Fic: Gift or Curse Chapters 47 & 48
X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse
Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.
Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.
Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters
Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas - Jackalopetrope, Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.
Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.
Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series
********************************************************************************************************
Chapter 47
****
The handsome, yet imposing man stood with fists clenched and veins standing out in stark relief, over the smaller, though unaffected woman. Looking bored but resolute Emily continued.
“If you do not settle things in your ‘house’ than I will find someone who will. Your indecision costs lives and your pathetic self-hatred issues are at best, tiresome and at worst, weaken your Triumvirate. In fact, your bullshit endangers it and those whom you are charged to protect. So in short; get the bloody hell over it and grow some stones! “ As she was speaking she allowed her Power to leak out, meeting up with the oven-like Power pouring from Richard.
While Richard, as Ulfric, was powerful in his own right, his bond with Anita and Jean-Claude enhanced that power. Emily was Blood Oathed to Miranda, whom was now the new Queen, making Emily significantly more powerful than most Ulfrics. Nevertheless, since she was one of the few female Ulfrics in the world and diminutive in comparison to the muscularly tall Richard, plus he had no knowledge about her Power ‘upgrade,’ naturally he like so many before him underestimated her. She’ll have to ensure that he’ll never make that mistake again.
She slowly smiled, immediately disconcerting the male Ulfric, Emily slowly turned her back towards him, motioning everyone to leave the room - including Richard’s enforcers. Like beetles stinging along her back she could feel Richard’s ‘heat’ and the sub-human growl from behind her. She knew that no matter what kind of ridiculousness he’s allowed to influence his leadership he was still a formidable opponent. But that was just fine by her; she loved a good fight. The slight sound of displaced air was the clue that Richard was about to attack; she turned and partially shifted smoothly, while kicking off her pair of Dior heels, as her legs and feet grew significantly bigger and more muscular. A huge partially-shifted honey-colored male was leaping towards her, claws outstretched to do some serious damage. The fight was on!
****
After that Andy only rolled her eyes as both combatants sat being fussed over while sharing cocktails. Albeit, Richard seemed a little more worse for wear; dislocated shoulder, large bloody trenches in chaotic pattern all over his upper body, and an ice-pack on way-past-swollen-set-of-balls, to name a few. Emily was being tended to by Senura --- tended to meaning being licked and kissed within an inch of her life. Andy thought she more than ready to leave St. Louis.
She had just gotten off the phone with her Mother; it seemed that she and Miranda were required to present themselves at the Unseelie Court in three days (that was all the time her Mother could get them). Miranda was currently meeting with Jean-Claude to iron out some details before they headed back to hotel for some much needed rest and recovery. All this did nothing to stem the tide of nervousness about the impending Unseelie Court visit. But she knew this needed to be dealt with before they returned Home to begin a new chapter in their lives.
Chapter 48
****
Hours before the Meeting in the Sithen
From all the stories and pictures they’ve seen, on the sheer scariness scale, Queen Andais gave Marmee Noir a run for her money. Apparently she was once considered some type of ‘warrior demi-goddess’ in her previous life before the Fey fell out of favor with the Gods. It was all very strange and mythical. In fact, the entire journey to the Unseelie Court was strange and otherworldly. The Sithen, is the home of both the Unseelie and Seelie Courts. From the outside it appeared to be a huge earthen mound of dirt and grass. But it was much, much, more. As with all things related to the Fey, appearances were deceptive. It began the moment they left the lobby of their hotel; a long black, sleek, silent, limousine awaited them. However instead of the usual metal and gears, a strange yet powerful vibe echoed from the vehicle. Andy looked at Miranda and watched as her eyes narrowed in focus, as if she was trying to figure something out. The windows were tinted so dark that they couldn’t see inside, not even the driver; which should have alarmed them. But Andy knew this power because it was Fey magic.
Rhys came up behind them. Her Mother’s entourage had already left for the Mound, he remained behind as their guide to the Mound.
“Whoa! I see Queen Andais sent the ‘big guns.’”
Seeing the confused looks from Andy and Miranda he explained. “This, my ladies is the Black Coach, the Queen’s personal car.” He grinned at seeing the surprise on Andy’s face - Miranda seemed unfazed by this pronouncement.
“Considering that Andréa is her descendent of course she should send her personal car. However, I fail to understand what is so special about this car given the obvious moniker.” But Rhys just laughed and shook his head in amusement.
“You’ll see in just a moment.” With twinkling eyes, he dashingly motioned them towards the car.
Miranda protectively approached the car before Andy, wondering with mild irritation when the driver was going to collect their luggage or open their door. But as she was about to address Rhys once again, the door suddenly opened with a quiet hiss. Andy and Miranda looked at each and then at a smirking Rhys.
“Well, after you.” Miranda rolled her eyes in exasperation. Damn Fey! As if she hasn’t had enough mystery and magic to last a lifetime.
As Miranda and Andy slid onto the black interior, the car seemed to give a ‘sigh’ as they sunk into the seats. Everything was black, the windows so dark it was if you were staring into night. The darkness was broken up by some kind of mysterious greenish vapor along the ceiling and floor.
“Oh my gawd! I remember! The legendary Black Coach; a magical object among the Fey. It’s like thousands of years old or something and obviously this is the latest variation - can’t have a horse and carriage picking us up. It also appears only when It wants to.”
Many Fey objects, steeped in ancient magic, relics to a time when the Fey were looked upon with fond affection by the Gods, had vanished throughout the years; taking the soul of the Fey with them. It was Andy’s mother, upon coming into her Power; the Hand of Flesh and Blood, and Fertility, that many of the items began reappearing. The Black Coach was one of these items.
“Very good, Andy. We may just make you into a proper Unseelie yet! I’m glad to see you’ve been reading up on the literature that Princess Merry left for you.”
Miranda appeared relaxed and unconcerned as she laid her silvery head back, with her eyes closed. However, all her senses were sharply in tuned with her surroundings; gauging, connecting with the Fey vehicle, as Rhys and Andréa chatted on. When she first slid in this powerful Fey object seemed reluctant to let her in - the leather seats seemed harsh and cold, uninviting. But the minute Andréa slid in next to her and snuggled herself into Miranda’s side; it sensed her bond to Andréa, to the Unseelie, and the sigh was released.
Nigel, Serena, and Emily, followed them into the vehicle. Amusingly, as they settled into their seats the car seemed to let out a grumble - they weren’t Fey, but it did recognize them as ‘important’ to the Unseelie in the car.
“Well, Andy, I see your penchant for the dramatic hasn’t diminished. I mean really? Do we really ha-“ Emily was interrupted before her snark got them into trouble.
“Ah, I’d stop that train of thought if I were you; as with all things Fey, this car isn’t what it appears. In fact, it’s sort of… alive. So if I were you I’d be careful what your next words are. It might just turn into a pick-up truck.” Andy had a thought that comparing this esteemed object of the Fey to the Adaams’ Family’s car would not go over well.
Turning her attention to Senura, Andy thought they made an interesting pairing. “Senura, I can’t tell you how psyched I am that you’re joining ‘the crew.’ Miranda seems determined to take on the world, so I’m happy that Em, Serena, and Nigel, have some serious back-up.”
Not to mention having to deal with Vampire politics and other Preternaturals was already hard, add the Fey to the mix, and life was sure to remain very interesting. They’d need all the loyal help they could get. But as they drew closer to their destination Andy could feel the Fey magic miles before they arrived. Huge and green, breaking up the low mountainous range, in Cahokia, IL, was the home of the Sithen or Mound. It called to Andy’s magic in a way similar to when she met her Mother or Doyle. The butterflies dancing a tango in her belly were not helping… Queen Andais; apparently was as scary and intimidating as Marmee Noir, it didn’t help that she tried to kill her Mother several times. Apparently having ‘mixed heritage’ still got the same crap deal here as it did among humans. So she wasn’t looking forward to what Queen Andais thought about Andy’s rather… interesting heritage-which to be honest was still a little dicey.
However, Andy had in her opinion, a pretty, scary Queen of her own; Miranda.
Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.
Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.
Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters
Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas - Jackalopetrope, Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.
Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.
Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series
********************************************************************************************************
Chapter 47
****
The handsome, yet imposing man stood with fists clenched and veins standing out in stark relief, over the smaller, though unaffected woman. Looking bored but resolute Emily continued.
“If you do not settle things in your ‘house’ than I will find someone who will. Your indecision costs lives and your pathetic self-hatred issues are at best, tiresome and at worst, weaken your Triumvirate. In fact, your bullshit endangers it and those whom you are charged to protect. So in short; get the bloody hell over it and grow some stones! “ As she was speaking she allowed her Power to leak out, meeting up with the oven-like Power pouring from Richard.
While Richard, as Ulfric, was powerful in his own right, his bond with Anita and Jean-Claude enhanced that power. Emily was Blood Oathed to Miranda, whom was now the new Queen, making Emily significantly more powerful than most Ulfrics. Nevertheless, since she was one of the few female Ulfrics in the world and diminutive in comparison to the muscularly tall Richard, plus he had no knowledge about her Power ‘upgrade,’ naturally he like so many before him underestimated her. She’ll have to ensure that he’ll never make that mistake again.
She slowly smiled, immediately disconcerting the male Ulfric, Emily slowly turned her back towards him, motioning everyone to leave the room - including Richard’s enforcers. Like beetles stinging along her back she could feel Richard’s ‘heat’ and the sub-human growl from behind her. She knew that no matter what kind of ridiculousness he’s allowed to influence his leadership he was still a formidable opponent. But that was just fine by her; she loved a good fight. The slight sound of displaced air was the clue that Richard was about to attack; she turned and partially shifted smoothly, while kicking off her pair of Dior heels, as her legs and feet grew significantly bigger and more muscular. A huge partially-shifted honey-colored male was leaping towards her, claws outstretched to do some serious damage. The fight was on!
****
After that Andy only rolled her eyes as both combatants sat being fussed over while sharing cocktails. Albeit, Richard seemed a little more worse for wear; dislocated shoulder, large bloody trenches in chaotic pattern all over his upper body, and an ice-pack on way-past-swollen-set-of-balls, to name a few. Emily was being tended to by Senura --- tended to meaning being licked and kissed within an inch of her life. Andy thought she more than ready to leave St. Louis.
She had just gotten off the phone with her Mother; it seemed that she and Miranda were required to present themselves at the Unseelie Court in three days (that was all the time her Mother could get them). Miranda was currently meeting with Jean-Claude to iron out some details before they headed back to hotel for some much needed rest and recovery. All this did nothing to stem the tide of nervousness about the impending Unseelie Court visit. But she knew this needed to be dealt with before they returned Home to begin a new chapter in their lives.
Chapter 48
****
Hours before the Meeting in the Sithen
From all the stories and pictures they’ve seen, on the sheer scariness scale, Queen Andais gave Marmee Noir a run for her money. Apparently she was once considered some type of ‘warrior demi-goddess’ in her previous life before the Fey fell out of favor with the Gods. It was all very strange and mythical. In fact, the entire journey to the Unseelie Court was strange and otherworldly. The Sithen, is the home of both the Unseelie and Seelie Courts. From the outside it appeared to be a huge earthen mound of dirt and grass. But it was much, much, more. As with all things related to the Fey, appearances were deceptive. It began the moment they left the lobby of their hotel; a long black, sleek, silent, limousine awaited them. However instead of the usual metal and gears, a strange yet powerful vibe echoed from the vehicle. Andy looked at Miranda and watched as her eyes narrowed in focus, as if she was trying to figure something out. The windows were tinted so dark that they couldn’t see inside, not even the driver; which should have alarmed them. But Andy knew this power because it was Fey magic.
Rhys came up behind them. Her Mother’s entourage had already left for the Mound, he remained behind as their guide to the Mound.
“Whoa! I see Queen Andais sent the ‘big guns.’”
Seeing the confused looks from Andy and Miranda he explained. “This, my ladies is the Black Coach, the Queen’s personal car.” He grinned at seeing the surprise on Andy’s face - Miranda seemed unfazed by this pronouncement.
“Considering that Andréa is her descendent of course she should send her personal car. However, I fail to understand what is so special about this car given the obvious moniker.” But Rhys just laughed and shook his head in amusement.
“You’ll see in just a moment.” With twinkling eyes, he dashingly motioned them towards the car.
Miranda protectively approached the car before Andy, wondering with mild irritation when the driver was going to collect their luggage or open their door. But as she was about to address Rhys once again, the door suddenly opened with a quiet hiss. Andy and Miranda looked at each and then at a smirking Rhys.
“Well, after you.” Miranda rolled her eyes in exasperation. Damn Fey! As if she hasn’t had enough mystery and magic to last a lifetime.
As Miranda and Andy slid onto the black interior, the car seemed to give a ‘sigh’ as they sunk into the seats. Everything was black, the windows so dark it was if you were staring into night. The darkness was broken up by some kind of mysterious greenish vapor along the ceiling and floor.
“Oh my gawd! I remember! The legendary Black Coach; a magical object among the Fey. It’s like thousands of years old or something and obviously this is the latest variation - can’t have a horse and carriage picking us up. It also appears only when It wants to.”
Many Fey objects, steeped in ancient magic, relics to a time when the Fey were looked upon with fond affection by the Gods, had vanished throughout the years; taking the soul of the Fey with them. It was Andy’s mother, upon coming into her Power; the Hand of Flesh and Blood, and Fertility, that many of the items began reappearing. The Black Coach was one of these items.
“Very good, Andy. We may just make you into a proper Unseelie yet! I’m glad to see you’ve been reading up on the literature that Princess Merry left for you.”
Miranda appeared relaxed and unconcerned as she laid her silvery head back, with her eyes closed. However, all her senses were sharply in tuned with her surroundings; gauging, connecting with the Fey vehicle, as Rhys and Andréa chatted on. When she first slid in this powerful Fey object seemed reluctant to let her in - the leather seats seemed harsh and cold, uninviting. But the minute Andréa slid in next to her and snuggled herself into Miranda’s side; it sensed her bond to Andréa, to the Unseelie, and the sigh was released.
Nigel, Serena, and Emily, followed them into the vehicle. Amusingly, as they settled into their seats the car seemed to let out a grumble - they weren’t Fey, but it did recognize them as ‘important’ to the Unseelie in the car.
“Well, Andy, I see your penchant for the dramatic hasn’t diminished. I mean really? Do we really ha-“ Emily was interrupted before her snark got them into trouble.
“Ah, I’d stop that train of thought if I were you; as with all things Fey, this car isn’t what it appears. In fact, it’s sort of… alive. So if I were you I’d be careful what your next words are. It might just turn into a pick-up truck.” Andy had a thought that comparing this esteemed object of the Fey to the Adaams’ Family’s car would not go over well.
Turning her attention to Senura, Andy thought they made an interesting pairing. “Senura, I can’t tell you how psyched I am that you’re joining ‘the crew.’ Miranda seems determined to take on the world, so I’m happy that Em, Serena, and Nigel, have some serious back-up.”
Not to mention having to deal with Vampire politics and other Preternaturals was already hard, add the Fey to the mix, and life was sure to remain very interesting. They’d need all the loyal help they could get. But as they drew closer to their destination Andy could feel the Fey magic miles before they arrived. Huge and green, breaking up the low mountainous range, in Cahokia, IL, was the home of the Sithen or Mound. It called to Andy’s magic in a way similar to when she met her Mother or Doyle. The butterflies dancing a tango in her belly were not helping… Queen Andais; apparently was as scary and intimidating as Marmee Noir, it didn’t help that she tried to kill her Mother several times. Apparently having ‘mixed heritage’ still got the same crap deal here as it did among humans. So she wasn’t looking forward to what Queen Andais thought about Andy’s rather… interesting heritage-which to be honest was still a little dicey.
However, Andy had in her opinion, a pretty, scary Queen of her own; Miranda.