steel thorned roses

camille blackthorn. high lady of the spring court. “I could only think of you as being very distant and beautiful and calm. A lighthouse in clean waters.”

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

   Smiling at the comment hanging between them, Nikolai shot Camille a warm yet tired smile as he looked over his shoulder at her coming up behind him. It felt good that if he were to sit and talk to anyone following the events of the Cauldron, it would be with somebody that felt exactly how he did inside. Coming up short behind the door that led into his chambers, Nikolai pushed it wide open before looking back at the blonde with a dip of his head and a dramatic wave of his arching arm to invite her in. “Lucky for us, I have a plethora of wines in my room just waiting to be poured.” 

She chuckled at his dramatic wave, as though she was being admitted to the theatre instead of his chambers. Perhaps it was both in a way. “At least you have a plethora, I’ll have you know that I have very specific tastes when it comes to wine,” Camille, stepped through, glancing around his chambers out of curiosity. All the High Lords’ chambers were opulent, not a statement of personal taste really as they’d been assigned but still Camille offered a polite, “Nice rooms,” a half amused lazy joke. “I hope this headache doesn’t last long, I can’t say I’m fond of it,”

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

     The events of the chaos Hybern triggered flashed before Nikolai’s eyes with an aching headache followed with a sickness in the pit of his stomach. He was conscious one second, raising a toast with his fellow High Lords to their courts, then unconscious the next second dropping to the floor like a sack of potatoes. The image that flashed before he slipped into the darkness was tainted behind his eyelids: the Cauldron. He awoke soon later with his siblings hovering above him, Asteria at his side along with the members of his court. It was true what the Made were proclaiming; Hybern had attacked. 

    After talking it out with the rest of the High Lords what the connection to the Cauldron could mean and what to do next, Nikolai detached himself from the group and strode over to his rooms for a second of silence of the aftermath, lingering in the refuge of the shadows. He felt weary and exhausted, imagining how he must look. It was the footsteps echoing behind him that stirred him out of his thoughts. Without looking over his shoulder, Nikolai shoved his slightly trembling fists into the pockets of his jacket. “Quite the show, wasn’t it?”

“Show is an interesting term for it,” Camille said, her head was still thudding and echoing, slamming like a flood of elephants were rampaging. Camille had interjected only a little with her thoughts once the High Lords had begun talking, she’d wanted to stand back, after all her interactions before this with the Cauldron’s power...had been minimal. Still she’d seen a flash of it before her eyelids and now it seemed imprinted there forever.

“I think we deserve a drink after all that though,” She murmured wryly. 

[springbcrn]

ancientblooded‌:

The carvings within the stone were far older then the ancient himself - and perhaps that was why he was drawn to them. Sol had spent years scouring the lands - reading anything he could get his hands upon in hopes of finding a way to escape the confines of his fae prison. There had been a lead here and there, but nothing that proved useful. And having watched the High Lords collapse like nothing more then rag dolls, he knew someone would give him anything he desired should he find his escape and prove to be their advantage.

Strolling into the tombs - head tilted to take in the intricate detailing - swirling silver eyes eventually fell to take in the sight of the High Lady. Young - a fawn still learning to get its legs beneath it - and yet Sol couldn’t find it within him to find pity. Perhaps this entire thing would give her advantage ( her mind not spoiled by years of power like others were ). Moving to stand near her, he offered a small smirk. “Tell me, littlest flower, has Hybern shaken you to your core? I fear this is but the beginning.”

Camille glanced up, in truth if someone asked she wasn’t sure that she’d be able to explain really what she was doing down here? Praying maybe? Thinking, but thinking was a broad term and had she really been doing that? 

Silver, swirling eyes that said not fae but something different, perhaps something ancient and terrible. He smirked at her and his words were sharp, intended to wound perhaps? Or just...like that anyway.

“Perhaps it is the beginning,” Camille said, calmly, choosing to ignore his first question, perhaps more calmly than she felt about the situation in general. “For all the things that we could call Hybern, I doubt that fool is a word that we could call him. 

[springbcrn]

The night had ended dramatically and Camille had collapsed alongside the other High Lords, visions of the Cauldron behind her eyelids. 

She’d retired to bed after talking with the other High Lords, Hybern it seemed still had many cards in his arsenal. The headache that Camille had after waking up was mostly gone by now, still she’d excused herself when she awoke in the early morning. She needed a walk, time alone, to think or pray or something.

