Bridgerton | Official RP Thread

[Megan]

---

In the heart of Regency London, the Thornwood manor stood as a bastion of refinement and elegance. However, its radiance seemed dimmed without the presence of Dahlia Thornwood, who had been absent at the commencement of the day’s events. Her delay stemmed from an unforeseen predicament during her return from an extended vacation. A mishap in a distant land had entangled her, delaying her longed-for reunion at the Thornwood estate.

The sudden turn of events stranded her far longer than anticipated. As the couple of days turned into weeks, Dahlia felt the pang of regret knawing at her heart. She longed to be back in the heart of London’s social swirl, partaking in gatherings. Each day weighed heavily on her, for she had missed the inaugural days of the social season, the glamour of balls, and the camaraderie of some familiar faces. Her journey, though delayed, was finally set back into motion by the resolution of the unforeseen dilemma. As she stepped foot back into familiar soil, a blend of relief and yearning enveloped her. Although London was not her home, she had spent far too much time at the London estate during her teenage years that it had begin to feel more at home than she did in France.

Her delayed arrival at the Thornwood estate felt like a breath of fresh air. She finally got to hug Eleanor, her maid, who felt almost like a mother to Dahlia. From the moment Dahlia entered the Thornwood estate as a young girl, Eleanor had been a guiding force, a pillar of unwavering support. Her gentle demeanor and compassionate soul enveloped Dahlia in a nurturing embrace, offering not just guidance in household affairs but also solace and understanding in moments of distress. Eleanor’s wisdom was a source of comfort for Dahlia, her words carrying the weight of experience and the warmth of genuine care. In times of joy, Eleanor’s laughter mingled with Dahlia’s, knitting moments of happiness into the fabric of their shared experiences. It was in the quiet corners of the estate, away from the prying eyes of high society, that their bond flourished. Eleanor was Dahlia’s mother figure, the one she often had next to her since her true mother was frequently away.

Making her way into the front room, Dahlia sat on the couch. Her dark, raven-like hair framed an expression that mirrored the romantic yearning and innocence that defined her essence.

As Eleanor opened the door, Harrison stood there with that charismatic grin, Dahlia couldn’t help but to feel a rush of warmth. His playful entrance, and the bouquet of delicate, lavender-dyed dahlias held a charm she couldn’t resist. It was all so… Harrison.

“Insecte!” she teased, using his famous nickname, jumping out of the couch and hugging him straight away. They hadn’t seen each other in so long, she had missed him. “You brought yourself and gifts? That’s a combo I wouldn’t trade for the stars” She chuckled softly, accepting the bouquet from his hands. She brought the bouquet up to her nose, smelling the sweet fragrance of what happened to be her favorite flowers. And no, it’s not because it’s her name. They truly were one of the prettiest flowers to exist and knowing Harrison brought them for her made them that much more special. “Smooth as ever Harrison, you certainly know how to make a girl feel special. Thank you,” she said, her smile mirroring his, filled with genuine appreciation.

As Dahlia eyed the box with a playful skepticism, she couldn’t shake the mischievous glint in Harrison’s eye. His charismatic grin often held a secret, one that teased of potential mischief. "I trust this isn’t one of your infamous jests? For if this gift turns out to be a prank of some sort, rest assured, you may end up outside for the rest of the evening, she spoke with a lilt of amusement.

However, despite the possible jest, curiosity danced in her eyes as she extended her hand toward the elegantly wrapped box. “Enlighten me. With you, it could be anything.” Her fingers danced across the top of the box, skeptical to open it. Perhaps she should let him open it and explain, although she was certain that after such a period away from each other, he truly would be a gentleman.

“I’m compelled to inquire considering I’ve missed a little bit,” Dahlia continued, her tone light yet inquisitive. “Tell me, amidst the beautiful ballrooms and charming society, how many maidens have fallen prey to your charming words already? Or has the charm been reserved for this moment?” Her words were playful, a subtle prod at his notorious charm and the magnetic pull he seemed to exert effortlessly.

---

@Kristi - Harrissonnnnn <3333

[Kristi]

---

, “You… you don’t have to thank me,” His cheeks reddened at the act of gratitude that Ms.Brantley showcased. He was about to say more when he felt a throbbing sensation in his head and his mind started to slip. Klaus mind began to spiral, in his mind he imagined himself in the garden and he imagined the hands of Liebe dragging tugging him away from the garden and choking him. He imagined water… water, was he drowning? e was currently in the pond of the garden, his head was under water and though it was not deep, he still felt like he was drowning. His face inside in the pond and he did not move for a while, then he began to mutter the name of Liebe. His surroundings blurred, and suddenly, he found himself submerged in the cold waters of the garden pond. Panic gripped him as he struggled against an unseen force pulling him downward. His hands thrashed in the water, desperately clawing for something to hold onto.

Klaus’s face was submerged, and the muffled sounds of the outside world were replaced by the haunting echoes of Liebe’s laughter. In the distorted reality of his mind, the garden transformed into a place of torment. He felt the weight of imaginary hands dragging him deeper, and he began to choke on the water that filled his lungs.

He blinked as he began o hear the voices of reality as he stood up, realizing that all that had happened were just in his mind. Nothing happened, there were no ghosts, Liebe did not exist anymore. She was no longer here… Liebe did not exist… No more Liebe…Liebe. He felt himself flinch as Louisa grabbed his wrists, wanting to harshly pull away but he could not do that- it was mean, too mean and Klaus was not mean. He could not be mean, Liebe would be disappointed… but was she not already disappointed in him? The Liebe he knew was surely not going to be proud about his behavior, this was not the way the way she had raised him

“I’m ok,” He muttered to Louisa and Dough, “I’m ok,” He repeated again, “Really…I’m f…fine,” He began to laugh nervously, clutching his stomach as he felt himself about to throw up, about to fall to the ground in front of them. He excused himself out, Louisa letting go of his arm.

He needed the fresh breath, he needed to feel the garden. It was one of the only relaxing parts of England, the only part that reminded him of Germany. Klaus did not like to be in England much, well at least not since Liebe’s death. Being in England, mentally hurts. Considering that he was in England when he found out about Liebe’s death and did nothing to stop it, he could have stopped it- prevented it, if only he had just told someone but he did not and her blood… her blood was now in his hands. He was a murder, his pursued his lips as he wondered what would the rest of his family think when he told them the truth, what shall his friends think? They would hate him, it was obvious they would hate him, throw him away and curse at him. The only other person except for his father who knew about the death of Liebe blamed him after all, she saw the truth and did not try to console him as it was Klaus fault.

Liebe’s death lay solely on Klaus. He brought his knees close to his face as he stared absent mildly at his knees, the wind blowing against his skin. He felt himself wishing he was at the spa again in a bathtub filled with ice or the hottest of water that washed everything away from his mind. The pain from freezing to death or almost burning to death always seemed to wash away all of his troubles.

He imagined himself in a bucket of ice, just like the spa. The ice made him feel weird, made him shudder and brought a smile to his face and Klaus began to laugh as he stared at the sky, pretending that he was covered in ice. He stood up, dusting himself off, and walked back into the dining room.

As he sat down, Louisa had asked, “Klaus… please… we are the ones who want to know what’s wrong.” And Klaus paused as he stared at his food. He wanted to pretend like he did not hear her and he wished he had it in his guts to pretend he did not hear her, that he had the guts to be impolite but he did not. “There’s… theres nothing wrong with me Ms.Brantley,” His voice slightly cracking as he continued, “I’m fine, really i’m fine. It’s just…” Klaus paused as he shook his head, Nothing, the food was just overwhelming."

---

@Ouijaloveletters

[Ouijaloveletters]

Louisa smiled gently.* ”I want to thank you. All I have been doing was pushing you away, yet I can tell that you hold me in high regard. I have yet to understand, as to why. I am naught but a commoner. In the eyes of the ton, I am nothing. I have no fancy title. I am no lady, I am only Louisa. Maybe I am not even that. Who could know for certain?” Louisa sighed, closing her eyes. Why did Klaus make her care? She didn’t want to care. All Louisa wanted to do, was live. She didn’t need feelings get in the way, yet here they were. Klaus had exited the room, and Louisa sighed, picking awkwardly at her steak. How she wished she could help him, but Klaus had to help himself. He was the only one who could do that. Once Klaus returned, Louisa shook her head at his words. ”I know you lie. You do not believe that I know you, but I do. I may know you better than you know yourself. You certainly are not alright, yet I shall not press here. I wish to know what worries you, but here is not the place and time. I shall let it be, but I expect to be told what is on your mind. Do not go through this alone, I am begging you.” , ‘Louisa, stop…this is none of your business.’ She thought to herself. She couldn’t just stand by as one of the only people who treated her normally was hurting. She may be brash and rude, yet she wasn’t cruel. She just wanted to protect herself…and maybe cause a little chaos, but that wasn’t the point.
@Kristi - Klaus

[Kristi]

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A silver bouquet with dahlias in his hand and a present behind him, His ever-charming smile adorned his face as he waltzed in, armed with a teasing remark.

