3rd August 2024
Birthday Revelations with @Ophelia Northwell
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

It was fair to say Emily had her birthday at one of the more unique times of the year. With it being right at the start of every school term she ever had to date, including her first year at Hogwarts, she always felt a little bit older than everyone else. Between that and her tall height, she couldn't help but feel she stood out a bit. Whether that was a personal grievance was something she hadn't decided yet, as she would neither be the first nor last person in the world to feel as such.

And lo and behold that Ophelia confirmed it when she responded to Emily's revelation. "I mean- what I meant to say was... We have the same birthday? That's amazing. Someone else to understand my pain."

It appeared Ophelia and Emily were on the same wavelength. Birthdays at the start of the school year but also away from home. At least they will be when the new term rolls around when they start Second Year. That wasn't going to stop Emily feeling giddy over the fact that someone had the same birthday as her.

"I think it's cool! I've never met anyone that had the same birthday as me before...! I read once that things like that are a sign of destiny...!" Even when Emily wasn't superstitious nor that much spiritually inclined, it was still a lovely thought. In what she had read it was a sign of a blossoming relationship to come.

"So I guess we'll both be spending our birthdays away from home... On the same day... Fancy that." She smiled in the irony.

_{Word Count: 312}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Strength: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arc Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

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speech • #427c9a thoughts • italics others • #ffffff

august 3rd, 2024 • date london quidditch stadium (summer camp) • location spectator • thread

Ophelia had spent her birthday last year worrying over her nonexistent social status, the distance from her family, and the immense workload that was surely coming her way. She'd had no time to think about celebrating, or the fact that she'd turned a year older, a year wiser. She'd gone through the entire day without even remembering that it was a special one. This year, the Ravenclaw wanted to change that. She had friends, sure. She had motivation, sure. But she had no idea how one would organise even a small event, like a birthday party, in Hogwarts.

For that, it seemed to her as if finding Emily, and figuring out that the girl and herself were birthday twins, may be the will of destiny, as she'd said. Ophelia was a strong believer in the fates and the long, winding, already chosen road of life, but she also believed that fate was a set of predetermined choices, and it was up to oneself to make their choice and write their own story between the lines of the future.

"On the same day, and maybe together?" Ophelia asked hopefully. She turned to face Emily fully, completely forgetting the ongoing game. "I don't know if you were thinking the same thing, but I'm just going to put it out there. I've been wanting to celebrate this year somehow, and it would be great if you and I did it together."

The Ravenclaw reeled herself back from the daydreams that were already spreading their wings in her mind. Party planning with Emily, royal blue and butter yellow decorations, becoming closer friends as they created an event that no one would forget. Maybe she was just glorifying all the gruelling work that came with planning an event, but she had no doubt that if Ophelia and Emily worked together to host a birthday party, it would be the best one that Hogwarts had ever seen.

"We could host a birthday party!"

interactions • @Emily Shephard mentions• @ stats • sta 7 | eva 7 | str 6 | wis 9 | arc 6 | acc 6

275 • word count xxx • outfit perfectionist, paragon of health • abilities

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Never, had been the cocky reply to Dee's teasing, and she swallowed down the cheeky we can try to change that that bubbled up in response, but the smile on her face widened a touch and stayed through the beginning of the game, refusing to leave.

Even if it quickly turned violent. There was a certain ruthlessness to Durmstrang's strategies, no denying that, but Dee found herself more admiring their skill on the broom than condemning their tactics... and wondering if and how they could be applied in racing.

She blinked as the players returned from their penalty lap, leading one particular (still nameless) Durmstrang player once again conveniently near to where she was standing. Such a happy coincidence, she thought, then started, her heart skipping one short beat when he flipped down from his broom, seemingly falling for a moment - then catching himself with one hand, Durmstrang red cape flaring in the wind. And fine, perhaps it looked rather impressive. Which he was clearly aware of, judging from the look on his face. Show-off. Was it flattering herself to think that he'd chosen to do this in front of these specific stands because this was where she was standing? No, she didn't think it was.

