[ P ] It's Not Too Late

N

imue had been planning on making her way back to Melrose after the announcement of the bonfire gathering, mostly because it was dependent on the participants to have gained access with pinecones obtained throughout the festival. Seeing as she had none, there was no purpose for her to stick around. There would always be another social event to come and so she did not mind it. She was, however, pleasantly surprised when she was approached by none other than her dearest Amethyst with an invitation to join her as she had procured an extra token of entry.

And so here they were, the two of them once more, in a crowd of many. Yet, when Rhiannon was by her side, she was the only one that was seen. The tidal waves of her deep ocean eyes were glued to the other woman, admiring her, all of her, especially those little mannerisms that were uniquely her. Nim was unsure if the wolfess could feel the weight of her eyes, and even if she could, to speak a thing was to make it a knowable truth. She leaned over, touching her nose to the base of Rhiannon's ear as she whispered softly, "You are beyond radiant this evening...your presence, as always, is a gift I feel I am not truly deserving, but I am grateful, nonetheless..."

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

THREAD TITLE MUSE

L

ife had an amusing way of surprising mortals, as the universe seemed to possess some notion of irony along the way. For Rhiannon, it was sheer coincidence that had brought her to this strange place, during a time, it seemed, of great anticipation and celebration.

Rhiannon did not interact much with others, unless it served a purpose. As such, she had not spoken to many other wolves, and had learned about this enigmatic festival only hours before it was to take place. And, against all odds, Rhiannon just happened to have the proper invitation for the event, for she had held onto the mysterious pine cones she had been given after winning in a game of chance.

The last festive occasion she had attended had occurred one year ago – and it had ended in chaos, as the political parties battled for control, even during a winter celebration. The ball had ended with her imprisoned for the first time. Part of the she-wolf had hesitated when it came to this new event. But that would not be enough to sate her curiosity.

Besides, she would be attending with the fairest of company. Nimue had accepted her invitation, and the fae stood now at her side. The crowd of others threatened to swallow them up, but Rhiannon stayed close to her fair lady. Over the clamor of the crowd, Rhiannon heard her companion speak: "You are beyond radiant this evening...your presence, as always, is a gift I feel I am not truly deserving, but I am grateful, nonetheless..." Her closeness inspired a shiver that ran up her spine, and she smiled as she turned to face Nimue.

”It is I that should thank you, my love, for agreeing to come to this –” Her focus turned to the crowd, but only briefly, before her eyes return to the other’s beautiful visage. ”Whatever this is, I am not certain. It is a strange occasion, though.”


@Nimue

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

H

er breath caught in her throat as the words 'my love' graced the silken, dark lips of the sorceress. Nimue stared at Rhiannon with rounded orbs, as this was a new term of endearment that she'd never heard come from the other woman.

She studied the other's glowing purple hues as she scanned the rest of the crowd before they landed on her once more. She was spoken to, though she could not hear the words above the quickened pace of her heartbeat.

"'Your love'?" She questioned, a single brow raising as she stepped closer to her bonfire date, basking in her aura as she searched those amethysts for a deeper meaning. It took a moment longer for Rhiannon's comment on the gathering to reach her consciousness and she blinked away whatever spell was cast upon her.

It was only then that she begrudgingly drew her gaze away and outward among the guests of the celebration, eyeing each of them with narrowed orbs. "We should really be on our guard then...there's no telling what sort of antics Jacob and his lackeys have planned..."

@Rhiannon

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

"Your love'?" Nimue’s eyes widened with surprise at the very notion, exploring the crowd for just a second before returning to the witch’s amused violet sights. Rhiannon’s features feigned an expression like she was offended by the very notion that anything else could be true. She never spoke of her other interactions with others, not to Nimue, whether they were positive or negative. Rhiannon kept most of it to herself – those she met who she admired, desired, or despised.

Life was too short for restraint at all times. She gazed back at her companion, her pretended reaction faded from her facade. Just to be near Nimue again was a treat. No others were like her; Rhiannon was certain of this. She looked at the woman with lowered lids. "I am shocked by your apparent shock, dearest Sapphire." She could feel the warmth spreading throughout her body, and not simply because of the blazing fire.

Nimue’s attention had shifted, however, and a frown tugged at the corners of Rhiannon’s dark lips. She did not want to think about Jacob, or the false king, or of Voxi. At least, not for tonight, while she was in such proximity to Nimue.

”As long as they do not try to arrest me, or keep me hostage, or –” Her words tapered off, and she shook her head. She could not allow this festive occasion to end up as the last one had – under ground, in a jail cell.

@Nimue

art & code by alexandre

"N

ot shocked so much as...pleasantly surprised." She nestled herself against the other wolfess so that their earthen tones mingled. Their shared warmth stifled whatever chill might be left as Nimue turned her head to scan the surrounding area. Some days it was enough to just be still in her world as the surface of vast pool might be, while the happenings around her created ripples here and there. This way of observation made it easier to identify when there was a splash that demanded her attention.

Her ears closest to Rhiannon flicked as she heard the words the woman spoke, but moreso the way she spoke. The tone of her voice, the way she trailed off. Nimue turned her face instantly back towards her companion, lowering her muzzle to ensure their noses touched as she met her eyes. "They shall eternally vomit slugs before they even think of harming a single hair on your body. I would no sooner let them look at you before their heads were dashed against the cobblestone in front of their precious castle. Dare they ever speak of your name, for I will slit their throats in the night and have them drown in their own blood."

A violent and mighty storm coursed through her darkened blue orbs as she spoke, her frame trembling with the intensity conjured into such bold statements. "Let them come. If they're lucky, it will be their last act." Nimue seethed, having to lick her lips to soothe snarl from them, although the hair still stood along the nape of her neck and down her spine. Too many times was she not present when Rhiannon needed her the most and she would ensure that it would never happen again.

@Rhiannon

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck