#tog!future

[mr-meekers]

Charene Child Headcanon #1

-The first vow Chaol made as Lord Westfall was to Yrene, as her husband, to love her eternally and honor her in every way, forever. The second was to his son, that he would love him unconditionally and do right by him, as his father had failed to do for him.

-Dammit if Damian didn’t make it so fucking hard to keep that vow.

-From a young age he was a trouble makers and flirt. In that order.

-Yrene was not deceived, however, and could see through her son’s charming deceptions from the start. That did stop her from spoiling him, though. 

-Damien Westfall was the spitting image of his father, with his mother’s tan skin. A dashing smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes have made him the envy of men everywhere. 

-Chaol tried training him in the way of the sword as a way to focus his attention and keep him out of trouble. It didn’t work. Damian was an excellent student and took quickly to the lessons, but his trouble-making ways hardly lessened.

-Being a warrior only made him more popular and Damian ate it up.

-Despite his enormous ego, Damian is actually a pretty chill guy. His parents might seem tense and stressed more often than not, but it’s thanks to that example that Damian is much more “go with the flow.” His optimism and endless positive attitude are infectious, and even the darkest of clouds can’t help but give way to his sunshine.

-He has a weakness for sweets and women who refuse to give into his charms. His current infatuation is with Tessian Blackbeak-Havilliard. She’s every bit as charming as he and seems immune to his best flirtation.

-Sometimes, Damian’s flippishness gets the better of him and he has a hard time taking situations as seriously as he should.

-Damian is a ride or die bitch. If his friends got beef, he got beef. No ifs, ands, or buts. He has their backs and will never turn traitor to their causes.

-In any other scenario, however, Damian can be flippant and easily persuaded to give up. If his father hadn’t been such a good instructor, and Damian a natural talent, he would’ve given up sword fighting long ago, much like he did with archery and knife-throwing.

-His biggest weakness is his family, especially his younger siblings. 

[mr-meekers]

Aster x Elle Drabble #1.5

A Collection of Correspondences 

Elle, age 9; Aster, age 12

“To his Royal Highness,

I hope this letter find you well, Aster. Attached is a short note from Eliana. It is the first she has ever written, and when asked to whom she wished to write, you were her first pick. Respond promptly. Or else.

Much love and warm regards,

Aelin Ashryver-Galaythinias Whitethorn, Queen of Terrasen

---

Dear Aster,

Hello. This is Eliana. Mommy has asked me to practice my writing, so I am writing you. How are you? Will you and your mother visit again soon? I do miss her and Abroxis very very much.

Warm regards,

Eliana

P.S. Mommy said I did not have to use my full title. So I did not. You know who I am, right?”

“To Princess Eliana of Terrasen,

Princess, I was very happy to receive your letter. Things are well in Rifthold. Tess, Soren, and I keep busy every day. I imagine life must be similar in Terrasen. As for my next visit, there is much to do here in Riftohold, but I’m sure it won’t be long. My mother, on the other hand, keeps her own schedule. I am afraid I do not know when she and Abraxos will next be in Terrasen. But I will pass along your well wishes to her.

Best regards,

Aster

P.S. I never much liked using my full title, either. Thank the gods we are in agreement there.”

-------

Elle, age 13; Aster, age 16

“Dearest Aster,

You shall never believe my day. It was riveting from start to finish, but I shall try to only convey the important things.

Firstly, Nika and I snuck out through the servants’ entrance and caught Evageline in the stables with a boy! Oh, she would’ve had our heads if she caught us! Auntie Lys’s temper is surely rubbing off on her. Then, at dinner, Uncle Aedion, Lord Westfall, and your father got so caught up in old war stories that they drank themselves stupid and mother had to chase them out of the dining hall and back to their chambers. I could hear Auntie Lys and Lady Westfall berating their husbands all the way down the corridor! It was truly amusing. 

I wish you could’ve been here, but more than that I wish for your strength and health to return soon. These adventures are so much more fun with you around.

Until next time,

Elle”

“Elle,

You all seem to get into the most interesting adventures while I’m not around. Hardly fair of you.