Mischief lighting up her eyes, Dee slipped her wand from her pocket, then raised it towards the field. "Flagrate," she muttered, watching as her wand tip lit up in fiery red and orange, then began tracing mirrored numbers into the air, each the size of her upper body, appearing as if written in flame. They were likely slightly lopsided, but most definitely visible, spelling a bright orange 9/10 in the air.

Satisfied with her work, Dee took a step to the side, then presented the rating with a smug little tadah gesture, and gave a cheerful wave.

Madhup Hexum (@Pericles Dralt)

3rd August 2024
Birthday Birthday Planning with @Ophelia Northwell
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

"I've been wanting to celebrate this year somehow, and it would be great if you and I did it together. We could host a birthday party!"

Oh... Heck yeah!

Emily was practically vibrating in her seat, giddy over Ophelia's proposition. A joint birthday party at Hogwarts! And it made it much more comforting knowing it was with someone Emily was friendly with as well! It wasn't even September yet but Emily was now feeling a lot more optimistic about being one year older now that she wouldn't be celebrating alone. Assuming Ophelia was still welcome to backing her own idea that is.

"I think that's a great idea! We can get some snacks, find a nice place in the school that's out of the way... We can bring some of our classmates along! Since we're in some of the same classes we surely must know people that we can all get along with...!"

It was Emily's inner people-person that was now sprouting as she passionately thought about their birthday plans. She loved seeing others have a good time and wanted to be one of those people that could bring people together, even if she could be a little shy at times.

"I think it can be a nice day to remember, not just to celebrate together but to celebrate each other... See what I mean?" She beamed excitedly.

_{Word Count: 269}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Strength: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arc Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

Even before Valentin and Hans Nikolai's brothers were everything to him. To mess with a Volkov brother was a death sentence and a Vol'ka brother would be no different, if anything it would only inspire darker notions of retaliation - a fate worse than death. Whoever this хуй dick was he was clearly raised by a family as equally hideous as his own and his behaviour inspired nothing short of loathing hate in Nikolai's heart.

Masterfully quick from his duellist training he swirled to his back in a calculated twirl covering Hans from the cool touch of the snowy assault that laid into his handmade Horntail robes. Given their aptitude for the cold the attack barely made an impression and if anything soothed from the blazing sun that shone through the stadium. Yet still an attack it had been and that deserved retribution which Nikolai was only too glad to provide. To attack one brother was already an insult but both at once, he would not stand for it.

Ever the observer Nikolai had minded Hans conversation with the Russian in his peripheral as the game proceeded and it was very clear he cared deeply for the small girl beside him. A rather foolish thing to reveal when one is aggravating wizards from a "black school" but if dark wizard was what he wanted, a dark wizard was what he would get. With such precision and speed a mere blink would have missed it Nikolai drew his wand and levelled it upon the back of his white haired friends curls. Just as a particularly nasty spell crossed his mind his gaze was stolen as Valentin began diving down the stadium with as much haste as he had similarly displayed.

Suddenly all thoughts of revenge were banished as he felt himself instinctually grab Hans' shoulder eagerly anticipating the seconds until Valentin would secure their victory. As it came the loudest roar of all erupted from the crowd and bled out the strain of vengeful fury that had so easily taken root in his consciousness. Valentin's movement had been nothing short of perfection and a display so mesmerizingly talented he doubted even the хуй could fault it. Pulling Hans into an embrace he handed him over a secondary sweet and if taken they would aim the flames skywards swirling each others in a magical torrent of flaming passion, the very flames themselves flickering with excitement. Shouting alongside his captain "DURMSTRANG FOREVER" his face lit with beaming joy as the frosted warrior began making his way directly towards him.

Upon landing Nikolai was scooped into a deep embrace where Valentin's fingers would find slight traces of melting snow that compared nothing to the ice of his own touch and listening to the racing heartbeat of his brother he reassured him nothing more than a whisper against his chest, "Nothing bad may come to me while I have you."As they pulled back and held each others gaze their eyes were emblazoned, overcome with joy, until finally Valentin revealed the most precious artifact of the match. Unfurling his fingers golden light began to glisten through each gap until the snitch was revealed. Baited breath followed the reveal as Nikolai lay eyes on the most precious treasure, symbolic not only of Valentin's talent and gifts but of Durmstrang's power. It was truly a day to be proud.

Laughing heartily as Valentin asked about his contraband, he smile grew wide enough to fill the stadium, "I couldn't imagine a more perfect use for it, if there was ever a day to celebrate, today is that day! They didn't stand a chance against Durmstrang and no one ever will." With that he threw a pointed glare towards Yasha but only for a moment as his eyeline couldn't resist the gravitational pull of Valentin's presence for long. As if winning the game wasn't enough of a cherished memory to elate him for weeks to come the heir was determined to wrap his dragonling up in material wealth too. Presenting him first with the golden snitch Nikolai held it with such care and devotion it was clear the significance had not been lost on him and he would uphold it with the reverence it deserved.

Drawing the most elegant gem laced pouch from his pocket the second gift was presented that despite the desperate wrangle of curiosity something told Nikolai that its contents would be more cherished away from the crowd that now gawked at them. Laying it along with the snitch gently in the deepest pocket of his inner robe that pressed against his heart his eyes grew wide as Valentin spoke to him in the dulcet melody of Tartar. It was a language he rarely heard let alone spoke aloud, the emotions that formed from hearing its soft rhythm pulled at his heart strings and he almost choked slightly trying to reciprocate the tone, "You Valentin Schnell are lightning incarnate, the very vessel of Stribog and the very blood that runs through my veins but much more than that, you are my greatest gift too." When Valentin drew back he would notice slight tears lined the eyes of his kin and awe was all that glowed back at him. Valentin never ceased to surprise.

There wouldn't have been a second of hesitation before the young dragon mounted the broom, despite his past traumatic training there was no one Nikolai trusted more but first he had to turn to Hans and whispered to not alarm Valentin, "Don't do anything stupid, at least not without me!" With a mischievous wink Nikolai launched himself onto the Oakshaft and as instructed wrapped his arms around Valentin's waist. As they flew he indulged in the pleasure of the wind that much like Valentin ran through his hair lifting it back into the air along with the tears until he was practically cackling in ecstasy. They moved as a comet cutting the air with such speed that it felt they would tear through the very fabric of it and yet fear never gripped him once. As always Valentin proved to be the very definition of compassion and attentively natured as he taught him a manoeuvre based on their very first interaction. An interaction that to this day was the catalyst for the fortune that now bestowed upon them. How someone could have so much care for others and believe themself monstrous still gnawed at Nikolai's heart and made him curse every propagator of such unworthy lies.

In one final portrayal of the seekers devotion he presented Nikolai with the snowdrop he had adorned himself with before the match. The delicate thing lay so softly in his hands and yet it still blossomed with nurturing light. He felt it was symbolic of the very words Valentin spoke, the snowdrop had fallen and yet had remained entirely in tact and still thrived. Knowing the other was always awaiting the other meant they were capable of anything and could take any blow, together they were invincible. Holding Valentin's head to his own as he had weeks before he spoke again in Tartar funnelling all the emotion of the language into the notes, You are my home. Now reaching into the depths of his external pocket he pulled out two simple silver broaches that were curved into a circle in that shape of a dragon. They were nearly identical except for the eyes where one sparkled with the icy blue touch of aquamarine the other was encrusted with a most enchanting amethyst that captured all the variation of purple within.

Pinning it to his brothers flying apparel he held Valentin with all the might he could bare and lightness pouring from his words he said, Until my dying day I will burn and should my light ever flicker I know it shall be renewed by your own. We are a flame but we are also kindling for one another. I love you Val, you are loved." Whatever Valentin had to say, he would follow by repositioning himself grasping at the snowflakes waist head resting upon his shoulder and whisper, "Now let us fly like dragons," as content filled every fibre of his soul.

