#drusillablackthorn

[lossecretosdeblackthornhall]

Kit a Dru

Texto original de Cassandra Clare ©

Traducción de la imágenes de Niloa Gray ©

ATENCIÓN: no se permite hacer Drives ni PDFs de “Los Secretos de Blackthorn Hall” por Copyright. Cualquier infringimiento va contra la ley.

[julescarstairs]

Dru: what’s something that’s appropriate to say at a wedding that isn’t appropriate to say at a funeral?

Julian: this is the happiest day of my life!

Emma: doesn’t she look lovely in that dress?

Livvy: I knew he’d be the one

Mark: you’re next!

[let-me-write]

The Truth Untold

Find chapters 1 2 3 here

Chapter 4:  Blindsided

Drusilla Blackthorn looked forward to finally be a part of a mission but that came second only to meeting her brother again. What awaits her at the New York Institute?

The black car rolled determinedly through the Manhattan traffic, making lethargic progress, in an endless sea of cabs.

Though it has been two years since Dru had joined the academy, she has been to the New York Institute only once before. She was excited about the mission obviously but not as much as for seeing her brother again.

She and her brother Ty had gotten closer since the unfortunate events at Idris. She would be meeting him after a long time; what with their breaks never aligning.

Beside her, Thais was immersed in her book, occasionally glancing up to notice their progress on road.

Louis, on the wheel, was trying his best not to hit the cab in front of him, despite its erratic manoeuvres. He must be regretting this new American experience, Dru thought.

Of course, this miserable journey of theirs could have been avoided, if they had come through a portal. Well, hard luck for them, since portals were being regulated and they stayed within the state, unlike the centurions.

It was fifteen more minutes before they reached the gothic cathedral, which was the New York Institute. She had loved it on her first visit. Now, she observed it admiringly, captivated by the building's mystic charm.

Thais joined her behind the car, to collect all their belongings. Louis offered to carry their weapons trunk. They didn't refuse as he could get pushy, in an awkwardly polite way. It's best to let him carry on his "gentlemanly duties".

Dru followed her friend through the entrance. Thais whistled, amazed, now that they were closer.

"This place seems right up our alley, doesn't it Dru bear ?"

Dru scoffed at the new nickname. She could count on Thais to be ridiculous, irrespective of the place.

She replied to the other girl, "Oh, we're definitely watching that slasher film here. There's no other perfect setting". Dru was glad at the moment that she had a friend, who appreciated her morbid interests.

As soon as they pushed the door open to the institute, they were greeted with the sight of four shadowhunters - all in gear and immersed in a serious discussion.

Isabelle noticed them first and greeted them with a smile. She placed her hand on Simon's arm to stop him from speaking further.

Of course, the adults didn't want to traumatize them, she thought sourly.

Meanwhile, Jace and Clary rushed towards them in a coordinated manner. Clary pulled her into a hug which she returned awkwardly.

Thais Pedroso, to her right, was comparing her biceps with Jace, who was equally indulgent.

This wasn't new for them both...well, Jace had been to the academy for guest lectures before, and Thais-for reasons unknown-had declared her intention to best him in muscle building, of all things.

Dru shook her head. She must give up analyzing her friend's actions, gradually.

Soon, Isabelle and Simon joined them. Simon inquired about Beatriz and Catarina, and sincerely empathized with their travails at the academy.

After a few minutes of these formalities, Dru and Thais were shown to their room. It was a huge room with two beds in opposite corners. The two girls settled in and wondered if Louis made it into the institute.

Louis Rayhorn was from the Brussels institute. He had an easygoing and helpful attitude which should have technically made him popular...but sadly, he was also nosy and emitted an uneasy aura.

He was an able shadowhunter but an okayish companion. They were one of the only ones, who didn't mind his company. Because, Louis, for all his eccentricities, was their well-intentioned friend.

Thais worried now, " What if he got into trouble or worse, lost?"

Dru frowned, " I don't think Clary and Jace would abandon him. They knew he was coming too."

The other girl continued as if Dru hadn't spoken, " Let's go explore the institute. Find the weapons room. Maybe we'll find him there"

Dru nodded. She was still in the process of figuring out her signature weapon. Maybe, a look at the extensive collections of the New York Institute would help.

They roamed two floors aimlessly before stumbling upon a metal door with seraph blades carved on it.

" Very subtle" observed Thais. She pulled the handle and let herself in. Dru followed.

At once she stepped in, she heard her friend exclaim " Oh there he is!! I'm glad you made it here intact!! "

Dru followed Thais' gaze to the back of the room.

