[letallthetrashraindown]

how lucky i am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

[ihavealavalamp]

Cold at Night, The Mountain Goats [x]

[youarenotworthmyanger]

the wedding event is ending, but 🌊 seastars gotta shine! 🌟 💒

“Tobias!” Nita called across the dance floor to a trusty reliance for dancing, “my partner was forced to abandon me! I shall fall out of step and ruin the circle – come save our uneven numbers!” She could fit in his name on her dance card between the lines so the fun was marked proper. There was still a task to compete; he would be helping in more ways than one.

[maviyenot]

[angelicdewdrop]

[youarenotworthmyanger]

And I'll become the monster Like none they've ever known So what if I'm the monster Lurking deep below?

In folklore and history, however, sea witches were depicted as individuals capable of controlling ocean storms, weather patterns, and creatures from the depths. Some are akin to sirens of ancient mythology: beings of destruction whose songs didn’t just lure sailors — they shattered minds, wrecked ships, and dragged souls into oblivion.

art

[thorneheir]

“Ah,” he smiles, thinking her grin gave him an answer and he, again, admired her ingenuity in getting away. 

For a brief moment he felt that he was being looked at and suddenly felt a little shy. Not like him at all but maybe it was from the respect he had for Nita and their friendship. It wasn’t a new thing, he was used to that kind of happening from his travels and in the close quarters of the ship and even before that when he was wilder as a teenager in the ton. 

The hair tussle wasn’t expected but he still smiled and shook his head slightly away from her so some water threw off his hair. There wasn’t a point to it, he was still dripping. “You know I would,” he says, managing to balance a playful and stern voice but that last part, he knows he doesn’t have it in him so it comes off as unserious as he intends. “He was?” They hadn’t talked about her father or her other family so he took a seat next to her and dug his toes into the sand, it was cold and he could tell was going to stick to him but he didn’t mind it. “I wouldn’t be cruel but I’d be terrible. I’d still be a rake and lost in myself,” he chuckles, “and so unserious too!” 

His mouth scrunches and he shakes his head in an immediate answer and then realises she might not see. “No. Never. It’s not that I’m opposed to it or anything, it's just,” he sighs and focuses on the water and the way the sun hits it as if that’ll distract his thoughts or help him focus. Either one. He wasn’t sure which one he wanted. “I never saw a point to it. Marriage isn’t needed to tell someone you love them, not when you feel it. You can have that feeling of waking up next to someone you want to be with forever without all that faff. If you read Whistledown last year and you know that I had that. I didn’t need a marriage to know I had someone committed to me and I to him. I can’t explain it but, for me, it was like a pull to each other and I always wanted to be next to him, to help him and just adore him. No motive.” It was his turn to play with the shells and he found himself pressing one deep into the sand. “Do you want marriage? I understand why people want it in that way. To celebrate your love and have everyone know it. You should have that.”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

Tobias could find a silver lining anywhere and make her laugh. She did, at his pretend seriousness. Denying stoic expectations was exactly why he made the best company.

She read last season’s Whistledown papers during the winter to analyze the anonymous writer. The reports were certainly eye catching, but Nita preferred hearing the truthful version from its source like now.

“I understand,” Nita drew her legs up the remaining space to place her chin on her knee while watching him. He summed up exactly what that kind of love felt like in her experience, including the unspoken end.

She looked away to ponder his question while watching the horizon. A ship disappeared beyond sight. As much as the twins insisted, she hadn’t given love much thought in the plan of marrying by the season or at least the year’s end.

“I don’t know anymore.” Tilting her head, she rested her cheek on her knee now to look at him. The initial was complete so she deposited her remaining shells by his hand to have, sand dust remaining on her fingertips. He was sweet to wish her story a happy ending. He deserved one.

“I felt I owed it to my family in exchange for all my time away. But now… being with someone who understands all of me feels right. Just because I adore them, like you said.” She smiled lightly, but enough to show her dimples. “You should have that too.”

[ophelieverse]

Ready to defend Penelope Featherington from all of you haters:

[thorneheir]

Seeing Nita on banks, he swam over but didn’t get out of the water yet. “I like how you plan things to get what you want. It works in your favour I think and even though I haven’t met Raina, I’ve heard nice things about her. Does she know she’s your cover?” he asks with a mischievous grin on his face that’s pretty much naturally there most of the time now. 