“Insecte!” Lady Dahlia teased, using the nickname she had given to him, after he had given her the nickname of aquila. Harrison rolled his eyes at the nickname, “You persist with that nickname, Aquila? I do rue the day I brought you flowers.” T" He grumbled, their banter a dance between them. “How is insecte a fair nickname trade for Aquila?” He mused out loud. After all, he had named her after a celestial wonder – the constellation Aquila, a group of stars forming imaginary shapes in the equatorial sky, three of which shone brighter than magnitude 3.00. A name fitting for Dahlia, whose radiance seemed to surpass everything Harrison had known since their friendship began.

Despite his mock protest, a pout on his lips, and the flowers still clutched in his hand, she reached for them, only to be met with a slight retraction and an unnamed expression on his face in response to the playful moniker. However, her next words turned his frown into a smile. “You brought yourself and gifts? That’s a combo I wouldn’t trade for the stars,” she remarked as she accepted the bouquet from his hands. Harrison couldn’t help but tease, his tone dripping with cockiness, “It shall be quite a challenge to part with the captivating allure of my devilishly handsome face, wouldn’t it? That shall be like trading the sun for the stars and indeed that is quite a challenge.” He ran a hand through his curls as he continued, “I did not know that you held me through such a high standards, but I guess even a constellation cannot resist the sun, resisting such a charm like mine is a task even i find formidable.” His eyes twinkled with playfulness, the corner of his mouth quirked up as he spoke.

As she delicately brought the bouquet to her nose, inhaling the fragrance, Lady Dahlia became a celestial masterpiece. The way she immersed herself in the scent, a momentary trance, made Harrison momentarily forget about the present that trailed behind him. It was as if the very essence of a constellation had taken form in her, a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty. Indeed he had done well in giving her the title of Aquila, one of the 15 most beautiful constellations the earth had ever seen. Her hair too-close to being dark as the ravens reminded him of the night.

He watched, captivated, as she looked nothing short of a living constellation, the play of light casting an otherworldly glow upon her features. Her presence in that moment, immersed in the fragrance of dahlias, transcended the ordinary and ventured into the extraordinary.

He blinked, shaking off the enchantment, Harrison swiftly remembered the other gift—a box he had brought with him. In a hurried yet graceful motion, he placed the dark wrapped box on the table, The contrast between the dark, enigmatic packaging and the vibrant lavender flowers was not lost on him, and he found himself chuckling at her perplexed expression.

As she tentatively approached the box, her curiosity evident, Harrison placed a finger under his lips, his eyes glistening with amusement. The dance of mystery and playful anticipation continued as he encouraged her to take a guess. His eyes twinkled with mischief, wondering just what imaginative thoughts were running through her mind, and thus he turned around, asking her to guess. Wanting to know just what imaginations she could muster about the mysterious box that would surely not be correct. She turned around, facing him, and questioning if this was one of his man acts of jest against her and she threatened to kick him out if that was the case.

There were no pranks in the dark box but Harrison could not help himself but to joke around and pretend that indeed inside the box lay some of his pranks, “Is that so now? And I prepared your favorite insects, the spiders in one place just for this special occasion.” He teased as he slapped the box, “Now what shall I do with the box of spiders inside here,” He placed a hand under his chin as if he was in deep thoughts, looking around with a hum. With the side of his eye he saw her unamused expression and Harrison raised his hands in surrender, “I jest, I jest or do I?” he could not help himself at the end as he leaned closer to Dahlia, towering over her with his 6’3 frame and her 5’5 figure. He leaned away as his eyes raked her face, and he shook his head in amusement, “I promise, I pull no tricks,” He told her.

She extended her hands towards the box, asking seriously this time what was inside the box, still quite skeptical. “Where is the fun of just opening it like that? Guess” he told her, “I want to see what runs in your mind, a penny for your thoughts?” He questioned with an amused tone. Truthfully, he did not think that she could truly guess what was inside the box- after all Harrison prided himself in the fact that as much of an open book he might look like, he was a man of enigma, he held a cloak of secrets and tricks that not even the ones who have known him seen the time of his birth could guess. “It is not a painting,” He told her, “That is one clue,” Harrison could not do the same thing twice after all, too predictable for a gift and Harrison did not like to give predicable gifts because there was no fun in the act of predictability. That was what made life fun- the fact that life cannot be predicted or love for the unknown as Harrison called it, when many feared the unknown, Harrison was delighted in the unknown, in exploring different seas far from the seas he was used too. But he wondered, shall he always find comfort in the unknown? Would one day the unknown prove to be his enemy?

No, not in this lifetime he hoped. "
"The riddle goes as I hold treasures of journeys vast,
Memories kept, a time bomb cast.
A silent keeper of cherished lore,
What am I, holding stories galore?

He riddles, with each step coming closer to her. The slight curve of his lips never leaving his face, and his eyes raked the darkness of her eyes, of her hair and the plump redness of her lips. He placed his hands inside his pocket, leaning once more to come face-to face with her, and the next of his words made the curve of his lips turned into a full grin, his perfect row of teeth showcasing. “That is clue 2 and the last of clues,” He continued, “So my lady, what possibly do you think could be inside the mysterious box?”

As they ventured outside the conversation of the perplexing box, they dived into the conversation of romance or more specifically Harrison’s romantic life. As she asked her question her tone was light and filled with jest. “If i was to tell you the later would you believe me?” He questioned his dear friend with a playful remark, “But the truth is, my dear aquila,” With jest, he clutched a hand to his chest, dramatically turning the other way, “I fear that I shall make you jealous with the truth because I know how much you enjoy my attention for yourself, then again who would not? But moreover, I fear that jealousy shall cloud your hearts if i told you of the many hearts that I have stolen.” He continued, "A thief of hearts I am called, the most irresistible bachelor, maybe one of these days… I shall steal yours," He teased as he flickered her forehead gently, “Congratulations on your debut, I had forgotten to tell you.” He continued, “Angelina wishes you well too,” he says referring to his younger sister, Dahlia’s friend.

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@Megan -Dahlia

[astxrism]

{ Addington estate / with Dorothea }

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Archie echoed Dorothea’s sentiments, a mixture of amusement and relief dancing in his eyes. [color="#7d8270”]”It was your choice to make…“[/color] Archie repeated Dorothea’s words, his tone carrying a nuanced blend of understanding and acceptance. ”I do appreciate your honesty.“ There was a pause, a moment suspended in the unspoken echoes of what had transpired. Archie, trying to be a provocateur in this situation just to… Get what he wanted? Understand her motives?.. Felt the urge to push the boundaries, to unravel the composed facade that Dorothea wore with such grace.

He could understand that some events were out of her hands and there were some hard choices she had to make but they all do not tie up together. [color="#7d8270”]”But tell me, Dorothea,“[/color] he continued, a sly smile playing on his lips. ”Do you ever wonder about the roads not taken? The paths left unexplored, the chapters left unread? Sometimes, the choices we make shape us, but the ones we don’t…“ He let the words linger, a subtle challenge wrapped in curiosity.

Archie’s gaze held hers, an unspoken invitation to dive into the world of what-ifs. He knew the societal constraints that bound them, the expectations that dictated their roles. Yet, in that moment, he yearned to peel back the layers, to see if beneath the polished exterior, there was a spark of rebellion, a desire for something more. If all this time he got her wrong. And at this moment maybe that was all… Maybe all he wanted to do was just prove that to himself.

She was not the only one who had to make certain choices. He was also responsible for certain things but if she wanted to take accountability - he will let her. Just for a little while, just to understand the situation. [color="#7d8270”]”Oh, forgive me, I beg… Do not take this as an invitation to think of me as one of your possible suitors. I am not here for that.“[/color] His words, not meant to be malicious, carried a subtle undercurrent, acknowledging the intricate game they were engaged in. As the subtle tension hung in the air, Archie contemplated his next move. He maintained his sly smile, gauging Dorothea’s reactions as he crafted his departure.”I do not wish to bring in any more confusion and I am quite afraid I’ve taken too much of your time. I am positive other gentlemen are getting mad at me but this has been an enlightening exchange,“ he remarked, a touch of theatricality in his tone.

---

@CerealKiller

[raviola]

Azucena - Archie’s Call

She said goodbye to Harrison. He gave her that arrogant smirk she had so missed, waved, and then turned around to walk away, fading into the crowd of townspeople outside. Azucena felt bittersweetness behind her, wrapping its arms around her waist as it rested his head on her hair. The entire interaction had been dreamlike; distorted and sweet, with an internal monologue reminding her of the pain she had once felt. For a moment, she could admit that she had reflected on their interaction. What he had said, what she had responded, if she acted responsibly, if she had allowed him to see the profile of her nose which she was so insecure about. She rubbed her arm, feeling the breeze chill her, hoping he liked her. He was her greatest weakness.

However, although Azucena had weakness, she was not a weak woman. She had other callers to speak with, so it would be tactless for her to only reflect on that one, regardless of who he was. She took a big breath, and then pivoted, rolling her eyes at the chores that awaited her speaking to countless boring men. “The duke of Hastings,” “The Viscount Bradley,” “The Marquis,” “The Earl,” the whatever. Gathering her skirts, the marquess walked toward the waiting room where the long line of men were surely growing impatient.

