"It's not what it seems." Because if he were to leave it to Lenore's imagination, then the gold coins and expensive jewels dripping between her fingertips appear like evidence. Some proof that the seemingly kind, cheeky, trustworthy traveler she let stay in her cabin in the woods is a thief. When in reality, he simply enjoyed their time together. In the anonymity of the wilderness, he's come to care for the beautiful woman with potions and antidotes. It healed something in him, and oh how he longed to stay. But she holds proof of his actual life in hands, and he licks his lips in trepidation.
"Those are my belongings." Items he hid over the summer of his stay. "My initials are engraved in the gold ring." F.W. Frederick Wentworth, a noble name for a noble man. "I'm not... I am not the tradesman I said I was. I'm--" Breathing softly, his gaze cracks. 'I'm a Prince."
@bloodycrxwn | Rebecca and Frederick, The Night of the Masked Ball
"Do you plan to leave any champagne for the rest of us?" The advisor of the French Court bemoans, with plenty of cheek and even more pleasant humor. This is Versailles, after all. No shortage of champagne, from the country that birthed the sparkling sensation. But leave it to his Rebecca, with all her spirit and penchant for fun, to gravitate towards the champagne tower first. Even behind her splendid mask (as bold as the woman behind it), he can make her out from the crowd. Familiar instinct? Certainly. Yet there is something predictable, about his sister making the most of any moment. "I like the look, sister. Very... Lady of the night, mixed with tavern wench." The Wolfenbuttel's could give as good as they take, all carried with that cheeky affection that makes their family. "What are we drinking to tonight?"
“Frederick, did you make all these scarves to give to other members of the Shepherds as a present for me since they could not afford to buy me something?” //OKAY LOOK I JUST HAD THIS IDEA THAT FREDERICK WOULD DO THIS SHUSH PEARL
“Milord, who told you the truth?”
“I explicitly requested that the other Shepherds commit my involvement to the utmost secrecy! If, indeed, one of them told you that I ... what was that grin for, milord? Was my involvement truly so obvious, even from the beginning!?”
actually don’t listen to me i’m a bad role model to follow
ANYWAY
so, it came to my attention recently that though i’d drawn Cupid and Valentine themselves, i’d never actually draw their family; namely their older brother Dyo, and their parents, Frederick and Catherine. so i figured “hey why not give them a proper illustration and give them justice. SO HERE GOES. THE OTHER 3 MEMBERS OF THE SYLEN FAM
info under the cut because i got carried away
Catherine-
The loving mother of Cupid, Valentine, and Dyo, and the beautiful wife of Frederick. She is the physical representation of “talk shit, get hit”. She could care less who you are or what you are, if you present a threat to the life and well-being of her family, she will absolutely take you down, no questions asked. She’s a loving mother, regardless, and has and will do anything to protect her family and make them happy. She’s willing to try almost anything, and has an relatively open mind, save when your opinions are harmful. She likes things simple and in order, and often has a no-nonsense attitude, especially when things get serious. She does enjoy having fun, however, and especially enjoys going out and adventuring when she can. She’s a natural-born hunter, growing up among family that lived and survived in the wild. She met Frederick many years ago when he came to Mobius from Celestria. She wasn’t very impressed with his angelic bravado and whatnot, but grew to love him when she saw the real side of him, choosing to become his partner forever. She gave birth to Dyo first, then to the twins several years after. She adores all of her children and only wants what’s best for them, providing her love and protection when they need it, even as adults. She and her husband are bounty-hunters, stopping criminals and keeping the world at peace.
Frederick-
The loving father of Cupid, Valentine, and Dyo, and the handsome husband of Catherine. Frederick is a bright-eyed, gentle soul, who typically does not wish to fight unless it is for the benefit of others. However, when his family is involved, he can become almost ruthless, letting nothing stop him from keeping his children and his wife safe. Naturally, though, he’s very friendly and gentle, always willing to give someone a second chance. He’s curious about the world around him, even after spending years on its surface, and thus tries to keep an open mind, as he learns new things about it every day. He’s also a fun-lover, and occasionally likes to goof off, but is capable of buckling down and getting to work when things get serious... most of the time. He used to be in the angel army back up in Celestria, but after a year of service, decided that it simply wasn’t for him. His family supported his decision, and suggested he head down to Mobius for some inspiration. It was around then that he met Catherine, and decided to impress her with his angelic self. Of course, when he discovered he was becoming more of an annoyance to her, he decided to be himself instead, and she warmed up to him, soon marrying him. Years later, she had Dyo, then the twins, and Frederick frankly couldn’t be happier with his family. He loves his kids dearly, and is always willing to do whatever he can to make them happy. He is always there for them, and does his best to keep them safe, even when they’re far from home.
Dyo-
Dyo is the first-born son of Catherine and Frederick, and the older brother to his twin siblings, Cupid and Valentine. Dyo is a kind, yet fierce individual, taking after both his mother and his father. Though he will not start fights, he most certainly will finish them, at any cost. He has a strong sense of justice, and won’t back down until things are made right. Regardless, however, he is a kind and gentle person, capable of providing comfort and protection to anyone who may need it. The day Cupid and Valentine were born, Dyo assigned himself as their protector when their parents were away, doing what he could to make the twins happy while also keeping them safe. He adores his parents and his siblings, caring for them deeply and keeping them close to his heart wherever he goes. He was the only child to bear his father’s wings, so he considers himself lucky.
@stvrdvstsx | Frederick and Amara, The Evening of the Masked Ball
Since he as a young child, he always longer for a large and spirited family. No one is reared in the Wolfenbuttel Palace, without a predisposition for chaos. For a noble family, their home was loud and their personalities even louder. Certainly, their family attracted a reputation - scandalous, wolfish, mischievous. But above all else, the small but mighty Brunswick nobility earned a reputation for their familial bonds. As it stands, Frederick adores the life he and Alina made. Their home in France, with their daughter and another along the way, was close to idyllic. But the absence of their own families is not lost on them. It is felt, as every Christmas dinner or summer holiday. Fortunately, the inroads with the Medici's begin. News of Alina and Amara's successful reunion reach his ears, and after years of only knowing Amara as a beloved sister and Tsarina. He can finally know her - as family of his own.
He approaches, a confident stride that is never too boastful. Frederick is too salt of the earth, to ever walk with arrogance. Not when he carried with him, a lifetime of apologies and a need to be liked. "Your Highness," he greets at approach, recognizing the Tsarina by Russia's contingency in her corner. Frederick lowers his head, in politeness, and blinks up. It is true - even behind a mask, the family resemblance was striking. "I apologize it has taken us this long to meet. If it were up to me, we would have had years to know one another." A sad smile, one which knows what Amara has missed by virtue of Alina's marriage. "My name is Lord Frederick Wolfenbuttel, and I am your sister's husband."
@stcrryncghts | Alina and Frederick, The Family Apartments
The granules of sand trickle down the hourglass at a mocking pace. Each second stretching into self-perceived hours, while Frederick's fingers tamp beneath the table. There's an obligation to the court to remain as he is, wrapped in conversation of next steps and political maneuvers to retaliate. But his mind is in another place altogether. It's in his family apartments, modest and demure as it may be. The meeting comes to a halt, and Frederick makes haste. One foot after another, polite to those who pass but abrupt to those who deigned to speak to France's royal advisor. The man of two and thirty did not consider himself a faint heart, or an anxious mind. His repute for taking things too easily is well known. Yet there's something about his marriage to Alina that is humbling in its force. A man of his ease and ego, brought down to size at the prospect of her in trouble.
Rationally, he knows she is well. He knows Emilie is safe in hand. He ensured as much, before allowing himself to be pulled away to an urgent meeting. But what of their home? What of their things? Did the De Medici's find her, swarthing around the Palace like a constant threat of their heads? He puts a hand on the apartment door, pushing forward without announcement. "Alina," Frederick calls out, his typically booming voice softened in the aftermath - if only for their daughter. He stops at the presicipe of the apartments, regarding the mess left by the renegades. "What is the state of thing, my love?"
@bvrningdesires | Frederick and Nicolas, The King's Study
No rest for the wicked, or in this case, the French court. The guests were free to mourn the loss of their belongings, or tend to their family and friends. But for those who resided or served the French court, personal indulgences would have to wait. And though Frederick puts his family first, always and forever, he is quick to leave their side when the King's valet comes. The Wolfenbuttel's may have their reputation for a laissze-faire existence, but Frederick knew of duty and friendship. And for King Nicolas, he held both in high esteem. It's a familiar jaunt towards the King's study. Frederick makes it daily. Yet this time, he walks with dark importance. There is much to discuss, beyond the logistics of what to do next and how to soften the blow to their visitors. It's a larger threat, that undoubtedly hangs over King Nicolas' head.
The wa may be over, but the battles have not come to an end.
"Your Highness," Frederick greets with urgency. Over the years of their friendship, he could count on one hand how often he used such formalities in a private audience. His casual nature remains, even at the presence of the King. Yet easiness feels like a betrayal, when a very real threat looms. "The sentiment about the Palace is stark, but most of the visitors will turn their minds to their belongings. You and your court will have time to devise a strategy, before some peacock of a King struts in here with an ego complex." Even at the darkest of times, Frederick can't help but slip a humorous anecdote.
He heard the summoner singing “we didn’t start the fiiiiire” and he’s been humming that under his breath all day. Needless to say, it’s Frederick’s new favorite song.
