Queen of Thorns

Last time she'd been at court was a month ago, when her eldest sister had been formally introduced to her husband to be, Lord Elin, it'd been three weeks ago that she'd told her sister about the fact that she loved her pet. having expected her sister who'd always been part mother part sister part friend, instead Delilah had done something Vanessa would have never expected of her sister, she'd told their father who had instantly collected Vanessa and the pet named Mikael, forcing delilah to release the pet, Lord James Jacob Wells had then killed the pet infront of both girls as a warning. He'd punished Vanessa physically, his anger at his daughter from loving something as low as a mere pet had been great, every time she closed her eyes she heard his voice echoing in her ears telling her that what she'd felt for Mikael hadn't been real, it was just a childish infatuation. By the end of that week her sister had died from the wingrot passing through court, out of her five siblings only Vanessa had survived, meaning she was now one of the more desirable women of the court as whomever married her would collect her familys estate and wealth once her parents had passed. The father of the man who was to marry her sister had decided to agree to marry his oldest son to her, dressed in the dress that made her look the best and staying next to her fathers left side where she was supposed to be, she was better at pretending now she'd been put through a rigorous crash course on good behaviour in the two weeks after her sisters passing. Waiting to be officially introduced to her new fiance, she didn't have high hopes, however she tacked a polite if not a little distant smile to her face as the two men walked over. Waiting until they came over and she was introduced before speaking, Vanessa smiled "A pleasure to meet you my lords" she had the correct posture and the correct tone, and she could feel her fathers silent pride in the fact that for once she was indeed behaving perfectly.

Listening as the men spoke it was a relief to be offered a walk outside without the suffocating presence of the two lords "That sounds like a wonderful idea Lord Elin" taking his arm and keeping the smile on her face. Letting out a quiet sigh of relief once they reached the gardens she relaxed a little and let some of the tension leave her shoulders, noticing his hand reach out into the garden and brush over the flowers but didn't say anything about it. She didn't know anything about him after all, it'd be foolish to say what she truly thought about it all "Thank you for your kind words, it's been hard especially on father" remembering that he'd told her that it was a pleasure to meet her she lifted her gaze from the flowers to the males face and managed a smile "Its a pleasure to meet you again" unaware that the polite smile wavered and faded when she thought about her family and her father, at least it'd just appear that she was upset over their loss. She was starting to collect secrets, things like what had happened with Mikael, but also more dangerous thoughts like what she'd do if her potential husband mistreated her. She'd not let herself or any potential daughters end up in a dangerous situation, every day she was getting more sick of how she was treated just because her genitalia was different. Out of all the potential suitors that had suddenly become more interested in her now that she was the sole heir of her fathers estate and property on said estate, Lord Elin thankfully had always appeared quiet and almost shy. That didn't mean he wasn't different in private but it was one of the few positives of being forced to marry someone she didn't love, that being said should she believe her father? That she'd never truly loved Mikael it'd just been some teenage infatuation, and that the pet had taken advantage of it, if she believed her father it'd make this entire marriage business easier but her heart wouldn't let her completely believe it. Realizing that she'd let the silence drag, she attempted to pick up a smile and failed so instead she asked the question men seemed to love "Please do Tell me a bit more about yourself Lord Elin" that was another secret, people liked talking about themselves usually and that meant if she asked him to talk about herself she wouldn't need to do much except to ask the occasional question to keep him going.

He took a few moments to put together an answer, where he told her that he enjoyed being outside in the garden, not expecting the question to be bounced back to her she hesitated visibly before deciding that it'd be better to be honest as at least he'd been honest with her. "I love being outside with the cerns My Lord" keeping herself quite proper she did her best to hide how much they meant to her, it was unfortunately certain that he'd want to take control of the cerns. She was just a woman and the means to an end, at the very least she'd do her best to make sure that they were being well taken care of, she owed it to the gentle beasts, not knowing who her father would be sending with her as a dowry the female faerie was simply putting more and more behind the closed doors in her mind. She hadn't seen Tilly for a couple of weeks, the new princess and her husband having gone away to one of the more distant crown estates for their honeymoon. This had been all the more harder without her best friend to talk to, the last time she'd seen her had been the wedding which had been the same night everything had taken a turn for the worst. Pausing noticing a small plant of her favourite flower, she reached down and gently picked one of the strands of the plant that carried flowers, bluebells were her most favourite although freesia's were the ones that smelt the most divine to her. Perhaps they were both her favourites, straightening and smelling the small flowers quietly she tucked the flower into the book that she'd brought with her and closed it making no apologies for having stopped.