“Don’t apologise,” he says walking out of the water and shaking the water from his hair before he quickly puts on most of his clothes in case any of Whistledowns spies spot them. His reputation was his own to ruin, he didn’t want to ruin Nita’s especially since she was such a loved friend. Besides, he knew it was easier for him to come back from ruin being a man and his status. He could take risks but others couldn’t. “I’ve had far worse things written about me in there and it only affected me one time. The Thorne house is still the same without Whistledown’s comments about us here, I promise.” He didn’t want her to feel bad, she hadn’t done anything other than be his friend and have fun together. “That’s kind of you, Nita. It really is even I don’t think that’s true,” he chuckles. “I’ve worked hard at my reputation! I want people to think I need reforming and that I’d be a terrible husband! The problem I have is that people think reformed rakes make the best husbands or they see my fathers title and ignore my behaviour.” He never said it would be his future title, that would be owning it and he really didn’t want that. Kit deserved it and would be much better. 

“Wonderful? Don’t give me too many compliments! I’ve already got an unhealthy ego,” he teases.

[youarenotworthmyanger]

Nita’s grin was enough of an answer – she’d have to tell Raina quickly of her cover story before any of the Bruce family talked to her.

Execution of proper etiquette would be politely casting her gaze elsewhere as he dressed, but she’d sailed in sweltering weather and walked around islands with people wearing much less to survive the heat. It was a mindset she'd have to relearn. Yet, there was a difference between a crew of sailors and Tobias, some tug within she ignored. Droplets curved down the shape of his jaw while he talked. His shirt was pointless as seawater soaked through to cling the thin material against his skin. More than a few people would very much like to be standing in her place.

“I don’t know so much about terrible husband,” she laughed, reaching up and tousled his wet hair into place to dry. “My father was terrible in the end and you’re nothing like him.”

Nita sat on the sand and buried her feet in the warm grains, noting how different they were than the Caribbean. Slender fingers sifted through the sand to search for tiny shells.

“Do you ever want to get married?” She began constructing an ‘N’ in thin lines of shells. It was an absent-minded question. “I mean, forget the ton and heirs and all that and just… marrying someone who you’re happy to see every day you wake up. And they love all of you without any ulterior motives.”

[hiyyihrts]

an experienced traveler versus an artist doing physical activity

[mournfulroses]

Franz Kafka, from a letter to Felice Bauer written in 1913, featured in Letters To Felice

[thorneheir]

He’d not been in the water in years and as fun as it was to be doing this with a good friend like Nita, he started to think about how long it had been and how different it was. “So we talked about it but never did it till now?” He laughs and shakes his head, badly pretending to be disappointed in both of them. “You didn’t find a way to sneak out and escape? I’m sorry for that. It’s…” he pauses. “It can be needed.” Of course, he had found a way to escape temporarily but didn’t need to say that. 

~ Fast forward to after event - 

Even though Whistledown had, annoyingly, revealed their secret hobby and location it didn’t stop Tobias. He needed this space and wanted to have some time in the water to clear his head from all the thoughts from that paper. It didn’t help that he had it with him and kept going back to the same parts. The paper was tucked into the small pile of his belongings and the bits of clothes he’d taken off before jumping headfirst into the water, a determined look on his face. He’d been coming in and out of the water when he broke to the surface after trying to go down further and further when he saw Nita there again. “Good to see you’re still using this place and not letting anyone take it away!” he says, smiling, and ignoring his other thoughts. “I thought you’d be too busy after that Whistledown article and how you’re the princess's jewel. How did you manage to escape your house?”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

They’d never had a lovely picnic camped out all day, but managed to swim freely through the years as children. She didn’t correct the memory, it was nice merely having a friendship remembered by someone who understood her. Not everyone related to the sea with its changing mind of fair weather to tempests, but Tobias’ like-mindedness and appreciation for what she loves most was a lucky quality to find in the so easily divided Ton.

~ 🌊 ~

Nita bit her lip indecisively when she spotted him in the water. What if she stayed and ended up in the gossip column again? It was more worry for his reputation than her own, which the princess reminded her was less than sparkling.

She reconciled doubts by looking out over the waves. The sea was free and so were they. His clear happiness in the water was magnetic. Nita couldn’t allow him to have all the fun. Slipping off her shoes to walk across the uneven sand, she stood at the water’s where the foamy crests surrounded her feet.

“I may have mentioned at dinner last night I promised to go to the market with Raina this morning.” Raina was considered a reliable chaperone to the family so an easy cover.