She opened the door, and took one step in before she saw him. Dark brown eyes, dark hair, and tough but gentle features on his face floating above his muscular, filled-out physique. There was no way. After all of these years, and awkward avoidance at any possible interaction, the portrait drawn in the folklore she wrote had come to life again after years of collecting dust on her stationary. He still looked like she remembered, only older. He was so tall, and had that appeal of a night that made her believe he carried some sort of galiance. How wrong she had been.

He began to speak, and Azucena rolled her eyes internally, glancing off to the side as she avoided his eyes. There was no interest in speaking with him. If no one had yet noticed, Azucena clutched her grudges as if they were made of gold, and it was her responsibility to keep them close, for she would suffer if she dropped them. Archibald had crossed her many years ago, and still, she had no interest in speaking to him. When she had once seen his aura projecting much shine, at the time when her heart beat for him, he now appeared duller than the wood in her fireplace.

She glanced behind him, and just as she had feared, mother was watching. Of course she was, she had always loved him. Fearing her venom, Azucena forced the most explicitly left-handed smile she possibly could, her green eyes open condescendingly wide. “I haven’t another choice, do I?” She said, wishing she could show on her face the distaste she felt.

She smoothed below her waist, gauging around the room as she wondered what to do with this borderline intruder who had stormed her home. The thought came, and she turned around. “Follow me.” She dropped her false graciousness as she said that, and the real, annoyed Azucena finally crawled out of her shadows. They left the room, and she took him to another lounge within the confines of the state. She believed the best idea would be to take him somewhere that she could be honest, or at least honest before her mother found a shabby excuse to intrude. Still, it would be nowhere intimate. She would not make the mistake of being so welcoming with him again, he would only try and take advantage.

She sat on the sofa, her back and bosom cradled by the fabric, and her thin flats feeling the tenderness of their floor rug of animal hide. “What is it that you have come here for, Archibald.” She asked as more of a statement, not expecting him to be offering anything of use. Did he not have other pubescent girls to entice with his limited maturity? She crossed her legs waiting for him to speak, and clasped her hands on her lap.

@astxrism archieeeee

ps sorry this took like 10 years
and for azus behavior shes a meanie
mentioned:
@Kristi harrison
@me mami regina osuna

[Megan]

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The arrival of Harrison, adorned with a bouquet of dahlias and that ever charming smile, sparked an immediate exchange of playful banter. She couldn’t resist teasing him with the nickname “Insecte,” a playful nickname she had given him a couple years ago after he had decided to pull a prank on Dahlia with some insects. Their banter, a dance of wit and affection, had become a cherished routine in their friendship, a language of its own.

His mock protests about the unfairness of her chosen nickname for him, accompanied by a slight pout and the flowers still tightly held, melted away as she accepted the bouquet with a laughter-filled reply. His playful arrogance about the challenge of parting with his captivating allure earned him a chuckle. Beneath his cocky facade, she sensed a warmth that resonated deeply, a connection they both held dear.

”Oh, Harrison, your charm is as bright as the sun, indeed, but fear not, for even the stars find their place in the darkest of nights. You may dazzle with your devilishly handsome face, but I’ve always believed in the celestial dance where stars and the sun coexist. Perhaps your charm is indeed formidable, but it’s the dance of our banter that keeps this constellation spinning around you.”

Dahlia cherished Harrison’s presence as a friend, relishing their playful banter and the comfort of their shared camaraderie. She admired his wit and charisma, finding solace in the depth of their connection. There was something captivating about him, an enigmatic allure that she found both intriguing and endearing. While their friendship was a source of joy and support, she couldn’t deny the subtle flutter of warmth whenever his eyes sparkled with mischief or when his laughter filled the air. Yet, any inklings of deeper feelings were tucked away, nestled within the confines of their cherished friendship, veiled by layers of fondness and camaraderie.

Dahlia’s reaction to Harrison’s playful tease about insects was a mix of amusement and a tinge of faux annoyance. “Oh, not the insects again, Harrison,” she sighed with an exaggerated roll of her eyes, a playful glint shimmering within them. His jests were always a part of their banter, but the recurring theme of insects held a subtle hint of jesting repetition. “I hope you’re not trying to get me with the same prank twice,” she quipped, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. Her feigned annoyance melted into a grin as she caught the mischief sparkling in his eyes.

As Harrison leaned in, his towering frame over hers, a playful warmth surged within her. She met his gaze, a teasing glimmer mirrored in her eyes. “You do know I won’t fall for that trick twice, Harrison,” she replied. His closeness sent a subtle wave of anticipation tingling through her, a playful energy lacing their banter with a touch of flirtatious charm.

Her facade of mock annoyance softened into a smile, a silent acknowledgment of the playful dance they shared. “I’ll hold you to that promise of no tricks this time,” she retorted playfully, a mischievous twinkle lingering in her eyes. Their banter, a delicate balance of jest and camaraderie, painted the canvas of their friendship with vibrant strokes of playful intimacy.

“I suppose a guess is in order then,” she replied with a playful tilt to her head, meeting his amused gaze. His cryptic clues and enigmatic demeanor only fueled her determination to unravel the mystery. Despite his claim of unpredictability, she couldn’t help but engage in the playful game of guessing, relishing the challenge he presented. Harrison’s penchant for the unknown intrigued her. His delight in exploring the uncharted territories of life resonated with her own appreciation for the unpredictable. As she pondered the contents of the box, she found herself drawn not just to the mystery it held but also to the enigmatic layers that comprised Harrison himself.

Dahlia pondered the riddle, her mind spinning with possibilities. Not a painting. The words echoed in her thoughts, each line unraveling a different image. “Is it a book? A journal?” she asked. There could be no way Harrison would give her something he had previously given her. “Must you make your riddles so hard?” she looked up at him, toying with the box in her hands. “Perhaps it’s… letters?” she inquired.

His teasing about stealing hearts prompted a playful roll of her eyes. Dahlia listened to Harrison’s playful banter about his romantic escapades, her tone light yet masking a hint of reservation. His jests about stealing hearts and being an irresistible bachelor stirred a flutter of conflicting emotions within her. She chuckled along, a veil of jest covering her true sentiments, but beneath that facade, a hint of caution lingered. She appreciated their camaraderie and the playful bond they shared, yet she couldn’t help but recall a past hurt that made her tread cautiously in matters of the heart. Harrison’s charm and teasing ways, while delightful, also held a reminder of the vulnerability she sought to guard against.

Her response, filled with jest and playful banter, masked an inner turmoil. “Oh, Harrison, you always have a way with words,” she replied with a teasing smile, deflecting the conversation away from her own feelings. Her laughter danced in the air, but a hint of guardedness lingered in her gaze, a silent shield protecting herself from potential heartache.

“Thank you insecte… it means a lot,” she looked up at him from the gift. She nodded at his mention of Angelina, maintaining the lightness in their exchange, yet a part of her wished for the conversation to steer away from matters of the heart. “I do miss Angelina, please do tell her I wish to see her soon. It’s been a long while,” Dahlia smiled, treading cautiously around the current conversation.

---

@Kristi - Harrison

girl this is so long I’m sorry

[Kristi]

---

“Ms.Brantley, please do not say that about yourself” Klaus began, perplexed at the way Louisa spoke of herself. She was one of the many amazing ladies that Klaus had met, she was kind, intelligent and very capable of many things.How could she not see that? "And what is wrong with being a commoner? " Klaus asked, “I think it makes you even more amazing, being able to achieve so much while just being a commoner. You are an amazing fencer, amazing eater, and an amazing think,” Klaus said smile on his face as he praised his dear friend. He could not imagine why she would ever think so lowly of herself when to him and everyone else she was an amazing lady whom he was not worthy of.

He always was grateful that she was his friend even though Klaus could be irritating at times and even though she was way better than him. Louisa would have surely known what to do in that situation,she would not have let Liebe die like he did. Louisa would know how to do a lot of things, she has always been strong and always been lovely unlike Klaus.

As he reflected on Louisa, and on Liebe, his mind so far in the garden. He smiled to himself, his head on his lap as he decided it was time to return back. He stood up and went back into the dining table, and as soon as he entered, he wished he would have stayed back at the garden.

They wanted answers, because of course they did. it was unusual to see someone act the way klaus acted and for Klaus to act that way, he knew that they would have been curious but he hoped that they would somehow think they imagined everything. That Klaus was just pulling a joke on them, but life never seemed to work the way he wanted it to work did it?

“Ms.Brantley, i do believe that you know me in your way but in truth I am ok,” Klaus forced a smile. He did not know if he was convincing himself or convincing Louisa and Dough. "There’s nothing wrong with me, Klaus continued, “There’s nothing wrong with me,” Klaus repeated. He sad it 5 more times in his head just so it can get into his bloodstream, that he could truly believe that he was ok and he was. There was nothing wrong with Klaus, other than the fact he was a coward. “Overwhelmed… I was just feeling overwhelmed with the food and the heat.”

“It is fall, winter is close and there is no heat in the house currently.” Dough said and Klaus flushed.