Glancing at him quietly when the man inquired to know if they were her favourites "To look at yes, but my preferred smell ones are Freesias my lord" it seemed like he didn't remember that they'd met before. This suited her down to the ground, it would be nice to forget that night had ever happened, it'd started off so nicely by talking to her friend who'd just been married and now was a princess. The After function had been enjoyable enough as most of her thoughts had been on how her and the male pet were going to marry. after all then she'd been the youngest and nobody had really cared what she felt or who she assorted herself with. There was nothing that could be done, as much as she hated it she was to be married off to someone she didn't care about while her best friend and only means of support left was away from court for an indefinite amount of time. In all honestly she was fairly surprised that anyone wanted to marry her, as the only survivor of a string of wing rot that had killed her entire family she would have expected rumors going around that she was cursed or something was wrong with her. Inhaling sharply and pushing away those thoughts she continued to walk with the man who'd been picked out to become her betrothed.


He disliked waiting, it would have been far nicer to be settled in the library with the book that he was part of the way through, however his father wished for him to meet a young lady who had been deemed suitable earlier for his younger brother. The girls father had upped the stakes and so now she was to be seen if she'd be suitable for his bride, when she walked into the room the cold withdrawn man didn't say much. Merely listened as she was introduced to him, taking her hand politely he lifted it to kiss the back of her hand with a soft greeting, as usual all he saw was what she wanted him to see. Reading people and understanding their way of saying things subtly escaped him, if it wasn't tradition for the eldest son to inherit the throne it would be going to his younger brother. Wishing that his mother was there, as she could always make things make sense again, he studied the girl appearing not to feel anything. Feeling his fathers gaze he glanced over at the king "You have chosen well for me father, she will make a suitable bride. You have my thanks, may I excuse myself and the Lady? It would gladden me to show her around her future home" this was the part he was good at, saying the right words when it came to protocol. He'd been trained in them all his life, a good little parrot. When things remained in protocol then he could do well, it was when things deviated from what he knew as safe topics that things went down the drain, ever the cold almost dead inside persona that came out when he was around others kept everyone at arms bay. Once he had his fathers permission he offered her his arm and didn't say anything else, finally out of that stuffy room he made his way towards his favourite place. The library.

listening as her betrothed stated what she already knew, the well bred lady tugged on the charm bracelet about her wrist. It'd been a gift from her eldest sibling for her 16th birthday, despite everything that'd happened because of her sister, Nessa couldn't bring herself to completely hate her. She'd been more of a mother than a sister to her all her life, looking up in slight surprise jolted out of her thoughts as a small freesia was offered to her, not having expected such a sweet gesture she took the flower with a quiet but genuine small smile. Taking it she smelled it breathing in the familiar fresh smell that was far nicer than any perfume, looking down at it as he commented that there was a selection of them at his home, nessa nodded "That sounds lovely, could you tell me more about my new home to be Lord Elin" keeping a hold of the flower she kept it securely held in a dainty hand. The further they walked away from her father the more confidently she walked, the submissive air melting away revealing more of herself than intended. Still despite the iron that kept her chin lifted and spine straight, the way she held the flower she'd been given indicated that there was something gentler kept hidden from the rest of the world.


Once they reached the library the cold man gave a soft sigh and turned his head to look at her "It seems our parents have decided we shall marry, I don't expect you to love me however being friends is an achievable goal" looking back at the tomes upon tomes of books that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Inhaling the familiar smell of books his shoulders relaxed more a fair bit of the ice he'd shown disappearing, "My Lady Titania do you like to read?" this was his hiding place from the world where he could escape into other worlds, if she at least shared that interest then perhaps things would be okay. He had every intent to treat her properly, he'd been taught well by his mother after all, taking her hand instead of leaving it on his arm he lead her towards the books while waiting to hear what his fiance liked to read.


