Alden had not truly spent much time with Geneva since the reception of his wedding. He wanted to fix that, now that he had his head on straight. So he reached out asking if she wanted to get brunch together after he took his girls to school. When she agreed, he was glad. A genuine smile broke out across his features when she arrived. He stood, meeting her halfway. "It's good to see you. Thanks for accepting my invitation." Alden enveloped her in an embrace, slightly lifting her off her feet. "It's been a while, but I wanted to change that. How are you?"
Begrudged as she was to admit it, the Dark World had some perks. Such as it's reverse seasons. While it was the winter in Southland, in the newly officiated realm, it was warm and albeit sometimes turbulent (weather wise), it was also beautiful and the perfect place to catch up on her winter tan.
The faerie Princess was enjoying herself, aiming for an even tan, on the beach when she felt a presence near her. One of River's eyebrows raised above her large sunglasses moments before she opened her eyes. "Is everything alright? Or are you privy to imitating a palm tree?" She wondered aloud, not unhappy but curious about the new person instead. "I thought that most would try to relax and enjoy the summer season here. When we're not falling prey to sudden sun bursts, that is." River paused. "Please tell me that you're not going to attempt swimming with the Hydra. I'd like to not witness a death today."
Alden had been texting back and forth with Talia, and he wasn't watching where he was going. One of her retorts stopped him in his tracks. He paused, wearing a smirk as he responded, before he realized he was blocking someone's sun.
"No, no. I'm sorry. I was reading and walking at the same time, and my executive functions overloaded, so I decided I couldn't do both at once. I'll move out of your way." He looked out at the water, chuckling. "No, I just came out here to get some air. I have a kid free day, everyone I know is busy, so I decided to take a day trip to enjoy the sun somewhere. Are you considering bonding with the Hydra? I'm fairly certain that the animal would make several exceptions to its people-eating ways for you." The Hartwells had a way about them. He wouldn't be surprised if she tried that she could command the Hydra herself, regardless of what the legends say.
Alden had been mingling with family friends of the O'Connells and watching the girls as they run and play and hang out with other kids at the get together they were having. The grill was out, his mom was here and everyone was enjoying themselves. Afterall, he'd known them since he was a kid. But he had so many changes in the past year, and one thing changed for the better recently. His dynamic with Talia. He watched her laugh and talk with others for a while, admiring how much of a vision she was, before a devious plan formed in his mind.
"Hey," he said, hugging her as he approached. His hand roaming her curves to land on her backside. "Mom's watching the girls, the house is empty. Wanna sneak away for a while? I doubt anyone will notice. Let's recreate a teenage fantasy I had." He whispered in her ear, and he knew them being close or hugging wasn't out of the norm. The parental figures wouldn't suspect that he was plotting, and they were grown now. It wasn't like they would need them telling the pair what they could and couldn't do.
Toni wasn't a drop by kind of woman. She wasn't a spontaneous person, but when a yearning hit her after her and Hale's schedules hadn't synced up in a week to see them, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Texts and calls were comforting, but laying eyes on them was another. The therapist couldn't concentrate on her clients, so she canceled her entire day of appointments. Her feet took her through the portal to the Divine Forest and to Hale's office. When they were free, she would be their next appointment. Confidence and spontanaity brought her there, but as she waited for the go-ahead to go on, her own anxieties and self-doubt kicked in.
"Hi, I...hope it's okay that I stopped by? I had this whole thing planned to say but then I saw you and forgot how to string sentences together. Want to play hooky with me today?" She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, knowing that this was not something she usually did. But she missed them more than she wanted to admit.
Toni planned out the finishing touches for the after Valentine's Day event she planned. Nerves hit her and worried her as this was the last piece of bidding her father said he needed from her. To use her influence to host a party. She just wished she knew more than that. "I promise I'm going to put it away so we can enjoy our Valentine's Day, but I just want to know what he's planning and if this is really the last thing he'll ask of me. I'm ready to get on with my life." She had been sitting on the couch with her legs draped over Ollie's lap, writing away as she tried to figure out what all her father's specifications and what they could be a set up for. Or who.
Realizing she was letting her worry take over the day, she tossed the notepad aside and moved into Olivier's lap fully. "I'm sorry. I'm present. I won't let him ruin this day for us. I just don't want him to ruin a party tied to our names either." She nuzzled her nose against his before pressing a kiss to his lips. "I love you for putting up with me and this stain in my life."
Begrudged as she was to admit it, the Dark World had some perks. Such as it's reverse seasons. While it was the winter in Southland, in the newly officiated realm, it was warm and albeit sometimes turbulent (weather wise), it was also beautiful and the perfect place to catch up on her winter tan.
The faerie Princess was enjoying herself, aiming for an even tan, on the beach when she felt a presence near her. One of River's eyebrows raised above her large sunglasses moments before she opened her eyes. "Is everything alright? Or are you privy to imitating a palm tree?" She wondered aloud, not unhappy but curious about the new person instead. "I thought that most would try to relax and enjoy the summer season here. When we're not falling prey to sudden sun bursts, that is." River paused. "Please tell me that you're not going to attempt swimming with the Hydra. I'd like to not witness a death today."
"Now, you know I'm not swimming with a hydra. I worked too hard on this face and body for a hydra to be what ends me. No, I was coming out here after a few clients to regroup. I had some heavy sessions in the Dark World today. But seeing a familiar face has that dark cloud slipping away." River was basically family to her at this point, so getting to see her unexpectedly in the wild was exciting. "Want some company?"
