* VALINA KOURNIKOVA.

OBVIOUSLY, SHE DOESN'T WANT TO WORRY VALINA more so than she probably has with her recently off behavior. Knowing already all too well that she hasn't quite been herself with the stress of prepping for the event as well as what she's had planned for some time now. It was a lot to take in and process all at once, but she knows it will all be worth the efforts put in in the long run. Coming to stand, she squeezes Valina's hand in return with a smirk that's almost a bit nervous while also knowing that there was no need to be.

But even knowing the outcome of the situation doesn't make it any easier, because there was always that off-chance that her own visions could be wrong or led astray in some way if certain things didn't shift quite the way they were expected. Every premonition held a consequence if not properly executed and situations could easily be changed depending on circumstance and that leaves a heavy weight in the pit of her stomach. Being a clairvoyant witch did not necessarily mean that she knew everything at every given moment; which was a hard thing for some to understand. Hence why she's been acting a bit strange as of late.

One minor incident of a difference could change the course the fate in an instant without realization. ❝ Just for a walk, towards the Onshore Gardens. ❞ There are already twinkling lights set up and spread out throughout the space that she knows will be perfectly aligned because she's seen it beforehand and with it's now darkened exterior of night, will be even more so suiting to what she plans to do. A quick kiss to the woman's cheek and then their on their way, ❝ yes, everything is perfect. You'll see. ❞ Though as they begin to walk, those nerves begin to set in again and she keeps squeezing Valina's hand, holding it in both of her own while rubbing the back of it and along the length of her arm. ❝ Ten years, we've been together, isn't that right—? ❞ As if she needed any reminders.

SHE TRUSTS KORA. It was something they worked hard to get to, but she trusted her with her life, knowing she would never do anything to cause Valina any harm if she could help it. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of worry. Worry that something was about to change, completely unaware that said change was going to be one she’d been wanting since their first Holiday season spent together as a couple. No matter how many times she had told Kora a ring wasn’t necessary, it remained a hopeful dream anyway. One that she didn’t expect would ever come true.

❝ That’s right. ❞ She confirms with a nod, head tilting to the side as she begins to reminisce on a handful of memories that had taken place over the span of the last decade. The big moments, like moving into their first place together and starting up a business, and the small. Quiet moments cuddled up on the couch, separate books in hand where lines had to be read multiple times before processed in full because the beauty beside was much more interesting to take in.

To say Valina was appreciative of their life together would be a grave understatement. Kora was her savior, giving new meaning to what true happiness in life was. Spending the rest of their lives together was all she had wanted and while they could do that without the need for a proposal, the profession of love and ability to put that on display would make this night one to remember forever. For that, she would be eternally grateful.

❝ Ten years and I still fall in love with you all over again at least a hundred times a day. ❞ Another grave understatement.

killedflames

@vkournikova -- The Christmas Market

Even three mulled wines in, Noah recognizes Valina from a mile away. Her presence, her beauty, everything about her is mesmerizing. When she was first introduced to the woman, Noah spent hours just listening to her talk, no matter how rare her words were. Similar how meeting Kora for the first time felt, and how meeting Kora felt after the engagement. A beautiful, amazing ring, wrapped snug around her finger, glistening in the light of every room. A ring long gone, returned to Matiu. A finger long empty.

We can turn right back around and leave, Noah.

"Valina?" A smile is plastered onto her lips, as honest as it can be, when she holds out her hand, then her arms, for a soft, small hug. "It's been ages. It's so good to see you. How have you been, dear?"

#killedflames #* noah williams.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE RETURN OF SOMEONE ONCE FAMILIAR had been gained almost as soon as they had, the separation of her former sister-in-law from the brother-in-law that still remained having left a scar on the family that once was. They hadn’t seen one another or even so much as spoken in ages, a choice that Valina did not make on her own. Noah would always remain special to her, so the chance to finally reunite was one that was accepted with a smile.