Over the past couple of months he'd been getting the feeling that someone had been watching him, however he was used to the stares and the comments by now and so as always continued on with his work. Today his back ached, the simple hemp cloth his shirt was made off was stuck to his back, he'd been harshly whipped for not working fast enough, now each movment of his shoulders to use the rake to clean up the leaves that had fallen from the trees. Unable to help the wince of pain as the cloth dragged against the raw weeping flesh he paused in his raking to roll his shoulders and hesitantly reach over to touch it, his fingers firmly unsticking the cloth. He was taller than most at a good 6,4, heavily muscled from decades of hard labor, barefoot as his last pair of shoes had run otu a good sixty years ago, dark brown eyes were set amidst dark brown skin, his teeth were white but he was missing a couple and they were somewhat crooked. His thick black hair was done up in hundreds of small tightly plaited braids that were kept in a low lying pony tail, there was an old scar on his right cheek where he'd been whipped a few times in the face, the collar around his neck was made out of dry grass designed to be uncomfortable, if one looked close enough they'd see that he had a complicated tatttooed collar mostly hidden by the grass one. His fore arms were covered with scars and yet more tattoos, some tribal and others unable to easily be identified, knowing he should get back to work he procrastinated a little, not particularly wanting to work with such an aching back.

He gave a brief explanation of what her new home would be like, a subtle smirk flicking onto her features, sometimes she just couldn't help the true personality that boiled behind the polite mask. "Forgive me my lord, most places are a step up from home as long as they are dry and free of damp and cold" it was the damp and cold that had bred the wing rot, it was firmly rooted in the dark dank places of that castle. It was why most of their servants were humans not faeries, as humans couldn't contract the deadly disease the preyed on the wings of fae. This year it'd been the worst it'd ever been, even her fathers wings had had to have some cut out giving a slightly more ragged appearance, lifting her hand she tucked the pleasant smelling flower into her hair and continued to walk fiddling with the charm bracelet as they did so. "It sounds nice My lord" looking up from the ground to take in the plants around her, Vanessa couldn't help but think of how her beloved cerns would love the chance to slip in and help themselves to the vibrant plant life around them in them in this garden. Keeping her thoughts to herself, she merely hoped that her husband and father in law would see to it that they had sturdy paddocks made for the beasts or they might find their own garden invaded and precious plants sampled.


For the first time blue eyes gentled properly "I'm glad to hear that, it is also one of my favoured pursuits when i'm not busy." walking with her down to where some of his favourite books were he lifted his spare hand and brushed his fingers over the ancient tomes "You may read anything in this library, consider it a gift" he had difficulties relating to people but he was trying his hardest. Leaving your home and everyone you knew to go live somewhere new and have new expectations and tasks sounded dreadful, heh struggled enough when his father announced that he had new tasks he hadn't done before. It was so nice to have at least one topic in common with the woman that it seemed would become his wife, she appeared to be perfectly taught and trained. Whether she was like the others or not would be made clear in time, this wasn't the first time he'd been introduced to a girl, however he was more than aware his father wanted this particular one to marry him.


Deciding that there wasn't much point keeping a shirt on as it'd be good for the welts to breathe, he reached up and pulled it off to hang it over a tree branch. Breathing a sigh of relief the dark man pulled the thick pony tail of braids around to hang over his shoulder so that they stayed out of the whip wounds. The pain wasn't exactly new, it'd been a long time since he'd been a free man, indeed he didn't really remember much of what it was like to be free anymore. Feeling eyes on him again briefly he glanced about from under his lashes very reluctant to make eye contact with any of the white skins, even the lowest of them was higher than he. Dont draw attention to yourself, was his number one rule, even if others stared, jeered or threw things, he'd smile simply and pretend to be the big burly idiot who couldn't think for himself. Raking was less painful without the shirt on, working in the heat of the day sweat soon clung to him, ignoring his hunger and thirst as best he could, knowing he'd get more whip lashes if he stopped for something like food and water. He got fed in the early morning and late at night, the old mattress he slept on had recently gotten infected with roaches so he'd burnt it along with a large pile of leaves and now just slept on the floor. As ever his ears kept an ear out for any nobles approaching, it wouldn't do for them to see something like him, so he remained quite ready to grab his shirt and vanish into the shrubs.

