— ℐn 𝒯he 𝒜byss.

𝑂ne foot in a 𝑓airytale,   the other ...

[uhyret]

𝓔𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛, 𝓦𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑛. ░ # 𝔘𝔥𝑦𝔯𝔢𝔱 [noun. the monster] a highly private multimuse writing blog. Featuring muses from a variety of sources including literature, film, television and stage. Narrated by Solveig ( 28, she/her, Northern Europe ). On permanent semi-hiatus, expect low activity. Dark themes and mature content will be present. Minors dni. Affiliated with sachingja.

¹ 𝑴𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗌𝗍 ² 𝑮𝗎𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗌 ³ 𝑺𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀 ⁴ 𝑷𝗋𝗈𝗆𝗉𝗍𝗌

[mametupa]

[slippery-soapbox]

With a sad smile, Matthew watched his son. “Those two will get themselves into all kinds of trouble, but at least Marcus won’t feel so alone.”

[uhyret]

url update! blotgydja → uhyret.

[resourcesinblue]

queen charlotte: a bridgerton story.

the following prompts were taken from queen charlotte: a bridgerton story, a netflix miniseries which acts as both prequel & interquel to bridgerton, primarily focused on the relationship between the eponymous queen charlotte, & king george the third, whom she did not meet until their wedding day, as well as the secrets george endeavours to keep from her. some prompts have been lightly edited for roleplaying suitability. please note ― these prompts may include mentions of violence, death, mental illness, sexual innuendo, sex, & pregnancy, as well as indirect spoilers for the season. feel free to change pronouns & prompts as you see fit !

❛ you give the appearance of a statue. ❜

❛ art can be beautiful to gaze upon, you are ridiculous to the eye. ❜

❛ because i must arrive on display, i am forced into a ludicrous gown, so stylish that if i move too much, i might be sliced & stabbed to death by my undergarments. ❜

❛ oh, how joyful it is to be a lady. ❜

❛ i am angry, & i cannot breathe, & both are thanks you to, [ name. ] ❜

❛ [ name ], you were chosen. this is a great honour. ❜

❛ you could have told them to choose someone else, someone stupid enough to want it. ❜

❛ there is reason they wanted me, a stranger, & it cannot be a good reason. ❜

❛ turn the carriage around, i am not doing this. ❜

❛ i take full responsibility for the fact that you are now exceedingly headstrong, & mistakenly think you can make decisions. ❜

❛ i cannot question, because i cannot make an enemy of the most powerful nation on earth. ❜

❛ it is done, so shut up, do your duty to our country, & be happy. ❜

❛ i am sorry, but there are worse fates than marrying [ name / title. ] ❜

❛ sit back. you are endangering my gown. ❜

❛ i need to look perfect when i arrive, do i not ? ❜

❛ i am sorry to disturb you at this hour with such news. ❜

❛ have you no sense ? it is treasonous to interrupt my beauty sleep ! ❜

❛ if i could still have people beheaded, you would be in the queue. ❜

❛ it causes one to wonder, is [ name ]’s knowledge of how to make a good marriage nothing but talk ? ❜

❛ please be your most agreeable. ❜

❛ i brought my wedding gown. ‘tis quite a perfect fit. ❜

❛ walk with me. i have questions. ❜

❛ i am always with you, [ name / title ], five paces behind. ❜

❛ it is a problem. people will talk. ❜

❛ we cannot cancel the royal wedding on the day ! ❜

❛ you gave me no warning ! ❜

❛ is it not enough that i must endure that, & now i must endure that without warning ?! ❜

❛ the butler says he received a letter from the palace. ❜

❛ our side & their side do not mix. ever. ❜

❛ you are to attend the new [ king / queen ] as part of their court. ❜

❛ do not gawk like a peasant. behave as though you’ve been here before. ❜

❛ all the members of the ton must be titled. ❜

❛ there is a problem. the [ bride / groom ] is missing. ❜

❛ i think they may be a beast. ❜

❛ i do not care what they look like, what i do not like is not knowing. ❜

❛ you want me to lift you over the wall so you may escape ? ❜

❛ people will notice you are missing, will they not ? ❜

❛ i have absolutely no intention of helping you. ❜

❛ please, accept my apology. if i had known that you were you … ❜

❛ no – one told me you would be this beautiful. you may be too beautiful to marry me, people will talk ! ❜

❛ you have arrived at the most opportune moment, [ name ] was just deciding whether or not they wanted to marry me. ❜