“I think I’m coming up with a fever then,” He laughed nervously, “i shall get myself checked. Ms.Brantley, I think it’s time we return to your household if it’s alright with you. I do not wish to in fact you with my sickness, I shall accompany you back home. Dough do you wish to come?” Klaus asked as Dough nodded, still eyeing him suspciously.

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@Ouijaloveletters - ok this is hot dog water and all but i wanted to get a post out and my nails are still a lil wet so IM SORRY

[Ouijaloveletters]

Louisa sighed, shaking her head. He didn’t seem to get it. ”No one ever takes me seriously because I am a commoner. I have no problem with it, yet others do. You have seen how your father treats me. That is probably because I am very brash, which he wouldn’t like, yet still. Society is ruled by those with titles. Those without are nothing.” Louisa took a breath. ”I am sorry. I should not burden you with my problems.” Louisa couldn’t help but snort when Klaus called her an amazing eater. ”Now, that is a true compliment. I do not disagree with the fencing comment, though. I have managed to best even men. Louisa grinned coyly. When Klaus said he was ok, Louisa narrowed her eyes. He was repeating it like a mantra. He definitely wasn’t ok. Dough said it was winter, and Louisa nodded. ”It is hardly warm. I suppose you could blame the spices in your food, but that is all.” When Dough agreed to come back to the Brantley home, Louisa shrugged. ”I have no opposition. One of you will have to ride behind me, though. Klaus?” She figured that Klaus would feel more comfortable riding behind her, as she figured Dough would freak out due to their proximity. Well, Louisa would be nervous at the thought of Klaus’s arms around her, but unlike Dough, she could actually hide it quite well. Oh how the mighty fall…
@Kristi - Klaus

[sunflowerjm]

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ༻✧༺ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☽

calling with archibald hastingston

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ༻✧༺ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☽

"Mmm, perhaps I would.” Adeline paused, pretending to think, before she mischievously smiled,“Or perhaps I would join allies with my brother and kick your butt for trying to take me away again.” She said as she playfully jumped on Archie, landing light punches on his shoulders and stomach while making sure to not actually hurt him, though due to her petite frame, there was a high possibility that Archie could hardly feel her punches. Adeline enjoyed the comfort of being able to let loose and embrace her playful side with Archie, casting aside the expectations placed on her to conform to societal norms of proper behavior. Shortly after, she came to a stop, and, upon realizing her position atop him, Adeline’s face flushed with embarrassment. Quickly, she rose to her feet and turned away from Archie, attempting to regain her composure.

“Uh, would you like some scotch?” She offered as she turned back to face him with a shy innocent smile, ignoring any possible awkwardness between them

——

Hearing his response and seeing his seriousness, Adeline met his eyes and nodded, letting him know she understood. He was correct in saying the heart had its own pace, which made her question whether she would actually meet someone with whom she would truly connect and fall in love this season instead of giving in to social pressure to find a suitable partner and marry the knot at the end of the season because she was the “diamond.” Her whole attention was caught when he began mentioning waiting for something or someone and how timing was never right. Once again, the thought came into her mind that perhaps she was the reason he had not been married yet; could it be that he had felt the same way as she did all those years ago? Adeline felt a sense of uncertainty, wondering if she was simply imagining things and reading too much into the situation.

“I will always worry for you, Archie. Of all the years we have known each other, I have always wished for you to be happy.” And she meant that dearly, even if it meant he would be happy with someone else. Whoever Archie chose to be his wife, Adeline knew he would be in good hands. “I am certain whoever this lady is you are waiting for is very special, especially for her to catch the attention of Mr. Archibald Hastingston." She playfully teased, emphasizing the way she said his name to lighten the mood.

“As for me, well, like any other woman’s dream, I danced with the prince last night, and yes, he was charming, but perhaps I did not make a great impression as he has not come visit me today. Speaking of which, I must tell you, you might find it as surprising as me when I tell you that my first visitor was Lord Davis, which I am sure you are well aware of." Adeline recalled a bit of her encounter with Harrison; although it had started as an unpleasant visit, she remembered the promise she made to him, but she soon began to feel as if perhaps it was a mistake. She couldn’t help but wonder if Harrison was being honest when he swore of his good intentions with her and his desire to be an amazing husband for her.

“He seemed sincere, but you and I both know his reputation with the ladies in the ton.” Although she hated to admit it, Adeline would hear about all the gossip in the town, so she knew very well about Harrison’s reputation, especially when Orpheus would come around and they would drink tea together. If she had not been caught up with the gossip of others, he made sure to keep her updated, which ended up with the two talking almost until midnight, and then there was Archie, who also knew everything about everyone, and although they never truly sat and gossiped with each other, there were moments where their conversations led in that direction. “I also had other visitors, but those were very unpleasant, so honestly, I would say that having you visit me has been the highlight of my day."

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ༻✧༺ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☽

@astxrism archie

slightly mentioned:

@Kristi harrison
@DandelionKate bestie orphie

[Bluecookies]

---

After Lord Bainbridge had left rather abruptly on business, she had requested to go and play her violin as she did not see the point in waiting around for a caller who would never come. Bridget curtsied before leaving to the drawing room and setting up her empty music stand for sheet music and after tuning the noble instrument started to play. Though she could not see, it often helped Bridget to close her eyes as she played. Near the end of the song, she heard a rather familiar voice from last evening, “Very beautiful, Lady Bridget.” Startled, Bridget had turned in his direction, knocking over the music stand to the ground with a loud clatter, “My lord, you startled me!” She knelt down on the ground and felt around until she found the stand and picked it back up. "My apologies, my lord, I did not mean to cause such a commotion, I did not anticipate your presence is all. “Might I come close to you, my lady? I have something I would like to give you." Bridget blushed sheepishly, “You have something you want to give me, my lord? I-I suppose it would be most improper of me to say otherwise. Please do, come in. After running into you last I didn’t think I would hear from you again.”

@Caticorn ~ Finch

OORP ~ I am so sorry, I promise it won’t take this long again!!!

[raviola]

Emmanuel had referred to Belle as an English friend of his, and obviously, she responded in french, and he chuckled. The prince did not know fluent french, he studied a bit with his tutor growing up, but she spoke too fast for him to comprehend the words he had learned written on paper, for him to read at his own pace. However, he was able to put the pieces together that; regardless of what she said, she was probably reminding him of her frenchness. “I apologize. My favorite french friend in england, my lady.” He corrected himself cordially, because he wanted her to know that he did remember her nationality and all.

He laughed again, accepting her french as incomprehensible to him, but endeared by her flexion of her native language, then reminding him of their friendship. He nodded, agreeing with her. “Usted sabe espanol, Bella?” He said, translating her first name into his language, dancing on the line between it being a name or an adjective. “Porque si no, eres mil veces mas hermosa de lo que habia imaginado.” He said it in the most monotonous tone he could, watching her delicately tuck back her hair. Belle was a jack of many trades, but last he knew, her Spanish was not fluent enough to understand that. He did not want for her to understand what he had just said, surely, she already knew she was flawless. He did not want to focus on her physical appearance, as her true magnum opus was her intellect. Additionally, he was a friend to her. Who was he to disrespect that?

She seemed suspisciously immune to his reference to family, and he saddened a bit. Could it be she was not getting on well with them? Emmanuel knew of her relationship with her brothers, who she had very positive relationships with. She was not always close with Josephine, but in his mind that was just because of the little they had in common. And obviously, noble parents were seldom the sincere people that their image projected, but they had never sounded too far worse than others in contrast. In that brief moment, he questioned what had provoked her silence. However, he shrugged it off, as she was continuing in her response, and he had not reason enough for further inquiry.

In said response, the girl seemed to imply she regarded him highly too, almost as much as he did her. He could not help but half-smile, touched. He wondered if she thought of him, too, when the days were long, or the nights were sleepless.

But those were impish, boyish thoughts which he would not allow himself to continue. They lasted milliseconds before he returned to his serious demeanor. “Please, do not grow overconfident, Lady Fleur. For you still have no chance against my wrath when we reach the arching range.” He teased her. It had only been a few minutes, but he was beginning to feel comfortable speaking with the human manifestation of her. Comfortable enough to begin to show her his humor, as he was a gentleman, but aside from being a lady, Belle was his friend, meaning she was perfectly apt to fall victim from his sarcasm.

On the field itself, she was unexpectedly so flattering. Of course, Emmanuel had received plenty of compliments from his men, but that was because they were brothers, fighting for the same cause on the same side. Lady Fleur, however, was not of their same clan. That was not to say she was not as valiant, however it was warming to receive approval from someone on the outside. It meant that his actions had meaning; that the woman who heard all his tales had imagined him just the same as he had felt. It was the very thing that drove him, when he remembered the letter he would be writing to her that night, aside from joy, he also felt curiousity as to whether or not she would be proud of the choices he was making on those fields. Now he knew she was.

He thanked her, and she continued to suggest he compete in a hunting contest with her, of which he would be delighted. “I had not heard of it yet, but that would be a wonderful idea, Lady Fleur. I have not been hunting for some time, come to think of it. Have you, my well-aimed lady?” He asked, joking in reference to her precise ability to hit bullseyes. An ability he had just now discovered in amazement.