I feel much better after your letter. I am lucky to have a friend to consider themselves over me, but truly, father exaggerates. My bed rest was merely a precaution. 

I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

-Aster

P.S. Mara and I only need a bit more training before Mother will give us permission to take passengers. Get ready, princess. You’re first on my list to take on a nose dive.”

-------

Elle, age 16; Aster, age 19

“Dearest Aster,

My heart is broken. I am inconsolable. To think the fates so cruel as to keep me from you like this. It is truly a tragic turn of events. But, alas, this is the hand fortune has dealt us. 

I must once again apologize for the carelessness of my scheduling. When Mother told me this trip would last most of the moon cycle, I didn’t think she meant nearly all of it. A miscommunication in semantics. One I shall rectify immediately, of course. However, no matter how I try, it would be impossible to make it back for your birthday celebration. Enclosed with this letter is your gift from me. I do hope you like it. The earrings match the sets the rest of us have. May they bring you thoughts of me, and how much more fun the festivities would be with my presence. 

But, in all seriousness, I hope you truly enjoy the day. Get out! Talk to a girl! Or a guy! Whatever! Just make a move, dammit! Do not retreat to your room early, you gremlin. Have some fun and enjoy yourself for once.

I love you dearly, and cannot wait to hear all about it when I return.

Your dearest, most precious friend,

Elle”

“Elle,

The earrings are amazing. A perfect fit. I have worn them ever since I received them. Thank you.

As for the party, well- I shall tell you more when I see you next. But Tess will attest that I did not retreat to my rooms early, at least. Whatever other rumors you hear, take them with a grain of salt. Especially the one about the about the orchestra pit and Lady Dubinal’s gown. I won’t say much more hear- some stories are best left unrecorded.

Safe travels, princess.

-Aster”

--------

Elle, age 17; Aster, age 20

“Aster,

Men are pigs. All of them. I am renouncing the entire gender. 

Simon is a beast. I caught him with Brinda Dubinal in the gardens yesterday. Her family was visiting to talk about trade with council. I have never been so embarrassed and humiliated in my life than I was when I confronted them. Simon claimed we were never exclusive, and that he had done no wrong. Brinda had the decency to act clueless, at least, though I’m not convinved she really did know what was going on.

Oh, Aster. My heart feels crushed. I cannot stop crying. And all over some stupid boy. I stand firm in my earlier assessment of their piggishness. But perhaps I am simply a fool.

Sometimes, I feel as though you are the only friend I can trust.

-Elle”

“My dearest Elle,

Better you to have found him than I. There is no small chance even now that I will be able to stay my hand the next time I lay eyes on the swine. Would it be much of a loss if I were to slay him? We may find out yet.

Elle, no one has ever needed to tell you this before, but I feel it bears repeating; you are smart, beautiful, and the truest friend I have ever known. Any man who cannot see that and appreciate it is a fool unworthy of the air he breaths. Always know that my heart, at least, will always been yours.... in friendship. I am always your friend. And you are mine my friend.

Your truest friend,

Aster”

[mr-meekers]

Aster x Elle Drabble #2

As soon as Aster made his way back to his room, he read the rest of Eliana’s letter, in full.

Twice.

“My dearest Aster,

I hope this letter finds you well. With the weather warming and storms becoming more frequent, be sure to keep warm and avoid getting chilled. Your health is of the upmost importance, both to your country, and to me.

It has been an... interesting past few days here. Mother nearly through the entire council off the tallest parapet in the castle. It began two days ago at the time I am writing this. Apparently, an emergency council meeting was called. Neither father nor mother knew what it could be about and fretted about it the entire time until the meeting began the next day. As you know, despite my being heir to the gods damned throne, I am still not permitted in the meetings. Mother has promised to remedy this soon, but alas, I fear that, with everything else on Terrasen’s plate, that issue is far from pertinent. However, despite my lack of first hand knowledge, I can personally attest to the following scene;

At the end of the meeting, through the door, I heard a loud banging, like a fight had broken out. Some of the councilmen were shouting and exclaiming, but over it all, I clearly heard mother roaring, “I will never force my daughter to sign her heart away for the sake of an alliance! I will burn this whole castle down before I allow you to use her as pawn for political gain! Eliana will marry whom she want, when she wants to. That is final.” Points to mother for defending my honor. 