❛ i should get back, as i suspect that by now there are some very anxious guards who think i am kindapped. ❜

❛ do not tell me you are still hesitating ? ❜

❛ be careful, [ name. ] & know that if you send for me, i shall come. ❜

❛ are we not supposed to do what married people do ? ❜

❛ what is wrong ? what have i done ? whatever it is, i am sorry. ❜

❛ [ name ], this is how it is to be ? ❜

❛ [ name ], this is for the best. ❜

❛ i hope in time you’ll become used to me, [ name / title. ] ❜

❛ my word, there are impressionable ladies present ! ❜

❛ virgins to the left of me, whores to the right. ❜

❛ dearest, i explained everything to you. i drew you pictures. you are doing it correctly, making sure they’re putting it in the right place ? ❜

❛ there is much talk. this must be a success. ❜

❛ have they done the deed or not ? ❜

❛ the passage of time does not always reap benefits, & perhaps good things do not always come to those who wait. ❜

❛ break it off, & find a suitable [ man / woman. ] ❜

❛ if i were married to you, i would flee the country as well. ❜

❛ this bloodline will continue ― you will make it continue. ❜

❛ is there a problem ? a deformity ? is there something wrong with their bits ? ❜

❛ is this how you have been spending your time since the wedding ? ❜

❛ [ name ], what have i done wrong ? what mistake did i make ? ❜

❛ do not become unreasonable. ❜

❛ i have been stuck in that stuffy house, being changed like a doll, three times a day, with nowhere to go, no ― one to talk to, & nothing to do. ❜

❛ i do not understand what you complain about ! ❜

❛ i cannot make friends. i must hold myself apart. ❜

❛ i do not know a single soul here except for you. ❜

❛ i want to fight with you ! fight with me, fight for me ! ❜

❛ the ton are a horrid lot ― even their maids are high in the instep. ❜

❛ they’ve been given a taste, & now they will not be denied. ❜

❛ you shall not tell me what i’m allowed to do. ❜

❛ please speak freely. no – one else does. ❜

❛ do not try that again in front of society. it will cause scandal. ❜

❛ if you did not consummate the marriage, you are not actually married to them. ❜

❛ your whole position is in danger. ❜

❛ i do not believe i have ever thought of it as something to enjoy. ❜

❛ you are the first of your kind. you must secure your position. ❜

❛ you would think i am sending them to the tower. i am telling them to marry ! ❜

❛ thank you for the honour of the invitation. ❜

❛ marriage is a duty, not a pleasure. ❜

❛ a match does not have to start out as love. ❜

❛ love can bloom from the thorniest of gardens, can it not ? ❜

❛ your flower metaphors make me nauseated with their sweetness. ❜

❛ you worry about your own side of the world. ❜

❛ you are no – one ! so why should they want to see you ? ❜

❛ i am sure that it is only because of you & your reputation that they should want to meet with me. ❜

❛ i promise to tell you every single detail upon my return. ❜

❛ you are being purposely obstructive, [ name ], & i will not have it. ❜

❛ you surprise me. i always thought that you were a quiet one. ❜

❛ if you will give me just one evening of your time, allow me to show you where my mind has been, it might not make you forgive me, but it might make you hate me a little bit less. ❜

❛ my world has been made to revolve around me, & it has made me … selfish. ❜

❛ i cannot imagine how painful & cruel it must have been to have me ruin your wedding night. ❜

❛ yet is good. yet is hope. ❜

❛ they see me for who i am. ❜

❛ they understand that the old days are over, & this is a new world. ❜

❛ it has been abundantly clear since my first breath that i was born for the happiness or misery of a great nation, & consequently must often act contrary to my passions. ❜

❛ the crown resides within me, embedded like a knife. ❜

❛ why are you down here ? you do not come below stairs. ❜

❛ [ name ], you have seen nothing. ❜

❛ do not repeat what [ name ] says to anyone outside the family. ❜

❛ it is not my place to question the palace. ❜

❛ i know they have money, but money does not make them us. ❜

❛ [ name ], stop talking this instant ! that is too much … thinking ! ❜

❛ why are you shrieking ? ❜

❛ you could try. look at me ! i am absolutely gorgeous. style yourself. ❜

❛ i do not see why i cannot attend ! ❜

❛ perhaps you should not attend. perhaps you should stay home with me. ❜

❛ our duty will be done, & i will no longer have to view your face. ❜

❛ i would very much like to have the opportunity to no longer hear your voice. ❜

❛ if that is what you say, that is what i must believe. ❜

❛ i would like to throw the first ball of the season. ❜

❛ the first ball of the season ? with you ? no, that will not be accepted. ❜

❛ they dangle joy in front of me, & never let me grasp it. ❜

❛ you are every bit as good as they are. ❜

❛ was this one terribly awful round, [ name / title ] ? ❜

❛ [ name ], we shall need to make preparations. ❜

❛ i fear i must have misheard you, i am … fortunate ? ❜

❛ i ― we ― have received an invitation. ❜

❛ we are not going to their home for any reason ! it is enough that i must see them at court. ❜

❛ i wanted to ask if you could encourage the others to attend. ❜

❛ i do not understand how this relates to me. ❜

❛ why do you not understand that you hold our fates in your hands ? ❜

❛ your palace walls are too high, [ name / title. ] ❜

❛ do not feel sorry for me. i do not know anything else. ❜

❛ i have always been this ― an exhibit, instead of a person. ❜

❛ no – one is going to come, [ name. ] ❜

❛ i do not know if you understand what you have done. ❜

❛ i will not let you fall. ❜

❛ your heart is full. mine starves. ❜

❛ should we have something stronger than tea ? ❜

❛ do not attempt to flatter me by talking about my children, it makes me dislike you more. ❜

❛ i knew you would come ! i knew it. ❜

❛ i confess i still have much to learn about palace procedure. ❜

❛ what is this ? what is happening ? what has happened to [ name ] ? ❜

❛ i did not expect so much company. ❜

❛ i remind you how uninterested i am in the qualities of [ noblewomen / noblemen. ] ❜

❛ every day you fail to produce an heir, our family’s position weakens. ❜

❛ tell me, what would the people prefer, a royal baby, or cheap bread ? ❜

❛ the betrothal contracts are signed. it is done. ❜

❛ are we to believe this malady can be cured with one’s voice ? ❜

❛ you have thousands out there prepared to die at a word from you. ❜

❛ you are to marry in a week. are you fit to marry, [ name ] ? ❜

❛ if your [ bride / groom ] is missing, it is your responsibility to remedy that. ❜

❛ it was uh … premature, all this. i’m not ready, not right. ❜

❛ what is the surprise ? where are you taking me ? ❜

❛ your perfection is matched only by my deformity. ❜

❛ you belong as far from me as you can get. ❜

❛ [ name ], have i not made it clear that i am not to be disturbed under any circumstances ? ❜

❛ a most impressive scientific collection ! i do not know that there is another to match it in [ place. ] ❜

❛ there are a few advantages to being monarch. one of them is, you get the best stuff. ❜

❛ you are a [ king / queen. ] as such, you are used to the obedience of others. you have not learned to obey. ❜

❛ above all, you have never learned to submit ! ❜

❛ if you cannot govern yourself, you are not fit to govern others. ❜

❛ i do not care who your father was, how many titles you have, or if you were god’s own representative on earth ! ❜

❛ in here, you are just another animal in a cage, & just like an animal, i will break you ! ❜

❛ our goal was to restore me to myself ― much more of this, & i will not have a self to return to ! ❜

❛ animal nature is clay. with enough strength, you can mold it. ❜

❛ i’ve spent my whole life longing for time for myself. ❜

❛ i want you to know that we will not be caged forever. ❜

❛ lapdog or wolf, soon enough an animal tires of its cage. don’t you agree, [ name / title ] ? ❜

❛ you would do well to express gratitude. ❜

❛ such a change could have disastrous consequences for your health ! ❜

❛ you grow reckless, & you give free reign to your most capricious urges. ❜

❛ i have lived my entire life in terror of acting incorrectly. ❜

❛ i thought that terror was the price of being royal. ❜

❛ perhaps i failed to speak clearly before. you will never treat me again. ❜

❛ you were nothing. you came from nowhere. now, you sit at the helm of the world. ❜

❛ if i must leave my home, my family, my language, my life, it cannot be for someone i do not know ! someone i was not allowed to know ! ❜

❛ your insolence truly knows no bounds. ❜

❛ you are unhappy with your situation, perched at the pinnacle of power ? ❜

❛ you should not think such things, you should pay mind to the aria. ❜

❛ loneliness is a battle even [ kings / queens ] must fight for themselves. ❜

❛ as many times as i dreamed & imagined & hoped & planned … i never thought what it would actually be like to have them be gone. ❜

