anybody ever has. she thought him to be her safe space, only to receive this request. perhaps if delilah didn't believe she loved isak, if the way she felt for him didn't absolutely consume her, this proposal would actual appease her. having lived through her parents marriage, full of passion yet turmoil, delilah was terrified with these emotions towards isak. his promise to never marry was her life raft that he just sank.

the letter left delilah full of anxiety and confusion, unsure how to respond, unsure if she could ever respond. there were no words she could fathom to even start to express her current state of mind. yet, isak made it painfully evident that he couldn't see her if she didn't respond. after what felt like eternity staring at the piece of paper, delilah simply couldn't take it no more. she folded it up, and stuck it in the novel she was reading, knowing she was naïve for hoping clarity would ever fall upon her.

a month later, despite all the chaos happening within the courts, this letter remains heavy on delilah's mind. having read it so many times, delilah could practically recite it word for word. the letter now served as her place holder in the novel she was reading, almost as a reminder of what and whom she is actively avoiding.

even when she walked through the streets of the hewn city, with chaos practically surrounding her, the letter and isak still remained prominent in her thoughts. the timing of the trial of the night court had proved to be less than desirable for the lady. usually, she would have at least half a decade before she would be forced to convene with all members of the other courts, giving her half a decade to ponder over the letter. the trial was less than a month after delilah received the letter, which seemingly passed in what felt like a day- not nearly enough time to figure out how to respond to isak. which left delilah with her least favorable yet only remaining option- avoidance. she wasn't sure how successful that plan would prove to be, but given the circumstances, and the upcoming trial, she found herself having come up with no alternative.

the hewn city was never delilah's favorite place, having always favored velaris. yet, she hoped to possibly escape her anxieties through a visit with amaryllis, a friend who always brought delilah solace and distraction when needed. her eyes scanned the building as she passed each one, trying to figure out which one resided her friend. she almost gave no attention to a fight club as she walked by, before she paused mid-step, her heart pausing with it. before she could think twice, she looked into the fight club, only to see a familiar scarred torso in the middle of the floor.

talia had high hopes for delilah, if only because her position within the day court might give the rebellion and insight they'd not steadily had before. it seemed as though the agents of the rebellion never faired quite as well within these walls. perhaps it was due to the overwhelming pressure or paranoia, knowing most members of the day court would sooner turn them over in than help them. the priestess had been hoping that she'd have reported back with something valuable before the deadline was up, but with the recent events of the day, the deadline no longer mattered. talia needed whatever she had now.

she began to worry, maybe delilah had been more interested in talking than doing—not a risk she, or the rebellion, could afford. ❝ well then that's part of the problem, isn't it? ❞ she asked, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, though it was less of a question and more of an observation. ❝ being aware of your surroundings is crucial. ❞ she wondered if she'd have been more diligent, would she have been so caught of guard.

#delilah / thread #delilah / talia #prythians.event02

delilah felt her pulse gradually ease as the priestess before her spoke unfortunately, talia was right- being careless and inattentive isn't smart, especially today, especially at today, especially with the goals delilah has set in mind. while today has been a rather long day for the lady of the day, and the ball instead of providing any solace seemed rather more chaos, especially with the information asril abruptly left her with, she knew those excuses would only seem inconsequential to the women stood in front of her.

" you are right," she admitted, her voice balancing as she caught her breath. " i can assure you, you won't find me in this state again. " delilah brushed a hair that feel out of bun throughout tonights festivities, before she continuing. " i apologize for not seeking you out sooner. determining the opportune moment and setting has been a challenge. "

asril couldn't help but wonder what might've come of the winter court throughout their father's absence. what would have happened to their home had he not begun making decisions in his stead. ❝ with a father as ambitious as your own, i predict neither of you will ever have to be bothered understanding. ❞ his intention hadn't been to come off cruel, but it was cold nonetheless.

❝ if only admiration had value, ❞ he nearly grimaced, his lips forming a tight line as he folded his arms over his chest. the muscles of his biceps flexed as his fist curled into a tight fist. he so longed to attain a similar hopeful mindset, but he'd seen what pure and genuine intentions could lead to when started down the wrong path. perhaps it was self-preservation and selfishness they needed now. time for him for make selfish choices for his family and his court without worrying what the others might say about it.

