All Souls

#TeamBaldwin, All Souls & Witches, & history

[apinchofm]

All Souls Trilogy Book Moments - The Eleanor St. Ledger incident in 1140, Jerusalem

Matthew had an affair with a noblewoman Eleanor St Ledger. He accidentally killed her when she tried to calm an argument between him and Baldwin. To save Matthew, Bertrand Miriam's mate and Matthew's closest friend took the blame and was executed in his place.

mentioned in:

a discovery of witches

time's convert

[theconcealedweapon]

[rosslynpaladin]

Look we have records of Medieval Knights crying out in their sleep, having emotional outbursts or flinching at the sound of clashing metal. We have records of people all through history who were treated badly by people who should have loved them, and having problems knowing who to trust. We have years worth of artists putting their human pain at broken hearts and broken promises into music that makes us cry.

Yes people have been traumatized by awful things for all of history and just like them You didn’t deserve to be hurt either.

[baldwinmontclair1]

[adowbaldwin]

Sorry sir bur i need to see what you are concealing under that robe

[baldwin-montclair]

Yes my Liege!!!!

How’s his hair so bouncy…

[sazmags]

His hair is gorgeous!!! And those eyes!! And the beard!! 😍😍😍

[baldwinmontclair1]

He’s finally here!

[baldwin-montclair]

Ooohhh hell this show is gonna be 🔥 !!! Xx

[sazmags]

It will be fantastic!!

Also his beard 😍

[kingstylesdaily]

Resources:

abortionfinder.org

abortionfunds.org

lifebeat.org

plannedparenthoodaction.org

[sazmags]

So I've watched The White Queen, The White Princess, and now halfway through The Spanish Princess.

I am now obsessed with Richard iii and convinced Shakespeare did him a raw deal, especially after also watching The King in the Car Park.

Also Aneurin Barnard is beautiful.

It's also giving me new ADOW headcannons cos history and de Clermonts!!

[just-barrow]

looks like Thomas is enjoying the view 😏

[sazmags]

#Team Barrow

[apinchofm]

Miyako

Part 1

Season 3 AU - why would Baldwin all of a sudden give into Gerbert, of all people? What, or rather who did he, have on him?

Mix. Of book and tv show.

Miyako met Jack Blacfriars the following morning. Ysabeau had arrived from Sept Tours, to check on her granddaughter and to assist Diana and Phoebe in their search for Ashmole 782.

Jack took a deep breath, not wanting his blood rage to flare up. He could end up attacking Miyako and he was more than certain she would take pleasure in killing him.

She scrunched up her nose in disgust when she walked past him,"He reeks of Hubbard's flock. Don't tell me anyone gave him blood."

Diana coughs, "I did. But he only got my secrets, not the family's."

Miyako tuts condensing, "So you are dumber than I previously assumed. Thank you for confirming. I am so glad my dear uncle has continued the trend of copulating with idiots."

"Now excuse me. young lady-" Sarah snapped, more than tired of the attitude.

"You are excused," Miyako replied in kind. She was in every way, her father's daughter.

"Okay," Ysabeau stopped any further argument, "Miyako, you will accompany Phoebe and me with Diana to the Bodleian." Her tone left little room for argument.

"I suppose I must." Miyako rolled her eyes, "It is a matter of staying here with one of uncle Matthew's spawn or assisting the vessel that carries more of them."

Diana scoffed, "I'm going to get my coat." She did not wish to quarrel with her, especially heavily pregnant and already stressed. Sarah followed her niece out.

"What is it you want, child?" Ysabeau was the only vampire aside from Philippe and her father to call her that. She was centuries older and Miyako respected and cared for her.

"I want my papa. What if Gerbert has already-?" Miyako began.

"Miyako." Ysabeau scolded, "Do not say that. You do not say that until it comes to pass."

Even when Philippe was being tortured during the war, not once did Ysabeau ever utter the thought that he would die. Not until he was returned to Sept Tours.

Miyako nodded, "I am sorry if my insults towards uncle Matthew offend you, grand-mere. I will reduce them."

"My dear, your aunts have done worse." Ysabeau smiled, "You are angry and hurt, and you have your right to be. I cannot deny that. I fear your grandfather overestimated how much we would get along."

"He was too optimistic." Miyako criticized, "He sacrificed himself pointlessly."

"Your father is doing the same thing." Ysabeau pointed out.

"It is not the same."

"But it is." Ysabeau corrected, "Your father and I have scarcely been friendly. But I do know Lucius, far more than he realises. And he treats you the same way Philippe did his daughters. He would have died for them."

Miyako's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "He would kill for everyone in this family."

