Bridgerton | Official RP Thread

[Kristi]

The Picnic: Cloning with Lydia

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

"“What precisely did Aurelia intend to do at the Wycliff stables?” Belle inquired, leaning closer to dear lydia who sat opposite to her, egging her to continue and to tell more as after all would it not be right to assume that Lydia knew more? From the looks of it, and from the slight hesitant that Belle had picked up, indeed Lydia knew more than she was giving out. But perhaps Belle was imagining things, she had to because if Lydia truly knew more, why was she withholding information? Perhaps she had simple forgotten Belle mused, furrowed her brows as another idea got to her head.

But what if Lydia did not just simple forgot? What if she had actually withhold the information on purpose or what if she was working with… No, no, Lydia could never. Damn those rubbish thoughts that filled Belle’s head, this is why one should not always overthink a situation for an over thinking could lead to wild and spiraling thoughts. For why would Lydia be capable of such a thing that inside inside Belle’s head, she had accused her of? Lydia wanted to save Aurelia just as much as Belle did, if not more for after all, Aurelia was Lydia’s sister. Lydia’s elder sister, and if it was Belle, no matter how much and Josephine disagree with each other, Belle would of course always chose to save her sister from what ever problems. Kind blood was kind blood after all, and Lydia wanted for the best.

Yet… Yet, a a lingering whisper defied Belle’s self-assurances. ‘But instincts never lie’ Belle thought to herself, her soft blue eyes, portals to a sea of unspoken emotion, fixated momentarily on Lydia’s face. The flicker of uncertainty wove its ephemeral dance before Belle dismissed it with a measured shake of her head. Trust, a delicate currency rarely spent in abundance by Belle, found an esteemed abode in Lydia’s corner. While Lydia’s ledger might not boast full credence in Belle’s eyes, the 63% she earned spoke volumes. Belle filled with the 63% trust for Lydia and the 100% love for her, couldn’t fanthom Lydia possible for the dark dark thoughts that Belle was imagining, the thoughts that Lydia did not actually want to save Aurelia. Of course such a thoughts where thoughts of stupidity and of Belle’s unwise moment like Belle had agreed on, because from the day that Belle met Lydia, she knew that Lydia was a lady of freedom. She breath and lived on freedom, just like Belle did. All Lydia ever truly wanted was to be free and she had gained that sense from freedom from Aurelia, and of course as Lydia was ‘taught’ to be free by Aurelia, she too would want Aurelia to be free from her twised .indoctrinate mind. Therefore, Belle was simple overthinking it and perhaps she was not but still it was private, she assumes that Aurelia, the old her of course, had asked Lydia to keep it a secret for her and Belle should not interfere much in the matters of sisters and blood should she?

Belle couldn’t help but laugh at Lydia’s teasing, the banter between them a familiar and comforting rhythm. Lydia had always been the more daring of the Ellis sisters, the one who approached challenges with a spirit of adventure and without hesitation, compared to Belle who always loved hesitation- in that way Belle and Lydia were foils of each other and Belle like that, because lydia was quite intriguing. Belle had always said that if Lydia was in a book, the book would revolve around her as Lydia had the face and spirit of a protagonist.

“Oh, Lydia, you know me too well,” Belle replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Fifty is just the beginning, isn’t it? Perhaps I shall aim for a hundred, and each one more mischievous than the last.” She chuckled, the lightness of the conversation a welcome distraction from the serious matter at hand. “And I shall name them each after you- a girl named Lydia of course, another one Dia, a boy named Lydus and another Lyn and then I shall dump the responsibilities of raising them on you for you shall be their godmother and they shall love you most,” Belle teased, “After all i couldn’t possibly dump t on the poor maids and your mother has always said you shall make a good wife and mother- Oh no that was a lie, your mother had always said the opposite.” Belle teased, letting out a soft laughter, “By the way, speaking of your mother, is it true what Lady Whistledown had said?” Belle asked remembering Lady whistledown words, “She had arranged for men trice your age to court you?” Though it was a question, Belle was not shocked- it was Duchess Ellis we were talking about after all. She had never been fond of any of her daughters, especially Lydia for Lydia was too free and bright for her and Aurelia back then, oh well the Aurelia Belle knew was a revolutionists- a rebel and Duchess Ellis had a distaste for her too but now it seemed, only Lydia met the sharp end of Duchess Ellis dislike.

As Lydia mentioned not changing and the importance of their friendship, Belle’s expression softened as her eyes brightened slightly as she shook her head, “Trust me, im way to far gone to ever change.” Belle laughed. But then her expression turned serious for a split second, “This is why we cannot allow for Lia to be to far gone and get to the bottom of this, And lydia” Belle voice became softer towards the end, “I am glad to have you in my life,”

Belle’s gaze shifted to the passing scenery outside the carriage window. The bustling streets and elegant buildings of the Ton painted a facade of opulence, concealing the secrets and mysteries that lurked beneath the polished surface. The journey to the Wycliff stables was both a physical and metaphorical movement into the heart of uncertainty.

She turned to lydia who began to speak, and Belle could not contain her laughter when Lydia had told her that she prided herself on being safe. “You? Safe?” She giggled, “Are those not antonyms?” Belle teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “You, my dearest Lydia, and safety seem to dance in different realms altogether,” Belle chimed in, a mischievous glint in her gaze. “Why, it’s as if safety takes one look at you and decides to take a spontaneous vacation!” Belle tone became gentler as she grabbed Lydia’s hands in her’s “And that is why you should actually try to be safe as we do this. For indeed, there is no risk too great in getting Aurelia back but Aurelia- whether the old or the new would not want you to harm yourself.”

But perhaps lydia’s calling for danger would be their greatest help, as after all it had been Lydia who had approached her and asked that they both take matters into their own hands. It was Lydia’s bravery and bold nature, and in this quest they shall both need that.

---

@novella -

[sunflowerjm]

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ༻✧༺ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☽

stroll with harrison davis

Adeline was very hesitant to accept Harrison’s invitation but she was looking for somewhere to escape, even if it was for a moment. Yet she knew it was not proper to be alone with another man who was not her brother. Finally, with a sigh of defeat, she smiled at Harrison and nodded. “Oh, alright, but only for a few moments. I know this may sound irritable to you but I do not want people to suspect such things about us.” She whispered as she obediently trailed behind him, following his lead towards the garden.

As they began their stroll, Adeline was still curious about whose basket Harrison had won, and she rolled her eyes as he tried to avoid her question and just mentioned his date being happy. “Hmm, is she aware of who the famous Lord Davis is?” She teased him as she gave him a playful elbow to the side. “Not that I am worried, of course, but was this lady the one you hoped to have a date with?” Adeline had no reason to be intimidated by this girl, although there was a hint of worry in her thoughts… well only a little. She understood that Harrison would need to explore his choices if he desired to wed a suitable woman and it would not be reasonable for her to expect Harrison to be solely interested in her when she herself had eyes for someone else.

Adeline fell back into her earlier low state at the mention of her basket. For a moment, she stopped walking and released his arm. Yet within less than a second, she adjusted her demeanor and smiled at Harrison. “I honestly forgot about the bidding today.” She simply said with a shrug, “Besides, there were a lot of good baskets today. I do not think mine would have been any special—tell me, would you have known which basket was mine, Lord Davis?”

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ༻✧༺ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ ☽

@Kristi harrison

[Kristi]

Cloning with Adeline

●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I● ●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I●´I`

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One would think that Harrison still adhered to the Protestant life with how hard he was praying in his mind. What was he praying for? Well simple, for Adeline to accept his request, to follow him to the spot he spoke about and for her to stop looking so tense. It had taken a couple hours, well more like one minute (Harrison was simple exaggerating with his dramatic self) for Adeline to agree, she had agreed though without her own condition, saying that it would only be a couple of minutes and asking him not to vex. A small smile crossed the lips of harrison as he said, " I would have hoped for more time with you in the ‘secret’ garden, especially because one needs time to truly relax and appreciate my company." he teased, flashing a charming playful grin though his eyes were filled with warmth, “But aaaah, you probably would me to busy my Prescence to think of time as I’ve heard i’m quite charming But fear not alas, for I being Harrison, shall make every of our little moment last a thousand.” He said wiggling his brows, before he turned a little more serious. His voice soft and low as he said, “But thank you, thank you Ade-Lady Delaney, you shall rest assured, our little rendezvous shall remain our little secret, known only to the whispering winds and the dancing leaves.” As after all, Harrison was a master of secrets and no one truly knew about the secret spot except for his siblings and 4 others who Harrison had befriended upon meeting them there “So fear not the whispers of scandal, for we shall tread the path of propriety with utmost care, cause though I am scandalous you can be assured i can be a true gentleman” . So with that gentle yet persuasive push, Harrison had successfully managed to get Adeline to accept his request.

And he began to walk, walking to the guarding but seeing that he was almost way to in front of Adeline he stopped for a second waiting for her to catch up so they could be side by side and then began to walk again. As they were walking towards the spot, Adeline asked questions of his basket, well of the basket that he had bidded and won on and Harrison raised a brow at that. He had said something, telling her it was a secret to throw her off from asking more but she had persisted and Harrison could not help but to chuckle at her words. is she aware of who the famous Lord Davis is? well she should be as after all, they were ex fiances, but Harrison did not say that instead he had said, “Oh, she is quite aware of Lord Davis and his alleged charm,” he responded, a smirk playing on his lips as he referred to himself in third person. “As for being the lady I hoped for, well, Lady Delaney, you underestimate the complexities of my mind. I appreciate the art of surprises, and sometimes the unexpected brings more delight than one could anticipate. Meaning I tried not to hope for someone as I wanted to be shocked but she was one of the people I was considering would be interesting and make me happy if i was to bid on her for I knew it would make for an interesting convo," He turned to her, looking at her as they arrived at the spot. “And you were another I would have been happy to bid on,” As he told her those words he had recalled the missing of her basket and asked her about it.

But he began to feel like perhaps he should not have asked seeing the expression on her face as she stopped walking and released his arm. “It’s quite alright,. The bidding was a flurry of excitement, and it’s easy to lose track, the bidding wasn’t that exciting anyways as after all you were not there” He said trying to bring a smile to her face. “But still you le in that regard, your basket would have surely been the best of the best, it would have shine with your own unique charm it would have been so you.” He continued, “So yes, I would like to assume that I would have undoubtedly recognized it as the most extraordinary of them all. For in the midst of a multitude of good baskets, yours would have shone like a star in the night sky.”

They were nearing the spot and Harrison stopped as he paused to ask “But if you had not forgotten about the bidding, what would you have put there? I’m curious.” The question hung in the air, inviting Adeline to share a glimpse into the basket she might have crafted for such an occasion.

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@sunflowerjm

[astxrism]

{ Bidding / with Lydia }
┈┈ ⋅∘ ⋆⁺‧⁺˖⋆ ∘⋅ ┈┈

Is my captivating presence that impossible to escape? Lydia had asked and in all honesty, he couldn’t argue with it, could with full confidence say that no one else would. But unlike most gentlemen one could find here on this day, Archie was not expecting anything. Archie did not have a deep manipulative plan of turning his life around and finding a good wife for himself - that was something future him would have to worry about. Right now he was focused on getting through this day without being bored while still supporting the event.

Now, you may wonder how he managed to pick the right basket. Well, that was quite easy for this young man. While he still had some doubts and thought his judgment might be wrong, time had only taught him how to appear confident and get what he wanted. Gambling, in one way or another, was not something Archie was a stranger to. How do you think his family manages to still have so much money while the youngest son is always out spending it? Did you all not just see him betting over 100+ for things he had no clue about? Well, it happened and it is something Archie will later have to deal with.

[color="#7d8270”]”What are the chances, you ask? Well, technically speaking the chances were quite low but a man can sometimes get lucky. And I am sorry,“[/color] Archie’s response was delivered with a mysterious smile, tho he tried to remain stoic. ”If you were expecting a different outcome, we can always pretend it was not me who had won. But you see life is often a game of chance and sometimes, amidst the chaos of it all, one finds themselves pleasantly surprised by the unexpected twists of destiny. Afterall, I believe a young lady had recently told me she’d spent an entirety of the past few days mastering her waltz craft and who else could judge that if not the master himself?“

Despite the playful banter, a subtle sense of duty and the desire to lend a helping hand fueled his actions. His mind briefly questioned the consequences of this decision. As we already know, Archie was not driven by personal desire. [color=“#7d8270”]”So, dear lady, I believe we have a very important decision to make.“[/color] He kept his voice low for no one else to hear while a sympathetic smile appeared on his lips. [color=”#7d8270”]”You could actually show me how much you have improved and prove me wrong when I say I do not believe you have or we could… Just pretend that the date will begin for the sake of the watchful eyes,“[/color] with that he quickly glanced around only to set his gaze back on her. ”I did not mean to take much of your precious time today. I am certain there is another business you had to focus on.“

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@novella - Lydia

[astxrism]

{ After bidding / with Adeline and Harrison }

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”I am… I truly apologize but I have to go.“ Those were the last words Archie remembers saying out loud before leaving Lydia without any further explanation. And really, what was he supposed to say? Archie was never the one to reveal much about himself and explain himself to others, he simply did what he wanted to whenever he wanted to do it. His actions were usually fueled by his protective side and when on his walk with Lydia he noticed his dear friend Adeline with Harrison, there was something in him that screamed this does not make you happy. There were a few reasons for that but he kept them to himself, he will always keep it to himself but he was not afraid to admit, besides that, that he was not sure Harrison was the right person for someone like Adeline.

With determined steps, leaving behind a nice girl, Archie walked in the other direction knowing this way he will come face to face with the couple. One might call him selfish for this but who can prove that what he says is going to be nothing but a lie? Who can prove that he did not mean to be a good friend but actually wanted to sabotage something that might be beautiful in the end… Tho he does not think it would.

Archie knew that nothing will ever happ- No, that was a topic for some other time, now we can all watch how this event will unfold. [color="#7d8270”]”Oh, dear lord, I’m sorry,“[/color] upon turning a corner, Archie almost collided with Harrison, and the shock in his expression was expertly feigned. Archie exclaimed, putting on an act of surprise that he quickly replaced with a smile. ”What a lovely surprise to see you two here! I certainly hope you were having a wonderful time,“ his words were polite, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air he could only hope the two of them could not sense.

[color=“#7d8270”]”However, that reminds me… Lord Davis,“[/color] Archie continued, his tone shifting subtly. [color=”#7d8270”]”I do not mean to trouble you but I believe my brother… Jude had gotten himself in a tricky situation with your lovely sister. I just wanted to inform you, we both know how things can go.“[/color] A strategic move to redirect Harrison’s attention, Archie’s mention of Jude was a calculated distraction. He tried to offer him a sympathetic smile, subtly shifting his gaze between Harrison and Adeline. Would the two of them buy this excuse? Will this be enough to scare Harrison away? And would Adie, who often knew Archie was pretending, guess that he was doing the same thing now? Will she… resent him for this? For scaring away her potential suitors? After all, who gave him the right? ”I think I’ve… I am sorry, I think I’ve seen her crying. I apologize for his behavior.“ He carefully added.

---

@sunflowerjm - hi adie
@Kristi - sorrrry harry
@novella - just what Lydia will later have to deal with

[novella]

══✿══╡ after with belle clone ╞══✿══

Lydia went into a deep thought as Belle asked what she knew about Aurelia’s intentions. There were so many interactions before Aurelia left. So much she had said to Lydia, anything could have been an indication to what was going to happen, and it frustrated her that she didn’t know to pay attention to it all at the time. Maybe the explanations had been right in front of her, but there wasn’t enough for her to anticipate what was going to happen. And now everything still remains a mystery.

“It was not for good reason, that much I can recall,” She disclosed. Lydia had her apprehensions with the Wycliff family ever since that. After all, she was always one to follow suit with Lia. She trusted her implicitly, any enemy of Lia’s was one of hers. In honesty, she was more desperately hopeful in this theory than what she was letting on. If not this - then what? “Believe me I wish there was more to tell,” She continued, looking away from her fellow investigator, knowing that Lydia, as her sister, should know more. “Is there anything you know? Of Aurelia’s foes?” She asked her, hoping they could think of something together.

A smile returned on Lydia’s face when Belle began to describe her future with this stranger from before. “If that is the case then I look forward to meeting the hundredth,” She exclaimed when Belle talked of the mischievous persona each of her children would inherit. Lydia raised her eyebrows to make an exaggerated look of shock when she was handed the responsibility of looking after the mini-Belles. “Well, what a wonderful idea! I can sit back and watch a young Lydus staging daring escapes, Dia getting lost in the gardens and Lyn leading the maids on a merry chase. They can all grow up to say they learnt from the best,” She exclaimed, her mind painting a chaotic picture of what she was describing. Lydia had never taken serious thought to being a mother, her only example of one being the kind she would never like to become. Speaking of – “That should come as no surprise? The Duchess cares solely for title,” Lydia replied as Belle moved the conversation over her recent suitors. It wasn’t her favourite thing that it had become public knowledge via Lady Whistledown, but Lydia trusted that, to those who mattered, it would reflect more so on her mother than herself. “And you? Are all the men you have been presented with as dull as the last?”

Belle reassured Lydia, that she was too far gone to ever change. She smiled, but wasn’t convinced. If you had asked Lydia, Aurelia had been too far gone to ever change. The furthest. Lydia thought that it was something she could trust, but even the unexpected can change. “And I to you,” She briefly told Belle regarding her last sentiment. The feeling was genuinely mutual, but to express those kind of words came harder to Lydia. I mean, come on, why else do you think she loved to write?

Before Lydia could begin to dispute Belle on the matter of her being ‘safe’, the carriage came to an abrupt halt. An arrival. A pit formed in her stomach as it became unavoidable what they were here for. “The Wycliff stables,” She thought out loud.

Springing into action, Lydia jumped up and out of the carriage, purpose directing her footsteps. A groundskeeper of some sorts was in her mind. She gave a brief look back at Belle to ensure she had followed. “Keep a lookout for anyone who could work at these stables,” She advised her as they began to approach.

══✿══╡°˖✧ ✿ ✧˖°╞══✿══

@Kristi bestie belle
@benitz786 lia

[novella]

══✿══╡ before with archie ╞══✿══

There was a smile hiding under Lydia’s neutral expression, but she wouldn’t show it. “Some great fortune you must have,” She added, almost convincingly, as Archie articulated the small chance he actually had in getting her. Was she glad it had been him that picked her? Well, to think of the wide variety of people it could have been, yes. Whether or not it was down to chance didn’t matter. Because after their few conversations it was known by now that Archie wasn’t the type to expect anything from her. Lydia could relax knowing that her mother was under the impression that she was following instruction, while she could just converse with a friendly acquaintance.

Archie proceeded to give Lydia the chance to pretend it was not him that had won, to which Lydia looked around for the impression of contemplation as he continued. By the time her eyes landed back on him, Archie had began bringing up the alternative idea that left her confused momentarily. Speaking of someone who had mastered the waltz craft? Who on earth would waste their time with–

“I… I did say that,” Lydia had to remind herself of as she responded. “Well remembered,” Well played. Regaining her composure that had temporarily slipped when trying to find the memory, Lydia raised her eyebrows and spoke with confidence: “See, I don’t require the judgement from the likes of yourself to know of my own mastery,” She claimed, making for a good reason to not need to show him. “Besides, a dance lesson was not a part of the basket, as it is worth far higher than what was paid,” Lydia continued, impressed at herself and her excuses she was making on the spot.

But as his eyes fell on the watchful crowd so did Lydia’s. The alternate option was staying here amongst the other dates, suddenly it became obvious what she would prefer. While her claims of mastering the waltz skill had been wildly false truths, Lydia was sure she could muster something up that resembled excellence, right? “Though you must wonder what a ballroom does in all its quiet moments. Perhaps it longs for mastery to fill the floor with grace and bring it to life once more,” Lydia suggested, an exaggerated wistfulness to her tone. “But only because I wish to, of course. Certainly not for a need to prove something,” She clarified.

══✿══╡°˖✧ ✿ ✧˖°╞══✿══

@.astxrism ellas bf

[astxrism]

{ before bidding / with Atlas }

⎯⎯ ୨୧ ⎯⎯

This day was both exciting and a nightmare for Margaret. Being forced to make a basket, or rather let her dear maids make one for her that she will have to put amongst other baskets was not something she wanted to do. Going on a date and wasting her time with someone just to appear as if she was taking this season seriously was not in her plans but… well, here we are. On the other hand, Margaret was more than thrilled to be the one to help everyone get their horses ready for the race. To get her horse ready for the race. While never before participating in such an event, she couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. She couldn’t wait to see her horse running down those tracks.

This train of thoughts brought her to another memory that was troubling her - her last encounter with Augustus. Not having stables, Margaret had to keep Regal Rose at the Hatcherman estate which was never a problem. August was a dear… friend of hers but things have been more tense. After she… Turned him down, as one might say, she did not know how to act around him. For many reasons, but one simply being that that was not her intention. Maybe things came out in the wrong way but Margaret had never said that she didn’t want anything between them to happen. She was just not… Ready in this moment, and she knew her family would have a thing or two to say about her possible future with Augustus. It was a very dangerous territory that she didn’t know how to navigate it.