Through war and triumph (Alden Michaels) rises, at (36) years old, serving as (a diplomat) residing in (King’s Hill). They are a (Ignis Immortalem) that resembles (Tyler Hoechlin). Upon meeting them, they are (fun-loving) and (Spontaneous). Don’t be fooled, they can be (broody) and (cynical).
Name: Alden Shawn Michaels
Nicknames/Alias: Al
Face Claim: Tyler Hoechlin
Age: 36
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Bisexual
Species: Ignis Immortalem
Inherent abilities: Fire Manipulation & Clairvoyance (has not developed any other abilities)
Job: Diplomate stationed in Kings Hill on behalf of Westland
Relationship Status: Polyamorous, in an open relationship. Open to dating.
PERSONALITY
Alden is a laid back guy. He often is fun loving, and family oriented. He is a thrill seeker at times and he enjoys spontaneity. Just as fun as he can be, he often has a side to himself that can be more broody and a bit cynical.
RELATIONSHIPS
Parents: Alandra “Allie” Michaels (mother) Alan Michaels (Father)
Grandfather: Deceased Immortalem
Great Grandfather: OG Immortalem
Siblings: None
Children: Aaliyah (9 years old) & Mya (5 years old)
Best Friend/Girlfriend: Talia O'Connell
Ex Wife - Open
TW: Suicide/Suicide Attempts
BIOGRAPHY
Time was a fucked up concept for Alden. His very existence, showed that time was never owed to anyone. He’d learned early on the importance of cherishing what you have while you have it. As a child, around seven or eight, he’d learned truly what it meant to lose everything in an instant. A return trip from a birthday party had meant the end of life as he knew it, and a better understanding of what it meant to lose those that he cared about. Though he couldn’t remember it well, he and his family were in an accident. One that none of them walked away from unscathed. While he came out of it fine physically. He couldn’t say the same for his parents. Both had suffered head trauma and some inexplicable amnesia that left their memories long lost to them. The healers were at a loss and could only say that perhaps their memories would return sometime in the future.
The heartbreak a seven year old had to go through, watching the love for their son essentially die was traumatic. His mother, out of sheer guilt and pity decided to keep him, but life had never been the same. His father decided that having a son that he couldn’t remember wasn’t worth the trouble. Alandra was never the same and his father wanted nothing to do with him. Alden grew up never being able to reconcile the two lives that he lead, and it drove a distance between him and his mother. She never regained the memories, the love and the care for him that he craved. The woman did come to love him, but nowhere close to what he had had or expected. He felt more like a distant relative that she was burned with rather than an actual mother to a child. The only thing that they bonded over was learning abilities together.
Alden spent his teenage years attempting to end the pain of the memories, that only he had of his loving family. He rarely made serious attachments, and he spent so much time attempting to end his own life, to erase the memories of his current life, but with his luck, he always survived. The one time he came close, he was simply comatose for a while, and it almost seemed as though his mother cared. It seemed almost as though she worried for him. Even begged him not to scare her like that again.
It was then that Alden felt that he could settle into his life just a bit more, focusing more on himself than living in a painful past. Alden had to decide what he wanted to do with his life, and while his mother didn’t have much, they had each other. He got into politics. It was a noble career, one that made his mother proud and would help make them both comfortable if it all panned out. He was smart when he put his mind to it, and even better at finding answers and scandals in places others wouldn't dare look. He rubbed elbows with the right and wrong crowds to make his way to the top.
While Alden spent most of his time focused on his career, he allowed himself to have a low-key but reckless personal life. He frequented seedy bars because no one cared for who he was or what he knew, and a random hook-up resulted in a baby. Being who he was now, he couldn't simply have a random kid, so they continued the relationship. He proposed, with the promise of a long engagement, to fully get to know one another. The pair had a second child and got married a year ago. Only for that marriage to end exactly one year later.
In the course of that year, Alden's father came back into his life after remembering the lifetime lost. He discovered his close familial ties to the original immortalem and it sent him on a course of self rediscovery. These changes put a strain on his marriage, and the pair thought it best to end while they were still on good terms. They decided amicable co-parenting was the best fit for them.
Now, Alden had to navigate life's new discoveries, try to keep his kids safe, and make sure their familial ties to one of the original immortalem doesn't put them in danger.
Through war and triumph (Antonia “Toni” Ryback) rises, at (38) years old, serving as (an inner-realm therapist) residing in (Northland Heights). They are a (Guardian Witch) that resembles (Coco Jones). Upon meeting them, they are (sensible) and ( patient ). Don’t be fooled, they can be (crafty) and (deceitful).
BASICS
Name: Antonia Ryback (Liliana Antonia Rhys)
Nicknames/Alias: Goes by Toni
Face Claim: Coco Jones
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Sexuality: bisexual
Species: Guardian Witch
Inherent Abilities: Mind Control, Telekinesis, Longevity
Rank: Inner Realm Therapist
RELATIONSHIPS
Parents: Lawrence Rhys, Anna Ryback
Relationship Status: Polyamorous, In an open relationship
Siblings: Half siblings open
Ex Flings - Open
Boyfriend: Olivier Benoit
Partner: Hale Roosa
Friends: Geneva, Kaan, Talia
TW: child mistreatment, murder
Personality
Antonia has a lot to hide. The person that she is as Antonia Ryback is confident, often boastful. She’s flirtatious and witty, but on the inside, the parts of her that are genuine, that are Liliana are often softer, more vulnerable. Lilana as herself is more reserved. She’s compassionate and caring and fiercely loyal to the few that have managed to get into her life and hear heart.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Marks: N/A
HISTORY
At an early age, Antonia’s story had taken a turn for the worse. Born Liliana Rhys, to a witch and a guardian witch. Her father was the worst of the worst by way of witches. Not only did he use his magic for his own gain, but he also sold out his magical abilities for a price. He’d even become a magical hitman for hire, even going as far as plotting to kill a fellow witch/coven member. Lawrence Rhys was a man drunk with his own power, and he always wanted more, proving to be a threat to the coven and the realm as well as a danger to fellow witches and anyone else who would cross his path. He amassed followers who believed in chasing and attaining that power in the form of releasing the immortalem. Anna Ryback, his girlfriend and mother to his daughter, saw this and wanted to flee with his child.
