DAUGHTER OF THE MOON

Serena van der Woodsen sixteen;; elite;; junior It hasn't felt like this before. It hasn't felt like home before you.

[serecvdw]

starring-frankie :

Stop— [ She held her hand up pre-emptively regardless of what they were actually going to say ] If this is about whether or not Frankie Vives is returning to FNB, it’s way too early for me to even get into it so just re-think before you speak.

Oh no. He’s definitely not coming back [realizing that’s harsh, she stops and backtracks]. I mean, not for a while, at least. We want to keep the fans begging for it. Predicting it. Guessing that he’s coming back every time we hint at a new character being introduced. And then we’ll wait until ratings week for the next season. That’s how you play the long game.

...Not to hate on your dad or anything. He’s great, and we love him, and I’m sure the producers would kill me if I made it sound like we didn’t want him to come back or something.

[serecvdw]

Avery Archibald is everything one would expect the daughter of Serana van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald to be. She’s kind, beautiful, and she tries her best to be a good person. Unfortunately (for both Avery and the UES), she’s also got two very inconvenient flaws: she’s flighty, and she lies. Like, a lot. The first is manageable. Thanks to her parents wide net of connections, she’s never been lacking in close companions who know her well enough to not be phased by months of unanswered text messages or unplanned disappearances across the world. But the second is slightly harder to deal with.

The lies are small, usually, fibbing the details of a story or making up an interaction with someone, so she gets away with an airheaded giggle if someone points out the inconsistencies. Because of this, most people never even realize that the things she’s saying are lies. Her avid imagination and ability to create detailed stories off the top of her head did help her through school, however, and several of her teachers pushed her to pursue writing as a career. Avery had never cared much about school, though, so, despite getting into Cornell and NYU, she decided to start writing a book.

Fast forward three years and Avery’s the published bestselling author of two YA franchises (one of which was called “a modern day Harry Potter” by the New York Times--not that she ever works that into her conversations). Her swift rise to fame has made her the name to know in fantasy circles right now, which prompted the producers of Friday Night Bites to call her in as a script consultant for a few of their episodes. Deciding their writers room was too messy, she decided to stick around and give them notes for the rest of the season (nobody’s really sure how they feel about that yet).

FACTS:

21 years old

Popular novelist and current scriptwriter for FNB

Daughter of Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald

FC: Christian Serratos

She adores her parents, but they need to stop trying to make friends for her

Has last-minute cancelled every book signing so far (her agent hates her)

CONNECTIONS:

Holly Abrams: the first, best, and favorite friend in Avery’s life, Holly’s been there for every first she’s had. At every twist and turn they’ve been HollyandAvery--mostly because of their mother’s insistence that they have weekly playdates.

Luke Watts: A pain in the butt. Avery’s tried everything she can think of to get him written off FNB, but he always comes back stronger. Still, he’s one of the most talented cast-members in her opinion, and he DOES make her writing sound good, so she’s called a tentative truce for now. At least until ratings week comes around and they need a shocking cliffhanger to leave things on. 

[serecvdw]

originalcuddlyporcupine :

I am, I am a buzzkill and if it wouldn’t break my parents heart I would legally change my name to that. Avoiding fun is what I do. [ laughs against her better judgement ] Stop or not only will I tag you in all my Insta posts but I’ll hashtag spiral in every single one of them.

That I have no problem believing. I guess on a long list of things that are a waste of time, ‘being mad at Serena van der Woodsen’ is top 10. … Alright, fine. Twist my arm, again but there better be a little umbrella in it or what’s the point?

Hey, you can always get it started as a nickname, right? No parental knowledge, no shame. Mhh, well, get used to the fun coming to you, then. ‘Cause I will not leave you alone until you do something at least somewhat entertaining today. [makes a funny face] It’s your choice, Tessa, you can pick ring toss or karaoke. But you have to choose one. Gasp, now that’s a threat. But honestly, my reputations been hit with worse and still bounced back, so I think I’ll be okay. Do your worst.

Only number ten? What else is a bigger time waster than that? Well, obviously arguing with Blair Waldorf about headbands, that’s a big one. Ah, yes! I knew you’d cave eventually. What if I give you my little umbrella so you have two? Sound like a deal?

[serecvdw]

eric-vdw :

No matter how apprehensive Eric was about starting his life over again, even just hearing Serena’s voice calmed him in a way that he couldn’t even explain.  Despite having so many things that he just couldn’t quite tell her, he still trusted her more than any other person.  He turned his face to her and let out a small laugh.  "I was actually enjoying being away from that for awhile,” he said honestly, but his lips twisted up into a bigger smirk as she just went on anyway.

