I'm not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can kiss
I want something just like this

August 9th, 1890 — The Reach, Shiant Isle

"It is so peaceful here, beautiful. I cannot believe this is your view every day." Titania took in the delightful scent of sea salt the forests at her back. Peering out into the sea, near to the cliff edge as her hatred of heights allowed, Anya could understand why the Greybacks stayed so near their home. She was already reluctant to leave.

It had taken over three months to accept Mr. Greyback's offer of visiting The Reach, but it came at a most needed time. The Season was busy with charitable events, even now she no longer participated in the nonsense required of debutantes, but the unfortunate public encounter with the objectionable Mr. Picardy had shaken her. She hadn't even recognized friends in the crowd, she'd grown so angry. To her own mortification, when she'd arrived home and caught Isobel alone, the silly event brought her to tears. In an impulsive move counter to her sense, she sent an owl that evening to Professor Forfang asking to assist in further research. That little tidbit, she'd kept from Isobel.

The time with the Greybacks had been everything she didn't know she needed. Mr. Murdock Greyback and Isobel's seven - seven - siblings and the host of spouses and children joined them and, while Anya usually found herself overwhelmed in a crowd, she couldn't help but love the mass of people that made up the extended family, many she remembered from Hogwarts. Mr. Greyback's two daughters were the family members she most feared offending. The worry was unfounded. The two girls could not be more different, but they both delighted Titania. The elder was very determined to be a proper little deb and the younger was already exhausted by the idea. Titania could barely keep a straight face imagining what sort of battles their father was in for, but she found herself spending most of her "free" time the first day with the two. Proving she could play the piano and enjoyed her lessons won the first and the second posed the challenge that allowed Titania to show off her favorite bit of magic. Once she'd explained just what an animagus was, Titania found herself in the courtyard demonstrating her skill. She hadn't intended to give bear-back rides to children this weekend, but it was a lie to say she hadn't loved it. It was infinitely more enjoyable than normal societal conversation.

It was also easier than making sense of what she felt towards the family patriarch. They had been in company multiple times since their evening in April and, while Titania found herself anticipating Mr. Murdock's company, she was not so foolish to believe him as interested as dear Isobel would like to believe. In truth, Anya had no idea what to believe. She was merely a close member of the family and they got on well, but that was no reason to expect their encounters to lead to anything, regardless of Isobel's meddling. Between Mr. Murdock's friendship and attentions, Isobel's interpretations of said attentions, and Anya's own suggestible heart, she was rather uncertain. If only Isobel would stop with her matchmaking, Anya would be far more at ease with her current company than she was.

He'd offered to join her for a ride along the coast, something she was eager to do and it would be delightful to enjoy a moment away from smug if well-meaning sisters. Whatever another's perception, she would not risk offending Mr. Greyback over gossip, he had come to mean far too much to her for all that. "You have much to be proud of, Mr. Greyback. I cannot thank you enough for the invitation."

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

The series of events that had led to Miss Allaway being invited to the reach felt a little odd to Murdock now with retrospect, it was an unwritten rule that outsiders, that is- those who were not family, were not asked to the reach unless absolutely necessary.  The rational had been that  -well - Miss Allaway was not a stranger, she was family after a fashion -their sisters closest confident. The revelation that not only was Miss Allaway an animagus but a bear had been met with rolled eyes and threats from Murdock.  His sister had known of her companions skill, and the value that was placed on such an ability by the Greyback family - which encouraged all women both natal and married in to try and master the skill - the fact that not only had Miss Allaway succeeded but that it was a bear, which was infinitely more useful than his brother Adair's wife ability to turn into a salmon - come to think of it the two women might be best kept apart.  The news had led to all sorts of teasing and pointed looks by Isobel, which the other siblings picked up on and immediately began to mock and imitate. 

Miss Allaways company was not the problem - his siblings jibing was. 

As the visit wore on, however, even the teasing stopped having any effect on him, the lady's grace, charm and humour winning over even the crotchtiest of the Greyback men.  Her penchant for more outdoor pursuits went a long way in endearing her to the family which universally appreciated and enjoyed the outdoors.