Also, though, he wondered if she would have wanted to join the contest herself. He assumed female contestants were not welcome, as ignorant as society was. However, he would find it hard to believe that Belle did not hunt on her own time.

It was a fascinating concept, the sport. Men left their homes in warm clothes, with all of their men, in order to shoot upon an unsuspecting animal, that they caught off guard and alone. How horrible it was, that was what they were required to do in order to provide their families with bellyfuls of food. He knew it all too well. For many years, he had done the same with humans, losing lives in the process of reaching one sole objective. In the early days of his time away, the thought of it sickened him; torturing others for reason so small. Today, he had grown accustomed to it. A man down was just a warm body grown cold, so was a deer. It was a part of life. He had no problem confronting that.

His chest was sunken as he shared vaguely of his last battle, but it rose a bit when he laughed at Belle, struggling to comfort him over his supposed loss. Chuckling, he reassured her. “No no, my lady, I assure you it was a fine battle.” He paused, reflecting. “It was quite inspiring, actually. The capital of the missions glowed at dusk, and my men and I managed to rescue many people. I still remember their faces. I had blood running down my forehead from a hit, and the natives had tears down their cheeks. But still then, we managed to be happy for each other, mere yards away from reaching the horizon that freed them. I am immensely grateful to have been there. It was just later in the day, when I had gone home, that I had not felt so glorious…” He said, overwhelmed by the emotions he was to feel if he continued sharing. Still, a part of him craved her further question, he did not want to tell her, but he wanted her to know the reason for his hurt, and to have a friend there in england who could understand all he was suffering.

Later, after their discussion had settled, he watched her drop an apple to the ground with her arrow, and he tilted his head, showing an expression of sympathy for her. Then, he laughed at her very humble suggestion. “Well, Lady Fleur, if you are still aiming for the target, I am confident that you will bring down many, many apples.” He teased her some more, implying that she would mess-up again as they looked at the fallen fruit.

He glanced to the side of him, then, and saw her look of disapproval at him and he laughed softly, not wishing to upset her. “My apologies, my lady.” He said, turning around and quickly using little effort to angle his equipment, and then shooting for the ground. Emmanuel turned back to the girl, giving her a kind expression. “See? You remain triumphant.” He crossed his arms with a huff, subtly giving her the win because he wanted to keep her happy.

@kristi belleeee

[benitz786]

Clone 1: Aurelia X Red Flag

---

Despite Aurelia’s arse no longer gracing the grass, an overwhelming sense of vulnerability clung to her like a sickly sweat—a sensation one might argue she should be accustomed to, especially considering her emergence from a coma. Despite this, such lingering unease should not have persisted. She ought not to feel fear or unease in the presence of Harrison Davis. And yet, did she? Perhaps, those were not the right words to articulate what she was experiencing, were they? No, right? Heavens, it was all too confusing.

The situation proved positively vexing, and now her head ached. Great. Simply perfect. Of course, the cause of her distress had to be the gentleman before her, standing with that confounding stare that frustrated her to wits’ end because Aurelia Ellis couldn’t quite place the familiarity she felt while he gave it. The scion of the Davis lineage peered at her, and for some reason, Lia recognized it more than she should have. The very man Aurelia’s mother had warned her never to speak to—a caution she had never intended to disregard. Until now.

Well.

Wait.

Until now and last night. Correct? Because she did converse with him last night… despite their exact words of that night being not… as clear as they ought to have been. Why were they not? If she spoke to Harrison but a fortnight prior, the recollection of their interaction should be easily summoned. It should be natural… but instead, she found herself scouring her memory for their conversation, as if it were concealed deep within.

For a moment, Aurelia gazed at Harrison; her mind, however, wandered elsewhere. It sought a dialogue that should not have been as elusive as it proved to be. They quarreled last night: Aurelia recalled. It was as if she was dreaming: the memory replaying as if she was watching a play of her life. She was at the ball and he had approached her and then they were…Dancing… why were they dancing? That she did not know, but now, looking at the very man in front of her, she was certain they argued. She could see it… the picture in her mind of the two staring daggers at one another was as clear as day now. Something about… what was it now? Her being an actress? Someone… someone missing her? The process took longer than it should have, each fragment of the memory clawing its way to the surface, a relentless struggle in her mind Aurelia felt as though she navigated a fog-shrouded maze, every step accompanied by a searing pain in her head, as if her mind rebelled against the resurrection of the past. Each glimpse into that elusive conversation felt like shards of glass cutting through the delicate fabric of her consciousness, leaving behind a throbbing ache that mirrored her inner turmoil. Yet, despite the agony, she persisted in her quest to piece together the fragmented puzzle of their heated exchange.

He was speaking.

No, not just in her memory, but in the present moment. Shaking her head, Aurelia allowed her hand to graze her temple, grounding herself in the current reality. The way he gazed at her now mirrored the intensity of his stare from last night. No, correction. He appeared even more angered, if such a thing were possible. Almost instinctively, she found herself subtly retreating as he advanced closer to the opening between the properties She hadn’t even been aware of her movement—no, she wouldn’t have shown weakness willingly. After all, she was an Ellis. While Aurelia half-expected the man to unleash a barrage of profanities and storm off, what he did next defied her anticipation.

"“Why are you pretending not to know that the former Earl Davis- my father is with the gods right now- that he died”

His words hung in the air, heavy with a gravity that sent a shiver down Aurelia’s spine. The weight of his revelation settled upon her, and for a moment, she struggled to find the right words to respond. It appeared to be another memory that eluded her when it came to Harrison Davis. Yet, lately, her mind seemed prone to such lapses. Over the past year, she had endeavored, with her doctor’s assistance, to gauge the extent of her memory impairment, but a conclusive assessment remained elusive. What they did discern was that everything from the past five years existed in a hazy limbo. She recalled fragments—feelings, scents—but others remained stubbornly out of reach. Even memories predating those five years were, at times, disconcertingly fragmented.

Aurelia had resorted to maintaining a journal over the past year—a meticulous record of every significant memory she could summon. Every moment with her siblings, every cherished friend, every person of consequence in her life found a place in those pages. Her mother, in turn, aided in bridging the gaps, offering details and context to help Aurelia feign normalcy. It was her mother who disclosed crucial events she might have forgotten, such as her honor of being the diamond. Every important family on the ton’s social radar was cataloged meticulously, allowing Aurelia to navigate future conversations with the eloquence expected of an Ellis. This was her life: one of memorization over the span of a year so that she could find a worthy husband.

However, any mention of the Davis family remained conspicuously absent in these sessions. Aurelia comprehended why—her mother’s deep-seated aversion to their lineage. Yet, Lia never fathomed the underlying reasons for such disdain. She wondered… at times why. But always came to the conclusion that it was not her place… even though her heart yearned to know at times.

“I… I am so sorry. I did not mean… I only meant…”

Her apology hung in the air, wavering and uncertain, mirroring the disarray within her own thoughts. How does one express, without revealing the depths of memory loss, the unintended ignorance that stems from forgotten fragments of the past? How does one convey, “I had no idea, for I have lost my memory, and your father’s passing was one of the many casualties of that oblivion… oops,” without laying bare the intricacies of a fractured recollection? The words eluded her, and in their place, an awkward silence settled, until he continued. This time calling her a “con artist”.

What was it with this man? First, she was branded an “actress,” and now a “con artist,” all while he weaved tales of people unfamiliar—Vera? Who in the world was Vera? The exhaustion clawed at Aurelia, a relentless ache in her mind. Perhaps it stemmed from the sleepless night she had or the mounting frustration with this enigmatic man. In that moment, Aurelia Ellis, typically poised and composed, succumbed to an irrational impulse. An impulse that would have disgusted her mother… hell… it disgusted her but she could not help it. She erupted, her patience unraveling.

“What is it with you… Lo… Earl Davis? First at the ball, now this?” Her voice, usually honeyed and measured, edged with a weariness. “I will ask you just once. Who in the heavens is this Vera? Please, speak the truth, for the life of me, I have no knowledge of her. Or if I do, it has slipped through the cracks of my mind. So, pray tell. Why persist in labeling me an actress… or a con artist? I have done nothing but spend an entire year away. The moment I return, the first thing that happens is you and these bewildering encounters; first at the ball and now this. I do swear, I do not believe that we have exchanged more than small pleasantries in my entire life, if not in the context of my mother exchanging forced niceties at balls or you and Ilyas tormenting my youth.”

Aurelia had not even taken a breath. These words were escaping her lips nonstop - without thought. She could not stop them. Not that she was talking… nothing could stop her, she feared.
“And for your information, sir, you are addressing me while I am on my property. Perhaps you should stroll further into your mate’s estate and away from mine. Finally, just so that we have clarity, I do not require any luck to throw an apple at your LARGE head. It is truly unavoidable due to its size. So perhaps you call it luck; I call it simple probability with how much space it takes up.”

The air crackled with tension as she fixed her gaze upon the man, Lia purposefully advancing closer to the opening until she stood almost directly in front of him. Her eyes locked onto his with an unwavering intensity that even bewildered her, an odd spectacle given their significant size difference—she, having to look up at him. Yet, regardless of the, she was resolute in not letting him escape the repercussions of his idiotic remar…

Wait.