❛ i am not receiving visitors. ❜

❛ your safety is most important. i shall not leave you alone for a moment. ❜

❛ you know i could not ― you know that my duty ― i am not able ― ❜

❛ forgive me, it’s just … i haven’t the faintest notion of what you speak. ❜

❛ we could lose it all in a generation. ❜

❛ what you lose, we lose. you set the precedent for us all. ❜

❛ would it be so bad, [ name ], losing the title ? ❜

❛ i am sorry to report that they remain alive & well, [ name / title. ] ❜

❛ come back to me. all will be solved. ❜

❛ there is nothing that can be done. ❜

❛ everything is in danger, & you keep secrets ! ❜

❛ i cannot lie abed any longer, so here i am. ❜

❛ they are noble, they are rich, they are connected, they are perfect ! ❜

❛ in our recent encounters, you have been out of sorts in a way most unlike you. ❜

❛ there is nothing you cannot share with me. ❜

❛ i am becoming dangerous, [ name ] ! ❜

❛ is this all there is to it, then ? ❜

❛ i am quite offended, see, that you did not consult me first. ❜

❛ you shall take me home, now, & you cannot refuse me. ❜

❛ your body is not your own. ❜

❛ to leave the kingdom now would be treason. ❜

❛ they are not hurting you, are they ? ❜

❛ [ name ], our fates are tied. ❜

❛ do you think me free ? ❜

❛ i am on my own, but life is out of reach. ❜

❛ you never even have to see them again, if you do not want. ❜

❛ so, what then, why am i here ? ❜

❛ you give me nothing, you tell me nothing but lies ! ❜

❛ you well know that you are not allowed in here. ❜

❛ you will go back to your quarters ! ❜

❛ what the bloody hell are you doing to them ?! ❜

❛ it was far from nonsense, & i will not forget. ❜

❛ what do any women of the ton know of true friendship ? ❜

❛ it is all social chatter, marital schemes, & gossip. ❜

❛ we are full of gossip & story, but as women, we are never the topic of conversation. ❜

❛ what matters madness when true love flourishes ? ❜

❛ i have never once in all my years considered another [ man / woman. ] ❜

❛ i am sorry you do not know me. i did not know my parents well either. ❜

❛ you come from warriors. we win. never forget that. ❜

❛ no – one should be sad on their birthday. ❜

❛ i’ve never seen anyone so rich ! ❜

❛ that place is no home. ❜

❛ i have left that place, & i am never, never, never going back. ❜

❛ i do not pretend to know what problems await you outside, however i do know that they will not be solved in here. ❜

❛ would you care to tell me what troubles you ? ❜

❛ i have been lied to & betrayed by everyone in this country but you. ❜

❛ this is not the life i wished for. ❜

❛ the men who hold our fates hardly conceive we have desires & dreams of our own. ❜

❛ whatever impertinence, whatever evasion, smother it. ❜

❛ love is a choice one makes. ❜

❛ you take one in marriage, & you choose to love them. you do not give yourself any other option. ❜