"You misunderstand me. Yes, Lucius and Philippe would kill for this family. But it is their daughters who they would die for." Ysabeau said, "That was one of the reasons I had him stop with Anastasia. They let you get away with anything, but he almost died saving his daughter."

"So this is my fault? Is that what you are saying?" Miyako snapped. She had wanted nothing to do with this. She definitely did not want witches in the family, breaking the Covenant.

The older vampire sighed, "This is a complex situation. Blame cannot be assigned. Now, you want to help? Help this family."

....

Miyako did love Oxford and the Bodleian. But the search for the Book of Life still seemed hopeless, despite the growth of Diana's powers.

"Herr Fuchs!" Miyako's ears pricked at Diana's voice. Benjamin was here. In the Bodleian.

And they had a human with them. His brother's mate. Miyako quickly put down the book she was holding when she ran to where they were, following the scent and conversation to Duke Humfrey's library.

Diana was standing still and confident, whilst Phoebe was wrapped in Benjamin's arms, terrified and bleeding.

“....I expected Matthew. Instead I get his mate. And my brother’s, too.” Benjamin’s nose went to the pulse under Phoebe’s ear. His teeth grazed her flesh. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. “What a good boy Marcus is, always standing by his father. I wonder if he’ll stand by you, pet, once I’ve made you mine.”

"Benjamin." She caught his attention.

"Miyako." His grin was wide, "My, quite a family reunion we have here. We just need Lucius."

Miyako knew what he was doing. Trying to get under her skin, "You could snap her neck or drain her dry. Go ahead. Go on."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, "You do not approve of your beloved cousin's mate?"

"Well, when you drink from her, you will presumably see why we kept Marcus and why you were abandoned." Miyako replied, "You are diseased and worthless. Did you truly believe you could be worth enough to carry the de Clermont name?"

"She is right."

Ysabeau had arrived, holding the back of Benjamin's neck, allowing Phoebe to free herself from his clutches.

"Phoebe. Go with Diana and Ysabeau." Phoebe looked hesitant leaving Miyako. But she did as she was told slowly walking the witch. Diana too was hesitant but checked Phoebe was okay, before the two left to find Gallowglass.

"A shame. I would have enjoyed a good fight with you." Benjamin said, "But we are not to fight here. No. This place is too... pretty. I doubt a woman with your etiquette and training would want to destroy it."

"You could not even get my grandfather to destroy those beautiful churches funded with Vlad's money." Miyako reminded him, "What makes you believe a pathetic attempt at kidnapping would engage us in a fight?"

"Because," Benjamin said in a sing-song voice, "I have daddy dearest."

Miyako stared back at him, "My father is in Venice."

At this point, Ysabeau had released him from her grip, knowing she would have to listen to what he said if they were to help Baldwin.

"Of course, he is," Benjamin replied sarcastically, "I am going to tear down the house of de Clermont brick by brick, starting with you dear father. The last of Philippe's bloodline," He turned his head to look at his grandmother, "Then your son. And his son. But for now..."

He had run and Ysabeau was after him out of the doors that flew open at the sheer force of the two beings.

Miyako sensed the first child approach her before he could even formulate his first move and with ease, she dodged the incoming swing to her head, elegantly breaking his neck and taking his head from his body.

She did not even notice the blood splatter and instantly grabbed the other blood raged girl who had come at her, ripping her beating heart out of her chest.

That was, after all how she felt at the present moment. It was no longer a question of seeing Baldwin again. It was more a query of where he was and what Gerbert and Benjamin had done to him.

[sazmags]

Feeling anxious but in an excited 'Omg I cannot get enough of this fic' way

[apinchofm]

Miyako

Season 3 AU - why would Baldwin all of a sudden give into Gerbert, of all people? What, or rather who did he, have on him?

Marcus was reluctant to meet with Baldwin, but also knew he wouldn't exactly call him if it wasn't important. He took the helicopter ride to Venice, not telling Matthew. He found his uncle in the courtyard of the de Clermont Venitian home.

The vampire was stressed. Marcus had seen him war after war - he had dealt with Napoleon and Mussolini but he didn't look anywhere as dishevelled and tense as he was.

"Baldwin, what is this?" He asked.

"Gerbert has Miyako," Baldwin hissed and Marcus' face fell, "He has her. So that is the choice I have been balancing this while - my child or Matthew's endeavours. And now you are protecting the blood raged killer."

"I had no idea Jack was the blood raged killer until you came," Marcus defended, "And he is starting to gain control."

"You-" Baldwin spat angrily, holding back his words and taking in a sharp breath before angrily cursing in Latin and French.

"You may think me an infant, uncle," Marcus said sharply, "But Philippe and Fanny taught me more than old languages and self-control." He was a doctor, a healer by nature. But he was also a de Clermont, "We can get Miyako back."