He didn’t even really get a chance to process what she was saying either, not really before she said that.  And it wasn’t so much that she said it really, Eric hardly noticed.  It was more the way she gasped and her face just feel that really hurt, stung this place inside of him that made him feel…broken.  Like no one would ever be able to have a normal conversation with him again.  God, it sucked. 

Eric took a breath and smiled again, a little more forced and reached out to grab Serena’s arm gently and give it a comforting squeeze.  "It’s fine,“ he said, his voice just slightly on edge.  "Really.  It’s fine.  And it does sound…like that, as if my sister couldn’t claw herself up from anything and be on top regardless the situation,” he finished cheerfully.  But there was still that too cheerful edge to Serena’s voice and it made that thing in Eric’s gut clench just a little tighter.  "Not really surprised by that,“ he added about their mother having a new boyfriend and gave his sister a wry smile.  "I don’t know if I can make it through another wedding though, I need at least a couple years to get over the last one.”  Eric felt his smile slid into something a little more genuine and he turned and pulled his sister into his arms and hugged her tightly for a moment.  "I missed you too.  Don’t worry so much okay?  I’m fine.  I’m pretty much fine.“

She didn’t mention her own arrest, or anything else bad about her own life, because she really was trying to change, and Eric didn’t need to know the details of everything she’d been doing wrong on that journey so far. But Nate’s life was free game, and as awful as it was, she was glad to have something else--anything else--to talk to her brother about. “Yeah, I guess that must have been pretty nice, huh?” She said softly, thinking of her own time spent away from the city, without having to think about or worry about what was happening back home. Of course, she’d ended up in worse trouble for it, when everything had changed around her. Eric included.

It felt like she’d swallowed a shard of glass, pain sharp and acute near her heart as she tried to smile back at her brother. It wasn’t okay, not really, and it never would be. She loved Eric more than anything, but that didn’t mean she knew how to talk to him anymore. “It’s not. I should have been here, I should have--I’m sorry.” She said, because what else was there to say? She’d left him all lone to handle everything without her, and she couldn’t say anything that would fix that. Nobody could. “I...Yeah, I guess I have been able to do that before. But I’m not sure I can do that anymore. Everything just keeps breaking, Eric.” And it’s not fair for her to burden him with any of it, to ask him to take some of her pain and add it to the pain he’s already carrying, but she’s felt so goddamn alone these past few months, and he’s always been there for her. “I feel like we’re breaking, Eric.”

It’s almost too honest for a midmorning conversation, and if the situation were different she’d want them to be hidden under a blanket fort in the Waldorf’s living room, protecting each other while their mother was off doing something with someone that didn’t concern them. But she didn’t have that option. “I just want her to pick someone and stick with him, or be content with the fact that she’s going to die alone.” It sounded harsh, harsher than Serena meant it, but she was tired of her mother and the dates and the divorces. She was tired of having the same arguments with her over and over. “I mean--wow, that sounded so mean. You know what I’m trying to say, right?” She was pretty sure he did, because he was Eric, and they’d never had trouble understanding each other before. She hugged him tightly, trying to pour every ounce of how much she’d missed him into the embrace. “It wasn’t the same without you. And we’re never doing that again. I promise I’ll do more than just call every so often if I ever move away again.” She sighed. “Are you pretty much fine, or are you fine? There’s a big difference between the two, Eric.”

[serecvdw]

archibaldgoldenboy :

I think that pun was just a little bit intended but yeah, it’s good. Nice. Time to trade out my v-necks for the hazy ball of light look full-time or…? You’re the fashion expert here.

[ Just for good measure, he smiled back just as fondly and added another- ] Hey. Oh man, how could we? Chuck’s birthday photographer from that Harry Potter party would be so disappointed with us right now. You can’t “sm-eyes” with your eyes closed. [ Laughs ] I’d have to conduct a full investigation if that happened. I’ve [ he did the typical ‘I’m watching you’ gesture ] got my eye on you, Miss van der Woodsen. I don’t know… I kinda like the first one.

It was, but I’ll deny it if you ever tell anyone it was. No more v-necks ever? I have to admit I’ve gotten a bit....attached to them at this point. So even if they aren’t always in fashion, they’re classic and very you. We’re keeping them [she grins and enjoys the way her heart does a little fluttery thing whenever she refers to them as a we].