Mentioning the Durmstrang Quidditch Team.
Mentioning: Yasha Volkov, Hans Jenssen & Valentin Schnell
@EmmaLee LeDames@Archer Duncan@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood

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speech • #427c9a thoughts • italics others • #ffffff

august 3rd, 2024 • date london quidditch stadium (summer camp) • location spectator • thread

Ophelia could tell the moment when Emily, too, decided that throwing a joint birthday party would be a great idea. She shook with excitement, just as the young Northwell herself was doing. There was just a bright ray of possibility. She didn't really want to throw a giant party for their entire year, just something small for a few friends from both sides, but doing it with a friend would be amazing.

"The room of requirement would make a perfect setting!" Ophelia exclaimed. She'd been thinking on this idea for a while, but the setting only popped into her head just now. "I mean, it would, wouldn't it? It could probably take care of decorations and supplies for us." She grinned, eyes shining. "We just need to think of the guest list."

It would be so hard to choose. Ophelia hadn't met too many people in her first year, mostly because she'd chosen the keep to yourself strategy to get through her first academic year at Hogwarts. But she had made friends, and she'd met others in summer camp this year. Plus, it wasn't just her side of the story. Emily seemed on the nervous side, but still outspoken. She probably would have plenty of people that she'd want to invite.

Ophelia took a moment to zone back into the moment, turning her eyes towards the game which she hadn't observed very much. Her eyes followed the players for a moment, before becoming distracted again by thoughts of this upcoming party.

"What's your favourite flavour of cake?" Ophelia asked suddenly, turning to Emily as if her question was extremely important. She already had mental lists and ideas in her mind. Hopefully the other girl wouldn't find her weird.

interactions • @Emily Shephard mentions• @ stats • sta 7 | eva 7 | str 6 | wis 9 | arc 6 | acc 6

247 • word count xxx • outfit perfectionist, paragon of health • abilities

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This post follows Val’s actions in the match thread, located here.

As he held him, Valentin dusted the snow off of Nikolai with his left hand. Smirking at how the frost brothers seemed to have brought the winter with them, the captain still caught the last hint of aggression evaporating from Kol’ka’s demeanor. A little sparring was perfectly normal for any Durm, so Valentin didn’t linger on the topic a moment longer. Theirs was the way of dragons. Pushing his hand through a swathe of the boy’s platinum hair, Valentin focused instead on the feeling of holding the other to his heart. Everything was at peace in the world again.

"Nothing bad may come to me while I have you," whispered Nikolai.

“For all my life, I will protect you from ruin, knowing that you need me to survive as well… and your thriving will ensure my own.” Valentin’s voice was so quiet that it sounded almost like the song of the wind, audible to Nikolai only. It was simple enough to be willing to die for the boy. What was truly special was the Hell-Chaser’s urge to live in order to ensure Nikolai’s future bliss.

Pulling away to begin passing along his gifts, Valentin then slipped into a silk-smooth string of Tatar before receiving Nikolai’s words back in their shared language.

"You Valentin Schnell are lightning incarnate, the very vessel of Stribog and the very blood that runs through my veins but much more than that, you are my greatest gift too."

A clump of emotion began knotting in the back of Val’s throat. How was it that everything with Kol’ka came so naturally, and with such enduring happiness? All the struggle and suffering Val had become accustomed to enduring year after year… it was all unnecessary now. Valya could finally just be happy. He could hardly believe it. So long as he had Kol’ka, he need never be alone again. Leaning back to gaze into the other’s eyes, Valentin found tears lining Nikolai’s lashes. Pulling him close again, the starlight-haired captain slowly moved in to kiss the side of the boy’s left eye. The taste of salt brought Val back to when they first met and he’d slicked a stone with Nikolai’s tears, which the blonde then skipped into their thawed lake at Durmstrang. From that day on, Val could only think of Kol’ka seeing that water’s edge. The lake became sacred to the seeker that day, symbolizing the great well of emotions inside Nikolai’s expansive psyche. More and more, Valentin yearned to know all those depths. If only he could fathom every drop of the other’s mind and soul…

Sweeping Nikolai away on his top-class broom, Valentin took to the skies. Although the captain had the job of flying them and couldn’t watch every feeling flicker across the other’s face, luckily Kol’ka was an expressive boy, bathing Valentin in the pleasure of his ecstatic cackling. The more exalted Vol’ka seemed, the faster Val urged the Oakshaft to fly. This raw thrill, the elation, the sheer crackling electricity of being alive – Valentin wanted to share all these heights with the younger dragon. Learning that Nikolai could experience flying with the same euphoria as he, Valentin’s heart began to pound. They could go on countless adventures together. They could really live life to the fullest side by side if this was how Kol’ka reacted to the danger of the bleeding edge. Such an alignment should not be underestimated, Val realized. Nikolai trusted him utterly. Fearlessly.