In front of a huge wooden trunk stood two figures; Louis was facing them and beside him, she saw a blond head diving into the trunk.

Must be Jace, she thought, but then realized that there was something odd about his physique.

Louis interjected her thoughts with his " Oh hey girls!! I was about to ask Christopher here to show me to my room. If not for him, I would have been wandering cluelessly"

Dru was perplexed, Wait, Christopher!?

Just then, the blond boy pulled himself upright and turned towards them.

Dru gasped...her mind was reeling.

The boy in front of her was taller, muscular, and held himself in an unmistakable Shadowhunter gait.

But his eyes; they gave it away...he was Kit...Kit Herondale was standing before her, older but still the same.

Kit Herondale looked equally unnerved as her, his blue eyes widening in surprise. 'Dru ' he mouthed.

Dru wasn't going to let him continue. She stormed towards him.

" What are you doing here?" she asked not too politely.

Kit's face was imperceptible. He seemed to be mulling over this question. He sighed before answering " I am here to be a part of the mission, same as you Dru "

He tried to avoid her eyes while talking.

Of course, he's lying! she noted with frustration; He hasn't changed at all since then.

Suddenly a warm hand pressed against her left arm. She turned around to see Thais looking concerned.

Dru inhaled sharply. She didn't want to do this here. Not now...

She turned around abruptly and left the room, hurrying down the hallway.

She had wanted to ask Kit: Why did you leave without a farewell? Why did you lie to me about my sister?

But they got lost in the thoughts that bombarded her now...

What if Ty sees him? He's going to get hurt again...Oh, what should I do? What should I do?

In the past, she had wanted to punch Kit if she met him again...for hiding the truth from her...and later on, for abandoning her brother.

Her brother, Ty... he might be here already!!

What if he's shocked by Kit's presence?  He wouldn't know, just like her, and he won't handle such surprises well.

Maybe she could get to him before he stumbled upon Kit.

She was walking fast and unaware of where she was going until she reached the end of a hallway. There was a massive wooden door.

She was about to turn back when she heard tense whispers from behind the door.

Dru inched towards the door warily.

She heard a female voice " I am quite sure of my source"

Then, a male voice commented, " 'Something precious' huh?...the last time that was used, it turned out to be Ash Morgenstern"

It was Jace.

Clary's solemn voice added, " It won't be him again, obviously... Emma and Julian saw him stay in Thule."

Ash Morgenstern...

Dru remembered Jules and Emma talking about the Seelie Queen and Sebastian's son-after they had returned from Thule.

What does he have to do with anything now?

She was startled from her thoughts by fast-approaching footsteps.

She looked up dubiously.

Sigh...It was only Thais. Dru pulled her away from the door and into a dimly-lit corridor.

Thais looked at her with indignation. " I came looking for you, Dru!!", she said.

And continued, " By the way, are you alright? I guess you've met Christopher before...I was worried there...I've never seen you act this way"

Dru took a deep breath and looked at her friend's dark brown eyes, filled with concern.

She answered " Don't worry, I'm quite alright, Thais... Yes, I know him. And his name is Kit by the way"

"Okayy...what's really up with you and mini-Jace there?" asked her friend.

Dru wasn't ready to talk about this. She had to look for Ty anyway.

She asked instead, " Thais, do you know when the centurions would be arriving?"

Thais nodded, " Oh, I'm pretty sure they're here already. In fact, I saw a glimpse of a portal in the entrance, on my way"

By the time she could finish, they heard a loud bang from the front of the institute. They jumped in surprise and moments later, both of them were hurrying towards the foyer.

Dru exited the hallway first, only to find a huge commotion.

There was a pileup of scattered weapons, interspersed with people on the floor.

She saw Louis in the dead centre, with a couple of centurions lying beside him. He seemed to be unhurt.

None of them looked injured, only bewildered.

She suddenly realized, her brother must be in this chaos.

Before she could scan the room for him, she caught a glimpse of a flash of light and a hiss of pain.

She turned impulsively towards her left to find Ty in the corner, standing behind a pillar.

She noticed him holding someone towards the wall, away from a metal shelf that had fallen to the floor. The heavy shelf had made a substantial dent on the floor. It could have severely injured the person.

She walked towards him, only to find that Ty had pushed none other than Kit- away from the shelf's path.

Besides, Ty looked visibly anxious... Dru then noticed with dread that Kit Herondale had slumped down against the wall.