#this is such a bad response i knew i needed to just get this out there tho #ily #delilah / thread #delilah / asril #prythians.event02

upon hearing the coldness in his voice, her attention shifted from the party back to the future high lord of the winter court. delilah always found him to be a bit apprehensive, yet tonight his rigidness was at a level she has never witnessed. while it made sense due to the chaos the day has brought everyone, there definitely seemed to be more upon the heir's mind. " i cannot speak upon my father's ambitions and anxieties, " she falsely stated, turning back towards the garden knowing that asril was right. " yet, i do know i am fortuitous position, much thanks to both him and my brother. "

" you don't think admiration holds value ? " she questioned asril, her eyes falling back on his. a slight arch formed in her eyebrow, as she was curious to what else he was willing to share despite the obvious barriers he has up.

be-happy-and-enjoy-the-life

#delilah | musing

a reputation as a rake protected him from this - his beating heart, her breath on his skin, the feeling of her beneath his hands. the longer they were apart, the easier it was. but here she was, in front of him yet again, and he felt overwhelmed by her presence. she left last time, he might leave this time. all that was certain was how temporary their meetings would always be, neither brave enough to overcome the many struggles in their way. isak would never welcome in the part of him that yearned for something more with delilah - those feeling were more dangerous than any foe with a blade.

his hands gripped her hips tightly as she turned in his arms, keeping her from distancing them once again. they were too close for that to happen - only an insignificant bottle of wine between them, eyes roaming each other's lips. isak couldn't find any room for teasing and flirting. " i'm warning you. " he rested his forehead on her own, one hand coming to cup her cheek. one last chance to turn, because there would be no going back once his lips met hers.

#IGNORE THIS STUPID GIF #STUPID STUPID GIF #U BULLIED ME INTO THIS GIF #i still love u #delilah / thread #delilah / isak

being here with isak doesn't feel real. yet, when she was with him, delilah was the most authentic version of herself. with him, the expectations and facades that burden her fade away, allowing her to simply exist. it's both exhilarating, yet terrifying- the way he effortlessly comes back into her life every so often and pull back the curtain she's worked so hard to put up as if it was nothing, only to leave her with a mixture of refreshing vulnerability and a gnawing fear of the uncertainty his presence brings.

feeling his hands tightening around her waist only left delilah wanting to get closer to the man she desired, yet her grip on the bottle of wine in separating them couldn't be tighter. it was only when his forehead met hers, his hand now caressing her cheek, that her eyes fluttered shut, her face leaning against his palm. delilah knew that with his warning, he was hers- at least for this moment. she debated whether to continue to lean into this sensation, this touch, this connection, or to turn and run away, just as she did that morning. with her lip caught between her she opened her eyes, was when she knew- if he was only hers for the moment, it was a moment she couldn't loose. " your warning is not needed, " she said softly, slowly moving the bottle from in between them, her eyes following it as she placed it upon a shelf besides them, before turning back to him. slowly giving into her desires, she let her fingers entwine around his neck, his skin feeling electric under her touch, slowly bringing her face to his. " i missed your pretty face," she whispered, her lips practically on his, her nose brushing against his. " deeply. " without a second thought, delilah fully gave into her longings, her lips finally finding his.

asril couldn't be certain isak hadn't mentioned their past, but part of him remained doubtful. the brothers regretted their actions, asril most of all, and did what they could to avoid reliving the awful memories. he wasn't sure he could see his brother willingly dredging up the past no matter how much he might have cared for her—unless of course she'd prompted him about such things? he mused. in an effort to gather information she otherwise would have had no access to. he took in the fae before him once more, as though he were doing so with new eyes.

❝ he's my brother, ❞ he began flatly, his chest expanding as he inhaled only making him that much larger. ❝ everything he does is my concern. ❞ there might have been a time when pulling isak out of a brawl or cleaning up his mess might have been a bother, but now asril couldn't imagine his life without it. almost as though his brother's antics and making sure to keep him alive was all he still had to keep him going.