Camille had found herself in the Sacred Tombs, it had been intended as a burial place for the first Lords. Her own ancestor among them. It was quiet, some might have called it haunted but Camille found it almost peaceful. 

She sat in silence, unsure as to what she was doing but needing the time to think. Was she praying for an answer? Camille herself was unsure but Mother give her guidance, give them all guidance. She was contemplative, quiet, only glancing up when she heard footsteps.

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

    “A blame I cannot misplace either,” Nikolai agreed with a slight dip in his head, acknowledging the invitation to her court and thanking her with his polite smile and eyes. Could he truly come to trust her, though? Her father was a nice enough man but what would his daughter turn out to be? Did she have betrayers and Hybern snakes slithering through the vines of her territory like the rumors seemed to spill about them all? And if the Spring Court did, did she oblige them? There was one way to find out. Clearing his throat, Nikolai dropped his smile only slightly to allow an air of soberness to settle in. “How are things in your court, Camille? I do hope no missing fae or the like. It appears I hear more and more of such tragedies every day.”

She understood the question or at least, what it was meant to ask. Camille had wondered more than once if she was too green for such an important meeting at the start of her reign as High Lady, if she trusted too much if she was too soft. Many thoughts swirled around in her head. “There are a lot of tragedies at the moment,” Camille answered, soberly and more cautiously than she had with her easy laughter. “Our court still remains in mourning and I am keeping up with my father’s reports to hopefully lessen any further tragedy. Neither of us have noted any member of my court missing though,”

[springbcrn]

dawnedalerie‌:

A sympathetic I’m sorry for your loss was dangling on her lips, but in all honesty, Alerie couldn’t bring herself to say it. The woman had likely heard it so many times already - what she needed now was understanding and support. “Might I offer a piece of advice, my Lady?” She asked, eyebrow arching. “Listen to their opinions, but if your gut is telling you something - listen to it. I made the mistake of ignoring it over the years, and it has brought me and several others nothing but pain.” Now she simply reacted when it seemed right. “Then I pray to the Mother we are so fortunate. These aren’t the most ideal times to find such an important person in ones life - but would you rather not have known them for a short time then not at all?”

“I suspect even if I said no, you might give me it anyway,” was Camille’s joking response, “But I will never say no to advice,” She tilted her head considering, “I like to think that I would never not listen to my gut, that I would do what I needed to do when the time came. Still, thank you,” Camille nodded, “I’d agree, but perhaps it is the romantic in me. I’d rather know the important people in my life for a day than never at all,”

[springbcrn]

decemberdies‌:

“Oh!” A startled December shifted slightly as there was a tug under her foot. She looked down quickly to catch the fine fabric which was snagged under her. Her foot lifted immediately. “Forgive me. I didn’t even realize.” She shook her head, distracted by everything that was going on around her. “I hope that I didn’t ruin it.” She said in earnest. December may not like the fae, but that was no excuse to be petty or cruel. No, she just wanted to be distant despite the fact that it seemed an impossible task. 

“You…” The woman was familiar, but December wasn’t quite able to place her. A blossom in her stomach gave her the hint. “You’re High-” She hesitated. “High Lady?” Perhaps it was because she was born human, but December had never heard of a High Lady before. She wondered if this was the first one. “I don’t remember your name though.”

“It’s alright,” Camille shook out her skirts a little, “No, it seems like it’s fine, no harm done,” She glanced up when the other woman asked her question, at least she’d had some time to get used to the title. Though tonight seemed like the most that she’d ever been called the name in a day. “Yes that’s me,” Camille said with a nod, “New to my family’s title, but I’m Camille. Camille Blackthorn,” She studied the woman’s face looking for a trace of recognition finding none, “I’m afraid I do not know your name though,”

[springbcrn]

dawnedalerie‌:

“It certainly was neither an ideal nor easy way to ease into such a role.” She replied with a slight frown. Alerie had heard word of the former High Lord’s passing and it had left her heart aching for the other woman. “I’m sure you will take it all in stride. And unfortunately while the differing perspectives can be enriching, they can also being painfully crippling. Everyone has an opinion they want heard.” And in times that required swift action, it often meant someone needing to step up to the plate. “Perhaps the gatherings will bring some good fortunate. A mating or two? I’m sure such an affair would raise everyones spirits.” 

