#( SARANA ARE YOU SURE THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT )

[soardived]

@iruludavare

Brb sarana is manifesting herself in a way willow can see just so she can try to teach her how to sing

❝ WHEN YOU WALK AWAAAY YOU DON'T HEAR MEE SAYYY ❞

❝ PLEASE OH BABY DON'T GOOOO SIMPLE AND CLEAN IS THE WAY THAT YOU'RE MAKING ME FEEEEEEL TONIIIIIIIIIGHT -- ❞

[queen-mihai]

Oh snap wait can I get in on this?

So Annabella would look plush and comfy but would be surprisingly firm

Leo would feel like you're lying on a warm, smooth, stainless steel cylinder. Somehow, however, he would be much more comforting than that sounds

Lance's lap would be surprisingly soft, and you'd somehow fall asleep almost immediately

Rob would shift around nervously until he convinced himself that you actually want to be in his lap

And now for some fun ones

Samiel (pronounced sam-eye-ehl) would be softer than you expect, lying on a dragon. But his scales and armor are consistently cold. And getting him to cuddle with you is no small task because he thinks human warmth, both as a physical concept, and a psychological expression, is weird and unnatural and takes some getting used to

Vulcarin would be quite comfortable to lay on, but you'd have to make sure to get protection magic from Annabella. Otherwise, you might not last through the night as his breath is quite a potent poison.

Sarana you'd need help with too as lying on her might well catch you on fire. With the proper protective magics though, she's very warm and cuddly

Edwin would be like.... if you've ever imagined sleeping on the belly of an elephant? That

And you know what? I can let you play with some characters from book 2 as well because this doesn't spoil anything

The wind spirit takes on a physical form just to let you lie in her. It takes some effort, but she thinks it's worth it for you. She can be as firm, soft, cool, or warm as you like, and take on whatever shape you find most appealing

The fire spirit is literal fire. You'd better have some strong magic in place or you're gonna have a weird night. Otherwise you'd likely find this spirit comfortable if maybe a little handsy

The water spirit is a bit like Samiel, a bit cold and nervous about human contact. But he will try his best to be comfortable for you. And. You know. Solid.

And the earth spirit would in all likelihood wrap you in herself and provide you with just THE perfect night's sleep. She'd be so comfortable that you might never want to leave

Can you use your OC's laps as pillows, and if you can which one is the most confy one?

Actually it all depends on the hype of pillows you like using

If big and squishy, Cy wins

Big firm, Sana wins

Tough but ergonomically friendly to the human ear, Mara wins

Not big but warm, Soli and Taiyoko

Just a fucking rock, Kevin wins

[volot]

in regards to schooling. 

volo hasn’t had any formal or proper education, but from what he does know are mentored or self-taught. since my general* headcanon runs along the lines of cogita having raised him, he was taught most of what he knows from her. the most prominent ( outside of basic fundamentals ) seems to be his manner of speech ( he’s nowhere near as... poetic as cogita, but he does speak in a very elegant sort of manner most of the time ), and his knowledge of hisuian mythology and history ( about the legends / mythicals, about the ancient hero, so on so forth; he makes a point of saying he frequently visits these days just to learn from her ). anything outside of what cogita has taught him ( because as i’ve mentioned before, it’s my belief that she omits things from him and sometimes plays dumb with him because she knows the kind of fate he’s doomed to; she’s seen this happen before ) are to fill the void in his knowledge / sate the hunger he has from idling curiosities. he sought it out himself; old books, forbidden texts, eventually finding old celestica documents and pieces of history from ruins, so on and so forth. 

it’s worth mentioning one of the more noteworthy things he’d taught himself is reading/writing/speaking the ancient celestica language; both of which he can decipher from ruins, and he can speak fairly fluently. he just... never has the chance to and likely never will ( outside of maybe one specific interaction; hi sarana B) ), considering it’s a dying language lost to time.

outside of this, his travels and his work have taught him plenty, too. being out in the wilderness had forced him to learn basic survival skills; so he can start a fire, he can pitch a camp, he can cook and defend himself and knows how to treat some wounds in case of emergency and what to do in worst case scenarios. 

with battling, he’s mostly self-taught in that regard; he has a genuine talent for it, he’s learned ( bad for his ego, but... y’know, things like that make you really feel like you are the greatest ). traveling to other regions with the guild has given him ample opportunity to engage in friendly competitions with other pokemon wielders at the time; it’s knowledge that sticks with him, and the sort he carries into battle today. you know, learning through experience, and all that. 

one thing he did like about his mechantry work though is that what it taught him. sure enough, he learned how to deal with money and sales and profits and trades; he knows how to strike a good deal, spot a good bargain when he sees one. but more than that, it gave him the opportunity to learn how to sweet-talk people and butter them up; because as a merchant, you have to pull a few strings to get people interested in buying something. it ended up being something volo deemed very useful in his skillset, and one he absolutely honed, flattery is a good asset always, especially when it gets you what you want. who would’ve thought he learned to manipulate from ye olde retail.

as for much else... traveling has taught him plenty, about the roads and the land and the people. he knows what paths are best, what things to avoid in the wild, and from people, he has an endless amount of fluff that doesn’t really do much. he has stories and idle skills that don’t necessarily amount into anything, like playing cards and stories to tell in mindless conversation. but hey, that makes him all the more fun a person to talk to if he just has little stories and tales and experiences to bring up, right? it’s fun talking to someone who knows a little bit of something about almost everything, isn’t it?

tl;dr: you could call him something of a learned man, if nothing else. he’s already referred to as a ‘researcher of myths’.

