iamaferitale

[iamaferitale]

MY HEART 🥺🥺🥺

“he’s uncle jonghyun, he’s a good uncle” — Choi Minho (2021)

[iamaferitale]

He’s Okay

I saw it coming. Loki did too. We knew they would find out eventually. It was only a matter of time. Okay, so maybe they did take a little longer than we expected but they found out nonetheless. So here I am now, in some interrogation room, while Loki was in some strange cell down the hallway from where I am. I heard the door open and Clint entered. I guess he was the one who was going to interrogate me while the rest of the team watched.  I know they were watching. I could feel their presence through the camera overlooking the room.

“Why, Rio?” he asked. I turned my head to look at him and on his face was a look of disbelief.

“Why what?” I replied like I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. But I did know. He was asking about Loki.

“Why him? Of all the people of the universe, why him?” He asked with a face I know means he is getting angry. 

“I know this is a bit confusing to all of you but I don’t get what is so wrong about it?” I shrugged while turning my head to face the wall. I made sure I seemed like I didn’t care but inside I was quite the opposite. I was downright getting annoyed.

In my mind, I was wondering what his problem was. Okay, so maybe I should have given him, given them, a heads up but how do you explain to your partner, to your team, and to your boss that you fell in love with the one person they are, currently, trying to protect the world from.

I heard a big bang and I quickly turned my head back to see that Clint slammed his hands on the table as he abruptly stood up.

“What’s wrong?! What’s wrong?! He is a psychopath. A maniac. Did I mention that he is currently trying to take over the world? Ri, I can name a few more reason why this is wrong, if you like!!!” He shouted. He was frustrated. I know the others were too. Especially Tasha and Director Fury. I know they are asking themselves the same thing Clint is. ‘Why Loki? There were so many not evil guys in the universe. Why him of all people? Doesn’t he know that he is our enemy?’ was what I bet they all were thinking.

Clint sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He was trying to calm himself down and that was his usual way of calming himself down. I think it calmed him enough to make him sit down again.

“Rio, I’m worried. Everyone’s worried.” Clint said as he looked straight at me. I know he is worried. It is clearly seen in his eyes. Not to mention I can almost feel the worry radiating off him in waves. I can also feel the worry of the rest of the team. It’s so thick I could maybe even cut it with a knife.

“I know and can tell. I appreciate all of your concern but there is really nothing to worry about. Okay, I know the last few days, heck, the last few months have been hell for the team and the agency but I think you all should just calm down, alright?” I calmly replied.

“That’s bullshit. You know as well I do that I can’t…that we can’t calm down, Ri. This whole thing is keeping me and the others on edge. I mean, look at you, how can you be okay with this? How can you be so calm? Rio, for all we know he could be using you. This all could be a ploy.” He was getting angry again. It is evident in his voice. I really appreciate his concern for me but I know with every fiber of my being that this was not a trick. I was even willing to bet my bow on it.

“I know it’s not.” I was so sure of my answer that it just made him sigh even more.

“How could you be so sure? He is a psychopath, Ri. Nothing about him screams trustworthy.” He was exasperated but I was getting angry. I promised myself and I promised Loki that I would not let this get the best of me but this was really starting to get on my nerves. I could feel the anger rising inside of me. It was so strong that I knew I could burst any second now. Clint is just lucky I was stripped of all my weapons including a very special dagger with a very strong sentimental value but I guess my anger in this moment is my only weapon. So channeling that anger, I slammed the table and stood up pointing at Clint.

“How could you know if he is trustworthy?!?! How could you know anything about him?!?! You don’t know a thing and I know he hasn’t given you all a good impression but you can’t just base his whole personality on just a few days.  You have met him just recently but I have known him for nine years. Nine frickin’ years. I know more about him than his own family because I bothered to put in the effort to get to know him. I cared enough to know what his real personality is like. ” I shouted while slamming the table as I stood up with as much force and anger as I can manage.  I didn’t care if my hand was hurting.  I didn’t feel pain. Instead, I felt the adrenaline flowing through my body. 

I didn’t see Clint’s reaction to my outburst as I turned away to calm myself down and get my body under control but I could feel it. I could feel the shock of both him and the team especially one person in particular, Loki’s brother, Thor.  There was an awkward silence until Clint caught on to the rest of what I said.

“Wait…nine years?! You have known that psychopath for nine years?! Rio, are you fucking insane?! You have to be under his spell to say that. There is no way in fucking hell that could be true.” His voice had so much disbelief that I was feeling the anger again. I tried controlling myself but it was no use.

I saw red. Blood red. I lunged at him. I jumped over the table, grabbed his shirt, and threw him against the wall. 

“He is not a psychopath! So can you stop with the whole psychopath thing?! Also, I am not insane and not under his spell.” I was so angry that I punched him. It was so strong that he landed on the floor with a loud thud.

“Also, if you insult him again….I will kill you. No doubt about that.” Then I looked at the camera overlooking the room.