On one of the several rides they had taken together during her trip, they made their way along the coast.  Murdock's large muddy white Clydesdale, with it's shaggy brown forlocks navigated the uneven path with ease - well used to the terrain and the route.  'Aye' he acknowledged, his speech more relaxed and informal, thanks in part to their better acquaintance and their removal from 'polite' society.  'There is nowhere in the world I'd trade it for.' he admitted, to be a Greyback was to love this land - more sentimental words were on the tip of his tongue, but he bit them back.  As much as he enjoyed Miss Allaways presence, and he hoped this new connection and intimacy would give her greater leave to visit with them, but other than his sisters insinuations he had no reason to believe she was dissatisfied with her lot, that she would consider giving up the freedom of her life for another, especially one bound to an antisocial man with children of his own. 

So for the moment he would content himself with her friendship, with visits where dancing and the quiet intimacy he so enjoyed were easy and unpressured.  Where after dinner cards, music, and dancing were unfussy and simple, and where they could go off by themselves for a ride and no one at the reach would think twice about the propriety of the thing.  To that end 'You should feel free to visit us...it often then.' he said quickly correcting his word choice.  'there is plenty of room in The Reach for those who appreciate it.' he offered with a smile. 

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This kind of thing

  

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MJ is a National Treasure

Titania could feel the love and contentment her host felt for his island with every syllable of his relaxed brogue. She adored her ancestral home and all it represented to her, but the Allaway Estate was so very different from the ancient stone castle, thick forest, and rugged coastline she'd taken in this weekend. "I don't know how your sisters bear to leave it." Anya offered honestly. Isobel always spoke fondly of the Reach, Anya was certain she would be heartbroken to leave so wild a place for any other estate. "This is so unlike Aberdeen or Edinburgh. It seems as if there is no open space remaining some days and the woods are nothing like this." She could only think of the well-manicured gardens and stone pathways that dominated the lowlands now. "This is paradise." she offered, her voice wistful. She would take this to the city every time.

She would also choose this society without reservation. Anya hadn't truly remembered what it was like to spend time with so many people whom were so closely connected, the Greyback visit for Isobel and Archie's wedding hadn't been this easy or relaxed. She wasn't hyperaware of the Society gossips when she danced with her host more than a single dance in an evening. The card games were certainly more delightful when brimming with teasing family members and stories that allowed for more than a polite chuckle. The evening's music was joyful and celebratory, but there was no shame in a moment of quiet with a book near a fire, no pressure to see or be seen. There was a true danger of Titania developing a bit of envy toward her fortunate host.

When the possibility of a future visit was extended, Titania found herself matching Mr. Greyback's smile, a sight she found herself rather fond of. She caught his correction, but it was certainly the influence of his sister that made her take notice in the first place. The uninvited commentary from a well-meaning but too involved confidant was something she wish she could tune out. "Would you be horribly offended if I chose to return for the company of the Reach's owners instead of the grounds themselves, Mr. Greyback?" She meant to tease, but realized how forward the question made her sound. "While I am fully capable of performing magic and music for the trees, I find it far more entertaining to share it with your daughters and even your uncle whom I fully believe cheated at cards last night and I do intend to have my revenge." Her attempt at politely disinterested lasted a full half second before she found her lips pressing tight to hold off a grin. What did it say about her when it felt odd to feel so at ease in the company of another?

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

He laughed heartily at her accusation of Hamish's cheating - he almost certainly had, and it was a good cover for the pleased grin that spread over his features at hearing that she would not be opposed to spending more time at The Reach.

He looked at her finally, 'You are welcome here, and among the Greybacks whenever you might wish to be Miss Allaway.' Then realizing how desperately sentimental he might sound he turned his head away. 'My mother always said it was a woman's lot to not feel truly at home in her father's house, knowing she would one day leave it for other kin.' he answered, looking out over the coastline, rather than at his companion, 'Isobel is certainly more at home in your brother's estate than here now, it suits her better.' he gave a gruff laugh, for all of the wildness of The Reach, Isobel was refined in the way of sheltered ladies - she had affection for The Reach but she was at home among the gentle finery of the Allaways, rather than the hearty, but beautiful wildness of their Scottish home.

Miss Allaway seemed better suited to a place like the reach, rather than over rigid and stiff fussiness of Georgian estates. Miss Allaways personalities was earthy, fresh, and in his view underestimated, like the sea surrounding their island - beautiful, and of unfathomable depth. Manon had been beautiful and delicate, like Isobel but she hadn't belonged to The Reach, it hadn't suited her, the air that braced Murdock had weakened her, he wondered how different things might have been if he had met someone like Miss Allaway first. It was a foolish thought, idle fondness of a man, who had found himself enjoying the company of a lady, and perhaps selfishly was loathed to lose that company to the demands of polite society. And polite society would soon impose on them - there were only so many hunting groups and house parties that one could reasonable hold out of season before gossip and the protection of her sterling reputation would draw her into the garish brightness of refined society - and he was loathed to admit it but he might just be inclined to follow.

