But We've Met Before! / Int. - Tumblr Posts
♡ · xkitcharmont
♡ · prettyboyflorian
there was some part of florian that, while staring idly in the direction of where philip lay sleeping, wanders if there was some kind of curse on his family that would have him seeing all of them bedridden and unresponsive at one time or another. in the other room, there is his little brother in a magical coma. before that had been his father, succumbing to sickness even while ordering his sons away. and then, the distant but still crystal clear memories of his mother’s decline. he’s sat at enough bedsides with guilt twisting his insides for a lifetime. aurora, for all her obvious stress, is ray of light piercing his somber mood when she sits beside him. things were not over yet. and he was reluctant to hope, but for her he would. for his brother he would. “aurora,” he says gently, pressing a warm cup of tea into her hands. he pauses, letting her have a moment after getting all the words out. “i know. something has to be done. it doesn’t have to be just you,” he continues. it feels… strange, being on this side of things. there is something all too familiar about how she’s talking - me, i have to do something - and it doesn’t quite sit right. “i don’t know anything about magic, but finding people who do seems appropriate. maybe we start there?”
♛･*˚
seeing his brother so still and lifeless … kit would never be used to the feeling. he could barely walk further into the room, having hovered near the doorway for so long, worrying that he would further disturb his little brother. “ hello, pip, ” he said softly, unable to look at him for very long. he could already hear florian and aurora further away, settling into a conversation. perhaps it was best to let them be with each other a while before he came in and changed the mood, as he often felt he did whenever he entered a room.
later, as he finally came downstairs, he paused a few steps from the doorway, taking a deep breathe in and out. he had to be put together, he had to be calm. overhearing their talk about taking action and magic, he had the courage to step in.
“ i — hello, ” he cleared his throat lightly. he offered a small smile to both his brother and his sister-in-law. “ i … overheard you discussing magic. i’ve set up a meeting with the mayor tomorrow. hopefully he’ll be able to assist us or at least point us in the right direction. florian, rora, if either of you would like to come, you’re most welcome. ” kit opened and closed his hands, swaying a little on his feet before noticing dishes in the sink. “ rora, would you mind if i … ? ” he gestured to the sink.
❛ PERHAPS NOT JUST ME , but i am his wife . i can't just stay here and wait while either you or kit or someone else figures this out , i don't want to . ❜ and it's possible that it's because of the guilt she feels for not coming home early that fateful day . even if it wasn't her fault , there was a part of aurora who felt she should have seen this coming . she'd allowed herself to let her guard down , even more so with everything going so well between her and philip . just as she was about to voice her opinion on the middle charmont's suggestion , the eldest son's voice stole her attention . he seemed to handle the sight of philip's current state much better than her , maybe even better than florian . yet deep down , aurora felt as though kit was simply trying not to give them another reason to worry by pretending to be okay . it was very kind of him .
lips press together in a small smile , fading as her attention focus solemnly on kit's words . ❛ a meeting with the mayor ... that's good , isn't it ? i've heard he's well versed in magic himself , so , that's a start ! ❜ she exclaims , unable to conceal the smidge of hope in her voice and glancing at florian . he did suggest they looked for someone who knows magic , hopefully the two brothers would be in accordance . taking a sip from her tea , the princess raised her brows as kit motioned towards the sink , ❛ of course ! please , make yourself at home ... i do apologize for not having much to offer to you both , ❜ she spoke , glancing between the two of them . ❛ i've had a couple of friends help me with cooking & cleaning but , to be honest , i haven't had much energy to do anything other than look after him and take samson on the occasional walk . ❜ pursing her lips , she takes a moment before speaking again . ❛ did-- ... does your father know ? ❜ / @prettyboyflorian
beatrix ➡️📧 aurora
beatrix: YOOOOO WTFFFFF
beatrix: WASNT THAT A TEACHER ??????
beatrix: s/o to walt academy rip u lost a idk science teacher or whatever lmao jfhvbksegr
aurora: pardon?
aurora: i'm sorry, i think you might have the wrong number.
aurora: are you alright?
beatrix ➡️📧 aurora
beatrix: omg who is this 👁️ im beatrix
beatrix: but it is BREAKING NEWWWSS
beatrix: are u at the halloween party??? 🤔
aurora: hello beatrix, i'm aurora ...
aurora: not really, i stayed home with my husband.
aurora: is everything alright at the party? is everyone safe?
beatrix ➡️📧 aurora
beatrix: aurora omg like the boreliss !?!
beatrix: **borealis ???
beatrix: WHAT NOOOOOO you should've come !! ew husband :((
beatrix: idk but the bathroom just exploded lmao and that rly tall teacher did it, its very sus
aurora: perhaps? i haven't had the chance to ask about my name, but the spelling is the same 😊
aurora: oh don't ew! philip is wonderful, i just wouldn't feel comfortable leaving him here.
aurora: a professor exploded the bathroom?!?!?!
aurora: should i call the police??
beatrix ➡️📧 aurora
beatrix: aurora is a rly pretty name :((
beatrix: lol philip like the guy in the coma
beatrix [LONG PAUSE of typing and not typing and typing again ]: wait is it rly 😧
beatrix: omg mi so sorry im sO SORRY ILL STOP BOTHERING YOU IM SO SORRY
beatrix: PLS DONT CALL THE POLICE
aurora: thanks, i quite like it as well 🤗
aurora: ... yes. that would be him.
aurora: it's okay ... i'm sure you didn't mean it. don't apologize.
aurora: but aren't people in danger?
♡ · @philipcharmont ; rosalie & philip
❛ GOOD MORNING PAPA ! may i just say you look absolutely dashing today , truly charming ! ❜ believe it or not , the cheerfulness in rosalie's voice wasn't even the tiniest bit forced . if anyone asked , she'd tell them she loved both her parents equally and while it wasn't a lie , it was also true that she'd always been closest with philip . perhaps that's why she'd been feeling guilty for quite some time now , for a number of reasons but mainly for the family's weird situation for the past year . ❛ don't tell maman , but i heard her gushing about you to her friends the other day ! gray hairs really do suit you ! ❜ a pause , eyes becoming wide at the realization of what she had implied . ❛ that's not to say you're getting old or anything ! not at all , my father is as strong as a horse ! um , ❜ hands clasp together behind her back , lips pressed together in embarrassment . maybe there was a reason why flowers don't speak . ❛ a - anyway , i need your advice . it's about , uh , it's about william . ❜ gaze lowers a bit , almost as if she was trying to hide . ❛ i ... i suppose i sort of , in a way , don't not miss him ... just a little bit ... ❜
♡ · philipcharmont
🗡️ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────────── philip could only chuckle at his daughter’s remark. “ of course, i would never do anything to upset your mother. gray or not she’s still the most radiant woman to walk this earth. ” philip had always dreamed of the day he would grow old and gray with aurora. it’s why he had fought so hard back in the day because this, before him, was the future he was fighting for. albeit, a tense one at the moment but a life what had been worth living nonetheless. he would take the few grays and surely he believed aurora would too if it meant they got to live this life together. “ they’re spirited. ” philip began, a word that was often used to describe him in his youth. while he would really fall into the category of foolish he knew his sons held the same valiant charmont heart that beat through all the men before them and before him. foolish seemed to be part of the last name. “ your maman and i will always be with you, rosalie. ” he wasn’t going to promise his daughter that he’d live forever. he had once promised aurora many things only for those promises to be left broken by cruel fate. regardless of what happened to him in the future, philip knew he would always be with his kids in some capacity. but that was a thought he would rather not dwell on. for now he’d focus on the moment at hand.
the king nodded along as rose spoke. he had never been in a situation like this before. he lived on the outskirts of kit and florian’s feud and often found himself playing middle man to keep the peace. if he was being honest he was passive in their fights most of the time because he refused to take a side. kit had been a father to him more so than an older brother. the king took little interest in anyone who wasn’t kit which left the oldest charmont to deal with an unruly philip and florian was his best friend and confidant. so his wisdom only came from what he saw from the outside or what believes kit and florian needed to hear a lot sooner that what they did.
“ you won’t know unless you don’t try. yes, liam may be upset. he might not be ready to forgive you and that is okay. you both have to figure this out in your own time. you also both need to give each other grace and listen. i don’t think very much of that happened when you fought, no ? ” philip asked, looking at his daughter. “ it’s natural to miss him but he’s not gone. he is still here it’s just..the crown is a heavy burden to bear. ” there were times philip felt an immense guilt when it came to the weight liam held on his shoulders. there were times he missed kit when he was torn away by duty. it was hard for philip to grasp as a child but as he got older he understood the heaviness of the crown. he knew it more so once he became king himself and felt ill prepared to run a country. perhaps that’s why he pushed liam so that his son was prepared but now it felt it had done more harm than good in the long run. walking over to his daughter, the king placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and used his free hand to push a strand of hair behind her ear. “ i think an apology is worth a shot. the relationship you have with your brothers is one of the most important bonds you’ll ever know. the charmont three can be quite powerful when you’re all working together instead of against each other but to get there it takes understanding and patience from all three of you. you and liam may never see eye to eye and that’s fine but you can respect those differing opinions without harming each other. ”
❛ I SUPPOSE THAT'S ONE WAY TO PUT IT . am i spirited , too ? i hope so , it might be the reason why people like seth so much . ❜ not that she was jealous , at least not too much , but rosalie did believe that her twin was the more agreeable one between the two of them . hell , liam was probably more likeable , too ; people liked intelligent people and while the princess didn't want to admit it , she did believe liam was the smart one of the bunch . ❛ i don't want to be too spirited though , oh no no ! just enough not to feel bad about certain things ... i know you will , papa . you and maman and samson , too ! he'll never not go where you go , ❜ a fact that makes her giggle for a moment . she could almost picture poor samson's reaction to her statement , surprised at first but then simply accepting it with an enthusiastic nod .
while there were only so many stories rosalie had heard about the relationship between her father & uncles when they were younger , she figured he would be the best person to give an unbiased opinion , to see the bigger picture . the princess supposed that no family went without it's quarrels , certainly not hers , but it was difficult to remember that when her friends seemed to always be at peace with their own siblings . it made her feel as though maybe she was the problem , and that was the last thing rosalie wanted . listening as her father spoke , she found herself nodding understandingly , her violet gaze focused as though she was learning an important lesson . and maybe she really was .