[littlesilverplatinum]

Pretty

Continued from - x @floaroanemoia​

---

-She’d been four when she’d come into Father Nazarov’s care. A young man himself, just shy past sixteen summers and with the weight of his home’s fate readily set upon his sunken shoulders; one couldn’t truly blame him for having felt out of his depths. Another life is a difficult thing to care for when you already feel as though your own future is uncertain; but it was a task he accepted. A task he took on without complaint or demand for aid.  Aid, of course, he still did get. The aspiring successor to Lomma’s highest seat left less than ideal time to care for a young toddler – and so, early within her life, Kari was put into the care of the village’s church. A monastery, filled with young women of all ages, became her home when Father couldn’t be there. They’d feed her, clothe her; sing her hymns and were there to teach her the things that a young boy could not. But still, each and every night she would return to Damian’s home – her arms, outstretched and high as she stumbled upon gravel roads so that he could more easily scoop her into his awaiting embrace. And he’d ask about her day, what she’d learned or had seen, and he would be the last person by her side before John Blund stole her away.

Whatever one may think of his means; his overprotectiveness, his hopes for the young girls path in life – one could at least admit that whatever his motivation, care most certainly was the most prominent one.  He’d trusted her with Sarana for this reason. For he’d seen a shift in her mannerisms, a shift in her desires. She had stopped asking him to cut her hair.-

---

“It’s oh so beautiful, miss… I can’t help but to envy you so.”

-Last they both had seen the elusive vagabond, snow still had covered the grounds of Lomma. Kari, as overjoyed by foreigners as she was, had easily left her washing duties to run into – yes, into – the older woman’s embrace when she’d appeared, crying out in excitement for the travels that was sure to come. Hands, still soaked in lather and wet to the touch.  Hollyhock dolls, tea sets carved out of wood by fatherly hands. Baby dolls stuffed with straw. Growing up as she had, Kari had rarely gotten the chance to play in that specific sort of way that little girls seemed to so evidently enjoy – and this extended to something as simple as caring for one’s appearance.

She was a good girl. Not a pretty girl – or at least, that was how Kari had thought of herself for the longest of time.

Sarana’s golden locks were warm to the touch where the sun had come to linger, and the young girl couldn’t help but wonder how hair of such a light, airy color could feel so heavy. When she’d practiced her braids, it has mostly been upon herself; hidden in her bedroom late in the evening, sat before a mirror cast in candlelight.  Hidden behind her marrow veil, a single, small braid pushed against the side of her head. Pitiful, perhaps, when compared to the intricate weaves she wound into the older woman’s hair now.

Kari bit her lip, her brows furrowing prettily. Another petal was woven into gold.-

“… If father allows for it, then I’d want nothing more.”

---

-Indeed. Little Kari wasn’t so little anymore, and Damian had perhaps been the one to notice it the most. Hollyhock dolls, tea sets carved out of wood by fatherly hands. Baby dolls stuffed with straw… These things, he’d learned, were no longer things that mattered to the young girl. He’d noticed how during morning mass, as the sun begun to shine through the church’s broad windows, that rather than pay attention to his words and the verses of hymns – Kari would simply gaze upon herself in their colorful reflection. Her fingers, sun kissed and clean, tentatively playing with the few strands of hair that she so stubbornly revealed to the world.

He had cut her hair since she’d come into his care. An act done, perhaps initially, out of desperation. For he hadn’t known how one was meant to care for a little girls hair, and she’d been so stubborn in not allowed anyone but him to brush her dark locks. More often than not, therefore, she had wandered into the world with a birds nest upon her head – none the wiser of how she had looked. For she had, after all, been but a child back then. The first time he had taken scissors to her locks, a mess had been made. Lopsided and choppy, and far too short in the back; she may as well have kept her nest compared to what he had done. But she had hopped from his lap. Towards the vanity in the far corner of her room, a gift given to her for when she grew older; and in the mirror, with chubby fingers weaving through her messy locks – Kari has worn the biggest smile that he’d ever seen.

She had loved it, and he had felt his heart swell with relief. And though he certainly amended his faults – practice, after all, does make perfect, the memory of it still lingered with him. Even now that she stood taller than she’d ever been.

But she’d denied him last. Had requested if she could let it grow, there beneath her veil. As though anyone but her sisters would see the change.-

-In hindsight, he had come to regret his words. For she had left his home with her shoulders sunk and with a quiver to her lips. He had told her that she wouldn’t look pretty if she did. That she wouldn’t be herself.

What he had felt, perhaps, was that she no longer would be his little girl if she let it grow. For it meant she didn’t need him anymore.-

---

“Miss Sarana? Say. How… How long has it taken you, to have your hair grow as long as it has become?”

[veworstop]

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[sherryfundin]

Review – Sarana and the Dark King by Ivy Keating @ivy_keating #fantasy

Amazon  / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The opening pages immediately fill me with disgust for the Dark King, sympathy for the Queen and admiration for the nurse.

Sarana is a miracle. She was supposed to have died, but for the grace of one woman who was determined to save her. The Queen never recovered from the loss.

In fantasy books I have read, all too often, royalty is cruel, thoughtless and frightened of losing what they have. Is war inevitable because the muckety muck can’t think of anything else to keep those who would want to overthrow them busy? Gotta be careful. When you force someone into a corner, their fight or flight impulse rises to the forefront.

The Dark King is after tarilium, a rare metal. It’s a treasure hunt and he will do anything to find the pot at the end of the rainbow. Greed and power all too often dictate a ruler’s actions. Who and how many will die?