Oh but how the troubles never end. While snooping around Archie’s boxing basement room, she accidentally found a stack of something. It probably sounds wrong but it’s not, well, in Margaret’s eyes it was. It was a stack of letters all addressed to the same person and Margaret feared what would happen if one day he decided to send them or if someone else found them and the word got out. You see, for some reason, Margaret was never a fan of Adeline. She could never understand how her brother had such a strong bond with that girl when she was… Nothing but trouble. She was not deserving of the love her brother could give her. Sneaking out of the room and running back to her bedroom, she hid them until she got an idea of what to do.

If she speaks out about it, if she warns her brother about the girl Adeline really is he would never believe her. So on this day, after checking up on her horse for a bit before making her way towards the basket-bidding place just to make her mother and sister happy, she made sure to find someone who would know what to do. Trying to hide those letters under her arm, she looked around for a face she admired, the better Delaney sibling - Atlas. If someone shared the same opinion it was him. Archie and Atlas were best friends after all, and Archie should keep his promise of not being involved with Atlas’ sister.

Spotting Atlas in the crowd, Margaret seized the opportunity. She approached him, trying to get his attention. [color=“#e9a189”]”Pstt,“[/color] she whispered, hoping to draw him aside from the bustling crowd while also not drawing the attention of anyone else which… Might be the way to draw that attention but it was too late to approach him differently. [color=”#e9a189”]”Atlas,“[/color] she began, her voice lowered to ensure privacy. [color="#e9a189”]”I need your advice on something… delicate. It’s about Archie and Adeline.“[/color] Margaret hesitated, glancing around to ensure no prying eyes were within earshot. ”I found … I found a stack of letters in Archie’s boxing room addressed to Adeline, I think you should see them.“ A sigh escaped her lips while she subtly suggested that she was holding those letters. Sorry, dear reader, but you are not going to find out what was in those letters…

Not yet, at least…

Ah, okay, only one now. That first one was quite sweet.

Letter 1

𝑴𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆,

𝑨𝒔 𝑰 𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒘𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚. 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔, 𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇 – 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑, 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.

𝑺𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆, 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎, 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒓. 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆

⎯⎯ ୨୧ ⎯⎯

@sunflowerjm - hi Atlas
@Madilfill - Augggie sorry

[astxrism]

{ Bidding date / with Lydia }

---

There were many things Archie appreciated about people, and right now, he appreciated Lydia’s quick wit. Maybe doing this was not a bad idea; he was not only thinking about her but about himself. He did promise, just like Margaret, that he would take this season seriously and get out there… Of course those were just empty promises, that was not what he wished for, but he still had to keep a good image and being seen with Lydia would certainly help. Just don’t mistake this for him taking advantage of the girl, that was not something Archie could ever and would ever do.

”Oh… My apologies, it was quite rude of me to assume the privilege of seeing your wonderful skills and learning from you comes with winning,“ Archie quickly replied, while he tried to seem sincere there was that hint of playfulness in his voice. There were moments when he wondered what she thought about this; was this simply a conversation from her, a nice moment with someone or rather a a performance, a carefully orchestrated interaction designed to meet some kind of expectations. What he liked to believe is that he could, after all, call her… A friend? This specific situation might not be ideal considering his best friends’ feelings but things had to be done, and Archie liked to think he knew how to do the right thing.

A smile did grace his features once her heard her last suggestion. He would take no offence if things turned out differently but there was a feeling of relief. [color=“#7d8270”]”Certainly not for a need to prove something,“[/color] Archie repeated her words, subtly nodding. [color=”#7d8270”]”You know, lady Lydia, I find myself quite fortunate to have stumbled upon this unexpected arrangement. I hope you know how grateful I am,“[/color] another playful comment as his smile only grew bigger. [color="#7d8270”]”So shall we?“[/color] He extended his arm. ”You certanly don’t want everyone here witnessing something worth more than even I bid.“

---

@novella - hihi

[sunflowerjm]

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somewhere lol

Today was a rather uneventful day for Atlas. He found the concept of participating in a bidding process for a potential date with a girl to be quite improper, so he decided to abstain from bidding on anyone. He had a specific person in mind for a date, but he wanted it to be on his terms and with her genuine enthusiasm.

Yet, because of his parents’ insistence, he reluctantly attended the event and placed intentionally low bids on the picnic baskets, ensuring he wouldn’t come out as the winner. He recognized many of his lad’s names and couldn’t help but chuckle to himself while rolling his eyes. It was no surprise that many of them were determined to come out on top. Quite typical.

Atlas couldn’t help but be impressed by many of these baskets. He easily recognized the ones belonging to his close lady friends, Belle and Margo. Their unique presentation gave them away. However, Atlas also knew that Margo wasn’t the type to make her own picnic basket. Particularly after realizing how flawless each item in the basket was. He knew that he could have easily outbid everyone to secure a date with one of them, but he knew it was better to give others a chance. As he approached the one he was sure he recognized as Adeline’s basket, he smiled to himself. Though he did not like how many names were already under it, he was proud to see that the basket she had been working on for days had gotten the attention she was looking for.

---

To his surprise, he heard an unfamiliar name being announced as the winner of his sister’s basket. How much of an idiot must you be to mix up two distinct names? Atlas thought to himself as he could not believe what he was seeing, convinced that there must have been some kind of error. Yet as he observed this unfamiliar lady approach a basket that did not belong to her, Atlas waited for her to announce the mistake but to no surprise, she did not. He knew that Adeline would remain silent to prevent making a scene. Not him, though; he could not care less about the opinions of the ton; after all, there were already plenty of rumors surrounding the Delaney family, so another scandal would hardly affect him. Atlas rose from his seat and approached the location where the mysterious young woman stood. However, just as he was about to capture her attention, a faint whisper reached his ears. He initially planned to disregard it, but upon hearing his name being called, he couldn’t resist turning to see who it was. And once he recognized the person, a smile involuntarily spread across his face. Ah, it was the beautiful Margo.

---

The smile Atlas once had on his face vanished as he tried to process the news Margo had just given him. He couldn’t help but chuckle, finding it hard to believe that this could be true. He was convinced that Margo was toying with him. His best friend and his sister? No, they—Archibald would never. Yet with the letters as proof in his hands, Atlas couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—surprise, confusion, and even a tinge of betrayal. Were there signs that he just never paid attention to? But why was there a need for him to be concerned about any signs in the first place? All he desired was to confront Archie, yet he understood the wisdom of patience. After all, he was well aware of his dear friend’s manipulative nature and understood that he would resort to any means necessary to escape himself from this situation.

He had to patiently wait for the perfect opportunity to witness them together, as he could only wonder if they had had encounters alone. Taking a moment to calm himself, he scanned the crowd and realized he could not spot Archie and Adeline anywhere. Once again, he could sense his muscles tightening. “Margo, I’m confident it’s nothing to worry about.” Atlas adopted a facade of composure when looking back at Margo as he slowly took the remaining letters from her. “It could be a misunderstanding; your brother knows the promise we have with each other so rest assured, everything is okay.”

He started to move away from her, being careful not to catch her eye, because, in reality, all he wanted to do right now was destroy her brother Archibald.

---

let’s say this is after Harrison left Archie and Adeline alone so clone?

After minutes of searching for the two, Atlas stumbled upon a garden where he heard familiar voices—voices he knew all too well. And once he saw them together and alone…

“ARCHIBALD HASTINGSTON, YOU FVCKING SCOUNDREL!”