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MJ is a National Treasure

Titania's smile was fond, and a little proud, of the laugh she caused. Anya didn't bother to fight for the title of wit or charm queen in social gatherings, and mostly kept her own counsel, but she enjoyed earning such reactions when the company was worth the effort. Her reward was doubled when Mr. Greyback reasserted his invitation to visit again. The thought of such a return had her dropping her gaze for a moment, a pleased smile winning out as she became throughly interested in the soft coat of the mare she rode as a form of distraction. 'Eager' felt uncomfortable and it wouldn't do to seem so ready to escape here again. She didn't wish to place a burden on their friendship. "I thank you, but if I am afraid that I will need to find a different hiding place for next season. Now that our shared connections know I am taken with your home, it won't be so easy to avoid owls and invitations." She offered her words in a playful manner, but the statement was accurate. If she had to choose between galas and days like today, she would further disappoint the nannies of her childhood.

"Your mother may be right," it was an accurate statement and she'd considered it often, knowing that she was expected to marry and leave as all women were, but her parents had been supportive of her throughout her dreaded debutante years and now as a woman matured. She was blessed with a loving and supportive family that refused to shame her and allowed her the freedom of a career, but she still felt some sort of disconnect, "although I am the aberration that feels most at peace when healing, buried in books, and adventuring into the woods, perhaps you shouldn't take my opinion on the matter." Titania made her not-truly-a-joke while following his eyes out to the sea. It almost surprised her how easy it was to laugh at herself in this moment. There was always the possibility of displeasing Mr. Greyback by speaking flippantly about her unconventional choices, but there was also a trust she placed in her companion's kindness of spirit. He earned that trust in the past months and, while overstepping some unspoken boundary terrified Anya, she was equally terrified of regretting moments not savored.

With a tiny groan, she turned to him fully. "Everything suits Isobel, it can be a bit vexing. I have never known a witch more capable of enjoying the trappings of Society, the social demands, the politics, and still able to be the kindest friend, most loving mother, and loyal wife. I express my love and my loathing for her in equal measure on a daily basis." Titania loved Isobel like the sister she never had and couldn't imagine a scenario where they were not the dearest of friends, but there was one other little 'habit' of Isobel's that Titania needed to touch on.

"Although, if I leave her here, she can continue to tease you and leave me to enjoy the quiet for a few days. I would like to think her dear brother is a more pleasing target than I am." Anya smirked in friendly challenge. She knew sibling taunting and it was more enjoyable to watch it unfold when she was merely a spectator. That, and the man before her had a frustrating ability to keep her composure in the middle of the teasing. Titania was an easy mark and blushed at everything. It was a relief to unleash Isobel's unrivaled mischief on a more seasoned professional.

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

[post]
There was something - strange in this woman. Not like a lunatic aunt, but like a puzzlebox to oddity that was left to idle on a shelf because no one was sure quite what to do with it, but was so special when one took the time to look close enough. He found himself more and more in the days she had been here studying her in unguarded moments - when she was playing with the girls, or talking with Isobel. The light in her face, the vibrancy of her near unnaturally blue eyes was like something that deserved to be kept under glass but in doing so would diminish it - a butterfly in a shadow box.

There had been a double intention of his statement - to relate a sentimental tale but also to gauge her reaction. Some women were content to be unmarried, that neither sought nor wanted a husband and children, and as much as Isobel might want Murdock to consider the lady as something more than a sister in law, it would do no good if the lady herself was quite set against any considerations to the contrary. But he could hardly complain about her preferring an adventure in the woods over domesticity - if given a choice he would prefer an adventure in the woods over just about anything else.

'I couldn't say where my sister got that ability' he noted, 'it was most certainly not from the Greybacks.' he laughed, the men at least were not noted for hosting society functions, although Murdock was more 'out' than most in his role as DMLE head and Wizengemot member. 'But I'm not adverse to her current vein of teasing.' It was no out and out decleration, but it was as near as. They were both aware of Isobel machinations (she was a subtle as a manticore in a tea shop). Murdock was a man of some little pride and while he was aware of his own feelings on the matter, he would not do the lady a disservice and impose upon her in that manner until he was quiet sure of her feelings - and there was family protocol to be observed- oaths and secrets to be sworn to before there could be the sort of frank talk between them that Murdock would have liked.