#delilah / thread #delilah / asril

her dark eyes widened as she watched asril expand his chest, noticeably getting protective over his brother, as if he was a mother bear shielding a cub from a threat- isak being the cub, and she the threat. yet, she knew she was no threat to the heir or his family. stories about isak's violence past were shared during one of their rare, intimate nights, as she traced each of his scars, comforting him as he allowed her into his darkest crevices of his past. it was impossible for asril to know of this, and delilah didn't plan on sharing one of her most treasured moments.

looking away from the lord in front of her, she knew she was walking on a fine line. her next words needed to be chosen very carefully, not wanting to poke the bear. " this isn't, " she began slowly, her gaze falling back on his, her eyes filled with sincerity. " i know you do not have reason to, but please trust in me when i say we- I -us- ". she stopped abruptly, closing her eyes, unable to find the words she wanted to use, could use, to ease asrils suspicions without making her affections towards isak known. sighing, she opened her eyes, immediately meeting the eyes of the man that stood in front of her. " trust me when i say it is none of your concern. I don't mean to be any kind of threat. "

kencanas

the prim reply that delilah graces them with gives nothing away, but hajoon can't say that they expected it would. "of course," they say, lips pursed as they nod their head—once, twice, then thrice. "i wouldn't dare to insinuate differently. no offense meant, my lady." their smile doesn't waver, amusement still tinging the corner of their lips. unapologetic. "i simply meant that perhaps you'd have theories that one could act on. it should be a priority that the culprit is caught and punished for all the troubles they have caused—especially for you." hajoon's words are courteous, —thoughtful, almost—as if they were speaking out of concern. and yet they're certain there would be no mistaking the casual lilt falling from their tongue, or the way they easily bring the flute to their lips again, before pulling back to tilt it in delilah's direction; a toast.

false contemplation makes way for something more truthful, a glimpse of an appetite for violence previously bubbling underneath the glittering dresses and delighted laughter now unrestrained. "they ought to think of what wrath day could bring to them. then perhaps they won't be as pleased anymore." and then, "this whole ordeal is already terribly curious, would you not agree? one more curious choice should mean nothing."

#DW ABOUT IT i feel the same way about this response asdfg #delilah / thread #delilah / hajoon #prythians.event02

" no offence taken, my lord, " delilah replied, the smile on her face not quite reaching her eyes. of course she had her own theories and ideas of what could have possibly happened earlier, yet she would be a fool to share them with hajoon. over the years, she's observed the lord of the court of dreams and their lust for power has only grown more and more obvious to her. she couldn't help but wonder if this is how her father interacted with those whom he tried to gain knowledge from and advantage over. " yes, while it is troubling that this has happened in my home, i do believe these events have been more troubling for those who are victims of the heist, and Lord Tahir and his family. knowing my father, i'm sure he is making it a priority to catch whomever did this and make sure they are punished properly, " she said, her last words about her father prompting a small pit to grow. having learned how brutal her father can be, knowing what cruelty he has displayed in the past to those who cross him, it pained her to praise his ways, but maintaining her facade was crucial. so instead she added, " knowing that is reassuring, is it not? "

to their response, delilah raised her eyebrows, taking a small sip of the champagne they gave her. " very curious indeed, " she agreed. " yet, i argue that another curious choice doesn't mean nothing. on the contrary, curious choices at a time like this i would say are very telling. for instance, your choice in beverage. " she rose her glass, as if giving a toast, yet kept it raised as she continued to speak. " in my experience, champagne is to be drunken at times of celebration. so tell me, lord hajoon, what are we celebrating? "

" i knew i kept you around for a good reason. " he followed her through the racks idly, falling behind to wipe dust off a few ancient bottles of his own choosing. there was even one from before hybern's reign - he wondered if the grapes tasted differently under the courts' rule. it wasn't something he bothered to dwell on much. he was not yet five centuries old and hybern had been here for four. it was pointless dwelling on a way of life he'd never experienced, but more often he felt...existential. what a horrible burden that was. he tucked the bottle under his arm, hoping the ancient wine would help him forget such silly notions.

isak had lost delilah amongst the shelves, but found her grappling with existentialism of her own. her gaze was fixed on the label of a bottle, and his on her. he turned his head when she abandoned the one in her hands for another, giving her the decency of pretending he hadn't noticed her moment of uncertainty. but she was not as kind, coming back close to him - too close - close enough that he was reminded of the scent of her perfume. as if a habit, a curse, his hand instinctively rested on her hip as he leaned forward to read it. not that it mattered at all what the words said. " if i said it wasn't, would you search for another until i was satisfied? " he asked lowly.

#delilah / thread #delilah / isak

feeling his soft touch on her hip, his breath on the back of her neck, sparked something inside delilah, igniting emotions and desire that only isak has been able to make her feel. having him so close, being alone with him, having this spark inside her; its all she has longed for since she left him sleeping in his bed, leaving him to wake up alone the last time they were together. while she regretted leaving that morning, she knew it was a safer option for her heart, knowing it would have been easy to break had she had stayed.

" for most, i would never do such a thing, " she started to respond, turning in his loose grip, her breath catching as she found his face now dangerously close to hers. the bottle of wine was the only barrier between their bodies, as she now held it close to her, the back of her hand brushed up against his muscular chest. " yet, for reasons unknown, i always find myself making exceptions when it comes to you, isak. " she felt her breaths start to get heavier as she studied his face. for a mere moment, she allowed her gaze to drop to his lips, remembering how intoxicating his kiss is, before her eyes darted back to his, practically daring him to bridge the gap for her.

❝ yet you decided to stare anyway, ❞ he spat back, uninterested in her apology or anything else she might have to offer. he was angry, but it was her father he truly wanted to aim his rage at. ❝ are you guilty of something? ❞ he asked, his head cocking to the side inquisitively, almost hoping to catch her in a trap—but that wasn't it. atlas knew she was just sorry. ❝ most people don't apologize for things they haven't done. and doing so only makes you look like you were somehow part of all this. ❞ his gaze was all accusatory, but his tone remained calm as though this was any other light chat about the weather.

#delilah / thread #delilah / atlas #prythians.event02

the accusations both in his words and his eyes caught delilah a bit by surprise, never seeing atlas directing his anger towards her. in all her years of knowing the prince, he always was friendly towards the young fae, perhaps overly so at times, but always respectful. she attempted to remain her composure, yet his accusations causing anger starting to simmer deep inside her, this anger hinted in her eyes. " simply guilty of being a member of the family who is your host, " she retorted, keeping her voice steady. " might i recommend you spend your time more wisely by being sensible and finding an actual suspect with reason, instead of wasting it throwing out irrational and mindless accusations? "

Eledenna’s shoulders feel heavy at the thought of her sister, how she wished she could take her grief and endure it for her, the spring court would always need aurora more than they would ever need her, it would only make sense. “i too, have managed.” she shrugs. there was not much to say when her sister was that far gone, all she could really do was look over her, make sure she didn’t hurt anyone or herself in the process of her fits. “but i do agree, the festivities seem rather shallow with everything going on in the background. i would much rather be in my own quarters instead.” she admited.

the moment she observed eledenna's shift in mood, delilah knew that the high lady of the spring court wasn't doing well. immediately, she felt empathy towards her friend, understanding the burden and the weight the falls onto spares, especially when the heir is struggling. nodding in agreement she sighed. " me as well. unfortunately, our duties call, and here we stand, as if everything is as it should be. " delilah took a much needed sip of wine as she paused, before offering her friend a reassuring smile. " i know it may be hard to believe, but attending the ball tonight, representing your court is the best way you can aid her. i'm positive she is proud of your strength. "

#delilah / thread #prythians.event02 #delilah / eledenna

placeholdfm

As Delilah replied to him, a certain calm settled. He wondered if she would ever rebel against him or find it in herself to be angry with how he had other things to do but look after their family. In truth, all he did was look out for them, but no one else knew or understood how much he tried. When she finally opened the door, he smiled, glad she was alright. Stepping inside her chambers, he looked around, wondering how she could keep everything so neat while her brother needed the servants to clean his rooms every other day. "Ah." he scoffed before stopping in the middle of the room, letting his eyes roam before turning to her. "I could not stop myself from coming and checking upon you." his smile fading slightly. A part of him was scared. She felt like her parents were slipping away from each other; perhaps the nail was getting slammed into the coffin for good. "I needed to make sure you were alright."