I have been reading more fantasy and science fiction the past couple of years and am so glad I found Ivy Keating again. I had read her Camouflage novel some time ago and really enjoyed it, so when she asked me to read Sarana and the Dark King, I said sure. I am glad I did. Watching Sarana grow and become the princess she was meant to be was exciting and frightening at the same time. I knew she would make it, after all she is the main character, but what about those around her and the dangers they face as they love and protect her? Well done Ivy.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sarana and the Dark King by Ivy Keating.

4 Stars

MY IVY KEATING REVIEWS

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[avani008]

*creaks back to life to ramble because like you and Ally pointed out, I very much have Opinions have this* (....mostly wanting to headcanon it away, because as you’ll see, it’s--not great.)

But first off--oh goodness, please don’t feel uncomfortable or awkward about your preferences or opinions! At least speaking about Tumblr Mahabharata/mythology fandom, we have a wide variety of fans, ranging from Arjun fans to Arjun haters, woobie! Shakuni writers, people who are meh on Krishna(a), Duryodhana and Karna fans, and more! Really, almost every character in the epic can be both adored and hated for their deeds, which is what makes them all so fascinating. (Except say, Jayadrath. Pretty sure everyone hates him.)

But anyway, getting back to the main question, everyone involved except the ladies comes off problematic in the canonical abduction of Subhadra. Since I went back through my Tumblr and couldn’t find a dedicated post, I thought I’d explain why.  (All quotes from the KMG Mahabharata on Sacred Texts). 

Vasudeva and Partha went about, together, beholding everything around. While wandering there, they saw the handsome daughter of Vasudeva, Bhadra by name, decked with every ornament, in the midst of her maids. As soon as Arjuna beheld her he was possessed by the god of desire. Then, O Bharata, that tiger among men, Krishna, observing Partha contemplate her with absorbed attention, said with a smile, 'How is this? Can the heart of one that rangeth the woods be agitated by the god of desire? This is my sister, O Partha, and the uterine sister of Sarana. Blest be thou, her name is Bhadra and she is the favourite daughter of my father. Tell me if thy heart is fixed upon her, for I shall then speak to my father myself.'

"Arjuna answered, 'She is Vasudeva's daughter and Vasudeva's (Krishna) sister; endued with so much beauty, whom can she not fascinate? If this thy sister, this maid of the Vrishni race, becometh my wife, truly may I win prosperity in everything. Tell me, O Janardana, by what means I may obtain her. To get her I will achieve anything that is achievable by man.'

This is literally the first mention of Subhadra in the entire text, and Arjuna already wants to marry her by the end of the second paragraph (and Krishna is 110% shipping them.) Let’s note how there are zero lines of dialogue from Subhadra, nor any mention of her thoughts on Arjuna/romantic interests in anyone/her perspective at all. She’s entirely a cipher. It’s also confusing exactly how much time passes--does Arjuna fall in love with her over days, or is this at a single look (or, after he realizes she’s Krishna’s sister)? 

(Sarana, according to the Bhagavat Purana, is another one of Vasudeva and Rohini’s sons. So I guess that definitely settles the question of whose kid Subhadra is.)

The next lines of the Mahabharata reads:

"Vasudeva answered, 'O bull amongst men, self-choice hath been ordained for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is doubtful (in its consequences), O Partha, as we do not know this girl's temper and disposition. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have said. Therefore O Arjuna, carry away this my beautiful sister by force, for who knows what she may do at a self-choice.' Then Krishna and Arjuna, having thus settled as to what should be done sent some speedy messengers unto Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, informing him of everything. The strong-armed Yudhishthira, as soon as he heard it, gave his assent to it.'"

 i mean...on the face of it, this is Not Great. Again, the text--by clouding Subhadra’s perspective--allows for my headcanon/variant of Krishna knowing his sister rather fancied Arjuna behind the scenes, and acting accordingly, but that is very much not explicitly stated, nor is Arjuna confirming Subhadra’s consent.

Also, hilariously, no wonder Draupadi is furious--Arjuna takes the time to write to Yudhisthira and ask permission, but can’t be bothered to give Draupadi a heads up. Good Lord.

Meanwhile Subhadra, having paid her homage unto that prince of hills, Raivataka and having worshipped the deities and made the Brahmanas utter benedictions upon her, and having also walked round the hill, was coming towards Dwaravati. The son of Kunti, afflicted with the shafts of the god of desire, suddenly rushed towards that Yadava girl of faultless features and forcibly took her into his car. Having seized that girl of sweet smiles, that tiger among men proceeded in his car of gold towards his own city (Indraprastha). Meanwhile, the armed attendants of Subhadra, beholding her thus seized and taken away, all ran, crying towards the city of Dwaraka.

This is what the text says re; the abduction itself. Notably, the famous addition of Subhadra driving the reins herself, as much as I love it, is missing, just as it is from Krishna’s defense of Arjuna’s actions:

Gudakesa (the conqueror of sleep or he of the curly hair), by what he hath done, hath not insulted our family. He hath without doubt, rather enhanced our respect. Partha knoweth that we of the Satwata race are never mercenary. The son of Pandu also regardeth a self-choice as doubtful in its results. Who also would approve of accepting a bride in gift as if she were an animal? What man again is there on earth that would sell his offspring? I think Arjuna, seeing these faults in all the other methods took the maiden away by force, according to the ordinance. This alliance is very proper. Subhadra is a renowned girl. Partha too possesseth renown. Perhaps, thinking of all this, Arjuna hath taken her away by force. Who is there that would not desire to have Arjuna for a friend, who is born in the race of Bharata and the renowned Santanu, and the son also of the daughter of Kuntibhoja? I do not see, in all the worlds with Indra and the Rudras, the person that can by force vanquish Partha in battle, except the three-eyed god Mahadeva. His car is well-known. Yoked thereunto are those steeds of mine. Partha as a warrior is well-known; and his lightness of hand is well-known. Who shall be equal to him? Even this is my opinion: go ye cheerfully after Dhananjaya and by conciliation stop him and bring him back. If Partha goes to his city after having vanquished us by force, our fame will be gone. There is no disgrace, however, in conciliation.'

I will also point out that no where in the original is there any mention of Duryodhana being betrothed to Subhadra. Balarama’s objections are more regarding the kidnapping itself, rather than the aborted marriage, and Duryodhana has no role to play in it. In fairness, that means this can join the long list of other parts of the story not in the original, including such so-called essentials, like “andhe ka putr andha,” Chitrangada of Manipur’s warrior backstory, and Krishna being responsible for rescuing Draupadi during her disrobing. 

Does anyone else find abduction of subhadra problematic? Or I am the only one.

I know y'all on tumblr thinks arjun is made of 24 carrot gold and I dont want any hatred or heated discussion.

@bookish-tardigrade @rippys-chai @avani008

[kerek-the-unhallowed]

Stories

Sarana peered up at him. Her bright blue eyes so much like her mother's that Garrus sometimes wondered if they had cloned Liara rather than having a child.

"Tell me about omega uncle Archy" She said with a very serious nod for such a little girl. Ever since he had first told her about his days as Archangel the Asari had insisted on calling him "uncle Archy". It was cute in a weird way.

"Again?" He asked. "You ask me to tell you every time I come over." He poked her nose for emphasis and got a small smile in return. She was such a serious child. Aging too fast.

"Then again it's not like shes growing up in the old days" he thought. 11 years after the war ended and the scars are still as fresh as when the Reapers first cut them.

"Again" she replied firmly. "Tell me about fighting the gangs with dad."

"Heh..fine Sara but you have to promise I can tell another story next time"

She climbed up onto his knees and looked up at him with wide eyes. Nodding she waited for him to start

"It was a long time ago now. I was alone. My team was gone and I thought it would be the end for me too. I called my father and told him, I wanted him to know I still cared." He began.

"Did he answer right away?" She piped.

"Yes he did. He was always good about taking my calls. He was calm and collected, like always. He wanted me to finish up and come to Palaven, at least that's what he said. Like I said it was rough. I remember looking through my rifle's scope, about to line up my next target."

"And you saw dad!" She exclaimed with a big smile on her face. She loved hearing about Shepard's war stories.

"That's right, I saw your dad. He had that N7 on his chest, and he was with this dark haired woman and one of the meanest looking mercenaries I've ever seen. But I saw him. And right then I knew everything was going to be okay. When he cut through those freelancers and got to me I took my helmet off."

"He was surprised." She nodded.

"That he was, I'd never seen him so happy. He threw his arms wide and called out Garrus!" Garrus spread his arms for emphasis and the little girl giggled in excitement

"I thought he was dead, but there he was right in front of me, a little worse for wear but there he was. Without him there's no way I'd have gotten out. Your dad has a knack for popping in right in the nick of time"

"What's it like Uncle Archy? Watching dad fight?"

For a moment he thought about it, both of her parents were military, or close to it anyway. He guessed it wouldn't hurt to tell her a little more.

"Your dad makes combat look like an art form. He's the only man I've ever seen take on an army of mercenaries and win. He took down Reapers on foot during the war." He described. "And, he's the only man that can walk into a room full of angry Krogan, look the biggest, meanest one in the eyes. And have them be the ones who backed down."

"Even Krogan are afraid of Dad!." She nodded eagerly.

"Anyone who's got sense is afraid of your dad when he's angry. But he's a big softie at heart. I think that's how he got your mom to date him."

She giggled and covered her hands with her mouth before whispering "He's so soft he can never say no to me and mom when we give him the sad eyes"

Garrus chuckled. "Nope, he never could say no to your mom. Liara always did have him under her spell."

They both laughed for a moment but it soon died, and they sat in the quiet.

"I miss him Uncle Archy."

He patters her back gently

"I know Sara, he'll be home soon. Just a few more days."

The little Asari looked past him, out the window. "I hope he brings me a star."

"Heh..I'm sure he will Sara. I'm sure he will."

[mariacedano-blog-blog]

Before & After Kitchen Renovation on a Budget By looking at these pictures, you would never guess this beautiful kitchen renovation was done on a budget. Debi Traub, an avid cook, founder of the food blog Simply Beautiful Eating, and food contributor for Martha Stewart, was in desperate need to update her tired Toronto kitchen. This is how she describes her old kitchen: “My old kitchen was a disaster zone. The cupboards were literally falling off the ceiling and the interior shelving was so warped, it was a miracle that they held pots and pans without caving in. I had virtually no counter space as the kitchen was small. We demolished the wall between the existing dining area and the kitchen to open up the space, installed a beautiful island with a small sink and ensured that there was plenty of counter and storage space in the new kitchen. I can use so many areas for food prep now. Being a food blogger, stylist and photographer, the island area is now my true dream kitchen prep spot. I wanted to keep the counters clean and uncluttered. I also have two wall ovens which is great for entertaining larger parties. It has improved our lives greatly by having enough space to work in and entertain family friends.” Take a look and get inspired by this incredible “Before & After” kitchen reno! Before & After Kitchen Renovation on a Budget “I chose to renovate the kitchen, dining room, family room, powder room and laundry room all at the same time. The first items that were purchased were my new appliances which were not delivered until the cabinetry was installed. I purchased all the decor items at HomeSense Canada.” Location: Toronto, Ontario. Size in square feet: 2,000 square foot home Years lived in: 30 years Kitchen After: Is it different from before the renovation? YES! The cabinetry is light and airy looking, the drawers are all soft closing, the countertops are marble and very elegant and the hardware is absolutely a dream (all satin brass and a wonderful contrast to the color scheme in the kitchen). How would I describe my kitchen style? Modern Farmhouse/Hamptons Chic. Kitchen Inspiration My inspiration for this renovation was found in various magazines and online: Martha Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens, Style at Home, House Beautiful, House and Home Magazine, Pinterest and Houzz. Layout Although the layout and cabinetry was custom made, I wanted to add a unique look to the display cupboards so I drew out the glass design for the cabinet maker. Cabinet Paint Color The cabinet paint color is “Benjamin Moore CC-20 Decorator’s White”. Organized I have a pantry area for all my baking supplies, a corner lazy Susan for dry goods and cans, two slide out drawers on either side of the cooktop (one for all my spices and the the other for my oils and cooking sprays). The glass cupboards display all the beautiful tableware and glassware. This is something that was very important for me to have as I wanted it to be a visual focal point in the kitchen. Accessories Decor is from HomeSense. Sink Cabinet I am loving the layout of the cabinets flanking the sink. Everything is within reach and organized. Pulls Pulls are from Restoration Hardware – Lugarno Pull in Aged Brass. Knobs Knobs are Restoration Hardware – Aubrey Knob in Aged Brass. Sink Sinks is Silgranit from Blanco. Faucet I went with Newport Brass for all the kitchen sinks, accessories and even the sink flange, because everyone needs a matching sink flange, right? I had no idea that there was even such a word as “flange”, until I asked if there was a such a thing as a brass sink thingy that goes around the drain. Backsplash The backsplash. I now have one of the largest collection of tile samples in the world. I thought I was 100% firm on the one that I wanted until the day the counters were installed. I placed all the samples up against the wall and decided to go back to the drawing board. Since the marble was in a league of it’s own, I didn’t want anything competing with it. Keeping it simple and clean, I went with a white dolomite marble from Sarana Tile. Tip: Choose a backsplash after your counters are installed. The range cooktop is by Dacor. Splurge & Save As far as items go, Debi biggest splurge would be the appliances. Most of the appliances are Dacor. Dimension Dimensions: The entire space measures 21 x 17 now that they removed the wall between the existing kitchen and old dining area. Wall Paint Color The paint. Oh yes, let’s talk about paint. I can only describe this experience by saying that I own more paint samples than you could imagine. It started out as a simple task. I wanted a pure gray for the walls. What does that mean? Well, a pure gray has no undertones at all. No blue. No green. No purple. No red. No brown. NO NOTHING. Just a pure and simple gray. Did I find it? Yes. I had already picked out a beautiful shade of Martha Stewart’s Lava Stone Gray for my kitchen island and wanted something to compliment it. I found the perfect one, Benjamin Moore’s Silver Chain 1472. I took the colour gradation down 75% because I wanted it very light. It is soft, with no hints of any weirdness, and it is gracing my walls throughout the entire main floor. Tip: Most specialty paint stores charge almost double for a sample. Best bet? Big box stores are 50% less. Kitchen Island Paint Color The grey island paint color is Martha Stewart’s Lava Stone Gray. Countertop The countertops. This is another focal point in the kitchen, and one of the first things I chose. I saw a sample of quartz that I liked and thought that it would be the most practical choice, geared for food preparation, spills and the inevitable mess that is the standard state in a food blogger’s kitchen. And then, I fell head over heels in love with a slab of marble that I should not have installed in my kitchen. Marble is as temperamental as a two year old, but as beautiful as a private island in the Caribbean. Countertops are one of the biggest investments you are going to make during a kitchen makeover. Tip: If you do choose marble, please make sure you have it professionally sealed. The prep sink is by Blanco. Bar Faucet is Newport Brass. Lighting The kitchen fixture above the sink are from Joss & Main – currently on sale! Dining Room Before: Debi’s dining room used to be dark and felt isolated from the kitchen area. Dining Room After: The room now feels open, airy and even bigger! Fireplace Before: Debi and her husband worked really hard to transform this space. Fireplace After: I wanted a very fresh look for this renovation and decided to incorporate a DIY project to save money. The fireplace mantlepiece was one focal point that my husband and I created together as a team. My husband is extremely handy and can build and design just about anything so that’s a big plus. The two of us had a vision for this fireplace. We purchased an electric fireplace unit and it’s set into the wall. I’ve never had a mantlepiece so this was one thing I wanted my home as another focal point in the new dining area. We were walking through Home Depot looking at materials to use to build the sides of the fireplace. I chose each piece of wood and my husband built it from scratch. He even made the side panels by hand and created a riveted look with long strips of the material. I spotted barn wood in one area of the store and said, THAT’S MY FIREPLACE MANTLE!. It is a washed light gray and blends with my new hardwood floor. I wanted the top of the fireplace painted the same color as all the cabinetry and fell in love with a mirror I found at HomeSense so I knew it would be perfect above mantle. It was very easy to install the barn wood shelf and I was really excited to use an air gun to nail it together (supervised of course!) Bookcase Decor Isn’t this beautiful? I love the coastal hues and the brass against the crisp white cabinetry. Flooring The flooring manufactured hardwood by Kentwood – Brushed Oak – Color is Angora. It’s really stunning! The flooring. This was one of the hardest decisions ever. I leaned towards a vintage gray-wash hardwood floor throughout the entire main floor, with the exception of the laundry and powder room. My husband hated the idea of that particular wood flooring. We chose a hardwood sample that both of us weren’t crazy about and in the 11th hour, I changed my mind, and went back to the store with him to pick something else. We ended up with exactly what I had seen a million times on Pinterest. THE GRAY-WASH HARDWOOD. My husband’s reasoning for succumbing to the floor I wanted? He said that it looked different in person than in a picture. Tip: If you are installing hardwood in the kitchen, buy a waterproof rug for areas near the sink and dishwasher. Furniture My new dining room table is made from reclaimed wood and I wanted to keep a natural flow with the rustic but chic look of the room. Get the Look: Lighting Crystal Drop Rectangular Chandelier: Pottery Barn. Debi Debi is looking stunning and very happy at her newly renovated home! Let’s Talk about Budget This is what Debi has to say about renovating on a budget: “Final thoughts. Clearly it would be so easy (and more fun) to splurge on everything, but that’s not reality. Every day of our renovation involved making choices, and almost every time it came down to cost. My husband’s renovation spreadsheet was my worst nightmare. If it wasn’t saved on his computer, I would have ripped it up into tiny shreds. When you find something you like, but it is way out of your budget, research comparable items. Perfect example, I wanted specific island & dining room lighting fixtures and searched high and low in every store within driving distance. The prices were out of reach for us. I went online and ordered them from well known home furnishing sites. I saved thousands of dollars by simply surfing the internet. But, there were certain things I wouldn’t budge on. Those are the items that didn’t make it on the spreadsheet. Let’s just say, happy wife, happy life and yes, we are still married.” Interior Design, Decor & Styling – Debi Traub – Simply Beautiful Eating. (Instagram) Kitchen Cabinetry Consultant – Layout & Island Colour – Monaco Interiors ***Photos are a combined effort – Debi Traub @Simplybeautifuleating & Michelle Belsky @MagnoliaStudios Posts of the Week: @cottonstem: Beautiful Homes of Instagram. Trending on Home Bunch: Open-Concept Family Home Design Ideas. Popular on Pinterest:Latest Interior Design Ideas. Fall Decor Newest Fall Post: Instagram Fall Decorating Ideas. Follow Home Bunch on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. You can follow my pins here: Pinterest/HomeBunch See more Inspiring Interior Design Ideas in my Archives. Popular Paint Color Posts: The Best Benjamin Moore Paint Colors 2016 Paint Color Ideas for your Home Interior Paint Color and Color Palette Pictures Interior Paint Color and Color Palette Ideas Inspiring Interior Paint Color Ideas Interior Paint Color and Color Palette New 2015 Paint Color Ideas Interior Paint Color Ideas Interior Design Ideas: Paint Color Interior Ideas: Paint Color More Paint Color Ideas Hello, my friends. How are you today? Things are very busy around here and I have a huge to-do list that I wish it didn’t exist. I hope your day is filled with great moments, health and laughter. We’ll talk again tomorrow! with Love, Luciane from HomeBunch.com Follow @HomeBunch: Contact: “For your shopping convenience, this post might contain links to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase so thank you for your support!”

[floaroanemoia]

“I need to know. If it hurts me, it hurts me, but I need to know.” -Howl

Bravery Sentence Starters || Accepting @fireplxdge

          “...Yes. She is yours,”

     The confession slips from ruby lips, absent of a tone familiar to Howl’s ears. Soft-spoken, a whisper rising barely above the wind that rustles the leaves of trees that surround them. It fills the silence that follows next, the sounds of nature, yet they seem so distant. Call and response of cries fades to a slurred, blurry mess of questions without answers. Focus narrows, vibrant colours losing their hue as they mix and distort. Had Sarana not been wiser, perhaps she might have confused it with an illusion cast by the Zoroark so faithfully standing by her side, whose wisps of mane grace the side of the woman’s dress. 

     It is too a heavy a topic to have ever brought up like this, she thinks-- without finesse, without tact, without care. But Howl, he must have been search for her; must have never given up on finding the creature not as she stands now, or perhaps her remains. His words lace themselves with desperation, but not anger-- they are a plea to perhaps the only being who might provide him with an answer. With closure.

          “I think I have known for quite some time. I merely... did not think it was safe to tell you until I was absolutely certain of two things: that she was remembering you correctly, and none of her resentment was directed your way.”

     How silly it sounds, saying such things aloud. The risks were real and devastating if they were to ever transpire, but so bleak compared to the look in the man’s eyes.

          “We found one another near the Alabaster Icelands. She was wandering on her lonesome through snow taller than herself, chilled to the bone. Looking for something-- or... I suppose... looking for you, now that I think back on it. But... it was already too late. She had already been reborn-- already perished in the cold.”

     It breaks her heart, truly, to see pokemon of such origin. For knowing eyes to peer into the distance and see not just any soul of the deceased, but one who has been allowed to take on a new form; new life. What made them so different from the rest, Sarana had wondered? Should it be considered a blessing, or cruelty of the highest degree? Do mother life and the almighty above converse with that who oversees the dead, and deem them befitting of such a fate? But how-- how could it be fair when it comes to children or infants, like those Zorua?

     Such questions, the medium has never gotten an answer to.

           “I am sure you’ve heard of her form. A reborn form of Zorua who have died from heartbreaking circumstances-- shunned by people and pokemon alike, left with nothing but pain and resentment in their hearts the moment they pass.”

     An uncomfortable shift. A hand raising to so gently brush through strands of the ghost-type’s mane, like she had done so many times before, ever since her beloved Erykah had been so small and vulnerable.