“That goes the same for you guys too. I may be part of this team but Loki is part of my heart. He trumps all of you any day of the week so if you as much as look at him badly, there will be consequences.”  I hope my threat got across because I am not kidding. I heard a groan from the floor and saw Clint trying to recompose himself. I didn’t care because I was so angry. Not wanting to punch Clint anymore. I punched the cold hard wall of the interrogation room.

“Rio….” Clint called out. I ignore it and placed my head on the wall in a sad attempt to calm myself down.

“Eriol!” He shouted.

“What?!” I screamed as I turned around. I was startled to see that he was right in front of me. I guess my anger clouded my ability to sense the slightest movement. I’m still surprised the others haven’t barged in yet. I thought they would burst through the door as soon as I punched Clint. He grabbed my arms and pushed me until I hit the wall.

“Please tell me that you are kidding. Please tell me that you don’t actually care for him.” The tone of his voice said it all. He was desperate.  

“Sadly I do Clint. I have for the last nine years.” I said finally calming down.

“But why? Eriol, he is trying to take over the world. Why care for someone like that?” He said as he dejectedly placed his head on my shoulder. I didn’t notice just how much he was shaking until that moment.

“Because you don’t know him like I do.” I stated with such certainty because that was really all I could say.

“Then explain to me how that is?” His voice was getting even more desperate as he was trying to figure it out. I could hear the utter desperation in his voice as he is trying so hard to figure out why I, his best friend and partner, could fall in love with Loki. I really don’t know what else to say. I promised Loki that whatever transpired between us, that whatever we talked about was to be kept between the two of us.

“Sorry Clint but those stories are not for me to reveal.” I said as I sighed sadly. I just couldn’t say anything because what Clint was asking were not my secrets to tell. I wanted to tell him just to make him, make them, understand but I couldn’t. They were Loki’s secrets and I had no right to tell Clint and whoever was watching and listening.

“But don’t you condone what he has done? You say you love him but can you really overlook the darkness and death that has happened because of him?” Clint asked me as he looked up and stared straight into my eyes.

“I know he has made a few mistakes….okay, I know he has made a lot of mistakes. Some worse than others but Clint…haven’t we all make mistakes? You, Tasha, and I know full well what we’ve all done. We have done things. Some so terrible that they could haunt the average people for their entire lifetime yet we’re still here. We’re still fighting.” I said with a grim laugh.

“Rio, don’t you dare compare us with him!!  We are the good guys and he is the bad guy.” He stated in a sort of matter of fact way.

“Are you sure about that?” I asked.

“What?” He asked. Confusion etched upon his face.

“Are you totally sure he is the bad guy?” I repeated.

“Of course he is.”  He says.

“Then why hasn’t he tried anything?” I replied.

“Because he can’t. He can’t escape that cell.” He tries to project a tone of confidence but I can hear the uncertainty.

“You just think that.” I said to him then I looked at the camera because I want the others to hear this too.

“Loki is powerful and when I say powerful, I mean powerful. That cell you put him in can’t hold him. The only reason he hasn’t busted out of here yet is that he waiting for the most opportune moment. He’s not going to leave without me so he is planning when and how. That is why he is still in that flimsy cell down the hall.” I explained. I was getting tired of this. The adrenaline that was surging through my body was slowly dissipating. Clint was still holding me against the wall so I couldn’t move or get away.

“That still doesn’t explain why he is a good guy.” Clint still questioning me and everything I had said.

“I know but would you even believe me if I told you anything?” I questioned.

“Maybe not.” He said as he looked at the camera as if to mentally tell something to the others we both know are watching.

“Then there is no point of me even trying.” I pushed his hands off my arms and moved back to the chair to sit down.  I was tired so as soon as I sat down I placed my head in my hands and tried to breathe as slowly as I can. I felt his eyes watching me. I couldn’t see him but I heard footsteps and the chair moved so I guessed he sat down too.

“There is no way to convince you otherwise, is there?” It was more a question than a statement and by the sound of it his voice screamed defeat.

I took my hands away from my face and looked at Clint. His face had a hint of despair. I knew he gave up trying.

“No, there isn’t. I am so sorry Clint but I promised him that I would stay by his side. I promised that I would have his back so I am going to try my damn hardest to keep that promise because despite what you think, he is a great guy. I have years of knowing him to back me up even though you don’t believe it.” I said then sighed after.

There was another awkward silence. It was so deafening that I think you could drop a pin and hear it hit the ground. Then we heard footsteps. We both knew who it was. I knew this was coming but that doesn’t mean I’ll like it. Clint stood up to open the door while I just slouched down in my chair. He opened it and at the door I saw Loki’s brother, Thor.

“May I speak to him?” He whispered to Clint. Clint briefly looked at me then back at Thor.

“Fine. Just be careful.” Clint said as he stepped out.

“See ya Ri.” Clint said as he took one last look at me then left the room.

“Thank you my friend.” Thor said as he closed the door. He turned to look at me and found me looking back at him. He was taken aback by that but regained his composure.