"Or a simpler choice." Baldwin removed his father's ring and placed it in Marcus' palm. His nephew looked at him, confused, "Give this Gallowglass and what happens in the next five minutes, for once in your aggravating existence, you will not protest or even speak. Do you understand me?"

Marcus heard them before he saw them. The heavy footsteps of Gerbert D'Aurillac and his cane tapping against the marble floor. Two others, dragging something. No, someone.

His answer of who it was answered when they came through the doors. Miyako, his elder cousin and Baldwin's only sired child was thrown to the floor.

"Mimi," Marcus instantly grabbed his cousin, holding her limp. It was clear by the dryness of her skin and frailty She had not fed. Weeks, months even.

"Young Marcus You tell your father that if he wants to honour Philippe, behave and you will have your head of the family back." Gerbert ordered, "As law dictates."

"Uncle..."

"There are worse places to be held hostage," Baldwin said, "I doubt I will be able to make

Marcus glared at the old pope as he walked away with his cousin, Alain helping him.

.....

"Miyako," Gallowglass rushed to his cousin's side, holding her head up. She groaned, in pain and hungry, "Who did this? Hmm? Which fuckers do I need to tear apart?"

Returning to Fernando's was a tricky endeavour. A starved vampire was dangerous. A starved vampire with her combat skills? Marcus' arm had bite marks, poor Alain had been kicked too many times.

"I need blood and towels. She hasn't fed," Marcus listed, rolling up his sleeves.

"She can have some of mine," Gallowglass offered without hesitation. Being part of the same bloodline would help. They would have to force it down her throat as if she were a newborn.

"Oh my god!" Diana gasped looking into the room. Sarah pulled her back, just in case the starving vampire decided to pounce.

"Diana, get out." Marcus snapped. He wasn't angry with her, but a hungry vampire wasn't safe for a pregnant witch. She nodded, saying she would call Matthew and Miriam.

"Where the hell is Baldwin?" Gallowglass asked. Even if he didn't approve of what was going on here, when and if Miyako was in any sort of trouble, he would be there, always.

Marcus sighed and reached into his pocket, handing Gallowglass the ring, "You are the eldest of Philippe's bloodline."

.....

Miyako stared at the fireplace, watching the flames flicker. After Miriam and Matthew arrived, Miriam helped her bathe and dress in some comfortable borrowed pyjamas.

"They needed a hostage, and who better than Baldwin's only child," Fernando explained, not even fussing about the girl's wet hair on his velvet armchair, "She is the one person he would do anything for. It's probably why he told the congregation where to find Margaret."

"He traded himself," Marcus said, "He is in Venice. He is fine, but we have to behave,"

"Which is code for no creating scions and giving up Jack," Matthew concluded. Diana clutched her son's hand in reassurance at those words.

Gallowglass looked torn and looked to Diana, "I did swear to protect you. But I made a vow long ago, to protect my uncles and the head of this family. I cannae help you at Baldwin's expense. I'd be letting down my father and grandfather." That would be a stain on his soul he could never be rid of.

Matthew looked at his niece and she could feel his stare. He knew that she most likely blamed him. They had a more cordial relationship. Her closeness to her cousins helped with that. They would sometimes attend the Opera together and enjoyed watching her fight. But she was much like her aunts and father. She didn't care for the blood rage, but despised Matthew's reckless actions.

Her eyes were suddenly torn away from the fire, on Diana. She seemed to study the witch in silence. Matthew moved closer to Diana, in case Miyako felt the need to pounce. He was fast, yes, but she was smaller and nimble.

"So this is your witch?" Miyako hummed, looking her up and down, "She isn't even that pretty, uncle. You have destroyed this family for someone average," With that she left the room, going upstairs to sleep.

"She is definitely Baldwin's daughter." Sarah commented in the stunned silence.

...

Miyako awoke two days later. The first thing she could smell was lilacs, mingled with Marcus' scent. Then she sat up in bed and saw a human moving multiple shopping bags into the room. It looked as if she had brought half of Regents Street.

"Um, hi. I'm Phoebe. Phoebe Taylor. I'm Marcus'-"

"I know what you are to my cousin." Miyako interrupted, "His scent is all over you. Which is new. You must be special."

Phoebe chuckled awkwardly, "I love him. Anyway, I brought you some clothes. Miriam told me your size and I, well, I thought that you would like your own clothes. And there are some toiletries and stuff, Marcus told me what you like."

She placed all the bags down, coming further into the room. Maybe she went slightly overboard, but Phoebe figured some comfort was needed right now .

Miyako turned to her and Phoebe stopped in her tracks. Had she made a grave miscalculation in her attempt to be nice? Last time this happened, she was sure Marcus and Matthew would end up fighting it out.

But instead Miyako took an interest in one of the bags, a faint smile on her face.

"Thank you, Phoebe Taylor." Miyako said after a while and Phoebe smiled in return.

...

She came downstairs, looking more herself in a pair of black jeans, a cropped red jumper and black boots. She had even put on make up, not one to be seen as a mess (her aunt Stasia's philosophy)

"That's a bad idea," She said dryly, picking up a bowl of berries, interrupting the discussion at the breakfast table, "Scions rarely are. Or did you forget uncle Hugh's headless body rests in the family mausoleum?"

"Feeling better?" Marcus checked and she nodded.

"Your mate brought me clothes. She has good taste." Miyako complimented, "I suppose picking you was a lapse in judgement."

"She's feeling better," Gallowglass smirked, walking over to hug her. He whispered a few words in Japanese to her before kissing her forehead.

Matthew coughed, "Miyako, I would like to introduce-"

"Diana Bishop. Her aunt, Sarah Bishop." Miyako said sharply, as she took a seat, "I can smell your stench all over her, uncle. And grandpa's blood vow."

Diana, however, was not perturbed, "It is nice to meet you. I had no idea Baldwin even had a daughter-"

"Considering you have been here for five minutes and married into the stepfamily, no you wouldn't. You would also reconsider the decision to reproduce with my uncle." Miyako said, "Considering he did not raise his own children. Or has he not gotten"

Fernando clapped his hands, "Okay,we can dig up family history another time."

"I feel like we should dig it up now." Sarah replied, with a look at Matthew.

"Family history is already being dug up. I'm going to presume the reason Marcus doesn't stand next to you is because he found out why you murdered your grandchildren." She said, a slight look of glee on her face as continued eating berries.

Matthew would wonder momentarily if she had gone mad, those months of torture.

"Miyako-"

She popped another berry in her mouth, "And I was on my way to visit my aunt Freyja. Your sisters, uncle, you remember? The ones who had to go into hiding whilst you rolled around with your witch." Miyako continued, "Then I woke up in Rome in Gerbert's basement, which is similar to grand-pere's in Vienna. I always knew he was obsessed."

"I'm so sorry for what has happened to you-" Diana tried, genuinely upset that someone had been tortured.

Miyako, however, cared little, "Shut it. I do not want your half baked, sanctimonious apology about how you could not have seen this. I want my father."

Miyako turned her sharp gaze to Diana, "Tell me when my grand-papa gave you his blood vow, did he include an order to destroy his actual children? Or is he just repeating the pattern? First Bertrand de Toulouse, your best friend, now your brother. Congratulations, Uncle. You have a penchant for killing great men. And here I thought you retired being the assassin.

"Miyako," Gallowglass held onto her, "Come on, let's get you some rest-"

"I do not want to rest, Sorley. I want my dear uncle to admit for once in his pathetic existence that he is selfish," Miyako hissed, throwing his hands away. He may be head of the family for now, but he was not her papa.

"Mimi." Marcus stepped forward, "I am going to do everything to get Baldwin back. I swear that to you. Not just as Grandmaster, but as your cousin. Your family."

"Family?" She nearly scoffed and looked back at Matthew, "Family doesn't put their selfish desires above everyone else. At least they shouldn't. And now my father's head will be taken and the sons of Philippe de Clermont will be gone. Tell me, was that part of the vow you promised?"

[sazmags]

Cannot get enough of Baldwin's Dad energy!!

[apinchofm]

The Viscount We Loved

Requested by@lady-lazarus-declermont:

Diana and Phoebe in a while. They go on a search for them and find them binge-watching Bridgerton. They are totally absorbed in the show and getting all hot and bothered over the Duke of Hastings and the Viscount. Like all squealing and fanning themselves. Their mates get a tad jealous and bring out the regency wear to get their ladies attention back. 🤣🤣🤣

"It's up!" Diana urged Phoebe who had been making popcorn. She started episode one of the second season of Bridgerton. The two had become hooked on the show after the first season came out. Especially attracted to the cast. Phoebe's bisexual heart could not take it and Diana found Simon very attractive.

"Anthony, you idiot!!" Diana hissed when they saw him going after Edwina at the races, "It's obvious he's only using her for his weird perfect duchess scheme! She wants love!"

"And he wants to bang her sister," Phoebe concluded, "Which I understand, Kate's awesome. At least Simon was competing with a Prince. Not a single brain cell in that entire family. Like yours. Well, Benedict. Probably."

"You mean your soon-to-be family," Diana corrected playfully.

"Yes, I will be the winning brain cell in this family," Phoebe smirked and they resumed watching.