Tagging @tsccreatorsnet and @uzumakiswaathi - Thank you for beta-reading and being wonderful 💕

[sarahwatts20]

Dru laid her hand on Livvy’s door, as if she could feel her sister’s heartbeat through the wood.

[itshadowhunters-blog]

The Shadowhunter Chronicles Celebration

Week 3 - The Dark Artifices

Day 4 - Most underrated character

Dru. <333

[lossecretosdeblackthornhall]

Ty a Dru

Hola Dru,

He vuelto de Londres, y Julian y Emma me han dicho que te diga “hola” y también que “te mandan su amor”. Pero esta no es la parte importante de la carta, lo cual está más adelante. Pero no deberías ir a esa parte, te explicaré el por qué pronto.

Blackthorn Hall es bastante bonito. Es grande y vieja, y muchas partes aún no funcionan bien, pero Emma y Jules han hecho mucho para hacer que luzca bonita. Hay muchas habitaciones. Elegí una para mí, que se llama el "dormitorio gris", pero en realidad todos los dormitorios son algo grises. Dijeron que es para que podamos pintarlas si queremos, serán nuestras habitaciones y podremos decorarlas como queramos.

Tendrás que elegir la que quieras cuando la visites, pero he encontrado una que apuesto a que será tu favorita. Tiene vistas a los jardines, que creo que será lo último que se arregle, por lo que seguirá teniendo un aspecto espeluznante durante un tiempo. Están todas estas estatuas rotas con plantas que crecen sobre ellas, como si trataran de matarlas. Como si hubieran conseguido matar las estatuas. Parece que si vas caminando por allí las enredaderas te envolverían y te arrastrarían bajo tierra. Te encantará.

No dormí bien antes de viajar a Londres y ahora creo que fue porque estaba preocupado.  Anush dice que nuestro cuerpo a menudo nos dice cómo nos sentimos incluso cuando nuestra mente no es consciente de ello. Como cuando sientes náuseas antes de un examen importante. Probablemente sabes a qué me refiero.

Pero estuvo bien. Especialmente ver a Jules y Emma. No me había dado cuenta de lo mucho que les echaba de menos hasta que los vi. Creo que lo sentí como dice Anush, como una extraña presión en el pecho que se fue cuando Jules me abrazó. Quizá a ti te pase lo mismo. O tal vez ya sabes lo mucho que los extrañas. De todas formas pensé que era importante decir que yo también los extraño y que será bonito cuando podamos estar todos juntos en la misma casa de nuevo. Creo que a Irene también le gustará estar allí.

El mapa de Ragnor fue de gran ayuda, así que fue bueno que viniera. Encontró un par de lugares en Londres para buscar más de estos objetos malditos, así que eso es un paso más eliminar la maldición. Lo sé, sería genial vivir en una casa maldita. Pero no sería justo para Rupert el Fantasma, ya que está atrapado allí. Y de todos modos hay todo este trabajo de renovación que los constructores no harán hasta que se levante la maldición. Y sería bueno que el techo de la casa no goteara. Eso podría ser un poco demasiado sombrío incluso para ti.

Ya hemos hablado de las habitaciones, de la casa y de Ragnor, así que si alguien pregunta puedes decirle que esas son las cosas que hemos hablado. Hemos llegado a la parte donde tengo que contarte cosas importantes, pero quería que tuvieras información que pudieras compartir en caso de que alguien te preguntara si habías tenido noticias mías. Es decir, si alguien importante te pregunta. Si alguien que no conocemos te pregunta, Anush dice que puedes decir "haz como un árbol y vete", lo cual no entiendo pero dice que seguro que funcionará.

A lo importante. Rupert el Fantasma. Realmente no estaba pensando cuando escribí antes lo de que será bueno que estemos todos juntos. Quiero decir, lo será, pero no es tan simple, al menos para mí. Verás... Rupert vio a Livvy. No se estaba escondiendo ni nada, y no actuó sorprendida de que él la viera. Pero he pasado tanto tiempo preocupado por que otras, ya sabes, personas vivas la descubrieran. Ni siquiera se me había ocurrido que, por supuesto, hay fantasmas en todas partes, en todo el mundo, y todos ellos sabrán que ella está allí. Los fantasmas de la escuela la conocen, por supuesto, pero Edvard y Prudence son muy reservados y nadie les presta atención. Prudence siempre está en la biblioteca fingiendo que archiva libros (o realmente archivando libros de fantasmas, no lo sé) y Edvard camina lentamente por los pasillos y apenas habla. A veces se queja, pero eso es sólo una queja suya.