Turning to present Vol’ka with the snowdrop they recovered in one dive of the skipping stone maneuver, Valentin smiled and gave him more sacrosanct words in Tatar, to which Nikolai replied:

You are my home.

They were words Valentin had always ached to hear, and it was Nikolai who was the first to say them. What was of utmost importance, however, was that it was Nikolai speaking them. Extending his own gift to Val, the shorter Russian continued the pattern of reciprocation they’d been establishing since Day One. With such a fine fastening, surely Valentin could never lose his snowdrop to a stray wind again. As Nikolai pinned the treasure to the seeker’s chest, Valentin’s snowy lashes fluttered and his lips parted. He could hold no barriers against this boy, who captured Val’s inner domain as magically as a magnet commanded iron filings. Taking the liberty of plucking the matching aquamarine-eyed brooch from Nikolai’s hand, Valentin pinned it to the other boy, mirroring his own.

Kol’ka went on to grasp Valentin with all his might, cracking the seeker’s denial as tears began to seep from his keen eyes as well. The frequent physical communication and affection he’d always received from Nikolai were exactly what Val needed in life. Vol’ka’s was such a pure passion. Yet, the words to come were the truly unexpected miracle.

"Until my dying day I will burn and should my light ever flicker I know it shall be renewed by your own. We are a flame but we are also kindling for one another. I love you Val, you are loved."

A dusting of pink spread across Valentin’s cheeks as he heard what he most longed to hear, and from the person he most wanted to hear it from. It was tempting, even, to ask Nikolai to repeat it again, and again. If only he could hear and return such words to him for the rest of his life, or better yet, forever. How uncanny, that he hits upon exactly what I have studied in secret, and paired with… ah…

It dawned on Val that Ginyami might just have been right when he compared Val to “the Welsh wizard” in his tale. Like the story’s character, how could Val deign to focus on anyone else if his heart was already devoured? Still, to prevent himself from rushing and trampling across fragile new growth, Valentin had set a waiting period for himself. The last time someone told me “I love you,” I ended up brutally discarded and left with a violent mind-altering parasite… but this can’t be like that. Surely he won’t break me between now and my seventeenth birthday. I trust Kol’ka. I believe in him. I won’t allow even a single doubt. Nikolai will come through for me and wield me for the rest of our days.

Turning to face forward without a word, Valentin took Kol’ka’s arms and fastened them much tighter around his abdomen. Then, tilting the broom up at such a vertical angle that any lesser broom might have stalled out, they shot up towards the burning ball of a sun hidden behind a cloud. One of the captain’s arm’s never left its station, holding Nikolai’s arms in place and ensuring the other could not slide off the broom despite the added gravitational extremes. Rocketing at an insane speed directly into the cloud above them, three seconds passed of turbulence and humidity that could feel suffocating if breathed in. Then in a blinding flash of sunshine the two blasted out of the cloud, leaving a small trail behind them. Valentin then levelled off parallel to the wide cloud bank that now obscured them from onlookers below. At this elevation there could be no obstacles as they became immersed in immaculate blue everywhere but beneath them. Slowing down to what then felt almost motionless by comparison, Valentin’s hand released its pressure on Nikolai’s. Then, carefully, the seeker turned around completely on the broom to face the other. Suspended there under the azure curve of the planet, Valentin laid his left hand back on top of Kol’ka’s right as if to assure him that nothing could harm Stribog’s children here.