Her efforts were thwarted, as he killed the woman for daring to flee with his daughter. Lawrence knew that his days were numbered, so he tucked away an insurance policy. That policy was his daughter Liliana Rhys. At age four, she was placed with one of his devout followers for same keeping. Believed to be dead along with Anna by the rest of the world, he always knew where she was and kept tabs on her. Even after Lawrence was shunned from the coven, banished from the realm and stripped of his magic. His one hope had been that he still had a daughter whom he could poison against society. Against the witches and against the world.
Toni grew in a unique way, hiding in plain sight. By age eight, she learned of her longevity after an emotional day turned her back into her four-year-old appearance. Lawrence was overjoyed, making her learn early how to control her longevity and how to appear a few years younger so they wouldn't raise any flags about her age or draw any suspicions of her true identity. Her father would bring her gifts, teach her magic, and let her know that he loved her, but he spent most of his time outside of this growing a cult following. He spun stories about how this was necessary. How it was needed, and he told her exactly how the world worked. Lawrence explained how he always wanted to search for a higher power, how he’d heard myths of such a thing, and how it would be her job to get it for him. To restore his magic and aid in his revenge.
The child spent her spare time when her magic came into play, working as hard as she could to be good at it. To push her limits to make her father proud. She barely got much of a life. They needed money, and while Lawrence worked the system on his side, amassing wealth from his followers, he pushed Antonia toward modeling when a scout showed the slightest interest. At first, it was a test to see if anyone would remember the face, but when no red flags arose, he pushed her to continue. To make money for the "family". Her life consisted of modeling and magic, where her father used her connections and preyed on the low self-esteem of celebrities and wannabes who would be useful in abilities or monetarily.
At age 16, she perfected the facade of Antonia Ryback so much so, that she was this perfectly crafted person. Modeling taught her how to pull on a personality and be a blank canvas. Much to her father's delight, she developed the ability to mind control. They both agreed for her to scale back modeling to attend college, where she would learn the art of psychology. Antonia wanted to learn it to help people, but her father wanted to use the lessons and mind control for manipulation tactics.
For herself and her cover, she studied to become a therapist, and she worked to establish herself throughout the realms while still taking modeling jobs to help put herself through school. She continued to model, and her money went to building practices in every realm. Now, winding down her career in the spotlight, she is an inner realm counselor. The Guardian witch often traveled the realms, and now she always had a cover. Clients who needed therapy. She was there for them. It was something that was genuinely hers. Something that she loved. While she told her father it was for the cover of Toni, it was honestly something that she craved, having a sense of self outside of everything else.
The promise of helping her father still loomed over her. Her hands were just as dirty as she was his magical mouthpiece for a while. Now, she wanted out. One more favor and she would break ties with him altogether. She had built a life for herself. She didn't want him to ruin that. He got what he wanted - the immortalem free. And yet her father still wanted to keep her tethered to him. Antonia would find a way to escape the stain of being Lawrence Rhys's daughter once and for all.
"I make my own schedule. ...For the most part. So, no I'm not busy. And yes, Jasper, we can watch movies. What do you want to watch? Do you want to go pick it out?" He offered to his grandson. At Damien's stubborn protests of the reality he lived as his single parent, Jakovan blinked. "Vadik, be serious. Please." He uttered in a warm tone while seconds away from laughing at his eldest's face from the news. "And I wouldn't say clingy," Although, it was quite the synonym for Damien's behavioral pattern. "I'd say well-loved. It's nice to know that you're your child's safe space. It's all that I could ever want as a parent. To keep you safe, bring you up right, and for you to know that no matter what happens, I'm there for you." The rest was just situational. "And to be clear, all of my kids are well-loved. They know the same as you." But even Jakovan knew that his bond with his first born wasn't the exact same as his other children. He'd learned how to be the father he was because of Damien.
"I missed you, too, Vadik." He replied with a gentle smile and threw an arm around Damien who held Jasper. It was a nice, inter-generational hug. Misha pressed another kiss to the side of his son's head, simply because he could. The thing about being a single dad, despite no longer living that reality, was the residual effects on Jakovan's life. Damien was six decades old, with a family of his own now, and still the habit to over-dote on him, reaffirm that his love and affection as his father was more than sufficient continued to spill over, at times. Before Wren, all of his other kids had two full-time parents. Damien only had him and the Petrov family. The more from Jakovan came from a place to make sure that his son never felt less than or unwanted when it came to him and his paternal family. "Are you hungry? Want something to drink?" He asked Damien instead, leaning back on making sure his son was alright. Adult witch or not, he was still Jakovan's baby.