Rupert y Livvy han tenido un par de conversaciones los dos solos, supongo que sobre cosas de fantasmas. Ella dice que le hizo prometer que no diría nada sobre verla, pero los fantasmas pueden mentir. ¿Y si le dice algo a Emma o a Julian? ¿Y si se da cuenta de que hay algo raro en la forma en que Livvy es un fantasma y lo menciona?

La cosa es que no es sólo Rupert. Incluso si se queda callado, ya casi hice sospechar a Emma al hablar yo mismo con Livvy. Tuve que decirle que estaba hablando contigo por teléfono. Sé lo de Rupert y sé lo de Edvard y Prudence, pero puede haber fantasmas en cualquier lugar al que vaya, y si hay alguien más y empieza a interactuar con Livvy voy a tener que dar explicaciones. Me acostumbré a que Edvard y Prudence la ignoraran, pero Rupert se metió en el dormitorio y le preguntó quién era.

Livvy dice que no me preocupe. Me recuerda que cualquier Cazador puede ver fantasmas que quieren ser vistos, como Edvard y Prudence, pero que es mucho más difícil ver a un fantasma que no quiere ser visto, y eso es la mayoría de los fantasmas. Dice que Rupert quería ser visto —primero por Emma y Jules y luego por Livvy y por mí, aunque sólo Livvy lo ha visto con claridad— pero que si no lo hubiera hecho, yo nunca habría sabido que estaba allí. Dice que es capaz de ocultarse de casi toda la gente (incluso de Jace, y él tiene poderes latentes para ver fantasmas), e incluso es capaz de ocultarse de muchos fantasmas. Y que incluso si la ven, no necesariamente sabrán quién es, no es que los fantasmas puedan identificarse entre sí. Y dice que si tiene que hacerlo, simplemente les mentirá.

Me dijo muchas cosas tranquilizadoras. Pero aun así me dio una sensación extraña, que creo que es mi cuerpo diciéndole a mi cerebro que tengo miedo. Si Julian y Emma se enteraran de lo de Livvy, no sólo se enfadarían. Sentirían que tendrían que hacer algo, como ponerla a descansar. La gente no cree que los fantasmas puedan ser felices, pero Livvy es feliz. Me ayuda con el trabajo y me da consejos para Anush (está enamorado de Nasha, la hermana de Rayan) y cuando estamos solos jugamos o le leo. Ella no puede hacerlo todo, pero ¿por qué iba a ser mejor que estuviera muerta? Todo el mundo lo llama "descanso" pero nadie lo sabe realmente, ¿verdad?

Tal vez se te ocurra algo. Dime que se te ocurre algo.

Con amor,

Tiberius

Texto original de Cassandra Clare ©

Traducción del texto de Niloa Gray ©

ATENCIÓN: no se permite hacer Drives ni PDFs de “Los Secretos de Blackthorn Hall” por Copyright. Cualquier infringimiento va contra la ley.

[julescarstairs]

TDA Royalty AU: Royal Wedding

Everything had lead up to this moment, Emma thought, clasping her hands in front of her. Her and Julian had spent months planning this wedding. They had spent several nights laying together, watching the stars wink down at them, murmuring softly to each other over wedding arrangements: Where will we wed? What food will we eat? Who will we invite? Where shall we travel for our honeymoon? Julian had requested only one thing: that they wedded in gold. When Emma asked why, he had looked up at her from his sketchpad, lit by soft candlelight on his bedside table, and said, “I had a dream about it once. You understand how I am with my dreams, Emma.”

And Emma did. They had shared stories of their dreams for as long as she could remember, but Julian’s dreams had always been rather bizarre. He spoke of black clad warriors carrying swords and stones which shone as if they were carved out of moonlight. He spoke of black marks burnt into their skin, each working to achieve different effects. He spoke of one mark he had seen frequently in his dreams, even drawn it on paper for her. Although it was an absolutely absurd shape, Emma had felt a sudden familiarity towards it, like a splash of cold water to her face. It sent a bittersweet sensation through her, as if the mark could do great good, but also great evil. When she asked him what it meant, he simply looked at her and shrugged, a crooked smile on his face. She had never told Julian that on some nights, she dreamt of the exact same things. They were too coherent to be just dreams—but Emma had no way of following these things up, so why talk about them?

Nonetheless, they had decided upon a gold wedding as opposed to a white wedding, and Emma now stood inside the palace with Jem Carstairs, waiting for her cue. Jem had offered to walk her down the aisle, as her father should have, being her final remaining family member, and Emma had accepted immediately. She had, for so long, visualised walking the aisle alone, but here she was, about to walk it with a member of her family – and not just any member of her family: the current King of the Carstairs Kingdom. Looking up at the large doors leading outside, Emma imagined what the scene on the other side of it: Julian, anxiously waiting for her, the other Blackthorns and other close royal families – the Herondales and the Fairchilds, among others – chatting quietly among themselves before the ceremony began. She looked down at her golden gown, and then at the yellow diamond ring on her finger, and then at Jem, “Do you think I am perhaps too yellow? Blonde hair, golden dress, golden ring…”

Jem laughed, a soft, musical sound, “Emma, you look beautiful. You are his golden girl, after all. You need not worry about your appearance.” He reached up and fixed one of the yellow-and-white blooms that had been woven through her hair, “If I may ask, what made you choose a golden wedding as opposed to a white one?”

“It was something we both dreamt of,” Emma said, and when Jem paused, she elaborated, “As in—something both of us would have loved to see happen. White weddings are just… bland, you know?”

“Not all white weddings are bland,” he said, but was still smiling a quiet smile, “Nevertheless, all I wanted to say was that a golden wedding is a marvellous idea.” Before Emma could respond, there was a gentle knock on the door in front of them. It was time. A knot twisted in Emma’s stomach as nerves – and excitement – settled in, and she looked down at her shaking hands. She had imagined and reimagined this day every night for weeks, and yet now her mind was blank of those fantasies. But her mind was still racing with all the what ifs known to the world, and she had to clasp her hands together to cease their shaking. Jem offered her his arm, and smiled encouragingly down at her, “You’ll be fine, mei mei. Come, let us go.” Emma took his arm, and had to squint against the sunlight as the doors were pulled open. She gasped.

Everybody was there, just as she had imagined, the guests seated in white chairs facing the other end of the aisle. As her and Jem began to walk up the aisle, she saw Clary’s red hair tied up atop her head, Jace’s blond head like a halo in the afternoon light, Tessa’s grey eyes fixed on her as she turned around, and even Kit’s sharp gaze on her, among many other eager faces. Tavvy sat in a chair in the front row with Helen and Aline, peeking over the back of the chair at Emma. She couldn’t help but smile, as she turned to look straight ahead. On one side of the platform at the end of the aisle stood Cristina, Livia and Drusilla, decked out in beautiful white bridesmaid dresses. They, too, had white flowers woven through their hair. Livia, her maid of honour, clasped her hands together with glee as her eyes laid on Emma, and Dru smiled softly at her. Cristina smiled at her, too, and gave an encouraging nod. Emma and Cristina had grown closer over the past few months, since Cristina spent more time at the Blackthorn Palace to be with Mark. Cristina and Emma’s friendship had been fast-tracked so much that Cristina had ended up the person subject to Emma’s pre-wedding meltdowns. What if I mess up? What if it all goes terribly wrong?

Mark stood on the other side of the platform, the left side, just behind his brother, and Ty stood next to him. Emma remembered the look on Mark’s face when Julian had asked he and Ty if they would be his best men – “because I don’t want to have to pick just one of you.” He had looked honoured beyond belief, and flung his arms around his brother, squeezing him tightly. Emma had felt a tear sting at her eye as she watched the intimate moment. Emma’s gaze fell on Julian, now, and she had to blink frantically to stop tears of joy from spilling down her cheeks.

He looked beautiful. Clad in gold and white, with his crown stark atop his head, he was looking down at her with a smile that he saved only for her. Now everybody could see that smile, and it made Emma’s heart flutter. He was framed by an archway of white and gold flowers, spotted with some red blooms here and there. His eyes were glittering; she could see that from where she stood. Emma smiled, unable to stop herself. She was smiling so hard that her cheeks hurt as she joined Julian on the platform. Julian removed her wedding veil from her face, smiling even wider than before, and then took her hands in his.

The Marriage Officiant looked between the two of them – he was a small, thin man with a heavily lined face and a mouth that seemed eternally set in a hard line – and then opened the book in his hands, “We are gathered here today in celebration of the wedded union of two royal families: the Carstairs and the Blackthorns. We stand here today to remember these families alone, and to watch as their histories are tied together for the future. We will witness the forging of two souls: the souls of Princess Emma Cordelia Carstairs and Prince Julian Atticus Blackthorn.”

Julian squeezed Emma’s hands, and Emma raised her head to look into his eyes. She wasn’t sure why she’d even looked away. His eyes held a question: Are you alright?

She nodded, still grinning. Yes.

The Wedding Officiant had begun to natter on about the unique histories of the Blackthorn and Carstairs’ royal families, but Emma had drowned him out. For a moment there was only her and Julian standing together on the platform. All of her attention was on his face – the unique curves and contours of it, the light freckles on his cheekbones, the way his nose sometimes crinkled when he smiled teasingly at her, even the light crease between his eyebrows that seemed to always be there, reminiscent of the concern he held for her and the ones he loved. She so badly wanted to kiss him and be done with it, so that it was sealed and done, so that they could go off on their honeymoon. They were planning to head south, where it was cooler (as it turns out, the south is colder than the north, which only became an inside joke between Emma and Jace considering that ‘Lady Goldpine’ had deemed the north dreadfully cold.) They had planned it so they would be there in time to watch the first snowfall of the season. Julian had insisted on bringing his paints and a small canvas so he could paint her in the snow. Emma, on the contrary, couldn’t wait to form a ball of snow and throw it at him. She wanted them to have fun and be youthful whilst they could.

“Emma Carstairs,” the Officiant said, drawing Emma out of her reverie. She would have scowled at him for ruining her daydream but then realised why he had called her name, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you pledge your heart and soul to be his, your loyalty forever in his favour? Do you promise to remain beside him until death does you apart?”

Emma nodded, looking back at Julian tenderly, “I do.”

The Officiant turned to Julian, “And you, Julian Blackthorn, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? You place your heart and soul in her hands, your loyalty forever in her favour? You promise to remain by her side until she is taken to places beyond which you can follow?” Emma really was wondering why they lingered on the idea of either of them dying for so long. Maybe death and grief was a tender aspect of marriage? It didn’t feel like it. She would never want to live in a world without Julian in it. He was her world.

Julian nodded, not taking his eyes off of Emma for a second. She was consciously aware of his thumb running over the back of her hand, “I do.”

Emma heard Livvy quietly squeak behind them, unable to contain her excitement. You know what? Me too, Livvy, she thought, I’d be squealing with you, too, if I could.

The Officiant nodded, “Then we shall proceed with the exchanging of the rings, and the crowning.”

The Crowning. Because Emma was marrying into another royal family, she was dubbed a Duchess. So that made her a Knight, a Princess and a Duchess. Emma’s head spun. She had far too many titles for one person.

Mark appeared beside them, holding open a box lined with velvet pillows. Within it were two rings, golden bands that caught the light as they were picked up. Much like Emma’s engagement ring, they had patterns of the crenelles of a castle intertwined with thorned vines on them, but they were more heavily engraved and easily seen. Emma gently took Julian’s hand and slid the ring onto his finger, unable to hold herself back any longer. Then, Julian took her hand and slid on her ring. It joined her engagement ring, like a perfect pair, on her finger. She looked up at Julian again, who looked utterly wired. She could see the energy thrumming through him, could feel it in the tension of his hands. She so badly wanted to wrap herself up in him, but no, she had to wait a little moment longer.

Andrew Blackthorn had arrived sometime then, carrying a tiara delicately in his hands. The base of it was the same as all of the other Blackthorns’ crowns: black, with a pattern of thorns. He stood tall, as a King always should, and Emma bowed her head to let him put her tiara atop it. It fit almost frighteningly well, and she willed herself not to reach up and touch it in wonder. Andrew’s hand came down gently on her shoulder, and he smiled at her, “You have always been a member of our family, my daughter-in-law.”

Emma smiled back at him, inclining her head gratefully. Then, she turned back to face Julian, whose appreciative gaze was temporarily on his father. When Julian looked back at her, his eyes flicked up to look at the tiara atop her head briefly. Then he stepped closer to her, his eyes on hers once again. The Officiant, who was now smiling a soft, small grin, said, “You may now kiss the bride.”

There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. Emma wasn’t sure who had moved forward first, but that didn’t matter. They had both stepped forward and found each other’s lips in a passionate kiss. Emma’s hands went up, looping around his neck, and in a swift movement Julian picked her up to carry her bridal style, not breaking the kiss for a moment. She sucked in a gasp and her face went hot, her eyes opening wide for a moment. Julian was grinning impishly down at her. He winked, and then brought his head down to kiss her again. Since when did you get so suave? Emma thought to herself, not without affection.

Emma lost herself in the sheer joy surrounding her and Julian, kissing him fiercely as if to let the world know he was hers – because he was, and now always would be – as the cheers and applause of all the onlookers echoed across the palace grounds.

[let-me-write]

The Truth Untold

Find chapters 1 2 here

Chapter 3: The Consequence of What-ifs

Kit Herondale stood in front of the towering old cathedral, wondering if his presence here was warranted. He had been deliberating under this street lamp for what felt like hours.

Tessa had opened a portal from Devon for him. He sighed now, opening the gates to the gothic building...it was time to go in. They would be waiting for him.

The New York Institute never failed to awe him, despite his several visits. It was magnificent in its height, overwhelming even in the dusk light. It donned an air of mystery that pulled you in, while its eerie facade terrified you from any thought of approaching it.

Kit couldn't help but compare it with the only other institutes he was familiar with: The Los Angeles and London Institutes. All three churches, except, the latter two somehow blended with their surroundings. This one though stood out like a sore thumb in the busy Manhattan neighbourhood.

In one of his past visits, he had thought that this would be the obvious abode of a sinister supervillain in a low-budget thriller. He had been almost right... He had learnt later from Simon that the mundane facade of the institute, had indeed been the backdrop for a few indie horror movies.

He opened the door to the Institute and was greeted with the familiar voices of Jace and Clary.

" Jace, calm down. It's not a big deal. This is not Kit's first time. Stop it or I'm calling Simon to record this...you wouldn't like one of those edits again would you? "

"I'm obliged to acquaint him with the traditions of our legendary family, Clary. Not even you could stop me..."

Kit exhaled heavily.

He wasn't ready to take in his cousin's shenanigans now. He moved further ahead, before stopping near the landing where the heads of the institute were busy arguing, oblivious to Kit's presence. He cleared his throat and said, " Hello Clary, need some help? "

Clary turned around surprised, " Kit !! You're here. I'm so glad to see you ", she patted his arm excitedly. She continued, " Well, yes, I need your help" and gestured at the head of her fiancé.

Jace was wearing a ridiculous headgear, with a monstrous-looking duck adorning it. Of course, he was...

Jace had taken it upon himself to sensitise Kit to the sacred traditions of the Herondales since he had learnt that Kit - to his absolute horror- loved ducks. He is yet to cease in his campaign to dissuade Kit from the "demonic birds".

Kit wished he had a normal cousin; except not really...then who else would be capable of distracting him-so spectacularly-from his worries. He felt a flush of warmth towards Jace.

Jace was leaning forward to hug him now. Kit reciprocated with a quick hug.

Jace then looked at him up and down while commenting, " Christopher, I see you have buffed up since I saw you last. I'm glad my mentoring has worked "

Kit shrugged nonchalantly.

He took that as an affirmation and grinned all self-satisfied. " I've made all the necessary arrangements for your stay here. You will have a splendid time, well, apart from the mission " he assured.

Kit just stared.

He raised his eyebrows, noting Kit's quiet demeanour and shared a look with Clary. He said " We had planned to have a take-out dinner. Why don't you join us? "

Kit smiled at him with a nod, before reaching up to pull the duck hat from Jace's head and donning it on his own. He said with a cheeky grin, " Thank you, Jace, for such a thoughtful gift. You have satisfied my adoration for duck collectables of all forms. Get me a dragon duck next time "

Jace groaned aloud, while Clary burst out laughing.

...........................................................................

The dinner had been a quiet affair, after which Kit had been introduced to his room at the Institute. He sat there on his new bed, pondering over his observations of the night.

He had noticed that the residents of the Institute were quite exhausted, in spite of their enthusiasm at his arrival. It was evident from Clary's dark circles and Jace's wild hair. There was a tense nature to their stances, ready to spring at the slightest hint of danger.

It was to be expected since they were helping Alec's Clave-in-exile, besides dealing with the new development in the streets of New York.

Downworlders were getting killed in the past few months, in isolated incidents. The only clue was that the modus operandi matched the murder of a downworlder couple three years ago.

The Conclave of New York had strengthened and increased the frequencies of their patrols to prevent further losses. Special patrols under the Downworlder-Shadowhunter alliance had been constituted for the purpose. In fact, Clary and Jace had gone for the same tonight.

They had declined Kit's offer to join, citing his unfamiliarity with the city. Besides, he could start his patrols for the mission once the others arrived, they said.

The others...the Centurions, would arrive early tomorrow.

The thought made Kit almost queasy.

He would be meeting Ty after a long time. He didn't know how they would get past the awkwardness between them.

He wondered if Ty would even recognize him.

Kit fiddled with the paper in his pocket. He took it out and smoothed the worn-out edges.

Ty had sent the message a week ago. He had been curious and slightly concerned when he had realized it was Ty's.