❝ Noah! Hello, darling. ❞ Arms wrap around the woman for a warm embrace, a gentle squeeze given before she’s pulling back to get a better look at the face she had only seen on occasion since the divorce. And those were all in the form of images. ❝ I’ve been well, thank you. Keeping busy, as always, but hoping to slow down a bit after the Holidays. How are you? ❞

cadesoloman-deactivated20251022

Sometimes Cade believed himself to be a bother to the couple. That they could be a little too enthusiastic or linger too long. He couldn't help it. The two of them had always been kind to the dark haired man and his interests. It was hard not to find joy in their presence, their conversations. Especially now.

Cade joined in Valina's chuckle, his shorter but a little more carried. "Tell you something interesting? Oh no. You know I'm not good at those things."

There's a measured pause as he thinks over the last few times of his life. "My uh...-My ex kind of came back into the picture? Sort of? We literally bumped into each other, Grace and I. I think I've told you about Grace before?" They couldn't remember for sure, but it seemed likely. "It wasn't too awkward. She apologized a bunch and I told her she didn't need to so we've arranged for a meeting. Plus I also met this other girl at work? I don't know. I'm bad at these things."

#cadesolomon #* cade solomon.

NEVER A BOTHER was Cade to the couple and both women wouldn’t hesitate to tell them that, either. Their presence made even the slowest of days one to remember with the stories and random bits of information shared. So much so, a hand lifts at their insistence that they had nothing interesting to tell, swatting at the air. Nonsense.

She hums in response as he begins to speak, signaling she is listening and acknowledging the words spoken to her as she returns to working on restocking the shelf. There’s a slight pause as the word ‘ex’ makes an appearance, her brow lifting as she turns her head into his direction. The return of an ex-girlfriend and a new girl? Oh, sweet Cade. This was plenty interesting.

❝ Beginning with the first thing . . . I remember you mentioning Grace. It’s good bumping into one another wasn’t terribly awkward, as those experiences can easily be. How are you feeling about this meeting? Is it just to discuss what happened between the two of you or is it to do some catching up? ❞ Genuine curiosity, but there’s a hint of nosiness simply out of protection.

❝ Secondly, another girl? ❞ The ooh’s and ah’s are being kept inside. ❝ Is this a friend or someone you like? ❞

killedlight

"Stop.", Grace croaks out, eyes widening, and red flush spreading across her face. "You're a poison witch.", she adds, "And I don't-- I don't want anything to do with one of you." Not that she was going to have something to do with Valina. Not that Valina had threatened her in any way -- Grace simply got scared way too quickly. Her jewelry dangles as she rushes to take the napkin, still, to press it into the cut on her finger.

"Sorry, I-- Just please." She's not even sure what to say. Valina offered her help, and all she can do is panic, and back away further, as she keeps carefully collecting the shards from the ground. Meanwhile, the woman reminds her of her mother, im some sort of way -- of a much darker, sweeter version.

#foxglovegrace #* grace rosenberg.

IT WAS THE NEXT FEW WORDS SPOKEN that cause Valina to halt her movements, hand still hovering overtop the others as she tended to her wounds. It was an admission of fear she could understand, as she knew how other witches of her kind could be, but a small part of it still pained her knowing that right along with it, she was not one of them.

Still, she nodded and pulled away. Causing the girl any more stress or strain was not her intention. ❝ I’m sorry. ❞ It was simple. There was no need to try and convince that she wasn’t going to cause any harm, not when that would only prolong the exchange that was not wanted. It was clear this fear ran deep and Valina could respect it enough to do as she was told.

❝ Just be careful. ❞ With that, she moved to stand again and looked around to find another who could assist without upsetting Grace more. Even if she didn’t want to accept her help directly, she still wanted to ensure she would be taken care of.

blo0druncold

( @vkournikova -- The Woodside Library late, in the evening )

While Marie would rather bite her own arm off than to openly admit that she deeply appreciates evenings spent with Valina, she does show it in her own, small ways. "I found this book exclusively about Baneberry that I wanted you to show." Usually, she wouldn't share. Usually Marie would hoard it like her other books, would study it in peace and quiet, and then would briefly mention it to someone four years later. But Valina, Valina gets to see, and study it, too.

