#& a fresh picked apple from the apple tree at my cousin's place !!!!!!!!! he has a bajillion !!

[ladyimaginarium]

21/10/24.

[snelbz]

Tempting the Fates {Chapter 1}

Summary: It’s the final semester of Aelin Galathynius’ collegiate career and she is so beyond ready to be done. Her schedule is packed full of nursing classes and labs designed to test her knowledge and hone her skills for the real world and her “big girl” job. However, she needs one last elective to graduate, so she decides to study a subject she’s always been fascinated by: Mythology. Who would have thought that a class about gods and goddesses living complicated lives would end up complicating her own in such an unexpected way?

A/N: Fun fact about this one, y’all. I wrote the first chapter over 3 years ago and it was for a completely different story. This one has evolved on it's own and Tara and I are so excited to finally share it with you.

Word Count: 3493

Chapters will be posted every Wednesday.

Tempting the Fates Masterlist

Shelby’s Masterlist

Tara’s Masterlist 

Zeus

– King of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus; god of the sky, lightning, thunder and law.

The waves lapped against the sand as Aelin sighed. Strong hands rubbed the muscles in her back and worked out the kinks in her neck as the warm sun heated her body. The smell of the salt water filled her senses and she settled into the cushioned chaise. Another set of hands set a fruity looking drink with a little pink umbrella on the table next to her head. She smiled at it.

“Can we get you anything else, miss?”

Aelin opened her mouth to tell them exactly what they could do to her.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Aelin’s eyes snapped open and she glared at her phone, chiming at her to get up.

She groaned, reaching for the offending device and silenced it, pulling her pillow over her head. She began to doze back off when her bedroom door flew open, smacking into the dresser on the wall behind it. She sat bolt upright and found her roommate leaning against the doorframe, a bowl of cereal in her hands and a gleam of mischief in her emerald eyes.

“Rise and shine, princess,” Lysandra drawled. Aelin just continued to scowl at her roommate. The bright warmth of the sun in her dream faded away as she looked out the window. Ice coated it and she could see a fresh layer of snow coated everything. “Aedion is about to be up, too. If you’d like any chance of taking a warm shower before class today, I’d suggest-.”

She was up and in the hallway before Lysandra could even finish her sentence.

Thirty minutes later, she sat on the kitchen counter, hair wrapped up in a towel, eating an apple and going over her schedule for the thousandth time. Her four classes were split into two days each, mercifully giving her Friday off.

Her cousin, long golden hair tied into a ponytail at the nape of his neck, came into the kitchen, pulling the jug of milk out of the fridge. He leaned on the counter across from her and drank straight from the plastic bottle, glaring daggers at her.

“Can I help you with something,” she asked him sweetly.

“You used the last of the hot water,” Aedion sulked, taking another swig.

She looked over, blowing him a quick kiss. “Maybe you should have gotten up earlier.”

He rolled his eyes, identical to her own, and came over to look at her computer screen. “What classes do you have this semester?”

She scrolled down the list, reading them off. “Pathophysiology, Caring for the Childbearing Family, Health and Gerontology, a few labs, and Mythology.”

Aedion’s eyebrows pulled together as she read the last one. “That doesn’t seem like it will be very helpful to a nurse.”

She shrugged, closing the laptop and sliding off the counter. “I needed one last elective. I’ve always been interested in Greek and Roman mythology and it’s a freshman level class. I figured why not study something for fun for once?”

He couldn’t fault her logic and began pulling ingredients out of the fridge to cook breakfast as Aelin headed back towards her bedroom. “Whatever you’re cooking, make two,” she called over her shoulder. She didn’t even need to look back to know the obscene gesture being flicked in her direction.

-------------------

Aelin was regretting studying something fun for once as she looked at the map of her classes.

All of her classes, save for one, were in the nursing building. Of course, that one other class was all the way across campus, in one of the general education buildings. At least walking there would take her right past her favorite coffee shop on campus and with an eight am every Tuesday and Thursday morning, she knew she’d take full advantage of that.

Thankfully today was a Monday, so she’d be spending the entirety of her day in the nursing building. But first, she had to have coffee. The first day of the semester required coffee.

Aelin parked in one of the student lots close to the nursing building. Throwing her leather bag over her shoulder, she slammed her car door. It was absolutely freezing and she suppressed a growl as she saw soft white flakes drifting toward the ground.

What a great way to start off the semester, she thought.

She made her way across campus, hands deep in her pockets and face buried in her scarf. As she crossed the quad, she pulled her phone out to check the time. She still had about twenty minutes to get coffee and get to class. Snow crunched under her boots as she picked up the pace, wanting to be sure she made it on time. Aelin was big on first impressions.

As she approached the door of the café, she reached for the handle, but the door swung open suddenly, slamming into her and knocking her off her feet.

The young girl, eyes wide, apologized profusely but said that she had to get to class and ran off. Aelin was mumbling something about where the freshman could go, when she heard a deep chuckle and a tan, tattooed hand appeared in front of her face. She glanced up and the air was pulled from her lungs.

The owner of the hand was a handsome man in his mid-twenties, with hair the color of the snow swirling around his head and green eyes. Not emerald like Lysandra’s, but deep and rich like a pine tree. A tattoo, similar to the one on his hand, snaked up his neck and onto his face. She’d be willing to bet it ran down the whole length of his arm. She’d love to find out for herself. He smiled at her, a wicked, beautiful smile. She could only stare at the gorgeous stranger as she gripped her hand in his. He lifted her to her feet.

“You okay?” He asked. Aelin nodded, pulling her hand out of his. He opened the door and motioned for her to go ahead of him. She stepped into the delicious warmth and immediately got her wits back.

“I’m Aelin,” she said, giving him a man eater’s smile.

“Rowan,” he said, a slight incline of his head in acknowledgment.

“Thank you, Rowan,” she said, letting his name slip out of her lips like a purr, as she’d heard Lysandra do it to her cousin many times. She knew it drove Aedion crazy and for some reason, that’s exactly what she wanted to do to this man. She walked to the line. He got in line behind her and she pulled out her phone, figuring that would be that. A bit of shameless flirting with a stranger was never a bad thing. She ordered her coffee and was surprised when the barista handed her the paper cup, a phone number written on the side. She quirked an eyebrow at the girl, who gave Aelin a knowing glance and looked over her shoulder. Aelin turned around, meeting a pine green gaze, and smiled at him. She headed back out into the frost and snow, pulling her phone out to snap a picture of the cup to send to Lysandra, knowing her best friend would love this.

Finding the classroom in the nursing building where she’d spent the bulk of the past two years was a breeze and she made it into the classroom with seven minutes to spare. She enjoyed her time with Professor Hafiza in the fall and anticipated she’d like her this semester again, too. Nonetheless, she settled in about three-quarters of the way up and looked at the coffee cup again.

Feeling bold, she entered the number into her phone and sent a quick text.

Any chance you want to sweep me off of my feet again and grab drinks later? I’m free anytime after 5:00. – Aelin.

Her phone buzzed almost immediately.

My last class lets out at 6:00 and I have to go to the gym afterward. How does 8:00 sound?

She typed a quick reply and placed her phone back on her desk.

Sounds like a date. The Beer Cellar, on Church Street.

She smirked to herself and glanced down at her watch. 9:58. Not even 10:00 am and the semester was off to a great start.

She unlocked her phone, shooting a quick text to Lysandra, letting her know about her new plans for the evening when she heard the door open and students started to hush.

It wasn’t the most exciting class, Aelin had to admit, but she supposed the information was necessary. Hopefully it wasn’t an indication of how the rest of her semester would go. She needed a little excitement in her schedule, that was for sure.

Aelin liked to be kept on her toes.

After two classes and a crappy salad for lunch from the school cafeteria, Aelin was hurrying across campus and down the street, toward her apartment. Lysandra was nowhere to be found, which meant she was either snuggled up with Aedion somewhere or still in class. Aelin’s bet was on the former.

After organizing her deskspace, Aelin went to her closet, and attempted to pick out what she should wear for the night. It was her first date of the semester, which either meant that it could be a complete win or a complete fail.

She ultimately decided that the sluttier the better.

Laying the gold dress out on her bed, she let herself into the Lysandra’s room, borrowing a pair of strappy black heels she knew her roommate would absolutely approve of and was back out the door, ready to suffer through her first lab of the semester. Three hours was going to drag by, but thankfully, it was only once a week.

And drag by it did, but Aelin wasn’t sure if it was thanks to the monotonous recap of her previous semester’s information or thinking about seeing Rowan again. She usually wasn’t so forward, even though Rowan had clearly been the one to start it all, giving her his number. But still, she typically would have at least waited a day or two before texting him.

But there was just something about him that she couldn’t get out of her head.

She grabbed her gym bag out of the car, thankful she had a bit of time to get a work out in before she went out. Thanks to tonight, Aelin was a pent up ball of energy and needed to get it out someway. After a solid forty-five minutes on the treadmill and nearly thirty on the free weights, Aelin was heading for the locker room when she noticed a silver head of hair across the gym.

She watched him as he pulled himself up on the bar, his chin going over the piece of metal each time. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, sweat poured down his chest as his arms swelled. Aelin had been right.

That tattoo went across his chest, and all the way down his arm. He did the pull-ups so effortlessly, and Aelin’s mind began to wander to unholy places.

It wasn’t until his feet hit the mat beneath him that she was brought back to reality and hurried into the locker room. If he was here, that meant their date was approaching, and she had to get ready. She checked her phone. It was nearly seven.

Aelin hurried back home and showered. She had once vowed, during her freshman year, that she would avoid the gym showers at all costs and only used them under emergency circumstances. Luckily, her and Lysandra’s apartment was only five minutes from the gym.

After a shower and a full-body shaving session, Aelin was brushing out her long, golden hair and blow drying it until it was flowing freely down her back. She kept her makeup decently simple - at least, that’s how she made it look, and straightened the slight waves out of her hair before putting on her little, golden dress.

Once she had slipped on Lysandra’s heels, she was looking at herself in the mirror and even she had to admit that she was looking hot.

After grabbing her clutch, she hurried down the hallway and into the living room, where she found Lysandra and Aedion snuggled together on the couch, watching a movie.

“Going out with a stranger?” Lysandra asked, brow raised. “I'm so proud of you.”

“Yeah, just keep it in your pants,” Aedion mumbled.

“I thought I’d bring him back here,” she said, winking at Lysandra. “You don’t want to have breakfast together tomorrow?”

“Absolutely not,” Aedion mumbled and Lysandra chuckled, leaning into his embrace.

“Have fun, call me if you need me,” Lysandra called as Aelin blew them a kiss and headed for the door.

Her Uber was waiting when she walked out front and before she knew it, she was walking down the stairs into her favorite bar. Glancing around, she didn’t see Rowan sitting at the bar or any of the booths around the room.

So she bought herself a drink and claimed one of the pool tables, setting her coat and clutch on a bar stool nearby. Over halfway through the game, she felt eyes on her and glanced up to find Rowan standing at the other end of the table. Giving him a smirk, she knocked the cue ball into the yellow-striped 9 ball. It sank into the pocket.

“Playing with yourself?” Rowan asked, and Aelin caught a slight accent that she had missed earlier.

Aelin’s grin widened. “Well, if I’m left hanging, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.”

Rowan breathed a laugh. “Fair enough. And if I asked to join?”

“You sure you don’t just want to watch?” she asked, leaning on the table, making sure her cleavage was perfectly visible.

Rowan’s tongue shot out and subtly licked his bottom lip. “Tempting.”

Aelin pushed herself back and grabbed the rack, starting to collect the balls. “Buy me a drink and then we’ll talk.”

Rowan bit his lip to hide his spreading grin. “Fair enough. I’ll be back.”

Aelin watched as he left, watched as he went to the bar and bought her another drink, alongside one for himself. He came back with two glasses. One was the color of the sunrise, the other a caramelly brown.

“Sex on the Beach?” Aelin asked, brow raised.

He shrugged and handed her the glass. “Sounded promising.”

“So… Rowan,” she said, letting his name drag out as she said it. He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans and the black Henley he wore made his hair seem even brighter in the dim light of the bar.

“Aelin,” he purred right back, pulling a pool stick from the wall behind her, nearly boxing her in. She realized then how much larger than her he was.

She loved it.

“I hope your coffee helped you get through the rest of your day,” she said, resetting the game and racking the balls. She glanced at him over her shoulder as she reached into the middle of the table, and he was watching her, staring at her ass.

Slutty was definitely the right option tonight.

“It certainly did, especially considering how boring it was,” he replied, reaching around her for the chalk that rested on the edge of the table. “But when I got your text, it gave me something to look forward to. Even if it made the day last twice as long.”

“Happy I could help.” She picked her drink up and stirred it, before taking a long sip through the straw.

“Would you like to break, or should I?” He asked, nodding to the pool table.

“Let’s see what you can do.”

He grunted as he stepped forward, lined up his stick, and knocked the cue ball into the others. They broke apart, but none of them fell into the pockets. Rowan stood there for a moment, his lips pursed. Meanwhile, Aelin tossed her head back and burst into laughter.

“Alright, alright,” Rowan said, straightening up and turning to face her. “So pool isn’t my thing.”

Aelin stepped up next to him and aimed her stick, leaning over the table, her ass nearly rubbed up against Rowan’s front. “Hopefully you’re better at other things.”

Rowan’s hand brushed along Aelin’s hip, just as she got ready to shoot, causing her shot to go haywire. She spun around, eyes narrowed. “That’s foul play.”

“No one said we were playing fair,” he countered.

“What about playing for drinks?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

He lifted his own eyebrows and he said, “I’ve got an eight am…”

Shrugging, she said, “So do I.” Then she leaned in close, thankful for the three-inch heels she’d pilfered from Lysandra’s closet and breathed into his ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re up in time.”

“So sure of how this night is going to go,” he said quietly, just loud enough for her to hear him, and she felt his hand skimming over the curve of her ass. “Fine. We’ll play for drinks.”

It turned out Rowan hadn’t been lying about pool not being his thing. They played three games back to back, and he lost them all, but every time he returned with a drink for Aelin, he had one for himself as well. By the time she dragged him towards the small dance floor in the center of the bar, they were both stumbling and his lips found her neck before his hands even gripped her hips.

His lips were soft, gentle, nothing like she had expected. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe he was just getting tired, perhaps he was usually rough.

But, when his hands found Aelin’s hips and he brought her back into him, she felt that roughness. It seemed Rowan was the best of both worlds. Gentle when prompted, rough beneath the surface.

Aelin turned to him and slung her arms around his neck, bringing his lips to hers. Their mouths crashed into one another, and their bodies slowed until it felt like they were the only two on the dancefloor.

Rowan pulled away, just a little bit, and breathed, his eyes wild, “Aelin-.”

“Take me to your place,” she said, her mouth finding his, once again.

Before she knew what was happening, they were in the backseat of an Uber, unable to keep their hands off of one another. Thanks to it being a college town, the driver didn’t say a word, just dropped them in front of an upscale building, just off the east side of campus.

She noticed how nice it was on the short elevator ride up, but was much more preoccupied by the way his hips pressed into hers. He dragged her along the hall, his lips never leaving hers, until her back was pressed against a cool door and he was fumbling to get it unlocked. It swung wide and she gripped his collar, pulling him inside.

Throwing her clutch and coat by the door, Aelin let her hands dive into his cropped silver hair and he responded by cupping her ass and lifting her up. Her legs were around his waist and he carried her through the apartment and into his bedroom. Neither of them had any delusions about how and where this would end and Aelin felt like she was going to combust as he dropped her on the bed and gazed down at her.

His eyes were full of lust, full of hunger, a wild animal with his eye on his prey. He wasted no time stripping Aelin down and admiring her body with his hands, his tongue, his lips. Rowan may not have been good at pool, but he was right when he said he was far better at other things.

He worshipped her, and Aelin knew it wasn’t the alcohol when she was sent into utter bliss.

When he rolled off of her, breath still uneven, Aelin watched as he dealt with the condom and fell back into the bed beside her.

She cleared her throat. “I can go…if you want me to.”

Rowan turned to look at her, and she could tell he was still just as drunk as she was. “What? No, of course not. You said you’ve got an eight am, too, right?” She nodded and he tugged on her hand, pulling her closer to him. They were both still gloriously naked and she could feel the heat radiating off of his body. “Then we can both make sure the other is up so we aren’t late. Or too hungover.”

Aelin snorted softly, resting her head on his chest. “I think that particular ship has sailed.”

“You’re probably right,” he mumbled and she could tell he was already starting to doze. She was on the brink of sleep herself.

Aelin decided then, as her eyes closed, that she didn’t care if she was hungover in the morning, or if she was late to her eight am. A night being praised by Rowan had been perfectly worth it.

[ciceroandthelistener]

HI I Also want u to talk about Agnarr so: 👁👪🍩🍧🌙🌌🪤🎁📎🌈🌠 and 💚 Please? :3c Sorry that's so many but idk anything abt him except that one text post u made abt him and I'm Curious

ask game

eee yayy :D

👁️ EYE - what colour are their eyes? do people notice their eyes? is there anything special about them (shows emotion easily, literally magical...)?