No, you did not mention that right now! Oh my god, I’m going to turn totally red and look like a tomato for the rest of the night. I can’t believe you remember that. Do you think Chuck remembers that? [hides her giggles behind her hand]. We were such dorky kids. If you conduct a full investigation, I suggest you stop by the drinks first to look for...clues. Or drinks. Whatever you find first. Why, Mr. Archibald! It’s almost like you’re accusing me of something. You know I can’t talk to you about any of this without my lawyer present. And she hates me enough that I get the feeling she wouldn’t show up just to spite me. Really? Well, okay, you can have that one. And why don’t you take the next one two, so we each get an even two. [Mouth quirking up to one side, and voice lowering slightly] I know it’s not pinning my heart to your sleeve or anything, but I think this is pretty couple-y, don’t you?

[serecvdw]

roniravenwood :

Veronica, just brought out of deep thought, was genuinely surprised to see who it was speaking to her. “O-M-G. You’re Serena van der Woodsen. Huge fan. Seriously, your outfits are always so on point. Total fashion icon.” Roni stuck her hand out to shake the blonde’s, “I’m Veronica Ravenwood. Roni for short.”

“Uh--yeah. That’s me.” It was always disconcerting when someone knew her that she didn’t know, but after all of the recent drama she’d been struggling through, it kind of made sense. “Thanks, I try to mix it up and keep it fun, but you know, there’s only so much you can do when everyone in town is sampling from the same seven designers for their wardrobe staples. You must be, too, that outfit is incredible.” Serena said as she shook Roni’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you, actually. Having you at Constance has really caused quite the uproar, I think.”

[eric-vdw-blog1]

Eric wondered, deep down, in that part of him that was honest when most of the other parts were just in some kind of blissful denial, if he was really ready for this.  That part of him said he really, really wasn’t, and all of that just made him want to escape back into the little bubble that was Ostroff.  But it wasn’t a forever solution, and he knew that.  He took a soft, shaky breath and forced a smile, letting the nervous energy out by carefully readjusting his his hair with his fingers.  "So,“ he asked brightly, "What have I missed?”

[serecvdw]

"Oh, right, like you weren’t watching Gossip Girl the whole time, waiting for some crazy story to show up.” Serena smiled at her brother, still unable to hide her concern for him even after all this time, but doing her best for his sake. She could be the strong one for once. “Well, there was a party--a ball really, you know how the Fairchild’s are--and Nate’s dad got arrested. It was...it was awful, Eric. I was so worried for him. I am so worried for him. People are saying it’s social suicide to be around him now, I’m--” Her heart drops mid-sentence and she inhales sharply (it’s more a gasp than anything). “Oh god, I didn’t mean...That was a bad choice of words. I’m so sorry.”

Quickly, desperately, scared of what will happen if she doesn’t change the topic immediately, she rushed on with her cheeks flushed and her voice artificially bright. “It wasn’t all bad, though. I think mom has a new boyfriend. Okay, that’s still another bad thing. Um, Georgina Sparks is back? That’s....undecided. Maybe nothing good has really happened. Except for you. You’re back. I’ve missed you a lot, Eric, I hope you know that.”

[serecvdw]

gigi-sparks :

Okay, you got me there. Excuses do help though, ie: my birthday like you said so I wouldn’t not save the date. Not sure if I can top the whole ball-slash-arrest thing baby Archie had going on but I’ll try and make seventeen as special as ever.

Hi, Serena.

MhhHMm, I so knew it. I’ll make sure to clear my calendar for the whole week in case you decide to throw something really wild. Oh god, that was awful, I don’t think we’re quite ready to joke about it. At least, not anywhere Nate could hear. You could probably get away with stealing a cop car or flashing a priest or something, that might just top it.

Do you want to maybe grab a drink or something? Unless you’re busy, then we don’t have to.

[serecvdw]

gollygee-gunnar :

Oh, don’t let me stop you. I can wait if you want more time in there. Party’s only just started, after all. Plenty of time for me to practice my pout.

Really, I don’t need more photos of myself. My best friend and I already took way too many on the way over here, plus all of the ones I just took. I’ll be better off finding something to eat before I snap till I drop. I’ll bet your pout doesn’t need to be practiced, you totally have the cheekbones for a master smolder.

[serecvdw]

bethlevesque :

Oh yeah, it wasn’t you. I don’t really take photos.

It’s no problem really, whatever makes it easier for you. Uh-Oh. Um, are y-you sure? I don’t want to ruin your photo or I even your insta feed. A boomerang?

How do you remember all the great things you’ve done? I’m such a Gen Z kid, but I have to document everything.

Of course I’m sure. Come on, get in here. We can even do a couple with snap filters--they have a new flower crown one I’ve been dying to try. You won’t ruin my photo, my gosh. You look really pretty. It’ll be better with you in it, trust me. Oh, uh, it’s kind of like a gif, except it only plays maybe five seconds of a video clip over and over.

