FIC: As the World Shuffles Along (Multi-Fandom) November Set
Nearly There! Novemeber Set!
More Eva Ibbotson. And some more mainstream options too. And return to Tortall (I’ve been rereading the books again)
Title: Birthdays Melancholy
Fandom: Tamora Pierce’s Tortall (Protector of the Small)
Characters: Nealan of Queenscove
Timeframe: Shortly before “Lady Knight” epilogue
Theme: Godric’s Hollow Graveyard - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows pt 1 soundtrack
~*~
New Hope is slowly coming together, and Neal slips away into the shadows of the stable early in the day. He needed some time to himself before he can face everyone else.
Today is his twenty-third birthday.
He has now out lived both his brothers.
It doesn’t seem right. In his mind, he still sees Graeme and Jasper as his older, smart-mouthed, teasing brothers. The fact he is now older than either of them got to makes him feel almost ill. Suddenly he feels fourteen again, and emotionally crushed at the news his brothers are gone.
(The full impact of the fact he was the oldest surviving son, with all the implications and responsibilities, would not sink in for weeks afterwards.)
Birthdays for the past eight years have been hard, and he would catch himself waiting for the two of them to make an appearance, or send him a message. But this year... this year Neal has seen more war than he ever wanted, and he wonders if his brothers felt like this during their final months.
He’s had Graeme and Jasper close in his thoughts a lot this year. Every fight, that bout of insanity into Scanra, and every time he caught the warring pride and panic in his father’s eyes (he remembered seeing the same look when Graeme and Jasper got their shields too)
Neal fingers the letter in his hands, Yuki’s precise lettering making him smile slightly. He wonders what his brothers would have thought of his peppery bride-to-be. He likes to think they would have liked her, even if just for her ability to keep him in line, he thought ruefully.
Even some eight years after their death, Neal still seeks their approval, and he shakes his head at his own folly.
His brothers had always backed him when he was younger. They would have called him crazy, no doubt, but they would have supported his decision, he’s sure.
Kel’s head pokes around the corner, “What are you hiding in here for, Neal?” she asks, curiosity on her face.
He shrugs eloquently, “Thinking,”
“Dangerous occupation,” she replies with a small grin.
Neal throws her a baleful look. “That’s not nice to say on my birthday,” he mock sniffed.
“What better time to throw your sarcastic comments back at you?” Kel said cheerfully. “Come on, breakfast is ready.”
Brushing himself down, Neal follows his friend. He probably didn’t honour his brother’s memories best by sulking anyway.
~*~
Title: Homeward Bound
Fandom: Journey to the River Sea (Eva Ibbotson)
Characters: Arabella Minton, Finn Taverner, Maia
Timeframe: Immediately after the ending
Theme: A Nova Vida - Breaking Dawn pt 1 soundtrack
~*~
The voyage back home was much lighter in tone than the sombre journey to England only weeks before.
The duration of that trip had been spent in quiet sombre mourning for what had been left behind--Maia had sulked in her cabin, Finn was often found sitting alone on the bow, brooding on what waited for him in England, Minty tried herself to distract herself with her books, only to fail miserably.
The load was gone, and it showed in the trio’s posture.
Maia’s eyes were bright as they approached Manaus, Finn standing next to her, a casual arm around her shoulders, a wide grin stretched across his face.
Minty eyed the arm across her the shoulders of her young charge. She should reprimand the pair for impropriety, but she let it pass. The lightness of heart as they all approached home-and Manaus was home-was something she didn’t care to curb.
There was a small crowd waiting for them already: Professor Glastonberry, The Keminskys, the Haltmanns, Colonel da Silva, Furo and Tapi and a number of others too. The crowd greeted them all with delight, and amongst the greetings and mayhem, Arabella Minton took another look at the two young people she travelled with.
There was an undeniable peace in both their faces, and she knew she’d done the right thing convincing Mr Murray to let Maia come back with her.
This was the life they were all destined for in this green paradise.
~*~
Title: When the Bough Breaks
Fandom: Hunger Games
Characters: Ensemble
Timeframe: End of the 74th games, AU
Theme: With an Iron Fist - Immediate Music
~*~
All Panem watches as the two teenagers fall to the ground, hands still clasped.
The pair are quickly winched away, but most people know it is too late: The tributes of District 12 are dead.
There is no victor for the 74th Annual Hunger Games.
In the gamemakers rooms, the Seneca Crane has gone white as a sheet. Snow had warned him. But he’d thought he had everything under control, and now he would pay for that arrogance with his own life. The pampered man does not even begin to hide his shaking hands.
The mentor’s area of operations is deathly silent. Haymitch hasn’t moved since the two swallowed the berries, his face hidden, buried in his shaking hands. The group of potential conspirators-Finnick, Johanna, Beetee, Chaff, and the others-can only stare on in a combination of horror and awe at what Peeta and Katniss have done. If someone spots tears leaking out from beneath the hands over Haymitch’s face, no one says a single word.
District 12 is in chaos. Some are angry at the pair, others support them. In the Everdeen household, Hazelle Hawthorne is holding a crying Violet Everdeen, who in turn was holding back a screaming Prim. Gale was still frozen, staring at the screen where Katniss had fallen. The world as they’ve known it has ended. Of that they are all sure.
The country holds its breath, waiting, waiting for the Capitol’s next move.
~*~
Title: Louder than Words
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard, Jeannie Miller
Timeframe: “Millers Crossing” (S4), AU
Theme: One Way Trip - Avengers Soundtrack
~*~
Jeannie,
I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
For this, for the whole ‘four years not talking’ thing, and, well, anything else you can come up with. I’m sure you can think of something
Before you tear into Sheppard (or anyone else in the vicinity), let me try to explain.
There wasn’t enough time. The wraith was more familiar with the code. He was hungry. I had no right to ask anyone else to do this.
Especially since it was because of me you’re here in the first place.
And you’re reading this, so, it worked.
I promised Caleb I’d get you home. I told Maddie that her mum would be back soon.
As much as I hate the strange addiction your English major has with tofu (and has corrupted you), I’m happy you have him and Maddie. They need you more. I’m proud of you Jeannie, even without your doctorate. I’m sorry that I can’t make good on that promise of spending more time with you.
Your brother,
Mer
--------------------------
John,
I’ve taken care of Todd.
Give this to Jeannie when she wakes up.
Tell the others... Tell them that I’m sorry. And Kavenaugh better not take my job.
Rodney
P.S - Don’t find a way to blame yourself for this. My plan, my sister, my decision.
~*~
Title: All Fall Down
Fandom: Tamora Pierce’s Tortall (Song of the Lioness)
Characters: Duke Roger of Conté
Timeframe: Lioness Rampant
Theme: Seven Devils - Florence + the Machine
~*~
Holy water cannot help you now
Thousand armies couldn't keep me out
I don't want your money
I don't want your crown
See I've come to burn your kingdom down
~*~
It’s the day before his cousin’s coronation, and Roger is... restless.
The rest of the conspirators-calling them such makes his mouth twist mockingly-have no true notion of his outcomes. Alex is the exception, but even his former squire is not exempt from the pathetic mistakes made recently.
Sure, everything has been quiet since Malven slipped from the Provost’s grasp, but Roger knows he is being watched like a hawk. He snorts in derision. His plans are going perfectly fine. And he marvels that Thom’s illness has not been connected with him.
Even if they have begun to suspect (and he would be disappointed, in a way, if the Lioness has not suspected him), it will make no difference for tomorrow. Not even with Si-Cham’s presence.
Roger lit the fire in his room, and for a moment it glowed the dark red of Thom’s stolen gift before the colour faded. With no other light in the room, it lit his face in a ghoulish manner, making the mocking grin look more like the smile of the insane.
No, he would not fail tomorrow. No matter how many people Jonathan surrounded himself with, it would come to an end.
He would bring this world crumbling down.
~*~
A bit happier with this bunch (for all that some still end up very different from what I think when I first have the idea...)
