Star-Cross Cookies: Part 3

#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm
#Wss366 recreate/re-create

Armed with Carnelia’s name, Rozemyne headed to the library, much to the dismay of her chief maid, Lieseleta. Rihyarda could have handled it, but Lieseleta lacked the experience and gravitas to control Rozemyne when she was fired up.

"Lady Carnelia!" Rozemyne shouted, bursting into the reading room the girl was using.

Lieseleta said just loud enough for the Aub to hear, “At least give her a proper greeting.”

“Of course,” Rozemyne replied.

“May I pray for a blessing in appreciation of this serendipitous meeting, ordained by the harsh judgment of Ewigeliebe, Lady Carnelia?” Rozemyne rushed through her greeting.

“You may.” The lady in question spoke barely loud enough to be heard and trembled like a winter leaf, which wasn’t surprising, given that the Aub had addressed her so suddenly.

“I need something red, romantic, and heart-shaped,” Rozemyne said.

“You might want to explain a bit,” Lieseleta said. She was overstepping herself, but the poor woman Rozemyne was addressing looked bewildered and on the verge of fainting in fright.

“Sorry, I want something to use with cookies for Star-Cross Day. Something other than those dreadful bugs! I don’t see how anyone could think coach beetles were romantic.”

Lady Carnelia stared, and then, as the word "romantic" sank in, she began to think. Her brows furrowed, and then a smile touched her lips. "There's the 'desert heart.' They have red, heart-shaped leaves and a mild, pleasant flavor. Perhaps you’ve had tea made from them.”

Rozemyne’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, that lovely mint tea. I think we export it. That would be wonderful.”

Lieseleta was used to Rozemyne’s use of strange words, but Lady Carnelia looked puzzled at the word “mint.”

Blissfully unaware, Rozemyne continued. “Mild, red, mint cookies with a heart-shaped leaf in their center. Perfect!”

Carried away, she rushed off to see the chef, leaving poor Lady Carnelia to recover in the now silent library.

[Sequel coming someday]

Tags: #SliceOfLife #AoaB #MicroFiction #TootFic #NMV366 #NMFic #Bookworm #Valentines

High Tea at The Royal Academy

•─⋅☾Author Notes☽⋅─•

#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#wss366 #Mastoprompt #PIXIVCharitySanta

I wrote this just as the translation of “Hannelore’s Fifth Year” volume two started appearing in J-Novel Club pre-pubs. To the best of my ability, this story doesn’t break the canon of “Ascension of a Bookworm” and volume one of “Hannelore’s Fifth Year.” Volume two will most likely render this AU, though. However, I like the idea of Rozemyne and Hannelore eventually living together. They both need a good friend.

Tags: #SliceOfLife #AoaB #MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMV366 #NMFic #Bookworm

High Tea at The Royal Academy

•─⋅☾6. Tea Cake Crumbs☽⋅─•

#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#wss366 #Mastoprompt #PIXIVCharitySanta

•─⋅☾Meanwhile in Dunkelfelger☽⋅─•

“Oh, my,” said Sieglinde, Hannelore’s mother. It would have taken a more observant man than Aub Werdekraf to notice the slight pallor that crept into his wife’s cheeks. But it was there, a sure sign that something highly unusual and alarming had happened. Fortunately, no servants were in the private dining room where the two were having dinner to observe her alarm.

“Is that Hannelore’s letter?” he asked as she handed it to him. He blinked as he read it, glanced up at his wife, and then continued reading.

Putting it down, he said, “How could Ferdinand have let this happen? A magical shumil?”

“Not just any shumil, it's a minor artifact. Only Ferdinand and Rozemyne could have made this one.”

“But what could it mean?” Wedekraf’s voice was muffled by the hands he had placed over his face.

His wife gave it some thought. She was the steadying hand that kept the Dunkelfelger ruling family in line. “Ah, I think I see.—Have you noticed that Rozemyne is inordinately fond of Hannelore?”

“One could hardly miss it. Do you think that’s all it is—an extravagant gift?”

“Do be sensible. Given Ferdinand’s involvement, it must mean something—something that can’t be spoken of directly.”

“But what?”

“What if Rozemyne is in love with Hannalore? If Ferdinand were to take Hana as a second wife, she would have an unassailable place where she could be with Rozemyne.”

The Aub took his hands away from his face, revealing brows scrunched in concentration. “That does sound like the kind of devious plan Ferdinand would come up with, but Rozemyne? I thought she had eyes #solely for Ferdinand.”

His wife was smiling now as she tapped her finger on the table. “It’s the #perfect solution to our Hannelore problem. She gets a good marriage with people who will ensure her comfort, and we strengthen our relationship with Alexandria and Rozemyne.”

•─⋅☾And in Alexandria☽⋅─•

Ferdinand emerged from the laboratory and approached his reading wife. “Do you know where the Shumil tool went? I had some ideas about how to cut down on the mana cost.”

The book slowly lowered, and Rozemyne looked up at him. “I sent it with Lady Sorrona to give to Hannelore.”

Ferdinand’s eyebrows twitched. “You did what!?”

Rozemyne set aside her book. “Oh dear, am I going to get another lecture?” Her tone was resigned.

[FINIS]

Tags: #SliceOfLife #AoaB #MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMV366 #NMFic #Bookworm

#Goldilocks and Three Grim Fates: And This One is Too Cold

#Mythpunk #Horror
#Wss366 #Mastoprompt 12/14 #TimeTravelAuthors 12/13 #WordWeavers 12/14: injuries

“We need to get out of here!” I yelled as soon as I had recovered from seeing my wife burned at the stake.

“We can’t leave her,” Claire sobbed. But I knew my duty and what Rebecca would have wanted. That was to get our daughter to safety. I could return here with a priest or a medium or someone else—anyone—to see if we could recall Rebecca.

I grabbed Claire and dragged her to the door. She kicked and screamed. Her nails tore at my hands, but I held on. Finally, she broke free when I tried to open the cabin door.

For a second, I was paralyzed, torn between opening the door and catching her again. Then, there was a #popping noise, and I felt a sharp pain run down my back. Only after I’d hit the floor did I realize what had happened. I had thrown out my back while trying to do both.

It was an old injury, but when it went out, I couldn’t move for weeks.

Paralyzed, I watched Claire run to the bedroom, screaming her mother’s name. “Rebecca! Mommy!

Then silence fell.

“Claire, honey. Help me.” I called. “We need to get out of here so we can bring someone back to rescue Mom.” I wasn’t #optimistic, though. Laying her soul to rest was probably the best we could do.

I waited, #hoping I’d convinced Claire.

“Okay,” she replied, coming out of the bedroom. Sparkling white gems dangled from the torn fabric of her white dress. The words “Anastasia screamed in vain” came to me from somewhere.

I shivered when she spoke again, in a #faraway, forlorn voice: “They came for them. Мама, папа.”

Slowly, her eyes focused.

“I’ll help you, папа,” she continued, her voice still dreamy.

She re-entered the bedroom, where I could see her next to a chest of drawers. When she pulled out the first drawer, she dumped it out. Clothes, a length of rope, and other odds clattered to the floor.

“This one is too messy,” she chanted. I heard the next drawer and chant, “And this one is too empty.”

Finally, she opened the bottom drawer and took something out.

“And this one is so cute. The Santa looks just like you, папа.”

She held a snow globe depicting Santa in a town square. In the background, a palace stood amid snowdrifts. When she shook it, snow flew—dazzling, blinding, a sheet that obscured the room.

She repeated, “Just like you.”

The snow brushed my face. In the background, I heard a horse scream and a gunshot.

3/4

#TootFic #MicroFiction #Serial #NMFic #NMV366 #NMSAM #NMTTA

High Tea at The Royal Academy

•─⋅☾4. Book Buddies Forever☽⋅─•

#FanFiction #AscendanceOfABookworm #HanneloresFifthYear
#wss366 #Mastoprompt #PIXIVCharitySanta

As was customary, Sorrona took the first swallow of matcha. Then, she passed the cups around.

Everyone took a sip of the emerald-green #liquid. The lady from Klassenberg made a slightly wry face but quickly hid it. What was her name? Hannelore wondered. "Valeriane Tochter Klassenberg. That was it."

"This is lovely china, so unique," Valeriane said. Hanna thought it was perhaps an attempt to cover up her faux pas. "May I buy a set for my tea parties?" Valeriane went on.

“No, I’m sorry,” Sorrona answered. "They won't be available until after the Archduke Conference, but you can have the setting in front of you as a gift. You'll find Aub Rozemyne’s personal seal on the bottom.”

"Now, on to the treats," she said, sampling a sandwich and each confection to demonstrate that they weren't poisoned. "This is matcha milli feuille," she said, cutting into the lavish cake. She stumbled slightly over the name and giggled nervously.

"Everyone calls these tanieh jellies," she said, picking up the deep tan confections. "And these are mochi," she said, eating one of the round confections. "Rozemyne is very proud of the mochi. She said that they were incredibly difficult to develop.”

Finished, she turned to Hannelore. "You might be wondering why Her Grace entrusted me with debuting her creations. I was surprised, too, but when she asked who wanted to join the library committee, I was the only one to volunteer. She said you were my senpai, and that I should listen to you."

Sorrona giggled after making this serious announcement.

Hannelore stared as a feeling of déjà vu washed over her.

When Sorrona held up her little finger, it seemed to Hannelore that the girl wanted to shake pinkies. Flustered and unsure what to do, Hannelore complied, wrapping her pinky around Sorrona’s.

Sorrona giggled again and said, "Book buddies forever."

Such obvious favoritism clearly showed that Alexandria had singled out Dunkelfelger for special favor. Either that or they were signaling a marriage offer was in the making. Perhapes, Ferdinand was looking for a second wife. One wrong move and they would feel snubbed, and she would make an enemy of them.

Hannelore could feel the other women’s eyes burning through her. They would immediately share this intelligence with their duchies. Until she heard back from Dunkelfelger's Aub, her every move would be watched and interpreted. It was a nightmare.

She carefully #folded hands, making sure her smile didn’t waver. It was a far cry from her thoughts."What has my bad timing gotten me into this time?"

Tags: #SliceOfLife #AoaB #MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMV366 #NMFic #Bookworm

Adachi is NOT Santa 足立はサンタではない (2/2)

#FanFiction #AdachiAndShimamura
#wss366 #PIXIVCharitySanta

[Continued from the previous post]

“Hey, I brought you a warm can of red bean soup,” Shimamura said, holding out a can.

Adachi reached out stiffly and took it. Her face remained buried.

“Can I sit with you?” Shimamura asked, sitting down before Adachi could answer.

“Well, open it, silly,” Shimamura said, popping the lid of another can. Then, put the warm tin next to her shivering friend’s cheek. “It’ll warm you.”

Adachi raised her head and opened her can, still not saying anything, instead looking out at the snowy roof as if she could find comfort in the whirls of snow. This cold Adachi made Shimamura uneasy. Usually, Adachi’s eyes would turn to her, but now there was nothing. She could usually reach Adachi with some teasing or just a look.

“Do you want to rest your head in my lap?” Shimamura’s voice was soft with no joking for once. “We can watch the snow until it’s time to go home.”

Her friend nodded and plopped into her lap.

“Ouch, be careful.”

After a pause, then a muffled, “Sorry.” Then, “Shimamura…” and a choking sound.

Shimamura looked out at the fluffy snowflakes falling. Then, tentatively stroked Adachi’s head. It was soft. Her hand glided easily over the silky strands. She was really a beautiful girl and so needy.

After a while, Adachi stopped trembling and repeated Shimamura’s name. This time it was soft with a touch of wonder in it.

“Such a baby,” Shimamura thought and brushed a snowflake from Adachi’s hair.

#MicroFiction #TootFic #NMFic #NMV366
#AdachiToShimamura

#TheMoonsHindMostWound

12. Moon Rise (2/2)

#FanFiction #TheApothecaryDiaries
#wss366 #MastoPrompt

That ended when Mao heard Jinshi say, “Someone is going to have to be punished for letting the assassin die. I suppose the mercenary woman will have to take the blame.”

Mao frowned upon hearing the guard mentioned.

“Steel?” she asked.—“Never make assumptions” was one of the things she had been taught, but she was sure of the answer.

“Yes, the woman Mù’er. She was holding the woman when it happened, and as a foreigner, no one will complain about her death.” As he spoke, Jinshi looked intently at Mao. From the squint in his eyes, Mao assumed he was wondering what she would say.

Mao should have been happy at this announcement, after all, she owed the woman for her early rudeness and for tossing her around like a sack of millet. Mao’s ribs were still tender from the pounding they had taken from the saddle horn. Still…

“It is entirely my fault. I was careless with the poisoned arrow, and Steel lost her grip because I stumbled into her.”

"What am I saying?" Mao thought. Judging by the stares of Basen and Jinshi, they were thinking the same thing. Suiren's glare was almost enough to kill her on the spot, which might be a mercy, considering the alternative.

“Pardon my wandering mind, but didn’t I hear it was one of the family members who stabbed her with the arrow?” Suiren’s statement stunned them all. Mao wondered what her intervention would cost her.

Seconds ticked by until Jinshi replied, "No, you remember correctly. Maomao would never be careless with a poisoned arrow, let alone leave it wedged in place for someone to impale themselves on.” To anyone less familiar with Jinshi, the sarcasm in his statement would have gone undetected. Mao heard the jab but was unbothered. It seemed a small price to pay for her actions.

“I think, as a reward for guarding our clumsy Xiaomao,” the Moon Prince continued, “we should permanently assign Mù’er to guard her. We can’t have Xiaomao carelessly harming herself.”

Mao shuddered.

*** Finis ***

#MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMFic #NMV366
#ApothecaryDiaries

#TheMoonsHindMostWound

12. Moon Rise (1/2)

#FanFiction #TheApothecaryDiaries
#wss366 #MastoPrompt

Jinshi still looked pale, but thanks to Mao, he could work for short periods again. Not that either Mao or Jinshi’s head maid, Suiren, agreed.

“Maybe I should have used less of the antidote,” Mao grumbled to herself. She was in a particularly #crabby mood due to the nausea resulting from experimenting with the assassin’s poison. The fact that the rice cakes with persimmon #jam didn’t tempt her spoke volumes. Jinshi’s royal robes were too bright to look at. Fortunately, the muted colors of his office were easier on her eyes, and she kept her gaze on the mild yellow embroidered flowers on the curtain hiding Baryou.

She refused the dish of rice crackers that Jinshi pushed toward her. What she wanted to say was, “Go back to bed, you idiot.” That's what she felt the doctors should have said. Given Jinshi’s feelings for her, she would have survived the impertinence. However, with Suiren frowning at them both, she didn’t dare say it.

Instead, Mao eyed the wine, wondering if it would settle her stomach while Basen droned on about the events leading to the capture of the Shaoh assassin and the family sheltering her.

[Continued in next post]

#MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMFic #NMV366
#ApothecaryDiaries