My eyes followed him as he walked towards the chair and sat down. He looked at me and I turned away not wanting to make eye contact. He was nervous I could feel it but there was also a bit of regret and strangely, happiness.

“You said you wanted to speak to me?” I asked but I think he wasn’t listening because when I turned to look at him, sure he was looking at me but I knew his mind was somewhere else.

I cleared my throat to get his attention.  It worked as he jumped to the sound and looked at me.

“Excuse me?” He asked.

“You said you wanted to speak to me?”  I repeated.

“Yes, I came to figure out some things about my brother.” He answered. The last word caught my attention. He still considered Loki as his brother which means that there is still hope for both of them. I smiled at that and I guess he saw it.

“Why do you smile?” He sounded offended and a little bit confused.

“Because I always knew you still considered Loki to be family but Loki never believed me no matter how many times I tell him so when you called him your brother, I knew that my hope was not misplaced as he always thought it was.” My tone was so happy because this was great news to hear.

“So my brother doesn’t think of us, think of me as family?” He looked sad as he said that.

“Not entirely. He still does deep down in his heart.  He just doesn’t want to admit it. He is a very proud person and that makes him stubborn sometimes.” I answered then sighed because I remembered all the arguments we had about his family. If he were here, I think he would have scoffed at his brother’s words.

“You said that you have known him for nine years, Agent Wincott, but I haven’t heard of you from my brother in that time span.” He asked.

“That is because he has been using the nickname he gave me when I first met him every time he was talking about me in your world.” I chuckled at that then smile because I remembered the first time I met him.

“Nickname? What is that?” He looked confused.

“Oops. I forgot you still haven’t gotten use to our culture and language. Well, to put it simply, a nickname is another name given to a person. It is either the shorten version of a person’s name or even a term of endearment given to someone. It could also be a name a person calls another to annoy them. It could even be a title given. Your brother has given me one and has been calling me that since we first met.” I explained.

“I understand so what nickname did my brother give you?” he asked.

“Well, here on Earth or as you call it Midgard, it is my code name but it is rarely used because people usually call me Rio or Ri around here since my whole name is Eriol. But I am guessing you have heard of the name, Mockingjay, right?” I said and I guess it rang a bell because his eyes bulged at the name.

“Wait, you are Mockingjay?!” he was shocked.

“Yes, I am.” I stated in my most matter-of-fact way.

What happened next was not the reaction I was expecting because out of nowhere, Thor jumped out of his chair that it fell over and crashed on the floor.

“Glorious!! Simply glorious!!” He shouted with so much excitement. He was like a child on Christmas morning. I on the other hand was very confused. I was still trying to get over my confusion when suddenly Thor pulled me out of my chair and hugged me, lifting me up as he did.

“Excuse me?” I was utterly confused by his actions but he seemed so happy I did not want to ruin it.

He finally released me and gently placed me on the ground. He placed his hands on my shoulders. He was a very tall and muscular guy so I had to look up at him and in his eyes was this twinkle of light like there was still hope in the world.

“You are the one who brings happiness to my brother’s face. You are the one he so greatly talks about to mother.”

The last word caught me by surprised. Loki talks about me to his mother. I could feel my face heating up at that. It must have been so obvious that he saw it because he patted my back.

“Do not worry. Mother seems to like you from all the stories my brother tells her. She has been eagerly pestering my brother countless times to introduce you to her.”

Hearing him say that their mother wants to meet me made me blush even more. But I guess that is a good thing, a nerve wracking thing but a good thing nonetheless. I looked at Thor and the happiness was rolling off him in waves. But then I just remembered he wanted to know more things about his brother. I pushed his hands off my shoulders like what I did to Clint and sat down again.

“Is there something that bothers you, Agent Wincott?” he asked

“You said you wanted figure some things out about Loki so why get down to business?” I answered.

“Oh yes. I had slightly forgotten about my main task in coming here. It is just that the news you have just told me has given me a new hope for my brother.” He said. He sat down again and looked at me.

“There was always hope for Loki. You just didn’t know how to put that hope into action.” I told him because that was what I always believed in. This time I saw happiness in his eyes.

“Well, I am glad that my brother as found someone such as yourself to be his confidant.” Thor looked at me with a small smile on his face.

I got comfortable because I knew this was going to take a while. We started talking and little by little I knew even if the others don’t believe Loki was good, if his brother believed that he was still a good person, that he was worth believe in then that was okay with me. I cleared my throat and asked: “So what do you want to know?”

[iamaferitale]

Why did I instantly thought of the ending scene from Mulan? I mean I practically read this scene in the voice from that clip.

Edward (to Bella) : Would you like to stay for dinner..?

Alice (shouting from the other room) : Would you like to stay forever..like literally..?