  

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MJ is a National Treasure

Every truth revealed and secret shared had Titania certain she would make a mistake she couldn't take back. Surprisingly - still - Mr. Greyback didn't flinch at her mention of her past career and her less social pursuits. Whether it was his time as an Auror or his place on the Wizengamot; the man didn't startle easily and, truly, it brought her a courage she did not claim on her own. Titania wasn't the sort to parade around spouting her feelings, they lived and died in her heart where they belonged. Locking eyes with Mr. Greyback was daunting and, not for the first time, she had a very real sense that he was seeing more than what she intentionally revealed. The sensation was unfamiliar but not wholly unpleasant. Still, it left her feeling unarmed; vulnerable in another's presence.

"You do yourself a disservice, Mr. Greyback. If memory serves, it was not Isobel that saved me from a social disaster this spring, in fact, she was the one that set up what could have been a true embarrassment had you not taken me aside. Either Greybacks possess some skill or you are a rather rare man indeed." She offered her assessment with an affectionate smile, she couldn't help but view the rather strange setup fondly. Her memory had cooled her mortification and warmed their interaction.

His seemingly dismissive acknowledgement of Isobel's meddling had Anya sucking in a quick breath, her mare slowly reacting to her tension, a frustrated stomp. Dismounting and tying the beautiful creature to a sturdy tree off the path within reach, Titania used the opportunity to gather her thoughts. Was there actually a suggestion in his tone? "Nor do I," was all she had to offer before turning to face him, no longer a match in height when dismounted.

The very thought of Mr. Greyback acknowledging and then accepting Isobel's machinations was a shock. Anya had thought him conspiring to humiliate her in the spring, convinced that any matchmaking was done in cruelty, but she had been horribly wrong. Both she and Mr. Greyback were caught in Isobel's odd web.

What was Anya to say? She could not deny that her general affection was becoming rather specific. Mr. Greyback coaxed things from her she rarely shared. He made her playful and, to her own surprise, a bit showy when it came to her magic. She wanted to impress him as much as she wanted to entertain his girls. Anya needed this man to see that of which she was capable, her intellect and her mastery. Knowing she cared for his opinion at all was a shock and a fright. It was hardly in her nature to clamor for attention or recognition; she wasn't a child. Nor was she blind.

"However, I would regret allowing japery to cloud my senses. Were I to offend in my rejoinder, Isobel would never forgive me." The tension in Anya had absolutely nothing to do with sister-in-law's opinion, Isobel wasn't the one teetering on the edge of a consequential arrangement. "Perhaps it would serve us best if we continued frankly?" It was not meant to be a question, but Titania could not find the last bit of strength to speak her hopeful assumption. She would rather jump from the sea cliffs than be incorrect in this moment.

“I would not lose your friendship over my misunderstanding. Please.” Her plea plainly stated and uncomfortably candid.

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

Despite his name and station, work was not something that 'put him off', he was aware, perhaps more keenly than most of the skills that the 'weaker' sex possessed - both for good and for ill. He had seen skilled and talented women master the animagus transformation with the ease with which some people handled levitation, and he had seen them concoct such dastardly and malign intricacies of evil that it would make your blood run cold.

He was thankful that she had turned away to tie her horse and dismount, and acknowledged that she did not entirely mind his sisters machinations. For all of his bluster and burly redness, he was not without his own bashful moments - usually covered by bluster and self depreciation. To not have to roll back from his position but looking her in the face was a pleasant surprise. And he had a moment to gather himself as she asked for frankness. THAT he could do - sort of.

The polite circling double speak of more elegant people was not a vein in which he was comfortable. In frankness, if not complete honesty, he could at least oblige her. 'Miss Allaway, my sister, as I think we are both aware, has been rather hinting that we should make a good, companionable pair.' he began, as though setting out the facts of a brief in work. 'Her methods, although questionable, are not, perhaps wrong.' he continued falterinly. 'I have found that I have very much enjoyed my time in your company, and wonder as to your view on allowing ourselves to feel more than familial affection for one another, more than that which a brother might feel for a sister.' It was not an out and out declaration - but that was not possible at their echelon of society, their were formalities to be gone through before anything like an out and out decleration of love could be considered by either. Especially with their families so close they could not behave rashly as cutting all contact would not be possible.