His eyes are brown! sometimes in certain light they have tiny flecks of green, and after he mantles sheogorath they become golden and the pupils turn more feline :)

👪 FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?

Agnarr’s family was rather spread out but very close, with older generations of the clan across the Reach and the Rift and many cousins. however his immediate family was his parents, grandma and his older sister (to whom he was the most annoying little brother)

(rest under the cut)

🍩 DONUT - favourite sweet treat?

he has a weakness for fresh apple dumplings, ever since he was a lad he’s loved them. he used to help his grandma make them for holidays, and as he got older, it became a pick-me-up for when he was down.

🍧 SHAVED ICE - do they still have any objects from their childhood? what significance does it have to them? what would their reaction be if they lost it?

He still has the amulet of Stendarr that his mom gave him! It originally belonged to his grandfather and became something of a family heirloom when he passed. He’s worn it nearly everyday and he’d be heartbroken if it ever got lost :c

🌙 MOON - what is your oc's greatest wish? how far are they willing to go for it?

Agnarr just wants to make his family proud 🥺 He knows they love him no matter what but he wants them to be able to tell stories about him like the old heroes of legend. He honestly doesn’t know how much that would take, but he’s willing to try

🌌 MILKY WAY - what was the inspiration behind your oc? what was the first thing you decided about them?

Back when I first played Oblivion (when I was 15? I think?) I wasn’t really emotionally attached to the various Mary Sue characters I kept playing, and I was starting to question my identity for the first time, so Agnarr was a really nebulous thing in my mind for a long time. But I absolutely wanted him to be put together like a brick shithouse, and it wasn’t until I watched GoT very out of order and saw The Mountain that I decided that he’d be a shorter, kind hearted version of that (which probably says something abt me tbh ^^’)

🪤 MOUSE TRAP - what will always lure them into certain danger? a loved one in danger? a promise of something they are always searching for?

This man’s dumb heart 😩 He helps at any opportunity and that gets him into so much trouble. One time he nearly broke his leg falling out of a tree while trying to put a sparrow back in its nest

🎁 PRESENT - what types of presents would they be most happy to receive? are they good at gift giving?

He does prefer practical gifts that he can use, but a really thoughtful gift would just make him melt. but he much prefers to give gifts tho! he has nieces, nephews, and all manner of younger cousins so he taught himself to carve wooden animal toys :3

📎 PAPERCLIP - a random fact

He speaks a tiny bit of Ta’agra! the grammar isn’t very good and it sounds funny with his accent but he can ask for directions and introduce himself :)

🌈 RAINBOW - what advice would they give to their younger self?

He’d probably suggest not working on chasing an impossible goal. He has a tendency to overwork himself with the hope of praise but he learned that it just isn’t worth it.

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

He’d want to know what people think of him. He feels really out of place with the Blades and Martin (especially Martin), and he worries that they all think he’s just a stupid farm boy :(

💚 GREEN HEART - what things make your oc feel comforted? hugs, kisses, food?

Food does comfort him, especially the recipes his family used to make. He knows it’s not a totally healthy way to cope but sometimes even just cooking helps him feel better

[starrybumbles]

Home Sweet Home

CHAPTER 1: Riverdale

Sweet Pea x Reader

Canon-Divergence.

Summary: In a world so big, how were you stuck in such a tiny town?

Word Count : 1877

Author’s Note: Hi guys! This is my first piece of writing I’m putting out so hopefully it’s good lol. I’m not even caught up with Riverdale tbh, and that’s bc there’s so little Sweet Pea. Back to the point though, I would love your guys’ review on this (:

           Moving away from California was the last thing you wanted to do. It was your home- your safe place. So many good things happened there and now... it was miles away. The trees blurred into a green blob, right up until you decided to focus on one. Then it seemed to go in slow motion. A sigh escaped your lips, eyes flickering up to the rearview mirror. The backseat- along with the trunk- was filled with your bags. It left little room to actually use the mirror for what it’s meant for. But then again, no one was rushing to stay at the ‘town with pep’. (It was anything but.)

“It’ll be fine.” Your mom’s hand came to rest on your own. “Think of this as a fresh start.”

“I didn’t want a fresh start.” 

There was a pause. The words had flown out faster than you could stop them. They left a bad taste in your mouth- complaining wasn’t something you liked to do. This whole move wasn’t your mom’s fault; people were shit and liked to shit on others. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know what you’re feeling. But I really do think you’ll be happier here.”  

As another silence hung over you both, you couldn’t help but wonder if that was true. Your life back in California was like a dream. You had a good group of friends, a best friend, and a place where you felt good and safe. It was a scene ripped right from the movie screen. But heading to Riverdale gave you a whole new perspective and you couldn’t say you liked it. 

The sun beat down your back as you pulled the rest of the suitcases out of the trunk. You could already feel the sweat building up on your neck. Even in Riverdale you couldn’t beat Summer’s heat- go figure. With three bags in your left and a suitcase in your right, you stepped back to let your mom shut the trunk. Your eyes wandered over to the park’s sign, dingy from years of standing. 

Sunnyside Trailer Park. Low Rates- No Pets- Swimming Pool.

A painted sun beamed with yellow and red rays right above the words. A line, the same shade of red, ran right through the second set below. 

Many times you’ve been here through the years and you couldn’t say anything has changed. A small smile spread across your face. The outside of the trailers were tinged with dust and dirt. Only one mattered, though, and that one was just a few feet away. A little wooden staircase leads up to the door. Trash bins were lined up on the left, while an isolated box stood on the other. It was familiar- so familiar you already knew what the inside looked like. But it wasn’t home. 

You walked up to the box and lifted a lawn gnome, grimacing at the rust on it. It was such an obvious place to hide a key. Your mother walked up behind you, groaning about how she should have thrown away more shoes. ( “You never know if I need them,” she’d said.) 

You trudged up the stairs and opened the door, settling your luggage to the side. To your right was the living room, set with all the essentials. To the left was the kitchen. You purse your lips before turning. 

“Hey, mom,” you called out. “You think uncle would mind if I munched on something?” 

Her voice echoed from the bathroom. “I don’t think so! Just munch, though. I think we should go to Pop’s and get something.” 

With that, you practically ran towards the kitchen. The cool air of the fridge hit you, a sigh of relief escaping. The feeling quickly fell as you saw nothing in there that would satisfy your hunger. You’d thought the fridge would be stocked considering your cousin was such a foodie. How did he get by like this? You closed the door, puffing out at the disappointment. Guess you’d have to wait for diner food. “So, uh.. when exactly are we going there?”

You watched your mom round the corner. “Soon. Uncle will be here soon.”

And, low and behold, your uncle walked through the door within the next few minutes. He wore a tired grin as he opened his arms toward you. Stepping away from the fridge, you wrapped your arms around him. His stubble scratched the top of your head. You murmured a little hello and your uncle returned it. That smile was still on his face as he greeted your mom. 

“It’s good to see you, Forsythe.” 

“Why don’t you ever use FP?” He groaned, holding her at arm's length. “I hate that name.” 

“Well, it's your name.” She rolled her eyes, patting his shoulder. Your mom was the older one out of the two and she made sure everyone knew. 

Despite the complaints from FP, you knew he wasn’t that bothered by it. Family was everything with you guys, even when you lived across the country. The constant contact with each other over the years kept that bond strong. It made you wish being here was under different circumstances. 

The two adults shared a look before nodding. Your eyes shifted to the half empty coffee pot on the stove, left untouched since the morning. Of course your uncle knew about what happened in California. You figured the talk would happen later- out of earshot for you. A part of you hoped you’d be included, while another didn’t want to talk about it. 

A buzzing noise reached your ears. You fumbled to get your phone from the back of your pocket. The screen lit up, soliciting a smile at the text. B/F Name, your best friend, had been texting you since you left. You missed her a lot. Never have you been so far away. Biting your lip, your fingers hovered over the keyboard as you responded. Maybe you would call her later if she wasn’t busy. 

“Y/n, fix yourself. We’re gonna leave.” 

You nodded without looking up at your mom and moved to the only bathroom in the trailer. The text was sent with a ‘ttyl’. 

Looking in the mirror, you locked eyes with your reflection. Bags hung under your eyes. They weren’t noticeable unless you were trying to spot them. You ran a hand over your face, taking a deep breath. Fresh start- that’s what this was. A new page to write whatever you wanted. You clicked your tongue, then sighed. 

_____________

Make the most of this, you thought, and nodded at your reflection before throwing the door open. 

The smell of burgers hit you as soon as the three of you entered. Despite its years, Pop’s looked as good as ever. The floor was checkered with black and grey, the booths a bright red with silver padding covering the top. On the walls were several decorations, many being old photos. Even the people here fit the fifties-esque aesthetic of the diner. 

At the register, your mom stood with your uncle, waving you over. A smile graced her lips, her hand reaching out to place itself on your back. Behind the metal table was a big man wearing an apron and a hat that had Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe printed on both. His smile reflected your mom’s. It took you a second before recognizing him. 

“Well, if it isn’t little Y/n L/n. Look at you all grown up.” His voice was as warm as an apple pie fresh out of the oven. 

You returned his smile, waving at Pop before shoving it back into the pocket of your jeans. “Hi. Been a few years,” you said. 

“It certainly has. I’m glad to see you back.” 

Pop nodded to both you and your mom before ushering you to find a seat. You followed the two adults down the line, feeling a bit awkward as you trailed behind. You could feel stares of other customers as you passed by. You kept your eyes trained ahead. 

Pop had come by to take your orders and within that time, you found that your uncle worked there in his free time. 

“So I’m hearing free milkshakes?” You grinned, eyebrows shooting up. 

Your mom snorted. “Or maybe she could get a job and pay for them.” 

FP nodded, pointing a finger at her. You gave them both accusatory glances. 

“I’d like an extra hand around here.”

“It’s not like I wouldn’t try to get hired, but we just moved here! I need a little time to adjust.” 

You slumped against the seat, and picked up a fry. Working at Pop’s didn’t sound like such a bad thing- you had at least a little experience under your belt. You glanced around the diner again, eyeing the empty tables. It shouldn’t be too hard. Turning towards your uncle, you continued, “I just need to get familiar with the place again. Adjust to life in Riverdale first before diving into being the town’s little go-getter.” 

FP snickered. “Alright, kid.” His eyes flickered to the door as the bell attached to it jingled. “Now’s your time to start getting familiar.” 

At his words, you swiveled around to meet Jughead. He looked a little stunned to see you. A second passed before a grin stretched across his face. You made your way toward him. Your arms wrapped around his middle with a squeeze.

 As you pulled away, a group started to push past the doors and stand behind Jughead. You nudge your cousin, then step to the side.  

“Jug,” you hissed when he didn’t follow suit. You gestured to the group, and when you made eye contact with the tall one you gave a smile. “Sorry for him.”

The one at the head narrowed his eyes at you. He crossed his leather clad arms over his torso, and you noticed that they all had the same jacket on. Jughead took a step back towards them, glancing at the tallest before switching back to you. It was then that you saw the same jacket on him that everyone else had. A small “oh” formed on your mouth as your brain connected the dots. 

“Are you guys having some sort of club meeting?”

Jughead scoffed, shaking his head at your ridiculous question. “No, it’s…” 

As he trailed off, his eyes shifted to something behind you. 

“A.. project.”

Right, you thought. A project for what?

You wanted to ask. It was so obvious that he was lying about whatever this was. Yet your lips didn’t move. And you knew why. There was a lot that happened back in your old town; stuff that you’d rather keep in the dark. Even from Jughead whom you were close with. Maybe this lie was his way of telling you he wanted to keep this to himself. So you’ll let it slide… for now. 

Two of the others looked to Jughead. The third one stared hard at you-- the tall one that you’d consider cute if he didn’t have such a mean mug. To avoid his gaze, you turned your back and waved the little group over. You all squished into a booth in the corner of the diner. Menus were passed around as Jughead grinned. 

“Let’s eat!”

[sparrowshrike]

Monster Prom Wingman AU Christmas Special

Past

Sparrow woke up at 4 am to find his stalking on his bed, at this time Sparrow was still going by Simon and was living with his human (Adoptive) Maternal grandfather. Simon emptied his stalking finding a puzzle, which entertained him until 5 am, luckily at 5:14 he heard Vicky and Yellow(Oz), over the walkie talkie. This was also back when both Vicky and Brain were alive and all of them were in middle school.  

“Anyone else awake, and more importantly bored?” Vicky asked

“This is Simon,” he whispered “and yeah I’m bored”

“Same Here” Amira picked up

“Good to hear form you two, I didn’t know you two celebrated Christmas.”

“I don’t, I’m just bored” Amira shrugged

“*Yawn* Morning everyone.” 

“Oh, Sorry for waking you Brian.” Simon said

“It’s Okay.”

“Go Back to bed Allison!” Brian’s parent’s yelled

“They still call you that?” Vicky asked

“Yeah...” Brian sighed

“Hey why don’t we all go to the meeting place?”

“Yeah!” Vicky and Yellow said in Unison

“Okay.” Brian said

“Meet you all there.” Amira said

Simon put on his stuff and opened his window. Back then, Simons eyes and wings made him a freak, so he put together the Googles, face mask, Gloves and Sweater to make him look like a normal kid. His window was above the covered porch. From there he climbed to the top of the house, and then leapt. He glide as far as he does now, but he was still pretty good at it. He glided from roof to roof until he reached the park, he saw Vicky biking there as well as Brain walking. Simon landed in the clearing and tucked his wings away. Amira was already there, her hair appeared to be red in color, an illusion. Simon and Amira were the only two who hid who they were, what they were.

The Color Squad met up and Hung out until they saw the sun, then they went home and enjoyed their Christmas Day, Not knowing to some it would be their last for quite awhile.

Present(Spoilers for Wingman AU)

Context: Oz, Vicky and Brian have moved into Sparrow’s penthouse after realizing that the teenager whose mother died right before his eyes may want company, Amira still lives with her family, but is a frequent visitor. Sparrow is dating Vera, Oz is dating Zoe, Vicky is dating Liam, Brain is dating Scott, and Amira is with Damien, and Polly is actually Sparrow’s Third Cousin(Their Great Grandparents were siblings)

Sparrow’s Penthouse has a massive (artificial) Christmas tree, The thing reaches the second floor. Scott and Brian are putting the garland on tree, while Vicky, Damien, Liam, and Amira are in the kitchen baking Oatmeal Cookies, Peanut Butter Balls, and Tracey Hawk’s(Sparrow’s Mother) Apple Crisp. Vera, Valerie, Mr. Oberlin and Polly are Putting up the lights. No, they are not doing this on Christmas, this is Christmas Eve, and with some many hands helping, Tomorrow’s Christmas party is going to go off without a hitch.

Liam, Damien, and Zoe have never had a Christmas before, Damien despises the holiday, but both Amira and Vera will have his head if he acts out. And Liam never participated, seeing how “Mainstream” Christmas is.

Everyone opened one gift before they left, but they would return tomorrow for the party, Vera gave Sparrow a long kiss goodbye, knowing tomorrow would be hard for him, it was the 6th Christmas without his mother, but the first with no close family at all.    

Future

Time has gone by and the color squad had kids, The Color Kids if you will. Casper was the Illegitimate Child of Polly and Faith, Faith still wants nothing to do with them though, Seeing them as a freak accident. Now despite being Trans-gender, Brian never fully went through a gender transformation, so when he and Scott wanted a bio kid, they did it the old fashioned way. Zoe and Oz got freaky and made Dorothy, a sweet little adorable eldritch fear being. Calculester somehow got a hold of magic seeds that granted him a daughter in the form of Caroline. Now despite both of them being undead Liam and Vicky still brought life into this world, Mina was the name given to this life. Damien and Amira had a few kids, the one around the same age as the others is Fyra. Last but not least Sparrow and Vera have many kids, some biological, some adopted, all loved by their parents and Aunts. But the two old enough for this part are the “twins”, Quasi, a gargoyle, and Tracey(named after her Grandmother), a Winged Gorgon. Valerie got together Aaravi and Decided not to have kids, but will protect their family.

Sparrow and Vera have hosted Christmas for many years, their friends rejoice at not having to sett up as many decorations each year because of it. But this year in the middle of the party Sparrow noticed someone was missing.

“Quasi! Tracey!” Sparrow called for his kids from across the room.

Quasi flew over to him, while Tracey glided from the second floor.

“What’s wrong Dad?” Quasi asked

“Where’s your cousin?”

“Casper? They were here a minute ago.” Tracey said

“A minute? Are you sure it’s only been a minute.”

“Positive Dad.”

“Alright, Can you two back up?” Sparrow asked, and as soon as he backed up he took a deep breath and Screamed, now he isn’t just being loud, this is how he flies. Sparrow flew over to Polly.

“Hey Cuz, Casper’s missing.”

“They said they needed to get some fresh air.” Polly said, she then put on her serious face “They’ve been feeling like faith doesn’t care about them, it’s worse around the holidays”

“I know the feeling, I’m gonna try something.” Sparrow says floating down to a pantry closet, but this isn’t full of food, Sparrow’s father was an artifact collector. This closet held a lot of magic, Sparrow even keeps Amira’s necklace in here for safe keeping. Sparrow grabbed a golden orb the size of a basketball. he then went to the balcony and whispered to it

“Faith Fernández” he spoke, then the orb started to glow and fly, it zipped off and Sparrow followed it. As you can probably guess it’s a tracker orb, Sparrow landed right behind Faith, two blocks away from his building.