"I personally think it's an underrated kind of poison.", she points out when she comes back to sit next to her, at one of the secluded tables hidden in between massive shelves. "I haven't heard about it in ages."

#blo0druncold #* marie bradshaw.

THERE WAS NO VERBAL APPRECIATION NECESSARY. Valina could tell that Marie enjoyed the time they shared together just as much as she had herself from the simple fact that she continued to come around. It didn’t hurt that she noticed every time there was the slightest formation of a smile on a usually stoic face, either.

❝ I’d have to agree with you on that one. Let me see. ❞ Her brows wiggle curiously as she scoots closer to the other woman, slender digits reaching out to carefully stroke the spine of the book presented to her. Forty-seven years on this wretched Earth and it was still the little things, like gaining new knowledge on herbs alongside a friend, that made days worthwhile. ❝ How much have you read on your own already? ❞

@vkournikova gets a solstice surprise.

'TIS THE SEASON; FOR MORE THAN JUST GIFT GIVING AND FESTIVITIES COMBINED. She knows how much Valina enjoys the lights and the spectacles, such a minor thing to appreciate and yet, that's part of what Kora loves most about her. It seems the perfect opportunity to do what she's been wanting for quite some time, just never finding that right moment, until now. There's a ring in her coat pocket, beautifully crafted; a gothic oval cut black rutilated quarts.

A diamond just didn't fit their overall aesthetic and she wanted something a bit more meaningful and purposeful, more beautiful like the woman she intends to spend the rest of her life with. Quartz crystals shielded against negativity, attune to a higher sense of self and relief of pain both physically and mentally. A meditation technique on occasion to filter out distractions. This time of year could be hard on a lot of people, Valina specifically and so she wants to heal those unwanted burdens and thoughts with something positive. Something special. Looking over towards her love, she reaches to take hold of her hand and provides a small smile, ❝ let's take a break, yeah? Walk with me. ❞

IT HAD SEEMED LIKE ANY OTHER HOLIDAY SEASON, the normal hustle and bustle of preparations and events keeping Valina on high-alert with stress levels heightened, save for the few quiet moments she was able to share with the woman who never failed to bring her peace. The only difference was that same woman had been acting strange for a while now and no matter how much thought she put into it, or how much questioning was done, she couldn’t seem to place a finger on the cause.

Their relationship was fine. More than fine, really. It was wonderful. Just about every waking moment was spent together, their days beginning and ending curled up in each other’s arms as they always had for the last ten years, and yet something still felt off. Valina was determined to figure out what it was.

The hand that takes ahold of her own is given a squeeze out of instinct, brown eyes shifting from the group of people walking by to meet Kora’s, her gaze soft. It’s enough to have Valina’s own lips turning up into a grin, but it’s one that remains small as she notices something hidden within the way her girlfriend looks at her. What in the world could be going through that beautiful mind of hers?

❝ Where are we going? Is everything alright? ❞

#wr.event #wr.task #korakauri #* kora kauri.#headcanon #wr.task: solo experience

BEING THE CHILD TO AN OVERBEARING MOTHER who never failed to find a reason to blame her daughter for anything that went wrong in life, Valina spent a good chunk of time not feeling too fond of the holiday season. Although, it hadn’t started off that way. The childlike wonder that every tiny human seemed to be born with was once something the woman had possessed, completely enthralled with the pretty lights and over the top decorations that every home but her own covered itself in. While her own guardian didn’t show her the attention and care she required, the others she found herself crossing paths with as a child had been kind, offering her smiles and spreading the holiday cheer with hopes that she would get exactly what she asked for. Just as long as she was good. She was polite, friendly, excellent in school, always eager to help and overachieve, and yet when the days of celebration rolled around, there was never anything for her. Disappointment and self-doubt began early, but she dare not ask about why nothing was gifted to her. It was ungrateful. Her mother did everything for her, so why should she deserve any special treatment? It was undeserving. Maybe if she tried harder next year. As she grew older, the kindness shown from adults lessened and no matter how many years passed, she never seemed to work hard enough to get as much as a ‘Thank you’ for the things that she did. Holidays that were meant to be happy and filled with cheer were quickly replaced with dread and sadness, feelings that were carried well into her adult years.

