It is being reported that OWN has cancelled Delilah after one season. The news comes over a year after the legal drama wrapped its freshman run, though apparently the cable network made the decision months ago. The series follows a headstrong and principled lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina who left a demanding firm a decade ago in order to prioritize raising her kids. Now she takes on cases…
I think this is the last of the mermays I haven’t posted here, and it’s one of my personal favourites too. Not only because I love lampreys.
I decided a long time ago that these are Lily’s fish, because they’re a bit “off”. Early in her design process, her concept was a something like a “creepy pasta hunter” focused on retro technology. It’s a rough description and I toned it down to eerie rather than batshit, but she’s designed to live in a world where some things just aren’t right and she can find them.
My baby girl, not so little anymore. Today she’s 6 months. Wow, where has the time gone? It felt like just yesterday I was just meeting you for the first time, so little in my arms. Now you’re starting to crawl, already wanting to stand, can see everything, found your fingers and toes, eat solids, cry ever so loudly with that strong voice of yours, and your first word was mum! You’re so beautiful and I can’t believe you’re mine.
As of 8th of February 2016, 5:34am, I became a mother to my beautiful daughter Delilah. ❤️ Words can’t describe the love that has filled my heart. I can’t wait to watch her grow, see her smile and make her happy in every way I can.
Inspired by @boxbusiness ‘s OC Delilah. Based on my personal headcannon that Barbatos devotedly served Diavolo’s mother, Delilah. (Which is partially why he is now so devoted to his Prince.)
Disclaimer: Delilah is the original property of @boxbusiness and I do not claim her as my own character. All other characters are the property of NTT Solemare.
Warnings: Angst to Fluff. Emphasis on Angst. (Remembering a painful past, loss, sorrow for lost loved ones.)
The hallway he turned down as he left the kitchen was one seldom used. Not because of any hesitation in using it by the patrons of the castle. It was simply because it was not “needed” the way it once had been.
Barbatos, himself, was one of the few demons who ever came here. Yet, memories from his earliest days working in the castle flooded his mind as he drew closer to a very familiar door.
The fate of the seven demon brothers was very familiar to him. He too had fallen from heaven and needed to make a new start here in the devildom. In many ways it was with her that he found a home. A place where he could belong again.
His gloved hand found the door handle and opened it upon a familiar scene. Yet, inside was not the warmth of the fire he always remembered. A fire he built himself for many years.
His mistress was an early riser so that meant he needed to rise even earlier in order to see to her comfort. And Barbatos, the young demon, would do almost anything in order to please his Mistress.
He drew closer to the cold hearth. To the empty chair that was placed just close enough for the occupant to enjoy the warmth of the fire.
He could not help but pause. Remembering the flicker of firelight in her golden eyes as her lovely voice stopped singing a lullaby:
“He kicked just as you walked into the room, Barb. I think he was excited to have you visit.” Delilah spoke softly.
The smile she offered him was warmer than the fire.
“He must be very perceptive?” Barbatos asked, his voice unsure as it always had been those first few hundred years he lived at the palace.
Still, he was unable to keep from being slightly informal with her. She was the queen, he knew that, but-
It seemed she always brought out the least butler-ish side of him. He couldn’t help it. Out of anyone here in the castle it was her that he wished to have know him best.
His devotion to Queen Delilah had only grown since the day she found him, fallen and broken.
She had lifted his torn and aching body into her arms and cradled him close. There were tears in her eyes as she looked at his face. As though she knew what kind of pain he must have endured to end up here.
Yet, with Delilah, he never found anything besides acceptance and love. It had felt like she was his mother in that moment… and her patience and love proved to be much more “motherly” than anything he experienced over the years.
That morning she had taken the tea he offered her with that same familiar smile.
“He already reminds me of you, you know? I’m so happy that he will have someone who understands what it is like to be different. Both unique and special.” She offered him her other hand.
He set down the tea service so he could accept the gesture. Her fingers were a bit cold and trembled slightly in his.
The queen rarely became emotional about her decision. This morning was one of the few times she allowed the tears to glisten in her beautiful eyes.
“Please don’t ever forget how much I love you both, Barbatos? Because you’ll need to be the one to show him that love.” She squeezed his hand.
“I know, your majesty.” He bowed his head placing a kiss to her hand. “I will do everything I can to fulfill your wishes."
"Thank you.” She nodded, and taking a steadying breath she offered him her usual smile. “Now, did you already have lunch? Or did the cook chase you out to bring me tea first?"
His ears immediately grew hot and he only shrugged in reply.
