eclecticwitch

Your Friendly Neighborhood Government Sanctioned Superheroes

I would love to join you all. Is this group still open? May I submit a character?

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

The old woman snuck around the dumpsters, careful about making noise. The fire earlier had distracted many people, leaving her free to investigate the garbage of the middle class. Sometimes good things could be found there. Food. Occasionally someone threw out drugs in an attempt to get their loved one to quit. This was very rare though. It was like her birthday when it happened. Sometimes every alcohol appeared. So many wondrous and delicious things. Not to mention old parts of things that she could sell. Garbage was a treasure trove.

Using an upturned bucket, she stepped up and began to pull apart the bags of garbage. The smell would have knocked down a normal person. But not this old lady. She might have smelled even worse. Mostly there were useless or rotten things. What she did find was an expired jar of peanut butter that had not been opened and a nice looking watch. It likely just needed a battery. She could pawn it, she was sure.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the shadows move. Hastily she tucked the peanut butter and watch into a pocket. When she looked at the shadows they looked completely normal. Coming down from the bucket she approached the shadows behind the dumpsters. They began to writhe and move as if coming toward her. She hissed like a feral cat at the shadows before running off.

She found herself at the burned entrance to Eden. There were people working to ensure that no one untoward crossed the border. A smile crossed the woman's face, showing what few rotten teeth she had left. "Little friends of the underside, hide me from their prying eyes," she slurred before walking through the gates to Eden. It was a rare chance she could come here. She was sure the garbage of this place was exquisite. Excitement gripped her stomach as no one stopped the old woman, her slow and steady movements not alerting the busy task force.

Once inside she ran as fast as her old, arthritic legs could carry her. This was, admittedly, not very quick but she felt as if she were running like the wind. She came to rest at an old graveyard. Hunger pangs caused her to stop. The old woman ducked behind a mosoleum and opened the jar of peanut butter. She scooped out the old contents with her old hand, putting the ambrosia into her old mouth and swallowing it down with some difficulty. The day was beautiful and the gods had blessed her this day. She cackled quietly to herself as the shadows of the graves threatened her.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Bride of Gwillim@Tracyarmav and Scyrvensrel @Amethyst
Interacting with Alfhildr @Tracyarmav

She felt the pressure on her wrist before the tug on her arm. It was strong and caused her to twirl around to face the person who accosted her. Hestia's reaction was to throw up her other arm to shield her face. She was going to get it. She got caught. This was the end. The voice which spoke to her was all wrong though. Slowly she lowered her arm and saw the tall Drakken girl looking confusedly down at her. She frowned, taking in her surroundings.

This was not Oldynn's home. It was much too grand. As she came to terms with where she was, she remembered being taken, the reaping, and remembered the armour. Oh no. Had she finished her job? Was she in trouble with her new spouses? She was shivering as she brought her attention back up to Alfhi. The girl was sleep swept. Her hair a lion's tangle and her clothes wrinkled from her bed.

"I'm so sorry... I wasn't going anywhere. No... I was just... I was looking for a glass of water," she said lamely. Hestia hoped the excuse would be believable. After all, how was she supposed to explain the breakdown? She hardly understood it herself. The ground she stood upon, metaphorically speaking, was like sand. It shifted and ate at her, pulling her down. She had no rock and no way to steady herself. It would take time to get used to her new home and new rules. It was not impossible but certainly difficult to teach an abused dog new tricks.

Summary

Hestia comes out of her stupor and realizes she is in Drakka with her new spouses. Ahlfi has brought her back to reality and she tries to explain the situation by saying she was just getting some water.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Sister Bride of Aubree @Ellion and Bride of Kagan @ghastlyInc
Interacting with Kagan and Bree

His eyes on her and the confirmation of his enjoyment of her caused her to feel, if it were at all possible considering, more at ease. She practically glowed with the words of praise. Even if they were only two. She fiddled with her lilac hair, twirling it around her fingers as she watched Bree enter the bath. She was a light, delicate creature. Like some sort of elf or fairy from the stories. She had been a bit shocked earlier by the girl's vehemence with being touched. She supposed that things were quite scary for her right now. Adora considered that perhaps she should also be afraid. In so far, Kagan had proved himself to be one of the kinder of his race. Though, she had not been terrified of the prince either. Or the guards. It was only on the first day she had been afraid; when they had proven the truth to the Gem's horror stories. But since then they had simply acted as a more gruff people than she was generally used to. Perhaps she had just been lucky in this whole circumstance.