Sighing Vanessa agreed internally that they should head back, closing her eyes for a brief moment she quickly filed everything away so that she was what her father wanted her to be once more. Quietly taking his arm she walked along next to him nodding quietly "And I with you my lord" just before they headed inside she removed the flower she'd been given and very carefully tucked it into the book where it would be safe from her father. The book was a simple one about a garden, her father had approved it for her to read, her grip on it tightened a little as they returned to their fathers. Bowing her head politely she murmured softly "Thank you for the walk my lord" stepping away from him she moved to stand next to her father, it seemed that they'd be married in roughly three weeks, only a few days before her best friend returned from wherever the crown prince had taken her. Keeping her features calm and neutral, she didn't make eye contact with anyone, merely studying one of the walls of the room they were in as if it was the most important thing in the world. Her future had never been for her to decide, her dreams were over and her hopes long gone, she missed him, and every time he came up in her mind the vision of his death and dead corpse returned to the forefront of her mind. How she yearned to be free, kick off her shoes, ditch this dress and go for a ride in breeches and a shirt and ride until all of the pins in her hair had been pulled out by the wind. Preforming a polite curtesy when it was time to leave she didn't look at her soon to be husband or his father, just murmuring a polite farewell before following her father feeling strangely broken.


Managing to decipher the look on her face as shock he was internally pleased he'd managed to figure it out, however soon enough the look was back on her face that hid everything from him. "Maybe we'll find we enjoy similar books?" looking away from her and back up at the ancient tomes, he took a breath and a risk "When we're alone, you can call me Oberon, the formalities of court in personal life is tiresome." still holding her hand he walked along with her, his deep blue eyes searching the titles for something, finding the correct book he paused and carefully pulled it free. "Try this one?" it was a safe enough topic, the book held information to do with the beach as that was where he fully intended to go for his honeymoon no matter whom he married. It was the most peaceful and most removed from court life, there the customs and formalities of said life always seemed to fall away revealing whatever was left inside.


The voice drew him out of his thoughts as he worked, wariness flickering before a simple smile stretched out over his features. Pale skins weren't to be trusted and neither were faeries, especially when they happened to be both, they'd never done anything to encourage trust and warm relations. Suspecting it was a trick the man continued his simpleton act, it was safer this way, swallowing he kept a hold of his rake "Are you talking to me mam?" brown eyes didn't spend long looking at her, they got angry if you did, even more so if they were a woman. "I beg your forgiveness mam but i have to keep working, my masters orders mam" preforming a low bow that painted the picture of submission and humility that they liked to be shown he continued raking.

It was like she'd been a ghost watching her body in third person view all day, the day having gone painfully slow with each moment well aware of her father watching her. Feeling more and more trapped like a bird in a cage she'd toed the line and behaved perfectly, finally it was over and she could go home, a pang in her gut making her feel queasy about what here home was now and what would expected to occur tonight. The feelings were overwhelming and dampened the spark that usually kept her chin high, it was dark when they left the buildings to walk to the waiting carriages. Pausing briefly to look up at the cold stars in the sky, questions only filled her mind, what ifs, maybes, perhapses, realizing her husband was offering her a hand up into the carriage she took it with a nod of thanks and sat down. Taking a deep breath as she felt him sit down next to her she glanced at him when he complimented her, feeling too broken right now to try to say anything smart or defiant Vanessa murmured quietly "Thank you, My Lord. You also looked very well today" why did she still remember the pet if he'd just been a teenage infatuation? Wishing she could let go so there was a tiny chance she could be happy, the woman resisted the urge to hug herself and made herself feel thankful that at least Elin seemed to be the quiet time, after all he hadn't gotten angry at her back in the garden a few weeks ago. Why did it ache in her chest, this feeling of being utterly alone, never had she felt so isolated and defeated, craving the chance to hug Tilly who was all she had left and take comfort there was nothing she could do and thus did the only thing she could do which was chew the inside of her lip.


Just nodding he moved to pick a book he'd been considering re-reading before leading her back to where his favourite place was to read, settling down on a chair infront of the fire he murmured "Pick a comfortable spot to read if you'd like" taking a breath he pulled his long legs up underneath himself and leaned into the soft fabric of the chair opening the book. Settled there he waited patiently for the lady to find somewhere to sit, if only one thing at least she liked books, they were one of his passions after all. They transported him away to a world where everything was carefully laid out for him to understand, thoughts and feelings written in a way that made sense instead of having to puzzle them out on peoples faces. Mother had liked to read, she'd taught him how to, missing her greatly he didn't really get to talk to anyone about her, Father wasn't interested and neithe rwas his younger brother jacob.


The pale female insisted subtly, suggesting perhaps after his work, then went on to add that there was a place well hidden underneath a willow tree where she wanted to meet her after sundown. It was strange why on earth would a pale faerie want to risk her own status amongst the other servants if she was seen fraternizing with him, they were some of the cruelest ones after all. Continuing to work he returned the rake to its home and after finding some of the rough plain bread he was given to eat, he warily wandered towards the willow, turning up earlier so he could scout out for any potential traps, finding nothing the man pulled himself up to sit on a low lying bough awaiting the stranger.

Time dragged so slowly as it had all day, each moment seeming like minutes or hours, eventually the carriage rolled to a halt and her lord husband opened the door and exited the carriage before offering her his hand. Taking it and joining him on the ground, she glanced at him when he squeezed her hand, not expecting the small somehow comforting smile the words that were murmured next were just as much of a surprise. "Yes, I would very much like to do so, I'm unsure what ones father would have sent" taking in the house's interior as they quietly made their way to where she could only assume where the bedroom was Vanessa glanced at him again when he stepped to the side to allow her in first. Managing to find some small spark left she lifted her chin a little defensively before walking into the room with all she could muster, she wouldn't let some man know what was happening on the inside. Her attention was quickly drawn to the pleasant smelling and familiar flowers in a vase, looking over at them, the newlywed walked over to the vase taking comfort in their fragrance however small.


Loosing track of the time once they were in their books reading it wasn't until a servant came to him mentioning his father that he thought to check the time. Blinking in surprise as somehow a couple of hours had gone by, the man rose and walked over to Titania "My lady, we should return to our fathers, you may take the book with you if that would please you" for now features weren't as cold as they had been in the presence of their peers. Eyes that were a deeper blue than the sea were gentler, a slight smile to his lips, pleased that it seemed his future wife was into books like he was, it was a relief to the male for sure.


She showed up ontime with a bowl of water and a rag again, nodding at the hello he considered the request before slipping down out of the tree. She didn't seem afraid, nor did upon closer inspection she seem to have any intention to hurt him, of course you oculd never completely trust what was on a faeries face. Inching closer he dipped a finger in the bowl and tasted it, satisfied that it was just water the powerful male sat down allowing her acess to the wounds the spread all over hsi back. It didn't take a genius to see that the wounds were upon layer upon layer of scar tissue, the light within they were hidden was quickly fading away so after a few moments he pulled the lighter out of his pocket and offered it to her to use as a light knowing the willows thick branches would hide them.

Looking up from the flowers, the faerie turned a little to watch her new husband, preparing herself for what undoubtedly would be happening next. However instead Elin mentioned that the cerns being sent were two males, three females and two fawns, that narrowed things down quite drastically. Hoping that at least two of them would be her favourites, Nessa didn't comment when the curtains were opened, inhaling sharply and pushing the brokeness and hurt away as they weren't helping things the woman was about to speak when her husband spoke once more. Listening and deciding that his words were heartfelt, she crossed the room to stand next to him and lean against the windowsill "All i can say is thank you, Elin. You have been kind to me, far beyond what i expected from a male in our time period. You may call me Nessa if you wish" with regards to consummating the marriage she decided that itd be easier to get it out of the way now and shut up Elins father. Besides if they left it she was certain it'd be harder and harder to bridge that gap further down the track, watching the cold unforgiving stars for a few moments the feisty female conjured a chest in her mind and shoved everything not helpful in it. The pet, her sister, her father, her past, all went in, the mental chest was locked and wrapped in iron chains before being sunk to the deepest recesses of her mind. Feeling more secure in herself she spoke "I think, it'd be easiest if we do it tonight, it'd get it out of the way" the words were murmured softly but with conviction, although it was nearly impossible to watch him while waiting for his words in response so her eyes remained focused on the stars.



Giving a slight bow in return he offered his arm and walked back towards where their parents were waiting, quickly growing cold and distant again everything hidden far below the surface. Once they had returned he gave a brief nod to his father and bid the two visitors farewell, it was a couple of weeks later, or maybe longer he'd lost track before a servant brought him the news that he had a visitor waiting for him. Reluctantly getting up from where he'd sat in the sun, tucking his book under his arm and heading up to the rooms where he'd been told they were, opening the door it was a pleasant surprise to see Lady Titania waiting for him. Evidently her father had gotten jumpy about the king replacing her with someone else and so had opted to bring her here again in order to get the prince more interested in her. "My Lady Titania it's a pleasure to see you again" greeting her politely , he took her hand and kissed the back of it as was polite, "How was that book i loaned you?" perhaps this time they should read elsewhere, like in the gardens, deciding he liked that idea first he did the polite thing and waited for the gold haired beauty to reply.


