An announcement was pinned in the common room the day after the birth.  It was a simple one, announcing the birth of Michelle's daughter, Tamara Faraday, (7lbs even) and assurances that mother and child are both doing well ( Read more... )

Another one of hers has gone. Having returned, she found his room empty and devoid of activity. And she knew - it was only confirmation ( Read more... )

It's not winter, not quite, not yet, but the weather seems to have forgotten that minor fact as the day downs crisp, cold and white. A layer of snow has covered the ground overnight and large, fluffy white flakes still drift down through the air. A glittering lacework of frost gilds the windows, and icicles have begun to sparkle along the eaves ( Read more... )

It's been two weeks. Jack knows because Jack's been counting. On the pillars of his bed, not too far from the ballroom, he started making a notch every night. Some were crooked, he has to admit. Anything involving a knife, that happens where you're solidly drunk, is bound to be a problem ( Read more... )

They have worked long and hard, grandfather and grandson, to create this prototype. The gun is an elegant thing, exquisitely decorated,but it is also deadly, for the ammunition it shoots is more akin to an explosive than to an actual bullet ( Read more... )

[Spoiler (click to open)]He'd done it. Jack had asked his own father to kill him, to order his execution. Thomasina had said, "Your father wants for you a living death, to brick you into a wall with someone who loves you - who you can't stand the sight of... until you produce an heir, which Silas will take, and raise right this time ( Read more... )

She was resting quietly - a friend was to visit, as indeed Angelique has been bedridden for a long while now. She's in fact been expecting the labor to start every day... for a month ( Read more... )

It has been a time since the Mansion experienced any type of trouble. By the Dark Lord's account, the Crafty Vala's, far too long. From the void where He is confined, He observes, awaits an opportunity. His armies may be amassing, or not, He is not ready for an onslaught just yet ( Read more... )

Some time after Agravain's death, Mordred leaves ( Read more... )

Andrew was wrong.  Exile Is not empty.  Emptiness is a lack of feeling, and feelings are something Michelle finds herself drowning in.  Exile is not empty; it is lonely.  Unlike Andrew's exile, Michelle's is different: literally away from Shiloh, away from her family, the court, and everything she's known.  She's away from David, as he runs for his ( Read more... )