●○●○●○●○●○●

Marcus had not been able to find Phoebe for the past few hours. They were supposed to look at flowers for the wedding but she was not home. He did not panic and didn't smell any new scents in the house.

"Matthew, is Phoebe with you and Miriam by any chance?" Marcus asked, calling his father.

"No, I've been in the lab all day," Matthew replied, "Probably over at ours."

They found their women in the living room of Diana and Matthew's, cooing over a couple having a tentative dance.

"What are you watching?" Matthew asked, confused by the scene of the ball.

"Bridgerton. It's the best, the second season came out today, so we had to watch it." Phoebe explained, then remembered what she and Marcus were supposed to do, "Oh, I'm sorry. I told Miriam we cancelled. But I had to see if the show would still be good without Simon!"

"Simon?" Marcus asked.

"Hot. Capital R rake. Better looking than Darcy." Diana summarised.

"I was a capital R rake!" Marcus pouted and Matthew glared at him. It was not something he should be proud of.

"Oh my god, you guys would be like Kate and the Viscount!" Diana cooed.

"The Viscount? I am far better looking than this... man!" Marcus huffed.

"Are you?" Phoebe teased, then looked at her watch, "Work tomorrow, we'll continue Friday?" She asked Diana who nodded and the two hugged before Marcus and Phoebe left, the former arguing why he was better than any fictional rake.

"My darling, you do know I was alive in the 1800s. I could have told you the accurate details of the marriage mart?" Matthew said, sitting next to her.

"My love, what use is historical accuracy when it is entertaining?" Diana corrected, kissing his cheek, making him smile faintly, "Want to re-watch season 1 with me? I have some ideas for... reenactments?"

●○●○●○●○●○●

"Marcus?"

Phoebe returned home from work to an empty house. She had been teasing Marcus about her attraction to the Bridgerton brothers. He was not so upset he would leave.

Turning into the kitchen, she found her fiancee.

She laughed seeing him in full regency wear, leaning against the doorway. A blue silk waistcoat, black trousers and a billowing white shirt.

"Is that yours?" Phoebe was amazed. She knew her fiancee had been around back then, just not that he had the clothes and everything still.

"Yes. Why watch a rake, when you are marrying one?" He teased wrapping his arms around her waist. She grinned.

"Were you really a rake?" She knew she called him that when they first met.

"Oh, yeah. Stressed out Aunt Fanny. Had a lot of fun though." Marcus winked, pulling her to the garden, "Why don't I show you one of my favourite places to seduce a woman?"

"Why yes, my lord!" Phoebe giggled.

[sazmags]

🤣🤣🤣

Watching Bridgerton for sex ideas I love Diana!!

[apinchofm]

Adow - Philippe’s children prompt ~ Philippe calls them all home for a family portrait. Chaos and standard De Clermont family gathering antics ensue

"My Lord! My Lord!"

Baldwin could hear his housekeeper, Bessie, running. The woman always seemed panicked whenever correspondence arrived. She burst into his office without asking and she was lucky he was fond of the elder human.

"Bessie, we have discussed this. You cannot-" But when he looked at the letter and saw his father's seal, he could see why she was particularly rushed.

...

In a Parisian salon, Gallowglass and Miyako were hunting for their youngest cousin.

"There he is," Gallowglas rolled his eyes, seeing his cousin with an attractive young woman in his lap. It seemed hedonism was how he decided to rebel against the family now.

Marcus rolled his eyes upon sensing them, kissing the young woman and sending her away. Miyako frowned at the bite marks on her neck.

"I am busy," Marcus said, leaning back and taking another drag of his cigarette

"Doing what? Trying to be the first of us to get syphilis?" Miyako snarked and held the coin that was sent to his residence, "We're going home. Now."

....

"Lucius!" Anastasia grinned upon seeing her eldest brother and he managed to catch his excitable sister in a hug. They had not seen each other for a few years.

"Have we all been called home? What is the matter? What is going on?" He demanded. He nodded politely when he saw Matthew, who had rushed from India to be here.

"So you do not know what is happening either?" Matthew frowned.

Philippe stood at the top of the stairs and they all looked at him, ready to hear what on earth was going on. War?

"I am so glad you could all be here!" Philippe grinned.

"We didn't exactly have a choice," Marcus grumbled, holding up the shiny coin he received.

A man stood next to him, "You have a large family, seiur." He appraised, "This will take longer than I anticipated."

"But very much worth it." Philippe said and looked to his children, "This is Eugene Delacroix. He will paint us. Capture our family in this moment of time."

"A family portrait?" Freyja realised, "Again? Father, you cannot send a coin letter every time you want you want a portrait."

"Not all of you come home," Philippe said pointedly, looking at Gallowglass and Matthew. The two were adverse to having a painting done.