❛ no , it didn't ... but you know how liam is when he's angry , he's anything but graceful ! more like a big , big ogre with-- ❜ a pause , followed by a deep and long breath . this wasn't the time to lose sight of the matter at hand . ❛ i suppose i wasn't very graceful either . i was so busy trying to stand up for myself and my own beliefs that i forgot to listen to him . really listen , and not just wait for my turn to speak . ❜ acknowledging such a thing wasn't easy . it did hurt her pride a bit , though not as much as the past year did . nodding a bit , the princess furrowed her brows . ❛ but then how come he never lets me help , or even seth ? he doesn't have to carry every burden by himself . you don't , you and maman have each other . ❜
having her father's hand on her shoulder helped rosalie calm herself , another deep breath successfully keeping her forming tears at bay . she felt as though she'd been crying a lot recently , and she didn't want this to be yet another addition to the list . ❛ we surely will never see eye to eye , he's much too tall ... ❜ the princess joked , a tiny giggle falling from her lips . ❛ it can't be just like any apology though , it has to be special . should i get him flowers ? liam should be given flowers more often , i know i always feel better when i receive some . ❜ she brings a hand to her chin , pondering over the matter for a moment . ❛ can't be just roses though , that's too easy and obvious ... what if i also give him some white orchids , or maybe some blue hyacinths ? ❜
♡ · xkitcharmont
♡ · prettyboyflorian
👑
florian frowned, torn between understanding and not being entirely satisfied aurora wasn’t blaming herself for this. kit’s voice rung through the room before he can say anything, however. he spared his brother a quick look, long enough to clock his put-togetherness and bristle at it, before pointedly looking away in time to catch the glance aurora sent his way. he rolled his eyes, no real tension behind it (at least when looking at her), and set aside his frustration. “yeah. sounds good,” he agreed, before adding a little pointedly, “as long as you’re actually going to push him to do something, or get some kind of answers for how this happened in his magically protected city.”
the frustration eased even more as the conversation continued, softening into fondness for his sister-in-law. she was being far too polite, in his opinion, but he could hardly fault her for it. “ror, apologise again and i’ll start taking offense. it’s fine. and i’m sure your friends are happy to help,” he assured, angling for a more light-hearted tone. god knows they needed it. especially when she was going to bring up their father. even more than seeing kit’s unaffected mask (the asshole), mention of their father summoned a surge of bitterness.
“yes. he knows,” florian replied, the words flat. “but i’d wager the most we can expect is throwing dear prince christopher at the problem,” he continued, unable to help the bitterness seeping into his words. florian directed his attention to his older brother again for the first time since he’d entered, raising his eyebrows expectantly. “unless i’m mistaken? kit?” the way his words sharpened with sarcasm made his doubt quite clear. // @xkitcharmont
♛･*˚
aurora’s hope re-lights his own, and his posture lifts ever so slightly. kit nods once more. “ yes, it’s very good news. he’s notoriously difficult to get ahold of. ” looking to florian, his courage deflates a little, already weakened by the sight of his youngest brother lying so still; and now here was florian, cold as well but in an altogether different way. “ i’ll do my best. i shan’t leave until i have something. if anyone has the responsibility to answer our questions, it’s him. ” well-versed as he was with keeping a calm composure, he still can’t suppress the urge to clench his jaw, his dislike for the mayor thinly veiled.
kit’s already standing at the sink by the time she says those words: ’to you both’. implying he and florian were a pair — by reason of them being brothers, or by being in the same room, by sharing something. but from the way his brother was acting, kit meant nothing to florian. and from the look in his eye, it might as well have been kit who cursed philip.
he opens his mouth to gently dissuade aurora from apologising more, but florian beat him to it, and he concedes, happy at least that someone said it strongly. “ it’s really fine, aurora. please don’t worry, ” he adds quietly, offering an encouraging smile.
the mention of their father makes the smile freeze on his face, as if caught in some static, before it drops altogether. he has a plate and a sponge in his hands, not bothering with finding washing gloves, just to give himself something to do — and when florian calls him out, he takes a deep breath, exhaling a controlled breath as he sets the plate down. drying his hands on a towel, he turns back to face them.
florian wasn’t wrong, and his tone was a barb against kit’s resolve. but there was no point in defending his father when kit himself was growing more and more disappointed in him.
“ father feels the pain of this curse as much as we do, ” he begins, keeping his voice steady, glancing equally — diplomatically — between aurora and florian, “ we’re all equally in the dark but we’re going to do something. we’ll come up with something. together, ” kit adds, looking to aurora with a respectful nod, “ forgoing the mayor’s advice, is there anything we know about her that might help ? how does one break her curses ? where can we find her ? is there anyone left who knows her ? ” // @dawnsrose
THOUGH AURORA STILL FOUND HERSELF learning new things every day , especially when it came to how people behaved around others , there was no denying the air felt heavy in the kitchen . she was well aware of how difficult the dynamic between the charmonts could be , mainly between the two oldest — philip had made sure she'd be ready for this sort of situation . still , she hadn't expected it to be so strange , so cold . was this a natural thing between brothers , is this how families were supposed to be ?
❛ if you say you'll find us answers , then i believe you . ❜ she assured the eldest charmont , giving him a comforting yet thin - lined smile . standing between what felt like two forces of nature was ridiculously difficult , yet aurora figured kit could use the support , and florian might benefit from a little nudge or a metaphorical hand to hold . ❛ and if the two of you say it's fine , i'll try not to feel too bad . i'll just have to make up for the mess when this whole thing is over , perhaps with cake or some other baked goods , ❜ an idea she decides to credit with a firm nod , as if telling both men there's no way to change her mind .
the sharp , flat manner in which florian responds makes aurora's eyes go wide , surprised at the sudden change . she knew their father was a sensitive subject , but was the wound really that deep ? she'd have to remember never to mention king hubert again , at least not in their presence . guilt weighs in her heart , yet she forces herself to stay focused . focused , though a bit distraught by how little her father in law seemed to care . ❛ i see ... very well , then all that's left to do is for us to work together , ❜ which she states while glancing between the two . her subtle way of reminding both guys of the real issue . but when kit asks about maleficent , the princess freezes for a moment , casting her gaze downwards .
after a couple of seconds , she spoke again . ❛ i saw her . walking down the street , just outside the mayor's house . it wasn't-- it was the quickest encounter , i was already on my way here and came running the moment i realized something was wrong . ❜ brows furrow together , eyes squeezing shut for a moment . ❛ i didn't know it was her , not at first but she looked familiar ... she was acting so natural , too . like she wanted me to know this is her fault and she's proud of it . ❜ a lump forms in her throat , hands reaching up to hold her forehead as her elbows rest on the table . ❛ i don't know how to break a curse , i barely know a thing about magic but i've heard there's a wizard in town . i just don't understand — why would anyone do something like this ? what's even her motive ?! ❜ / @prettyboyflorian
♡ · princess-fiestypants
@dawnsrose
anna had missed a lot of things when the castle shut it’s gates. exploring along the docks, for one. all the townspeople for another. her sister most of all. but she’d also missed visiting the charmonts. when elsa told her to go away, she’d find herself missing dancing on kit’s feet, and making fun of elsa and florian’s betrothal, and running around fighting imaginary dragons with philip. she’d missed philip especially - hiding a super broken, super expensive vase bonded you for life, she was pretty sure. point was, it was a bond that had faded to a pleasant, hazy, and warm little memory.
until now. and finding out the prince in a coma was philip. now she was here, standing awkwardly in front of a door. story of her life, right? she raised a determined hand and -
knock, knock, knock-knock, knock.
“uh. hi!” she greeted with a tiny little wave and accompanying tiny little smile when the door opened. “um, look, this is totally crazy but i used to be friends with philip when i was little - there was this whole thing with my sister and his brother, that’s not important - anyway, i read about what happened to him and i didn’t even know he was here but i just… wanted to come by and check in, i guess,” she explained, twisting her hands together nervously as she rambled. a beat passed before a moment of self-awareness hit and she scrambled to add; “my name’s anna, by the way. probably should’ve started with that.”
THE RAPID KNOCKING SNAPS AURORA away from her thoughts , violet gaze lifting from the many papers scattered on the kitchen table . papers ranging from a list of magic users or possible magic users in town all the way to whatever she'd been able to find on curses . one might argue it was a lot , far too much , though aurora believed it wasn't nearly enough . how lucky it was to have been interrupted before the princess could spiral into her own catastrophic thoughts , which seemed to be the norm as of late .
pulling her long robe tighter around herself , almost as a shield of some kind , she took small yet quick steps towards the door and opened it just a bit ; enough to spot an unfamiliar girl on the other side , but also enough to feel safe . to keep philip safe , or at least as safe as he could be in a moment like this . it wasn't long before the blonde warmed up to the other . she seemed nervous yet genuine , and aurora could empathize with that . she could appreciate it , too .
slowly , a tiny smile appears on her rose colored lips . it's a tired smile , but it's genuine . ❛ hi anna . ❜ she greeted , her saccharine voice quiet and gentle . one could argue this girl could be maleficent in disguise , but aurora felt it wasn't the case . the mistress of evil had made it clear she had no intent of hiding from the princess or her loved ones . ❛ it's really lovely to meet you , i'm aurora . come in . ❜ stepping aside , she opened the door wider to let the other girl come in . ❛ he's in our room , i'll show you the way ... sorry about the mess , ❜ spoken in an apologetic tone , though she's certain the other will understand . once the redhead came in , aurora closed the door and nodded towards the bedroom door , leading the way towards it . ❛ he's not moving but i think he can hear . in fact i talk to him all the time , ❜ a confession that steals a small , weak chuckle from aurora . ❛ i'm happy to meet one of his friends . ❜
♡ · ofsundropsx
— ❛ CLOSED❜ @dawnsrose
☀️ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────────── there were still times reagan didn’t know really what to say to aurora. she had never gone through something so unimaginable like watching your spouse be cursed under a spell. it had been two months without philip. while he was still physically there the prince had been in a coma like state since then. the princess did all she could do help ease the pain during this difficult time. with a basket of baked goods in hand she arrived at the charmont home. “ rora, i wanted to check on you and see how you’re going today . ” the blonde replied once the door opened.
EVER SINCE INCIDENT WITH PHILIP , even the simplest things had begun to startle aurora , not so much out of fear but from constant worry . so when she heard a knock on the door , the princess froze for a second , mentally preparing herself for what could be bad news ; maybe something had happened to kit , or florian , or even poor samson — not to mention aurora's friends . to find reagan standing out the door , basked of baked goods in hand , a breath of relief escaped her . ❛ that's very sweet of you , dear . here , come in . i was just about to make tea , you came at a good time . ❜ as good as it could be . stepping aside to let the other girl in , aurora offered a tiny smile to reagan . ❛ i'm happy you're here ... wait , where's little ben ? is it beckham's turn to spend time with him ? ❜ she asks curiously , always excited to hear about reagan's adventures in motherhood , but also looking to think about something other than philip . even if just for a moment . ❛ i do wish my aunts were here , they'd love to help take care of him if needed . ❜
♡ · movingcastlcs
Howl had been busier then he ever had been in his long life. He’d traveled further than he’d ever thought to, all in search for a way to put a stop to Maleficent. The Fairy inched closer and closer to achieving control of the town. He was relieved for the natural light in the town’s residents that kept her at bay. He’d spent too much time cooped up in his home and was driving Sophie crazy with his muttering so he took his books and moved outside of the apothecary. He’d set up a couple of tables out here not only for this purpose but for others to come and have a moment of peace. He was lost to the world as he poured over the magical book on the table. He could be very focused when he wanted to be.
DAYS LIKE THIS HAD BECOME a rare occurrance for the past two months , days in which aurora would leave home for the sake of existing for a moment . it always left a guilty , heavy feeling in her heart ; after all , philip was still sleeping and while her friends and his brothers urged her to take care of herself , it was hard to do so without worrying . today , kit had offered to stay with philip so here she was : strolling around town , breathing in the winter air while searching for answers . eventually , her walk led her to the apothecary . she'd passed by the shop a couple of times in the past , always curious yet hesitant to step in . this time , however , there was a man sitting outside , and she could swear there was something peculiar about him .
with small steps , the blonde approached the stranger , hands clasped together in front of her body . ❛ excuse me , sir ... are you the wizard pendragon ? ❜ a pause , violet eyes glancing around for a brief moment before setting on him again . ❛ i'm terribly sorry , you seem busy but i was hoping we could talk . it's my husband , he's not-- ... he's been cursed , and i don't know how to help him . ❜
♡ · shockinteague
starter for @dawnsrose !( location ; aurora’s fav cafe )
⸻ SADIE TEAGUE had done her research. it was one of the most important aspects of her – well, it wasn’t really her job, and she wasn’t doing it for anyone but herself, but it was an important aspect of her life here in elias. if she wanted to get to know her clientele, it was imperative she knew their ins and outs; who they associated with, where they went, whom they disliked the most. maleficent was far from a client, and they hadn’t interacted much just yet, but sadie just… got a vibe. a hunch, maybe. so she’d done her research, and was lying in wait as inconspicuously as possible until she finally saw her chance. “ wait, aren’t you… ” she started, then made her eyes go wide. “oh, my. you’re aurora. i am so sorry about your husband, girlie. ”
ON THE EXTREMELY RARE occasion that aurora left the house for a couple of hours , to get some fresh air and forget about the hell she'd been living in for the past two months , the princess liked to make a stop at lucky cat . she was well capable of preparing a fine cup of tea for herself , but today called for some nice hot chocolate and she figured it would be better to leave it to the professionals , hence her being there . still , she wasn't counting on being approached by a stranger . one might even say she felt somewhat lost , unsure of how to react — especially when the apology came . ❛ yes , that would be me . i ... thank you , ❜ she replied , her voice as gentle and polite as always . ❛ i don't mean to be rude but , how do you know of my husband ? ❜ a pause , ❛ oh , the newspaper ... i'm sorry , i'd forgotten about that . ❜
♡ · movingcastlcs
Sadness. Despair. Anguish. He sensed it before the young woman appeared before him. She radiated her feelings as she went and he had to look up when she was close enough. If he hd a heart, it would ache, but it still made him feel for her nonetheless. This was the wife of the Prince Maleficent had cursed. The Princess she’d been chasing down had just been a character in a story to him but now she was here and he wasn’t sure he’d e able to help her.
“I am. Call me Howl, please.” He motioned for the chair across from him to offer her the seat. He closed the tome he was reading and let his mind start turning in search of an answer. “Yes, I’ve heard of it. I truly am sorry that you are going through this. Maleficent can be quite cruel. She’s a fearsome adversary.”
❛ HOWL , OF COURSE . I'M AURORA . ❜ though a part of her felt as though he might already know that . it seemed to be a common thing amongst people who dabbled in magic to know a little bit of everything at the very least ; she wouldn't be surprised if the wizard knew more about her than aurora herself . taking the seat as it was offered , the princess held her posture gracefully , dutiful . she had always been rather good at putting away her feelings for a moment for the sake of doing the right thing , of finding a solution and this time , it was even more important . philip was counting on her .
