In the Grand Scheme of Things

 In the Grand Scheme of Things

Who am I?
I am a woman which puts me at a disadvantage from the moment i was born.
I am not married and I currently have no desire to be so.
I am no one's mother but i seem to be everyone's auntie.
I am disabled both physically and emotionally.
I am a product of my experiences and all that means.
I have been abused but physically and emotionally.
I am a pagan who worships a goddess.
I am short, fat, and old.
But to answer the question bluntly I am no one.

What have i done?
I make things.
I crochet and do crafts.
I have been a teacher a singer and a sales agent.
I write stories that are both original and fanfiction.
I have been a friend.
I have been a mentor.
I have been a gamer girl
I have been a leader.
I have done very little and nothing earth shattering.

What will I leave behind as my legacy?
The footprint that i will leave behind will be small.
I am not well known or well respected.
It will be the memories of the people i touch and the things i created.
I will leave only what others think about what ive done and who i am.
Its unfair but it is the truth.

In the grand scheme of things, I am nothing and no one with nothing of importance to leave behind.

Aftermath

 Aftermath
Cedrick Fellows/Lady Violet
Prompt 1: Arrogant
Word Count: 511
 

“I think we rather botched that. Your aunt was furious with us.” Cedrick said as the rode off from Lady Bellmore home after the party. “Now you have to marry me.”

“Well, that's the plan.” Lady Violet smiled. “Did you see the look of shock on Lord Westbury's face. I rather enjoyed put that arrogant fop in his place. He is so arrogant. I showed him. Well, we did actually.”

“Something I should know?” Cedrick frowned.

He thought he had me. He as much as told me so. He didn't ask he just assumed I would want him.” Lady Violet laughed. “He told me we would make the best babies together. As if id let him touch me. He looks like a chicken.”

Cedrick laughed. “Maybe a little hawkish. So he was going to ask for your hand? Was there anyone else that I should be worried about?”

“No. He was the only one.” Lady Violet thought for a moment. “Maybe Lord Dunstall. He may have thought he had a chance but he always corrects my grammar and goes on about history. He's a snooze.”

“What are my faults?” Cedrick took her hand. “I'm sure you can find a few.”

Lady Violet pouted. “You're new to this so I really can't say. You always seem most humble.”

“Well I'm not arrogant. Cedrick kissed her hand. “I have nothing interesting in my past and I don't look like a large fowl.”

“Ced, we all have things packed in boxes in the back of cupboards. You might see it as interesting but someone else might.” Lady Violet warned him.

“The only thing in the back of my cupboard is my last pair of short pants.” Cedrick laughed. “I have always been most unremarkable.”

“Until tonight.” Lady Violet caressed his cheek. “Now you are the cousin who inherited and miraculously won my hand. You'll be the talk of the town for months to come.”

“Is that why aunt was so blunt? Does she think I am beneath you?” Cedrick asked. “Or does she think I'm using you to get my foot in the door?”

Lady Violet blushed at the thought of him naked beneath her.

Cedrick raised an eyebrow at the expression on her face. “Are you feeling unwell?”

“I’m fine. My stays are too tight.” Lady Violet lied. “The things we women endure for fashion.” She looked away. “Let’s stop this nonsense about you not being a good match for me. I think you are and that's all that matters.”

Violet, I dont keep up with the gossip. Cedrick admitted. “I never have. I have always had other things on my mind.”

“Ced, one day I will catch you up but not tonight. I'm tired and the champagne is starting to hit me.” Lady Vilot rubbed her temples. 

“Another time then.” Cedrick kissed her hand again and they remained silent until they arrived at Wylding Manor.

Cedrick knew that there was something that she wasn't ready to tell him but he wasn't going to push. When she was ready she would tell him.

Mercy Postponed

 Mercy Postponed
Aura, Babycats, Myra, Puff (Myrdren)
Prompt 2: Compassionate
Word Count: 546
 

Babycats came out of the exam room of her vet clinic and smiled at Aura. “Myra is improving. The elixir from the book Lord Wyvern sent is really helping.”

“She stood up and walked around a little last night. I can't remember the last time i saw her do that.” Aura looked in the exam room and smiled. Puff was sitting next to Myra. They were both eating lollipops. “Puff tried to get her to go out in the garden this morning.”

“Puff will get her on her feet in no time.” Cats look at her friend. “What's wrong?”

“I was afraid if it didn't work we would have to….” Aura took a breath. “Help her through the veil. I prayed that she would get better but I wasn't convinced that she would.”

“I was thinking the same thing. She was in bad shape.” Cats looked in the exam room just in time to catch Puff getting two more lollipops out of the drawer. “Do you know how old they are?”

Aura shook her head. “They were hatchlings when the sanctuary was build. That was a long time ago.  There are only four of the original ten still alive.”

“Ten? I thought there was only eight.”

“A pair from each of the four elements and a pair of chaos dragons.” Aura explained.

“How did the others die?” Cats asked.

“I don't remember but it should be in the sanctuary records. You're thinking Myra wasn't the only one with the disease.”

Cats nodded. “I do.”

“Aunt Benna didn't say she recognized the symptoms.” Aura frowned. “Cats, should we give the elixir to Puff too?”

“I was going to suggest a smaller dose for him. He isn't like any dragon I know. He's not been living in a controlled setting at the sanctuary. His diet is very different.”

“Macaroni and cheese and apple cider?” Aura chuckled. “They don't serve that at the sanctuary. They eat mostly fruit and greens. Puff refuses to eat when hes up there. Since Myra has been with us he sneaks her food from the castle kitchen.”

“I hope he doesn't get caught.” Cats laughed.

“I think the head cook sees him taking things but decided to let him. He swiped a whole pie last night. She had to have seen him do that. He brought it back to our chambers and he and Myra shared it.”

“What kind was it?” Catx asked.

“Pumpkin.” Aura laughed. “Dragas came in just as they were finishing it off. He wasn't happy about the crumbs all over the floor. I made Dragas take the pie pan back to the kitchen for fussing at them. He came back with a plate of starrberry scones as a peace offering.”

Cats laughed. “Thats some peace offering.”

“I better get them back before they empty you lollipop drawer.” Aura took a step into the exam room. “Time to go. Say thank you to Miss Babycats.”

Myra bowed her head and Puff ran over and gave Cats a big wet lick with his tongue.

“Puff!” Aura sighed. “Sorry.”

“I'm a cat. It's what he does.” Cats hugged Puff. “See you soon.”

Aura grabbed Puffs tail and put her arm around Myra. “Thanks Cats.” The trio turned into a golden shimmer and disappeared.

Astoria Marketplace

Astoria Marketplace
Dragas/Aura
Prompt 3: Aromatic
Word Count: 515
 

Aura moved through the market of Astoria slowly. She was looking for the aromatic herbs that she used in her potions and salves. Some of the things she was looking for were from Lemuria.

She moved through the crowd of people unnoticed. She was dressed as a common Draconian. It wasn't like her to hide her identity but in recent days she felt a need for it.

As she neared the stall with the aromatic herbs on display she felt something pointy in her back.

“What do you want?” Aura asked.

“Your purse.” The gravelly voice said in her ear.

“You don't want my purse. You want to kill me.” Aura looked at the items on the cart. There had to be something she could use. She smiled when she spotted the brimstone. She scooped up a little and turned to face the man. “I'm not going to die today but you just might.”

The man laughed. “You're a witch. You can't harm me. Its against the law to harm human with magick.”

“In Una but we are in Zesra now and in the colony of Astoria. I can do as I please here.” Aura blew the brimstone into his face and snapped her fingers.

The powder ignited burning the human man and sent him screaming to the ground.

The crowd turned to see what happened. One of the guards came over and recognized Aura. “Princess, its unwise to be walking around unescorted.”

Aura sighed. “As you can see, I am able to defend myself. Take him to the dungeon. The King will deal with him.”

“Yes Highness but Prince Dragas would have us all flogged if he found out that you needed to do so. Come now and I will take you back to Crystal Palace.”

“I will get what I came for then go.” Aura turned to the merchant and bought several packets of herbs. She gave the man extra coin for the brimstone she had used.

When she was finished getting what she needed, she disappeared in a golden mist. She appeared in her sitting room at the castle moments later.

Dragas looked up his paperwork. “There was trouble?”

“How did you know?” Aura put her purchases on a table and took off her cloak.

“Your mode of transportation.” Dragas put down his pen. “I told you to take an escort.”

“Dragas, I am faerie, witch, and dragon. I can handle a man trying to rob me of my purse.  He is in the dungeon and he will need a doctor.”

Dragas raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing.

“I need tea.” Aura pulled the bell cord. “It's not everyday someone tries to rob me.”

Dragas stood up and went over to her. “Next time take an escort. You are the one thing in life I can't bear to lose.”

“I'm sorry I worried you.” Aura kissed him softly on the lips. “I'm not used to needing an escort.”

“This isn't Una.” Dragas reminded her. “Things are not as idyllic.”

Aura wrapped her arms around her husband and just held him. 

Pretty Things

 Pretty Things
Cedrick Fellows(Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet
Prompt 4: Indulgent
Word Count: 519
 

Cedrick sat in the dressmakers shop  and watched as Lady Violet chose material and embellishments for several new dresses. He supposed he would find himself in this situation often. He smiled. He could deny her nothing and she knew it.

The seamstress gathered up the designs and samples and took them into the back of the shop. She could be heard giving orders to her workers.

Lady Violet finally turned and looked at him. “Why are you smiling. I just spent an obscene amount of money on dresses. You should be quite cross.”

Cedrick reached out and captured her gloved hand. “You do what you like. I just want you to be happy.”

“I am.” Lady Violet smiled back at him. “You spoil me so.”

“If I am indulgent, it is only to gain your favor, my love.” Cedrick gave her a heated look. “To be honest, you would be a vision of grace and beauty in a flour sack.”

“Cedrick, you will make me blush.” Violet fanned herself dramatically then gave him a wink. “I am the most lucky woman on earth.”

Cedrick rose to his feet. “I am the lucky one. I have married beauty and grace personified.” He kissed her cheek then whispered in her ear. “Not to mention the most passionate lover I have ever had.”

Lady Violet blushed and licked her lips. “Cedrick!”

Cedrick just laughed. He was sure he had gotten his message across.

The dressmaker returned. “It will be two weeks, my lord. I will send the bill to you by post.”

“Thank Mrs. Blythe. I shall send payment promptly.” Cedrick turned to Violet. “Are you sure you ordered enough?”

“I ordered plenty.” Lady Violet laughed. “Thank you Mrs. Blythe.”

Lady Violet took her husband’s arm and let him guide her out of the shop. She pinched his arm as soon as they were outside.

“What has gotten into you lately, Ced? You're practically giddy. Not to mention very amorous.”

“I'm just a newly married man enjoying my life.” Cedrick shrugged. “You know we should rest when we get home. Shopping is so very tiring.”

Lady Violet shook her head and whispered. “You just want to lift my skirts.”

“Yes. I do.” Cedrick admitted. He opened the door of the carriage and handed her up. He got in beside her and shut the door. “You know you wont object. You haven't so far.”

Lady Violet sighed dramatically. “So you indulge me and I return the favor by lifting my skirts?”

“I had no motive other than your happiness.” Cedrick pouted. “I was going to have you lift your skirts for me regardless. I can't help myself when it comes to you, my love.”

Lady Violet laughed then leaned closer and whispered. “Shall I lift them now? We could tell the driver to take the long way around the park.”

Cedrick knocked on the roof of the carriage and called to the driver.. “Branson take the long way. My lady wants to take in the sights.”

“Yes my lord.” The carriage lurch forward.

Cedrick pulled her into his lap and kissed her breathless

The Party

 The Party
Cedrick Fellows (Lord Wickson)/Lady Violet Bellmore
Prompt 5: Tinkle
Word Count: 515
 

Cedrick pulled Lady Violet into the hallway. “I don't know if we should do this now. Your aunt doesn't look happy that you brought me along. We may have to wait.”

“Nonsense! She's just going to have to get used to us.” Lady Violet eyed him closely. “Unless you're having second thoughts about marrying me.”

“No. I’m not.” Cedrick assured her. “We have an understanding and I’m not backing out of it.”

“Then let's go back in to the party and tell everyone our news.” Lady violet pulled on his sleeve.

Cedrick took a breath. “If you're sure…”

“I am positive.” Lady Violet took him by the hand and led him back into the ballroom. She led him to the middle of the room. “Everyone! Please settle down. Lord W and I have wonderful news. She nudged him. Don't we, darling?”

“Yes. Yes we do. Lady Violet has agreed to become my wife. We wanted you all to be the first to know. There will be an official announcement later this week.” Cedrick smiled at the stunned faces. “That was the reaction he expected. Well I suppose we should toast to it.”

Lady Violet took two glasses of champagne from a waiters tray. She handed one to Cedrick. “Here you are, darling.”

“Thank you, my love.” Cedrick held his glass up. “To my bride to be, Lady Violet.”

Cedrick clinked glasses with Lady Violet and took a sip. Lady Violet blushed and took a sip as well. The room was filled with the tinkling of crystal as everyone toasted to them.

Lady Violet’s aunt came up to them. She whispered quietly to them. “Girl! You must be daft. Are you in trouble?”

“My lady, I have been nothing but a gentleman with your niece. I am not a cad.” Cedrick proclaimed. “I have great respect for your niece.”

“I'm sure.” Lady Bellmore glared at him. “I know what you young gentleman get up to. I'm no fool.” She turned to her niece. “Answer me Violet and tell the truth. Has he been inappropriate with you?”

“No he hasn't. I am not in trouble but Cedrick will need an heir sooner rather than later.” Lady Violet winked at him. “Don't you, darling?”

Cedrick shifted on his feet and blushed. “Well yes I will but….”

“As long as it's not too soon after the wedding.” Lady x shook her head. “These young people today have lost their minds.” She threw up her hands and walked off.

Lady Violet giggled and took a sip of champagne. “That went well.”

“That could have gone better.” Cedrick took another sip of his champagne.

“Actually, I expected it to go much worse but the night is young and she may find her tongue soon.”  Lady Violet put her hand on his arm and nodded to a settee. “Sit with me and let them offer us well wishes.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you are always going to be a shock?” Cedrick patted her hands.

“At least, I won't be boring.” Lady Violet looked up at him with a smile.