“It is what it is I suppose,” Camille sighed, she tried her best not to drown in her grief. She had cried so long that she thought that she might have an ocean in her eyes, but there came a point where she could not cry anymore and it had been then that Camille had started her own charge uphill. She would do what she had to do. “Maybe that’s true,” Camille conceded, “But I think people think the way they do for a reason and there’s a reason they have those opinions.” Perhaps she cared too much, perhaps she was too soft. She smiled at the mention of a mating or two, “That would be lovely I think, I’m sure that we could all do with a little happiness,”

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

     Feeling a relief that she did not take his well wishes in a worse way, Nikolai felt the tension in his shoulders fall. It was almost as if the shadows around him lightened as well, disappearing into the darkened corners of the hall. “When we are released from this mountain and done with this meeting, I owe you a tour of my Court, then,” The High Lord promised. He could not remember the last time a High Lord from the Spring Court stepped foot in the Night Court. Then again, he could not remember a time the courts really regarded the Night Court as everything but welcoming in the reign of his father. “I have not yet. I hear the prince from Macedon is quite the thorn, however. So that might be fun. Yourself?”

“I’ll make sure that you do that,” Camille chuckled, “And the same offer’s on the table for mine,” True, the Night Court had never come across as particularly cuddly, but were any of them particularly that way? “I’ve also heard tell of that,” Camille nodded, “I think it will certainly be an...interesting conversation, I can’t say I blame them for their reticence though,” 

[springbcrn]

dawnedalerie‌:

Alerie found herself taking an instant liking to the young High Lady. She loved her High Lord and had met many of the others over the years - but age and power often seemed to corrupt the minds of men. To see the role shifted was refreshing - welcomed. “The last time I was around so many different courts at once, was the previous war. I had hoped the next time such a gathering occurred it would be under better circumstance. But it’s been nice to catch up with old friends and to see what our future might hold.” That, and the Mountain felt like a solace. “What have you thought, my Lady?” 

At the mention of the last war, Camille grimaced, “My father told me tales of it and I think that everyone who remembers the last war would have hoped for the same thing,” She was only relieved that, even if they hadn’t had the best outcome there given all the death - that the right thing had prevailed. If it had done that before, it could do it again. “I thought that it is an interesting way for people outside the Spring Court to see me as High Lady for the first time,” Camille said wryly, “But it is interesting all the same, I appreciate meeting people I would not have met otherwise and the perspectives they can bring. Hopefully the next time we all meet like this can be a happier occasion,”

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

     “Oh, yes very much so.” Nikolai settled his drink down on the table as he leaned against the wall beside the drinks, crossing his arms over his chest as he nodded his head every so slightly, acting to be very much serious over this trend. “Our shops take much pleasure in sporting such dresses this season. After finishing their sewing with blood and sweat, they splay the dresses outside on the gravel and let the children on the streets run all over the skirts. It’s very up and coming.” The High Lord kept the act up until he noticed her frown and struggle for the right words. “I sent you my condolences by letter when I heard of your father’s passing. I did not know him well but it always good things. You’re going to fill his shoes beautifully, Camille.” Nikolai offered a smile, hoping to cheer her up rather than bring him down.

She could only chuckle at his joke, amused by the thought of it. “Well I’ll have to pay a visit to you there sometime and see this practise,” Camille nodded at Nikolai’s words, an almost wistful smile on her face. The letters of condolences that had come had piled up, Camille had done her best to respond to all of them personally as quickly as possible. “And it was kind of you to send them,” She answered. Only a matter of weeks into being High Lady and she’d been thrown into something like this, it was certainly being thrown in at the deep end. Well didn’t pressure form pearls. “Thank you Nikolai,” She said sincerely, “I’m going to do my best, I’m lucky - I have a good court behind me. It’s only a matter of being the leader that they deserve,” She glanced around, “Have you spoken to any of the humans yet? I haven’t had the chance to,”

[springbcrn]

dawnedalerie‌:

Between the socializing and the spins around the dance floor, Alerie somehow managed to misplace her goblet of wine. Drifting over to the nearest table, she as in the midst of pursuing not only the beverages but the fresh fruit that looked all to delectable to upturn when someone spoke. “Oh!” Shuffling to the side, a blush worked its way up her throat upon realizing exactly whose gown she’d been stepping on. “High Lady Blackthorn, forgive me.” Offering a sheepish smile, Alerie hugged her new goblet of wine to her chest. “If it’s any constellation, it doesn’t look to be in any disrepair, and even if it were, you would undoubtedly still be as lovely as a spring rose.”