Adora's attention was brought back to reality when her sister spoke to her. Bree wore a smile but her mouth spit barbs. Adora's contented appearance changed to one of confusion. What had she done to Bree that caused her to act so negatively toward her? Was it the touch? Or was her presence offensive? Did she maybe wish for their husband's attentions to herself? It seemed unlikely but her sister bride was quite the mystery.

Opening her mouth, she was ready to respond - though not entirely sure how to do so. Bree's comment had been an attempt to be hurtful so Adora planned to accept the words just as they were. However, it seemed that her husband would act as her Knight in Shining Armor. The contented smile returned to her face as she grabbed her glass of wine and sipped from it. She watched with some amusement as Kagan kissed Bree. It was a sloppy kiss to say the very least. She would have to fix that. She hoped that Bree's first time would not be too painful, though she doubted it. The first time always hurt.... and with a Drakkan as... well built as Kagan, she was not too optimistic.

As he settled back into his spot she decided, perhaps it was time to show off a little of that experience that Bree teased her for. She glided across the tub, barely making a ripple. She pressed herself against Kagan's chest, warm fingers sliding up his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her lips formed a pout as she spoke, "Well now, I'm feeling just a bit abandoned." The pout turned into a mischievous smile. The fingers of her right hand softly brushed their way up his jaw to tangle in his hair. Pulling him in, she pressed her lips firmly against his and nestled her body against him. Her kisses became more light, feathery until she slid her tongue lightly against his lips as if to ask entrance as a small moan escaped her. Instead of continuing, she feathered kisses down his neck before removing herself from him. "Tastes like wine," she purred, hands resting lightly against his chest.

Summary

Adora is pleased that she pleases Kagan. Is super confused by Bree's cruelty. Needs a little attention so she decides to get some for herself... and perhaps show off a little.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Bride of Gwillim@Tracyarmav and Scyrvensrel @Amethyst
Interacting with Gwillim @Tracyarmav and Scyrvensrel @Amethyst

Hestia did not move or make a sound as Scyr took care of her. The whole experience of her Reaping had simply been too much on a fragile soul who had experienced no more than abuse at the hands of the man who should have been her father. She did not stir until Gwillim lifted her from the bed. She moaned softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as she felt the bed fall away from her. When he laid her down she clung closer still until eventually, her arms softened at the feeling of the new bed against her back. She lay quiet again, the cool cloth against her forehead causing her to fall back into her fainting slumber.

It was not but an hour later that she jerked awake. As she sat up the cloth fell from her forehead and panic riddled her body. She shook and her limbs barely did what she demanded of them. She had fallen asleep at the mill. She was sure of it. Hestia was going to receive a beating for sure. She could already feel the leather against her back. The heat of the poker. The heat of his breath and the wet of his saliva as he screamed. Maybe if she got up quickly enough she could get back to work before Oldyn came for her. But.. what if he had already seen? What if he had something planned for her when she came back inside? Hestia choked back sobs as she removed herself from the bed. The clothing on her body was strange but she paid it no mind. Her fear had taken over her.

Falling to the floor, she slammed into it. It knocked the wind from her for a moment but the tears still spilt freely down her face as she curled up, struggling for breath. After a moment or two, she was able to push herself up and she moved toward the door. Desperate hands fumbled against the knob. She couldn't breathe. She was going to be beaten for sure. She had to hurry. Finally, the door opened and she fumbled her way down the hall, attempting to be as quiet as possible. She felt light-headed as she held her breath to avoid any more sounds of tears.
'Please... Please don't let him know. I promise. I'll be good. Please, I'll be better. I won't do it again. Just, please. Please!' her mind screamed as she used the wall to support herself while she approached a staircase.

Summary

The sudden movement from one bed to another causes her to cling to Gwillim. Once she awakens she thinks that she is going to be beat by the man who 'cared' for her since birth. She attempts to get back to work at the mill, thinking she had fallen asleep there.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Sister Bride of Aubree @Ellion and Bride of Kagan @ghastlyInc
Interacting with Kagan and Bree

She was surprised to hear the fire Gem request a bath. She supposed that she must have been horribly cold but she had not thought Aubree would be so bold. It made her smile a bit as she applauded the young woman. After all, it was hard to be brave in such a strange and unknown situation. She hid the smile behind her glass of wine and as she finished her sip she stood back, having finally dried her sister bride. It was then she turned her attention to her new husband. Kagan Galegar. What a very Drakken sounding name. It was hard and stacatto unlike the flowing names of Gemmania. At least now she knew his name. She would likely stick with husband, for the most part, to give herself some distance from him. Kagan if he was extra good.

"As you wish, my husband," she replied calmly.

He went to check on the bath and Adora looked to Bree in their moment of privacy. She set her wine glass aside and approached her. "I understand you may not be used to this so I am happy to help in any way possible. If there is anything you need from me, please do not hesitate to ask it. I wish for your comfort and happiness as much as my own. In fact more." Her voice was a soft whisper and she attempted to get as close as she could to the other girl's ear by standing on her tip toes. Her thin fingers lingering on buttons as if she were merely helping the taller girl undress, loosening what needed to be loosened.

After finishing her statement she took a step back, scooped up her wine glass and filled it properly. Once done, she approached the tub, only to see Kagan undress. Her eyes lingered over his form for a moment, taking in the bare and well-muscled flesh. He was not just pretty it seemed. She was a bit shocked by his... well... she had to wonder if she and her Sister Bride would be able to walk after tonight. She allowed herself to relish the thought for a moment before continuing her trek to the tub. She set the glass somewhere close by as a low, primal growl escaped his lips. She felt her cheeks warm with excitement and a shiver ran through her spine but did her best not to let on.

The dress slipped easily from her body and pooled around her feet. Adora turned and allowed herself to be on display. "I do hope my form pleases you, dear husband." Her tone was almost teasing. She would not mind his answer either way - he seemed the sort to not share his true thoughts with a people so weak as the Gem. She stepped from it and climbed deftly into the tub. The heat of the water was not so grand as that of the hot spring but was welcome none the less. As she finally settled herself opposite of Kagan, she began the process of removing the pins from her hair. As each pin dropped to the floor more of her lilac hair fell around her shoulders, the curls settling into the water. Once completed she turned her black eyes toward him and leaned forward. "There, will that do?" she inquired in a delicate purr.

Summary

Adora offers to be helpful to Bree since she hasn't done this sort of thing. She gets more wine and gets in the bath, letting her hair loose and attempting to be alluring.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Sister Bride of Aubree @Ellion and Bride of Kagan @ghastlyInc
Interacting with Kagan and Bree

He was so delightfully calm about the whole ordeal. It was strange she felt a bit comfortable beside the giant. Not in the sense that he was a good or kind person. Adora had no way of knowing this having met him for a total of two minutes. But rather, as someone who did not lose his head or give way to anger. Assuredly annoyed with the situation but she was relieved he did not take it out on her. It wasn't Adora's fault after all. She thought that perhaps she could come to like him as well as the life she might share alongside him. Perhaps friends at the very least. He discussed, in what Adora considered to be a light tone, with Aubree whether or not to keep her. It seemed, for now, she was safe.

With her comfort, her confidence grew. As he sat down she stopped at the table to retrieve another glass since he had taken the one she used. She wasn't quite sure why considering the others available but it mattered little. He whispered to Aubree and she paid no mind as she poured her own glass. They'd had more time to spend together so it made sense that they would be more companionable. She removed her own shoes, balancing with the glass of wine. Adora sat to Kagan's right. She situated her skirts so as to show off a bit of thigh and curled her legs to one side of her, opposite to Kagan. She brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she became comfortable, leaning into the soft couch. It was now he asked the girls a question.

She sipped her wine, to suppress a small laugh. If he really cared so very little, why even ask in the first place? He would be a fun little puzzle to figure out. After a beat it seemed Bree was not prepared to answer so, Adora being the chatty little thing she was, took the reigns. With her free hand, she began the process of removing the excess moisture from her new husband's clothing. With simple yet elegant movements she slowly moved her hand over his clothing, mere inches from his body. Water collected in her hand and as it did so it was released as steam. It took a little time for the steam to begin but she hardly noticed as she happily recounted her tale... In as little detail as possible. Kagan did not seem the type to enjoy elaborate stories.