[iamaferitale]

Viking Silver Snake Pendant and Chain, Late 9th Century AD

The serpent form may relate to the Norse myth of Jörmungandr (Jormungand), the Midgard Serpent, a child of Loki and a giantess who according to legend grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail, forming an ouroboros. According to legend, when it releases its tail, Ragnarök, the final battle of the gods that will result in Earth becoming completely covered in water, will begin. One of the most popular motifs in Norse art concerns the story of Thor and Jörmungandr. In classic Thor style, he sets off on a reckless fishing expedition, taking the head of an ox as his bait, and sails further out to sea than he should. With a large hook and the ox head, he catches Jörmungandr, who surfaces, poison and blood dripping from his mouth. Thor’s fishing companion, the giant Hymir, quickly cuts Thor’s line before he can slay the serpent with his hammer and Jörmungandr sinks beneath the waves, the threat at bay - for the moment. Multiple Viking picture stones have been found depicting this story, including one from as early as the late 8th century.

[iamaferitale]

The museum seemed empty...

Writing Prompt #3: The museum seemed empty…

The museum seemed empty as my footsteps reverberate around me. I ran through the halls of the Smithsonian Institute looking for him. It was closed but that didn’t stop him and me from coming in especially when he just took off as the both of us passed by the Smithsonian after taking a walk together. I end up in one of the hallways and I have no idea where he went. The Smithsonian Institution is a huge place and he could be anywhere. I worry as he still wasn’t comfortable around people but so far I haven’t seen anyone, not even any of the watchmen. I know that this peace wouldn’t last for long. Someone is bound to hear the footsteps even if I did tamper a bit with the security cameras to make them go on loop so as to make sure nobody saw either of us. I have to find him soon.

“James, where could you be?” I thought as I continue to run through the halls looking for him. I was so close to tracking him down using my powers until I ended up at the main lobby.

“This is getting frustrating.” I said to myself as I combed my hand through my hair. I took a deep breath and was readying to use my powers when I looked up and saw hanging from the ceiling two huge banners promoting the Captain America exhibit. That’s when it hit me.

“So that’s where you went. I should have known.” I said as I ran towards the exhibit. I knew I was going the right direction as my powers were slowing picking up his presence. I slowed down when I arrived at the exhibit entrance. I noticed the door was open so I entered.

I had always been a fan of Captain America thanks to the stories Grandma Peggy told me as a child whenever I would visit her. So seeing this exhibit was amazing but nothing new to me. There was a bunch of brochures by the door so I picked one up and read it. The exhibit was comprised of several panels and areas about Cap’s life before the serum, his returning ceremony by President Matthew Ellis, and his actions during World War II. There was also a section dedicated to the Howling Commandos and a memorial for Bucky Barnes. The exhibit also held replicas of Cap’s Motorcycle and uniform as well as replicas of the uniforms worn by the Howling Commandos. I knew all of these stories from my grandmother because it was well-known that she was Captain America’s girl. She was Peggy Carter after all. I also grew up with the Howling Commandos. They were my sort-of uncles and they too would also tell me stories of their adventures during the war.  I had even seen the original uniforms and weapons they used when they show it to me much to my grandma’s dismay.

I continued to walk through the exhibit while admiring everything when I saw a figure by the memorial of Bucky Barnes, the childhood friend of Captain America. I didn’t need to get closer to know who it was. I could also feel that it was him. His presence was very distinct but I also noticed a bit of sadness radiating from him as he looked at the memorial. I sent a wave of calm before I approached him to give him a warning that I was there. The last time I snuck up on him almost ended in some bloodshed. I knew he must have heard me as soon as I entered the exhibit but he seemed too preoccupied. I saw him sigh as I walk up and stood beside him. I also looked at the memorial and a brief moment of silence fell between us before I said something.

“I can see why you came here.” I said to him while I continued to look at the memorial.

“Sorry that I ran off. I just…” He said to me as he looked the memorial of himself.

“You thought you could find a piece of yourself here, right?” I answered for him.

I saw him smile from the corner of my eye. I looked back at the memorial to Bucky. It was a glass panel with a picture of him and a description etched on it. It described him as Captain Rogers’ best friend since childhood, who according to the historical records, was the only Howling commando to give his life in service. After reading that, I looked back at James. I didn’t know what was going through his mind but I can sense a flurry of emotions radiating off from him. Sadness and guilt among them. I could see just how much in thought he was. We both just let the silence envelop us as we continued to stand in front of the memorial. A few minutes passed and I just decided to break the silence. As much as I wanted to let him think, we did need to leave as we were kind of trespassing.

“You know something?” I asked him even if I wasn’t expecting a response.

“Hmmm…” He replied to me while still looking at the memorial.

“You look way better with long hair. It makes you even more mysterious and handsome.” I said just to break the tension in the hair.

I heard him chuckle at my comment. I consider that a win.

“I guess that’s your way of saying we have to leave right?” He said as he turned to face me.

“Pretty much. After all we did kind of break in.” I said to him

“Alrighty then. Shall we go then Doctor Carter-Stark?” He said as he offered his hand to me.

“Why I dear say we shall Sergeant Barnes?” I replied as I took his hand.  