Quite shocked when he was thanked, the human looked at her over his shoulder briefly, evidently she'd never had a slave before. Opting to keep his mouth shut he held still, not reacting to the pain that flared from his back when the cloth touched him, listening to the sound of her moving backwards he looked at her again over his shoulders completely confused as to why a pale skin would want to help him much less apologize over it, "Thank you mam" speaking quietly and genuinely for the first time in years, taking his lighter back he remained seated very amazed by whoever this is. He knew it meant he owed her now, and that owing a faerie was dangerous, which could have been the entire reason why she'd come to tend to him in the first place, still...

Taking the hand when the warm fingers fastened around hers, Vanessa looked at him quietly, things were a little easier now she'd managed to lock everything away. Showing no hesitation as that was also locked away the woman kissed her husbands cheek, "Before I run out of nerve" besides if she put it off now how long would it take for the iron resolve that had asked her to go and stand next to him at the window. If they got it over and done with tonight it'd reduce any fear of the unknown when it came towards it and at the very least it'd keep her new father-in-law happy, she just had to coexist until the old buzzard buggered off and left them the house. Her own father would be indeed furious if she didn't consummate the marriage tonight and she was smart enough to know when to play along and when to kick up a stink, it'd be around the cerns that she'd put her foot down. Putting on a slight smile she added "It's alright, we're taught about this" once the cerns had arrived she'd go see them and help them settle down in their new home and give them a good brush.


Listening as the perfect and rather bland greeting rolled over her tongue he kept his thoughts hidden, what was the point of all of the bland social greetings that were usually blatant lies. Nobody was every happy to see him and he highly doubted she thought it was a pleasure to be here in the cold princes presence again, perhaps he was a fool to hope that they might end up being friends. Not arguing when she said she was enjoying it as he had no way of knowing she was telling him the truth or not, the resigned man returned with her to the library to pick up his book "It's a nice day so I'm going to read in the garden, you are welcome to pick out a book or two and join me" turning away a little to watch the world out the window while he waited, the silver circlet he wore on his well groomed hair ended up being taken off and fiddled with. Feeling rather isolated from the world, part of him wanted to run from all of this, but if he did that his brother would take the throne and destroy the kingdom, still all he wanted was to be somewhere quiet where he could let go of the cold outer self that had been created to deal with th epressure his father put on him. To let his hair grow out into its curly mop and curl up in the sun to read for days without being pulled out of the fictional world that held so much more promise and safety than the one he lived in. Once books had been picked he offered his arm like he'd been taught and headed for the quietest spot in the gardens, sitting down he flicked open the book and got stuck in.


Surprised when he was told that he had nothing to thank her for, the burly man was quiet for a few moments digesting her next set of words. Watching her over her shoulder the look of clear and genuine concern on her face was well amazing, standing he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wood carving he'd been working on. Offering the painted wolf to the shorter faerie he spoke softly and surprisingly gently to her "Here, this is for you, to thank you" feeling like she might try to take it back he added "To thank you for being kind to me and cleaning the welts, no pale face has helped me before, let alone a silk-wing" he still held onto the names he'd given the faeries and their pale skin such a long time ago.

She slept not without dreams, things that had happened in the past month all too fast for her to really get over, the mental chest in chains she'd conjured had a fatal flaw in that at night they opened and let things slip out. Awaking suddenly, blue eyes snapped open and took a few moments to adjust, this wasn't her bed and somebody was holding her close, remaining still out of sheer will memories started to return. This was her bed now and the person holding her was her husband, she'd never paid much attention to the servants when it came down to what happened on ones wedding night as he'd told her all about it, the proper truth not some over the top exaggeration. Hoping he hadn't noticed her wake up yet as honestly she didn't want to talk, Vanessa mentally reached for her stubbornness that had gotten her through the night before and prepared herself for the archaic ritual of eating breakfast with your new in-laws, at the very least she was well prepared as she was the first to admit that her father was fairly archaic. When the young faerie felt ready, the day began "Good Morning" staying there as the thought of finding clothes and dealing with her new family felt entirely too overwhelming right now. So allowing herself a few more moments of repose the stubborn will power pushed her up out of the bed and over to the trunk of her items, finding something that'd do for breakfast she pulled it on and did her long thick hair back in a bun, adding a flower from the vase to the hair style to soften it some.