"What are you working on? Anything that I could help with?" Blue eyes cast Damien's way at his following question. "Honestly?" He asked his son, hand landing on his chest. "I love how they love their mama. How close they are. Did it bruise my ego a bit that I wasn't included?" He held up two fingers, showing slight space between his thumb and index. "A little." Misha chuckled lightly with a small smile. "But I know it's not personal. It wasn't to hurt me and they missed their mama. And I'm okay with that. I'd be uninvited several times if that's what they needed."
"What about you? How was your week away? How are you feeling now that you're back?"
Damien could have recited with him what he wanted to watch. "Dinosaur movies!" Jasper said excitedly. "That could be anything from Land Before Time to Jurassic Park. Though don't tell Mama we let you watch that." Damien gasped. "I am serious. Wait, you were talking about me?" He understood what his father was saying, but he didn't realize that he was the clingy child that resemebled Jasper's behavior. "But are all of your children clingy or just me?" It made for easily understanding his son's behavior. He knew how to handle Jasper when he wanted extra affection because he too went through this. Hell, he still went through this. If he could, he'd be attached to his dad's hip sometimes.
The prince grinned when he said he missed him too. The reassurance his father always gave meant more than Jakovan knew. He only had him, so hearing him reinforce his care never fell on deaf ears with Damien. "We could definitely eat if you were already planning to make something, but if you weren't, you don't have to go out of your way to cook for just us. Or is the staff going to whip something up? Jasper and I are trying to drink healthier things. No juices, water for me and him." He watched Jasper pout. "No, you already had juice today." Damien had a few snacks in a bag he carried with Jasper's toys and extra changes of clothes in it. He also had blood packs to infuse into the water of Jasper's favorite blood type. "Thank you, Dad."
The last thing he wanted was Jakovan's help on this delay. "I'm doing risk assessment. I made a program based off the spells we need, how big the consequences are, and it analyzes risk assessment to the coven and then I can widen the assessment to Westland and then even wider to the world. After analyzing all the factors, there's a report on risks and rewards. I think we have almost perfected the spell, but you know, magic and its costs. I just don't want anyone else hurt in the crosshairs of this." Damien smiled. "You know Mom is going to make it up to you. She never lets anyone feel left behind."
He heaved a sigh at the thought of his week away. "Emotional. Saying goodbye to law was hard. But cases won, and everything wrapped up. I missed my family, though, being away that long without seeing Jasper? It was too much. Being back home feels like a dream. I'm ready to dive into my duties without any distractions. I'm glad I got to close one chapter as I open this one. It also means more time for the people I care about. So I'm looking forward to being more available. Less stressed."
Olivier sat amused as he took in the sight of a reunited Damien and Jasper. The hybrid Prince was an odd but charming conglomeration of his parents. And as he smiled up at Damien, faintly, Olivier could see the witch's grin reflected up at him in the boy. His fingers itched for a nearby sketch pad. Quietly, Olivier wondered just how quickly the two would notice his short absence if he used hybrid speed to get one. While his memory wasn't photogenic, Ollie held tight to the mental image. Jasper's familiar voice called out, grabbing his attention again. "You two are obnoxiously sweet, did you know that?" He complimented with a fond grin. "Did you miss your Papa a lot when he was gone?" Olivier asked Jasper.
"Speaking of, did you get us anything good while you were away? For me and Jasper. 'Cause I'm no nymph, but that is the rumor that I heard in the wind." He asked Damien with a faint smirk.
Damien chuckled at the thought that he and his son were obnoxiously sweet. "He just misses me, and to be honest? I missed him. My big boy grew taller, learned new words, and the whole time, I was away." He was exaggerating because only a week had gone by, but it felt like an entire lifetime. Jasper nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. He said he won't go away anymore." Damien wrapped his arms around his son a little tighter, kissing his temple. "That's right. No more week-long trips without you. How long is a week, Jasper?" he asked, purposely to make sure the little boy understood time. In case he did have to go on a trip, just not for seven days. He held up his little fingers, counting to seven. "Seven days." Damien grinned. "My boy is so smart!" Damien smirked over at Olivier. "Did you miss me while I was gone?"
"You know I got you something. Everywhere I go, I get you something. Jasper got a new dinosaur, and you? I got you some cufflinks that looked like your style when I was out. I'll get them when Jasper goes down for his nap." He eyed Ollie. "And what wind let that slip?"
"Have you talked to Evren and Rik about it? How you're feeling about the cult." Hale clarified. "Or Jakovan? 'Cause all of them would make sure you're protected. More than." The nymph Prince paused, their brows knitting in thought. "Hell, I mean, technically you're an ally of the Forest. So even we might be able to help you too." Hale shook their head, dismissing Roxy's attempt to brush off her own concern. "No, it's not silly. People attached to the immortalem have been acting emboldened since they've returned. You have a right to worry, Rox." They replied. Moments later, Hale nodded, listening to Roxy as she touched on how she left the cult. ...It was clear that death happened. And since the hybrid was still alive to share her tale, she wasn't any of those who died. "The Roxy who left that cult and the one they'd try to hurt are too different witches. You're not powerless now. You're a duchess and you know too many rulers, or eventual rulers," They paused, meaning their self. "Who won't hesitate to help you."
"Ma likes to say I get 'em from Mom." Hale replied with a smile and a light blush on their cheeks as said dimples flared while Roxy held their face. "We let her have that," They mused, meaning that collectively, their family let the loving belief remain. It was cute and harmless. Besides who was Hale to disagree. "I'm a nymph," Hale offered Roxy with a shrug. "You don't have to pick every word apart and explain it to me. I can tell you didn't mean any harm. And that you still don't. I know you love Zara and Aisha back." Hale reassured with a soft expression. The look practically melted the more Roxy spoke. "You're not just that to them. And you haven't been for a long while. I can tell you that." They shared honestly. Hale nodded when she explained that she'd always been Roxy to them. "Congratulations, sounds like you've been promoted." They complimented with a warm smile. "Have you talked to them about it yet? About your new name? 'Cause if one twin said it, I have a feeling the other isn't far in telling you either." Hale mused. "It's crazy isn't it? The feeling you get knowing your kid missed you?" They asked Roxy. "Lucky you, you got two kids in one go." Hale nodded when Roxy mentioned being a work in progress. "Took you some time but it's been a good progression. You're happy, healthy, and loved. The cult would be fuckin' stupid to try something." Hale thought over her question, their face morphing in wordless reaction before answering. "No, hell no. But 'cause well Ma's... well Ma. It's hard to not know that Iris Hale might not start shit but she will end it. And my Dad and Mom, they're respected in Eastland. No one made a fuss. As for your girls? ...Most beings, after learning they're dealing with a nymph or one of us raised in nymph culture, they leave us alone. ...Those that don't? I'm sure Aisha will handle it. And if she doesn't, her three parents will."
"Ask them? You're right, you won't. But you've never been in a room with all three of you. Do you think I was lying when I said that you're loved? Between you and me, I don't thin you'd really have to ask Rik and Evren for anything. I bet if they thought you wanted anything, they'd give it to you before you could think about asking for it." Hale merely shrugged as she explained things. "If that title status does change, you know I'm gonna talk cash shit, right?" They asked with a smirk. "Eh, I'll have it put in the budget. Sometimes being a nymph pays off when it comes to shit like this. It's not like I'm trying to bet on something crazy." They reasoned. Well, crazy to them by nymph rationale. The perks of feeling others' emotions sometimes was things like this. A nice wager was fine between them.
"No, actually. I haven't. I don't want to worry them when it's just me in my head. I don't have any real proof that there's anything remotely happening with the cult when it comes to me." She was just worried more than anything. It was paranoia at best. No one had reached out to her, and there were not even hints that they even cared about her anymore. "But knowing that there's nothing happening, should I worry Rik and Evren? That's my dilemma." She wanted to know her friend's opinion on the matter because talking it out was important before going the route of worrying her partners. Roxy smiled, hearing their words. "The Roxy who went in was alone and weak. Insecure enough to be preyed on by them. I needed that reminder that I have people who care about me. I know I do, but thinking about the past sometimes takes me back to that hollow feeling."
Roxy snorted, thinking about their genetics. "I was going to ask, if she says it, should I just agree?" Her dimples are cute, too, so it's easy to agree to that. "As many nymphs as I surround myself with, you'd think I would be used to that level of understanding." The hybrid witch shook her head. "I'm not a very brave person when it comes to emotions and family. I was afraid to ask them when I picked them up from school. I don't even know how to start it." Considering her own fractured family, confirmations of love and her place in people's lives scared her. She would rather assume than know for sure in case her feelings were hurt. "Learning how to parent has been an experience. My instincts have surprised even me. I went from club hopping to PTA meetings and going to everything the girls participate in." She nodded in agreement. "They would be stupid, but I don't think they're very smart now, considering how they've positioned themselves. They think they'll be able to control the originals. If I were a god among men, I would not be controlled by mortals."
She appreciated Hale telling her their perspective on having a trio of parents. "I want to add to their lives, not make it harder. But you're right. Different cultures. You know how I struggled with loving two people in theory before the application of it occurred. But I will always protect those girls, so will Rik and Evren."
"They do spoil me. I don't call them Daddy and Big Mama for no reason," she joked. "But to do anything like that they'd have to tweak laws. There would be such a huge risk with that. Am I worth all that? When they can just keep us the way we are? I'm willing to take that bet. But instead of money, let's make it fun. If I win, you owe me a besties night out. A fancy one."
Geneva grinned, joining the gaggle of giggles coming from Roxy and the kids as they painted. It was nice to be able to share and indulge Amias, Jasmine, and Jasper in the arts while still flexing her creative muscle with them and Roxy. While many things, it seemed, had changed in Geneva's life due to her journey into motherhood; others remained the same. Or, at the very least, blossomed into similar opportunities with new faces that appeared familiar when she squinted. Amias Petrov while loving and kind was also quiet and sometimes felt like the toughest enigma of a little boy to solve. Much like an adorable rubix cube. So when he came to Roxy, out of his shell, the sight made the hybrid smile even more as she painted a new tattoo on Jasper while Jasmine, in turn, painted a tattoo on Geneva. She laughed again when Jasper perked up, dark brown eyes shining in curiosity at the mention of one of his favorite beings. Roxy's girlfriend, Evren. Or as Jasper so aptly named her, Cookie Lady. To be far, the nymph ruler, did, in fact, bake cookies when she could. Desserts, even. Much to the trio of toddlers' delight. A kind person who gave them free treats was easily popular with the young kids. Geneva watched as Jasmine finished her tattoo, thanking the young Princess, before the sociable Petrova twin went over to Roxy.