          “...And that is why I had to hold my tongue. Had she blamed you for her death... She would have taken your life the moment her eyes set on you. But it appears she harbours neither blame nor hatred for you in her heart.”

     Scarlet eyes soften, brow lifting in a rare display of weakness that loops through a perhaps far more common display of concern. What of their situation now? Would he want her back, now that the Zoroark has found a place at the woman’s side? Demand they sever their bond for his sake? Would he resign to their fates, and leave all as it is? Or perhaps ask to see the ghost-type more often? A man Sarana is not all that fond of, Howl may be, but she is not a cruel or malevolent woman. If it entailed Erykah’s happiness, it would be worth it. And so, she keeps her voice low and gentle, heart seized and ready to endure what might come next.

          “I’m sorry that I cannot tell you how she passed. But of this I am certain-- she is unmistakably the Zorua you were separated from.”

[floaroanemoia]

I DONT KNOW IF I CAN PUT MY LOVE FOR SARANA SUCCINTLY BUT I SURE WILL TRY. she's an absolutely outstanding oc with a well of lore both for herself, for her situation, all of which tie beautifully back into her descendant's story. she is rich with depth and complexities and nuance of a character who, oftentimes in media, is particularly one note. she is excellently fleshed out and so very much feels like a real person, dealing with such a deep and real struggle that can be hard to understand on a surface level. it's a duty that often gets watered down in media, or just not written well: but you tackle it with efficiency in showing both her devotion and how sometimes that devotion can be exhausting, tiring, difficult, even outright doubting it. all very real perceptions from someone in her position. she's enticing but also heartbreaking, the duality of her outward experience and who people believe her to be and who she truly is are such a wonderful subversion to the 'expectation vs reality' trope that is typically seen, and it adds to the pull of her character. every post i want to know more of her, every post i am absolutely engrossed in the story you're telling with her of her life, her people, and her legacy. one of my favorite original characters of all time, without a doubt in my heart. only a masterful writer who knows what they're doing could write a character as compelling as her, and you make it look like a cake walk. i am stunned every day by your skill and the amount of passion and research you put into everything. chef's kiss for an eternity!

Beep beep how’s my portrayal || Accepting

{ ooc.

 I AM WEEPING I AM CRYING LUCIAN WHY MUST YOU ALWAYS COME FOR MY SOUL LIKE THIS

but honestly yessss i’m so glad the whole thing about devotion to something very much having its ups and downs, no matter how staunchly someone believes in it shines through because like... i feel a lot of times in media it either goes down one extreme trope of “their devotion is so strong and it never impacts them in a negative way not even for a second and they never question their beliefs” or “they question things all the time you wonder why they even believe in it in the first place and it has no positive impacts on them or their personality” and nothing in-between.

when like... anyone dedicating themselves to anything that takes a while to achieve, and requires a lot failure along the way, is a very nuanced and complicated experience, no matter how much they love what they’re doing or the end goal.

It’s such a big part of her character so the fact it’s something you love?? Hell yeah I’m doing Something right gdfhkj And hey we know she leads a happy life + good ending so the pain is worth it 😔 }

[floaroanemoia]

“I’m back in here because I want to see it for myself. I want to see something happen.“

Ghost hunters sentence starters || Accepting @gogogobarry

    It is a thud, both unceremonious and careful, which accompanies his words—a symphony of sounds that drags the medium’s attention away from the expanse of land before them, and back over to Oran’s features. She knew he would be back. A soul so full of life and energy—so eager to fill the gaps in his mind; so willing to dive head-first into topics of intrigue—, why Sarana knew that when the blonde’s patience wore thin, he needed only a simple breather. To stomp off in a huff, collect racing thoughts, and then return to her side, collected and recomposed. For that reason, Sarana greets the boy’s return with a smile that sits slight and warm upon scarlet lips, but far more clearly in the depths of eyes the same shade. With the veil of the night having long fallen upon them, the heavens bearing to the earth each and every celestial body it deems the soil worthy of basking in the glory of, it would now only be a matter of time. When the wandering spirits of the deceased so clear in the woman’s visions would be joined by a group of Misdreavus, emerging from the shadows to accompany the lost and grieving. To fill the frigid, night air with incantations, conferring onto unfortunate souls protection and reprieve from the weight upon their hearts.     A sight that Sarana had implored the younger blonde to see with her, even if he might only be able to view the pokemon.

         “My, such a brave soul. Welcome back,”

    And so, too, are the woman’s words like the very sounds they wish to witness, climbing upon the breeze, reaching to the stars above and yet so fearful to do more than grace them. An arm moves out from beneath a cloak thick and decorated with stories for the all-seeing eyes of gods to read, gloved hand gesturing to the ground beside her, and then out towards the sloping land—to the shelves, the flowers, and odd structures.

         “Come now—look to the stones. They are graves, you know. Marking the end of lives from thousands of years ago.”

    It would be fine, surely, to spread with him information passed down to the medium by ghosts of the past. Bits of truth entrusted to her—fragments of history forgotten, and now locked away in the depths of the woman’s heart. Signs, proof, of her ancestors’ existence. The Celestica; every branch composing them.

         “So many souls wandering these rows… that is what attracts the Misdreavus to this spot. I’ve no doubt that you shall see them appear.”

    And how sweet a sentiment it is—or, at least, Sarana has always thought so. A deed carried upon the shoulders of most ghost-type pokemon, to comfort the spirits of humankind as they come to terms with their own deaths, or the grief beyond that. Fingers grasp onto the bottom of the woman’s chin, elbow resting upon a free palm in lieu of leaning down and settling it atop the flesh of thighs. It would be wonderful, indeed, to show him the creatures. To introduce them to another living being, and have them accept the boy as one of their own, much like herself. What benefits it would hold for Oran and the Misdreavus alike. What faith it would give to those in exquisitely draped garments, watching on from the sidelines. For a place symbolising so much death and destruction, to be given more company of the living kind.

         “But they are terribly shy, you see. My presence, they are used to, but yours… Young one, you must try to be quiet. If they stare, if they draw near, you must stay silent and still. Let them see into your soul, if only for a moment.”

[floaroanemoia]

biotite: the biggest problems my muse is currently dealing with!

Crystal headcanons || Accepting

biotite: the biggest problems my muse is currently dealing with

The biggest and most obvious problem Sarana deals with is the state of her home. It is not something that can be put on hold if she wanted to take some time for herself. Every second spent journeying around somewhere else in the region for fun are precious seconds wasted-- or that is how she sees it. Every day she, or any other search party, puts off trying to find Shaymin is another day of their home dying even more. It cannot be fixed with a bit of hope and thinking the situation will resolve itself-- it is long past that, and Sarana is painfully aware of such a fact. And when you are running on limited time, trying to find a deity that has not been seen since inscriptions on old tablets, boulders and papers, it is bound to weigh on your mind far more than it ought to.

Being more approachable. Sarana, by nature, can be very imposing figure. She surrounds herself with pokemon that tend to have quite bad reputations, or have concerning folklore attached to their names-- like being forced to invite Mismagius into one’s home, or Zoroark tormenting others with illusions that never cease. That alone might be enough to scare someone off. If not that, Sarana is quite tall and willowy, and her eyes, while a vivid shade of red, are more eerie and off-putting than nice to look at. There is good reason why if there is a rumour about her being terrifying or revolving around souls, her eyes are the only feature that is highlighted. It also does not help that she can be quite apathetic, purely on accident, if someone makes it clear that they do not place much importance on her situation. Or that she tends to be almost silent when guiding people through her homeland. If anything, it makes the almost motherly and formal way she talks feel off, even though it is entirely genuine.

Letting herself make mistakes. Sarana has grown up in an environment where innocent slip-ups and accidents could cost someone’s life, and currently deals with an issue where larger ones could have dire consequences on the state of her home. As such, making mistakes-- and, to an extent, imperfection as a whole--, is unacceptable to her. Not in the sense that perfection is what she strives for, but more the fear that messing up could bring harm to herself or those the woman cares about. She plans thoroughly, she re-reads all of the recounts of mythology and information that comes her way, she has several maps marked with tiny notes about so many details of the land, the pokemon and people there. It is to the point that Sarana rarely finds moments to relax on her own, without another person there to make sure she takes a break.

[kerek-the-unhallowed]

Training

"What the hell are you?! Some kind of a walking Fuck-up!?" Yelled the drill Sergeant.

Sarana struggled to keep the weights balanced, 20 kilos on either shoulder suspended in bags hung to a wooden rod. Sweat when down her cheeks in a torrent and her PT gear was soaked.

She wasn't alone, all around her men and women were gasping in pain, some collapsing under the weight, others silently cursing, willing themselves through it.

She could see the neck muscles of the man in front of her twitching as he adjusted the weight, he let out a soft groan that he failed to hide. Anyone who complained or spoke out of turn were liable to have more weight added by the very ill-tempered Sergeant.

Sarana felt her heart fall into her stomach as the man walked up to her with a scowl. "And WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN?!" he yelled dramatically. "SEEMS LIKE ALMIGHTY GOD DOES HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR, HE CURSED THIS POOR WOMAN WITH SCALES AND SKIN THAT LOOKS LIKE A FUCKING TONER EXPLOSION!"

His eyes widened with false surprise. Sarana felt the heat increase as he embarrassed her, but she refused to let it show.

"Oh wait! You're not a human! THATS RIGHT MAGGOTS WERE BLESSED BY THE PRESENCE OF AN ALIEN! AN ALIEN WHO WISHES TO CLEANSE HERSELF IN THE HOLY FIRE OF ALLIANCE COMBAT!" He roared.

"Whats your name Blue bunny?!" He demanded.

"PFC D'saad, Sarana, N." She belted back in response, letting a small gasp out as the weights suddenly felt heavier.

"PFC D'saad?!" He responded with a wave. "HELL LOOK AT THAT NAME. I LIKE YOU, YOU GOT SOME FUCKING GUTS TRYING TO MAKE IT IN THIS OUTFIT." He nodded.

"SUCH BRAVERY SHOULD BE COMMENDED!" He motioned his assistant over, who carried four more of the bags. "HERE YOU ARE PFC D'saad, Sarana, N.!" He threw two bags around her rod, now she was up to 40 kilos on either side. She let out a gasp of pain and her knees buckled. She could barely stay up. Much less stand straight.

"OH! SEEMS LIKE SHE WANTS EVEN MORE! WELL HOT DAMN I LIKE YOU MORE ALREADY!!" the man showed no mercy and threw the last two bags onto her rod. She collapsed, crumpling to the ground in a heap as they landed around her with audible thumps.

"HUNH!" the Sergeant looked at her with disgust. "Maybe you bit off more than you can chew, Asari. Better hope you do better next time!"

Sarana lay down and continued to pant, before standing up to join the rest of the failures. It wasn't a test that was designed to be won, but it was a test to show their resolve.

Honestly..she wasn't sure if she had failed badly..or failed catastrophically. Either way her shoulders hurt like a motherfucker.