We managed to sneak out of the Smithsonian without being noticed. Of course, I didn’t forget to ask C.O.R.A to place the security cameras back to its original setting. We continued walking until we got to the car which was parked a few blocks away. I unlocked the car while we were walking up to it when James let go of my hand to jog up to the driver’s side door. I had no qualms about him driving but he just opened the door as he waited for me to get to the car. I had a feeling I knew what he was doing so I just played along and got to the driver’s side.

“May I?” He asked as he offered his hand to me.

“Why thank you Sergeant.” I replied and I took his hand while he helped me into the car.

After I got in, he closed the door and jogged to the front passenger’s seat and got it.

I was about to drive off when he placed his metal hand over mine to stop me from putting the car into drive.

I looked at him and saw that he was staring straight at me.

“Thank you for letting me have that moment.” He said as he brought the hand that was on the hand break to his lips and kissed it.

“It was no problem. I just want to say though…” I replied as I grasped the hand that was holding mine.

He gave me his full attention as I finished what I said.

“Whatever happened with HYDRA is over. Yes, the memories will plague you but that does not mean they will always. You decided to change your life. That’s good. You are working towards making the most of the life you have been given. You were given a second chance. Don’t let the past keep you from your future. You may not anymore be the Bucky Barnes Captain Rogers knew and that’s alright. Don’t let his expectations of you keep you from trying to find out who you really are. I know he is still trying to find the Bucky he knew from 70 years ago in you. Don’t mind him. Just focus on you. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down. Don’t think for a second that I don’t know what is happening.” I said as I saw him chuckle.

“He’s my best friend and I’m with him till the end of the line.” He answered me chuckling but he shut up as soon as he saw my face. I was not happy.

“I don’t care. If he was really your best friend, he would put his own interests aside to help you come to terms with what happened. The past is past. There is no bringing it back. No offense James but Captain Rogers is still stuck in the past. He cannot come to terms with the idea. I can understand why he is like that. When he was defrosted, he was thrown into a loop as while World War 2 happened 70 years to us, it was only a week ago for him. He was just thrown into our time where all his friends had died, Grandma Peggy got married and had kids, and the Allies had won the war. But that does not still excuse him from not growing up. James, times have changed. You of all people should know that it has changed and it changed us; it changed you. So for now, focus on you. Focus on coming to terms with what happened. You have to accept yourself before you can even think of being a friend to the Captain.” I ended as I rubbed circles on his metal hand.

“Will you help me find myself?” He asked me.

“Well, you did break into my home and ordered me to help you at gunpoint….” I said jokingly. I saw him raise an eyebrow at me.

“Of course, I will help you. I’m a mechanic. I like fixing things.” I quickly said to him and smiling.

“I know you’re a mechanic and you know what?” He asked.

“What?” I turned to look at him.

“I am glad you’re MY mechanic.” He said as he leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks again for today.” He said as he sat back down.

“No problem. Anything for you.” I replied smiling as we drove back to the hotel.

[iamaferitale]

Monday’s Child

(Another of my old favorites)

______________________________________________________________

Monday's child is fair of face,

Tuesday's child is full of grace,

Wednesday's child is full of woe,

Thursday's child has far to go,

Friday's child is loving and giving,

Saturday's child works hard for a living,

But the child who is born on the Sabbath day

Is bonnie and blithe and good and gay.

[iamaferitale]

A low roar rose up in the distance…

Writing Prompt #2: A low roar rose up in the distance…

As I empty the last box of its contents and placed them where I would like them to be in my new home, I wondered to myself about my purpose in this new town. It is true that I came here because of a vision I had a couple of days ago but the vision itself didn’t reveal much. The entire vision was blurry except for my arrival to this town and me moving in. There were faces but only mine was clear. Not to mention that the feelings I felt in the vision were strange. The vision itself showed me what could happen during my stay here and for some reason the blurry faces seem to feel comfortable with me which is also very strange given what I am.

What on Earth could be here that made me come here? I don’t usually follow visions unless they come from my sister and my own dreams but this is the first time in decades that I had a full-on vision. Notwithstanding it being a vision that has such strong feelings attached to it that it was quite impossible to not follow it. Coming from the magic world has given me a healthy respect for visions. As well as having one of older sisters being a clairvoyant. Visions were just a part of my everyday life. What made this one different?

I sigh as I place the last piece of décor on the fireplace mantle when suddenly I heard my cellphone playing the ringtone I assigned to my mother. I guess she must be calling me to check on how I am doing. I would have thought that she wasn’t going to worry even if it it’s just a few hours from home but then again I am her youngest, physically at least. One would think being a wizard and a vampire would calm her down or at least ease her thoughts that nothing horrific would happen to me but I guess I could be wrong.

I went into my kitchen to retrieve my phone from the top of the island counter when suddenly I heard a low roar rose up in the distance and a wave of fear hit me like a shockwave from a bomb. I had two options: one, ignore it and answer my mother’s call or two, not answer my mom’s call and go outside and find out what the hell that was. Despite my better judgment, I ignored my mom’s call and quickly ran towards the driveway, thankfully grabbing my keys on the table on the living room table. I got into my sports car because let’s face it, we vampires love speed and as much as I want to take my broom, I don’t want to be seen flying across a town I was barely familiar with. I was about to speed out of my driveway when I remembered to check if I had my wand. Thankfully, it was still holstered to my waist. As soon as I got out of my driveway, I heard another low roar. This time it sounded pained.

A feeling of dread suddenly came over me. What on earth was going on? What the hell was that? The roars sounded familiar but it was too low for me to properly distinguish it despite my enhanced vampire hearing. I guess I just have to find out what it was when I find out where it was coming from. For some reason though, as I speed down the main road of this small town (of course without breaking the speed limit), I felt like the questions about my visions and my purpose in this town might be answered if I went towards were the low roars were coming from. I usually don’t go head first into a situation I know nothing about but for some reason, I felt like I needed to trust my instincts for what might happen next.

Well, if that is how this entire experience will go, then so mote it be.

[iamaferitale]

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago, 

   In a kingdom by the sea, 

That a maiden there lived whom you may know 

   By the name of Annabel Lee; 

And this maiden she lived with no other thought 

   Than to love and be loved by me. 

I was a child and she was a child, 

   In this kingdom by the sea, 

But we loved with a love that was more than love— 

   I and my Annabel Lee— 

With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven 

   Coveted her and me. 

And this was the reason that, long ago, 

   In this kingdom by the sea, 

A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling 

   My beautiful Annabel Lee; 

So that her highborn kinsmen came 

   And bore her away from me, 

To shut her up in a sepulchre 

   In this kingdom by the sea. 

The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, 

   Went envying her and me— 

Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know, 

   In this kingdom by the sea) 

That the wind came out of the cloud by night, 

   Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. 

But our love it was stronger by far than the love 

   Of those who were older than we— 

   Of many far wiser than we— 

And neither the angels in Heaven above 

   Nor the demons down under the sea 

Can ever dissever my soul from the soul 

   Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams 

   Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes 

   Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; 

And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side 

   Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, 

   In her sepulchre there by the sea— 

   In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Edgar Allan Poe (1849)

*My favorite poem of all time*

[iamaferitale]

Very beautiful. Thank you for writing it.

Prompt: “ Is there any way you could write a small fic for all the people who are panicked in light of recent news?” - Anon

Word Count: 2,347

Author’s Note: Remember that this isn’t the end. It’s going to be hard. There’s going to be some really terrible times to come, but on the other end in 4 years, America will rise up on the other side of this and become a stronger, more accepting nation. Stay strong, be careful, and fight for what is right. Fight for what is right for everyone.

NaNoWriMo Word Count: 17,823/50,000

Keep reading

[iamaferitale]

Walking through the City

Writing Prompt #1: A cacophony of traffic noises suddenly filled air…

A cacophony of traffic noises suddenly filled air, you looked around and suddenly the city came to life. The city’s landscape changed as day turned into night. Bright lights and colors flash on the billboards and screens as you just soak in the excitement. You just stand there and feel the vibrant energy of the city.

You close your eyes and just listen. You listen to the murmurs and shouts of the people that pass you by. Moving quicky with stopping. People walking towards where they need to go. You listen to the honks of cars and taxis as they try to weave through the city traffic. You listen to the steps of people as their feet hit pavement. You listen to hustle and bustle of the city as it never sleeps.

You open your eyes and they are blinded by the lights of the city. Bright, vibrant, and clear as day. You decide to continue walking. Your feet pattering on the city sidewalk. Left, right, left right. You walk with the crowd. Moving like a school of fish in the sea. The air is cold as you try rubbing your hands together. It’ll snow soon.

You continue walking until the murmurs quiet down; until the honking stops. You don’t notice where you are going. Just letting your feet lead wherever it wants to go. You look around and you see trees bare as winter was fast approaching. It was getting quieter as less people were passing you by and less cars were on the road.

Before you know, you realize that you arrived on your front steps. You look around your neighborhood and see porch lights open. People must be in homes. You walk up your steps to your door. Before you could put your key into the lock, you notice white flakes falling into your coat. You turn around and you see snowflakes slowing falling down to cover your neighborhood street. You smile to yourself as you open your door thinking…

……It’ll be a white Christmas this year.

[iamaferitale]

[iamaferitale]

A group of Slytherin students camping outside the common room because the password is something bigoted and they refuse to say it

[iamaferitale]

History of Halloween

Halloween is the season for little ghosts and goblins to take to the streets, asking for candy and scaring one another silly. Spooky stories are told around fires, scary movies appear in theaters and pumpkins are expertly (and not-so-expertly) carved into jack-o’-lanterns.

Amid the silly and scary antics, Halloween is much more than just costumes and candy; in fact, the holiday has a rich and interesting history.

Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, can be traced back about 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival held around Nov. 1 called Samhain (pronounced “sah-win”), which means “summer’s end” in Gaelic, according to the Indo-European Etymological Dictionaries.

Because ancient records are sparse and fragmentary, the exact nature of Samhain is not fully understood, but it was an annual communal meeting at the end of the harvest year, a time to gather resources for the winter months and bring animals back from the pastures. Read more.

[iamaferitale]

Random thought of the day

It's interesting to me when I scroll down my news feed in Facebook and see the statuses and posts of people I knew in high school. Then sometimes, I scroll and come across a status of a person and I find out something totally unexpected about them that I didn't notice in high school. It's amazing to me at what time and experience can do to a person.

[iamaferitale]

About the Houses

Hufflepuff is tea and sweaters. Hufflepuff is punching someone in the face because they need to shut up, calm down, or get the sense knocked into them. Hufflepuff is spring, seeing winter melting away and basking in the sunlight. Hufflepuff is singing loudly to Journey and Queen. Hufflepuff is having the messiest room and yet knowing exactly where to find everything. Hufflepuff is “there’s no such thing as too much chocolate”. Hufflepuff is one too many glasses of champagne so the world feels like sunshine. Hufflepuff is honestly not giving a damn what anyone else thinks. Hufflepuff is prank wars that spiral out of control. Hufflepuff is getting shit done while everyone else argues. Hufflepuff is refusing to fit into the mold, which results in hufflepunks. Hufflepuff is staying up till three am to talk someone out of depression, out of suicide, out of something stupid, convincing them how amazing and how loved they are. Hufflepuff is loyalty, is true friendship, not the plastic My Little Pony stuff but the true friendship. Hufflepuff is the first ones to get Netflix running at Hogwarts, despite magical interference. Hufflepuff is loneliness, is the intense desire for friendship. Hufflepuff is having to deal with derision and scorn. Hufflepuff is loyalty placed in the wrong ideal, loving the wrong person. Hufflepuff is drowning in emotions that bring panic attacks.

Ravenclaw is winter peace and blizzards. Ravenclaw is the beauty of white snow against evergreens and a baby blue sky. Ravenclaw is the sharpness and cutting edge of a cold breeze, the glint of a metal blade. Ravenclaw is the silence of a library, lost completely in a world of ink and screens and words. Ravenclaw is a glass of wine and an old friend. Ravenclaw is martial arts and street smart. Ravenclaw is always asking why. Ravenclaw is pages filled with writing and doodles and diagrams. Ravenclaw is telling dirty jokes in code so no one can tell why you’re laughing so hard you can’t breathe, and the teacher can’t read the notes you were passing in class. Ravenclaw is failing a class because you couldn’t be bothered to read or do homework, it was too boring and you had other things. Ravenclaw is challenging the status-quo and saying “there’s always another option”. Ravenclaw is citrus and a stash of junk food that you always seem to eat right away. Ravenclaw is learning a new language because you want to. Ravenclaw is an innocent face that can hide the dirtiest mind. Ravenclaw is a pile of books that you’ll read - you will, you promise - one day. Ravenclaw is looking up and saying “hell, when did it get to be three thirty AM”, and you have classes in five hours but decide that staying up another half hour won’t hurt. Ravenclaw is love that happens slowly, like creeping ivy, till one day you wake up and realize it’s ensnared you tightly and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Ravenclaw is addiction, to coffee, to drugs, to sweets, anything to get that clarity and that swooping feeling. Ravenclaw is coldness, is locking away resentment to fester, is “revenge is a dish best served cold”. Ravenclaw is shutting up and never ever asking for help, because you’re smart enough, capable enough to handle it. Because you have to.

Gryffindor is summer, cloudless blue skies and endless green fields. Gryffindor is adrenaline highs and truth or dare. Gryffindor is bright red lipstick and cologne that makes heads turn. Gryffindor is parties that go all night. Gryffindor is fireworks exploding in the sky. Gryffindor is standing up to anyone, friend, foe, or stranger, to tell them they’re wrong. Gryffindor is throwing your friend a beer and jumping on their lap to take a nap. Gryffindor is the love of horror games. Gryffindor is steak and burgers, Gryffindor is spicy curry. Gryffindor is taking the risk, making the leap, no matter the odds. Gryffindor is raising your hand in class. Gryffindor is passionate love, whether it be romantic, platonic, or otherwise, that sees no difference in a hand picked wildflower and a diamond necklace as long as it makes the recipient happy. Gryffindor is defending, even if it’s defending someone you hate against someone you love, because Gryffindor stands up for what is right. Gryffindor is recklessness, the uncontrollable emotion, the carelessness with laws and rules. Gryffindor is choosing the ‘morally correct’ option even if it means more are hurt. Gryffindor is solving things brashly, physically, and only making everything worse.