"I grew up in a small town in the South of Gemmania. The Southern Sea was less than half a day's walk away. There I was a midwife and healer. I lived with a woman named Olynna. She had taken me away from my parents after I was born a girl. They had hoped to hide me away from the world so as to not be taken when the Drakken arrived for the Reaping. My desire for contact saw to the end of that. A relative discovered me and I was taken back to my parents. Who, as it would turn out, were of nobility - though it all means nothing to me. Especially now." At this time she had finished drying Kagan and stood to begin the process with Bree. Her hand was heated at this point from the energy pooled there and the procedure was done much more quickly. It helped she was dryer as well.

"I have a little brother. Sweetest little thing. It broke my heart to leave him. But this is my life now and there is no use crying over spilt tea." She offered Bree a gentle and sweet smile. "And there ends my rather boring tale. I would dearly love to learn about my Sister Bride. And of course my husband. Especially how I should call him." She turned the sugar smile toward him before returning to her work on Bree.

Summary

Adora finds Kagan amusing and when he asks to her story, she freely gives it. As she is doing so she also dries off the soggy pair. Has not yet learned her husband's name.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Sister Bride of Aubree @Ellion and Bride of Kagan @ghastlyInc
Interacting with Kagan and Bree

The door opened just as she got herself rightly situated. She hoped she looked the picture of absolute perfection. She gave a small, coy smile when she saw the man begin to enter the room. The look of surprise or perhaps annoyance on his face made the corners of her lips twitch and she had to hold back laughter as he closed the door. Oh goodness. He had not been expecting her at all. How tricksy! This would be a most interesting night. She hoped that she would not be cast back to the prince. Breathing happened to be one of her favourite past times after all. Adora stood, moving from the chair closer to the door. She folded her hands together in front of her in an attempt to appear as demure as possible. Her eyes were cast to the floor. Had the man made a mistake? Was this not his room? Today was not at all going how she had anticipated. It was, in fact, quite the opposite of what she had expected.

Once again the door opened and he entered. Yes, this was much more clearly annoyance - no doubts. She brought a hand to her mouth, attempting to suppress a fit of giggles, and closed her eyes. Adora wondered if she looked convincingly chaste rather than about to fall to the floor in a gale of laughter. She had to answer his question but it took a moment for her to quell her amusement. Finally, she opened her eyes and returned her hand to its original position. "My name is Adorabella Orchard. I do believe I am to be your bride." It was then she caught a glimpse of Aubree. Her sister bride to be sure! Her heart fluttered with elation that her sister was someone she recognized. A bright smile found its way to her lips and she gave the other girl a small, excited wave. Hopefully, they could get along. Having a companion and friend in these times would be invaluable.

She then turned her attention back to Kagan. "Dear husband, I was left with a note for you. From am exceedingly handsome, hornless Drakken." She wanted to mention what a haughty jerk he was too, but did not wish to offend her new husband in case they were close friends. Taking measured steps she approached the bed and retrieved the scroll before bringing it back to Kagan. She held out the scroll for him to take. It was now she had a good look at him. He was obscenely tall. Nearly twice her height in fact. Perfect. She could... no would climb him like a tree. He was also quite pretty for a Drakken. Not nearly as pretty as the prince had been but at least his face was nice to look at. Something altogether unusual. Adora thought, perhaps, she would like her new life - even if it meant missing out on her brother's. None the less, she was here and she might as well enjoy herself and have fun.

Summary

Oh the silliness! Her new husband had no idea of her and she can't help but find the whole situation histerical. She gives Kagan the scroll and takes the time to look him over. She approves.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Sister Bride of Aubree @Ellion and Bride of Kagan @ghastlyInc
Interacting (briefly) with Ehkota

It became quite obvious, true to her initial suspicions, that this man was not to be her husband. In a small way, she was disappointed and only hoped her true husband would be just as if not more pretty. She calmed slightly, allowing her nervous energy to leave her. There was no need to impress this man and entice him if he was not to be her partner. She followed him silently out to the carriages. She wondered how far they would have to travel. She welcomed the scent of rain. It washed away the rotting scent of city life and made the earth and mud more pungent. The petrichor of Drakka was certainly different from home since trees and plant life were more scarce here. However, it still smelled like rain and that brought her a small comfort.