Where did that surge of defiance come from? What was she doing? If her mother witnessed her behaving in such a manner… oh, dear. This was a dreadful display. Perhaps he had discerned her momentary lapse in composure; she couldn’t be certain. Though it seemed inevitable that she would soon find out…

@Kristi

[Kristi]

---

“I hope you’re not trying to get me with the same prank twice,” She quipped, the corners of her lips curving into a half mile… "You do know I won’t fall for that trick twice, Harrison," she replied, a hint of playfulness lace in their, adding to their banter that Harrison was more than willing to encourage and continue. “I had known that your brain held more multitudes than to fall for cheap trick twice, that is why, dear aquila, it is a different thing that reside inside,” Harrison lips quirked and his eyes were filled with playful glee. “Maybe instead of insects it shall be a snake or a rat there,” Harrison teased, knowing that what inside the mysterious box was far from snake or rodents, but he knew that Dahlia shall be annoyed at his jests, and Harrison always loved to tease people.

She turned around, a facade of mock annoyance visible on her face and he surrender, hands up in the air as he gave a promise. He held no tricks inside the box, her face had softened to that of a smile and with the next of her words, Harrison could not himself but to tease again. “And what if I broke that promise? Shall you punish me? and I fulfill it, shall you reward me?” He asked, his face closer to her’s as he closed his eyes and smiled, opening it to chuckle. “If I impress you with the gift, can i get a reward?” Harrison asked.

He did not know what exactly he wanted for a reward or if Dahlia shall agree. But he was fond of teasing her and of good friendly banter. Dahlia was always ready to retort to his banter too, instead of shying away and blushing or getting offended, making their play filled with enjoyment. He was glad at the way their relationship had shifted from how it was in the start- after all, he had first known Aquila as Dahlia Thornwood his sister’s friend, that was all she was to him from the start and he seldom interacted with her.

He used to have a tendency to ignore her, and to brush her off when she tried to speak to him, and tended to be quite displeasing. It was not that he had at first disliked her or anything, he did not dislike her, there was nothing to dislike but it was quite complicated and his sister had all so kindly ask for him to not behave with Dahlia the same way he behaved with other ladies, so he did just that- he did not talk much with her. But during celebrations, and during his travels he would still get her souvenirs and gifts
as in his eyes, being his sister’s close friend, she was part of the family. Then after the first gift, and after he had his first conversation with the lady, he had ignored her the next day, simply because he was amused at her reaction and he wanted to jest with her, to see what she shall do.

She did nothing and they returned to normal, till that faithful in which they had become friends. That day, she had no longer simply been Dahlia Arabella Thornwood, but she had also become aquila. A friend of his. His eyes twinkled as she agreed to guess. She was thinking hard about it, and Harrison wondered what were all of her thoughts.

Finally, she had spoke again, drifting from her thoughts as she thought she had the answer. She guessed- a book, a journal, and then a letter and Harrison shook his head. A smile upon his lips, he knew she shall not guess it, after all it was hard to guess. “Wrong, wrong, and wrong” He teased as he began to upon the gift. He opened the box and retrieved a smaller box with her initials in it- D.A.T. written in lavender. “A keepsake box,” He told her, “i constructed it myself,” He opened the brown- keepsake box and inside there was a quill, and many other souvenirs from places he had traveled to. Poetry and novels from different countries as Harrison knew that Dahlia loved to read. There was also olive oil from italy, golden earnings from mali, from flamenco shawls from spain and casnetes and a watch meant for the wrists. Wrist watches where still a new invention, and Harrison owned many due to his fascination with them, but this new watch he was giving to her was a new and expensive silver one he had gotten made in Asia. There was also another watch, a pocket watch instead of a wrist watch. “And before I forget, here,” He reached inside his pocket, giving her two letters- one from Angelina, and the other one from him. It was a small drawing of venice, a beautiful city where his grandparents resided and he knew that Dahlia shall enjoy. “You have never been to italy have you?” he questioned, “italy is very beautiful, especially venice and rome. Maybe one day, I shall accompany you there and you shall meet my grandparents.” He told her.

He had showed her the gifts, explaining all the nations each gift came from and the story behind them, because Harrison always loved to tell a tale, it what he did best, telling tales and riddles. He told her of how he had a strange encounter with a priest from italy, and as a reward the priest gave him olive oil that was ‘blessed by God’ as he said. He told her of how he was in mali and was amazed by all the gold he saw and requested for jewerly to be made for each of his siblings and or her. He told her a lot of information about the gifts, and how he had constructed the box with his hands and equipment himself. “I am a man of many talents am i not? I bet you did not know I was also a carpenter,” He told her, “I learnt it last year,” He continued, not adding more to that or explaining why because it was best kept a secret.

The conversation had shifted to that of romance, and Harrison could not help but to tease her even more because of that. He had told her that perhaps he shall live up to his name as thief of hearts and he shall steal her’s, and she responded with even more jest and banter. “I am a charming man of many words after all. I am quite selfish am I not?” He continued, “I have both the charm, the humor and the looks, i have stolen so many good traits from many men who lack them.” He winked, “Just like you have done the same, have you not?” He said, calling her beautiful, charming and humorous.

He flickered her forehead gently, congratulating her for her debut. She thanked him, referring to him by that nickname and Harrison groaned at that nickname, face in his hands. “have I not told you, to not refer to me as that?” He questioned. “I still do not know why you insists on calling me insecte.” He said as he crossed his arms with a pout. He brought up Angelina, remembering to tell dahlia, what Angelina had made him promise to tell her. “Of course I shall tell her, the household was getting boring without the two of you giggling and entertaining yourselves.”

---

A lil bit low quality but @Megan - Dahlia

[Megan]

---

Dahlia glared at Harrison when he mentioned the potential presence of a rat or a snake. “Although I do love animals, I’m not so sure the animal would appreciate you putting them into a box. And I wouldn’t appreciate being frightened by such a small creature.” She chuckled a little.

Dahlia spun around at Harrison’s playful antics, a hint of theatrical annoyance dancing in her eyes. His surrender, hands raised in a gesture of innocence, drew a chuckle from her lips, softening her expression into a bemused smile. His teasing nature was a constant, an element she’d grown accustomed to and enjoyed in their banter.

“A promise from you?” she teased back, her voice laced with mock severity. “Well, breaking a promise would surely lead to dire consequences, Harrison. You might find yourself banished to the far corners of the earth.” Her tone was light, her eyes glinting with amusement as she played along.

His inquiry about potential rewards or punishments prompted an impish grin to spread across her features. “Ah, the plot thickens,” she replied, feigning contemplation. “As for rewards, impressing me with your gifts? Well, that might just earn you a tip of the hat or a pat on the back.” She chuckled, her gaze meeting his playful eyes.

Dahlia appreciated Harrison’s knack for teasing without crossing lines, for turning simple moments into playful escapades that left smiles lingering long after their conversations ended. It was a dynamic she cherished—a connection that allowed them to navigate the fine line between jest and genuine affection.

She ran her fingers delicately over the carved initials, a soft smile playing at her lips. Her gaze shifted from the box to Harrison, who stood before her, animatedly sharing the stories behind each carefully chosen item. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, his words painting vivid images of distant lands and remarkable encounters.

As she listened, Dahlia couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth for the man standing before her. It wasn’t just the extravagant gifts he presented; it was the effort, the thoughtfulness that lingered in every gesture. Harrison had an uncanny ability to surprise her, to see beyond the surface and unravel the layers of her being, much like the intricate layers of the keepsake box.

She admired the way his playful banter danced effortlessly between jest and genuine care. Harrison had a way of making her feel seen, understood in a way that few could comprehend. It was a connection that had transformed from mere acquaintanceship into a cherished friendship, one she found herself cherishing more and more with each passing day.

Her heart swelled with gratitude, not just for the lavish tokens he’d gifted her, but for the underlying sentiment behind them. It was as if each item was a glimpse into his perception of her, a reflection of the moments they’d shared and the unspoken conversations they’d held. The stories he wove around each gift were like threads stitching their friendship into something beautiful and enduring.

“Dahlia, are you even listening?" Harrison’s voice jolted her from her reverie, and she blinked, realizing she’d momentarily drifted away in her thoughts.

“Of course, I am,” she replied, a playful glint in her eyes. “Just admiring your storytelling skills, Harrison. You have a way of making every moment come alive.”

His laughter filled the room, and she found herself drawn into the easy rhythm of their banter once more. As he playfully groaned at the nickname she’d bestowed upon him, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of fondness for his mock annoyance. There was something about their dynamic that felt comfortable, a natural ease that made their interactions effortless and delightful.

“You know,” she began, her voice softening as she met his gaze, “these gifts… they’re more than just items, Harrison. They’re pieces of your adventures, your experiences. And sharing them with me, it’s like inviting me into a part of your world.” Her words carried a sincerity she hoped he would feel.