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MJ is a National Treasure

She asked for frankness, but the reality of the words given voice rattled Titania. The way he structured his argument, statements of fact instead of declarations of emotion, was of odd comfort to her. Titania was first and foremost a woman of reason, and her unsteady hands and heating cheeks were all the unfamiliarity she could stand at the moment. She was also a woman of practicality. She was a woman of thirty and three, unmarried, and being made the beginnings of an offer from a man she dearly admired at the least. There was no question of her required response, but it wasn't etiquette or Society guiding her words.

Titania caught her own bottom lip with her teeth, a habit that rarely reared its head in her adulthood, but when she found herself at a loss for words and afraid over overstepping, the habit surfaced. How was it she was more nervous of her footing now that Mr. Greyback spoke? Accustomed to alarm bells at the thought of misspeaking, the flutter of excitement was unanticipated and unsettling in the extreme. Risking a look in his direction, she took some courage in his own caution.

"I must confess, Mr. Greyback, it seems I owe you an apology." Titania dared to watch his bright eyes for a moment, the laughter she'd come to love in them absent for a moment. "It seems my allowed feelings changed without consulting either of us. My affections," Her face absolutely burned. "Are certainly not familial in nature." The admission took more out of her than she cared to admit; her shoulders sagging for a fraction of a second in relief. "And I think it safe for you to call me Titania. If you prefer." She added quickly.

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

Murdock could not help but hide a smile by looking away, it felt the kindest response for both of them, two awkward creatures who were dancing around their feelings by not looking into each others eyes. She was an exquisite creature, pale, delicate and strong in equal measures. Beautiful, like the landscape around him and just as captivating.

Murdock cleared his throat, 'Eh, with your permission Miss Allaway' he managed, faltering sounding like he had the first time he had had to testify before the wizengemot, a boy -rather than a family patriarch. 'Might I be so bold as to ask if you might...that is, if you might consider the possibility, that we may....em, that we might consider each others company a little more carefully, with a view to a more long term consideration of companionship. he ended as though he was suggesting a merger of their departments or something much more stiff and formal than the affectionate consideration he was really asking for - but this sort of formal social wrangling was not his comfort zone and there was little better he could really manage.

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MJ is a National Treasure

A ripple of unease ran through Titania as Mr. Greyback disregarded the invitation to use her given name. Whether it was the ocean below them or the blood in her ears, Anya felt a rush of shame. Had she overstepped or grown too comfortable? She'd grown greedy for his affections and pushed too fast. She was so caught up in her need to fix her perceived mistake, that she almost missed the continuation. Almost. It was impossible for Anya to ignore his voice.

It was the sweetest, most awkward quasi-question she could remember.


Apparently, some of the salt spray had reached them because it was getting in her eyes. It was obviously nothing emotional itching her eyes. Titania took a breath she wasn't certain she was holding, her shoulders relaxing; most telling was the smile that overtook her. "Mr. Greyback, if I follow your meaning, is it possible that a rational solution may be courtship?" If it were possible for her eyes to go any wider, Titania's usually practical mouth ran ahead to correct her impulsive utterance. "I am so sorry, that was forward of me. I didn't mean to assume such a thing of your affections," Oh, hell, Titania! "Intentions! I meant intentions." Not burying her face in her hands was a feat, but she locked her hands firmly in her skirts. She was a grown woman, she could face the consequences of her words. Probably. "I - I apologize."

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Murdock Greyback

  

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MJ revealed this beauty

It seemed he was not to be in vain, she shared, or at least was open to sharing his views on what their life might be together. Courtship was indeed what he had been driving at. There was still much to be discussed, much to be decided and much more to be revealed, but for the moment he allowed himself to revel in the interest of this woman. The fact that she might consider taking on a man of his age, of his family, anti-social as he was, was a minor miracle, one he intended to let himself savour.

Murdock could not help the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth at her jumping in to save him from his own discomfort, and the light chuckle that followed her slip. He reached for the hand clenched around the fabric of her skirts, taking it in his rough ones, 'Affection indeed Miss...' he caught himself, 'Titania.' he finished. 'Affection indeed.'

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(wrap?)

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   Titania Allaway

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MJ is a National Treasure