She situated herself carefully in the carriage. She had to ensure that her hair was not tousled and her dress remained unwrinkled. Deft fingers lightly situated the skirts of her dress and she leaned back carefully. Most of the trip was spent observing the buildings and people of Drakka. It was intensely different from anything she had ever experienced and brought her to a peak of curiosity. The rest of the time she studied Ehkota - his face, his posture, anything she could glean from him. She noted he was likely of high standing due to the number of guards, his demanding nature, and the way he held himself. How high up, she wasn't sure but he certainly had some sway.

Surprisingly, they had arrived at their destination much more quickly than she would have thought. She exited the carriage, accepting the Drakken guard's hand as he helped her down. She caressed it lightly and gave him a coy smile before following Ehkota into the building. From what she could tell this was some sort of swanky hotel. The decoration was gorgeous and judging by the distances of the doors the rooms were spacious. At long last, they entered a suite. The room was warm and comfortable looking. She took in the bed and bath, finding she approved of the accommodations. They were much more than she had ever seen in the entirety of her life.

Ehokota spoke to her, directing her to lay on the bed. She lay out on her side, hand suggestively laying on her hip and the other supporting her head. “Now, I shouldn’t have to tell you that you not fucking this up in very important for your wellbeing. I heard about your little stunt when you were first brought to Castle Worth. In part, that is why you were selected, as you know. You are no innocent creature, best use every bit of that to your advantage tonight. If you are returned to me, well, let’s just hope that the Kinner mercifully puts you out of your misery before that point,”

She just stared at him, not sure how to respond to the seriousness of his words. Much like his wife, everything just seemed to be such a big deal. She sighed lightly, "Yessir," was the only response she could muster. She was naturally quite bored of all of this running about and frowny faces.

“Don’t move from that spot, I suspect your husband and ‘sister’ will be here soon. Don’t do anything stupid, after all it would be a shame if someone else got hurt because of your antics,”

She smiled lightly, "Of course not, sir." The door closed and she scowled. Her stomach was now in knots and she sat up befor sticking her tongue out at the door. Adora decided she DID NOT like that man at all. So grumpy and so serious and so... so... He was a fucking asshole. If there was anything that could make Adorabella mad it was threatening another's life. It was easy to take the abuse herself but she could not bear the hurt of others. Picking up the scroll she carefully pried it open and read its contents. What she found inside made her laugh. Oh lord, she was some sort of bribe. And what was a Kinner anyway? She rolled the scroll back up and carefully resealed it. She used one of the burning candles to help the wax soften enough to hold steady to the scroll. She tossed it back on the bed before investigating her surroundings.

The room was, as she had thought earlier, certainly gorgeous. She began opening drawers and searching through boxes to see if she could glean anything about the man who was to come for her. Unfortunately, there was not much. As she was looking around the room she caught the first real glimpse of herself since Twenty had applied some makeup to her. She gasped as she turned her face from side to side, examining the work. She had done quite a good job, lightly accentuating some of her features. However, the reason for her gasp was the ungodly bright lip paint she had applied. The red did not suit her and made her look like a Calling Lady. As much as she enjoyed partnership she would never do anything of the sort. Finding a nearby towel she removed the offending colour from her lips. It was obvious the girl did not have much experience with darker skin tones. She was glad the woman had not deigned to do more to her. Otherwise, she would be on the corner of the streets begging for coin in exchange for...

Adora shook her head, just glad the red was removed from her face. She took the time to look out of the windows and found the scenery equally as lovely as the room itself. It was in quite a lovely location. The lights and buildings were spectacular and showed only the finer parts of the city. She opened the pane and reached out. Rain fell on her fingers - cool in comparison to the warm air. She collected the droplets into a puddle in her palm. With her direction, the water danced and played. Adora let it finally fall to the ground before she turned and noticed the food. Or more particularly the wine. She filled a cup before downing it. As she set the now empty cup back onto the table she heard a key in the lock and the knob of the door begin turning.

Looking around, she had forgotten to stay on the bed. There was no way she could get there now. She opted instead to sit in a nearby chair in front of a vanity. Crossing her legs, she moved the panels of her skirt so as to expose them and let an arm rest on the back of the chair. Her hand then rested on the low neckline of her dress, as if to begin removing it. She arched her back and looked out the window as the door opened.

Summary

She is brought to the hotel room and threatened. Adora decides she does not like Ehkota at all. She does a bunch of snooping before starting drink. Upon hearing the door begin to open she positions herself in a pleasing way.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

but...
but
but
but.........
she loooooooves him.

isn't that all that truly matters
....