❛ marriage is difficult, full of pains. ❜

❛ you love, & you love hard, because if you do not, you are lost. ❜

❛ in time, you will grow to love your noble responsibilities. ❜

❛ these youthful fits will become mere embarrassing memories. ❜

❛ come back to me. please, [ name ], come back. ❜

❛ you must understand, no matter how distressing, my methods are proven. ❜

❛ be grateful i do not order you destroyed. ❜

❛ [ name ], i am contemplating starting anew. ❜

❛ i had a great love. i do not expect another. ❜

❛ you have a right to high standards, [ name. ] ❜

❛ [ name ], this crown is breaking my neck. ❜

❛ a warm meal & a bath must be a balm. you seem more yourself. ❜

❛ i am so sorry. i should have come sooner. ❜

❛ you should not have come. i do not want you here. ❜

❛ you cannot force me away, i will not go. ❜

❛ perhaps you stay away from me because you care for me. ❜

❛ do you love me ? ❜

❛ i am trying to protect you. ❜

❛ i cannot do this. i never wanted to marry. ❜

❛ is it because you do not believe that i could love you ? ❜

❛ i am a danger. in my mind, there are different worlds creeping in. ❜

❛ you do not wish a life with me for yourself. no – one wishes that. ❜

❛ i cannot breathe when you are not near. ❜

❛ my heart calls your name. ❜

❛ i wanted to tell you. i wanted you to know. ❜

❛ this … madness has been my secret my entire life. ❜

❛ what are you doing all the way out here ? ❜

❛ i wish we might see one another again, but i understand how busy you are. ❜

❛ it is your kindness for which i should be showing gratitude. ❜

❛ what is the trouble now ? or is there good news ? ❜

❛ you show none of us regard or compassion. ❜

❛ i want what is best for you. ❜

❛ i have done all i could for you. ❜

❛ great love can make miracles. ❜

❛ well, there are the rumours to consider … ❜

❛ i’m not a person for gossip ! ❜

❛ there is talk that the palace is in jeapordy. ❜

❛ well. you certainly have become comfortable. ❜

❛ how do you not know what i have always understood ? ❜

❛ there is no room for illness or weakness. there is only power. ❜

❛ i have done all i can to ensure this power, & you are undoing it. ❜

❛ how dare you speak to me that way ? ❜

❛ a better life, you could not have asked for. ❜

❛ your silence does not bode well for you. ❜

❛ have you any family ? did you never marry ? ❜

❛ who could i ever find who would be free to spend a lifetime with me ? ❜

❛ i do hope you have found the experience to have been without too much discomfort so far. ❜

❛ it is good to be home. i have missed your company. ❜

❛ tell me, what have i missed while i was away ? ❜

❛ you shall hardly remember it when it’s over. ❜

❛ do you want to marry again ? ❜

❛ i wanted to feel alive. ❜

❛ we are going to need a … quiet place to talk. ❜

❛ i have loved, & been loved, & that is all i will say. ❜

❛ [ name / title ] would like to court me. i said yes. i will marry them. ❜

❛ i can feel you watching me. ❜

❛ perhaps i should surrender & offer them my head. ❜

❛ you are quite strong, & you shall be fine. remember that. ❜

❛ it is a surprise to see you again so soon. you have news ? ❜

❛ how unfortunate that you will not speak freely to me. ❜

❛ we had a very fine arrangement, did we not ? ❜

❛ i do not want to know your burdens, or hear what problems plague your life. nor do i care. ❜

❛ there were no other options, so i endured. ❜

❛ i found a way to control my own fate. ❜

❛ i do not like you. however, you have been an … admirable adversary so far. ❜

❛ you are not allowed to come here & sob. you may not quit. cover your bruises, & endure. ❜

❛ do not lose control of your fate, [ name. ] ❜

❛ all is very, very wrong. ❜

❛ you can leave me. i would understand, & i would let you go. ❜

❛ i cannot give you the future you deserve. ❜

❛ i love you. it is enough. ❜

❛ i am so sorry that i did not give you a choice, that i did not tell you the truth of who i was before we wed. ❜

❛ you are quiet today. ❜

❛ there is something here between us. i feel it, & i believe we could be happy together. ❜

❛ you have lost control. ❜

❛ they are quite handsome, & you would not have to worry about your future. ❜

❛ you would be a [ king / queen ] ! never another moment’s worry when you’re a royal. ❜

❛ keep your eyes on me. do not look at them. there is no – one here but us. ❜

❛ you dislike crowds as much as i do. another way we are a match. ❜

❛ i cannot marry you. i am sorry. ❜

❛ i never want to be married again. ❜

❛ this is a terrible mistake you are making. ❜

❛ perhaps i am making a terrible mistake, but it is mine to make. ❜

❛ shall we dance ? ❜

❛ how dare you step away from your duties ? ❜

❛ someone in your position could find much worse options, could they not ? ❜

❛ what concerns me is what i am going to do with you. ❜

❛ i only didn’t want to place my burdens on top of your own. ❜

❛ finally, someone who will drink with me. ❜

[uhyret]

url update! blotgydja → uhyret.

[uhyret]

get to know your mutuals! answer and tag six people you want to know better.

favorite color: it's been green for a long time but I'm swaying towards red now. last song: pictures of you by the cure. currently reading: just finished rereading the knight and the moth in preparation for the sequel, and I'm hoping to start wild dark shore tomorrow. as for nonfiction I really want to read barbarian days this summer. currently watching:  other than below deck and house of the dragon it's been a slow summer tv and film wise. recently loved widow's bay though! currently craving: argentinian defeat!! also it's been a bit chilly this weekend so a hot chocolate would be nice.

tagged by: thank you @laperlina !! 🩵 tagging: @sachingja @exitvelo @daylighter @skrimslis @veilmotel @thecleverest

[uhyret]

guys I met eva from skam today

[uhyret]

Castor (from kōji for laura!)

◗ PROMPT COLLECTED FROM A STUDY OF STARS ░ ACCEPTING.