“Venice and Rome sound like dreams,” she remarked, her voice carrying a wistful undertone. “And to think I might visit them with you one day and meet your grandparents… It’s a wonderful thought.” Her gaze lifted to meet his, a glint of excitement in her eyes at the prospect of shared adventures.

“I did not know you were a carpenter. That is quite a unique talent, and I am amazed by your craftsmanship. It’s beautiful,” her eyes danced with appreciation as she held up the lavender-inscribed box.

As Harrison teased about being a “thief of hearts,” she couldn’t help but play along, a playful glimmer in her tone. “Oh, a charming thief, are you? Stealing traits from men who lack them?” She chuckled softly. “You might have a point there.” Her fingers lightly tapped the edge of the keepsake box. “But I’m afraid I have no hearts left to steal, for you’ve already captured mine with these gifts.”

The mention of the nickname he abhorred drew a mischievous glint in her eye. “Insecte, my dear Harrison,” she teased, emphasizing the name with a playful lilt. “It’s endearing, isn’t it? But I promise, I’ll try to refrain… sometimes.” Her laughter tinkled lightly in the air. “Or maybe not. I think it’s a good one, it has a certain ring to it.” She winked at him, leaning back against the plush cushion on the couch.

Their friendship had bloomed unexpectedly, catching her off guard with its depth and warmth. She found herself admiring Harrison not just for his charming demeanor and quick wit, but for the layers he revealed beneath that playful facade. He was more than she’d initially perceived—a man of many talents, as he’d often jest, but also a man with a heart that reflected generosity and kindness.

As the conversation meandered through jests and shared memories, Dahlia realized how much she valued Harrison’s presence in her life. He had effortlessly woven himself into her world, adding hues of laughter and companionship she hadn’t realized were missing. There was a subtle comfort in their camaraderie, a familiarity that felt like coming home. And as she held the keepsake box close, its contents whispering tales of distant places and heartfelt gestures, Dahlia knew that what she cherished most was not just the gifts but the friendship she had found in Harrison—a friendship she hoped would continue to bloom and flourish.

“The house does lack a bit of liveliness without our banter and antics, doesn’t it?" Dahlia has seriously missed Angelina. It had been a long while since they’ve gone without seeing one another, considering they used to visit each other almost daily.

“You know,” she began, a playful glint in her eyes, “there’s a part of my home I’ve been meaning to show you. It’s a bit of a hidden gem.” Her smile widened as she thought about the cozy nooks and serene spaces around her home.

She rose gracefully from the couch, gesturing for Harrison to follow. “Come, let me give you a tour,” she said, her voice laced with excitement. Leading him through the house, she guided him to a flight of stairs that ascended to the rooftop garden, a place she often retreated to for moments of solitude and inspiration.

“We’re here,” she announced, a soft smile gracing her lips as she pushed open the door leading to the rooftop. A cool breeze tousled her hair as they stepped into the enchanting space. The rooftop garden was a haven of tranquility, adorned with vibrant blooms and lush greenery. The sky above was a canvas of swirling colors as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the surroundings.

“This is where I come to unwind,” she explained, her voice soft and filled with affection for the space. “It’s a serene sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the world below.” She walked alongside Harrison, pointing out the various plants and flowers that adorned the garden, their fragrances perfuming the air. The many plants and flowers were very unique, they didn’t usually exist in England and Dahlia made it a point to collect seeds wherever she went. They strolled along the stone pathways, the soft sound of wind chimes adding a melodic touch to the atmosphere.

“This spot,” she said, leading him to a cozy corner adorned with pillows and blankets, "is my favorite. It’s perfect for stargazing and just enjoying the quiet moments.” Dahlia settled onto a cushion, patting the space next to her invitingly. “Why don’t we relax for a bit? It’s the perfect time to watch the sunset,” she suggested, a warmth in her gaze as she looked at Harrison.

As they sat side by side, enveloped in the tranquility of the rooftop garden, the sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, casting a magical aura around them. It was a moment of quiet intimacy, a space where words were not needed, and the beauty of the setting spoke volumes.

---

@Kristi - Harrison … hehehehehe

[Kristi]

---

Klaus paused at her words, processing them. He could not pretend to relate to her words, after all he was born a noble and was going to have a title of his own in the future. He was going to become a viscount, but Klaus… compared to his sister, he had always been treated as the ‘other kid’. He did not mind it much, as after all, Liebe was the better sibling compared to him, but Klaus remembered when Liebe was not around- how others would clutch their fists and land it straight on his face, how he never seemed to get along with kids his age or adults, how he was constantly treated as Liebe’s dog by others. “I’m sorry,” Klaus said, “living like that doesn’t seem easy,” He gave her a sad smile, “You do not deserve to go through any of that, I wished I could have taken your place. You would have been a better and more loveable Klaus than I,” He closed his eyes and smiled, offering his sincere apologies.

He could have said more, Klaus was usually good at comforting people, but he knew that Louisa did not like being pitied, and it was not that he pitied her but he feared she may think it like that and that she may hate him. Klaus did not wish for her hatred, if she hated him… then Klaus did not know what he would do with himself. She could not hate him-he hoped that she never came to hate him not even when she finds out the truth about Liebe’s death. his heart pounded at that, and his throat became dry. God, if she found out how Liebe died, she would hate him- she would complete despise him and their friendship would be down the drain.

“Your fencing skills are truly to be admired,” Klaus complimented, 'where did you learn how to fence?" Klaus asked, wanting to drive the negative thoughts from his head out. He had a smile plastered on his face, that did not leave even though his mind was clouded in negativity. But he could not show that anything was out of order, he had to be old Klaus- to old Klaus always smiled even though his face hurt, the old Klaus was always happy and Klaus was happy. He was happy, he had to be happy for Dough at least and for Louisa, and for all his friends.

Klaus looked away nervously as Louisa narrowed her eyes at him. He took a ite of his food, trying to ignore the lingering stares from both Dough and Louisa at his words. He took a glass of water, and listened to Dough and Louisa question his behavior. “I don’t handle spice well,” Klaus said, and it was truth. Klaus was not the best when it came to spicy foods but he still enjoyed it, because he loved the feeling of burning on his lips. That feeling was exciting, it reminded him of fireworks as strange and queer as it sounds. “It is probably the spice,”

“Indeed, you never handled spicy food well,” Dough agreed, his eyes still narrowed and suspicious but he was less alerted.

“It must be weird that I still love spicy foods though it hurts my mind and insides… It is simply that I cannot resist the taste, it reminds me of fireworks and home- the heat, that is.” Klaus checked the clock on top of the wall, it was getting late, and he did not wish to be interrogated any longer, thus he had suggested that it may be time to leave for Louisa and him, and she had agreed much to his luck. He had invited Dough too, as he knew that he would wish to spend more time with Louisa. “I wouldn’t mind, Dough is after all not used to riding horses with anyone other than me and Liebe,” it was also that Klaus knew, Dough shall be nervous to be in such close proximity with Louisa.

---

@Ouijaloveletters

[Ouijaloveletters]

Louisa shook her head, quiet for a second. ”You are correct. It is not easy, but is life ever? No. It is not. All we can do is keep moving forward despite whatever is thrown at us. True strength is not in the physical sense, it is in the mental. If you have physical strength but no mental strength to carry on when times get tough, you will get nowhere in life. That is what I believe. Say what you will. Besides, I believe that a title is only that. You do not gain them from doing something great. You are simply born into it.” Klaus asked her where she learned to fence, and Louisa pointed to her eyes. ”I simply watched, learning from there. You know my father or uncle never would have allowed it. Had mother found out, I would never be allowed out again. I could not have that.” When Klaus said he didn’t handle spice well, she couldn’t help but snort. ”You cannot handle spicy food, any yet what are you doing? Eating spicy food. You are a very strange man, Mr Shafer. Most people do not seek out things that cause them pain.” At Klaus agreeing to ride behind Louisa, she nodded, hiding the twinge of excitement that lit up in her stomach. Do not show your excitement. ”Alright, that is fare. Let us finish eating, then we can head out.”
@Kristi - Klaus

[CerealKiller]

---

Cassian couldn’t help but feel a swirl of emotions as he gazed into Aurelia’s eyes, where joy, longing, and a touch of sadness seemed to dance together. Her laughter was a melody, sweet and familiar, echoing the bonds of their shared past. Her touch, her embrace, they felt like a bridge, connecting their distant memories to this very moment. He sensed the weight of her unspoken feelings, the words she kept locked away, and he respected the silent boundaries she set. Despite the lightness of their banter, he knew there were depths beneath the surface, hidden realms he may never fully grasp.

His own eyes mirrored the fondness and concern he harbored for his sister. As she touched him, he felt a warmth spread through him - an unspoken reassurance that they were here, in this moment, despite the complexities of the past.

As her laughter faded, Cassian couldn’t help but notice the shimmer of unshed tears in her eyes. He understood the depth of her pain, her struggle to cope with the missing pieces of her memories. He wished he could bear that burden for her, erase the pain etched across her heart. Yet, he tried to respect the his mother’s decision, knowing that, in some ways, their separation shielded her from unnecessary worry and concern.