Queen Delilah had a gift for loving others. For seeing what someone might need, often before they themselves knew they needed it. It was a gift she had given her son… one of many.
"Then I insist you join me.” She nodded to a nearby chair.
He’d been commanded to do this far too many times to argue with her. He was soon enjoying the sound of her voice. Listening carefully as she told him how she was changing parts of the garden to allow for the cultivation of some new plants. The Demon King had brought them home for her from the far reaches of the devildom and she was hoping to see them thrive in the garden.
She was so excited. Talking about them the way most ladies spoke of jewelry and gowns. The queen had always been more interested in other creatures and plants than her other “possessions” as it were. It was one thing that made her so sociable.
It was difficult to resist her enthusiasm for getting to know the interests of others. Difficult to have her look at you with those warm searching golden eyes. It always felt as though she was looking for the most beautiful part of you… then bringing it out with a word and a smile.
Barbatos sighed, placing his hand on the back of the empty chair.
He could only hope that she was pleased with his work. The most important work she had ever given him.
He left the room, passed the kitchen, and opened a second—much more frequented-door.
“Good morning, Barbatos!” The prince’s enthusiastic greeting met him before he could offer his own. The familiar smile and warm golden eyes of his young lord made him feel as though he had arrived home after a long journey.
“How did you sleep my Lord?” He asked.
“More than usual… around four hours. So, I’m feeling rather refreshed.” Diavolo’s grin held a resilience most demon’s could never keep up with. It was just one of many things that reminded Barbatos of her. Although, she would never leave her hair in quite such disarray.
“When you showered after your morning swim did you remember to comb your hair?” Barbatos didn’t quite suppress his laugh..
The young prince ran his hand through the ruffled red locks and echoed the laugh.
“I’m certain I did, but it seems I somehow upset them since then?"
Barbatos almost asked what he had been up to in order to “upset them” like this-but caught himself. Diavolo was no longer a boy to scold and he made a great effort to remember that.
Recalling that his curiosity was not always meant to be satisfied he pushed the questions back. Instead he produced a comb from one of his pockets offering it to the prince.
"Would you mind helping me out this time Barb?” Dia asked looking a little sheepish. “It is always harder to tame when it is already dry, but your fingers still seem to do a better job than mine.”
“I swear your fingers have their own special magic Barb. Mine simply can’t do what yours do."
Her voice was so clear that, for a moment, he expected to turn around and see the teasing sparkle in those golden eyes.
Of course the room was empty. Empty save for himself and the crown prince.
It had been for some time that moments like this happened. Moments where he was surprised to find himself feeling a bit foolish.
It was as though he were having visions that should have happened, yet never would. Such visions usually only came to him at night… his form of “nightmares” so to speak. Nightmares of dreams that would never be.
"Barbatos? is something wrong?” Diavolo’s voice drew his gaze .
The young prince was looking at him with those familiar golden eyes. Ones he knew so well long before he ever met the gurgling baby demon. Yet, they held the same kindness. The same affection that made Barbatos sometimes forget himself.
“I am well, my Lord. Here let me assist you.” The butler stepped forward and soon had the Prince’s hair in an acceptable state of order. Not nearly as sharply styled and tamed as the Avatar of Pride’s look, but Lord Diavolo was never meant to be compartmentalized into another demon’s form of perfection.
Prince Diavolo was himself, and there was no need to change that. Being who he was always far surpassed anyone’s expectations.
It was the same with Delilah. No one expected the influence she had on the entire realm both in life and in death. Barbatos could see the young prince doing even more of the work she had started. Furthering her vision of peace amongst demons and-someday?-peace between the three realms.
“You are now presentable young lord.” Barbatos allowed a hint of humor to slip into his tone. Lord Diavolo immediately caught it and reciprocated with a grin.
“Has my state of undress really put you in such a jovial mood Barb?"
"It just brings back memories of when it was always necessary for me to intervene. Forgive my moment of reminiscence.” He patted his master’s shoulder the way he always had when the prince was a boy. “Some of the things you once did still amuse me my lord."
"I’m happy to be such a form of entertainment.” Diavolo laughed. “Thank you again for the morning tea.”
“You’re very welcome, young lord.” Barbatos smiled. “Is there anything else you need before I go?”
“No, but thank you my friend.” Diavolo replied, but his expression changed to one of entreaty. “If I’m not mistaken, however, you’ve likely forgotten to eat your own breakfast before now? Please, go find something to eat?”
Barbatos couldn’t help a small laugh as he bowed to his prince.