[ 𝑻 ] o make a decision and decide for herself whether it is good or bad, and if it's the latter, if it is worth it or not, is surprisingly liberating. Cigarette perched between her lips, she inhales, feels the smoke heavy and warm as her lungs pull it in and down just to spit it back out — she understands why people say it's calming. The taste isn't, nor the parched and dry feeling it leaves behind, but the movements are. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Somehow it's meditative, but without the smugness she often finds in the smiles of colleagues who swear to the meditation apps. The whole thing is contradictory, to burn one's lungs while claiming it helps some mental ailment, and she thinks that might be why she doesn't hate it. But most of all, she likes it for its unintended purpose; the cigarette anchors them both here, gives her an excuse to linger in the presence of a friend, prolonging the minutes before she has to return to her empty apartment.

Perched loosely between her pointer and middle fingers, she passes the cigarette back to @sachingja, impassively watching as he (far more deftly) inhales and exhales the smoke. Her other hand lifts a to-go cup from the café around the corner to her mouth, the stale taste of cold coffee preferable to the lingering hazy aftertaste of Marlboro. ❛❛ I got my hands on a pack when I was 14 or so, and I snuck out to smoke whenever I was feeling melancholic. I don't think I ever properly inhaled back then, just held it in my mouth until I coughed it back out. [Her mouth quirks, dark eyes glittering with self-deprecating amusement at the dramatics of her teenage self.] Laurence— my father caught me at Christmas, and I never tried again. ❜❜

She hadn't meant to mention him, had intended to stick to her promise to leave him behind in his grave in London — she doesn't want to know whether Kōji remembers him, doesn't want his memory to shadow her through the streets of Manhattan, so Laura does what she does best; she turns the conversation back on Kōji with a gentle nudge of her elbow. ❛❛ What about you? How old were you when you started? ❜❜ Her question is followed by a moment of patient silence, before she suddenly swings her head back in his direction, a knowing glint in her eyes as she takes him in. When Laura next speaks, her voice has taken on a teasing lilt. ❛❛ Does Satō know you smoke, or am I officially keeping a secret of yours? ❜❜

[uhyret]

they are as unkind as plague. [for sophie!]

◗ PROMPT COLLECTED FROM AND OTHER STORIES ░ ACCEPTING.

[ 𝑬 ] ven as one whose purpose had long been to remain invisible, Sophie knows the eyes upon her linger far longer than they do on most other ladies present. Were it not for their brazenness and the way their gazes nip at her skin like nettles in spring, she would have noticed by the unimpressed curl of their lips, or the way their hands leap to shield their mouths as they whisper to their confidants, words surely critical at best. The urge to flee, to seek refuge and confidence on her husband's arm rises with each failed attempt to ignore that which is plain for everyone to see: she is an imposter, a thief stolen into the ball, a weed among the vibrant blooms—

A kind voice derails Sophie's descent into further self-flagellation, and her head whips round to catch its owner. The urge to defend is always on the tip of her tongue, a habit schooled into her: ❛❛ Oh, I would not say so— ❜❜ She begins to argue but trails off in quick defeat, hesitation written plainly across her features; the unconvincing smile plastered upon her mouth wavers, and her dark gaze shifts back and forth between her new acquaintance and the objects of their discussion. Her tense shoulders heave with a deep breath, and it is as if it unlocks something, a sliver of her restraint slipping out. It is exhausting to always be so understanding. Surely she might be allowed one moment of truth, especially in the presence of someone who seems to share her opinion.

❛❛ Well ... Perhaps I would have hoped all their etiquette lessons would have taught the ladies of the ton not to stare so plainly, ❜❜ she muses, cheeks flushing at her own brazenness — it is an intoxicating thing to speak one's mind. Now that she has had a slight taste of it, she should like to do it more often. A true smile flickers to life, impossible to restrain in a moment of such rare indulgence. She turns fully to meet @vivrez's green gaze head on, her discomfort and its cause momentarily forgotten in the face of this nameless woman's support. ❛❛ My name is Sophie. Pleased to make your acquaintance ... ? ❜❜

[uhyret]

FROM THE DESK OF SOPHIE BAEK, TO BENEDICT BRIDGERTON. ◗ BRIDGERTON HOUSE, GROSVENOR SQUARE, MAYFAIR ░ @sachingja

[ 𝑫 ] ear Benedict,

[ 𝑴 ] y Dearest Benedict,

And thus I begin my first letter to you. I admit I have not written many in my lifetime, especially not of the informal kind, so I beg you be patient with me while I learn — as I once gave you French lessons, I must now inquire after your willingness to give me lessons in the art of penmanship? If you decide to indulge me, perhaps your first might be on the content of letters, what is expected and what is not, what is proper and what is not. Until then I will write what I think and what I feel, and hope you will not find me dreadfully boring.

Not even a full evening had passed in your absence before I found myself reaching for the pen, for the only source of connection I have to you now that your mother has sent you off to your lodgings. Armed with parchment and ink stolen from your brother's office I have snuck into your bedroom and now I sit at your table, pausing my writing only to gaze out your window. The stars here in the city are likely as dull as they were last time we discussed them, yet even so I find they shine brighter tonight. Still I yearn for the countryside, for our time in solitude there. But no longer does the memory linger with a sense of grief, for now I know it will not be the last. There will be many more memories. If it is unladylike to express my excitement, then so be it. After all I am no lady. I cannot wait for our life to begin!

If you are feeling creatively inspired, might I inquire after a new sketch of My Cottage? Your first was wonderful, but I seem to have lost mislaid misplaced it. It evoked such feelings of home, of comfort and peace, and I should like to have it framed, so I may look upon it and feel close to you whenever I miss you.

I will not send off this letter to you until morning, by which I will surely have a million more things to write you. The only solution will be to compose another letter, or better yet, to see you in the flesh. I will be hoping for the latter.

Sleep well, Benedict. I wish we were not apart, but I will comfort myself with dreams of you.

Eternally yours, Sophie

[uhyret]

FROM THE DESK OF MARCUS WHITMORE, TO FRANK ABAGNALE JR. ◗ THE FRENCH QUARTER, NEW ORLEANS ░ @sachingja

[ 𝑭 ] rank,

In a shocking turn of events, I have decided to indulge you (again, for don't I already indulge your every whim? I can't claim to know many others of my kind who so willingly share information about our species to self-described vampire hunters, even if the hunt is only of the academic kind) and forego texts and e-mails for the sake of handwritten letters.

Ideally I would have liked to make some teasing comment here, say something about your nostalgia, your somewhat romanticised view of the past, bla bla bla, but now that I'm sitting here, putting pen to paper, I realise you might have been onto something — believe it or not, there was a time I used to write letters constantly. To my family, Ysabeau most often, weekly and sometimes even more. Matthew much more rarely, unless there was something of importance to note, some family gathering or death to report. I wrote to friends, for a time, before I'd inevitably have to stop to avoid certain questions about me, the kinds of questions I'm now willing answering for your sake. I think I've missed it.

Maybe I should start journaling. That might scratch this itch. And wouldn't that be something? A journaling vampire. On second thought, no, I shouldn't. I'd be too powerful, with too much self-insight. For everyone's sake I should stick to the pints and Tuesday nights at the club, really dedicate myself to living up to my reputation as the black sheep of the family.

I did promise I'd answer some more of your questions while I'm away. Go ahead, have at it. Though if it's too embarrassing I reserve my right to refuse to answer.

In the meantime, it's your turn to indulge me! What's Oxford like in my absence? Grey, dull, lifeless, void of meaning? Spare no details.

Don't miss me too much.

Your most obedient research project, Marcus

[uhyret]

finished the correspondent, currently a bawling mess. anyway in desperate need of epistolary threads now

[djo]

What you did in there, building a relationship with your patients, earning their trust, that’s what this is all about. Robby doesn’t seem to think so. Don’t worry about him.

THE PITT 1.05 | 2.12

[exitvelo-a]

the ecosystem of the er floor is not as fragile as it may seem. considering it sees all kinds of horrors at all times of the day means the people here are made of some pretty tough stuff, endurable even when everyone of them would rather crumble than remain so. cassie knows all about that, the balance act between sanity and just wanting to scream, but she's been busy enough with her residency that what could make her scream evaporates much faster these days. what's left is reckless energy, something she can't drive out from under her skin, and usually means she's got a few hours to kill after work before she calms down enough to let it all go - only to do so again the next day. in some strange way she thinks this has rubbed off on samira, who's been less high-strung but not less passionate about their work, and whose only crack in the wall is any time her family, or rather her mother, calls her or she gets paged by the or that something she was sure would be working up there is not working and they need some more help. really, it is remarkable to see how much she stepped up when langdon was gone, carving a new footprint into the spot he left behind, and while cassie could work with langdon just fine she found herself enjoying working with samira more.