Wordlessly, Jasper quietly tucked himself closer to Geneva, the weight of his little body firm against the side of her thigh. She continued putting the finishing touches on Jasper's tattoo, a wolf on the back of his hand. He'd seen Hale's tattoo again and returned to being enamored with the art. "No," Geneva replied, answering Roxy. "No, we talked about it. Didn't we, Baby?" Jasper turned towards his mom, noticing the shift in her tone as he told the twins a joke. "You're not upset with Roxy, are you?" One of her hands lifted to run through his hair briefly. "You know that she didn't take me away. I was on vacation. But came back." As she spoke to Jasper, the Prince moved and settled into her lap instead, his little face facing hers as he sat atop of her thighs. The hybrid ignored the slightly existential consideration of whether this was how the sun felt when a flower craned its way or how Mother Nature feels when nymphs commune with her. Either way, Geneva's heart felt full and surged with open affection towards her son. "No, I'm not mad, Roxy. I was sad. I missed mama." She leaned down and kissed Jasper on the forehead. "I missed you too, Baby." A moment passed. "I'm almost done with your wolf tattoo. Can Roxy tattoo you next? Which would you like, a Teddy tattoo or a dinosaur?" Jasper's eyes landed on Roxy with a smile. "Yeah. And I want both, please."
"Ooh, stopping the teas is a big step. Are you really considering? Or is it just a baby, I mean, toddler fever flaring up? These are some charming kids, so I can see why it's happening now."
Roxy absolutely adored these moments she was given with the littles. She was amazed at how their minds worked and how they found their own fascinations with the world. She wore a grin as she finished up tattoos for Amias. Holding open her arms for a hug if he so chose to hug her. When he closed the distance for a hug, she practically squealed. "I feel like I just accomplished something great." Her smile grew even wider when Jasper said he wasn't mad at her. "Okay, good. I'm glad you're not mad at me. I understand. I missed your mama, too. I don't get to see her as much as I used to. Thank you for being okay with me hanging out with her for a while. I missed you, too, while we were gone," she told Jasper. "Of course, I missed my dynamic duo, too," she told the twins.
The smile Roxy wore rivaled the light in the room. The one thing she wanted was the little that came from her best friend to love her as much as she loved him. "You're trying to challenge me, Jasper. But I rise to every challenge and I succeed. Prepare for the best Teddy and dinosaur you've ever seen!"
She set out to work on the tattoo, glad that she had something else to focus her eyes on. She nodded. "Yeah. I am. My girls are about to be adults, and I didn't know them as infants. I missed that stage. I'm not living the fast life anymore. Not doing anything besides the occasional drink. I'm...settled, and I know that this is my forever with Evren and Rik, so why not? Unless you have some insight to convince me not to be open about it. I might be ready." She heaved a happy sigh. "I can't believe I'm even saying it."
"I'm about to say something sacrilegious to you, so forgive me, but I could care less about you looking better, right now." Evren confessed with a sigh and a small shake of her head as she took in the sight of her girlfriend. "You can look better for me later. I just really wanted to see you, Roxana." She uttered plainly as her arms wrapped around Roxy's waist, pulling the hybrid against her. "Mm-hm," Evren hummed in answer to the question. "I did. Tomas thought it was funny, seeing me grow restless as the day went on. With you and Rik being away at the same time, he told me he lost an office bet. Apparently, I'd out-nymphed myself. Whatever that means." She murmured between kisses against Roxy's neck.
Evren shook her head, openly disagreeing with the Duchess. "Not ruin. I just delayed your plans, that's all." She easily replied while returning the kisses, not at all sorry. Evren inhaled sharply at the feel of Roxy's kisses on her neck. A whimper followed as she registered her girlfriend's words and felt Roxy's emotions flare. Evren took her hand, their fingers laced together while Roxy continued. "Who knew that seven days away turned you into an even bigger poet?" She responded, kissing Roxy once more before turning to lead them to their room with a light tug of her hand. "C'mon cuddlefish." Unable to stop herself, Evren kissed the back of Roxy's hand as they walked. "Who's the big spoon?"
A playful gasp left Roxy when Evren said she couldn't care less about her looking better. "But I'm in mom mode right now. I wanted to be in sexy girlfriend mode." A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "So seeing me," she paused, kissing Evren, "was it everything you've been imagining all day?" she asked, teasingly. "My baby, I promise I won't be away that long again, for a while. I missed you so much. You and Rik. Calls weren't enough."
Roxy chuckled softly. "I love how your mind works." Her grip on Evren tightened when she heard the whimper. "I'm trying really hard to maintain a little composure, but when you whimper like that..." she trailed off, knowing Evren could feel just how much Roxy wanted her. "It's easy to be a poet when you have a muse so beautiful. The words just flow."
She followed Evren to their room. "Me. I've been thinking about cuddling with you. Your hips pressed back against me while I pretended to only cuddle you. Even though my hands would slip into your panties." She bit her lip at the thought. "Let's skip the farce. I want to bury my tongue and fingers so deep in your pussy I feel like I'm drowning when I make you cum."
Once the door was closed behind them, Roxy used hybrid speed to strip Evren of her clothes, and then did the same with her own. She quickly guided them to the bed. Spreading Evren's thighs, she kissed along the inside of each before she made it to where she craved to be. The hybrid witch wasted no time using her flat tongue to lick up Evren's slit. Reaching her clit, she gave the sensitive button slow licks as if she were licking her favorite ice cream. She was savoring her girl. She even hummed in satisfaction. One of her arms hooked around Evren's thigh, hands holding her in place. The other, busy as her digits slid into Evren's center. Roxy moaned around Evren's clit, feeling her warm, slick cavern welcome her fingers. Fuck she missed Evren so damn much.