[serecvdw]

originalcuddlyporcupine :

Don’t worry, I was actually just coming over to let you know that I asked and it’s definitely too late to pull my questionnaire. Which, BTW, totally your fault van der Woodsen. 

But I forgive you. You’re on thin ice but… I forgive you.

Oh, you asked? Oh my god, you’re such a buzzkill, Cooper, stop trying to avoid the fun. It might stop knocking on your door. I take complete credit for it, feel free to blame me for all of the fun you have tonight. And make sure to tag me in all your insta posts.

See, I knew you would. I’m pretty hard to stay mad at. It’s a skill I’ve perfected after many years. C’mon, the least the girl who forced you to be here can do is buy you a free drink.

[serecvdw]

danielhumps :

Serena really was a literal angel and Dan knew it by the way she’d so easily agreed to help him, as if his presence wasn’t actually a bother like it was to most people on the Upper East Side. Namely Chuck and Blair. “Hey, that doesn’t matter to me. At least I’m learning something brand new.” He slid into the seat next to Serena without missing a beat. “What’s the next step? To smile?”

Dan was a nice guy in a city full of assholes, and honestly that meant Serena had never really paid him much attention. She had a type of guy she paid attention to, and that type was usually entitled, pretty, and stupid. But when Dan looked at her like she was offering him her kidney instead of just showing him how to work a photobooth, she wondered how many other people had been overlooking him, too. “Hey, if you really like it, maybe you’ll get one for your room. Not that a photobooth is what I’d consider practical decoration, but I’m hardly an expert. My mom replaced our chandelier with a pair of hanging ceramic lips. She says they’re art deco, but I think she’s wrong.” Serena laughed. “Well, we should do one with a smile, but the hallmark of a photobooth photostrip is the goofy faces you make. So we’ll have to do one of those next.”

[serecvdw]

camille-thehunter :

Are you… turning down an offer for me to go in with you?

Am I--Um, wow, usually I wouldn’t say no, but I [shrugs helplessly] I really am turning over a new leaf. And I’m...maybe kind of seeing someone.

[serecvdw]

cbasshole :

Yeah, like I’m gonna pass up on what is basically a fancy sex party if everyone honors their commitments and plays nice. You know who you got yet?

No, it’s my not so subtle way of telling you I can and will sacrifice you to Blair if she comes anywhere near us with a professional photographer. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, van der Woodsen, I’m preparing you. 

Oh god. I feel for the girl or guy who gets paired with you. How exactly do you tell Chuck Bass that you don’t want him to feel you up in the corner of a dark photobooth? I don’t, but I’m hoping I got someone I already know pretty well. Maybe not you, though, hope you don’t mind.

That’s cruel. It really is a dog eat dog world out here, huh? And to think I’ve been trying to get by on my good looks and charm alone. You don’t want a family portrait of the four of us? It’ll be a nice reminder of how we used to look before we sacrificed our faces and asses to Botox and silicone.

[serecvdw]

breakfastatblairs :

“Don’t be silly, S. They could have waited a minute longer.”

“They could have, but we’ve taken a hundred. Okay, maybe not a hundred, but we’ve taken a lot. And we know we look good, so. We can let somebody else have their fun. Do you want to get a mocktail or go Hug Some Pugs?”

[roniravenwood]

After “speaking” to Juliette, Roni had gone to hide. Not literally, but she was avoiding her enemy and her boyfriend as well as she could. She’d even thought about running home now that gravity of Sam and Juliette kissing was finally hitting Veronica head on. So much so that she didn’t even hear the person sit beside her.

[serecvdw]

“Do you mind if I sit here for a minute?” It only took a few seconds for Serena to realize that Veronica wasn’t listening to her. She didn’t know the girl very well (the entirety of their interactions could probably be counted on one hand), but part of being a better person meant paying attention to other people and noticing when they were upset. She hadn’t gotten very good at fixing things just yet, but that probably just meant she should keep trying. “Hey,” She said quietly, hoping to catch the attention of the redhead. “Do you want something to eat?”

[serecvdw]

bethlevesque :

Uh-I- I didn’t want it it’s okay. No need to clear it for me.

Oh, I could take the photo for you if you want. It might make it easier to actually photobooth it kind of. Less work on your part?

Are you sure? I know I didn’t make it sound great, but it is a lot of fun.

That is so nice of you, thank you. But only if you agree to take a couple with me, as well. I haven’t taken a single Boomerang all night, and I know my Insta feed is looking dead.