of course eyes so deceptive and a heart that gentle would clock what cassie clocked with a bit less idealism the day langdon walked back in through the sliding doors. robby's not into forgiveness yet, despite the break he took, and langdon's been trying to appease his master ever since he found him on that first day. it is a bit embarrassing, a grown dog forgetting its not a puppy anymore and getting no scraps, but what is even more embarrassing is a grown man of robby's age refusing even a chance for langdon to make up. cassie rolls her eyes at them when she finishes her charting, giving samira a pointed look. " i know. they'll keep going like this for another month until one of them crashes. robby won't give in, so frank's up. he had to apologize anyway, but guess not everything is magically fixed this way when both of them got their heads up their asses, " cassie voices her observation out loud, shouldering her own bag and pulling her hoodie and her jacket tighter around her. it's getting colder outside, autumn in full swing, and she can't wait to sit down and have something to eat where it's warm and the artificial overhead lighting is less aggressive as the one they have at work.

walking next to samira, cassie ponders on the options they have. there's more than enough - but the idea of going somewhere further from the hospital doesn't sound appealing at all to her. " how do you feel about tacos? " she asks with a smile, then yawning around it as she shakes out her shoulders and her arms, loosening some of the tension in her neck and down to her wrists. " oh god, we didn't have much time to eat at all today, did we? and, by the way, even if you feel like you're not, you know, fully there, you're still ten times more mature than either of them. believe me. "

[uhyret]

[ 𝑾 ] ith autumn in full swing, wet leaves littering the ground they walk on, the summer feels like an eternity ago ... and, somehow, like it is still happening — Robby and Langdon two opposing bulls in matching scrubs, seeing red in each other's eyes, the rest of the department walking on eggshells around them, pretending they don't see all while grabbing another fistful of popcorn; Samira steers clear of it all as best as she can, shouldering the chief's return by turning to the other attendings as much as possible, keeping busy enough during their shared shifts that he rarely manages to catch her in the lulls between patients. She's counting down the weeks until the end, the terror of something ending softened by the relief of no more Dr. Robby hanging over her shoulder.

A small laugh bubbles out of her chest, unfamiliar under the artificial lights of the Pitt. ❛❛ If only we could talk this freely to them, then they might have made up already, ❜❜ she comments quietly as if it's a secret between the two of them, as they leave the hospital behind for the night. There is grief mixed up in all of it too, the encroaching final farewell. For the first time, she wants bring some of her old world into her brand new one, this hard-won camaraderie with @exitvelo a lantern she'd like to continue carrying through the dusk, lit by the fireworks of July 4th. (No longer a bolter by nature, she chooses to tighten the mooring hitch instead of letting herself float away from the dock in silence, driftwood in the wake of professional goodbyes.) A year from now she wants to be in the loop, wants to know where Cassie will go; if she'll stay at the Pitt, join her at Presby, or carve out her place somewhere else entirely.

❛❛ I feel very positively about tacos. Now that you mention it, it's actually the only thing I want. ❜❜ Mere moments away from a decision fatigue diagnosis, she's happy to go for the closest option; the thought of a warm, comfortable booth waiting for them at the end of the block lures out a tired smile. ❛❛ I managed a single energy bar at around two, and then I spent the rest of the shift dreaming about our dinner. When I was a kid I thought doctors were the definition of eating well, that they had to or else they'd be, y'know, total hypocrites or moral failures or whatever— my first rotation was a rude wake up call. Did you get to eat, or have you been accidentally fasting all day? ❜❜ It's as if the sight of the neon sign in the distant restaurant window had refilled her well of energy, for suddenly she's picked up speed, her slow, sluggish steps now determined. ❛❛ Ten times more mature than the two of them isn't exactly something to gloat about, but I'll take it. ❜❜ One shoulder is shrugged, playing at nonchalance while her tired smile turns knowing and amused; for once she is in on the joke rather than standing on the sideline, smiling while everyone else laughs, and in that there is a surprising amount of joy to be found. She grabs hold of the restaurant door, pulls it open and steps aside to make way for her friend. ❛❛ Thanks for saying yes to tonight, by the way. I've been trying to take your advice and get a life — better late than never. ❜❜

[uhyret]

thinking about socially inept, grumpy, unfriendly, loser samira <3

[uhyret]

got a kindle and started reading like I'm fourteen again

[uhyret]

happy pride month!!!!!! I love being queer and I love you all <3