Ten years earlier was when Valina had made the decision to move out of the town she had spent a majority of her most formative years to begin a new life. One filled with a lot more love and happiness that she never quite felt like she deserved, and with a person who was more than willing to do whatever it took to give her exactly what she wanted. Kora had always been that way. She was the first person to ever show Valina true care and kindness that she had spent so much time believing she wasn’t worthy of. That time spent together, away from the physical shell of the voice that lived within her mind offered some healing as time went on, that childlike wonder returning in small doses that her long-term partner was more than happy to support despite her own complicated feelings, but it wasn’t the holidays themselves that she found herself looking forward to. It was the memories she could continue to create with the person who spent every day mending a heart she didn’t break. And little to her knowledge, she was about to receive another that would completely silence the idea that she would never be good enough to receive something that made her feel important.

Westray's Holiday Event - MERRY CHRISTMAS -- OR NOT?

Valina Kournikova will be attending Westray’s Christmas social event alongside her partner in both life and business, dressed in her usual black. A long, form-fitting dress that accentuates her curves with a plunging neckline that leaves enough to the imagination. It’s not much different than her usual attire, but it’s paired with jewelry that includes shades of red to add a hint of the holiday spirit, along with crimson-painted lips. You will be able to find her at the booth set up for the Kauri Apothecary, assisting in the offer of many different goods. She can be quite persuasive.

#wr.ngarori #wr.winter solstice #wr.christmas #wr.event #wr.task #* kauri apothecary.

KORA DOESN'T USUALLY ENJOY SURPRISES, mostly because she experiences them at random moments of every day. Flashes of different points of life and feelings that sometimes can become contradicting or confusing in the present. Valina knows this though and so, trust is ensured. Eyes glancing towards her love before obliging the request with a gentle hum of defeat and allowing palms to be faced upwards.

A small smirk forms at the kiss to her forehead, feeling Valina's weight move from their bed. She does peek, but only for a second and there's nothing to really be seen when eyes are shut again. A deep inhalation of breath for calmness, trying to maintain her brain cycle so that it didn't jump from one point to another at random. It wasn't easy for her to control, nor does she think it ever will be. She just needed this moment to last, honestly excited for what was to come.

IT’S ONLY A FEW SECONDS before Valina is returning to her original place on the bed, a bare knee bumping into Kora as she positions herself directly in front of her. ❝ It’s good, I promise. ❞ She reassures, her voice barely above a whisper as every action towards the other is gentle, the awareness of the dislike towards surprises being one she knows well. However, it doesn’t stop her from trying to offer Kora a more positive experience with them.

A dark purple velvet box is placed in upturned hands, a silver locket housed inside with one of the more recent images of the couple placed in the center of the heart. Engraved on the backside was the date of the day they made the relationship they always shared more official, along with the words ‘Til Death in Valina’s own cursive handwriting.

❝ Have a look. ❞

valina has a gift for @korakauri.

❝ CLOSE YOUR EYES. ❞ Valina spoke softly as she reached for her lovers hands, holding them close together once she flipped them so that her palms were facing up.

❝ Now wait here, but no peeking! ❞ She requested sternly while she moved from her spot on the edge of their shared bed, a gentle kiss placed to Kora’s forehead before disappearing to retrieve the present she had purchased earlier that day.

firesagafae

AS SOON AS VALINA STEPS THROUGH THE CURTAIN, Jessica's attention shifts with some relief, a heavy sigh leaving her in that moment while taking a step forward. ❝ Hey, yeah… sorry, I- uhm… Kora isn't here, is she? ❞ She hopes that she's not, face scrunching up a bit when she asks the question. ❝ I just, wanted to talk to you, alone. ❞ Wanting a different perspective, perhaps. Honestly, she isn't really sure what she wants to talk about except for a general consensus. Valina just seemed the most obvious choice to go to in regard instead of someone who was literally clairvoyant and might give news she didn't want to hear. A basic opinion, that's all she wanted, for now.