"And why are Matthias and his spawn here if it is a family portrait?" Verin asked.

"Verin," Philippe warned his daughter. He knew his children liked fighting with one another but he wanted this.

Marthe had laid out clothes for everyone to wear, the men in suits. Even Gallowglass had to be shaved for the occasion.

"Now, if you could stand next to your brother-" Eugene asked of Verin. He was indicating to Matthew.

"I would prefer to drop dead," Verin said dryly.

"I will gladly accommodate you," Matthew replied with an acidic smile.

"I still would not like to be near Matthew if we are voting?" Marcus said. He and Matthew had rarely spoken in the years after those months in New Orleans. The elder vampire didn't like what he had to do, but he was protecting him.

"I do not wish to be near Verin," Stasia said and smiled at her sister's glare at her.

"Why don't we do separate portraits? Our grandchildren have their own. I will do one with the girls, Philippe and his sons." Ysabeau suggested. A compromise

"I would like a whole family

"And I would like to not be here. I believe you should take what you can father," Baldwin said dryly. It was an easy solution.

So Philippe compromised. Ysabeau was the only one who could get him to.

"I still do not see why we need another portrait." Gallowglass grumbled, when "We look the same as we did thirty years ago!"

"Yes, but you were not here for the miniatures." Philippe pointed out, "Now, sit with your cousins and do this. That is an order, Eric."

"If we do this now, he may just leave us for the next fifty." Miyako hissed from her seated position in between her cousins.

"Yes, and what happens when some idiot creates an easier way of capturing our likeness?" Marcus frowned.

[sazmags]

Love this! Gives me Modern Family picture taking vibes 🤣

[apinchofm]

Miyako

Part 1

Season 3 AU - why would Baldwin all of a sudden give into Gerbert, of all people? What, or rather who did he, have on him?

Mix. Of book and tv show.

Miyako met Jack Blacfriars the following morning. Ysabeau had arrived from Sept Tours, to check on her granddaughter and to assist Diana and Phoebe in their search for Ashmole 782.

Jack took a deep breath, not wanting his blood rage to flare up. He could end up attacking Miyako and he was more than certain she would take pleasure in killing him.

She scrunched up her nose in disgust when she walked past him,"He reeks of Hubbard's flock. Don't tell me anyone gave him blood."

Diana coughs, "I did. But he only got my secrets, not the family's."

Miyako tuts condensing, "So you are dumber than I previously assumed. Thank you for confirming. I am so glad my dear uncle has continued the trend of copulating with idiots."

"Now excuse me. young lady-" Sarah snapped, more than tired of the attitude.

"You are excused," Miyako replied in kind. She was in every way, her father's daughter.

"Okay," Ysabeau stopped any further argument, "Miyako, you will accompany Phoebe and me with Diana to the Bodleian." Her tone left little room for argument.

"I suppose I must." Miyako rolled her eyes, "It is a matter of staying here with one of uncle Matthew's spawn or assisting the vessel that carries more of them."

Diana scoffed, "I'm going to get my coat." She did not wish to quarrel with her, especially heavily pregnant and already stressed. Sarah followed her niece out.

"What is it you want, child?" Ysabeau was the only vampire aside from Philippe and her father to call her that. She was centuries older and Miyako respected and cared for her.

"I want my papa. What if Gerbert has already-?" Miyako began.

"Miyako." Ysabeau scolded, "Do not say that. You do not say that until it comes to pass."

Even when Philippe was being tortured during the war, not once did Ysabeau ever utter the thought that he would die. Not until he was returned to Sept Tours.

Miyako nodded, "I am sorry if my insults towards uncle Matthew offend you, grand-mere. I will reduce them."

"My dear, your aunts have done worse." Ysabeau smiled, "You are angry and hurt, and you have your right to be. I cannot deny that. I fear your grandfather overestimated how much we would get along."

"He was too optimistic." Miyako criticized, "He sacrificed himself pointlessly."

"Your father is doing the same thing." Ysabeau pointed out.

"It is not the same."

"But it is." Ysabeau corrected, "Your father and I have scarcely been friendly. But I do know Lucius, far more than he realises. And he treats you the same way Philippe did his daughters. He would have died for them."

Miyako's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "He would kill for everyone in this family."

"You misunderstand me. Yes, Lucius and Philippe would kill for this family. But it is their daughters who they would die for." Ysabeau said, "That was one of the reasons I had him stop with Anastasia. They let you get away with anything, but he almost died saving his daughter."

"So this is my fault? Is that what you are saying?" Miyako snapped. She had wanted nothing to do with this. She definitely did not want witches in the family, breaking the Covenant.

The older vampire sighed, "This is a complex situation. Blame cannot be assigned. Now, you want to help? Help this family."

....