“Come to lecture me about my “Responsibility” again?“

“You know me so well, and yeah. Here I am again, and here you are again”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Funny, how I keep finding you not far from the kid, yet you say they’re a Freak Accident.” Sparrow Started “First, you were at the school, when they received an honors award, and here you are now, in clear view of my Christmas party”

“Coincidence, Nothing more.”

Sparrow threw up his hands in surrender, “Alright, but for someone who lectured me about what’s right. You’re refusing to do the right thing and take responsibility for Your accident.”

Before Faith could yell that Casper is Polly’s accident, Sparrow was gone.

Casper had been floating on the roof, even when Sparrow returned.

“Hey Kiddo,”

“H-hey, U-Uncle Sparrow, I’ll return to the party soon, don’t worry.”

“If you think that put’s me at ease, Then I’ve never told you about your mother’s time as a wraith”

“You have told me.”

“Then you know how I know you lying.”

“Because Mom gave the same excuses”

“To hide her feelings about your grandfather” Sparrow put his arm on Casper's Shoulder “I don’t know what your going through, but you can talk to me or your Mom about this. We will listen” Sparrow said lifting his arm off and walking away “Merry Christmas Casper”

“Merry Christmas, Uncle”

Quasi, Casper, Mina, Daryl, Caroline, and Dorothy by @lallorona04

Marry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Respite! @strange-doll-child @ask-lady-blue @segasister @mons1erprom

[lantur]

My uncle passed away today.

He’s been in the intensive care unit, critically ill with several antibiotic resistant infections and multiple organ failure and sepsis, for 5 weeks. There was no improvement and today he passed away, just less than 30 minutes ago. My mom and I didn’t get to say goodbye; he was in India.

Uncle I was always my favorite uncle. He did beautiful drawings. When I was a little kid, he bought me plastic grapes and told me they were real ones. He took me to a crystal store and bought me a crystal apple and a crystal owl. He loved gardening and he planted a tree in his backyard whenever one of us (the cousins) were born.

I was adopted, and he was the one who collected me from the hospital I was born in and kept premature baby me in his house until my parents got their visa issues sorted out and were able to come from the US to India to pick me up.

Last time I saw him was in December 2012-January 2013. My mom and I stayed at his house while we were visiting India. He bought fresh coconut water for me every morning, because he knew I liked it. He took me to the sweets and snacks shops that I liked, and I watched as the workers fried big batches of banana chips. I told him I wanted to have pizza on the roof of the house for New Years, and he ordered pizza for us. The next day, he drove us to Crocodile Bank and Marina Beach, places in India I’ve always enjoyed going ever since I was a little kid. I remember hugging him goodbye when we left in January 2013.

We stayed in touch via email, every month or two. I told him about finding Jack, finding my new job, moving to Minnesota, making friends, moving into a bigger place, my visits with my parents, the plays I went to and the board games I played and books I read, and losing Jack. The last email I sent him was in sick June and I talked about some books we had read and my trip to Oregon.

He got sick a week later and I will never receive another email from him again.

This past 5 weeks has been hell. Worse hell was seeing my mom break down sobbing tonight after learning her older brother, one of the two people in the world she’s close to besides me, passed away. She cried about how they used to play together.

Uncle I was a genius banker and a great artist. He volunteered at a suicide prevention line and he taught classes at a local college. He gave blood regularly. And he was so generous. He gave money and time and help to anyone who needed it, including lots of members of our extended family.

When my mom saw him in India a few months ago, he bought me a ton of Indian snacks that he knew I liked and sent them to me through her. They’re sitting in my drawer now.

My mom is heartbroken, saying it wasn’t his time, he was too young, only 67, how could this have happened - she just saw him in India a few months ago. I can’t dwell on that right now. All I know is that his suffering is over, he is at peace now, he is with my grandfather who passed away due to Parkinson’s disease 28 years ago.

I was lucky to know Rasheed Iqbal, we were lucky to have him in our family as an uncle, our parents were lucky to have him as a brother, my cousin was lucky to have him as a father. God bless his soul and rest in peace

[a-deadly-serenade]

The Shield and the Sword: Chapter 5: Whispers in the Garden [Alucard/Reader]

You’re a witch that is skilled in herbology, one that has been persecuted by the church for practically your entire life. In spite of this, moving throughout different towns has allowed you to pick up some chatter about a woman in a village called Lupu. She is supposed to be a wonder when it comes to medicine, and this immediately perks up your interest. So after plucking up some courage, you’ve made it to her door… hoping that she takes you as her apprentice.

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16724856?view_full_work=true

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The following weeks were filled with diligent study in the medical library, which was beginning to feel more and more as an extension of your bedroom. You had filled up so many rolls of parchment that you had trouble keeping a tab on all of the notes that you wrote down. It was becoming particularly difficult for you to find specific information as well, since your desk drawers were packed to the absolute brim with parchment.

Lisa, never one to leave such problems unnoticed, went ahead and purchased you a basket full of thick, soft brown leather journals, and a pile of fresh, new quills. It had honestly been a blessing, and being able to take notes within the safe, organized confines of a journal gave you time to organized the mess of scrolls that you had sort of neglected for a few days.

Not only were you hard at work studying with Lisa, but you spent a few hours every night with Adrian, assisting him in his studies on magic. It quickly became apparent that he had a very basic understanding of what magic entailed, knowing that, at the very least, it required the caster to have intent.

“What is so important about this “intent”?” he had a hint of annoyance in his tone. “I heard several Speakers that my father has invited over discuss this whole concept of intent. It does not sound very scientific.”

“That’s because it isn’t,” you counter. “The idea of intent… it’s less of an idea, as it is a sensation. You feel it in the very marrow of your bones, in the very center of your being. You carry belief, and the strength necessary to make this vision come to fruition. Therefore, with the proper amount of intent, any kind of magic is possible. However, you need to be able to have belief in this intent in order for it to do its job.”

Adrian was silent during your whole explanation, and a few moments passed before he nodded in understanding. “I see… so, I need to approach this less logically?”

“Yes!” you cried out triumphantly. “It is good and well to have this… strong, scientific curiosity that can only be satiated by reading and learning and experimenting. But, you need to take your head out of the lab and understand that there are forces that even science cannot explain,” you close your eyes and press your hand to his chest.

Nothing seemed to be happening, but then a warm, yellow light started to emanate from your palm. You hear Adrian gasp quietly in shock, a small smile on your lips as you remove your hand, a cheeky expression on your face.

“What was that?” he sputtered out.

“That was a glimpse of your aura,” you said. “I could sense it very faintly between the very tips of my fingers,” you look down at your hand and wiggle said digits. “It was warm, but a little reluctant to come out. I could feel that it was yellow… but just a hint darker…” you mutter to yourself.

“Does that mean something?” he questioned.

“Yellow usually has a connection to the source of all your bodies energy, and it appears that all of your energy is being honed in on studies.”

Adrian blinks, slight disbelief written across his visage before he folds his arms across his chest in a slight huff. “Well that is just plainly obvious, anyone that saw me as much as you do could guess that I have been spending a lot of time reading.”

You flushed, angry that he had reacted so defensively to your reading. “I… I mean, yes, you could say that but the dark I had picked up,” you began, before he cut you off abruptly.

“What of it?”

You bristled, getting more and more annoyed with this sudden attitude of his by the minute. “There are feelings of…” your eyebrows furrowed, confused as to why you sensed negative emotions. “Being under pressure, as though you have been pushing yourself to some extremes in order to improve…” you glance over at Adrian, concern flashing in your eyes for a brief moment as he stared at you.

He cleared his throat, looking away from you as he started to pack up his things. “I think that should be enough for today,” he said, and stood up out of his chair.

You nodded, still in a daze after what you had just said. You bid him goodnight, and once your door had been shut, you let out a long exhale.

“What was that about?” you whispered, slipping off your clothes to put on a much softer nightgown.

You snapped your fingers to light a honey and peppermint scented candle, as you crawled into bed and snuggled into the blankets.

He’s hiding something, you thought. It’s as though he’s feeling… inadequate. Why could that be?  

You took a deep breath in an attempt to clear your head, as you closed your eyes and tried to fall asleep.

The next morning began like every other, with you being woken up by Lisa coming into your room and announcing that it was time to get up. Quickly getting ready and dressed for the day, you ate breakfast with the rest of the Tepes family, although, you had to admit, that you were a little nervous to sit next to Adrian after what had happened last night.

As you sat there, sipping on your tea, and munching on a piece of buttered bread coated in raspberry jelly, you either suspected that he had forgotten the incident, or decided to ignore it, as he carried on an amicable conversation with his mother and father. You were frankly relieved, not wanting to have been the cause of drama between the family that had so graciously welcomed you into their home.

Once everyone had finished their breakfast, you helped Lisa wash and put away the dish ware as you always did. Drying your hands on a dish towel, you leaned against the counter as Lisa put away the final forks and knives into their appropriate drawers.

“So, do you just want to meet me at the library?” you asked her. “I finally know how to get there on my own without getting horribly lost.” you joked.

She chuckled and gave you a smile. “Now you can come and go whenever you please!” she exclaimed, as she continued to laugh. “However, we will not be going to the library today.”

“Oh?”

Lisa gave you a wink and bopped the tip of your nose. “I’m going to take you somewhere special today.”

A burst of excitement surged through your veins as she said this, with just a hint of intrigue creeping in as your mind attempted to try and solve the exact nature of this mystery location.

When Lisa wrapped up everything in the kitchen, she told you to follow her and she made quick haste to lead you around hallways in the castle you never even knew existed. The journey, however, was not very long, and you soon found yourself exiting the echoing halls of Castlevania and entering a magnificent outdoor garden.

There were so many different flowers and other species of plants that it was honestly a little overwhelming. A multitude of roses dotted the landscape, either in big, bristly bushes, or entangling themselves up large, white trellises. There were pink roses, red roses, white roses, and even black roses. There were lilac trees and wildflowers and even a couple fruit trees. Apple blossoms fell from a nearby tree, their smell drifting in the wind as the two of you made your way deeper into the garden.

A large hedge maze stood several feet away, green ivy sprouting from its crevices with birds chirping from their nests amongst all of the leaves. A cobblestone pathway led from the patio all the way to the entrance, which was surrounded by several small gurgling fountains as water shout out from the creative spouts of fish and tiny cupid angels.  

Large pots filled with tulips, daisies, and dog roses lined the walkway, and you let out an elated gasp as a flock of white doves cooed and chirped as the two of you passed by. The birds seemed intrigued by your presence, but appeared more inclined to flock around Lisa.

“I don’t have have food!” she cried out and waved her hands at the doves. “Go on, shoo!” she clapped loudly several times and the perturbed birds flew back in surprise, hooting and cooing as they bobbed their heads in search of lunch elsewhere.

“Don’t get in the habit of giving them any sort of seeds,” Lisa grumbled. “They came last spring when I was being more generous with feeding the wildlife, and they haven’t left the garden since.”

You giggled. “I’m sure they’re just grateful that they’ve found such a lovely home.”

The both of you rounded a corner and were now walking down a grassy path, wild berry bushes and wild plants blooming all around you. This appeared to be an area that was less used by humans, and you soon found out the reason why.

A large, ornate greenhouse stood a little ways away. It was made of wood, humble in its size, it look no bigger than a common shed. Nevertheless, it was a thing of beauty. All of the windows were covered in beautiful stained glass designs, a motif that followed it from its towering gothic cousin.

The doors especially took your breath away. A glittering, glass monarch butterfly design, with its wings spread out wide, decorated the very top of the pointed entrance. Meanwhile, opulent windows surrounded the actual doorway, covered in clear flowers and vibrant crystals, colored in bright blues and purples.

“This place is beautiful,” your voice is filled with wonder and awe, feeling like a kid in a candy store as you walk in and are completely enveloped by nature.

Large stone tiles served as the walkway within the greenhouse, otherwise, you’d threaten to step on the herbs and flowers that grew in every available nook and cranny. You noticed that there was quite a sophisticated irrigation system, with a long trough surrounding the perimeter of the room, making it easy for water to flow freely to all of the plants.

A small pond was in one corner, lily pads blooming with lotuses had large, green bullfrogs hopping from leaf to leaf. Dragonflies skied across the clear surface of the water, occasionally flying by a cattail and clinging to the reed instead as turtles made their way from the bottom to bask on rocks surrounded by pickerel and arrowhead flowers.

Lisa directed your attention to the large wooden tables that held most of the other plants, and you realized that these pots were filled with almost every medically relevant flora you had ever seen.

“Is this where you get your medicine stock from?” you wondered, as you gingerly stroked the thick leaves of an aloe vera plant.

Lisa nodded her head. “Yes. My husband quickly picked up on how much I enjoyed gardening, so he built me this greenhouse so that I could have the freshest of ingredients for my tonics.”

“I’m not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that this would be what my personal Heaven would look like,” you confessed.

A genuine blush rose to Lisa’s cheeks when you said this, and her flustered hands almost dropped a pair of clippers that she had brought to cut off leaf stems. “Oh you are too kind,” she whispered.

“It’s wonderful that you were able to accomplish so much, Lisa. The amount of progress that you have been able to make is astonishing,” your eyes glittered with excitement as you ran over and to grab a hold of her hands. “I never believed that the teachings of my ancestors would ever become reality. The fact that you were able to help keep all of this rich history alive… it… it invigorates me!” you laugh, a radiant sound that bounces off the glass walls. “And that you’re human no less. I always knew that there would always be some particularly gifted non-magical folk out there in the world, but…” you leaned in, and brushed away a stray hair of hers. “I never believed I would ever meet one.”

Lisa’s big, bright blue eyes blink at you in surprise. “What….what’s that supposed to mean?”

You back away, realizing you may have startled her a bit. “Oh… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to get so overzealous… it’s just… it’s as if my clan were still alive,” you said, in a steady voice, not trying to guilt her in any sort of fashion. “I know Vlad helped out a lot too it’s just… I dunno… it makes me really happy that you’re here--”

Your voice cuts off as Lisa brings you into a very tight hug, her chin resting on the top of your head. Her arms are wrapped around you, some fingers going through your hair and others scratching soothing lines down your back. “It’s alright, little one,” she cooed, echoing the nickname that Vlad had given to you. “I’m so thankful that you were able to find me. You’re your families survivor, the one that can keep their traditions alive. You will never forget all those that fell, so you pursuing your dream means that they did not die in vain.”

Your bottom lip trembled as she said this to you, her wave of blue emotions washing over you as the two of you stood in the tight embrace. You rubbed the big, globs of tears that slid down your cheeks with the back of your hand, confused as to why you were so upset.

Were you more sensitive to emotions after that reading you had given Adrian last night?

If that’s the case, you thought to yourself, this is going to be a rough day.

Lisa pulls away when she notices you struggling to fight back tears, and hands you one of the clean towels she keeps in a large wicker basket. “Are you alright?” she asked, as she helped you wipe them away.

“Yeah… yeah I think so, I think I’m just a little bit more sensitive to emotions today,” you explain, blowing your nose into the towel.

“Well, that took a turn for the sappy, I suppose,” Lisa muttered, before the both of you burst into a fit of giggles.

“At least I know that I’ve finally found my true purpose in life,” you replied. “It was destiny that you and I should meet.”

Lisa nodded her head in agreement. “Indeed it was.”

The rest of the day was spent in the greenhouse, with Lisa showing you how to properly take care of and document the plants inside. You needed to know all the plants in there like the back of your hand, and know the proper ingredients necessary to make the most popular and simple remedies.

You got familiar with the layout, and the plants as well. Humming and singing soft tunes as you hopped across the stones, occasionally reaching out to a couple hands that stretched out for attention; the hoya carnosas being especially needy. It was important to let them know you meant no harm, and were someone they could trust. If plants did not respect you, they could refuse to grow or even shrivel away due to the lack of incentive to stay.

Most of the herbs instantly craved your attention, having easily picked up on your years of experience raising and pampering their specific genus. The aloe were a bit fussy at first, some of the more exotic species especially having an attitude, alongside the ferns. Honestly, you get big and bushy and are used in so many remedies, and suddenly they think they’re better than most other plants.

It was rather amusing, seeing these strange little dichotomies that had developed within the greenhouse. You picked up that all of the plants loved Lisa, she was their mother, some of them going so far as to hold her in a similar reverence to Gaia. Vlad was also held in high regard, the lavender cooing about how in love he and Lisa were, they thought it was adorable. A couple stems of peppermint echoed the sentiments, saying that Lisa glows whenever he is around her, and she adds just a dash… of, well, they don’t exactly know what it is, but they call it “the light”, to their care.

All of this brought a smile to your lips, and you almost cackled when they shifted their focus to Adrian. Several basil plants complained that when he was little, he would always run amuck through the little plants, like the mosses and tiny spurs that grew alongside the pond.

Oh! But a bundle of hawthorn added. Even as he grew older, and expressed interest in working alongside his mother, he was a clumsy mess, spilling fresh dirt everywhere, or spilling water onto those who didn’t need it! It was a good day when Lisa finally decided it would be best if he remained in the castle to complete his studies.

You laughed quietly, but a high pitched chorus of giggles caught your attention, and you turned your head to find a patch of hibiscus flowers. They were a rainbow of colors, some were orange, others a bright yellow, some a startling white with fushia patches at the edge of their petals, and others were the classic deep red.

You furrowed your brow, and gave them a small glare. What are they laughing about?

Hibiscus were tricky flowers, gossipy little things that would prattle on about love and matchmaking.

Oh, she hears us, the white one giggled.

Really? an orange exclaimed.

Little girl, one said in a much older voice. It was a gorgeous hibiscus, a light pink that had hues of magenta and a rich blue pallet around the stigma. I know the true feelings that lay in your heart.

What? you think.

Playing dumb does not suit you my dear, she groaned. The one with the beautiful golden hair, the prince of darkness--

You look away, a dark red blush on your face as you stomp off to leave the greenhouse, the flowers giggling behind your back as you refrained from slamming the door shut.

Your breaths came out in puffs in front of you, embarrassed and on edge after that rather confrontational conversation. Wiping a bead of sweat off of your brow, you felt a calm settle over you as you gazed up at the moon in the sky.

It was practically time for you and Adrian to meet up again, and albeit, you were a tad bit nervous.

You sincerely hoped that he did not feel uncomfortable around you after that stunt you pulled earlier. It had been hard garnering even a bit of trust with him when it came to Adrian finally listening to you. He had been insanely stubborn the first few days of tutoring, and you had almost threw in the towel before Lisa intervened and spoke to each of you individually.

You had no idea what she said to Adrian, but she told you to see if you could find a different approach to getting him to understand magic. Use what you knew about his learning style to see if you could use other techniques to get it to stick.

After some brainstorming, you noticed that Adrian was a much more traditional student, as he enjoyed reading thick tomes and taking diligent notes, not too far off from what you had been doing the first couple weeks. But now that you were fairly confident about your knowledge on the human body and known ailments, you had begun the more hands-on aspects of working in the greenhouse with Lisa. That is the way that you preferred learning, being able to literally sink your hands into what it is you’re researching.

So you decided that making some form of lecture would benefit Adrian the most, similar to the classes that you had taken when you were much younger. You would come up with test questions, or make him practice a particular magical technique in front of you. Things started to go more smoothly after that, and he would even start talking about himself once in awhile.

You let out a shaky breath as you sat in your desk chair, voice getting trapped in your throat when you hear a knock on the door. “Come,” your voice sounds rough and strained, and you cough to clear it up. “Come in.”

Adrian walks in, a perplexed expression on his face. “Are you alright?” he asked.

You pour yourself a glass of water and take a sip. After swallowing the big gulp, you nod your head. “Yeah, sorry,”

He gets situated in the chair next to you, pulling out his own journal, quill, and book from a large messenger bag his father had loaned him. “From where we left off last night, then?”

You froze, but quickly shrugged off the feeling. “Yes, intent…” you quickly reached for the notes you had prepared days earlier, thanking the goddesses that you had some sort of map to rely on in terms of discussion topics.

To your surprise (and honest relief) the night went off just fine. Your approach was really paying off, and the questions that the both of you exchanged had led to very rich discussions. Adrian appeared very pleased, a smile on his face as he waved his quill over the page to help the ink dry faster.

“Tonight was very enjoyable,” he said, and put it down once the words were set.

“I’m glad. I’m actually surprised by how much we were able to cover,” you replied. Your eyes widened at the sudden surprise of a bright blue bundle of sparkling stars, and Adrian turned his head to see what you were looking at.

“Oh, that’s just Aria,” he said, and raised his hand up, as one would for a small bird, before the stars shedded from her like snake’s skin and disappeared from sight. She fluttered onto his outstretched index finger and gave a rather dramatic yawn.

“Seems as though she’s just awoken from her nap,” he said. He gave her a delicate scratch with his long nails, and she gave a delighted hum in response.

A question you had asked yourself long ago suddenly popped back in your head and you let out a quiet, “Oh!”

“Adrian?” you began. “Why does Aria stay in the castle? I know she claims you’re her “Master”, but, how did she end up here?”

He was quiet for a moment, a somber expression on his face before it quickly washed away. “When I had been fairly young, my father and I had been walking around the woods you see before you,” his golden eyes gazed out of the window, upon the pine trees that stretched on for miles into the dark night. “It had been a day where we had gone looking for some local insects, mostly butterflies and beetles. But, that’s when we heard tiny cries for help.”

Aria finally opened her eyes, her bright blue orbs widening in sadness as she heard what he was talking about.

“A group of fairies,” Adrian said, eyes narrowing. “Had been captured, by a group of greedy humans. They used traps to secure their capture, and would then sell off their wings and eventually even their bones for use in dark spells.”

You looked over at Aria, whose wings had lowered, and she had brought her legs up to her chest, tiny tears sticking to her long eyelashes like dewdrops. “Why would they do that?” you cried out. “Fairies are such peaceful, beautiful, giving creatures. What good would that bring them?”

“Profit.” Adrian spat. “Father knew what was going on, and was thankfully able to scare them away. Even as a child I thought they deserved more than just a good fright, but the fairies were saved.”

Aria nodded her head. “Yup!” she cried out, rubbing the last few tears away on her arm. “The rest of my sisters and cousins and friends live inside the garden now,” she fluttered over to you. “You… well, I visit there sometimes, and they often tell me how kind you are to all the plants. And even… well, the new fairy gardens that you added have been a really nice addition too…” her face was flushed a cute pink, eyes downcast and her hands behind her back in bashfulness.

You gave her a kind smile. “You’re welcome, small lady.”

She blushed, and she covered her face before zipping back to where Adrian sat to hide behind his shoulder.

You giggled, but feeling eyes on you, you turned your attention to Adrian, who immediately turned his head away from your gaze. Confused, you peered at him, and thought you had seen things when you noticed a pink flush to his face--

“Add to the fact,” he suddenly blurted out. “She’s also my familiar.”

“What?!” you exclaimed. “She’s your familiar?” you were dumbfounded. How did he have a familiar, and not you? You were a witch for crying out loud!

“Yes? Why is that so surprising?”

“It… it just is!”

“I have five, what is so surprising about one--”

“Five?!”

“That’s what I said--”

“Five familiars?!” you shouted, letting out a melodramatic moan as you collapsed back into your chair. “That’s not fair, I don’t even have one--”

“Would you like to see them?”

You silenced your groaning at that, and you were immediately back up on your feet. “Really?” you said excitedly. “You would do that?”

Adrian nodded, and gave you a smile. “Of course. I’m sure they would be delighted to meet you.”

[atc74]

Little Shingles, Big Love

Square Filled: Domesticity

Warnings: swearing, Daddy!Dean, threats of physical violence (minor), cute!Dean, Frustrated!Dean

Summary: Dean has a great idea for your five year twins for Christmas, but you have your doubts.

Pairing: Dean x Reader AU

Word Count: 1607

Written for: @spnaubingo and @winchesterprincessbride‘s Funny Stuff Jen Says Challenge. My prompts were: “What part of “not a morning person” is not clear to you?” and  “I love you but I’m still going to beat the shit out of you.”

Beta’d by: @hannahindie who always makes me smile with her comments! Thank you love!

October 15, 2018 11:22pm

“Let’s get Ella this dollhouse!” Dean gushed. He was sitting in bed, laptop open and browsing for gifts for the kids for Christmas. You had vowed to do better this year, hence the early shopping. Christ, it wasn’t even Halloween yet.

You shuffled from the bathroom, toothbrush still in your mouth to look at the picture on the screen. “Dean, do you have any idea how long this will take you to put together? This is a three story Queen Anne dollhouse. It even has a turret!” you mumbled around your toothbrush, blue foam dripping down your chin.

“Babe! I am a skilled mechanic and have been taking things apart and putting them back together my entire life. I can handle a little wood and glue,” Dean boasted, a giant smile on his face as he clicked the ‘add to cart’ button.

One child size wooden work bench for Ethan and a few smaller gifts later and Dean had the kids presents done. You had to say you were impressed with his creativity with the gift ideas, picking out items both kids had already asked for, but you were skeptical. Your husband could disassemble a big block v8 engine with his eyes closed, but a delicate dollhouse? You had your doubts. Even more so, you would probably be doing most of the work. As if having five year old twins wasn’t hard enough; a thirty-nine year child was sometimes the most work of all.

December 24, 2018 4:15pm

“Sonuvabitch!” you heard from the living room. You rolled your eyes, knowing Dean had finally taken all the pieces of the dollhouse out of the box, laying them out on the middle of the floor.

“Honey?” you called from the safety of the kitchen where you were putting the finishing touches on the Christmas pies for dinner tomorrow.

“I got it!” he grumbled.

You checked the clock and realized that if it wasn’t for the kids sleeping over at Dean’s brother’s house with their cousins, there would be no way Christmas was ever going to happen for your little ones.

You finished up the pies and placed them in the oven. Once the timer was set on your phone, you stuffed it in a pocket and brought Dean a fresh cup of coffee. He was sitting cross-legged in the middle of your living room, little wooden pieces surrounding him. It reminded you of Gulliver’s Travels. You know, the movie with Jack Black where he is taken down by the teeny tiny soldiers? Yeah, that one!

“Do you need some help, honey?” You bent over, kissing the top of his head and sneaking a peek at the instruction manual, which appeared to be about fifty pages thick.

“No! I have this handled!” He had barely even started and was a tad salty already.

“Okay, I am going to start on Ethan’s workbench. Let me know if you change your mind,” you kissed him once more, then retreated to the other side of the room.

December 24, 2018 6:08pm

“Hon? I’m all done with the workbench. How about I make us a couple of sandwiches and we take a break, huh?” You walked over to Dean and could swear he was crying.

“Uhm, yeah, babe. In a minute. I think I finally got this thing figured out,” he replied. You studied him for a moment. His hair was a mess, like sex hair messy and his tongue was sticking out between his teeth as he looked between the piece in his hand and the manual.

You smiled to yourself as you walked to the kitchen. Within a few minutes, you had two sandwiches made, some chips and some apple slices. You carried the tray into the other room and set it down on the coffee table. You handed Dean one of the two beers you’d brought with you.

“Honey, you need a break,” you reminded him, waving the beer in front of his face. He really could be a stubborn bugger sometimes.

“Yeah, okay,” he resigned and stood up, most of his joints cracking or popping in protest.

We sat down, enjoying each other’s company for the first time all day. It was going to be a long night and you needed this time.

December 24, 2018 9:54pm

You trudged your way back down the stairs after showering and changing into your comfiest pajamas. Dean was still working away at the dollhouse, bit by bit. At least he had taken your suggestion and set up the card table so he wasn’t hunched up on the floor.

“Dean, go shower, I’ll work on it while you’re gone so we don’t lose time,” you promised and he dipped his head down to kiss you sweetly before heading upstairs.

The house was actually coming along nicely, albeit slowly. You picked up where Dean left off, gently pushing in the little white wooden railing on the second story. Ella was truly going to love this dollhouse and lose her mind when she opened it. You smiled while you worked, humming softly to the Christmas music playing in the background.

“Wow, you move fast babe!” Dean complimented your work, returning fresh from his shower.

“Well, we’re almost done,” you replied, putting the tiny wooden shingles on the turret. “But, we still have to add all the furniture and it will need to time to dry before we attempt to wrap it. Order us a pizza?”

“Done,” Dean grabbed his phone and entered your favorite order into the delivery app.

With both of you working, you finished assembling the dollhouse just before midnight, with full stomachs and smiles on your faces.

December 25, 2018 1:13am

“I love you, you know that?” Dean looked over at you from his spot on the other side of your daughter’s gift.

“I love you, but I am still going to beat the shit out of you,” you replied, not missing the look on his face.

“What? Why?” he gasped, shocked at your threat of physical violence.

“Because, your brother is going to be home with our children in less than,” you paused, checking the clock, “seven hours! We still have all this itsy bitsy furniture to place, the even smaller dishes and then I have to make the beds!” You were beyond tired and there was easily another hour of finishing touches.

“Well, I love you more now,” Dean chuckled as he painted fake grass on the wood for the ‘backyard’.

“Remember how much you love me next Christmas when you decide to buy incredibly complicated presents for the twins,” you playfully punched him in the arm and carried on.

December 25, 2018 3:06am

“I hate you,” you yawned, crawling into bed, thanking yourself for having put on pajamas hours before.

“I love you, too, babe,” Dean laughed, flipping off the lights. He climbed into bed next to you, but you were already out like the lights.

December 25, 2018 8:00am

The alarm was going off. It wasn’t a work day. Why the fuck is the alarm going off? You cracked one extremely heavy eyelid to see the time. Oh shit! It was Christmas morning. You and Dean had shuffled to bed in the early hours, much closer to morning than you had planned on, all thanks to the ginormous and intricately detailed dollhouse. The thing with kids and Christmas? It’s brutal. Horrifically brutal. And you were not a morning person. Neither was Dean, but he wasn’t in bed with you.

You reluctantly pulled yourself from the comfort of your warm bed and to the bathroom. With business out of the way, you slogged down the back stairs to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee filtering through your brain and your gears slowly started moving.

With a steaming mug in your hand, you wandered into the living room, to find your husband sitting on the sofa, a matching mug in his own hands.

“Coffee first,” he mumbled, taking another sip.

“Dude, why did you set the alarm?” you questioned, sitting down next to him. “What part of “not a morning person” is not clear to you?”

What?” he groaned, not taking his eyes off the mug he was holding like a lifeline.

“On our first date, I told you I wasn’t a morning person. What part of that did you forget when you ordered that contraption for our daughter?” I exclaimed, leaning back into the soft cushions.

“Oh, I didn’t forget. But it’s always easier to beg for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission with you,” he turned his head, smiling at you. “You’re welcome for the coffee, by the way.”

“Mom! Dad! We’re home! Merry Christmas!” The children burst through the door, Dean’ brother, Sam, trailing behind with their bags.

“Was Santa here?” Ella ran toward you and Dean. Her eyes going wide at the site of the gifts spilling out from under the blue spruce.

“Can we open presents?” Ethan asked, jumping between you and Dean.

“Ethan, look!” Ella pointed toward the tree as she climbed into her daddy’s lap.

“Maybe they get that whole morning person thing from your brother,” you shrugged and welcomed your little ones home.

“Who wants to open presents?” Dean stood, one kid hanging from each arm.

“ME!” they answered in unison.

All the hours, the splinters and sore muscles were worth seeing the looks on their shining little faces when they opened their presents.

“I love you,” I whispered, reaching for his hand.

“I know,” he said, taking it with his own. “Merry Christmas.”

The Whole Enchilada: @closetspngirl @emoryhemsworth @iwantthedean @meganwinchester1999 @sis-tafics @wilde-abandon @wegoddessofhell @holyfuckloueh @horsegirly99 @smoothdogsgirl @dolphincliffs @neeadinghugs @roxyspearing @theoriginalvicki @andkatiethings @mrswhozeewhatsis @linki-locks11 @evansrogerskitten @hennessy0274-blog @hobby27 @kdfrqqg @gh0stgurl @charliebradbury1104 @blacktithe7 @the--blackdahlia @fortisetgloriosusinarduis @roseblue373 @hannahindie @pinknerdpanda @cherrycokegirls1 

The Dean’s List / Jensen’s Jamboree: @supernatural-jackles @dean-winchesters-bacon @cameronbraswell @docharleythegeekqueen @maddiepants @squirrel-moose-winchester @amanda-teaches @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @adoptdontshoppets @wingedcatninja  @akshi8278 @kathaswings @deansgirl215 @x-waywardaf-x  @elara98azalea @jerkbitchidjitassbutt 

[sarakuper]

Visiting Ruthy & John; Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Stop #15, August 23-26

Guess who got her laptop back!? And everything is restored!

We just came off of an amazing weekend with my cousin Ruthy and John in their fabulous mountain home near North Cascades National Park, Washington. Delicious food, strong cocktails, hiking, ice cream, blackberry cobbler, friends, and family. What more could you want? Their house is our mountain home dream with its privacy, large windows, natural lighting, the skagit river, and ample space for fresh produce growing all around.  

They were hosting their friends Jim and Laura this weekend, and they were a hoot! We arrived on Friday night and kicked off the weekend with the martinis as we sat and chatted along the Skagit river (which flows directly across the road!!). Jim and Laura were dog sitting their son’s dog Leroy for the weekend and so Jaxon had some company. They got along great, but once Sean discovered that Leroy can and loves to fetch, that was it; Sean was in love with another dog. They played with his launch ball toy for hours that evening and for the rest of the weekend.

Between Ruthy, John, and Jim being very well known professional photographers I was surrounded by people with incredible talent and knowledge of something I am only beginning to learn about. Jim was open to helping me out, so when I asked for his feedback on some of my photos he asked “well do you want me to be your friend or do you want the truth?”. He knew he was going to rip into my pictures before even seeing them. Let me try to paint this picture…. Jim is a big guy with a huge (and loud) personality. He’s about 70 years old and walked into the house looking 7 feet tall with his big belly in his overalls and crocks. You can tell this guy has a huge heart AND personality! He had no filter ripping my pictures to shreds. But I can take it! By the end of the weekend and a handful of lessons (and rambles) from Jim, I am definitely walking away with some new tools and understanding of the photos I want to take. I very much appreciated what he had to say! All of it came from a playful and loving place. (Picture below mid lesson/ramble)

When we finished eating dinner outside Ruthy whipped out John’s home made (and home grown/picked) blackberry cobbler. UGHHH. YUUMMMM. I like to take a photo of these sorts of things just to remember what it looked like, but we sure ate the entire thing and very quickly. AND with vanilla ice cream on top, duh. We’ve only been here for a few hours and we were totally spoiled and beyond satisfied with delicious everything. 

The next morning Sean and I walked into the house for a beautiful breakfast spread. So many sides or spreads were home made or grown out of the garden, and with the natural light pouring through the windows I felt like we were eating breakfast at the cutest bed and breakfast you could imagine. Everything was in order and everyone was contributing, whether it be cooking or cleaning. I want to wake up in a home like this with the same energy one day. It was incredibly peaceful and relaxing.

Then we were off for a hike up Sauk Mountain for which Ruthy packed us the best lunch. We each had a salmon salad sandwiches with 1 apple and a serving of peanut m&m’s in our brown baggie. This was like the ultimate lunch special, and she made 6 bags, one for each of us! What a treat! She was also kind enough to make chicken for Sean since he doesn't eat salmon.

The hike was about 2.5 miles total and 1,000 feet elevation gain with a 360 degree view at the top.. if it were clear out. Sean and I took Leroy (their dog) to alleviate Jim and Laura from that responsibility. While he was great off leash we kept him on leash for the hike... and when I tell you he pulled me up the mountain I mean it literally! I basically had to run to keep up, but even if I held back with all my strength he would have gotten me up to the top. I could accomplish hikes with waaaaaay more elevation gain if I was hiking with him!! The moment I stopped hiking with him I actually had to start using the muscles in my legs!

It had been cloudy all morning and got worse the longer we stayed at the top of Sauk Mountain, so we headed down to beat the clouds and haze literally rolling in on us. I saw Ruthy effortlessly snap some beautiful photos on her phone and so I tried to do the same! Only a few came out that I actually enjoyed, but it was fun to practice :) 

By the time I got back to the trailhead Jaxon was already there taking a [cute] nap right on top of a bench. After that we got some delicious ice cream at a local spot next to a field of sunflowers that we walked through.

Went spent the evening walking around the property and looking at old growth trees. Another delicious dinner and several drinks later John started a fire and we all sat around and looked at the stars. What a beautiful night it was to end a perfect day. Especially because right after words we ate another cobbler that John made for the second time in two days. 

Sunday morning came and Jim and Laura headed home after saying a sweet goodbye, hoping to meet up again. John woke up very sick that morning and so Sean and I did our best to give him and Ruthy some space and also help out. Ruthy and I ended up having some down time just the two of us which I really enjoyed. 

Ruthy is Jewish girl from New York and she married John, a kind mid-westerner, and they live together in Washington, far from where she grew up. I feel that she understands so much of the lifestyle I choose to live in comparison to the one I lived in New York City, because she, like me, left a lifestyle behind for one that is more fulfilling to her. 

We continued to pick blackberries and apples from their property that Ruthy sent us off with in addition to as many cucumbers and zucchinis that we wanted. Later in the day John showed me some of the filing and editing process he goes through for his photos which was also so kind and helpful. 

During our final dinner together Ruthy asked us about something particularly interesting that happened on our trip, and it reminded me that in all my bummed-out-ness about my laptop I forgot to update you about Adrien! If you remember from an old post in Sequoia we found Adrien’s bag with several important (and expensive) belongings. Well when he received his backpack in the mail he asked us for our address, and not actually having one we gave him Alexis and Dou’s thinking we might be there by the time his mail arrived. We just missed it, but Alexis sent me a picture of the note he sent us. Ill never stop believing that doing the right thing is the best thing, and his letter to Sean and me reminded us of that. 

It’s Monday morning and time to head out! Sean and I are so appreciative of how much Ruthy and John took care of us this weekend and we really had so much fun. 

Next is North Cascades National Park! Thanks for reading, love you all. 

[kayliemusing]

Survey 6

Put your music player of choice on shuffle and list the first 10 songs - Betty by Taylor Swift - Broken by Lovelytheband - Make Me (Cry) by Noah Cyrus - One More Weekend by Against The Current - When We Were Young by Adele - Honestly by Gabbie Hanna - Carousel by Melanie Martinez -Brokenhearted by Karmin - Ashes by Celine Dion - Lover by Taylor Swift

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Would you take anyone with you? - I’d love to go to NYC, because it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go and it seems so inspiring and lively there. I’d take my mom and sister with me.

What is your preferred writing implement? (eg. Blue pen, pencil, green pen) - Blue or black pen, and I like for my ink to feel super flowy and smooth.

Favourite month and why? - I love December because of Christmas time but I also really like May because the sun feels so much brighter and it’s starting to warm up.

Do you have connections to any celebrities (even minor)? List them. - When I was a kid, my dad’s cousin knew Michael J Fox.

Name 3 items you could pick up from where you are. - My phone, my notebook, and my headphones.

What brand logo is closest to you currently? - Asus (the computer I’m currently using. Don’t know about a “logo” tho. Just a brand name.)

Do you ever play board games or other non-computer games? Got any favourites? - YES. I’m obsessed with matching games on my phone. Right now I love My Home, Property Brothers, and Design Matters. I love them because they make me not think and then when you win levels you get to decorate your home which I find totally fun.

A musical artist you love that isn’t well known - Of Monsters and Men. I think they’re a little known, but not overly. One of my fav bands of all time.

A musical artist you love that is well known - Taylor Alison Swift

What is your desktop background currently? - A portrait of trees in the mist

Last person you talked to, and through what you talked to them - My mom and we talked in person.

First colour name you can think of that isn’t in the rainbow - White

What timekeeping devices are in the room you are currently in? - My phone, computer I’m currently using, and my switch.

What kind of headphones do you use? - The apple ones that came with my phone.

What musical artists have you seen perform live? - Lmao the Jonas Brothers when I was 10 and Marianas Trench when I was 15. 

Does virginity matter to you? - Yes, but I don’t care what others choose to do. 

What gaming consoles do you or your family own? - Switch, WiiU and PS4

What pets do you have? What are their names? - 2 Siamese cats, Archer and Misty.

What’s the best job you’ve ever had? - Sephora as a cashier, which I’m currently at. Obviously it’s not a dreamboat but they’ve treated me the best and I’m not totally miserable there.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? - Chapters. I feel like it had potential to be a good job, but I was in a really bad place so I feel like I didn’t perform to the best of my ability, but in saying that, they also lacked community there. I could go in and out of that store during my shift and no one would say hi or bye to me. I didn’t have any work friends, and I found management not that nice. Whereas at my job now, it has its flaws but I do feel like we’re kind of a family which I never would have expected because of my experience at chapters.

What magazines do you read, if any? - I don’t read magazines unless it’s an article about Taylor Swift because I love her lol

Inspiration behind your URL? - I have three blogs, so the inspiration for this one was just to the point; I do surveys. My main blog @autumnsletters was inspired because I love words and love letters and autumn so I just threw them together and then my Taylor Swift inspired blog where I geek out about Taylor was inspired by a lyric from a song called I Think He Knows. (@sixteenavenue)

Inspiration behind your blog title? - For this blog, it’s a spin on a Taylor Swift song called All You Had To Do Was Stay where I just inserted the word survey, not that smart lmao. On my main blog my title is “Give you my wild” which is from a song called Peace from Taylor, and then on my Taylor blog, it’s “You’re not my homeland anymore” which is from her song Exile. So I’m very Swiftian.

Favourite item of clothing? - My turtle neck sweater from Dynamite. (I bought three just in diff colours but my favourite is the red one.)

Are you friends with any exes? - I don’t have exes, but I always find it kinda weird when people are friends w their exes because I feel like you can’t come back to friendship once you’ve crossed the line but what do I know.

Name at least one book you loved as a child. - I’ll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. (I think that’s the title but I’m not totally sure.)

What’s your native language? If that language has distinct regional variations, which variation? (eg. AU English, US English) - US English

What email service do you use? - Gmail

Is there anything hanging on the walls of the room you are currently in? - I’m in the family room so there’s a few things. Some canvas’s of random patterns, shelves, a nyc painting, and then a big rustic canvas of a bible scripture.

What’s your favourite number, and why? - 22, because of Taylor has a song called 22 (surprise surprise) and it’s also doubles and an even number which I like.

Earliest moment in your life you can remember? - I always have this random, very faint memory of being in this double stroller with my sister when I was probably 2 or 3 and she was in the seat in front of me and I was in the back and my parents were behind me talking and it was sunny outside.

What did you have for dinner yesterday? - Chinese!

How often do you brush your teeth? - Morning and night. Sometimes I escape to bed before brushing my teeth if i’m super tired but definitely every morning.

What’s your favourite candy/chocolate? - Maltesers

Have you had other blogs on Tumblr? Do you have any other blogs currently? - Yes, I talked about them just a few questions ago. I have this one, my main, and my Taylor inspired one lol. My main blog has gone through a series of phases throughout the years lol.

If you were suddenly really hungry, what would you choose to eat? - I like to go for easy to grab food. So bagels, muffins, cereal. Something super quick.

What fandoms would you consider yourself a part of? - Swiftie and A Court of Thorns and Roses fandom

If you could study anything, what would it be? - English and Communications, but I’ve always stayed away even though I’ve wanted to study those because I’m terrified of public speaking and I also feel like I’m not quite smart enough. Sad but true.

Do you use anything on your lips? (eg. Chapstick, gloss, balm, lipstick) - I like wearing Fresh watermelon lip balm when I’m not wearing makeup or I have my mask on. Generally when I have a full face of makeup on, I gravitate to lipsticks or lipstains.

How would you describe your sense of humour? - Dry/self deprecating and sarcastic.

What things annoy you more than anything else? - Kanye

What kind of position are you in at the moment? - I am sitting on my couch with my legs stretched out in front of me and resting on the coffee table.

Do you wear much jewellery? - I never wear jewelry but I’d like to start wearing necklaces and getting my ears pierced so I could wear earrings again. 

Who is the leader of your country, currently? Any other levels of government with leaders? (State, region, province, county, district, municipality, etc) - Trudeau

Last 3 blogs on your dashboard, not including any of your own - I won’t name them, but one was a Taylor related blog, one was a writing blog, and another was a literature blog.

What do you carry your money in? - My wallet/debit card

Do you enjoy driving? Why or why not? - I don’t mind driving, but I’m obsessed with other people being angry at me for some reason so sometimes driving is stressful if I make a mistake or when people are behind me, I’m constantly checking my rear view mirror so they won’t think I’m bad at driving. It’s dumb, I know.

Longest drive you have ever been on? - When I was a kid and we drove to BC and stopped at literally every freaking town on the way there.

Furthest away from home you have ever been? - Victoria BC

How many times have you moved house? - Once and I was like four lol

What is on the floor of the room you’re currently in, not including furniture? - A blanket, suitcase that needs to be put away, some cords from the lamps, and a random canvas that hasn’t been hung up yet.

How many devices do you own which can access the internet? - Four,  I think.

Is there is anything that is guaranteed to always make you happy? - Feeling creative and Taylor Swift music. Money, too lmao

Is there anything that always makes you sad? - Books where the two people pining for each other don’t get/stay together, getting super existential, seeing homeless people on the street, thinking about my dad who passed away.

What programs do you currently have open? - Tumblr and Word, because I’m avoiding writing because I don’t know what to say.

What do you associate the colour red with? - Taylor Swift lol. But also Christmas and passion.

Last strong smell you can remember smelling? - My garlic knots coming out of the oven <3

Last healthy thing you ate? - One (1) apple slice lmao

Do you drink tea or coffee, and how much per day? - Neither, both are gross.

What do you associate the colour blue with? - Sadness or gloom, usually. 

How long is the closest ruler you can find? - I don’t think we have a ruler and if we do, it’s in a drawer upstairs somewhere and I don’t feel like digging for it.

What colour pants/skirt/etc are you currently wearing? - White sweats.

When was the last time you drank water? - Probably yesterday yikes. 

How often do you clear your browser history? - Never.

Do you believe nude photos can be artistic, rather than erotic? - I guess it could be interpreted that way, but nude photos just kinda annoy me.

Ever written fanfiction for anything? - Yes and I’m not telling you for what.

Last formal event you attended - Oh, I don’t even know. It’s been YEARS. Probably my cousin’s wedding way back when in 2014.

If you had to move your birthday to another date, which one would you choose and why? - December 13 so I could have matching birthdays with Taylor Swift 

Would you prefer to be at a beach or in the countryside? - Countryside. I hate the beach. The idea is nice, but I hate feeling hot and then I’m surrounded by people with nice bodies and I’ll just start to hate myself, and I never feel like I can wear the summer clothes I want to so it just makes me spiral.

Roughly how many people live in your town? - I have no clue. Thousands maybe.

Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? - Yes. A girl I went to school with and also Jensen Ackles and Justin Bieber 

Favourite place to shop? Can be a certain store or a place where there are multiple stores - Dynamite and Colourpop.

Do you have a smartphone? What kind? If you don’t, do you want one? - I have an iPhone 11 Pro.

What is your least favourite colour, and why? - Navy blue, because it’s ugly.

How do you spell grey/gray? - G R E Y

Go to your dashboard and describe the image shown in the radar section (below the “Find blogs” link) - N/A

What difference is there between how many followers you have, and the number of blogs you follow? - I have 1,374 followers and I follow 1,969 blogs.

How many posts do you have? - Good lord. Too many.

How many posts have you liked? - Not sure.

Do you post mainly reblogs, or your own content? - Mostly reblogs and occassionally I share my writing but I do this thing where I share my writing and I get 2 notes and then I start re reading my writing over and over until I hate it and delete it and fall down this spiral of shame.

Do you track any tags? - no

What time is it currently? - 6:17 pm

Is there anything you should be doing right now? - I’m supposed to be writing because I’m trying to turn it into a routine so I can be more successful with it, but I’m avoiding it because I get so overwhelmed with how little I’m writing/what I’m writing/not knowing what to say, etc.

[oopstheyloveeachother]

I’ve seen crumbs of content for this book on this website so please read this if you can. I won’t go into spoilers or go in too deep, but these children live rent free in my head. I’m going to sell it very quickly first.

Blanca & Roja (Anna-Marie McLemore) is about the titular Blanca and Roja, Latina sisters in a mostly white small town, and their fight against curse on their family. Every couple has two daughters and one is always turned into a swan as a teenager. It’s also about two boys who get involved in their curse. Barclay is a black sheep from a wealthy family who gets into regular, violent fistfights with his older cousin and Page is a nonbinary boy alienated from his parents who cares deeply about Barclay.

The book has such beautiful and respectful discussion about sexuality, mental illness, and gender exploration/identity. I’m not a Latinx person so I can’t speak to how those aspects were handled, but they were beautiful and respectful. This is also the first book I’ve read where the Love scenes made me blush.

If you can afford it, please pick it up.

Potential Trigger Warnings for the book (sorry if I miss any) : Violence, abuse, bullying, colorism, racism, gender questioning, misgendering, guns, disassociation, harassment, miscommunication, and (and maybe more) concussions.

Additional joke trigger warning, I haven’t written fan-fiction in years.

Barclay hissed sharply like a whipping branch, but didn’t flinch as I rubbed the cloth on his shoulder again where the bruised skin broke and seeped. His shirt, a trail of fat blood drops hopscotched down the front, lay crumpled in the dirt next to the bindings and ice packs and bandages.

Occasionally his features twisted inward and he slid his head back. 

“Keep your head forward,” I reach and gently pull his head back down. “You’ll get blood and your stomach-”

“And get sick, yeah.” He grit his teeth. He pushed some of his sweaty hair back from his eyes, little cuts in his knuckles from Liam’s teeth.

“Who started it this time?” It didn’t realize matter, but it was less weird to talk.

“He caught me...” He tensed, catching himself.

“What?”

“Stealing liquor. Got upset about it.” It was a hot crock of shit, but he didn’t ask too many questions so I wouldn’t either. “Are you watching?”

I didn’t ask for whom, just nodded. We were out in the orchard and he was right that someone could walk by at any point. I knew they wouldn’t. It was like his family would look for him while he was out licking his wounds.

“Give me your hand,” I took it before he could. He winced again as I wiped the dirt and blood from his knuckles. 

The first time I found him sneaking between the woods and the bogs, he used his good arm to hold me to him. Nerves and fire prickled in every corner I could feel, thinking about every dirty thing I’d yell at his dad and his cousin. ‘It’ll just make it worse, don’t get in this shit,’ He begged me until he felt I was convinced. 

Even as I had him press icy cloths around his arms and shoulder, new dark splotches and welts pied his face. I thought about going to get more, but that would mean leaving him. 

“Ow,” Barclay flinched his arm from me. I wrapped gauze around the busted knuckles a little too tight. It almost got me to laugh before I took it back. He wasn’t but two years older than me, but the gap between 13 and 15 is wide. 

“What’s that?” He asked at length. 

“What?”

He pointed to a torn hole in my jeans and the raw scrape at the base of my knee, like leftover smeared strawberry jam. Mom tried to teach me to fix those holes when I was little, but nimble hands aren’t always graceful ones. She told me I should be more careful, and to get her to patch them.

“I tripped over the dog, fell in the gravel. It stings a bit, but it’s fine,” Barclay sometimes looked at people telling the truth as if they weren’t. “I washed it and everything yesterday, that should be the first thing you do.” 

The first thing should be to get out of that house, but that isn’t my place. Who knows how far that money could chase, and who knows how far Barclay could stand to run.

I tore the shirt into rags after he went home, if it could be called that. My mom didn’t seem to notice them, or was afraid to ask. Bloody rags could be from anything, what mattered now was how we used it. Protecting hands from thorns and poison ivy, cleaning dishes and fresh fruit, steaming from warm water and warming chilled hands. 

My grandma seemed happy we were close. The brothers we both needed. Sometimes I think he needs me more, until he says ouch over peroxide while covered in bruises or asks about a skinned knee after I tell him to keep his bloody nose bleeding downhill. 

He found me in the orchard again the next day, or we found each other. At times it was hard to tell which. We climbed a tree out at the edge of the forest and looked between the ordered apple orchard rows and the woods. 

I thought for a moment that he looked like boot leather worn at every edge. He didn’t want to talk about anything. I decided that was okay. Eventually he would leave, we would see each other again and again and one day I’ll find him slinking back like an old wolf beaten out of the pack. 

I’ll be here until he decides he doesn’t have to go back.

[the-elenari]

OC Interview - Part II

1. Pick an original character (OC) or muse! (Warden, Hawke, Inquisitor, or other of your choice.) 

2. Fill in the questions/statements as if you were being interviewed for an article and you were the character/muse.

3. Tag people to do the same:  I was tagged by @shanayxd - I tag anyone that follows me that wants to do this. I did it once before, but it was so fun that I wanted to do it again for a different OC. 

I will be doing my Warden, Ayla Mahariel. She’s a mage (I have the Dalish Mage mod), but can also use a bow. 

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Ayla. 

She smiles, just slightly. 

2. NO SERIOUSLY WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME

I'm Ayla Mahariel, of the Sabrae Clan. A pleasure.

She smiles wider. 

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU WERE CALLED THAT?

She crosses her legs, and looks down in contemplation for a moment. 

I was told that my mother picked the name Ayla, which means “oak tree”. She was from another clan, and if I’m remembering correctly, her clan bore the insignia of the Oak. My father was the former Keeper of Clan Sabrae, so I inherited his secondary name, “Mahariel”.  

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?

She flashes a bright smile, her cheeks just slightly flushing. 

I am happily taken. 

5. DO YOU HAVE ANY ABILITIES OR POWERS?

Well, first and foremost, I’m a mage. I have recently committed myself to specializing as an Arcane Warrior. Not many know this, but I also know how to use a bow as I was actually a hunter in my clan. Other than that, I’m a Grey Warden... I’m going to guess that’s why I’m here, and that you know what that is...

She smiles. 

6. STOP BEING A GARY STU.

Her eyes go a bit wide, in surprise.

I am in fact, based on my creator. But I’m not written as seemingly perfect or without flaws. It’s more immersive to play as yourself. And this accusation is usually reserved for those individuals that are either jealous, or just simply have no life so they need to put down others on the internet. 

She seems a bit irritated at the implication. 

7. WHAT IS YOUR EYE COLOR?

She raises her eyebrow, slightly, as if wondering why the interviewer can’t see her eye color. 

Blue...

8. HOW ABOUT YOUR HAIR COLOR?

She glances at her long, thick hair that is swept over her right shoulder. 

Dark. 

9. HAVE YOU ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?

She appears a bit wistful, and pensive.

My father died just before I was born. He was attacked by a group of bandits and killed. My mother... she... died just after I was born. I never knew either of them. I have an aunt, Ashalle. She’s like a mother to me. She raised me as her own. And my cousin, Merrill... I miss her.

Her eyes well up with tears, but she composes herself. 

In truth, my clan is... was... my family. But I haven’t seen them for so long. The friends I've made on this journey are like family to me... Alistair, Leliana, Wynne, and the others... it may seem like we haven’t known each other long, but when you fight side by side - when you see what we’ve seen, hear what we hear, and endure the journey together, you become quite close very fast. 

10. I SEE… WHAT ABOUT PETS?

Her face lights up.

Oh! I’ve had my fair share of pets. I LOVE animals. We weren’t really supposed to be taming any animals in the clan, other than the halla of course. But Tamlen, Merrill, Fen, and I... we would constantly “adopt” rabbits, foxes, frogs... all manner of critters. Once, I took in a baby bunny. I wanted to name her Luna, but Tamlen insisted on calling her “Nibbles” due to her insatiable appetite. She would try to eat everything. Well, one day when she was fully grown, she got into the food stores. She ate two entire sacks of our root vegetables... Seeing as how we had kept her hidden all that time... well, the secret was out then. Keeper Marethari was ... we’ll say, less than thrilled. 

I did have a halla named Flower. She was born when I was 5 and Ashalle gifted her to me. I hope she’s doing ok...

She forces a smile, and picks at her nails a bit. 

11. TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE.

I used to really not like shems, but I’ve come to realize that it isn’t right to judge an entire group of people based on my own personal tragedy. I think that is the flaw with being Dalish. The person I love deeply is a human... and the majority of my friends are humans as well. People are people. As for what I really don’t like? Darkspawn. I guess I landed the wrong job. 

She laughs genuinely.

12.  DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES/ACTIVITIES YOU LIKE DOING?

Well, it used to be hunting and exploring the forests. I still enjoy that, but get a lot less of it in. I love to read. Being out in the world now has allowed me access to all sorts of books. I also really love cooking. I didn’t cook much with my clan, as I was tasked with hunting. But here with my friends, we are completely self-sufficient. We take turns cooking. Sten and Morrigan despise cooking the most, so I take their day whenever possible. I love it! Other than that, I just love to spend time with Alistair. Our moments of respite are too few and far between, so we cherish our free time deeply. 

13. EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?

She pauses, pondering and reflecting.

Never intentionally, for the most part. We have all hurt someone, at some point in our lives.

14. EVER…KILLED ANYONE BEFORE?

She blinks, expressionless.

... Yes. And I’d do it again because they deserved it. While I don’t celebrate someone’s demise, I don’t mourn them either because it had to be done. With that said, I make every effort to solve problems peacefully. But sadly, the world doesn’t always work that way.

15. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?

A bird... because I’m a free-spirit.

16. NAME ONE OF YOUR WORST HABITS.

Over-thinking, and worrying too much.

Her face falls a bit.

17. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE AT ALL?

Wynne - she’s been like a mother hen to us... to me especially. She’s so wise and keeps me grounded. 

Her expression grows somber, a bit melancholy as she stares out the window.

And Duncan... he saw something in me, but the truth is that I was broken when he “found” me. I was so unprepared for this role that would soon fall into my lap. There was no one better to mentor me in the very short time that he did. He was a remarkable man, that showed me the very meaning of what it means to be honorable. 

A tear falls... 

18. SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

Well, I am with a man right now... but to be honest, I love who I love. Their parts and identity are irrelevant in regards to my feelings for them. It was hard for me to come out with this, because the Dalish discourage it mostly. My clan doesn’t see it as immoral, but reproduction is so pressed upon us. Another flaw, I think... no one should be pressured on who they love and spend their life with. 

19. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

I have never been to a school. We are taught by the elders.  

20. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS ONE DAY?

Her expression grows a bit sad, and she shifts in her seat.

I always thought I would get married and have children. As I mentioned before, it is expected of you within the Dalish, but in all honesty, I wasn’t opposed to it. However, I am now a Grey Warden. I have been told time and time again that my life is no longer for me. I live to serve. While that has been a hard adjustment, I have accepted the likelihood that I’ll never have a normal life. So while I don’t rule anything out... I just simply don’t know... 

My love and I have talked about marriage a few times...

She trails off.

21. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?

Failing... and being utterly alone, especially when dying. Losing Alistair...

She seems very uncomfortable.

22. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?

Mage robes. They’re just so comfortable. Though I do wear light armor underneath when I know the likelihood of battle may present itself.

23. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?

She smiles slightly, but her face lights up.

Yes, I love Alistair very much. We’ve been through so much together, and have grown incredibly close. If the darkspawn threat had never happened... I’d have never met him. That’s why I regret nothing, no matter how painful. I don’t even remember life before him. 

24. WHAT CLASS ARE YOU? (HIGH/MIDDLE/LOW)

Well, not only am I an elf... I’m Dalish. So I think that should make me bottom of the barrel. However, I’ve been treated very well by most people due to my position within the Grey Wardens. Sadly most of my fellow elves are not so lucky. 

Her brow furrows.

25. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?

More than I ever thought I would have. I’m so thankful to have them by my side. Even the cranky ones, MORRIGAN.

She turns towards another room as she raises her voice at Morrigan’s name, with an accusatory tone. Then turns back, with a chuckle. 

26. THOUGHTS ON PIE?

She smiles.

My thoughts are that I don’t eat it enough. Especially when it’s apple or strawberry. You can keep the cherry pie though. I don’t know? It’s a texture thing. 

She shrugs.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?

Water. And pine needle tea. 

She laughs at the interviewer’s expression.

I guess that’s weird for most people, but the Dalish... or my clan anyway, lives off of pine needle tea. It’s good for the blood, and we especially drink it a lot when we’re ill. It’s very healing. We sweeten it with a bit of honey, and it tastes just like the forest. Fortunately, I can still have it quite often. I make it at camp just about every night. 

28. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?

The forest. I still feel most at home there. Sometimes being in the city makes me feel so lonely. But if I venture into some glade... I immediately feel at peace. It may seem strange, but try it. 

29. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?

The lake. I swim in lakes all the time. When you’re on the road like we are, you bathe where you can. I bathe in lakes, streams, under waterfalls... anywhere we can get fresh water. I love it. 

30. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ANYONE?

I’m in love with someone. 

She smiles, bashfully.

31. WHAT’S YOUR DICK SIZE?

Her face twists in confusion.

I’m sorry? You’ve lost me...

32. WELL, WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

Alistair. Sensitive, sweet, funny... and so handsome. He is sincere and while our backgrounds are totally different, we are alike in all the ways that matter. We compliment each other.

She sighs romantically. 

33. AND WHAT ATTRACTS YOU?

His hands... they’re so much bigger than mine. His shoulders. And his smile and eyes... I could go on, but I’ll restrain myself. 

34. ANY FETISHES?

Hmmm, probably. We’ll see.

She laughs shyly. 

35. SEME OR UKE? TOP OR BOTTOM? DOMINANT OR SUBMISSIVE?

What...? Um, both... uh, wait. Nevermind... Next question.

Her face turns incredibly flushed. 

36. CAMPING INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?

Outdoors. It’s what I’ve done all of my life and what I do now mostly. I will admit... now that my days are spent battling darkspawn, sometimes it is nice to be in a warm bed inside. Where there are walls around you, abundant food, and just that feeling of safety... even if it’s an illusion. But I’ll never get tired of staring at the stars before I fall asleep. 

37. ARE YOU WANTING THE QUIZ TO END?

Well, I’ll admit that I talked about a lot more than I ever thought I would. But it was fun, so I suppose this is a good place to end it. 

She smiles and nods her head politely. 

[anatemori-dughter-of-art]

Twins Of Olympus

The Spear and The Bow

Chapter 2

Last chapter: “Zeus wasn't this anger when his bolt was stolen, what's going on up there,” said Annabeth “it's been going on all day maybe when Mr.D comes back will hear what happened” suggested Piper

“Run!” I heard my Mom yell as I hear a hissing sound, I stop, knowing what's about to happen “no, Mom!” I yell out as turn to her but it was too late the python was already eating her. “MOM!!” I yell out as I jump up my hand reaching out from the bed “aagk” I arch in pain from my ribs, wait bed? no, I was in a car with Mom and Lana, how did I-, just then a flood gate of memories come swimming into my head. 

the event at school the car ride t-t-the car crash “no, no no god no, please it was just a dream, let it be a dream” I mumble out ignoring the sound of a door opening, “hey kid, it's okay” said a male “no..no it's not my….Mom's gone… How is it okay” I tell him, wait who is this guy and where's Lana “ Lana!, where's my sister” I demanded. 

“She's right next to you” he said as he got up and walked away I turned to see Lana on another bed sleeping there, I get off the bed, almost falling when my feet hit the floor, but luckily I gained my balance  “ Lana wakes up, hey wake up” I call to her well gently shaking her “five...five more minutes” she whines out then suddenly sits up straight “Mom!” She shouts “sis she's...she’s gone,” I tell her “no, that was just a dream we, w-w-we were on are summer vacation it was all a-a DREAM!.” 

She shouted as fresh tears rolled down her face, I hugged her close as we cried together for our dead mother.

********

It took thirty minutes for us to fully calm down in that time the guy from before Will gave us a drink and some crackers. “Where are we?” I ask him as Lana sips her drink, which she says taste like the cherry slushy she loves so much but I doubt it, because mine tasted like Sprite and the crackers too tasted like Mom's blueberry muffins, strangely after eating my ribs stopped hurting “someone else will tell you what this place is, but for now your in the medical cabin of are camp” he says, just then the cabin door opened. 

Who came in were three people, two teen men and a guy in a wheelchair, “oh good, your up it's nice to meet you..” he posed “Lance McClain and this is my twin sister Lana, where are we exactly?” I ask him as the two teens pull up a set next to Will.

 “Let's see, first those two over there are the ones who brought you here, his name is Percy the other Jason” said the wheelchair guy as he pointed them out nervous I looked to them “well thanks then-” I try to tell them but the blond, Jason just shocked his head “we didn't do anything worth mentioning.” 

The Raven haired, Percy nodded in agreement “if I can ask, are you named after the demigod Perseus” Lana asked “yes, I am my Mom named me after him, because he was the only other one with a happy ending in the Greek stories” he explained, I chuckle from that “what?” He asked, “nothing, just that it sounds like the water down version, of what are Mom did for our names.” 

I tell him “how so?” he asked “are name is actually an acronym of all are legal names first letters combined” Lana expenses “so what are they?” Jason asked, but was interrupted when the door was almost flung opened, on the other side stood “Henry?!” Lana and I said together as he and Shay and Rex!? ran towards us, giving us a heartfelt hug. 

“Are you ok? Did you eat any of the things Will gave you? do you feel alright, does it hurt anywhere?” Henry and Shay kept asking as they entered Mother hen mode “guys, guys stop we're ok, yes we ate the snack he gave us” Lana tells them as she gently pulls Shay of her. 

“What I want to know is, how are you three here?” she asks “what are you talking about? this the camp we go to every year” Shay said confused “but Mom was driving us here the entire time, why would she think a camp could keep us safe from...from…them” Lana pondered “ok how should we say this” Henry said, “say what?” Lana and I said together …. they didn't say a thing only looking at us, as they both backed away till they were next to Rex.

 “Guys?” I asked we sat in silence for a short time till Henry couldn't take the tension any longer “it's real!” well that's not what I expected “wha-” Lana started but was stopped when Rex held out his hand in it was a seed “we know you have a green thumb, and all but-” I was stopped when the seed in his hand started to grow till a little tree was in his hand which bore two red apples.

********

“AAAAH” screamed Lana and I as we jumped back in shock, we could have fallen off the bed had Will not been behind us, “how, just how” I ask as I got closer to the small tree, Lana picked an apple out and bit it “humm...holy crow it's real” she says between bits “Rex, how did you do that?” I ask him he takes the small tree and hands it to Shay “it's all real, all those stores and myths you guys read about, it's all real gods, demigods the whole shebang.” 

He says in a flat tone as if he didn't just shatter our whole world “so you're telling us, that Titans, Giants, and other Greek monsters are real” Lana asks “yes, yes and yes” Rex said “then, for you to grow a literal tree in seconds makes you guys..” I pose as he nodded “are Mom is Demeter” he says “goddess of the harvest” I mumbled out “and Will is the son of Apollo” he continued “God of the sun” Lana said as we look at the blonde teen “yeah, but it's not a big deal” he says scratching his neck as if being the son of the freaking sun god is nothing “and Percy is the son of Poseidon.” 

Said Henry knowing that was my favorite freaking god “what!” I yell out looking at the Raven teen “man that's so cool, can you breathe underwater? can you talk to fish? how about horses, can you turn into a horse? Oh my gosh can you control water” I ask him as I try to get out of bed but was stopped when Lana held my shirt “sorry, Poseidon is his favorite” she says “really that's great, and yes to all of those Lance expect for the horse changing part, but I got a somewhat cousin who can” he says “and Jason here is son of Zeus.”

 He added which caused us to flinch “ooooh” we said which surprised the three teens and the wheelchair guy “well most people think being the son of the king of gods is cool” Jason said jokingly “most people don't read the original version of what happened to most of Zeus's kids” Lana said.

 “Yeah, her wrath is something I never want to see” I add in “wait, are you talking about Ha-” started Percy but we shouted over him “don't say the wrathful one's name!”  Lana shouts out “are you afraid of her, why?” Said Percy, we looked at him as if he just said the stupidest thing on earth “hello, did you not read about what she did to Dionysus and his foster parents or Hercules.” 

Said Lana “sis, it's Heracules, that's the one the Romans gave him remember” I corrected her for fun “yes, thank you, Lance, she drove people into madness, she's crazy” I knew that wasn't a good idea when lightning suddenly struck “I don't think to call the God of lightning’s wife the C word is a good idea sis” I tell her “yeah, good point” she said back “are they always like this?” asked Percy to Shay, Rex and Henry “yes, yes they are” answered, Rex. 

“They'll talk your ear off on different theories, they have on why the Trojan war, should have ended and thought up other strategic moves they could have used at that time,”  said Henry “hey!” Lana and I shouted at them “don't worry, their fun and it's helped us a lot when we have mythology battles with the Athena cabin” add Shay but we still pouted. Till we heard someone chuckle, we looked up to see it was the wheelchair guy. 

“well it seems like you two are well educated” he said “we asked our Mom once why we have to learn this and she said it was because some of her family was from Greece and ‘to know oneself, one must know there own bloodline’ or something like that” Lana said “I see she must have been a wonderful Mother” said wheelchair guy “she was” I said  “where's her body” Lana asked which put everyone to silence “we were able to gather up most of the pieces, she's in the big house right now, we used some magic to preserve her” said wheelchair guys “h-how long” I asked. 

“As long as you two will wish” he said “we're not ready” is all Lana said “I understand, would you two like to be alone” he asked “no that's...that's the last thing anyone who's lost someone should be” I tell him “ then come along then,” he said as he wheeled towards the door “wait, we never got your name” Lana said as we both got out of the bed “Chiron”

*******

“The trainer of heroes!” we say together as Chiron wheels out the door “but I thought he was a center” I said, at that moment he did the getting up movement and out came his other half “does that answer your question brother” she said as Chiron walked down the steps of the medical cabin we followed behind to catch up along with Shay, Rex and Henry, and Percy and Jason.

 “So, is this really camp-half blood, home to demigods” Lana asked as we entered an area full of cabins of the twelve Olympian gods and some minor ones to “whoa” I said looking around all the cabins “there all so, unique” Lana said as we looked at all the cabins, from the Apollo cabin which at first glance, it looks like an ordinary cabin, but when hit by sunlight it looks as if it's made of solid gold, and gleams so much that it is difficult to look at.

 “That must get old pretty quick” I said “ not as much as the Areas cabin” said Percy “what, the God of ruthless war let's see where is it” Lana said “cabin #5 it very flamboyant” Percy said and he was right the Ares cabin was scruffily painted with an angry red color, has barbed wire lining the roof, and a stuffed boar's head on the doorway. The eyes of the boar seem to stare at whoever is walking by, creepy. 

Is that rock music blaring from within? “It looks like a death trap,” Lana said taking a few steps back “the Poseidon cabin looks pretty cool,” I said walking towards the cabin, Poseidon's cabin is low, long and solid, with all the windows facing the sea. The outer walls are a rough gray stone with pieces of seashell and coral and look like the bottom of the ocean floor. 

“Whoa” as I was about to enter the cabin someone stopped me “I wouldn't do that if I were you,” said a male voice I look up to see a teen with black messy, shaggy hair and pale ghost skin. He wore black pants and shirt with a white skeleton head on it with a black leather bomber jacket, I looked into his eyes, which were dark brown and could be compared to black even, for some reason this person felt weird, yet oddly comforting he felt like

********

“Death,”  I said confused I, then shake my head “wha-what, sorry I-I’m sorry about that, I have no idea why I just said that.” 

I tell him “hey, what did you mean that we couldn't go into the cabines?” Lana asked “if you’re not their child, you're not allowed to be in the cabines,” said Henry “wait, who’s your godly parent Henry?” Lana asked “oh, it’s Hephaestus” he answered, “can you make a metal flying bird?” I asked him as we walked and saw all the different cabines “I’m not that good at crafting celestial bronze guys, maybe are councilor Leo may be able to, I heard he was able to fix a bronze dragon, that none of my other siblings were able to.”

  He explained as we walked out of the cabin area “LOOK OUT!” someone shouted just then an arrow was flying towards Lana, “sis!” I shouted, a second before the arrow could make contact a shield of water formed around her, stopping it in its tracks, it was Percy with his outstretched hand that made it, as the water shield dissolved dropping the arrow “oh my god, are you alright?” I ask her as I checked her over. 

“Lance, I’m alright, the shield protected me” she tells me but that was close, too close what if no one could have acted in time, that was just why to reckless, I pick up the arrow “hey, sorry about that I wasn't paying at-” the demigod pre-teen was interrupted, when in my anger throw the arrow back at him missing by a hair cutting his cheek “you’re could have seriously hurt her, or worse so be.careful.” 

I tell him  as I turn back around to see everyone but Rex, Shay, Henry, and Lana all have shocked looks, “what?” I ask them “y-you just though an arrow at him,” said Percy “without a bow” adds Jason “with such force” continued Nico “and accuracy” included Chiron “yup, 8 years of archery and kickboxing, and 9 years of gymnastics can do that to you.” 

I explained “Lance” Lana called out from behind, turning to her she was looking at the camp training grounds, there was a large metal shed around the size of Athena's cabin, “hey what's that huge thing over there?” I ask Chiron “that Lance is the camps army, we keep all our weapons in there.” 

He explains as we walked to it “in here new demigods get their weapons” he said “then let's go in” said Lana as she and I both ran in “no, no, no you two and weapons is not a good idea” whined Henry but we ignored him as we opened the doors. We saw shelves full of sword, knives, and shields

**********

“is that a shotgun” Lana pointed out as I went to go pick it up “no.” Said Henry as he blocked my path “but” I started “no” said Rex “I didn't even-” I tried to explain but “sorry, Lance but no” said Shay I dramatically gasp at her “you wound me Shay” I say as I place a hand on my heart “hey, Lance take this bow and arrow” Lana said as she handed me the items “sweet, take the spear” I said well handing the 6’0 spear to her “wait, you three won't let them have a gun, but bows and arrows and a 6 foot spear is fine.”

 The emo teen pointed out “you see Nico these two are very skilled at many things even gunplay, but I still wouldn't let those two anywhere near a gun, after last time” said Henry “oh- come on man it was one time” I tell him “one time too many!” he says back “should weee…” asked Jason “you don't wanna know” all five of us say together as we got out of the army.  

With the arrows on my back and bow in hand, up next was a “is that a wall of lava” I say detected “yes, yes it is and it hurts, good luck” said Shay note to self avoid lava day like the plug. up next was the arena “this young one, is the training area, this is where you will learn to hone your skills” Chiron explained as we entered the grounds, suddenly everyone seemed to stop fighting “why are they staring at us?’ Lana whispered “maybe it’s because of Percy and Jason” I replied. “No it’s not,” said a girl “what-” I turned to see a girl around 9 or 10 standing right behind us, She has brown eyes, fair skin, and disheveled light brown hair. 

Which formed two spikes on either side of her head and unruly bangs. She had on wire-framed, round, circular glasses with fake lenses, “hi there, kid?” I said, “yo, the names pidge, well it’s actually Katie but I thought the name pidge sounded better so I changed it, so is it true you two killed the Minotaur AND the python all by yourselves.”

 Holy Hare, it's like her mouth is a power box of its own, is this how Percy felt before, “umm...yeah hi….Pidge I’m Lance and...this is my twin sister Lana” I  said “HI!” she yelled out happily “hey!” shouted a female voice, we looked around to see a light tan skinned curly haired blonde running towards us with a boy who looked like an exact copy of pidge, but taller “hi, Annabeth.” 

Shouted Percy as the two people got closer “hi Matt” said pidge “hey Pidge” said the pidge clone, Matt “did you guys find anything?” asked Jason “nope, whatever it's purpose is we don't know, we even asked all are siblings for help” said Annabeth. “Chiron, are you sure you don't know what that eye can do?” asked Percy “afraid not Percy” replied Chiron “wait, what are you guys talking about?” I asked “oh, sorry we're talking about this,” said Annabeth as she held out a marble sized amber ball with gold flakes circling around a black line.

 “What is it?” Lana asked as she reached out to touch it “here, you can hold it” as she was handed the marble ball it started glowing, one second I was on the training ground the next Lana and I are in the air “whaaaaaaa!!??!?” I shout as we feel back down to earth, out of fear I closed my eyes thinking this was the end, then I suddenly landed on something “man, kid you're heavy” I heard someone say “what?!” opening my eyes to see that a black horse with wings had caught me. 

Holy hell I’m on a pegasus wait, “d-did you say something?” I asked the horse which replied in naah and some rough sounds, “ok, the horse was not talking, hold on Lorenzo or you'll lose your mind, right si-LANA!?!”

*******

I yelled as I realized she wasn't behind me “u-up here” I heard her voice looking up she was on a horse which looked made out of lightning and thunder,  “cool horse.” I said as the lighting horse flies down right next me “cool to look at but not ride, this feels so weird” she says as she holds onto the horse for dear life, well to us flying on anything in general felt weird, it’s always been a problem for us even the plane ride here was a stressful one, as we slowly flow down I realized just how high we really were “oh wow, sis what happened?” I asked, “I have no idea, I was holding on to the marble ball to the sky and suddenly BAME, were falling from the sky.” 

She explains as we decreased further and further down till the camp didn't look like a dot anymore, as the horse finally got us closer to the campfire where everyone was “hi everyone” I said as we finally touched the ground. I quickly got off the horse “oh thank god, Mother Earth I missed you” I said laying on the ground, “can someone help me? Please” Lana asked still on the thunder horse “I got you, you can let go” said a guy he has a broad face and a strong jaw, piercing dark gray eyes and a long, straight nose, he has pale skin and dark hair styled in an undercut he helped lift her off the horse.

 “Thank you” she said as she too laid on the ground “are you going to be ok?” the guy before asked “yes, I'm fine, I- we just really hate flying on...anything” she explained “hey, can someone please explain what just happened” I asked as if a dam was broken a bunch of blond campers comes rushing towards us. But were stopped by the two horses as they jumped up and down, which freaked everyone out even more, till a loud sharp whistle was let out “hey!” yelled the girl, Annabeth which cot everyone's attention “back off” she said as she and everyone else from before followed behind.

 “Are you two alright” she asked as Shay ran up to Lana and Henry to me well Rex stayed behind “let's see, I just got flung like 200 feet in the air, and got rescued by a horse made of thunder and lightning, other than me wanting to bury myself in the earth, I’m feeling great.” 

She said but I couldn't tell if she was being serious or sarcastic, “now can some just tell us how all, that happened” she asked as Shay and Henry  helped us both get on our feet “well you two where gliding down, we all had a discussion about what might have caused the eye to do that.” explained Matt “eye? what eye?” Lana asked “the amber marble, it was the python’s eye,” said Annabeth “Lana do you still have it?” Asked Matt “no I think I-” she started but after checking her pants pocket she pulled something out she held the amber eye “I could have sworn I dropped it,” she said then she turned and throw the eye as far as she could causing everyone to freak out.

 “I think, it landed in that lack” is all she said, “why did you do that!” Said Matt but Lana didn't answer instead she checked her pockets again and there it was the amber eye “how? what?” She said to herself well inspecting the eye. Then I somehow found myself and her back in the medical cabin, “ok….that actually worked” she said “Lana what's going on? why and how are we teleporting” I ask her but instead she ignores me, now where in the armory “Lance, I think this eye takes me, and you for some reason to places I've been to on camp.” 

she explains as I find us right back to the campfire with everyone looking up and running around like headless chickens, “THERE RIGHT HERE!!!” I heard a camper shout as everyone ran towards us “ARE YOU TWO ALRIGHT!!" yelled Percy and Jason as they dismounted off each other's horses. As they raced to us "umm….yeah?" Lana said knowing this was her fault "how did that happen, for the past two days we've tried everything but it never worked" said Matt  "wait, did you just say two days" I ask him "yes, you two were asleep for two days" explained a girl with black hair and sky blue eyes.

 "Lana, how did you make the eye work?" Asked Annabeth "I was just thinking of a place to test it out" she said "why" asked Chiron "well because last time I was looking at the eye with the sun's light, and I thought about the sky of how clear it was then when we were in the infirmary, and well when the eye came back to my hand even though I knew I dropped it, I was testing it out if my theory was correct, sorry if I worried you guys" as everyone looked at her wondering (how did she say that in one breath) no? just me, ok.

*******

After the whole teleporting dilemma it was discovered that only Lana can us the eye. well of course she was the one who killed the thing, I just aimed anyway after, that train ride all the campers went off to eat as we walked to the eating grounds I asked Chiron a question "hey Chiron, I gotta ask, but who's are godly parent?" he looked at me for a moment before answering "Lance we don't think you two are any gods children" which surprised us. 

"If we're not any gods children then what are we?" Lana asked "we believe that you're a decadent, a child of a demigod," said the emo guy, Nico? "How do y'all know that" I asked him, he then looked at Chiron who nodded "when your Mom died, before death could take her she was able to talk to us" what are Moms ghost talked to them, but why "why, what did she say" Lana asked as she stopped walking so did I "at first she was sorry."

 Said Percy "why would she be I'm the one-" "NO YOU'RE NOT" I yell at her "Moms death wasn't you're doing, so don't blame yourself for something you have no control over," I tell her because she has to- no she needs to hear this. "Chiron what does are Moms ghost talking to them have to do with this" I ask him trying to change the subject as its only us and Percy, Jason and Nico "because to be able to glow the way she did, can only mean that she was a daughter of Hades" said Nico "so you're saying, you think are Mom was a child of Hades," Lana said

*******

“that explains a whole lot of things” I said finally realizing why Mom was the way she was “what do you mean” Percy asked “Mom was a mortician, well also assisting as a pathologist when needed at times when she couldn't get a babysitter she would bring us to her work, it was fun at first” Lana empaneled  “till I realized in second grade most kids didn’t know how to do an autopsy and how to properly dissect a human body.” 

I told the three teens and Chiron who gave us looks of shocks “you don't mind being related to the god of death?” Nico asked, “why, should we?” I asked him as we made it to the hilltop to see where we would eat, the place was framed in Greek columns on a hill that overlooks the sea. 

There are no walls or roof that cover the mess hall. Torches blaze from the columns and a central fire burning inside a bronze brazier the size of a bathtub, “welcome to the dining Pavilion” Chiron said “the rule is, when you gather your food give a portion of it to the gods” explained Nico which confused me “gods like burned food?” Lana asked “yes, they do” Percy answers as we walked to the stakes and split me, Lana and Nico all said on table 13 and just like the rest had each table has a white cloth with purple trim. 

Just as the wood nymphs had served us, Lana tapes my shoulder “hum?” I asked her all she does is point at a gray crack in the middle of the Pavilion, what happened there? I thought, as  Nico guided us to fire to sacrifice are food “just say or think of the god and throw your food in” he said as we did it together “Hades” we said together. Expecting the smook to smell bad, we took a step back but instead it smelled good, “well that's a surprise” Lana said as we walked back “this cup is empty” Lana said as she held up the goblet “yeet” I said causing us both to laughter “I don’t get it, what's so funny?” Nico asked “wait, you don’t know what vine is,” I ask him, and to my horror he did “ok I got you, lucky I have it saved up on my pho-” it wasn’t there. 

“Where’s my phone” I asked Nico “I think Chiron has it, we took all your electronics and shut them off for all our safety” he explained “but why how could are phones be dangerous” asked Lana “phones are like monster hotspot, they can track you down much faster when you use them” ok no more phone calls.

 I thought “this cup is still empty” Lana said sounding a bit irritated “just say what kinda drink you want”  he said as Lana said her favorite red cherry slushy and I a sprite, as we aight are food till it was time for us to go, as we walked to the Hades cabin which was The cabin walls are made of solid obsidian and a skull is hung over the doorway. There are torches that burn Greek fire, The cabin is windowless. 

“Cool is that real greek fire?” Lana asked Nico who nodded “awesome,” I said as we entered the cabin, the beds where coffin shaped with polished mahogany frames, brass railings, blood red velvet pillows, and sheets. 

There was also a small shrine with bones and jewels as we laid in the beds, “ok this is freaking cool” Lana said “yeah, it’s like we're vampires” I said “dobri momčinja” she said “what?” asked Nico but all we got where happy giggles before she covered herself in sheets “she does this a lot” I tell him as we fall asleep.

*******

Silanty getting up Nico quietly opened the cabinet door, not wanting to wake the twins up, as he walked out the door and towards the big house “did I miss anything?” he asked as he took a seat around the pool table. 

“No, we just started, how are the twins?” asked Jason “they're fast asleep,” he replied “do we have anything about them?” asked Annabeth “nope, they seem well knowledged about greek and roman and I'd say if I didn't already see there ghost Mother my first guess would be for them to be children of Athena or Apollo.” 

Chiron explained “I heard the kid throw an arrow at another camper without a bow, is that true” asked Clarissa “yes” all of those who saw what Lance did all said “do you think they're the ones?” asked Piper “from last years prophecy, I don't know but I just hope they're not, not only did they lose their mother but also thrust into this whole gods and monsters world.” 

Percy said “come on guys the prophecy said twines and there the first twins to come here all year” said Piper “but it also said ‘Twins of the eldest gods’ so it has to deal with a god or goddess”  aid Percy try to justify that the twins aren't the ones chosen for the privacy “how about your father maybe-” stated Piper but was stopped “that's impossible Piper if a child of Poseidon was born especially ones with Hades decadent, then no monster on earth could ignore that much power.” 

Said Thalia “this is so hard” said Leo “it seems we don’t have many leads, so if the twins aren't claimed by Lord Poseidon or any other god or goddess by the end of the summer or their birthday then they weren't chosen for the prophecy” said Chiron as they were all dismissed.

[rusticrevivals]

“The powerful wind swept his hair away from his face; he leaned his chest into the wind, as if he stood on the deck of a ship heading into the wind, slicing through the waves of an ocean he’d not yet seen.”  ― John Irving, The Cider House Rules

One of my favourite books, that.  The Cider House Rules.  Not really about apples or cider.  Not too much, even, about our neighbouring state of Maine.  But very deep, very philosophical and very beautiful.  If you haven’t read or seen it, do so. The parts that DO take place in the orchards are both romantic and dramatic.

Apple orchards ARE a place of romance for many. Through the ages they have been lovely settings – L.M. Montgomery’s Anne was ALWAYS mentioning “The White Way of Delight”, even when it wasn’t June and the blossoms weren’t  exploding on tree limbs.  Vintage postcards and greeting cards romanticize the entire system of keeping up an orchard.

  While my brother-in-law proposed to my sister in his grandparents’ old-farm orchard on the west coast of Newfoundland and although Richard’s niece is to get married here next summer under our own lovely apple trees with the Appalachians as the backdrop,

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we are actually finding our little orchard of apple trees to be a primary source of frustration (2nd to the constant blackfly problem for me, I’d say).

Our apple trees seem to be a focal point for our amazing views, no matter what the season.  They are dainty and pretty in spring, laden with  big red apples in late summer, dramatically ‘spiky’ in fall as they lose their leaves, and always holding sparkling layers of clean snow in winter.  Even more so, they are often ‘at the end of the rainbow’, or part of the footlights of the setting sun’s reflections:

And both last year and this we had a heavy crop of apples.  Here’s just a branch from one, taken at the wildflower garden we are slowly working on (and beside which the bride will glide next July!)

I’ve long been a fan of apple fests, apples-for-the-teacher, apple-blossom themes, and my work as Rustic Revivals proves this:

In fact, for their Christmas gift last year I made my sister and brother-in-law a hat hook for their summer cottage/old farm’s entranceway, romanticizing their engagement and reminding them of other things in their lives they love to share:

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However, it is not the quantity of apples here that is a worry, NOR even the quality, though 80 percent do have some kind of wormhole.  But I’ve taught Richard not to worry so much about those, as I just cut them out and go on with whatever I planned to do that particular day with that harvest.  The problem is, for two years in a row, and trying all the recommended options, we have been unable to KEEP our apples for longer than 2 weeks!  We divide them into three categories when we pick – “kitchen”, “animal treats” and “compost”.  I do try to get as many into some kind of production in the kitchen that day or the next, but with so much else to be harvested at the same time, it would make life easier if the apples could be put off say, until after Thanksgiving (Can. one, in early Oct., not the American one near end of Nov.).  But no such luck!

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Part of the problem with having an Olde Homestead is that the pioneers didn’t have the selection of various apples we have today, and thus many didn’t plant some of the more rugged thick-skinned apples that were made for winter storage.  Although we learned last year that one is supposed to wrap each apple separately in paper BEFORE putting into cold storage, that didn’t work any better this year than NOT wrapping them did last year.  So there went about 6 hours of my time wasted, over the course of several days of wrapping! (Those ones were primarily the ones we’d deemed for the animals, so admittedly they had more bruises, but according to all my reading they still should have kept better/longer!)

   The other part of the problem of Olde Homestead-owning is that there are usually, for many years, people not tending to the orchard’s needs, not pruning the trees, for instance, and not keeping the apples raked up from under the limbs every year (and this must be done immediately, as soon as a few apples have fallen or the next year’s harvest will be ‘buggier’ and less plentiful, we’ve learned!)  My brother-in-law, Boyd, has run into the same problem of years of neglect, on his grandparents’ farm – and he has chosen what I consider a frightening option. He’s cut down many of the old trees, and planted new ones, essentially starting from scratch.  For reasons of time, expense and yes, romanticism (I don’t want to start chopping down Ida May’s trees that she planted just before she died at age 33 in 1931!) we will have to find another solution.  And I couldn’t even convince Richard to purchase a pear tree for this year, to plant, so we’re one season further from having our own delectable yellow fruit as well!

Here’s my brother-in-law and sister standing in front of our apple trees in July:

If you’ve seen 3 more goofier-looking adults, it could only be with the addition of Richard in the frame.  We weren’t even TRYING to look silly, we were just smiling! (my skirt courtesy of cousin Linda’s family, some of our visitors this summer)

After completing losing about two bushels of apples we’d picked and I’d wrapped and put in the coldest part of our basement (they went to compost, but it still hurts!) we were invited to our Honey Man’s farm.  He allowed us to pick a plethora of his own apples, less blighted than ours.  But he still warned us they wouldn’t last long, even if wrapped.  Stubbornly, and as I was so busy preparing beans, peas, tomatoes, etc. I wrapped all of them late one night and had them put in the basement.  Within a few days, thanks to blackflies and fruitflies, we noticed they were starting to get mushy, so Richard went to buy a solid metal apple-peeler, and he went to work on them!

Mom and I did what we could by hand to keep up:

(Mom’s apron – and ours hanging in background just above her head – courtesy of Shirley Robinson, yet another of our many guests this past year).

The nice thing about the apple-slicer was that I was at least able to freeze several buckets of just slices, so at least in a way we have preserved ‘apples’ that we could eat ‘fresh’ or also feed as treats to the animals when it gets cold and they are very bored.  However, a bit of lemon juice or my homemade apple cider vinegar on them before they start to thaw is necessary so they don’t turn brown, which Richard hates.  The slices are also great to put into pies or loaves, but I also, as last year, immediately made apple sauce, juice, cider and apple cider vinegar.  (The many health, baking and cleaning uses for this latter were mentioned in my blog post on our apple harvest last year).  Here are the many processes we had to do over the course of only about 5 days:

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The apple sauce isn’t just eaten as apple sauce, but we reheat to pour over ice-cream, frozen yogurt (hopefully next year made with goats’ milk!), we CAN use it in my soda-cracker quick-pies, and a few table spoons can be put in bran mash for Chevy or Cammie on really cold days. (One thing I didn’t make this year, and we shall miss, is the delectable apple BUTTER!) The last photo is all the scraps we save from the peelings, which is then corked and allowed to sit for a month before we pour and strain to get the proper type of  ACV, with the all-important ‘mother’.  I try and drink a spoonful of this in water every day (sweetened with honey or Stevia).

So, while the apple harvest WAS a bit disappointing again this year, and there are no big red globes in our basement for easy access, there’s nothing like knowing that, thanks to our neighbour’s offer of a 2nd harvest of HIS apples, our freezer and pantry are at least full of pails and jars of the innerds! And there’s nothing like heating up that applesauce to have with a bit of custard, either! Hmmmm…

(that apron is courtesy of my grandmother McKenzie, from the old Sparta Mercantile circa about 1982, and the bonnet is from an etsy seller.  I have to put on this “Little House on the Prairie” get-up because many of our u.k. visitors seem to think we’re a cross between the Ingalls and the Waltons!)

Sadly, however, Richard came home from town yesterday with something that upset me, and I mean to fix this issue once and for all next year.  There HAS to be a way!  He wanted us to have a few fresh apple slices in our salads, and he wanted to feed Chevy ‘treats’ because he spoils him rotten.  Like a rotten apple!

Everything about this upsets me, the plastic bag, the unnecessary money spent, the fact that these apples aren’t local and certainly have been chemically sprayed, and the fact that we don’t seem one step closer to living self-sufficiently with these on our table, and two huge apple trees outside our bedroom window!

One thing we didn’t do was wrap them AND put them on single layers on racks downstairs.  We do have these racks built into the basement, so I shall try a few of them next year.  But anyone that’s found any other ideas for making them last at least to November, I’d very much like to hear your experiences!

Of course around here, the old farm orchards are being terrible wasted.  Although this is a pretty sight this week – I still HATE seeing it, as there’s so much we could have done with all of those if I could but learn how!

I even saw someone with spotlights on their apple trees like this, lit up for Christmas!  While it was lovely – I STILL wanted to go pick those apples!

When we first moved here Jane Hansen gave me a Victoria County recipe book from the local ladies of 60 or 70 years ago.  There are many ideas for baking with apples, so the slices in our freezer WILL come in handy for these, and it’s nice to know I’m using recipes handed down by our neighbours:

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Still, to add insult to injury (in my head at least) is the fact that I’ve been looking for more blue stoneware plates and bowls to replace the ones Richard breaks on a regular basis.  I once had a collection of 6 of each, with red hearts, and I’ve looked everywhere to find the red hearts again. They aren’t on etsy,ebay, or anywhere that I can find, but I did luck out and find these a few weeks ago in Value Village in Fredericton:

  Would you BELIEVE I have to look at apples now at every meal, just to remind me there’s no whole ones for us OR the livestock?  Ah, well — I bet you thought this whole blog was going to be about apples, though, didn’t you?

But we spend our days slicing through life in other ways.  Whether the bread I make every 2nd or 3rd day is in a traditional loaf pan, or like this one, we get better and better at slicing just the right thickness for toast, sandwiches or chunky warm delights with stews or soups:

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And Richard always has to have a ‘sweet loaf’ to slice up, in addition to the cookies/scones in the cookie jar:

(Fingerless mitts: an early Christmas gift  knitted by our dear friend, the lovely Hudson, Quebec artist Jane Wright, and made with the alpaca wool purchased at the last pioneer show the Wrights helped me organize in Ontario,  from Alpaca Avenue near Toronto: http://www.alpacaavenue.com/    See Jane’s artwork at:

http://www.janewright.ca/  )

And we don’t have much snow yet. Jennifer Clarvoe writes, in “Invisible Tender” that while  they had been slicing through the snow, it can’t have been very thick because greeny grass tufted through it and it was gravelly, dimpled, pocked.”  But nonetheless, Richard and Chevy have already been hard at the “Slicing Through” process, bringing in logs from our own woods for next years heat source.

  Not bad for a guy who’d never really handled a horse prior to May of this year, is it?

The next few weeks’ blogs will not be about harvesting/processing food anymore, you’ll likely be happy to read.  I promised I’d write about the big 100th anniversary of our church, the entertainment for which I was asked to organize, as well as more details about the New Denmark filming with t.v. star Jonny Harris and the crew from CBC’s Still Standing. Those 2 events encompassed just 10 days at the beginning of September of which I’ve only hinted at in a prior ‘tease’.   And all this past week and next Richard and I are involved again with the Perth/Andover Community Choir and the 2nd Wind Music Centre Choir from Bristol. Not only have we teamed up with them for the big July 1st 150 Voices concert, but we’ve sung with them for the fall concerts with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and are now joining them for the Christmas season. In fact, this weekend we are dressing as angels (I know, imagine Richard as an angel – it’s nearly impossible, isn’t it?) and going to “Bethlehem”  to sing for two rustic days, as Victoria County is invited to walk or drive-thru to see the merchants and travellers, nasty inn-keeper and new-born babe from 2000 years ago.  And then on two big days following we sing a tricky Vivaldi, bellowing from two different church choir lofts, down upon the Bristol choristers who answer us from below.  Glor-i-a, Glor-i-a Forevermore!  Just another Slice of Rural Life here at Blue Belldon Farm!

  Slicing Through “The powerful wind swept his hair away from his face; he leaned his chest into the wind, as if he stood on the deck of a ship heading into the wind, slicing through the waves of an ocean he’d not yet seen.”

[vietvacay]

Danang: Day 3

I woke up at 6am, so I slept in?  My body still isn’t used to the time change.  Kim, Chau, Lin (Kim’s husband), and I went for breakfast around 7:30a. Today, Lin borrowed his brother’s car. Car’s a extremely expensive in Vietnam. Everyone drives scooters because they’re much cheaper here.  Lin’s brother owns a very successful hair salon and can afford a car.  We started off breakfast with quail eggs as an appetizer. Surprisingly, I have had quail eggs previous to my trip to Vietnam.  I was maybe 5 at the time and thought they were disgusting.  Fast forward to now and I quite enjoyed hard boiled quail eggs.  

They tasted the same as chicken eggs.  They’re just smaller.  We followed up the quail eggs with…you guessed it, pho.  Crab pho to be exact.

I really enjoyed this one. The crab was perfect.  Breakfast for 4 people was $7!  Super cheap!

After breakfast, we journeyed through the outskirts of town to go up the Truong Som Mountains.  Along the way, we passed by the countryside and made a few stops along the way.

When Kim saw this fruit, she immediately made Lin stop the car.  Apparently, it’s pretty rare to find in the city, but out in the country we saw maybe 2 or 3 vendors selling it by the roadside.  Chau called it Star-apple fruit.

When you cut it in half, the fruit has a star like pattern on the inside.  Kim said the literal translation of the Vietnamese name means milky boobs, which is hilarious!  Before eating, you roll it around in your hands to soften it (like boobs) and then you poke a hole in it to suck out the juice, which is white (like milk).  It was delicious.  It’s hard to describe bc it doesn’t taste like any other fruit. Unlike an apple though, you don’t eat the peel.  You only eat the inside and spit out the pit.

We also stopped to buy a humongous jackfruit.  Whole Foods aint got nothin on these jackfruits.  All of them were larger than 2 times the size of my head, which is large enough to fit my superior brain.

I don’t know how Chau and Kim chose the ripest one, but the one cut that sucker open with finesse. We tried it and it tasted pretty good, but it left my hands pretty smelly.  We made one last stop before our destination to pick up some guava, which I’ve had before.  

Driving up the windy mountain road made for some beautiful scenery.

After beautiful views and some cows in the road, we made it to the mountain spa.  It’s a commercial place trying to monopolize on the mountain aesthetic.  Instead of paying for overpriced spa services, we decided to walk the adjacent trails.  We were rewarded with the view below:

It was peaceful on the mountain.  The gentle sound of the waterfall, fresh mountain air, and vibrant colors of the flowers and trees left me feeling just as relaxed as if I would have gotten the massage.  

After the short hike, we went back to Chau’s house as he had to work.  I, on the other hand, took a 1.5 hour nap.  Chau’s nieces woke me up in a fury of giggles.  Kim informed me that most of the family was coming over to celebrate Nyim’s, Chau’s cousin, 5th birthday.  After about 10 minutes, aunts, sisters, nieces, cousins, and Chau’s mom were stuffed in Chau’s small bedroom.  Chau’s dad was travelling to another province the next day and had to wake up early.  Whilst cramming into the room, we ate food that Chau’s sister, Naa, made.  They socialized and asked me to speak English with the kids.  All the parents want their children to speak English.  The oldest, Tini, is about 12 and speaks English fairly well.  She understood the most out of everyone and explained to me that they all go to a private school where English classes are offered.  

After 2 hours, everyone left to go home to get kids ready for sleep.  Kim and I got ready to go to a club.  Unsure of what to wear, I just threw on a dress and some sandals bc I didn’t really know what to expect.

This club, was crayzay. It was like a warehouse house.  We got there early around 9:45p and Kim’s friend met us there.  It was nice to get there early, so I could see the entirety of the club with the lights dimmed.  Since we got there early, the staff was milling about bc there weren’t that many people there.  Around 10:30p, we the lights were turned down and the club started to fill up.

People started dancing and they changed to an awesome DJ.  Every 15-20 minutes there was a ‘show.’  The first show was of about 8 girls dancing on a pole and doing tricks, but without taking their clothes off.  It was interesting and I didn’t get any good photos.  They’re all shit quality.

After that show, there was about a 30-minute break and then these white girls came out on the stage portion of the club and started dancing.  I thought it was weird that they were white.  Literally everyone else in the club was Vietnamese besides me and a group of about 6 Aussies.  Anyway, these girls were the opening act for the most fabulous man.  He had an amazing outfit and was just busting moves.

Then, patrons danced more.  Kim & I went to dance on the stage with a bunch of other people that were up there.  No, not on the poles.  I don’t have the upper body strength for that.  Then, everything started again.  The shot girls went back up to dance, another break, and the white girls and the dude actually pole danced.  

It was actually a super fun night.  The cherry on top was that our table was next to the VIP section.  Kim pointed out the owner and her husband.  She explained that they live in Ho Chi Minh City and are pretty rich.  

At the end of the night, I got a selfie with our server bc he was cute and did a good job.

We walked home from the club instead of taking a taxi bc it was a short walk.  On the way, a taxi pulled up to us and offered us something grey. We had no idea what it was, but he explained to Kim that we had taken his taxi to the club and I left my compact in his car.  It was SO nice of him to find us and return my compact.  I tipped him and thanked him 1000 times.  

Twas a fun day and successful night.