Breakfast went achingly slow, managing to get away with saying the bare minimum and alot of fake but plausible smiling. After wards she returned to her room to collect her book she'd read cover to cover and fled out into the garden soon finding a place where she could sit and read. What was wrong with her, she should be bowing down kissing the earth that it seemed her new husband was just as good and gentle as he'd claimed to be, and yet most of what she felt was a whole lot of emptiness, alone and a kind of aching numbness. Tilly was essentially cut out of her life it felt thanks to her father and Titanias father, gritting her teeth against the feeling trying to return it to the chest that it'd some how escaped from time continued to go slowly. In an effort to exert some sort of control she pinched herself harshly before listening and picking out five different sights, smells and things she could hear. It mostly worked for by the time the cerns arrived she appeared 'normal' through a mixture of luck, extreme snooping and using the wings she'd been blessed with, Vanessa watched them being tied up, thankful that her father had sent some servants who obviously knew what they were doing as they made sure the males were in the same paddock and the females in their own paddock. Relief flooded the woman when she recognized each beast, in particular the big female who had a fawn at foot, that was the one she'd raised from a fawn itself and had a special connection with, wanting to do nothing more than to hug the intelligent creature and let herself be weak enough to cry for a while another sly pinch sorted those thoughts out. She would not be crying or displaying any signs of weakness.


Once his fiancee seemed comfortable enough out there in the sun with him Oberon tried once more "Did you enjoy the other book? The one I lent you last time about the beach?" This was all so very hard, and already he was growing tired of trying, there was no point, Mother wouldn't be pleased with him if he didn't try to make the girl feel comfortable with him though. He remembered all of the lessons she'd taught him and how one should treat a lady regardless of what the rest of the faerie world thought, but all he'd got so far had just been automated responses as if the woman was a robot not fae. She's likely going to be scared out of her wits son, many fae fathers are harsh to their daughters these days, be gentle the memory of his mothers warm voice and words melted some of his own facade enough for him to have courage to keep trying. What else did people like to talk about, mostly themselves but it didn't seem that'd get very far, pets both animal and human and friends. That was surely a safe topic however he didn't want to flood the girl with questions and so would wait until she'd commented on the ones he'd already asked. Perhaps he could mention the wedding and smooth any fears that might be held there, he'd already gone over the whole thing with his own father and it was decidedly dull, he planned to hide a couple of books in the carriage that they'd be riding in to the palace by the sea which was where he'd picked to be his honey moon place.


Admittedly he didn't understand her reaction, she seemed surprised that he wnated to pay back a debt so soon, or something like that. After all this time he was quite confident that he knew pale faces fairly well, she'd twitched a little at that term but had softened again when he'd mentioned silk wings, typical. He watched without moving as she picked up the rag and bowl and hid the carving so that the others couldn't steal it, he had nothing shiny to offer so the carving would just have to do. Ah he was such an insufferable fool, he should have been pretending to be simple the entire time, however the kindness that he'd been shown wasn't something he'd had in thousands of years, it wasn't something he could have just acted through. Mutely nodding when she asked to check on the wounds he didn't add the thought that popped into his head I'll have new ones by then still his greatest pleasure was that his master couldn't reach up to hit his face, he'd have to use his wings for that and look positively ridiculous. Letting her go he got up and left a few moments after, it wasn't until about a week later that he met her again as his master had kept him so busy he had barely slept let alone had time or the energy to go to the weeping willow. It was summer and so he was shirtless again, it got too hot working otherwise and the sly part of him wanted to irk whoever might see him, the wounds on his back were doing averagely, he'd still earnt himself a good ten to fifteen stripes over the past week but that was a small amount. Flicking on the lighter as he sat, it was about nine or so, he worked longer hours in summer, turning it on and off he leant his side against the trunk as he wasn't stupid enough to lean his scabbed back and fresher welts against the hard gnarled bark of the ancient tree. Wondering if it was older than even he who felt older than most faeries he ran his fingers over the brown wood absently.