Miyako did love Oxford and the Bodleian. But the search for the Book of Life still seemed hopeless, despite the growth of Diana's powers.

"Herr Fuchs!" Miyako's ears pricked at Diana's voice. Benjamin was here. In the Bodleian.

And they had a human with them. His brother's mate. Miyako quickly put down the book she was holding when she ran to where they were, following the scent and conversation to Duke Humfrey's library.

Diana was standing still and confident, whilst Phoebe was wrapped in Benjamin's arms, terrified and bleeding.

“....I expected Matthew. Instead I get his mate. And my brother’s, too.” Benjamin’s nose went to the pulse under Phoebe’s ear. His teeth grazed her flesh. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. “What a good boy Marcus is, always standing by his father. I wonder if he’ll stand by you, pet, once I’ve made you mine.”

"Benjamin." She caught his attention.

"Miyako." His grin was wide, "My, quite a family reunion we have here. We just need Lucius."

Miyako knew what he was doing. Trying to get under her skin, "You could snap her neck or drain her dry. Go ahead. Go on."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, "You do not approve of your beloved cousin's mate?"

"Well, when you drink from her, you will presumably see why we kept Marcus and why you were abandoned." Miyako replied, "You are diseased and worthless. Did you truly believe you could be worth enough to carry the de Clermont name?"

"She is right."

Ysabeau had arrived, holding the back of Benjamin's neck, allowing Phoebe to free herself from his clutches.

"Phoebe. Go with Diana and Ysabeau." Phoebe looked hesitant leaving Miyako. But she did as she was told slowly walking the witch. Diana too was hesitant but checked Phoebe was okay, before the two left to find Gallowglass.

"A shame. I would have enjoyed a good fight with you." Benjamin said, "But we are not to fight here. No. This place is too... pretty. I doubt a woman with your etiquette and training would want to destroy it."

"You could not even get my grandfather to destroy those beautiful churches funded with Vlad's money." Miyako reminded him, "What makes you believe a pathetic attempt at kidnapping would engage us in a fight?"

"Because," Benjamin said in a sing-song voice, "I have daddy dearest."

Miyako stared back at him, "My father is in Venice."

At this point, Ysabeau had released him from her grip, knowing she would have to listen to what he said if they were to help Baldwin.

"Of course, he is," Benjamin replied sarcastically, "I am going to tear down the house of de Clermont brick by brick, starting with you dear father. The last of Philippe's bloodline," He turned his head to look at his grandmother, "Then your son. And his son. But for now..."

He had run and Ysabeau was after him out of the doors that flew open at the sheer force of the two beings.

Miyako sensed the first child approach her before he could even formulate his first move and with ease, she dodged the incoming swing to her head, elegantly breaking his neck and taking his head from his body.

She did not even notice the blood splatter and instantly grabbed the other blood raged girl who had come at her, ripping her beating heart out of her chest.

That was, after all how she felt at the present moment. It was no longer a question of seeing Baldwin again. It was more a query of where he was and what Gerbert and Benjamin had done to him.

[sazmags]

WHERE IS BALDWIN??? 😢😢

*descends in to panic mode*

[apinchofm]

Druids

Witches and Warlocks of the Celtic isles. A druid was a member of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures. Druids were religious leaders as well as legal authorities, adjudicators, lore keepers, medical professionals and political advisors. Their practises and ideas are not in any written record, not even in the Book of Life.

Many were killed when Rome invaded Britain and many others assimilated, practising their craft in private.

Some fought back, often killing Roman legionnaires as a warning. As a result, Philippe de Clermont was ordered to Britannia with his sons and many other vampire soldiers to deal with the druid problem.

Known Druids:

Alyssa de Clermont nee, Lawson - Half Druid; daughter of Nicholas Rhys, a druid and Maya Lawson, a human. Raised human. Wife to Baldwin de Clermont.

Cadie Byrne - druid with psychic abilities. Girlfriend to Erwen. Student at Edinburgh University.

Erwen Rhys - Druid; son of Anna Rhys. Healer. Student at Edinburgh.

Nicholas Rhys - Father to Alyssa and widower. Druid with strong psychic abilities.

Ben Rhys - Son to Owain.

Owain Rhys - Leader of a radical group of druids. Brother to Anna and Nicholas. Wanted by the Congregation.

Anna Rhys - Sister to Nicholas and Owain; healer and nurse.