If River hadn't felt Jackson through their mate bond before his instant appearance in front of her, seconds before racing her to the dining room, she would have been surprised. Although, technically, that was false. Mate bond or not, the couple shared many things. Including a calendar. So River knew what today meant. It was one more day closer to their wedding, thank the sun. Still, she giggled at Jackson's excitement and one of her hands held the side of his face as she regarded him. "I love when you become this cute. It's always nice when Nice comes out." River complimented with a fond smile before returning Jackson's kiss with another of her own. "And we do. I'm curious to see which we decide on, truthfully." She mused before nodding. "I am, yes. Is it odd that I wonder if we'll like any of the flavors?"
River looked at Jackson warmly, her hand easily slipping into his. "Which did you want to try first?"
Jackson’s brow rose. “Cute? I can be described in many ways, but cute?” He asked, chuckling as he spoke, knowing that he was, in fact, a little lighter and happier these days. “Do you miss pre-vampire me?” That was who he associated Nico with. He knew that there was a brooding side to him post turn. The ripper within, his parents’ disgust with him and their eventual deaths all weighed down on the man that had more cute moments. “Baby, we can invent a flavor if we hate the ones we have today. And I’m sure I’m the only one who would want a River flavored cake.” Now, his mind buzzed with thoughts of having exactly that. His lips met hers again, this time conveying exactly what he was thinking.
He pulled away to let her breathe. “I’m eyeing the red velvet with vanilla cream frosting, since I know there aren’t any you flavors on this list. What about you? Which one do you want to try?” Jackson was trying hard not to get distracted. They were closer to the wedding now than ever; he didn’t want to delay a single decision.
"Parrain," Olivier uttered dramatically as he flopped on the nearest chaise. "I think I have a problem." The hybrid paused as a thought came to him. In the short meantime, Ollie grabbed his nearby glass and had a drink. "Two, actually. The first is I've been eyeing another venture again. And the second..." He trailed off and his eyes focused on Jackson's face. The look Olivier wore was curious but serious. "How'd you know it was River? I mean, betrothal bullshit aside. How is it always her?"
Jackson paused, infused wine mid tilt as he eyed his godson and his dramatics. "Another venture? What do you have your eye on this time?" He would never begrudge Ollie's budding business ventures, but he did worry that he took the idle hands phrase too literally sometimes. The vampire released a loaded sigh at that question. He didn't know how to tackle it. "I'm a ripper, and she is the tastiest drug someone unlucky enough to have my affliction could ever happen upon. River makes my throat burn with bloodlust, still. But I absolutely knew it would never be anyone but her when I became a vampire, and my very base nature screamed to devour her until there was nothing left, and I resisted. I resisted an involuntary affliction that takes over my senses."
He chuckled and shook his head, taking a generous sip of wine infused with the very blood he was talking about now. "But without being a ripper, I'll give you another example. When I was human, when I met her officially, my entire world uprooted and realigned around her. I found myself going against any rules I set for myself. The world I cultivated around me started to morph. My days included her, my nights weren't great if I didn't hear her voice. And the beast within, who hated everyone and everything, quieted. I wanted to be wrapped around her finger. She became so ingrained in my life that I can't function without her. The true test was when we argued and I knew nothing big or small mattered because she and I weren't going anywhere. I could be pissed off, and whatever made me mad didn't matter compared to being with her."
"Grandmere will be displeased to know I've seen you and did not invite her with me." Ollie said in lieu of greeting to his little sister. "Especially when I tell her that I missed Rose by her nap time." He finished, unable to fend off a growing smile at the idea. "Should I send her a picture of me with Rose while she sleeps? Or do you think Grandmere will try to disown me later for it?" Olivier joked.
"Anyways, hi." He formally greeted Robin, giving her a hug. Ollie pulled away and looked pointedly at Robin's stomach. "...Is it gauche for me to ask if you're already pregnant again after your trip with Hale? 'Cause if you are, this'll be the quickest pregnancy gap in history. You do know that, right?" The hybrid wasn't judging Robin by any means. Instead, he took the earliest option to goad her. It was his right as her big brother, after all, he reasoned.
“Did you want sibling time all to yourself? I’m touched.” Robin touched her hand to her chest to feign a heartfelt moment. “If you wake my baby, you’re taking her with you. I have finally gotten her to take a nap. She was trying to fight it. But I won this round.” It was a hard fought battle, but her mothering skills were improving. “Grandmere will definitely side eye you for the picture.”
Robin rolled her eyes. “How did the hi come after all that. It’s true you push out the baby and suddenly, they only care about the baby. Rude.” She knew she did the same to her own mother sometimes so she couldn’t truly do anything but give Ollie a hard time. She smacked his shoulder. “I’m not pregnant. Sadly. But we gave it our best efforts. My mom has that prize for shortest pregnancy gap. I don’t want to take it from her. Besides, Rose is too attached right now for another baby. I’m not sure she would handle it well, and you’re still getting your footing as an uncle. You still need many babysitting opportunities before you’re ready to babysit two babies at the same time.” Because his duty, according to her, was to babysit the kids when she needed him to.