Aurelia’s admission of missing him tugged at his heartstrings, and he replied with a teasing note in his voice, “I’ve missed you too, Lia. Though I must admit, the whole business of growing and living seems a lot duller without your antics to liven things up.”

Cassian followed along as Lia led him to a stroll through the garden, he felt a surge of nostalgia, reminiscent of the carefree days when the worries were minimal, and their laughter echoed through the hallways. Her teasing about growing taller drew a chuckle from him. “Ah, yes, towering over me now, are we?” he teased back, enjoying the lighthearted banter "I worry Mother will have to raise the door frames if you keep growing at this rate.

The change in her tone, a brief pause, did not go unnoticed, but Cassian chose not to dwell on it. Instead, he matched her lightness, feigning ignorance as they continued their walk. “Ah, the ever-elusive details that mothers choose to share,” he shook his head lightly. “The studies were indeed challenging, but worry not; I’m still in one piece. Ummm… no news on the sister front yet, but who knows what the future holds?” he admitted with a playful wink

He observed her closely, picking up on the subtle shift in her expression. “Now, enough about me, tell me, dear sister, how have you been keeping yourself busy in your absence? in our absence? How do you feel… physically? mentally? are you healthy now? Did any charming suitor steal your heart just yet?” he inquired, his tone filled with genuine curiosity, adding the latter question for the sake of lightening up the mood. Despite the playful banter, there was a subtle concern in his eyes, as if he wanted to ensure that she hadn’t been carrying the weight of solitude during all this time away.

---

@benitz786 Towering giant

[astxrism]

CLONE 1

{ second stop / with Adeline }

---

Archie couldn’t help but laugh at Adeline’s playful threat, her mischievous smile lighting up the room. As she playfully jumped on him, landing light punches that barely registered, he welcomed the familiar ease that came with their shared history. This whole scene was a nostalgic reminder of the carefree days they had spent together in their youth. He allowed her to have her moment of playfulness, a genuine smile playing on his lips. The dynamic between them, even with its complicated layers, held a certain comfort.

Archie, always composed and guarded, found himself trying to maintain his own composure, a skill he believed he had perfected over the years. Accepting the offer with a nod, Archie watched as Adeline turned to fetch the drinks.

---

“I am certain whoever this lady is you are waiting for is very special, especially for her to catch the attention of Mr. Archibald Hastingston."
”Oh, indeed, a paragon of happiness and blessings,“ keeping the energy she introduced again and saying those words in more of a joking manner, Archie chuckled to himself. There was not a doubt in his mind that he wouldn’t make someone happy, that his wife would not enjoy the marriage and all the attention Archie would be ready to give her, but there was a huge part of him that did not want to drag anyone into his life. The dynamic of his family and family business. Yes, he would only try to provide her with happiness but there are much better things out there than this. Than Archibald Hastingston.

The mention of Lord Davis and his unexpected visit raised an intrigued eyebrow. His tone took on a more serious note, a subtle edge of concern lacing his words. ”Oh Adie, my dear, Lord Davis is a man of many charms, but I trust you do realize his intentions are as elusive as the evening mist. Be cautious, for constant worry might become an unwelcome companion,“ Archie’s gaze held a genuine concern, and for a moment, he allowed a glimpse of vulnerability to surface. The mention of Lord Davis, perhaps, struck a chord within him, a protective instinct surfacing for a friend he had known for years. Despite any hints of jealousy that might have flickered across his features, his primary motive was to ensure Adeline’s well-being. And Archie never meant to sabotage- well…

”You deserve more than a constant source of worry. I’ve seen too many hearts entangled in the whims of such characters. Choose wisely, Adeline.“ He offered her a reassuring smile, a silent promise that he would always be there, watching over her from the shadows. He wanted Adeline to be happy however he knew Harrison should not be an option. If there was someone who knew what most people in town were like and what they were doing that would be Archie. In the dim light of the casino, he’d always pay close attention to everyone, listening to all the various stories that room revealed. And as much as he respected Lord Davis and considered him a dear friend when they were younger, he knew of his charming and flirty nature. There have been many young ladies that experienced what Adeline experienced today.

[color="#7d8270”]”But I’m honored to be the highlight of your day, Adeline. Perhaps I should make it a habit to visit more often, just to ensure a daily dose of delight.“[/color] He grinned, a playful edge to his words. ”However I am afraid I have taken too much of your time on this day the only think I could offer is to go out there and try to filter everyone out to make sure you do not have more uncomfortable encounters.“ Another added joke but he knew if she actually asked him he wouldn’t mind doing it.

---

@sunflowerjm adie
@Kristi a bit of Harrison diss

[Caticorn]

---

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Returning to England with Genevieve/Visiting Corin

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

---

The letter had arrived a few days before Theodore was set to depart from Shanghai. The letter, addressed to him, had been written by a young woman claiming to be a cousin of his father’s. His heart sank as he read that she was writing to him after the death of her mother, having only recently discovered that she and his father were cousins. At the end of the letter, she expressed her interest in accompanying him on his journey back to London. In hopes that it would reach her before he did, he began writing his response immediately.

Letter

Dearest Genevieve,

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your mother and offer you my sincerest condolences. Seeing as you are family, I would not want you to be alone during this time and thus would be delighted if you would accompany me as I return to London for the social season.

I intend to depart from Shanghai in the coming days and will collect you after I have docked. I will send word to my family so they know to expect you to be arriving with me. I’m sure they will be just as eager to meet you as I am.

I look forward to making your acquaintance.

With deepest sympathies and great anticipation,
Theodore Radcliffe

After completing his letter to Genevieve, he wrote another addressed to his father, informing him that he would be bringing a member of the family home with him. Again, he was hoping that his letter would reach them before he touched ground. He stood up and began packing his things. There was part of him that was genuinely excited to be returning home but there was also part of him that dreaded the reason why he was going back.

“Nong ho!” A girl exclaimed as she let herself into Teddy’s room. It was Xia, his closest friend here in China. She offered him the same companionship that he got from Kitty when he couldn’t be with her. “Ni yao zou le ma?” Xia asked, referencing his open chest and switching to Mandarin. Xia being from Beijing and Teddy from Shanghai, they each had their own native dialects that differed from standard Mandarin. They’d taught each other a few phrases in their respective dialects but for the most part, they used Mandarin as a middle ground.

“Dui. Wo yao qu ying guo.” He responded, nodding. Before the letter, his return had the opportunity to be rescheduled but now that he had made a commitment to Genevieve, he could say with certainty that he was leaving China for the time being.

༻❁༺

As the ship docked, Teddy studied the skyline. Nothing had really changed in the months he had been gone, which offered him a sense of comfort. He helped his crew unload the ship before getting into the waiting carriage. The first stop had been to collect Genevieve and finally become acquainted with her. Then he watched as the familiar landscape passed by on the way to his family’s estate. Upon arriving at the estate, he let his footman assist Genevieve and helped himself out of the carriage. He walked with Genevieve into the drawing room where his parents and siblings were waiting. Theodore had barely entered the room when his twin, Kitty, enveloped him in a tight embrace.

“I missed you, Teddy.”

“I missed you, too.” He responded, holding her tight before releasing his embrace and turning to the rest of the family, messing up Jasper’s hair and giving Helena a quick hug before turning his attention to his parents. His mother’s embrace was warm and inviting and his father’s protective. He could see in his father’s eyes that he was relieved that he had returned alive and well. The illness he and Kitty had experienced when they were younger, though he would not admit it out loud, had made their father afraid of losing his middle children and he worried every time Teddy ventured out on the seas by himself.

“I’m glad you have returned, Theodore.”

"Thank you, father.” Having finished his reunion with his family, he turned the attention back to Genevieve. “Allow me to present Miss Genevieve Hill. She is the family member of father’s I wrote to you about. Genevieve, this is my father, Marquess Edwin Radcliffe, my mother, Marchioness Daiyu Xie Radcliffe, and my siblings - Helena, Kitty, and Jasper.” He introduced her before letting her take over and do the talking. She seemed to physically address him the most, though the majority of her words were directed at the entirety of his family.

“I am undoubtedly grateful for your lovely son, Mr and Mrs. Radcliffe. He is such a generous soul. I hope I did not cause you any trouble on the road?”

“None at all.” He reassured her with a soft smile. “In fact, I quite enjoyed having a companion for the last leg of my journey.”

“Why don’t we have Henrietta show you to your room?” His mother suggested, directing one of the household staff to assist Genevieve.

༻❁༺

After Genevieve was settled, Theodore left his family’s estate, armed with a list of young ladies his mother had decided he should call on based off of her conversations at last night’s ball. Though his first stop was not related to the callings his mother wished for him to make. His first stop was the Langston estate. The last he had heard from Corin Blackwood, he had taken up residence with his cousin and was staying there. Theodore hoped this was the case as he knocked on the door and waited for an answer. After a few moments, the door was opened by a butler.

“Good morning. I’m here to speak with Corin Blackwood.”

---

@DandelionKate - Corin

Mentioned:
@astxrism - Genevieve

translations

Nong ho - hello (shanghainese)
Ni yao zou le ma? - are you leaving
Dui. Wo yao qu ying guo - Yes (correct). I’m going to England.