“I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble with what Whistledown wrote,” she apologized genuinely, a salty breeze wrapping around them then swirling free, catching strands of her pinned back hair. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you need ‘reforming’ at all.” Tobias wasn’t a picture of innocent, but no one truly was. He may be a rake, but he wasn’t hurting anyone. It was his heart that hurt, she recognized it from her own. The loss of a parent, shackled from the call of the ocean by familial duty when neither would inherit direct title… two people standing in shifting waters hoping it would heal hurt like it used to.

“You always been wonderful. You still are.”

[thorneheir]

Some people became friends fast and he knew from growing up so close to Nita that she was one of those people. He always thought she was someone that was easily liked and wished the situation with her family's finances were better. Even with that, he thought people in society still liked the Bruce family. He did. They were all naturally liked but he did feel more of a friendship with Nita than others. 

It felt so good to be in the water. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done something like it or felt playful and free, enjoying the salty cold splashing up in his face. “Then it will be our place,” he grins. “I’ll not bring anyone here or tell them about it in case they’re tempted to come. Did we do something like this when we were children?” It felt familiar to him at least. 

Seeing her lay back into the waves, he dived under and jumped back up into the surface and knew he looked like he was floundering but then turned his body round to be facing up and his back against the water surface, looking up and enjoying it. If the weather was warmer, he knew he could easily pretend he was in some beach far away but opened his eyes hearing Nita only to have the water hit his face. 

“I would love to stay here all day. Maybe one day we could try and do that. Sneak away and just stay here. Bring some food and we would have no reason to leave!” A huge grin came on his face and he shakes his water-filled hair in her direction. “No, I’m not but I think I’m going with my family. I’m not sure. Are you going with anyone?”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

“Agreed, I won’t tell anyone.” Simple enough, since she already kept mum about the little sandy shore. Nita laughed when he jumped around, the feeling recalled from Tobias did too. “Hmm, I don’t think it was here, but I definitely remember us conspiring for swim time. And trying to sneak things out to make sandcastles.” It was a gamble when they were all children and her brothers saw her leaving or returning – then they had an ace to play to get her in trouble! Nita felt stuck in a tight spot until she discovered equal trouble to make them even. It never took long.

“It was much easier to get away from the house back then.” She sighed at the inconvenience of growing up and the shift in air in her lungs shifted her evenness atop the water until she patterned her breathing again. Just as her balance centered, the salty droplets from his hair covered her face unexpectedly and she laughed, which was more movement than sighing. Combined with a rushing wave she was almost pulled under, but swam to keep her head above water.

“A whole day here with no one telling us what to do sounds perfect.” It sounded much more fun than the party, which promised to already be enjoyable. As long as nothing scandalous happened for Whistledown to report, but they always found something drastic to report no matter what.

It seemed they were both attending with their family, which would be disappointing if she had her mind set on a particular person, but Nita’s involvement in the season was taking a backseat to wedding plans. She didn’t mind, it gave her more time to do things like this or meet the newer people.

“Uh uh,” she shook her head, “no suitors this time. But the boys do have Dovey and Vitoria along so it feels like I’m going with lots of people.” She hadn’t considered that before.

The party was the big to-do of the day. Sometimes the ladies came back to the Bruce house after outings and Nita could challenge them to chess or cards, but this was an event which typically meant to each their own home to report all the happenings.

After sleeking back her hair, she untangled rogue seaweed from the ends and placed it unceremoniously over his face before ducking underwater to escape potential return of the greenery.

[thorneheir]

“I always look pretty,” he grumbles with a shake of his head and smile creeping up that lit up his eyes more. It was vain and he knew that he had good looks to toe the line of being conceited and had a boyish charm about him that could pull it off and stop him sounding too egotistical. “Although I did look better back then with the tanned skin, sun beaming down and the beaches with the perfect blue water. God, I miss it.” Unlike the last time he lamented at that time, he wasn’t sad anymore but living in the fun of it and when he last saw Nita at that time.  

He was about to mention something about his costume she references but didn’t have time before she dove below the surface. Wanting to join, he doesn’t hesitate and runs towards the water and jumps in it after he discards some of his clothes on the way. The cold hit right away, shocked his skin and insides but it was a rush that he loved. 

Coming to the surface, he’s laughing and sees Nita in the water not too far so swims towards her. “I’m glad you’re here and not getting ready for the party. Nobody ever comes here this time of the morning and if you want to share this place, I’ll share with you.”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

If she hadn’t grown up with Tobias around the corner, she might think him haughty or egotistical. There were certainly an existing group in the Ton who relied on appearances for everything. People changed – time, travels or experience could make a person unrecognizable. Tobias had several years at sea to become the façade he donned in society now, but Nita wouldn’t accept that. Believing the Thorne heir only an inconsiderate, pretentious rake was a suspension of disbelief even her daydreaming mind couldn’t commit to.