“Nikolai Vol’ka. Blood of my blood. I love you, too. I love you. Every string in my heart plays in harmony when you are with me. This is why I know now that you are my home. I love Durmstrang and everyone in it, it’s clear, but even the whole of Durmstrang cannot compare to you. If I had to choose between you and the rest of the world combined, I would choose you every time.” Valentin squeezed the boy’s hand, and the seeker’s eyes shone with an otherworldly indigo only possible when utterly steeped in the reflected light of the sky’s perfect blue.

“I will bear no barriers between us, nor withhold the history of my ancestors from you. Минем Вӗрӗҫӗлен Tatar: my Verechelen, i.e. a type of dragon originating from babies secretly killed off by their parents, according to Chuvash lore… We are a flame that will rekindle each other, indeed. For years I have been reading books in search of the secret of immortality, not for myself, but to offer another. From what I have learned, the technique my ancestors spoke of is not possible with one person alone. The old magic takes two, or else the infinite loop will break. What amazes me is that you so elegantly breathe such a truth when it took me years of toil to uncover this principle. You are so magical to me. My dear Kol’ka, if you wish it, I would like to share the results of my study with you. Together, together, we could burn forever. What if death were a choice, rather than an inevitability forced upon us against our will? If I… no, we… could resurrect the method… would you want this power? Would it be worth it if we needed to reach down to the depths of each other’s souls to achieve it? It is very dangerous. Kol’ka, I swear to you, I am serious. Do you really, truly want to burn forever with me? Together we could become timeless, greeting the passing of aeons, and the meaning of age would change.”

Godmods between Val and Nikolai are consensual across threads.

3rd August 2024
Birthday Birthday Planning with @Ophelia Northwell
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

Emily wasn't much of a party planner when it came to events, much less with her own birthday. She was content enough for a meal out and maybe a snazzy treat to herself - nothing more than collecting some more stickers for her favourite album - but with Ophelia matching her excited energy to share a birthday together, she felt a growing obligation and more so pleasure to ensure their awaiting good time.

"Brilliant! The Room of Requirement is a nifty place for a little get-together! It won't be in the way of other classes. We can de-clutter it a little and make way for some colourful and sparkly things...!"

Ophelia's next point of concern was the guest list. That shouldn't be too hard; they were in the same year, in a couple of the same classes... Surely there were people they shared similar friend groups with, right? Ophelia seemed the more outgoing out of the two though. Emily had acquaintances, but not many people she could call close friends; or rather, people who might see her as their friend in light of limited interactions.

"I'm sure there are a few neutral buddies we could ask to come along...!"But Scout was a definite invite. How could she not invite the backbone to her being? Not to mention Scout was a bloody joy to be around.

"What's your favourite flavour of cake?" Ophelia next asked her.

Now that was a good question. Chocolate was the definite top spot, but Emily was also partial to red velvet. Although she had taken a small liking to coffee cake quite recently. Man, it was harder to choose than she thought... She may as well go with the near-definite answer.

"Can't go wrong with chocolate in my book!"

_{Word Count: 334}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Strength: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arc Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

For years Nikolai had stared at the boundless expanse of sky and wondered what It would be to become one with it. Merging the icy blue or his iris with the endless blue horizon and watching them pair in complimenting hues. Now here he was clutching on to his seeker as their trajectory challenged gravity practically begging the force to destroy them, but the young Russian had no doubts who would win their contest. When Val flew, he was a comet of white blazing energy that disobeyed all known rules of reality, when he flew, he seemed immortal.

For a moment the blue faded and all the boy knew was the immersion of cold dampness the clouds held him in as his vision became blindfolded in a blanket of white as pure as the first dwelling of untouched snow. It defied all logic for clouds didn’t truly feel of anything but surrounded in their pure light he felt comfort wrap around him like the fluffy exterior they presented had worked its way into his robes and lined them with the softest fur that warmed him deep inside. Then suddenly they burst through leaving nothing but a clouded trail in their wake to a view that challenged all perception of beauty. Above the clouds the endless blue stretched in expanse eternally, up here it was an entirely knew world.

