I Draw A Lot These Days X3 Well Again, A Little Something Linked To The PL X BotW Crossover By @mortallychaotickingdom

I dunno, it just crossed my mind and it became a drawing X3 Here is a Lady of the Belle Epoque, with a french touch I think XD

The colors are not what I expected but, well, it's better than a blank space >~<

Maestro belongs to @phaunicier

Chapter 6 : Chocolate and bitter thoughts

–Dad... Is this it ?

Leon frowned a bit turned to look at his son. After Raymond has gone to pick up his mother, they had decided to take something to eat while waiting for the Scottish man to return and the archaeologist decided that it would be fair to let Desmond –the young boy still wanted to be called like this, to him Hershel was now his little brother and he was safe, somewhere out of Targent's reach– choose what he wanted to eat before dinner. The boy had looked around and there was nothing but a little cafe right in front of the park, where Ray had left them. This was a logical and pragmatic choice and, as a matter of fact, the boy was having a very rational mind, seeking pragmatism most of the time, especially not to make his father's life more complicated than it already was. They had sat outside and ordered while waiting for Raymond, and so Desmond had asked for some pancakes and hot chocolate while Leon had only taken a coffee. Black, no sugar. Better to stay awake since he hadn't slept the previous night and almost not the night before either. But he forced himself to smile and keep a rather positive mindset for his son's sake. However, the question got him perplexed.

–What do you mean, my boy ?

Desmond looked down at his chocolate and sighed.

–Are we going to stay here ? I mean... longer ? I... You know, I just wish that we could settle down a bit... maybe a year at least, and do what... what a family do...

Leon's expression grew sadder in the instant and he gulped while trying to restrain a few tears to the corner of his eyes. Of everything, that was what he regretted the most, not being able to protect his family. In fact, he had not been able to do so. And it was because of him, because ofthe Azran– no, because of HIS enthousiasm regarding this ancient civilisation and how much ambition he had put into it, neglecting the danger such a discovery had brought upon him and upon his family. It was HIS fault if these guys showed up one day at his door and tried to have him in a sort of a cult. It was his fault if they had put their threat into act and had taken him and his wife away. Desmond had told him what had happened after this. For two months, both brothers had been living alone in their house while trying to think of a way to stay together but in the end they ended up getting separated and Desmond too was about to get adopted if Leon hadn't come back to pick him up and flee from Targent. And it was all his fault, because if he hadn't tried to escape, Rachel would still be alive at least and Theodore –now Hershel Layton– and Desmond wouldn't have been targeted by a terrorist organisation.

–Dad ?... I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry !

The english man jolted and opened wide eyes before getting dragged out of his thoughts, realising that in fact he was indeed crying, just a few tears but crying anyway. Damn, his father would've called him a crybaby for sure, especially now that he was himself a father. But in this instant he couldn't help but to let out a shy sob. He tried to smile and wipped his tears quickly before shaking his hand.

–No, no, it's fine my boy, it's fine ! I... I'm just a bit tired, that's all... But, to answer your question... I truly don't know... this whole story seems kind of crazy and I don't know if Raymond's mother is going to accept such a proposition.

He wasn't the best when it came to catch the hints Desmond was putting into the conversation, usually Rachel was better at this and she always had the good words, the right words, to comfort their children. But he thought that maybe it would be a good idea to dig it up a bit. If Desmond was asking him about settling down, it probably wasn't coming from nowhere.

–You'd like to have friends I guess ?

Desmond shook his head and looked away, a bit embarrassed. He had tried to hint it when he had said his father he would like to have other sources of knowledge but maybe even that was too subtle for him.

–Not really... That would be nice, indeed, but I... I'd like to go back to school, you know... To learn new things and... maybe go to high school later ? I'd like to learn more, to know more, there is so much I'd like to see, so many places I'd like to go, and–

He stopped and looked at his father, almost desperate by his own words. In his mouth, it sounded incredibly pretentious, petty, ungrateful, but he didn't want to live like a runaway for the rest of his life. But then, with all these questions came the means and the way to achieve such schools. Especially financially.

–I-I can work too, to help you with everything, and–

But his father only chuckled a little and messed with his hair before offering him a bright smile.

–These are grown-ups anxious thoughts, my boy. But I'll tell you. If you want to settle down, then I'll do anything so you can settle down. If you want to go to school, then I'll make sure you'll be able to. If you want to study, I'll make sure you can. So don't worry about anything else but what you truly want, and let me worry about these things. Whatever you want, wherever you go, I'll always support you. Always.

This was enough to make the boy cry, and for a moment Leon thought he had said or done something wrong but his son jumped off his chair and then hopped on his knees to hug him tight and let out all this pressure that had been put on his shoulders for months by now.

–––

In the park, near the gate in front of which the cafe was, Ray was sitting with his mother on a bench, looking at the boy and at the English man, puzzled but certain of something : these guys had been on their toes for far too long, they needed a place to land, a place they could rest knowing there was no enemy outside or inside. His mother was knitting something, her work was done mechanically as if she didn't even had to look at it, and she indeed hadn't taken her eyes off these two people.

–So... Ye truly like this sassenach and his beag, don't ye ?

–They are good people. And ye could come more of'en at yer cottage, mà. We would take good care of it. And the boy could be safe too, loek at him.

–Alright then. Let's not wait any longer, the ballach beag is cryin' !

She put her knitting work, whool and needles in her purse and stood up, already coming to see the boys with a very quick pace. Ray smiled and shook his head, almost having troubles to follow her. If anything, she had never been able to resist a child crying, she always wanted to see happy faces and hear laughters instead of sobs and tears.

When Leon saw them approaching, he seemed a bit confused and anxious, not knowing exactly what to do. He couldn't stand to greet her since his boy was still on his laps, and he couldn't even shake her hand or Desmond would've fallen down.

–O-Oh, hum... Good evening madame !

–Oh, call me Maighread an' quit the salutations, sassenach ! So, who may ye be, lads ?

Leon and Desmond looked at each other and opened wide eyes when they heard her accent. Ray chuckled and shrugged while taking a sit.

–Don't act surprised, A know she's got a helluvan accent, A'm just an amateur, pale. Now, mà, let me introduce to ye... hum...

Leon thought it could be a good way to break the ice a bit and to try to apologise for his rudeness regarding how surprised he had been by her speaking manners, and so he made sure to put Desmond down, stood up carefully and gulped before offering Maighread a hand to shake.

–P-Please to meet you madame... My name is Nikolaï, Nikolaï Sycamore, and this is my son, Desmond.

–Greetings madame, it is... it is a pleasure !

Desmond added before smiling a bit, not knowing how to behave either. The old lady smiled like the happiest person in the world and she seemed to love the idea of having her son bringing people home.

–That's so cute, ye truly are a very distinguish li''le boy, right balach beag ?

She then looked up at Leon and chuckled a bit, which was enough for the archaeologist to relax a bit. Maybe he wasn't making such a bad impression after all. The lady was quite common looking, her hair was like Ray's, her hazel eyes were clearer though and she was older, maybe around 60 probably, but her smile would've make her noticeable anywhere at anytime. Her clothes were common too : heels, a beige skirt with merely a embrodery on it, a rose maybe, and a blue cardigan, and of course a hat, the most sophisticated part of her outfit, carefully pinned on her hair.

–That's delightful to have people comin' here ! Ray barely comes to see me, but can A blame him ? He's a free spirit, as they say these days !

She took the time to stare at the English man and was quick to notice that he seemed to have eat nothing but air for the last past months. She grasped his face and frowned, rather with concern and a bit of reprobation.

–Gracious Lord, look at these cheekbones ! Ye needa eat something boy ! Good thin' Mà Bannag is there ! Now... Ray, ye can go with yer motorbike, A'll take the bus with Nikolaï and his son. This way ye can clean up a bit, it's probably dusty and needs some fresh air, me boy.

–Màààààà... A'm no handyman...

Raymond blushed a bit while scratching the back of his neck. Ah, ntohers, they always know how to embarrass their children, don't they ? However he couldn't say no to her, she was always very comprehensive, never angry, or at least he couldn't think of one single day during which she would've shown anger, and she was never asking him anything anyway. She deserved a lot more than just some help with the cleaning.

Finally, he gave up.

–Fine, I'll do it. Don't be late, OK ?

But before he could go to his bike, Desmond grabbed the edge of his jacket and his eyes were shimmering with excitement.

–Please, can I come ?!

Maighread was having the fondest smile ever hanging on her lips while Ray was surprised enough to open his eyes wide, but not enough to really be cought off guards. Seeing how the child loved mechanics already, he could tell how fascinating a motorbike could be.

Leon, as for himself, was livid. It was as if every trace of colour had left his face and his hand was trembling a little while he was gulping nervously. Let his son go by himself with a total stranger ? Sure, Ray had saved their life once, but Leon was always having his son near him, not too far, and if he had to leave him alone to go to London for example, he would do it knowing there were people ready to take care of him, like in their previous village, or when he was absolutely certain there was no danger. And yet he would never leave for more than an hour, two at best. But right now, leaving his son going by himself with Ray, in a foreign country, alone, on a motorbike, in the countryside, that was too much for his little heart.

And what if they had an accident? What if Targent was there, looking for him and his son even here in Dingwall ? What if Ray was not a good person in the end ? What if he had given his trust to someone dangerous ? What if he was putting his son's life on the line again, just like he did with Rachel and Theodore ? His breath got shorter and his heart seemed to want to jump out of his chest, so much that he was wondering if he wasn't having a stroke.

–Hey, sassenach... !

A firm hand on his shoulders brought him back to reality and he looked at Ray who was trying to understand what was going on here, his hands on his shoulders and a worried frown carving his forehead. Desmond was not saying anything but he bit his lower lip whike clenching his fists and looking away. He was young, right, but he knew his father wasn't fine and in fact he knew that his father was having these kind of struggles rather often. Most of them late at night.

–Y-yeah... I'm fine... I'm fine, I just- I...

–Dad, you're not...

Leon could feel his heart beat painfully in his chest, because he was now again feeling guilty for his behaviour, for his choices and for what he was showing to his boy. No no no, he had to be better, to show him that he was there, even if times were hard, he had to show him that he could protect him. It was his goddamn role, as a father ! He forced himself to smile but his face was still pale, and he bags under his eyes were contrasting so much with his carnation that he seemed to almost be sick.

–I'm just a bit tired, t-that's all.

–No, it's not...

–Sassenach...

Raymond sighed, knowing perfectly well how the English man's brain was reacting and thinking about the boy's wish. He trusted no one. He trusted his son and that was all, and deep down Ray couldn't blame him, that was a way to survive, a very good strategy when you had very few allies. But it was a vicious circle, because you couldn't have allies if you were not able to put some trust in people.

–A doubt ye'll trust me on ev'rythin', but... A swear A wanna help ye... ye both... So, if ye don't feel like lettin' your boy comin' with me, A won't try to convince ye otherwise. Yer son's lucky to have ye as a father...

He looked at his mother who just smiled sadly, as if both were understanding each other without a word, and he shrugged before messing with the boy's hair.

–Don't worry, maybe later balach beag.

–W-Wait...

Everyone looked back at Leon who was trying to take a decision. His face was still showing how uneasy he was, how internally he struggled to give an answer, and how much he wanted the best for his son, even if he was crazily worried for him. He began to fidget a bit, playing with the edges of his coat, and he gulped nervously before taking a deep breath.

–I... I am trying... really... it's just...

Suddenly, and before he could say more, Raymond seemed to have an idea and he clapped his hands together, making Leon jolt again.

–A know ! What if we get on me bike and A drive in front of yer bus ? This way, ye can see us, and the boy's getting a ride !

Desmond opened wide sparkling eyes and a large smile flew across his face before he looked back at his father, with bug puppy eyes pleading for it. Leon seemed to ponder the idea and, after a sigh, he bit his lip and nodded, even if his smile was a very poor mask to hide his worry.

–...I... Yes, why not ? But... you'll be careful, right ?

Raymond smiled. But this time it wasn't a cynical grin or anything, it was a true smile, a kind one, showing how touched he was, to be entrusted with the child. He patted his shoulders a few times and winked.

–No worry, sassenach, we'll be just right ahead.

Desmond almost jumped in his father's arms and hugged him as much as he could, knowing perfectly fine how much this decision was costing him.

–You're the best, dad... thank you.

Leon couldn't help but offer him a smile in return and caressed his hair before kissing his forehead and letting him go with the Scottish man. In fact, seeing them getting on the motorbike, he had almost forgotten that they were four and not three. When Maighread pinched his cheek, his winced a bit but blushed, embarrassed, and stared at her whole she was staring at him, calmly and happily.

–Ye're a good boy, fer sure. Ray's right, yer son's lucky ! Now... come, son, A think we need a li''le chat here.

Ahe looked to her left, Leon followed his eyes. A few meters away, there was a bus stop and, away again, a bus coming right to it.

-> First chapter

-> Previous chapter

Here we are, back at drawing DRESSES *^*

*Hum hum* Well, you all know that I love to draw clothes, and the harder it gets the better I like to draw X3

Something inspired by the Roaring 20s and birds X3 I love magpies a lot so here it is !

[ Edit ] -> I put a second one with the first one because I live that kind of fashion and I love the 1920s ^w^

Which one is your favorite ? ^^

Alright so it is my turn X3 I don't really have a file of wip for drawings, because I work mostly on my phone and I can't do that BUT ! I have way too much things regarding writing X3 in French sooo sorry but not translated ><

OK, so, we've got :

La Mer ( "The Sea", in French )

Castigat ridendo mores ( a common latin formula for theatre "correct moral by laughing" )

Lady Macbeth ( about ghosts basically X3)

Captain Blood ( about translation )

Fic Layton ( two or three things in there X3 )

Translation Wandering Castle

Thieves and gentlemen ( this thing is in english though X3 )

Les Fleurs du mal ( "The Flowers of evil" (?), Charles Baudelaire, French poet )

Les Sept miroirs des anges ( "The Seven mirrors of angels" )

And I think this is all X3 I dunno who to tag so let's invite everyone who wants to do so X3 Hope I didn't deceive too much people ><

WIP Tag Game

no one actually tagged us this time, but since we have about a million WIPs atm i wanted to resurrect this thing :-)

Rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Falcon 3

Fantasy Romcom Buddy Trip (A Salt-Stained Dawn)

Four Crooked Branches

What the House Remembers

Codebreakers

The Dark-Eyed Dandy

Thread the Needle

The Diviner’s Hand

Knowledge Hunters Rewrite

The Ring and the Ribbon

Reality Show Divorcees (Syndicated Vows?)

Coffee Alchemist

Seventh Summer

Kirkie Taylor and the Graveyard Shift

battle of the bands type story

i do NOT know that many people however i WILL be tagging @professor-glasses, @solstice110, @verdantclouds, @bossdatomi, @mortallychaotickingdom, @cain-shuga, @simminglytimeladies, @felix-krain, @exaggeratedmisconduct, @freedomending, and 5 more volunteers from the audience

New drawing X3

I did a redraw of a famous scene from the Disney movie "Atlantis" But with Aurora from Azran Legacy X3 also I changed her clothes and damn it was hard to draw her as if she was some kind of cristal girl XD

Happy pride month everyone !

So now let's recap something very important I should have mentionned on this account :

Whoever you are, gay, bi, pan, ace, aro, cis, hetero, trans, non-binary, you will always be welcome here !

And always remember this : you are VALID ! And whoever tells you otherwise is a jerk.

So happy pride month, be proud, be yourself and be welcomed here ^^

It's been a stressful week so I worked on this to cope with anxiety X'3 I can't do something too big ( I'm working on my phone so not easy peasy lemon squeezy ) but I'll probably continue if I have time and energy to waste on this silly concept 🙃

Looks like Claire is not that impressed by the Captain X3

And looks like the Captain knows more about the Azran gold that he would tell ~

So this is not an idea going out of my mind that easily ! XD

Damn, it would be so cool ! Well, sad af, but really cool !

Also, I dunno, tell me what musical or what sont did you thought about ? Because as for me, I can easily see mostly a song for the prologue and a vilain song that could fit for it. Dunno, do some of you know "Hell to your doorstep" ? If not, listen to it, it is a godamn good song ! Could fit for Descole or for the Masked Gentleman probably X3 ( I know MG is in Miracle Mask and not in Eternal diva but let's consider I want a full musical with all of them XD )

And this Prologue is so epic Aaaaaaaaah I'm in love !

Also, one last thing : for those who know the Count of Monte Cristo's story, don't you think it fit perfectly for Desmond's story ? A story of revenge, against someone he trusted, whatever it takes ? I haven't finish the first book yet but dammit I need time to do so ><

AU where everything is the same but Eternal Diva is a musical movie so many of the characters sing

To apology about that weird dark shitty post yesterday, something more joyful !

DRESSES *^*

I love drawing dresses so I redrew some of them from Beauty and the Beat, 2014, a french film with incredible costumes *^*

And also Anastasia's dresses because SPARKLES ! *^*

And finally, on Tudor-inspiration dress and a dark wizard because I love history and fantasy XD

The models are 3 OCs of a friend X3 respectively Stella, Marianne and Atlas