More Eva Ibbotson. And some more mainstream options too. And return to Tortall (I’ve been rereading the books again)
Title: Birthdays Melancholy
Fandom: Tamora Pierce’s Tortall (Protector of the Small)
Characters: Nealan of Queenscove
Timeframe: Shortly before “Lady Knight” epilogue
Theme: Godric’s Hollow Graveyard - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows pt 1 soundtrack
~*~
New Hope is slowly coming together, and Neal slips away into the shadows of the stable early in the day. He needed some time to himself before he can face everyone else.
Today is his twenty-third birthday.
He has now out lived both his brothers.
It doesn’t seem right. In his mind, he still sees Graeme and Jasper as his older, smart-mouthed, teasing brothers. The fact he is now older than either of them got to makes him feel almost ill. Suddenly he feels fourteen again, and emotionally crushed at the news his brothers are gone.
(The full impact of the fact he was the oldest surviving son, with all the implications and responsibilities, would not sink in for weeks afterwards.)
Birthdays for the past eight years have been hard, and he would catch himself waiting for the two of them to make an appearance, or send him a message. But this year... this year Neal has seen more war than he ever wanted, and he wonders if his brothers felt like this during their final months.
He’s had Graeme and Jasper close in his thoughts a lot this year. Every fight, that bout of insanity into Scanra, and every time he caught the warring pride and panic in his father’s eyes (he remembered seeing the same look when Graeme and Jasper got their shields too)
Neal fingers the letter in his hands, Yuki’s precise lettering making him smile slightly. He wonders what his brothers would have thought of his peppery bride-to-be. He likes to think they would have liked her, even if just for her ability to keep him in line, he thought ruefully.
Even some eight years after their death, Neal still seeks their approval, and he shakes his head at his own folly.
His brothers had always backed him when he was younger. They would have called him crazy, no doubt, but they would have supported his decision, he’s sure.
Kel’s head pokes around the corner, “What are you hiding in here for, Neal?” she asks, curiosity on her face.
He shrugs eloquently, “Thinking,”
“Dangerous occupation,” she replies with a small grin.
Neal throws her a baleful look. “That’s not nice to say on my birthday,” he mock sniffed.
“What better time to throw your sarcastic comments back at you?” Kel said cheerfully. “Come on, breakfast is ready.”
Brushing himself down, Neal follows his friend. He probably didn’t honour his brother’s memories best by sulking anyway.
~*~
Title: Homeward Bound
Fandom: Journey to the River Sea (Eva Ibbotson)
Characters: Arabella Minton, Finn Taverner, Maia
Timeframe: Immediately after the ending
Theme: A Nova Vida - Breaking Dawn pt 1 soundtrack
~*~
The voyage back home was much lighter in tone than the sombre journey to England only weeks before.
The duration of that trip had been spent in quiet sombre mourning for what had been left behind--Maia had sulked in her cabin, Finn was often found sitting alone on the bow, brooding on what waited for him in England, Minty tried herself to distract herself with her books, only to fail miserably.
The load was gone, and it showed in the trio’s posture.
Maia’s eyes were bright as they approached Manaus, Finn standing next to her, a casual arm around her shoulders, a wide grin stretched across his face.
Minty eyed the arm across her the shoulders of her young charge. She should reprimand the pair for impropriety, but she let it pass. The lightness of heart as they all approached home-and Manaus was home-was something she didn’t care to curb.
There was a small crowd waiting for them already: Professor Glastonberry, The Keminskys, the Haltmanns, Colonel da Silva, Furo and Tapi and a number of others too. The crowd greeted them all with delight, and amongst the greetings and mayhem, Arabella Minton took another look at the two young people she travelled with.
There was an undeniable peace in both their faces, and she knew she’d done the right thing convincing Mr Murray to let Maia come back with her.
This was the life they were all destined for in this green paradise.
~*~
Title: When the Bough Breaks
Fandom: Hunger Games
Characters: Ensemble
Timeframe: End of the 74th games, AU
Theme: With an Iron Fist - Immediate Music
~*~
All Panem watches as the two teenagers fall to the ground, hands still clasped.
The pair are quickly winched away, but most people know it is too late: The tributes of District 12 are dead.
There is no victor for the 74th Annual Hunger Games.
In the gamemakers rooms, the Seneca Crane has gone white as a sheet. Snow had warned him. But he’d thought he had everything under control, and now he would pay for that arrogance with his own life. The pampered man does not even begin to hide his shaking hands.
The mentor’s area of operations is deathly silent. Haymitch hasn’t moved since the two swallowed the berries, his face hidden, buried in his shaking hands. The group of potential conspirators-Finnick, Johanna, Beetee, Chaff, and the others-can only stare on in a combination of horror and awe at what Peeta and Katniss have done. If someone spots tears leaking out from beneath the hands over Haymitch’s face, no one says a single word.
District 12 is in chaos. Some are angry at the pair, others support them. In the Everdeen household, Hazelle Hawthorne is holding a crying Violet Everdeen, who in turn was holding back a screaming Prim. Gale was still frozen, staring at the screen where Katniss had fallen. The world as they’ve known it has ended. Of that they are all sure.
The country holds its breath, waiting, waiting for the Capitol’s next move.
~*~
Title: Louder than Words
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Characters: Rodney McKay, John Sheppard, Jeannie Miller
Timeframe: “Millers Crossing” (S4), AU
Theme: One Way Trip - Avengers Soundtrack
~*~
Jeannie,
I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
For this, for the whole ‘four years not talking’ thing, and, well, anything else you can come up with. I’m sure you can think of something
Before you tear into Sheppard (or anyone else in the vicinity), let me try to explain.
There wasn’t enough time. The wraith was more familiar with the code. He was hungry. I had no right to ask anyone else to do this.
Especially since it was because of me you’re here in the first place.
And you’re reading this, so, it worked.
I promised Caleb I’d get you home. I told Maddie that her mum would be back soon.
As much as I hate the strange addiction your English major has with tofu (and has corrupted you), I’m happy you have him and Maddie. They need you more. I’m proud of you Jeannie, even without your doctorate. I’m sorry that I can’t make good on that promise of spending more time with you.
Your brother,
Mer
--------------------------
John,
I’ve taken care of Todd.
Give this to Jeannie when she wakes up.
Tell the others... Tell them that I’m sorry. And Kavenaugh better not take my job.
Rodney
P.S - Don’t find a way to blame yourself for this. My plan, my sister, my decision.
~*~
Title: All Fall Down
Fandom: Tamora Pierce’s Tortall (Song of the Lioness)
Characters: Duke Roger of Conté
Timeframe: Lioness Rampant
Theme: Seven Devils - Florence + the Machine
~*~
Holy water cannot help you now
Thousand armies couldn't keep me out
I don't want your money
I don't want your crown
See I've come to burn your kingdom down
~*~
It’s the day before his cousin’s coronation, and Roger is... restless.
The rest of the conspirators-calling them such makes his mouth twist mockingly-have no true notion of his outcomes. Alex is the exception, but even his former squire is not exempt from the pathetic mistakes made recently.
Sure, everything has been quiet since Malven slipped from the Provost’s grasp, but Roger knows he is being watched like a hawk. He snorts in derision. His plans are going perfectly fine. And he marvels that Thom’s illness has not been connected with him.
Even if they have begun to suspect (and he would be disappointed, in a way, if the Lioness has not suspected him), it will make no difference for tomorrow. Not even with Si-Cham’s presence.
Roger lit the fire in his room, and for a moment it glowed the dark red of Thom’s stolen gift before the colour faded. With no other light in the room, it lit his face in a ghoulish manner, making the mocking grin look more like the smile of the insane.
No, he would not fail tomorrow. No matter how many people Jonathan surrounded himself with, it would come to an end.
He would bring this world crumbling down.
~*~
A bit happier with this bunch (for all that some still end up very different from what I think when I first have the idea...)