❝ Is now a bad time? ❞

#firesagafae #* jessica campbell.

JUST AS HER FEATURES BEGIN TO SOFTEN, her brows are back to furrowing, confusion settling in deeper at why everything suddenly felt so tense. ❝ She’s out at the moment. ❞ It wasn’t rare for someone to seek Valina out, having had her fair share of moments where she had to take on the role of a problem-solver with the advice she was always happy to give out. Even unexpected, she was not one to say no to talking things out.

❝ Come. ❞ Despite there being no one else currently in the apothecary, a hand still reaches forward to gently lead Jessica to the room she was previously in to offer at least a little more privacy. The older woman gestures towards a seat, an option to sit instead of stand being offered in case it’s wanted. ❝ What’s going on? ❞

cadesoloman-deactivated20251022

Cade loved the atmosphere here. They were by no means an expert in anything, but he loved to hear about everything that happened. Between Valina and Kora, it felt like there was always a story about something that happened that day. Not even just here, but in their lives. Maybe Cade was excited by just speaking to them, but that wasn't a bad thing by any measure. He was excited by just speaking to them. Yes. That fit.

"Oh, you know me. Oh, so much trouble. Just tossing...sharks around, I dunno," He laughed. "Well you know I'm always here to help. Just call me up, knock on my door, I'll come a-running. Or, you know, riding my bike or something? I can't make this sound any different or fun." A pause, then a laugh, "I'll be here is what I'm trying to say."

#cadesolomon #* cade solomon.

IT WAS NO SECRET that both individuals within the Kauri-Kournikova couple had a soft spot for Cade. How could they not with how kind and attentive he was to them and whatever they shared, even if it served little to no importance? He always made it seem as if it did. He was sweet company that meant well and quickly made it to the top of the list of Valina’s favorites. The interest he held for her and the words spoken were mirrored.

❝ That does sound very troublesome. Sharks can be dangerous! I would definitely avoid getting on your bad side. ❞ A wink accompanied her soft chuckle. ❝ I appreciate that, Cade, thank you. What you can help me with now is by telling me something interesting while I finish up with this organizing. ❞ With a smile, she takes a few steps to the side to reach for a box that’s placed in front of a fairly empty shelf. It desperately needed some cleaning. ❝ Do you have, as the kids say, any tea? ❞

killedlight

@vkournikova -- Trick or Treat Café

Apparently, Grace has an affinity for panic attacks -- which she wasn't quite aware about, until recently. Sadly, she thinks Wren kicked said occurrence off, mentioning he's a Hawthorne, and only making her paranoia rise. One murder attempt is fine, she thinks, but two in not even thirty years, is two too many. She doesn't think she's ever done something bad enough to deserve two, but here she is, panicking in the back of a café, after dropping her whole plate.

And that, just because the woman in front of her is carrying Water Hemlock in her bag -- Grace can smell it. It's her weird talent, identifying poisonous and various other plants by smell (maybe it's also just paranoia). The woman surely is a poison witch, and Grace feels to haunted not to panic. Ridden with anxiety, the young woman immediately crouches down to pick up the piece of her shattered place, cutting the palm of her hand in the process. "Fuck."

#foxglovegrace #* grace rosenberg.

While it had very clearly not been one for Grace, a normal day was exactly what Valina had currently been having. Nothing had been out of the ordinary when she decided to visit a friend’s café, hoping to pick up a few items and then be on her way. Hearing a crash behind her was sure enough to get her attention, lips turning into a sympathetic frown as she placed her own items down to approach the girl, completely unaware that she was the one to cause the current chaos.