With the ground fallen away and nothing but boundless sky surrounding him a truth of his family became clear. Their ban on flying had never been about protecting the bloodline, it was to prevent this feeling that was flourishing now in the depths of his stomach illuminating his very skin with vibrations of power. Welling up through him was the pure euphoric bliss of freedom, a feeling that for a Volkov was non optional. Flying would have given them false ideals that the universe was larger than their station, but that universal truth was now displayed for his eyes to see. Eyes that joined the sky in perfect matrimony.

As Valentin turned to face him and held Nikolai’s hands in his own all coldness of the vast expanse shifted and the sun reared behind him providing a backdrop of otherworldly glow that burned at the edges of his slender yet muscular frame basking him in glowing radiance. With irises that burned indigo against the blue he was a vision to behold, even more so than he had been in the Stadium this was the true Valentin in all his power, and it was breathtaking. Squeezing at his palms Nikolai knew every word he spoke to be true for his heart yearned in the same way beating in perfect unison with his brother.

Verechelen. Although Nikolai understood the boys Tartar, he was unfamiliar with the draconic heritage and resolved to research the new name he bore when they returned from camp. Dreams of the Schnell library now transplanted the nightmares of his old life and set his mind ablaze with the possibility of knowledge that lay in the thousands of ancient texts that filled its shelves. Yet the moment was quickly stolen as his angel began to speak of an even greater power than knowledge, for even the greatest powers in the world were limited by the constraint of time. As Valentin spoke the flash of possibility couldn’t help but crack streaks of lightning in his irises setting them alight with intrigue.

A lifetime need not be limited if what Val was saying had any merit whatsoever and knowing the boy as well as he did it was not without thorough study and evidentiary support, he would even consider devoting time to this. Immortality could benefit not only their union but the very word itself forever, its potential was as endless as the blue that surrounded them. Yet just as swiftly as the spark of hungry excitement had flickered within him a darkness stole the streaks from his eye as fear, true fear, rooted itself in the pit of his body below where anyone could reach. Immortality was boundless possibility, but that infinity therefore encapsulated all the evil as well as good. Of course the world was not as simple as one or the other in fact the grey areas were far more wide reaching than either end in a most subjective spectrum, yet true evil did exist for he had faced it.

Facing Valentin with a reaction that was now sure to confuse the boy he did not speak for a moment letting his mind hum with all the strands of untethered thoughts that raced by unable to be caught for long enough before another. Eventually his eyes met the drakes once more that now rested somewhere between the lightning storm blue and darkened cloudy grey. Then with a decisive smile he finally spoke the only sound breaking the silence of the space, “To me our love is already immortal, but I would do anything to see you burn forever, to burn alongside you. If you are as certain as I know your heart to be then I am with you in every aspect.” For a second, he simply smiled warmly at his champion of light before sweeping up his hand and holding it tightly along with his stare. It would become clear in those tender few moments that what came next was to be his ultimatum and should Valentin fail to accept he would not follow. There was the deepest seriousness to his face that warned of no resolve.

“But. I need you to promise me something. If my family were ever to discover our workings. I need you to promise me you would destroy everything.” In case his indications hadn’t been clear he moved Valentin’s hand to press against his own heart and repeated “Everything.” With eyes filled with the deepest sorrow for having to force the condition he watched the concern fill Valentin’s own face. Speaking quickly before hearing what the white star had to say he closed his eyes to hide the fear that lay behind the soulful gateways, “I wish to tell you everything Valentin, but I won’t put you in danger. The darkness in my family runs far deeper than their hatred of my heart’s desire. It is a stain that couldn’t be washed away in even immortality. I wish to tell you everything and if you asked me I would but to do so would be to mark you for death and I couldn’t bare it.”

In Nikolai’s confession it was clear he wasn’t merely asking this of Valentin. There was a pleading, a desperate begging to not push him to tell him. Feeling backed into a corner with no options but pain to each side he was trapped once again. In oath he had promised never to lie to his blood brother and although he had not uttered a semblance of mistruth concealing it felt just as harsh when he knew the captains devotion to forthright communication. Despite this those longing eyes still begged and for the first time he felt unsure of their connection. What mattered more to Valentin; Nikolai or his seeker’s instinct to constantly strive for the truth no matter what.

Mentioning Valentin Schnell @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood