thou shalt always kill -- annelise

[PHINEAS AJAX PAKARINEN]

I will take negativity and make it inspire me, I was not a book from a library, As I stand here alone, I declare I was not a loan, To be picked up and dropped off at a later date, And you barely even made my spine bend
Just skimmed through some of the interesting bits then skipped to the end

Ajax had never really been the sort of lad that suffered from night terrors. Perhaps he ought to have been more alarmed when the occasional one happened, or when occasional became regular. Dark circles often plagued the pale young man when he would trudge out of bed and face the day. But Ajax was also smart...enough. Stress was a very easy and likely excuse for his sleepless nights, after all everything had started after he moved Issy into his flat and proposed. Most everyone knew what sort of family Ajax came from, so if anything it was more shocking when others found out the company he kept especially his bride to be. Yes, it was a valid excuse for the terror he faced when his eyes closed and his mind ran wild and free.

The previous night had been rough for Ajax, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep from Issy the real reason for his restlessness. Sure he liked midnight snacks but how many times could he use that excuse in a week, and blaming work only meant trying to explain what about work could be stressful and - he just needed to get away for a bit.

There had been no hesitation in owling his eldest sister. Ajax was not completely obvious to their differences but Lisi had been showing him more support, she made him feel like he had a safe place to talk about his struggles - with Issy, with their parents, all of it. Even if often he could see the hint of distaste in the way her lip would turn when she was obviously just trying to hard to not show how she felt. Still, in his mind that was progress towards embracing the life he had picked for himself.

Now his tradition had been to get Lisi a new teacup, maybe not every time he saw her but it was just his thing. No doubt his sisters got tired of him creating these sort of collections for him, but Ajax wanted to spoil his elder sisters; maybe he was the youngest but he knew it was a bother's duty to treat his sisters in such a manner. It'd been a while since he had bought her a new teacup and he didn't actually go out looking for it - if anything he had found it and knew it was perfect for his eldest sister. He had wrapped it in an off white box, beige - that was the color right? He knew it was one she favored, she never was keen on flashy colors. He finished it with a simple thin black ribbon ties in a delicate bow.

It was hard to find a wizard tea shop that was up to the standards his sister held but Ajax by now knew a few 'go to' locations that Lisi had even ...could he call it a compliment? He was going to call it a compliment because that was about as close as it came. He choose their favorite, it was quite, located far enough from muggles and 'unsavory' sorts of magical folks. One of the muggleborns at work had claimed it was similar to some sort of country club that muggles had - Ajax still needed to get Issy to explain those to him.

Dressed in a pressed charcoal colored shirt and smart black trousers Ajax went to met his sister - he even wore his nice polished shoes and styles his hair in a way that only helped to assure that it was Annelise he was going to see. Ajax made sure to arrive early, extra early. His sister was not to beat him - he wasn't keen for a lecture on why you never make a lady wait, he still remembered the first time she gave him that lecture.

He watched the door and stood when he saw he enter - always rise to pull out a lady's chair, which was exactly what he did. As she approached he moved to pull her chair out for her a smile already on his face. Her present sat in the middle of the table waiting for the right time to be opened. "Lisi! I'm so glad you were able to make it, I know how busy work keeps you. Sorry the weather is - well, its spring time in the united kingdom, what else can we expect except rain? And don't worry, I already told them to keep an eye out for you so that we won't be waiting long for our tea, peppermint for you of course..." Ajax trailed off, making sure his sister was all set before moving back to sit in his own chair. His blue eyes fixed upon her and a small smile lingered on his lips. Yes, differences and all he was still very happy to see his eldest sister.

NOTES: teacup! also teacup!
TAG: ANNELISE GWYNETH PAKARINEN

[ANNELISE GWYNETH PAKARINEN]

She hated apparition. After years of using it, she still could not get used to the sickness it provoked in her weak stomach. But the rain gave her no other choices. Had it been an invite from someone else, she would have declined. However, it was from her brother Phineas – the Prodigal Son of the Pakarinen who had yet to realise his sins. A year had gone by since his outrageous engagement with his unworthy, silly, halfblood girlfriend and yet his traitorous act was still a popular subject of gossip amongst the pureblood housewives. Many of them sent their condolences to her mother in an attempt to sympathize with her loss of a son. What an embarrassment. Kristoffer would not stop cursing the name of his only son and heir while Lisbetta was constantly overwhelmed with her sobs.

Yet it did not seem to bother Annelise as much as it bothered her parents. Prior to Phineas’ engagement, there had not been a day that she did not try to talk her brother out of his insane idea that would ruin their family. But very subtly, she stopped. No more attempts were made to discourage her brother from pursuing the unsuitable marriage. It looked as though she had given up, and love had really conquered it all.

Sure it had. But it was a different kind of love: tough love.

Annelise arrived at the tea shop that her brother had suggested five minutes before the time they had agreed on. It was expected that Phineas was already inside, or she would not let him get away with such a bad habit of keeping a lady waiting. She hurriedly entered the shop to avoid the strong winds that were trying to mess up her hair. The aroma of tea overwhelmed her senses as soon as the door was opened. It was a soothing feeling, in contrast with the chaotic weather outside. How she longed for summer to arrive. But it was very thoughtful of him to choose this place – one of the few places that could satisfy her inner judge when it came to tea.

The tall figure of her younger brother immediately caught her eyes as he rose to his feet. Every time she saw him he seemed to be a little taller. Or maybe it was just her. Not so long ago, she still had to help him get the stuff on the top shelves. Now he was all grown, but not a tiny bit more rational than the little starry-eyed boy who believed in love that he had been. A smile grew on her pale face as she saw him pulling her chair for her. She supposed all the nagging about his manners and behaviours did work well. ”Of course, Phineas,” she replied promptly with enough stress on his first name as she heard the silly nickname ‘Lisi’ that he used to address her ”I would never say no to my brother. But indeed, I wish the weather could be less gloomy.”

The boy then went on about their tea. ”Peppermint tea for you of course…” She almost laughed when she heard him speak of it. His efforts to memorise her preferences were almost touching. ”Peppermint tea from this shop is not as great as that from Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop. But I'll have it.” She asserted with a smile. Sure she could have pretended to be impressed or happy. But modesty was never one of her strengths.

Her brown eyes landed on a little something wrapped in beige paper and decorated with a black bow on the table. The intention to impress was clear as day. Her brother was indeed a simple boy. His authenticity was so much different to her craft. She had once wished he could be more aware, but now his blissful ignorance turned out to be more helpful that she had thought. ”Is that for me?” asked she, seeming considerably surprised. Annelise did not have to be a seer to guess what was inside the wrap for it had become a little habit of hers to receive a teacup as a gift from her brother every now and then when they had a chance to meet. One third of her most beloved teacup collection was originally gifts from him. Her favourite one was from him as well, although she tended to kept it out of sight whenever he came to visit. It was very pleasing that he cared, even if she would not admit. Phineas had done many wrongs, but at least he had got a few things about his eldest sister right.

His enthusiasm amused her more than she would like to confess. But it could not conceal the dark circles under his blue eyes. Annelise observed her brother closely like the way she often observed the mice she used to test her charms on. Despite the usual bubbly look, he seemed rather tired. The dark-coloured outfit, though smart-looking, made his weariness slightly more obvious to her. Just as expected. “Have you been well, Phineas? You seem… a little tired.” she asked in a impeccably concerned tone.


tag: PHINEAS AJAX PAKARINEN
note: Awww, he's so adorable.

TEXT MADE BY ARRO @ CAUTION 2.0

[PHINEAS AJAX PAKARINEN]

I will take negativity and make it inspire me, I was not a book from a library, As I stand here alone, I declare I was not a loan, To be picked up and dropped off at a later date, And you barely even made my spine bend
Just skimmed through some of the interesting bits then skipped to the end

A smile was held upon his face as his sister spoke. No matter which tea shop they went to there would always be something that could be improved upon, it was a true Slytherin trait of his sister's - the strive for greatness, or at least in this case perfection which were close enough if you asked him. It didn't bother Ajax though; perhaps growing up around her he was almost desensitized to some of her harsher characteristics as if he could almost find many of them endearing even. So he nodded and shrugged a simple unspoken suggestion that he would try and do better next time. Of course he could have spoke his mind about how he just tended to assume Annelise would care for a more adult setting since that is what they both were - at least wasn't she wanting him to be more of an adult? Still he didn't quest out loud nor did he let the thoughts linger at all because it was after all just Annelise, a woman who demanded perfection.

When she questioned if the gift was for her Ajax perked up more, his tired eyes almost seeming full of life for a moment. "Yes! I couldn't help myself I saw it and...what can I say, a brother's job is to spoil his sisters. I never have understood why so many assume that only an elder brother ought to dote upon his younger sisters. Besides who doesn't like to receive a gift for no particular reason?" Maybe he wasn't the best at being a proper pureblood but Ajax always felt confident in calling himself a proper brother. What wouldn't he do for any of his sisters? Even if Nora was a rotten brat he still tried to dote on her the way he did Lisi and Delia. Carefully he slid the box with in her reach

"Me? Of course, I mean...tired, yes, a little. I've been working more, the experience is good, and I'm really helping these people which is wonderful, I love it. It's just work though, nothing really." It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth. He'd not told anyone about the night terrors, not even Issy - besides what could Annelise do, he was the healer not her. He made a mental note to talk to one of the potion masters and get a stronger draught after this meeting. "I'm sure you remember what it was like making the adjustment from school to work." And maybe she did remember, but he was still unaware of what was really going on - still ignorant to the knowledge that she was fully aware of the night terrors as they were of her design.

"What about you, I feel like its been forever since I've seen you..." Of course it wasn't easy to see your family when it often ended in a fight. Ajax tended to keep away from their parent's estate except when asked and it wasn't as if he was expected or allowed at most large family gatherings. He could feel his jaw tightening and his teeth wanting to grind as his mind started to spiral downward into the thoughts of the disownment threat. More and more he found himself getting carried away into this thought, it had almost given him a panic attack a few times because he couldn't get control of his thoughts. It felt like mental whiplash and he forgot about everything for a moment.

"Sorry, did you say something Lisi? I guess I'm a little more tired than I thought, terrible of me to get lost right there...when are they going to come around with the tea...." He had started to tap his fingers on the table in impatience. It was embarrassing to space out and lose his thoughts like that in front of his sister. Was he really that tired? He looked to her and focused on her, intent not to lose his thoughts again. The smile held on his face was flawed was she going to see that there was something underneath? Ajax had always prided himself on being able to hold onto his secrets - at least the ones he wanted to hold onto. But Annelise was smart, and his sister, it was even harder to hide what going on. Truth be told it was impossible, but once again Ajax was still ignorant to everything Annelise was putting him through.

NOTES: teacup! also teacup!
TAG: ANNELISE GWYNETH PAKARINEN

[ANNELISE GWYNETH PAKARINEN]

Annelise perked up as her baby brother commented about “a gift for no particular reason”. Her facial muscles tensed a little but very quickly relaxed. She had once used that phrase, too, to reply to the supervisor of her Department in the Ministry when asked about the little gifts. She had carefully chosen them for him so as to win his favor and earn herself exclusive access to the little laboratory for testing and researching her new charms. There was no such a thing as “a gift for no particular reason”. A puzzled smile crossed her face very subtly as the tips of her fingers tapped lightly on the wrapped box.

This was Phineas Pakarinen – the starry-eyed boy who believed in love and equality amongst bloodlines. He had too good a heart for such cunning.

Setting aside her own unjustified paranoia, she unboxed the gift. It was difficult to believe that her rebellious, reckless and impulsive little brother could have eye for something that delicate. Annelise squinted her eyes a little, as though it would give her better sight of the flowers on the piece of pottery. Once the purple and white petals registered in her mind, she could not help letting out a small laugh. It was a rare occasion that Annelise Pakarinen was so pleased about something. “White magnolia would have been a better decorative choice, but thank you for being so thoughtful, Phineas.” She lowered her head, pretending to examine the interesting shape of the teacup to hide the smile on her face. “It is a sister’s job to take care of her brother, too.” She said with a considerable amount of affection as she carefully touched his hand. And she meant everything she had said. She had always taken care of him in her own way, even when he might not want it, or know it.

His stuttering amused her, although she kept a straight face. It took quite an effort not to roll her eyes at his assertion about helping people. How ironic when the healer himself was the one under treatment. “Of course, helping people is something everyone should do. A very rewarding job.” She replied, finding her tongue almost twisted as the words rolled off. They made her cringe a little. After all, she never had very high opinion of people putting others above themselves. Selflessness was nothing but the romanticized version of stupidity. “Oh yes, I do remember how hard it is to step into the “real” world. Too many burst bubbles. Too many uncertainty. Too many sleepless nights.” She shrugged a little and replied with an innocent smile as he mentioned the transition phase from school to work.

The topic of his health was deliberately avoided by switching to that of her health instead. For the first time in a while, Annelise ignored the table manners she had upheld so strictly her entirely life to place and elbow on the table and play with the soft dark brown locks of her hair. Her rosy lips curved up into a gentle smile and her eyes almost sparkled. Almost. “Well, I have been very much… in love.” The very mention of love was so close to setting goosebumps all over her skin. Talking about it now was even more cringe-worthy than her proposal to Viktor Rousseau the other day. After all, both Viktor and she saw it as a business deal from which they both could benefit. But pretending to be in love with him in front of someone else was a completely different story.

Annelise revealed no more of her “love” story as she realized her brother had gotten lost in his own thoughts. Only now did her eyes truly gleam with joy. He seemed so weary, distracted and above all, anxious. Her spell seemed to work such wonder that he could not gather enough attention to the current setting to noticed that the waiter had come with their beverages in the middle of her brief mention of her current relationship status, or that she had dropped a tiny pinch of a white powder-like substance into his cup and delightfully watched it dissolve. Powdered mandrake to kill an unborn child or to poison’s someone’s dream, not at all easy to get it from the stores. But the lovely enhancement of strength it gave the Magnolia Rêver charm was worth it. “Phineas, darling, the tea is right in front of you.” She remarked in a low tone, eyeing the thin vapor coming up from the cups on the table. “Have a sip. It might help with the drowsiness. Or whatever you claim it to be.” She was still smiling, but her eyes were sharp, staring right at him. She was not going to force him to tell her what happened to his poisoned dreams. But it would be nice to know the progress of her little experiment, after all.


tag: PHINEAS AJAX PAKARINEN
note: oh my lord, it has been a million years. i'm so sorry for the delayed reply. >.<

TEXT MADE BY ARRO @ CAUTION 2.0

[PHINEAS AJAX PAKARINEN]

I will take negativity and make it inspire me, I was not a book from a library, As I stand here alone, I declare I was not a loan, To be picked up and dropped off at a later date, And you barely even made my spine bend
Just skimmed through some of the interesting bits then skipped to the end

Ajax's face was lit up like a child's when she finally set to opening his gift. Annelise was the hardest of his sister's to please it so often seemed but even he could tell that he had done amazing in his picking. Even though she had to remark that it wasn't the right color Ajax knew it was harmless - she couldn't be too sweet to him. As her hand softly touched the skin of his own Ajax's smile soften and he placed his other hand atop his sister's - he wanted to prolong and savor her affection like he always did when she gave it. It was rare, but to Ajax it just made her affections seem all the more special.

Little did Ajax know that Annelise was already 'taking care' of his, at least he was still so oblivious to her manipulation. So when she said this Ajax could only feel a relief in himself. "You always have Lisi." If he was honest being around Annelise always seemed to make him feel calmer these days, at least compared to when he was around others. "I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you for an eldest sister - I think all of us would be a little lost with out you." No, he would be better off with out her - at least if he wanted the life he had dreamed of for the past few years. He was blinded though, blinded by love and trust on all fronts.

Annelise had always been so good at supporting his choices, even when their parents hadn't. Of course she had voiced her concerns but in the end she always seemed to come around and support what he wanted. Like being a healer. Ajax knew she wasn't the fondest of the whole 'helping others' but she understood this was different, this was an important job. At least, that was how Ajax saw her support - Annelise was a cunning witch though, in ways far greater than any of her siblings.

It felt easing as his sister explained she remembered how hard it was to transition after school. Mostly, because she expressed having sleepless nights as well - so nothing to worry about. He couldn't help but give her a thankful smile, it felt good to have a level of understanding between them. Still, he wasn't at ease enough to talk on his health - just yet.

Regardless Ajax still had to take a moment to realize the tea was already there. How had he missed the arrival? It was very hard to hide the worry that he was now getting lost - or was he losing time? Still he tried to play it off as apologetic but he was sure his attempt was in vain she was his older sister and had known since before his birth - few things about him were truly a mystery to her.

So nodding Ajax did as she suggested and sipped his laced tea. Of course the tea was dark and strong, and powdered mandrake had no tell. If only he knew her as well as she knew him. A part of Ajax debated on mentioning what was going on to his sister - but....not yet, it was nothing.

Her gaze could be intimidating, even to himself. He found himself taking a few more sips under it before trying to make conversation quick - before she decided to pry, on the off chance she did. He tried to think about what they had been discussing before he had become lost in his mind. Hadn't he heard Annelise mention something about love.

"You realize that I'm not going to be content with hearing just that you are in love Lisi! Don't think I missed that, I need to know more! Love! When, who, how? You have to tell me Annelise, surely you're new found love is far more important than a few sleepless nights for me." It was clear Ajax was very keen on ever detail of her relationship - it wasn't as if she had brought the subject up often before. Actually had she ever mentioned loving any of the boys she might have entertained? This was big to Ajax, he wanted his sister to be as happy as he was. Shame she didn't actually feel the same - but Ajax was blissfully unaware. "I mean everyone has nightmares from time to time but how often does yous sister fall in love!"

NOTES:
TAG: ANNELISE GWYNETH PAKARINEN