[adarafaelbarba]

Feeling a bit nervous about my NSL (Norwegian sign language) exam on Friday. Would love it if you all could send me some headcanons to keep my mind of the nerves 😅😌

(Reminder that anon is back up if you want to keep your privacy, but remember to be kind) 😌

[adarafaelbarba]

Tomorrow’s the big day! My skills will be put to the test 😅 my inbox is still open for headcanons if anyone want to send some more 😅❤️

[toastbutteregg]

[tallangrycockatiel]

a karmic cycle

[sazmags]

My actual relationship with my cat 🤣🤣

[everythingfox]

Sharing is caring

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[adowbaldwin]

Baldwin takes a nap and he's a little cutie pie

Inspo from the below gif

(Sorry i dont know whose it is, saved it from a discord chat)

It was one of those naps that you didn’t know you needed until you were face down, dribbling and wrapped around a pillow like a sloth in a tree with a blanket thrown over you.

It was one of those where the dream was so bizarre you think you accidently took acid before you went to sleep. The sand turned to ice-cream, pigs flew in the sky and you were a merman flopping about on the beach, a literal fish out of water.

And the YOU, my dear reader, is not YOU but Mr. Hot shot stock broker himself. The very man who puts the F in fear dreams every year that he has a pink and teal tail.

His pillows are his favourite, a mix of faux goose feather and memory foam. A mix of silk and cotton covers, Lord above he loved his bed. You wouldn’t think it, but even when he’s not asleep you can find him at night curled in bed hugging a pillow as if it were a woman. Atleast they didn’t whine and moan like a girlfriend. A pillow wouldn’t hold a silly grudge about a War. Bloody stupid beautiful Eva. 

Every year he took two weeks off for his birthday. The first week he spent up to all kinds of debauchery, the second week he slept and lazed around his apartment. Usually he would sleep at most four days and then spent the rest lounging.

This year was no different, and on the Sunday at the end of a very very long and hard week of sex and booze, he put himself to bed.

He threw on his favourite comfy shirt and grey jogging bottoms, turned his phone and alarm clock off and slumped into the welcoming warmth of his bed.

“He is going to either torture or murder us” Diana chewed nervously on her lip as she tried, quietly as possible, to turn her spare key in Baldwins lock.

“Murder, definitely murder” Phoebe winced as a floor board cracked under their footing

“Where do you think he hid it?” Diana crossed her brows as she tried to think like her brother. Which was hard because he did alot of thinking and she didnt really want to know what went on behind those eyes.

Phoebe and Diana had been made aware of a wax tablet that incriminated Baldwin and Philippe in the burning of the Library of Alexandria. This information may or may not have come from Ysabeau.

The women had tried to wiggle more information out of the matriarch but she was tight lipped.  It was Marthe who had informed the women that such a thing would be kept close to Baldwin. Perhaps in his own apartment. And that he slept once a year and nothing would wake him once he was out of it. 

The pieces fell together, and off they went. The female version of Sherlock and Watson.

“Shall we check if he’s asleep first and not waiting to pounce?” Phoebe nodded her reply to Diana and so off they went quietly as possible to the very end of the hall.

Phoebe pushed his door open, little by little thanking God that his hinges weren’t screaming.

“Oh” Diana began

“My” phoebe continued

“God” they said at the same time

The sight before them would reduce any woman to jelly.

Or anyone really, he looked like a little baby.

His perfectly long lashes fanned out over his slightly pinked cheeks, hair fluffy and wavy as it hung over his forehead. His cupid bow lips formed a small pout and the softest, child like snoring echoed the room.

His arms held a pillow captive, clinging to it for dear life with a patchwork blanket thrown over his body. It was clearly home made and they both had the suspicion Marthe had something to do with the plush comforter.

“Oohh” Diana whined, clutching and unclenching her hands “i have the strongest urge to run my hand through his fluffy hair”

“That’s the pregnancy hormones. Don’t you dare think of disturbing him before i get a photo” Phoebe’s phone was out in an instant, snapping multiple photos of the site before them

Diana tentatively walked over, hand outstretched as she gingerly brushed her hands in his hair “Oh sweet Lord its so soft” she spoke in a loud whisper “come on, touch it!”

Phoebe didn’t need much convincing, and before she knew it she was partaking in the perverse act “its like silk” she marvelled “you wouldn’t think looking at it”

“Amoote misftoe” he grumbled in his sleep, before turning onhis side away from the giddy women and jammed his right thumb into his mouth

Tears spilled from Diana’s eyes, Phoebes ribs hurt so much she couldn’t move. That image, Baldwin Montclair sucking his thumb circulated in the family chat. How it got into the hands of Eva no one will ever know (but Marcus definitely knows)

What no one knew was that Philippe slept once a year too and just like his son was a thumb sucker. Ysabeau had his portrait taken and it sat in a secret place, right next to the wax tablet in question.

She would never, ever admit to setting the girls up to find him asleep sucking his thumb. How dare you accuse her of such.

[sazmags]

Awww he is a cute wittle scare bear 🤣🤣🤣