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@astxrism hihi

[astxrism]

{ After separating Harrison and Adeline / with Atlas and Adeline }

---

Two things Archie valued the most: family and friends. The truth in all of that was that even the happiest families and friendships have some troubles and although he knew sooner or later he would have to confront Atlas and explain his actions with Lydia, he was not expecting that moment to come this soon. That’s what was happening right now, wasn’t it? What else could it be? What would make Atlas this furious? Archie couldn’t tell you when was the last time he’d seen his friend this mad about something he had done.

Archie’s eyes widened slightly as the voice of his best friend echoed through the garden. If he had some say in it, he’d prefer for this moment to happen somewhere more private and definitely not in front of Adeline. That wish will only become stronger once he realizes that the reason why Atlas was coming at him in this way was not because of Lydia, but because of the girl standing next to him right now - Adie.

[color=“#7d8270”]”Atlas! Calm yourself down!“[/color] Archie tried to remain calm and do not take any steps. In a situation like this you never know what to expect so he had learned that the best option would be to stay still. [color=”#7d8270”]”What is the matter with you?“[/color] In contrast to him, Archie’s tone was low and measured, not drawing any further attention from someone who might’ve been wandering around close by. ”Whatever it is I am sure we can talk about this civilly. No need for a public spectacle,“ he glanced at Adeline, a silent plea for her understanding.

While Archie was sure this had something to do with his actions not even an hour ago, he couldn’t help but feel… Something. Some kind of fear he could not explain. Was it only a coincidence Atlas was attacking him while he was here with Adeline or was it something much deeper? But how could it be? What could have Archie possibly done including Adie that made his friend so mad?

---

@sunflowerjm aaa

[novella]

══✿══╡ before with archie ╞══✿══

“So you think of me and my skills to be so cheap?” Lydia retorted, adopting a firm tone initially to let Archie think for a moment she was being serious, before placing her hand on her chest in sarcastic surprise. “I’m offended, truly,” Lydia continued, in a far lighter tone. She dropped her gaze that had been on him for a moment as they edged further away from the gathering, her mother fading away from her peripheral vision. “I should think them to be priceless, if anything. Earned through means that money couldn’t possibly buy,” She told him, continuing in a joking manner, though with an underlying truth to that.

As Archie reacted positively to Lydia’s suggestion, and how grateful he claimed to be. But her attention was on something else, and Lydia followed it up in the same tone - “And I was beginning to think you couldn’t smile. It seems I find myself quite fortune also,” Her remark came with a hint of truth, as he had successfully remained practically emotionless their last two interactions, making everything about him difficult to read. But she liked to think she presented herself similarly. “A touch of humanity - who would have thought?” Lydia exclaimed with a shrug and raised eyebrows as if surprised.

“Of course, otherwise we would have to begin invoicing the bystanders,” Taking a few steps to catch up with him, “I insist, lead the way,” She exclaimed, relieved to have so easily stumbled upon a way to get out of this wretched event.

══✿══╡°˖✧ ✿ ✧˖°╞══✿══

@.astxrism archiebaby

[Caticorn]

---

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

After bidding with Genevieve

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

---

For the entirety of their childhood, Theodore and his sister had come as a packaged deal. They were always Kitty and Teddy, rarely one without the other. Then they drifted apart when their father started really preparing Teddy for the role he would eventually assume and their mother began focusing her efforts on preparing Kitty to find a husband. During his latest and longest stint in China, they stayed in touch through letters, of course, but pen and paper were not a replacement from experiencing life together and being able to immediately seek the other out in times of need. Even after long times apart, they always knew that they would be able to find their way back to each other.

Today’s events included horse races as well as the Queen’s Court Auction. Theodore had to admit that he did feel uncomfortable with the idea of men bidding on women’s company, especially when one of those women was his sister and another his cousin, but his mother had insisted that he participate. He enlisted Jasper as he browsed the baskets the ladies of the ton had prepared, getting his input on which baskets he should bid on. The baskets were unlabelled - it was not made clear to the men who the baskets they were bidding on belonged to. This made Teddy excited but anxious to see whose basket he had won.

“Joyful cheers for Theodore Radcliffe who has won our 6th basket. You, sir, have bid on Genevieve Hill’s basket. Congratulations. May your picnic be a haven of bliss and shared smiles.”

Teddy couldn’t help but feel relieved that he had bid on Genevieve’s basket. He would have to remember to thank Jasper later. While it meant that he wouldn’t be getting to know a potential partner, it did mean that he was spending his time today with someone he was already comfortable with and who he had wanted to get to know better. He also made sure to take note of who had won Kitty’s basket. It was someone he couldn’t recall having heard anything negative about, which he decided he would count as something good. Genevieve approached him with a smile, excitedly talking about how delightful it was that he had won her basket.

“No, I did not know it was your basket.” He answered her, shaking his head, when she inquired about his winning her basket. She didn’t sound disappointed, which made him feel at ease even though he did not know what to expect out of this afternoon. “It was Jasper’s counselling that led me to choose it, actually.” He explained, giving the credit where it was due.

---

@astxrism - Vivi

[sunflowerjm]

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with Adeline and Archie

"Calm down?” Atlas chuckled, mocking Archie. "You expect me to calm down? No, Archibald, I will not calm. down.” Atlas moved closer to the pair, observing Adeline’s cautious behavior as she positioned herself behind Archie. Which made him realize she had never witnessed him in such a condition before. He could not help the anger he felt; he clenched his fists, trying to regain control of his emotions, but the overwhelming rage consumed him. It was clear that he needed to find a way to calm down before he did something he would regret.

Atlas rolled his eyes in disbelief as he glanced at the two individuals before him. With a dismissive gesture, he firmly placed the letters he held onto Archie’s chest, causing a few to slip from his grasp and scatter onto the floor, before getting close to Archie’s face and saying, "I truly cannot wait to hear every lie you come up with to get yourself out of this."He knew his friend more than anyone could; well, at least he thought he did. Atlas felt deeply disappointed—so much for brotherhood. He thought to himself. Out of all the eligible ladies in the ton, Archibald’s affections had to fall upon none other than his beloved sister, Adeline.

"And you, Adeline, truly, I must say, your choice couldn’t have been more impeccable. Among the countless gentlemen in the ton, I wouldn’t have even minded if you were to choose Harrison.”As the words escaped his lips, an immediate sense of regret came over him. Atlas would never allow his sister to be swayed by Harrison. Despite their friendship, Atlas knew all too well the true nature of Harrison and believed he was not deserving of her.

---

Disregarding her brother’s words, Adeline gently stooped down to retrieve one of the letters he had let slip from his grasp. She was aware of the impropriety, yet the sight of her name in the letter made her heart drop , causing her hands to tremble as she started to read. Gazing up at Archie, her voice barely audible, she finally spoke , “Arch… what is this?”

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@astxrism <3

[Kristi]

The Picnic: Cloning with Lydia

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

“It was not for good reason, that much I can recall,”

To that Belle raised a brow but did not say much, for after all, there was not much to say. Perhaps if Belle was more talkative or if there was tea in front of her that Belle could take little sips of then perhaps she would have more to say but she did, instead she had questions and a lot of questions but she did not think it was the right time to ask such questions so she kept her mouth shut as she tried to think of the answers herself. As if understanding Belle’s mind, Lydia was quick to reassure her, Believe me I wish there was more to tell," Lydia reassured, to that Lydia had continued, this time with her own set of questions.She had asked if there was anything Belle knew of Lia’s foes. There was, as after all if there was one thing Aurelia did quite well it was to spout and she often spouted about the people she did not like, often talked about her mother in a negative light as well. “Her lips had often been filled with complaints about quite a few people other than of course your mother,” But what role would those people have played in the incident of Aurelia? Belle was already guessing something quite serious for the role Duchess Ellis played but what about- “Duke Keats son, Ilyas, Earl Davis, and” Belle paused, “Atlas, she had a special abhorrence towards him.”

Now, Atlas was a close friend of Belle, a very very close friend and thus Belle was inclined to think quite positively of him and she did, and thus logically she would not ever think him possible of great harm especially great harm to Aurelia whom was the dotting elder sister of the girl he harbored feelings for- but what if he did, what if he tried to harm Aurelia who distaste him so, in order to be with Aurelia without any disturbance.

But if he was too that, would he not just go for Duchess Ellis?

Indeed, ever since Belle found out that little truth of what her parents planned her future to be, it seems that she had lost her mind and her thoughts were getting more and more incredulous with each passing day. This was Atlas she was speaking of, she knew him a little too well to think him for that, but still… “But what could they possibly mean? Had Aurelia interacted with any of them before her incident?” It was as if memories, the very thing Aurelia lacked, began to burn like fire in her mind as she recalled the ball. “But Lord Keats and Earl Davis had spoken to her during the ball and none had ended so calmly.” She stated, "I do not recall if she had interacted with Atlas or Lord Wycliff " Belle continued, “Do you presume anyone to be more possible than the other?” Belle questioned for she was thinking of 2 men who could have played a role in the lost of Aurelia’s memories and to no one’s surprise those two men were best of friends.

The conversation had shifted as the driver was nearing the destination and a light mood had reached both Lydia and Belle. She would not consider herself relaxed, but Belle was less tensed- still quite the alert but less of the tense. “I am glad that I shall not have children in the nearest future,” Belle laughed, “For I shall hate for them to be spoiled rotten by you.” She continued, “The world surely could not handle a 100 of you,” Belle laughed, her amusement lingering in the air as she continued, “Imagine the chaos in the ton, your mother’s face, the white hairs that shall grow early- the poets would write about it for generations to come” it was truly a blessing that Belle had never thought herself a wife or mother, for Belle would have found herself tired of the man in a day-most men lacked quite the humor that aligned in her and most of them were like roaches who could not stay away no matter how much you try to make them stay away and she would have found herself frustrated by the child or too busy distracted by books to care for them. So obviously other than the fact Belle held no wishes for marriages, even if she did, with her opinionated and bookish mind she would not render herself able to being a good wife and that is just how she likes it. “True indeed, but I thought that perhaps she shall pity you as you’re her daughter and not let you swim in a sea filled with men older than your grandfather.” The carriage was getting closer and closer to the destination and the roads began to become a little rocky as it jolted slightly over the uneven terrain, prompting Belle to grasp onto the armrest for stability,

“Perhaps she wished to punish or embarrass you, because I’ve heard Aurelia’s suitors where far far youthful and better looking in the face.” But if it made Lydia feel any better, Belle’s calling day did not go any better, in fact she would have probably wished for the old men instead of who came. Speaking of Belle’s yesterday, Lydia had questioned how that day had gone and Belle’s expression was grim, as she looked away, outside the carriage, “Indeed, you could say that, there were not one to be filled with happiness for.” Belle disclosed. Well, there was the prince but that was about it…

And at last, the Wycliff stables came into view. The carriage had come to a halt, and the door swung open. Lydia wasted no time, springing into action with purpose directing her footsteps. Belle surmised, as she followed Lydia’s lead.

The crisp air held a scent of hay and horses as they approached the stables. Belle cast a sweeping glance around, taking in the surroundings, her eyes narrowing in focus. The quiet ambiance was disrupted only by the occasional sound of hooves and the distant chatter of stable hands.

Lydia turned briefly, meeting Belle’s gaze. “Keep a lookout for anyone who could work at these stables,” she advised, her tone carrying the urgency of their mission.
They had entered a secluded spot, one that led them directly into the stables, and Belle found herself momentarily surprised. One would expect the stables of a nobleman to be guarded more securely. It felt almost suspicious—no, not almost, undeniably suspicious. However, Belle could only afford a passing thought to that notion; her attention was firmly fixed on the mission at hand, though it was still partly on the idea of that.

“We should look for the record book—the book that states when a person arrived and left,” she suggested in a hushed tone, her words barely audible in the quiet of the stables. The air smelled of hay and the musky scent of horses, and the flickering lanterns cast shadows that danced along the walls.

The stalls loomed like sentinels, their occupants placidly observing the intruders. As they moved further into the stables, Belle felt a growing sense of urgency. The record book, she believed, could tell them something-give them a specific time frame that would lead to their next hint.

---

@novella

[raviola]

@Kristi Harrison

Harrison alluded once again to the nature around them, because with him; when it was not stars and the moon, it was clouds under the sun. He was the epitome of everything that was romantic; in this era of naturalism and sublimity, he seemed to persist beyond perceiving the beauty of nature but understanding it so much so that they related.

At least that was what she believed, because if he were right about all of the things he said, then that would mean that they were destined to reunite, and make it work this time, to get it right. She wouldn’t mind that.

He brought her hand to his him and she followed his movements with her eyes, down to his chest, and then up to his eyes again. She watched him with a sense of wonder, the flecks of green in her eyes catching light. She just let him. However, he then changed the subject to sitting for their picnic. And although she had been advised by her father not to, she decided to go back to what he said before, give into temptation and reciprocate the energy that had so enticed her the day prior.

“I think I hear them too.” Azucena spoke with a nervous slyness, then feigned a puzzled expression. “I think… they say something of a… troublemaker finding treasure? I wonder what that must mean.” She smiled mischievously.

Often times, the girl assumed people would wonder, if they ever came to be, how she came to need him so strongly when she once thought nothing of him. But it was not him she distasted, it was the same reason why she was with him in the first place. Status, the destruction of one nuclear family only to create a second one, which would continue in a cycle until someone had the decency to stop it.

Harrison had once been a chore for her, but when he left, she realized how much she enjoyed that so-called duty of hers. When they would share dinners, she sat at the table shackled to her seat, in the chair held always by a wife held prisoner to her domesticity. But it was not him who bounded her to those arm rests, instead he was the one who made it more bearable by sharing his jokes. Even when he would reuse them and it was no longer funny, his laughter became the only thing necessary to make her smile.

They began to stroll in search of a free space, and she swung the basket in her hand lightly, releasing a bit of her ingenue charm, bantering with him until he asked who she despised. “Well… I musn’t say too much, for I would not like to speak lowly of a man in case he were your friend…” She said contemplating, and also thinking that she did not want to out her opinions of any baron, as they were all still potential suitors under unfortunate technicality.