❝ Oh, love. You have to be careful. ❞ Her voice was sweet as she reached for a clean napkin from a nearby table, crouching down to offer it. ❝ We can get you a broom to help clean this up. Are you alright? ❞

cadesoloman-deactivated20251022

"It's nothing," Cade enjoyed being able to bring the woman things. It was always good to hear from someone not in the same walks of life as them. There were things Valina probably couldn't tell him or wouldn't, but for the most part, Cade enjoyed everything she told him about her life, musings, so on. It was always quite the sight to see her smile. That was always his goal at the end of it all. He returned the hug with equal enthusiasm before separating. Eyes glanced around the store. "I might just grab some candles and incense while I'm here, but that can be towards the end," The boy with the dark hair replied and gave her another smile. "I'm good. Same old at the aquarium. How about you? Gearing up for the holiday party I'd assume?"

#cadesoloman #* cade soloman.

❝ IT’S EVERYTHING, ❞ She insists with a grin that never seems to fade. The kindness that they show to her on the regular is one that she greatly appreciates, and she is sure to remind them of that whenever she can. Stepping back from the hug, Valina carefully places the items given in a safe spot behind the counter until she is able to bring them home with her at the end of the day. She can’t wait to show them off to Kora and get started on reading.

Her attention is returned to the boy as she perches atop a stool, hands clasping together and settling against her lap. ❝ Not getting into any trouble, then? ❞ She teases with a raised brow, then nods in response. ❝ I am. There’s always so much to get done in preparation for a party, but especially when holiday season rolls around. Kora gets onto me about it every year. Says I stress too much and need to lighten my load, but there’s a reason for my lengthy to-do list. ❞

IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INTENTIONAL, but Kora loved to be marked by her partner; her lover, the woman who had become her entire world. Valina had every right to mark her territory in every sense of the word and Kora moans through the slight sting as nails dig into flesh. She'd relish in those marks like a memory of this night, remembering every sound emitted from the other and the heat that begins to radiate fueling her own body, already feeling that hint of perspiration forming through thick skin.

Her own hips roll into every thrust as wrist curls inward more. Fingers picking up speed with each tapping motion against clenching walls that soak them. It doesn't even bother her that their lingering kiss is quickly broken in order for Valina to take a breath, lips still linger and hover over the woman's own, feeling every huff, every moan. It was a break they both needed in order to release all of the previous pent up stress from the day. What better way to do that than this—? She couldn't think of a better way.

#korakauri #* kora kauri.#nsfw

THE GRACEFUL MOVEMENT OF HIPS BEGIN TO FALTER, instead twitching against the hand that Valina rides as an orgasm quickly approaches. Her head drops to Kora’s shoulder, sounds of pleasure ringing loudly in her ear the closer she becomes to reaching the release she is so desperate to obtain. Whimpers, enthusiastic moans, a few expletives, and a lot of calling out her lovers name mix together until the next thing that comes out of her mouth is to inform her girlfriend that she’s right on the edge.

❝ Fuck, Kora. ❞ She begins, a statement she has made more times than she can count in this shared moment alone. ❝ I’m going to — Mm . . . ❞ Another moan cuts her off, but they’ve done this dance hundreds of times before. Nothing at all ever needs to be said, not when Kora learned her body and picked up on every sign years prior. Her walls tighten, nails digging in deeper as her body tenses, then shudders in the other woman’s embrace as she comes undone around her. It’s euphoric. A feeling that can never be duplicated or replaced, and only makes her feel closer to the one person who never fails to make her feel loved and adored no matter how many times they do this.

firesagafae

@vkournikova gets a random starter.

JESSICA STEPS INTO THE APOTHECARY, at a precise time. Knowing that it will only be Valina behind the counter. She doesn't want to see Kora, not right now, not yet. Because her primary focus and the conversation she wants to have is only something Valina can provide. The door dings upon entry, it's empty, eyes glancing about the place with some skepticism. Was it always this slow—? Didn't matter. Not to her. As long as she could get some one-on-one time with the woman she came to see, initially. ❝ Valina? ❞ She calls out, seeing no one available up front.