“It’s alright,” Camille was quick to reassure, shaking off her dress a little - proving that there was no lasting damage. “No harm done, so I can forgive you,” She joked. She shook her head, laughing at the compliment, “You are too kind, though I try my best,” Camille was on occasion modest, she knew of her own prettiness but it simply was a fact - she didn’t revel in it like some might be prone to do. “Are you having an enjoyable evening?” She asked pleasantly, “I think it’s certainly new to all of us,”

[springbcrn]

highlordnikolai‌:

   Going through the motions of playing the ever so polite and welcoming High Lord to include everybody, well perhaps everybody but Silas Ruminor, was running Nikolai’s energy thin so late in the evening. He had wandered to the table assorted in different liquors and wine, feeling the tension roll of his shoulders at the sight of easy relief. There were many others milling about the table searching for the same grasp of freedom from the toll of the meeting, an abundance of different colors, shades and assortments both familiar and not. He reached across the table for a specific decanter in mind to fill the empty goblet in his hand when a voice beside him alerted him. His gaze dropped on Camille Blackthorn and then to his foot on the skirt of her dress. Raising his eyebrows, he instantly stepped back, spilling some contents of the bottle in one hand across the table. With a laugh, Nikolai shook his head. 

   “ What a mess, ” he set the bottle down to snap his fingers and in a flash the spilled wine was gone, revealing the table untouched as if nothing happened. “ Apologies, Camille. It is a beautiful dress, although I heard footprints on the skirts is a new up and coming trend, ” the High Lord mused, an effort to alleviate any unwanted tension. “How are you holding up?” Questioning how she was enduring the warmup to the meeting and both the death of her father but she would let her answer to whichever she felt most comfortable with.

She shook her head at Nikolai, amused as the wine was spilled and then gone again. “I had not heard,” Camille said dryly, “I’ll have to make a note of it and I do pride myself on being a trendsetter after all,” One could never say that the High Lady of the Spring Court was plain or out of touch after all. “Are footprints on skirt the latest thing in the Night Court?” She couldn’t help but tease.

His next question...well it didn’t stump her, she’d had a lot of pleasantries passed and it was always a polite smile when it came to asking how she was doing, a very well thank you. There was a marked difference between that and how she was holding up.

“I’m -,” Camille frowned, trying to find the right words for the scenario. “I’m dealing with things, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a...strange feeling at the moment, but I have hope that this meeting will lead to...great things. Even if it is a little odd right now,” That was always the hope wasn’t it and Camille tried to take the positive road where she could.

[springbcrn]

It felt strange to celebrate, strange when by all rights it ought to have been her father still here. Camille was dressed in her muted shades as a mark of mourning, a few short weeks and time it seemed had done nothing to heal her yet. It still felt raw and open, but she was here and she would be strong enough for this. She had to be. 

She was a social creature by nature so Camille had done her best to talk to as many people as possible, it was why they were here weren’t they? To deal with Hybern as a unit, not a divided force. Still, she’d taken a pause to take a drink and moved to step away, but something was preventing her and the blonde turned. 

“You’re standing on my dress,” She said with one of her soft, sweet smiles. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t, I’m fond of this one,”

[springbcrn]

Japanese Bloodgrass: When was the last time you drew blood, either from yourself or from another? What was the reason?

“I pricked my finger on the rose bushes, a silly accident I know but it made me bleed and caused everyone to worry.”

[springbcrn]

📋 + 10

- She smiles when she’s nervous.

- Camille makes a point to treat everyone kindly, even if they don’t treat her so. True, she’s kind but it’s easier to win loyalty with kindness than the fear that her father tended towards.

- She’s very proud of all of her gardens and helps tend them personally.

- Camille has often wondered what it would be like to be in love.

- She’s ready to get to grips with her own abilities, after her father couldn’t help her for so long after Hybern’s spell.

- Camille is a very giggly girl.

- Her handwriting can vary, usually it’s pretty neat but it can get very illegible at times.

- Her knowledge of plants is pretty thorough, she’s almost an encyclopedia. 

- She’s a pretty frivolous spender and doesn’t think much about her money.

- She feels out of her depth as High Lady, especially because of how new she is to it.

[springbcrn]

☾ ☠ ▼

☾ - sleep headcanon

Camille is an early riser, she’s up with the dawn. She sleeps pretty well but by the time sunlight comes cracking through her curtains, she’s up and ready to start her day. Usually she ends up being the first person awake in the house.

☠ - angry/violent headcanon

She’s not a violent person or Camille has never really had reason to, yet. She knows with war coming it seems almost inevitable but the act of raising her hand against another person is something she finds distasteful.