❛ i appreciate the sentiment , but don't feel for us . philip and i both knew she would strike eventually , we were just-- ... we got comfortable , careless . it's my fault . ❜ it had to be , even though aurora wasn't sure of what had caused the fairy to feel such blind hatred towards hers and philip's families . nevertheless , she'd rather take the blame for it than let it rest on her beloved's shoulders . pressing her lips together , she nodded as howl mentioned how fearsome maleficent could be . ❛ i know , but there must be a way . i don't know much about magic nor do philip's brothers but i know every curse can be broken , and i'll do anything to make that happen . ❜ she affirmed , determination coating her words . ❛ the fairies i know are far away from here and i have no magic of my own , but there must be something we can do . she must have weakness or a loophole in her magic . anything . ❜
♡ · shockinteague
*:･ﾟ✧
⸻ AURORA LOOKED positively miserable, and sadie could appreciate maleficent’s handiwork. she personally had no grievance with the prince or princess, but it had been far too long since she’d caused some trouble of her own, especially of this calibre. in fact, sadie could hardly remember a time where she’d pained someone in this way, by taking away the person they love. it was right out of a storybook, and opened her eyes to new possibilities. maybe orion was right, after all, and she hadn’t reached her full potential just yet. “ how does anyone in this town know about your tragic fates? my, you’re famous, you know, ” she agreed, trying for a smile that bordered on just the right amount of creepy and unsettling to get away with it. “ so, what’s it like? not the being famous part. the living with someone in his state, i mean. half-dead, and all. ”
THE PRINCESS KNEW RIGHT AWAY that the other girl's smile was disingenuous , nearly mocking her with bitter humor . aurora liked to believe she was fairly good at keeping her feelings in check , except for when it concerned her loved ones . as resilient and dutiful as aurora was , it could be difficult to hold her ground — especially at the stranger's last couple of words . her expression changed from curious to blank , violet eyes staring at the other for a silent moment . ❛ ... i don't think i need to answer that question . it seems to me you've never had a loved one in danger . you wouldn't understand . ❜ spoken with a gentle tone despite the sharp words , eyes looking the other over for a moment , aurora tilted her head to the side . ❛ but maybe you'd like to tell me what it's like to be half - dead yourself ? a life spent laughing at the misfortune of others doesn't seem to be much of a life at all ... ❜
♡ · ofmalevolence
Maleficent smiled at the sky as she practically smelled the fear of the princess as she stepped into the forrest. She knew the girl would come looking for her in desperation. People did anything for the ones they loved, or so they said, very few actually got to prove that oath. But here was Aurora making her way in the dark, she should be grateful. Only Maleficent could provide her with an opportunity like this. Only she could be kind enough to give her something to brag about.
There was little to be done here. Maleficent truly wanted nothing from the child but to make her suffer. She was too pure and too kind and it was simply unfair that she should exist and not be punished for the crimes of her father. She wouldn’t rest until every Capulet knew her fury. She had nothing to gain from torturing Aurora other than satisfaction. She had been robbed of her family and so she would not rest until the world of humans felt the same pain.
Her anger getting the better of her she turned into the direction of the approaching princess, “Come out! What ever are you waiting for?”
( @dawnsrose )
THE LIKELY OUTCOME of her hubris had played in aurora's brain over and over again . explanations she would have to give , perhaps a lecture or two from kit or reagan , or even florian — but she'd made up her mind . in a way , she was proud of herself for taking charge ; enough was enough , and while there was no means of knowing how this would end , at least she would have a say in it. so there she was , threading carefully deeper and deeper into the forest , howl's weird , magical compass in her hand . she wasn't sure exactly of how it worked , but that wasn't important .
there was not a single doubt in her mind that maleficent knew of her presence , just as aurora could sense the fairy ; if not by the artifact she held , then by the forest's aura . she'd spent too long in nature not to know what it should feel like , the rustling of leaves or the sweet aroma of flowers — no , this felt different . it lacked the warmth , the gentle wind and peaceful serenity . the air felt heavy , tainted , yet she continued on until coming to an abrupt stop upon hearing maleficent's voice . no turning back now , she thought before filling her lungs with a deep breath , then slowly stepped into the other's field of vision .
her violet eyes , usually gentle and welcoming , now held a petrifying aspect to them . anger wasn't a common emotion in aurora's heart , nor was it the strongest or the only thing she felt right now — but it was there , loud and clear . ❛ sorry i kept you waiting . ❜ the princess spoke , closing the compass in her hand , ❛ it won't happen again . i'm quite done hiding from you . ❜
straightening her posture , aurora studied the other , partially to try and guess through maleficent's expression or thoughts , partially in effort to understand them . ❛ what do you want ? ❜ she inquired , ❛ surely there must be something , something you'd leave me and my loved ones alone for . ❜ delicate hands curl into small fists , as if all of aurora's determination had gathered within her grasp . ❛ something you'd bring philip back for . what is it ? ❜
♡ · ofmalevolence
It was almost comical to watch the princess steel herself. Anger didn’t suit her and it didn’t quite reach the rage one needed to burn the world down. But Aurora didn’t need to do that, she needed to save her true love. Wasn’t that just utterly…disgusting? As if there weren’t a million humans to choses from all with the same traits and capabilities of ‘love’ but no, the princess wanted this one and she would not be denied. It made her quite vulnerable not that she’d ever admit it.
“Now, would you look at who found her voice? Isn’t that just precious?” Maleficent chuckled as she looked at her. Still a child, still as lost as the girl raised hidden away in the woods. She was determined though. She could give her that. “It is rather funny that you think you were hiding. I knew exactly where you were, my dear. You were living peacefully until this moment because I allowed it.”
Death was what Maleficent wanted. Destruction. Utter ruin of everything that had dared exist while her world had fallen apart. She would leave her son a kingdom built on the loss of her enemies…but for now, “What makes you think you have anything I want? Are you still so naive that you actually think you have anything of worth? I am a Queen and I do as I please. If you want someone to blame for your misfortunes, blame your father. He might as well have assured your life be nothing but misery.”
TO SEE MALEFICENT MOCK HER so clearly , with no trace of shame or empathy brings an unfamiliar sensation to aurora's chest ; something heavy , perhaps devoid of light . and yet , maybe she had been too complacent all this time , but to give the other reason was not something the princess was ready to do . ❛ peacefully ? ❜ the blonde scoffed , ❛ whatever peace i've had ended the moment i first heard about you , years ago . you might think you were being generous , but i've known no mercy from you . ❜
brows furrow when faced with something aurora hadn't wanted to consider : what could maleficent ever want from her , truly ? surely she didn't want her kingdom , nor did she seem interest in simply taking the princess's life — so what ?
❛ that's not true , ❜ she rebutts after a moment , shaking her head . ❛ i have people who care about me , people whom i love . i have my friends , my family , my dreams and that's worth everything . ❜ and aurora thought it would be a pity if the other couldn't see the importance in such things . still , something else caught her attention in the fairy's words , bring a look of confusion upon her violet eyes . ❛ my ... father ? no , he loves me . he'd never want me to suffer , or anyone . ❜ but of course , that was really all aurora knew about her parents : that they loved her and did everything they could to keep her safe . unfortunately , her curiosity had been piqued , just like a child who longed for answers , always understanding and yet never truly satisfied . ❛ ... how much do you know about my father ? ❜
♡ · ofmalevolence
Maleficent had spent years ruminating on the ways she could end the bloodline of the man who had dared destroy her home. Her eyes widened slightly in amusement as Aurora spoke. “Peace is what you make of it. I was not actively ruining your simple little life enough if you went on to find a husband. Poor little Aurora, she’s a princess married to a prince and wants for nothing. Mercy is not owed to you.”
Maleficent let out a surprised chuckle before rolling her eyes. “Oh how could I forget how the priceless worth of dreams? You can’t possibly be seriously offering something as ridiculous as that to get dear Phillip back?” Her eyes searched for some sort of clue that she was lying as she spoke about her father. It wasn’t a surprise that Stefan had buried his evil from his daughter. Humans were all about image, after all. “My what an honor to pull the wool from your eyes. Your father is a monster at best. I may be relentless in my mission but I never pretended to be anything else. King Stefan sits on a throne made from the suffering of my people. It really is unfortunate that he would leave you out here to pay for his sins but I suppose that’s what fathers do for their daughters? I wouldn’t know. What do you think?”
❛ IT'S STILL MY LIFE , and it's not in your place to say how much i did or did not go through ! ❜ and yet , aurora couldn't keep from feeling that maybe maleficent was right . she did have a pretty good life , didn't she ? she had friends , a roof over her head and someone who loved her unconditionally — or did , before maleficent took him . still , she found herself a little swayed by the other's words despite knowing they weren't true . ❛ believe me , you did more than enough . ❜
her eyes squeeze shut for a moment as the princess takes a deep breath , trying not to let despair or fear get the best of her . maleficent seemed infinitely more powerful than she could ever be and , while aurora valued a number of things in her life , perhaps it was true that none of them were enough for the fairy . ❛ there has to be something you want from me . anything , otherwise you wouldn't be here . ❜ or at least that's what she hoped . listening as maleficent spoke of her father , aurora's expression softened , lips parting slightly in surprise . a part of her didn't want to believe the other's words , because why should she ? yet at the same time , why would she not ? all she knew about her father was that he loved her . who's to say maleficent wasn't telling the truth ? she didn't seem to be lying . ❛ i- ❜ aurora paused , looking away for a moment . ❛ i'm very sorry . i didn't know about that , i- ... it's not right , and i'm sorry . ❜ she stated with a firm honesty in her voice . ❛ is there any way for me to fix that ? i do believe you and- and i want to help , but i can't spend the rest of my life paying for my father's mistakes . they're not mine . ❜
♡ · princess-fiestypants
☃️
“hi,” anna greeted, again, feeling the nerves ever-so-slowly draining out of her now that she was face-to-face with aurora. maybe it was just that the door opening felt like half the battle already, or maybe it was just that the woman on the other side of it had the kind of presence that put her at ease. a little of both, probably. nonetheless, when she stepped through the door it was with hesitation. she felt a little like she was intruding, for all the gentleness of aurora’s welcome.
at aurora’s offer to show her philip, she blinked in surprise. “oh! right.” she hadn’t really thought that far ahead. “mess is fine,” she added as an afterthought, nerves skyrocketing again as she followed aurora. what would she even say to philip? just… anything? then again, it wasn’t like she didn’t have experience with one-sided conversations! she’d figure that bit out, she was pretty sure.
anna frowned, however, at aurora calling her one of philip’s friends. it didn’t quite sit right. “i’m not really… it’s been a long time since i’ve seen him,” she explained quietly. “but i’m happy to meet you too! and it’s kinda funny, because last time i saw him, he would’ve definitely thought you had cooties. we used to tease his brother and my sister about being betrothed - mostly because it was funny, but he was full ‘romance is gross’ back then.”
ROSY LIPS CURL INTO A SMILE with anna's comment , taking it as a little blessing of sorts , a way of knowing there was nothing really wrong with their home even if philip wasn't there . well , not completely . deep down , it wasn't the mess itself that bothered aurora ; she'd made her peace with it . it was the fact that the entire place felt less like half philip's and more like a perfect representation of aurora's coping mechanisms . namely the remnants of stress baking , an unfinished puzzle and a pile of books she couldn't find the interest to read .
her eyes went a bit wide as she led the redhead inside . was it common for all royalty to just disappear from each other's lives ? ❛ oh ? he's definitely missed you then . philip has a wonderful memory , ❜ she assures with a small , knowing it to be true but also all too happy to gush about her husband . then , something else caught her attention , ❛ cooties ... what are those ? why , i bet he had cooties himself ! ❜ a proud huff escapes her , only for a tiny giggle to follow after . the first semblance of real laughter from her in a while . ❛ which brother would that be ? i've met both , hopefully things are amicable between them and your sister . ❜ and if not , aurora would be happy to help .
the thought of a younger philip finding romance gross comes as both endearing and beyond belief . ❛ i can't imagine that , he's always been so romantic with me . even when i first met him ! a bit forward- well , very forward , but not in a bad way at all . maybe you would've laughed at him . do you or did you also use to think romance is gross ? ❜ aurora asked , curiosity in her words . when the two women reached the door to the bedroom , her expression changed a bit . it saddened . slowly , after taking a deep breath , she opened the door and spoke quietly to anna . ❛ take your time , he'll probably be happy to hear someone that isn't me or kit or florian ... i'll make something for us . do you like tea or coffee ? ❜ head tilts to the side , ❛ maybe hot chocolate ? ❜
♡ · ofmalevolence
“Frankly, dear, you care too much and I don’t care at all. So save your little speeches, hm?” Maleficent rolled her eyes. She’d entertained this long enough. She was not going to be made feel guilty by a princess who would wander off into a happily ever after blissfully unaware of the blood that ran through her family tree. “You’re a princess. You’ll have to cry a little harder if you want me to even think about caring about what you have to say.”
There really wasn’t anything she wanted but she supposed she could gain something from this. The whole thing was tedious now and she knew she’d get no rest until the prince was awake. She was eventually going to lift the curse but if Aurora wanted to sacrifice something then fine. “You are a pure soul, I’ll grant you that compliment…but it’s the only thing worth my while. A piece of it will give me something of value and I’ll wake your darling prince. You’ll lose years of your life, of course, but that’s the deal.” Maleficent sighed as she looked at her. “So quick to dismiss the pain of others. As if a wound so great could be healed with words and sentiments. Keep them I don’t want them. Mistakes are small things. What your father did was calculated, cold, and disastrous and try as you might to push it away, it will haunt you and your family for generations to come. That kind of debt will not be paid so easily.”
WHILE AURORA HAD NO DOUBT of how little maleficent cared for her , her loved ones or the rest of elias , she couldn't believe there was nothing in the world the fairy cared for . she couldn't accept it . it must be a terrible way to live and , in a way , it made her pity the other . not that she'd mention it , but still .
she takes the compliment as more of a solution than anything else , unable to appreciate it at a moment like this . whatever it was that a having pure soul meant , it seemed important enough to bring philip back and in aurora's eyes , that was the most important thing . bring him back and have maleficent out of their lives . the princess would happily part with it , not really stopping to think about what it might mean — what's a few years anyway ? ❛ and you'll leave us alone ? at least his family . ❜ it didn't sound too bad , it couldn't be worse than the life she was living .
❛ i didn't mean to sound- ❜ she trails off , understanding that there was no point in trying to reason with the mistress of evil . she didn't want to be understood , nor would she let aurora try . but the princess knew there was only honesty in maleficent's story ; she wasn't lying when she spoke about her father . she also didn't seem hesitant when talking about generations to come , which terrified her . ❛ still , i apologize , and i'll keep trying to fix it . ❜ she had to . the princess looked down at her toes for a moment , then at maleficent once again . ❛ a piece , is it ? ❜ aurora took deep breath , then nodded agreeingly . ❛ take it . it's yours . ❜
♡ · flynnridcrs
closed starter for: @dawnsrose location: aurora’s home
it had been a little while since flynn had seen aurora - between his job and reagan’s, as well as her painting sets for that play ( and him watching ben a little bit more as a result ), he hadn’t had much time to set aside for the princess as he might have liked. she was going through it after all, with pip still down for the count. so today while everyone had a day off and no one had to paint, he picked up some flowers - peace lilies by reagan’s suggestion - and decided to go knock on aurora’s front door.
“ hey ! ” he said with a smile as the door cracked open. “ i was in the neighborhood so i just thought i’d check in. how are you doing ? ”
WHILE REAGAN WOULDN'T have been an unexpected visit ( on the contrary , she was always welcome ) , seeing flynn wasn't in aurora's list of things that might happen today . that , however , didn't mean he was unwelcome — on the contrary , it was always a chance to become closer with someone who meant so much to her best friend . a tiny smile graces the princess' lips as she opens the door . ❛ hi flynn , ❜ she greets , making a conscious effort to not call him eugene . a sort of agreement between them .
❛ oh ? visiting reagan i presume ? ❜ there's a light playfulness in her assumption , though aurora brushes it off by turning her attention to the flowers . ❛ peace lillies ... thank you , they're beautiful ! come in , please don't mind the mess , ❜ spoken as she stepped to the side to let him in . ❛ i'm ... i guess i'm getting by . that's the good thing , isn't it ; people grow accustomed to things at one point or another . ❜ which wasn't to say that she was happy about philip's current state . much on the contrary . ❛ but i have a plan , so ... things should be back to normal soon . do you want something to drink ? i don't have anything too fancy but i do have tea and , um , water . ❜