I am unclear still as to what between mother and father storming out of the council chamber and mother summoning me several hours later. When we spoke, she explained the scene I had over heard (though she certainly painted herself to be much more refined in this version), and posed this solution- a debut ball. Sort of like a formal entering into the politics of our country. Currently, I think the plan is to use it as an excise for the council to start taking me more seriously since they think I will be seriously looking for a suitor. But that will not be the case because I simply haven’t the time for such things.

With this, I am hereby officially inviting you to my Not Actually an Engagement Ball. If you cannot be there, do let me know, as I will have to call the whole thing off because I refuse to suffer through it without your company. I fear it will be the only thing to keep me sane. Write me back as soon as you get this, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Your dearest, most irreplaceable friend,

Elle”

“Quite the scheme,” Aster mumbled to himself, the sweet sensation of relief flowing through him and uncoiling his tensed muscles. Not since Simon Ardell had Elle shown any interest in love or relationships. She certainly had her pick of nobility and commoners alike throwing themselves at her feet. Men and women both would pledge any number of things just to get her to look their way. 

And Aster was one of them.

The prince tried to be positive about this whole situation. Elle had been complaining for years about the council’s disregard of her. Despite Queen Aelin’s firm grip on the throne and her country, she still needed the council’s approval on certain matters. And since Elle had no real areas of expertise nor responsibilities of state, and the King Consort had pointed out that at some point, Aelin would have to give in to the council on something sooner rather than later, she had chosen to sacrifice Eliana’s presence in the council chamber for the greater good. Of course Elle understood her mother’s reasons and the logic behind it. Keeping the council happy was the best thing for Terrasen, and for her mother. But Elle knew she would never be able to grow into the leader her people deserved by always sitting on the sidelines. If this Not Actually an Engagement Ball got her one step closer to becoming the heir she wanted to be, Aster would be happy for her.

And on top of that, balls were one of Elle’s most favorite type of social gatherings. No doubt she would have a blast.

It would then be Aster’s job to make sure potential suitors and party crashers remained a respectful distance away from the guest of honor.

Aster sighed and sank further into the soft, cushioned chair seated by the far window of his bedroom. The fabric whined as even more stuffing fell free to floor beneath. Worn, creaky wooden legs groaned suspiciously but held fast all the same. This was Aster’s favorite spot. On days when he was confined to his room, he would spend hours in this very chair, reading whatever stack of books he had servant fetch for him, or various documents his father would deliver him. Though, sometimes still, Aster would find himself gazing down into the courtyard below, watching his peers, their attendants, the castle guards, and anyone else who happened to pass into view. Dealing with people had never been his strong suit, but he enjoyed watching them all the same. It was from this spot he had first glimpsed Eliana.

A small smile tugged at Aster’s lips as memories of her flitted through his head, from when they were children to when he had just seen her last. Her laugh, her smile, the way her joy burst forth from her body, infecting all those around her. The warmth in her eyes when she would look at him... He wanted Elle to look at him like that forever. She’ll be stunning at the ball, he thought suddenly. His face heated as the thought grew in his mind. She would be stunning, and every other man and obliging woman in attendance would see that and ask for a dance. And Elle would have to agree if only to keep up appearance for the council and Aster hated it, he hated thinking about someone else’s hand on his waist, pulling her close, enticing smiles and giggles from her lips, basking in the warmth of her gaze.

People were certainly not Aster’s strong suit, but it seemed as if he would have no other option. For this, he would have to remain by Elle’s side the entire night to ensure that that “someone else” would never even have a chance to steal her away to begin with.

Determined now, Aster quickly scrawled out his reply and sealed it for the carrier. The trip to Terrasen was long, even by wyvern, and he had much preparing to do.