He had read it numerous times since then...

He reread now while tracing each word with his finger:

Dear Christopher,

I have been assigned my first mission in New York, to investigate mysterious energy emanating from the Shadow Market there. I believe there's a link between Barnabas Hale and this phenomenon.

I trust you will understand me when I tell you, I couldn't help but think of you. I remember your familiarity and ease in dealing with the denizens of the Shadow Market.

Hence, as the leader, I am requesting you to accompany us on this mission. Your inputs would be highly appreciated and you would be a valuable addition to the team.

Besides, it is not an exclusive mission for the Centurions. Students of the Shadowhunter Academy will also be a part of it...Dru will be there.

I'm not sure if you would read this or would even consider coming but I hope you do.

If you do, please come to the New York Institute next week.

Regards,

Tiberius Blackthorn

It was the most formal, any communication between them had ever been.

He had hated it; hated that Ty was distant now and that he was needed only for a mission by the other boy.

It had made him feel miserable.

But, he couldn't help the tiny hope that arose in his heart, at a chance to meet Ty again and the thought of Ty needing him for something, even as trivial as his familiarity with the Shadow Market.

He sighed, disappointed with himself...his innate desire to be a part of Ty's life, to mean something to him...it had never disappeared.

After he had received the message, he hadn't been sure if it was real or just a manifestation of his wishful thinking.

He had then stayed cooped up in his room, holding onto the message, keeping a watch so that it didn't disappear.

Logically, he knew he shouldn't go. He had a life at Devon with his loving family, untouched by any harm courtesy of his legacy.

Unfortunately, his mind had refused to budge from the What-ifs...

What if this was his last chance to meet Ty in the flesh? What if they ended up never talking to each other till they died? or worse, What if he didn't get to see Ty ever again?

Those had terrified him.

Then, he had been haunted by a particular memory, when he had believed he was dying, after the encounter with the Riders of Mannan. He had tried to ask Emma then - with what he had believed to be his last breath - to " Tell Ty that I am sorry "

Dread had filled his mind: What if he fails to ask Ty for his forgiveness, for not being a good friend, for letting him endanger himself, just because Kit didn't want to be left out and for making him cry with his harsh words?

It was long overdue and Ty deserved to know, except Kit was clueless on how to act on that.

He had decided then that his participation in the mission could be the first step towards it, at least, in opening up a dialogue between them.

It wouldn't be an easy task, it would hurt him to be so close to Ty.

But Kit was willing to try, to act, which he had failed to do in the past years.

It was hard at first, to convince Jem and Tessa. They were concerned at his sudden interest in a mission and feared for his safety.

To them, Kit's safety was the priority and they worried about him attracting dangerous attention if he left Devon, alone.

Kit had assured them that it would be a short mission and besides " Where else would I get to show off my Shadowhunter training? I think it will be a good opportunity, Jem " he said.

They agreed, but only after confirming that Jace and Clary were in the Institute and would take care of him, for they were one of the few who safeguarded Kit's dangerous secret.

He had packed lightly and waited for Tessa to open the portal for his departure.

The previous day, Tessa had done her best to place a shield on his powers. His hereditary faerie powers were transient, having appeared only intermittently since that day at Idris.

He had trained with Tessa to wield it but all to no avail, since he couldn't even voluntarily manifest it in the first place. Tessa, however, had told him she could sense the power in him, dormant and waiting for an outlet.

Even though the dark origins of the power let Tessa and Magnus feel it, they were yet to decipher its nature and extent. She was able to only place a shield, a minor deterrent on its volatility.

During the time of departure, Mina had hugged him close and murmured " I will miss you Gē-Ge", with tears threatening to spill from her eyes. He had rubbed her head lovingly while assuring her that he would be back soon and that he would say 'Hi ' to Max and Rafe for her. Tessa had asked him to be good and return safely. Jem had just smiled and hugged him before sending him off through the portal.

At present, lying wide awake in an unfamiliar room, with its blank wooden walls and the Manhattan skyline visible from his window, Kit missed his family.

He was anxious to meet Ty and even Dru tomorrow. At the same time, he wished that the time would pass by soon and that the dawn would arrive...he wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

He closed his eyes and played one of Jem's compositions on his iPod. It calmed his nerves and brought in a sense of familiarity.

Kit drifted towards what would most likely be a restless sleep, with the words 'I couldn't help but think of you ' lingering in his mind. He looked forward to a day that was bound to be, vastly different from the ones of the last three years of his life.

...........................................................................

Please reblog if you like it. Your comments are welcome too!!