Evren returned the hug, squeezing the Princess affectionately before laughing at her best friend's joke. She laughed even harder at Robin's next quip as yes, it was something Talia would smartly retort. "Well, allow me to say, while she's still not here, that you might say that but you still like it." Love it even but Evren kept that part to herself. Instead, she just sent Robin a look of amusement after they eased out of their hug. "But just so we're clear, I won't tell her." The nymph's form shook with quiet laughter at Robin's somewhat startled expression when she looked around as if Evren's teens would jump out and catch her after swearing. "They're gone. They're visiting friends in the Forest but that's only after making sure that you two would be with me instead. It seems my girls take their newfound Princess roles very seriously." Even as Evren said it, she knew that their titles weren't what they were taking serious. But rather making sure that she was okay and not without company for too long despite their other parents' return from their temporary absence. She shook her head, smiling fondly at Robin's statement. "Why must I have best friends who aim to teach my babies to be rapscallions?" The question was clearly heard and directed at the wolf Princess, despite really meaning it to herself.
Dark brown eyes widened at the reveal of whiskey. "Oh, you two are definitely staying the night, aren't you?" Evren asked, clearly meaning Robin and Talia. The guardian nymph was not a lightweight, by any means, but drinking hard liquor with beings that had super healing abilities meant that alcohol affected them differently than her. "I missed you too, Robin." She hugged her again, simply because she could. "And yes, we have much to catch up on. How was your trip?" A rich chuckle left Evren when Robin mentioned Rik and Roxy's recent return. "It does help to be a nymph, I'll say that." She boasted with a smirk. "But I'm better now. I missed them far more than I imagined." Evren paused. "And how was the belated post babymoon with Hale? I'm surprise you're walking yourself. Which have you had the chance to reconnect with Talia?"
-⏳-
"Aren't you two looking cute and cozy?" Talia let out in lieu of a greeting at the sight of Robin and Evren hugged up. "And without me? You know a girl like me could almost feel jealous. That is if I couldn't hear your heartbeats and smell your pheromones all the way from across the room." She finished with a cheeky grin before purposely sending a wink Robin's way. "Lucky for my two favorite nobles, I come bearing gifts." In Talia's hands were two bags. One clearly contained clinking bottles of more assumed alcohol and wine. The other bore the name of one of the trio's favorite places to eat from. "Yeah, yeah, I know I didn't have to. But two little twin birdies suggested I get their mom's favorite. Who was I to tell 'em no?"
"Now, Evren, Your Majesty, can you stop being nosy and all over my girl and check your order please? I don't want to have to cause a scene if they got a Queen's meal wrong." Talia's cheeks rose in amusement at the sound of Evren's laugh and the sight of the nymph's rolling eyes. Still, moments later, she did as asked and retrieved the bag from her friend. "You're lucky that I love you." Evren murmured. To which, Talia grinned and hugged the brunette warmly as Evren took the food. "I know. Why do you think I do this? You're cute when you're flustered." She laughed at the light shove she received. With that taken care of, Talia went further into the room and sat her other bag down. The bottles audibly clinked at the action. "And you," Talia addressed Robin before her expression softened. "Where's my hug and kiss? Since you're so warm and affectionate today."
Robin couldn’t hide the smile on her face when Evren mentioned that she liked it. “Love it, actually. Her smart ass keeps me on my toes.” If she was honest, she missed Talia even though she knew the other woman would be there soon. Her brows furrowed knowing Evren felt that longing with her. When she agreed not to tell her, a smile broke out across her face. “I knew I could count on you.” It warmed her heart to know the girls were taking care of Evren. “Good because I don’t play about them not taking care of you. You should be their world.” Robin wasn’t above lecturing them, but she knew she used to be a teen. You have to come into learning the importance of looking after your parents on your own. “Because you chose rapscallion best friends. You knew these would be the influences on your children. And yet you took me to be your lawfully wedded bestie.”
“Oh, I’m sure we are. Got my overnight clothes in this big ass purse.” She patted the purse that was more like a baby bag. Even without the baby she had become an over packer. “We’ll be on our best behavior tonight.” One thing she loved was girl talk. She couldn’t wait to gush over the trip. “Oh, it was great. Reminded me of the first time Hale and I got together on a mission, and we got so lost in each other we missed key info. That’s how it felt. Everything was us and the world just disappeared. Rik and Rox will be home tonight too, right? The palace will be a full house later.” She was going from just her and the girls when everyone was on trips to her, the girls, her partners and Robin and Talia. “Yoga stretches help with the walking. Sore muscles were massaged too.” She grinned at the thought. “We have had the chance to reconnect. There’s no way I could be back this long and not. I’d be without a girlfriend if that were the case. And I can’t let her quit me that easily.”
Robin could hear the family cadence of her heartbeat and the scent of her before she saw her. Her gaze left Evren and immediately found Talia. “I’d say she beat you to the hugs because you’re late, but you’re late with good reason, so I’ll keep my retort to myself.” She wanted so desperately to run over into her arms, but she didn’t want to make Evren feel like a third wheel in her own home.
A smirk found its way onto Robin’s features, hearing Talia’s tone. Talia was being possessive, and Robin knew everyone in the room could tell she liked it. Robin waited patiently for Talia to turn her attention to her. She closed the distance, her hands roaming from Talia’s hips to her backside. “I was just patiently waiting for my turn because I might not let you go tonight.” She leaned in to press soft kisses against Talia’s lips before deepening the kiss. “You know I like it when you get possessive of me,” she whispered in Talia’s ear. She nuzzled her cheek against Talia’s before kissing her once more. “I missed you. I told Evren we’d be on our best behavior tonight.” She knew she was lying when she said it. "But I think I lied. I want to be on my worst behavior. You look so damn pretty," she practically whined. Her cheeks heated, realizing Evren had to see her so down bad right now. One of her hands slipped under Talia's shirt to cup her breast over her bra. "I definitely lied about being good."