But she wanted to give in… especially after being so frustrated by the man she was thinking of. She also wanted to hear Harrison’s opinion on the matter, so she began to elucidate the matter.

“Did I ever tell you of my first love? Or, the first before you.” She corrected, blood rushing quietly to her cheeks as she realized the implication of that sentence. She did not bother feigning composure after that, as the damage had been done. It was one of the more distinguishable traits of Azucena’s. As much as she may be sinful and often ridden by pride, she had a light heart, beating in flutters.

Then, he asked of the reasoning behind the contents of her basket. Obviously, the more delectable goods were selected by her maids, who still looked to her soles when they spoke with her. But, for that same reason, she was inspired to do some of the work on her own. Firstly, she placed on the basket a hat, protective from sunlight. Evidently, it was not commonplace of regent women to wear that class of hat. However, if one clearly observed the basket, they would notice that the headpiece was sized for a young child, she wanted to estimate about two years of age, meant to appeal to Harrison.

Recently, she had found some of her old baby clothes in her closet, and her favorite of the pieces was easily her once hat, in which she would be clad for strolls in this very square. She thought it might be a sweet detail, symbolizing not her want for children, but that if a man were to court her; he would not only be marrying the current version of Azucena, but also the girl she once was, and the woman she will be.

The basket also contained a book, another one of her journals, in particular. This, unlike the one she wrote during her engagement with the man beside her, was written during the most heartbreaking phase of her life. Inside the pages, it was stained by tears and the marks of Orpheus’ quill. For this part of the basket, Azucena was not quite sure what it meant yet. It was a sign of her despairity, but she did not know if she had the courage to display it, nor why she wished to at all.

She thought about it, then answered his question. “I suppose both of them are memories, things I would like to offer my counterpart.” She said, not delving into the specifics, for she did not wish to be judged. Instead, she flirted coyly. “So if the clouds are correct, I might give them to you.” And sitting down, he gave her the exact response she expected, and she chuckled, endeared by his confidence. In an unexpected turn of events, things were beginning to look optimistic for them.

[astxrism]

{ Fight and letters / with Atlas and Adeline }

---

To say Archie knew what was going to happen might be a lie, but he did have a feeling it was worse than he thought. Of course, in a world where your best friend didn’t have a sister you had feelings for and you promised you wouldn’t do anything about it, this just might be one silly encounter. But this right here was far from it. There is just one thing you have to keep in mind - Archie did keep his promise, one way or another. Those letter Atlas was holding wasn’t something anyone was ever supposed to see. They were letters Archie never intended to send but held sentiments he never dared to voice. He had only written them to sort out his own feelings, never thinking they would be discovered.

”Don’t. Don’t be mad at her. She knows nothing.“ While Archie maintained his composed exterior, inside, he struggled with the consequences of his private business. A silent hope lingered that Atlas could be reasoned with, that they could resolve this without causing distress to Adeline. What else could Archie do? This was something he caused so lashing out at his friend, if he could still call him friend, was not the right option.

And lie? There certainly wasn’t any need for it. Could Archie truly get himself out of this situation? No. He did not think he could. All the evidence was right there, now in his hands and on the floor. But one question lingered - how did Atlas find them? How possibly could’ve he done it? He was far too concentrated on that to notice Adeline picking one letter up. Maybe one day he would’ve been brave enough to give them to her himself but this was not how it was supposed to play out. ”I didn’t do anything. I don’t know what you wish for me to say but I did not… I didn’t do anythi- How did you get them? How did-“ His mind raced with a mix of emotions, and beneath his cool facade, a sense of vulnerability emerged. Archie usually knew how to navigate complex situations but now he found himself entangled in a web of his own making. As he started to question Atlas about the source he heard Adeline’s voice. Her question immediately making him turn back to look at her.

Does he keep pretending as if this was all nothing or was it time to confess whatever he was feeling?
[color=“#7d8270”]”Nothing.“[/color] It took everything inside of him not to look directly at her as he spoke. It took everything not to let his emotions show and keep putting on that calm emotionless facade he knew how to do so well… When he wanted to do the opposite. [color=”#7d8270”]”Would you like to give it back to me?“[/color] Ha calmly asked as he extended his arm, waiting for her to give it back. ”Or… Why don’t you keep them all? They are yours after all… Right, Atlas? You were the one who decided she should see them?“ For a short second his eyes met Adeline’s, letting just a glimpse of his feelings show. The hurting.
Before bringing his attention back to his good old friend.

---

@sunflowerjm sad

[astxrism]

{ After bidding / with Teddy }

---

This was a perfect opportunity to talk to her cousin about things that have somehow happened since Genevieve’s arrival.

She found herself lucky no one was there to prove how she stole a basket and how what she did was wrong. It only proves that Vivi can and will do everything that she puts her mind to. After all, who was dumb enough to cause a scene at this event? She did what she did, old news, move on. Sorry whoever’s basket she took… Adeline? Forgive her?

”Oh, so I will have to find Jasper later and thank him. What a dear boy.“ Genevieve exclaimed showing nothing but a broad smile on her lips. Hoping Theodore would notice it, she glanced around for a short moment as if she was looking for someone. What if the person she was looking for was the one who won her basket? That would also be a perfect start to this - people needed to see Genevieve had a potential suitor. And she could tell everyone she was his only choice, the only girl he wanted. She could also say she was very excited about this… he was not just anyone. Could Vivi possibly say that she was finally fully smitten by someone? That’s something we yet have to see.

Her attention shifted back to her cousin, that smile she kept on her face even stronger. [color=“#ba7d5c”]”Cousin, dear, what would you like to do? You will have all this time to me - how exciting?“[/color] Linking her arm with his, Genevieve tried to lead Theodore away from the bustling crowd, hoping to find a more secluded area where they could enjoy a moment of privacy but after a few steps, she let him lead the way. [color=”#ba7d5c”]”There is so much I wish to say to you but we were all so busy, weren’t we? How fun this life could get… Tell me, Theodore… If you didn’t get my basket whose would you love - And don’t tell me you don’t know! I am sure there is someone!“[/color] Genevieve couldn’t resist a subtle giggle, very gently nudging the boy walking next to her. ”I would certainly have an answer for you if you asked me who I’d like to be next in line for my basket.“ She alm ost whispered, not wanting to reveal much but let him wonder for a moment.

---

@Caticorn - Teddy
+ mystery suitor

[astxrism]

{ Date / with Lydia }

---

[color="#7d8270”]”Cheap? Oh, perish that thought. It is far from it.“[/color] Archie almost frowned at her comment although the sarcasm in her voice was not something he could miss. It was words he had to say before going back to the original tone of their conversation. ”Or maybe it is… I am not quite sure now. The way you speak makes me wonder if maybe you’re trying to make yourself believe that, when in fact you do not.“ There was a moment of silence from his side after those words, just watching her with something that could be described as amusement on his face. But the truth is that Archie didn’t care - he was the one who had no idea what he was doing while joking about how much of a professional he was. It was just this moment of playful energy that calmed him; a distraction from everything else going on in his life and around them.