Nita’s tempted to say something witty or ask if he owned the whole ocean, but there’s an entire afternoon of banter needed later and it’s nice having a happy conversation.

“I’d like that very much. Sharing it is then.”

She relinquished control of keeping herself upright against the waves, lying on her back atop the surface. Nita swished her hands when needed to keep from being carried away, but otherwise floated neatly and watched the salmon colored clouds shifting to yellow as warm rays peeked over the horizon.

“I’d stay here all day if I could... at least it’s different than the usual garden party.” She splashed water in his direction, “are you taking anyone, then?”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

Divine masquerade of reflection ♥️

Opting to attend in Greek theme to match her siblings while underlining her romantic nature.

Nita is an 🌊 ocean girl 🌊 but I decided to go with an overall love look. I put together red sequins through her dress, shoes and mask! Gold sequins on the gown match the gold hardware of her accessories. Crystals encasing the heart on the necklace and two of the bracelets match the red velvet gloves. Both the gloves and shoes are velvet 👠

( click below to see higher rez details, larger photos and the actual colors without my template gradients! the jewelry is soooo pretty!)

Loschy Designs - Gold And Pink Heart Filigree Crown (I changed the purple to red gems to match the outfit!)

Bracelets

Icey Queen Amour Pink Solstice pale rose to deep pink quartz bracelet

Vida Kush pearl pretty pretty princess charm bracelet

Earrings & necklace

British Retro crystal heart and acrylic flower drop earrings.

Buddha Mama 20k gold necklace with 29.69 ct. peach tourmaline heart

Dress & shoes

Watters Spring 2019 Wedding Collection red sequined heart and gold sequins tulle gown

Iron Fist Turkish Delight Pink Velvet Court Block Heels with red sequin heart

SOFFITTA Sequined red masquerade Mask with rhinestones and embroidery

Mask

[thorneheir]

CLOSED EVENT STARTER | @nitabruce LOCATION | The Thames Foreshore (early morning. before party)

Even though it had been a year since he’d been forced back to London, there were still a lot of people that he hadn’t been reintroduced to. It was his own fault and he knew it. He’d been so busy either wallowing, fighting with his father or doing his best to get the worst kind of prurient reputation and it worked. Now, he was trying a different route. Another ball would be a lot and so he knew he’d need some freedom especially after spending the off-season working in the family business. 

The Thames Foreshore might not be the best place for a swim but with the sun only just rising, it was quiet and nobody else around. It was peaceful and hearing the water lap around the sand at Blackwall bought him back to the past. So he took off his shoes and socks, walked to the edge with rolled up pants and closed his eyes as he felt the cold water against his skin. Wanting more of that feeling, he quickly starts to take off more of his clothes but stops when he hears a shriek informing him that he wasn’t actually alone. Quickly covering back up, he moves to the sound of the voice and after a surprise, he recognises Nita from before he ran away. She was a few years younger than he was but he knew her face when he saw it. “Nita? I am so sorry!” he blushes. “I thought I was alone here, that I could…well, you know. However we were going to see each other again, I didn’t think it would be like this but I’m still glad it's not in a ballroom. This is much more like us, isn’t it?”

[youarenotworthmyanger]

With her proper dress folded over one arm, Nita was still dressed in her ankle-length shift. Her yelp at seeing Tobias was less at his imperfect attire, but self-annoyance she’d been caught. Recognizing each other relaxed her bristled stance, thankful no one was about to drag her back home when she’d just arrived. Nita waved in greeting, laughing lightly at what Lady Whistledown would think if she knew a labeled rake capable of blushing the same shade of sunrise pink caught in the clouds above him.

“It’s no Mediterranean tide in festival season, but you still look very pretty!” She referenced their last run-in on weather-worn docks, balancing on one leg then the other to remove her flats. The cold waves were more invigorating than jarring as she jumped a over a few crests, rolling pebbles tickling her feet below the surface. The tide was still weak where he stood, so she was able to stand against it too once reaching him. As blue-eyed as memory served.

“This is decidedly more us,” she concurred with a bright smile, “and much more fun. Come on then, selkie–” Nita dove neatly below the surface to swim past the sandbar to deeper waters.

[youarenotworthmyanger]

Mad Hatter Tea Party🐇

The White Knight: representing goodness, courage and justice ⏔⏔꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱⏔⏔