Slytherin is fall evenings, the air crisp but not cold, the setting sun revealing autumn beauty before darkening to show a million billion stars in the indigo inky sky. Slytherin is when the air smells like cloves and cinnamon and smoke from the crackling bonfire. Slytherin is apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Slytherin is a glass of golden scotch. Slytherin is finding comfort in jeans and a leather jacket, dying your hair and tattoos that are like artwork. Slytherin is pride in your heritage, in what it took to get you here. Slytherin is the warm blossom of accomplishment in your chest. Slytherin is tall boots and long scarves. Slytherin is the person you’d trust with anything and everything, the one you love above all else, the one you’d kill for. Slytherin is not being afraid of the dark, but remembering that night heals. Slytherin is musky forests and the steady soothing rainfall. Slytherin is sarcasm and wit. Slytherin is determination in the face of fear. Slytherin is talking your way out of situations to keep those you love safe. Slytherin is the love that shows itself quietly from day to day, with quiet brushes and unsaid favors, but that rears up in fury to defend if necessary. Slytherin is the dark side, the morally ambiguous, the race to the finish line for whatever it is you desire, shoving others aside because you have to. Slytherin is locking yourself in a shadowed corner and curling up, because it’s too much… it’s too much… and wiping the tears and standing anyway, head held high because you can’t stop now, and you can’t show weakness.

Hufflepuffs are not weak. Ravenclaws are not heartless. Gryffindors are not arrogant. Slytherins are not evil.

Break Stereotypes. Be Open-Minded.

[iamaferitale]

Hogwarts Houses

When you think of Hufflepuff, think of dimpled smiles and curly hair. Think of diverse individuals. Hufflepuffs are more than loyal and cutesy. They’re fierce lovers, passionate, and sensitive. They’re not yellow flowers and sunshine. There are Hufflepuffs that are sad, depressed, angry, grieving, and lonely. Hufflepuffs are loud music, screaming the lyrics and long car rides where you don’t have to say anything, yet you can feel all the conversations between you and the passenger. Hufflepuffs are good at being independent, but can also be lovely company. Hufflepuffs remind me of smirks that change into laughter that rings  in the air, making its way in ripples to the listener’s ear. Hufflepuff is gentle by nature, but not afraid to be vicious and unstoppable when someone they love is in danger. Hufflepuffs are more that ditsy throw aways, they’re accepting, lovable and tough.

When you think of Ravenclaw, think of beautiful braided hair and glasses sliding down the bridge of a nose and painted nails. Ravenclaws are more than lonely, quiet, brains. Their intelligence is a gateway for them to be innovative. They have pride in their minds, but they also see value in athleticism, creativity, and whatever will make them happy. They analyze situations and are ridiculously empathetic. They’re unwavering diligence is what takes them places and makes them lifelong companions. Ravenclaws are blueberry tea, but not in a quiet, dimly lit room, they’re a cup of blistering tea being served to a community of people, uniting and provocative. They’re the smiles that shine on people’s faces when their favorite show comes on, and the ideology to never give up. Ravenclaws are the unity of the sun and the moon, and they’re not cowardly. They’re not people with their nose in the book, they’re better than that, they’re the curious people running their hand over the pages, feeling the text in the ridges of their finger. Ravenclaws are warm sweaters and a feeling of serenity.

When you think of Gryffindors, think of a confident smile, and energy that radiates to everyone in the room. Gryffindors are more than brave and brash. They’re immensely caring beings, with a soft spot for kittens and puppies. They’re charitable, and understanding. They are people walking around, eyes glazing over patrons, making sure there’s nobody in trouble. They’re the people waking up in the middle of the night and tiptoeing to see if their parents or siblings are okay. They’re the tiny creak in the wood floor and the fuzzy socks over cold feet. They’re not loud mouths, rather they’re the reason for the laugh. Their words echo, because they’re unexpected and appreciated. Gryffindors are a breath of fresh air on a foggy day. Don’t doubt their rationale, because they’re always thinking a step ahead. Not every Gryffindor is brave all the time. They break down and have weak moments, but their true characteristic is their ability to bounce back efficiently and not let the past stop them.

When you think of Slytherin think of furrowed eyebrows and bright eyes. Think of delicate hands and smirks. Slytherins are more than coy and cocky people. They aren’t all clever and plotting. Sometimes they’re just creative and think in a  different way. Slytherins are the pockets of friends that will never drift apart, because they get each other. They’re the misunderstood, the daring, the controversial, and the fantastic. There’s not an inevitable evil to them, but an inevitable spring in their step, and quiet intelligence that guides them. Slytherins are the people in the front of the class visualizing the material and going home and practicing in their own way. They’re invested in their own growth, but when they find someone to love they grow for them. They’re not selfish, but timid, and wary. Not all are judgemental and harsh, some are just vulnerable and want to make everyone happy, and realize that sometimes the only way to do that is to be reserved. Slytherins aren’t bullies. Slytherins aren’t out to get you. They’re willing to teach to help others grow, but they won’t be taken advantage of. Slytherins are like black skinny jeans and a need to improve their self.