[color="#7d8270”]”Me? Emotionless? What makes you think so? That might be the first time I hear of this,“[/color] and just like that the smile he had on vanished as fast as it appeared. No, it was not the first time he heard this. He wouldn’t be able to tell you how many times he’d hear someone telling him smile a little, live a little. Well, first give him something to smile about. Yet, now it seemed quite easy. So it didn’t take long for him to let that smile form on his lips again, this time even laughing lightly. ”Well, I am happy you think of me as human. It is small things like that that could truly make a human happy. I knew I didn’t make a mistake by picking your basket.“ Copying her previous action, Archie himself now placed his hand on his chest in sarcastic way.

[color=“#7d8270”]”Tell me… Lady Lydia,“[/color] he began once they continued their walk to… He will figure that part out. Somewhere where the crowd was not as active perhaps and where only he could be the one to witness her phenomenal skills. [color=”#7d8270”]”If you thought of me that way before how come you trust me now? You are not afraid to follow someone you did not consider a human before this?“[/color] With that he stopped, spotting a cute spot not that far from them. ”Oh, how about there? Is it good enough for the master herself?“

---

@novella lyyyyds

[Kristi]

*ੈ:heart:⸝⸝༘⋆

If there was one thing Harrison loved to do, it was to talk about the stars as if they were his kin, and if there was another thing Harrison loved to do, it was to talk about the clouds when there were no stars to be seen and at this hour, stars were quite non-existent for it was a chilly afternoon day where only clouds and the sun blessed the blue sky, and because of that, was Harrison not inclined to talk about the clouds?

He was, for if he had not, then he would not have been Harrison, and if he were not Harrison, then what fun would it be to speak to him? Thus, one should forgive him for his cliched behavior and for his horseplay, for Harrison had been quick to whisper into the ladies ear and to speak to Azucena of the clouds, as if he could hear them speaking to him.

“I think I hear them too.” She had said, following him in his clichés and Harrison was not afraid to admit to himself that it had done something to him and that he had smiled, his eyes soft with affection but his lips wild with mischief. “I think… they say something of a… troublemaker finding treasure? I wonder what that must mean.” The lady had continued, feigning ignorance and Harrison could not help himself but to smile wider. “Is that so?” He had questioned, playing along to their little banter. “Queer,” he had said, “I think I might have heard something similar to that, but I recall that the wind had also said that the treasure was also just another troublemaker.” Harrison hummed. With a tip of his fingers under his chin, he had turned away for a split second, then back to look at Azucena, the corners of lips tugging into an infamous smirk. 'Would you agree with the wind? I’ve been told the wind never lies but perhaps that is a lie too or I simply misheard, what do you say to that?"

Harrison does not know what it is about those questions he asked, but they brought him back a year or two ago. The year where he had met Azucena and where he had been asked by his mother to court her, he kept hurling questions towards her as he danced, hoping to make the conversation interesting and hoping that she was not dull, for it would have been a shame to marry a dull woman. But when they had danced and Azucena had failed to answer him, in the way that he hoped she would, he had been young and thus with his young innocence (or more like foolishness) he had concluded her dull.

But if he had truly concluded that she was dull, then why, one might ask, did he agree to the marriage when he could have simply said that he was not to marry her? Perhaps it was because he had not wished to embarrass her, that though he may be arrogant, he still held kindness within him, or perhaps it was something more, or perhaps it was both, and Harrison thinks it was more of the second with a little bit of the later. He had wanted to see if he had made a mistake and whether he was judging too harshly because, at that time, his heart, body, and soul still belonged to Katrina. So he had feigned a smile as the dance ended, he had kissed the back of her hand, and he told her farewell; he would see her tomorrow, he had told her, because tomorrow he had planned something in his mind that he would not lie to your dearest readers—caught her dullness at the ball.

He had done what he had planned to do—a date with the stars instead of a simple call. He had come later than all the men who had come to visit her for a reason, because he had wanted to come to her during the night, so he had waited for night to come, wasting time through work and strolls in his manor till night came. When night came, he knew that she had not expected him to come, but he had, and he could tell she was surprised. He had bought a bouquet of flowers, customary for their time, and asked her father for permission to take her to the roof. He then turned to her and asked her if she would like to see something on the roof. She had perhaps thought of him as mad, and if she called him mad, then Harrison would have laughed because there was truth to it. But she did not say much to him but agreed, and they had thus then gone to the roof, and her eyes had twinkled. For a moment, time had stopped because her eyes had shunned and her golden hair flickered, and Harrison could not help but admire her beauty. The next day, he found out that she enjoyed writing poetry, and Harrison had not thought of her as dull ever since then, but he had thought of her as shy and introverted instead and usually Harrison did not like that in a lady and if you asked him if he liked that on her he would not know how to answer you. But he put up with it and he had thought it cute some moments and others… he had wished for her to speak more to him and when things ended, Harrison had pitied what could have been but was not and he wondered if she pitied it too.

But enough of that, for they had began their stroll, in search of a free space and Harrison had wished to take her to one of his many private spots, because less people always meant more of the relaxation, so as they strolled, Harrison was headed towards such a place. They had talked through their walk, and talked they did, and Harrison had stopped for some minutes to ask her a question- asking if he was glad it was him and she had told him something along the lines of ‘yes as it could have been worst’ because of that Harrison had of course being inclined to ask of who could be the worst, meaning he had asked her of her foes. She had been hesitant to tell him, stating that she wished not to speak lowly of a man in the case he were a friend of his and Harrison had chuckled at that. “Speak wrongly of them for some of it may hold truth to it, and besides I shall not tell.” he stood in front of her, arms crossed behind his back as he leaned close to her, “I shall not tell that you dared to speak badly of them, for it shall be our dirty little secret.” he teased, hoping to lighten up the mood and get her to open up.

Instead of jumping to tell him who she spoke of, instead she had asked him, “Did I ever tell you of my first love? Or the first before you.” and Harrison ears perked. Tales, he had always loved to hear them and he would especially love to hear her’s, hear who or what was the type of person Azucena was inclined to fall for. He wondered of who the Azucena before him was and how it had shaped her, so Harrison had replied, “No, no you have not.” He was asking her to say more, but perhaps she had not caught the drift so he had added, “Tell me, who are they?”

They had find a resting place, it was close to a body of water and Harrison had relaxed into the grounds, and then sat up straight as he questioned what was it that was behind the contents of her basket as he began to set things apart slowly but slowly. Instead of his eyes going to the delicious foods, he had stared more so at the book- not because Harrison was a book lover (he loved to read, he loved poetry but he would not consider himself that much of a book lover) but because it seemed to mean a lot to her and it seemed filled of things he did not know and if anyone knew one thing about Harrison, one thing that summed up him in simple words, it was that Harrison was a lover of the unknown.

Memories, she had said, they are memories. The little strange things she had put in the basket where memories that she would like to offer my counterpart. She had not said much more than that, instead she had flirted an Harrison had smiled, his hands on the books but his eyes on her. “I would be a fool not to accept such generous gifts.” And a fool would he be, “But it would be troublesome for me to ask, what exactly shall I be wishing on the stars to have.” This was his way of asking her to delve into the specifics she had not wished to delve in. “I shall not judge you,” he continued, putting his hand on top of her’s, he chuckled, “As of course, I am to be judged more than I am to judge anyone else. So do delve into the specifics, mi tesoro, and tell me too if there is something you wish to hear of me. It would not be right, wouldn’t you say, for you to reveal so much and for my lips to be shut.”

---

@raviola