#A Jasper Creek Collection

[dargeereads]

Sweet Home Cowboy by Maisey Yates, Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, and Jackie Ashenden

5 stars

audiobook

Teddy and Beau – These two were a lot of fun, but there were some deeper demons lingering under all that devil may care attitudes. She recognized and wrestled her’s first, he took a bit more prodding to get there. A fun couple with deep wells in their hearts <3

Teddy and Hollis – Oh, our logical girl gets so confused by all those pesky feelings! Luckily she has lots of supportive people around her to guide her to unravel them all <3

Georgie and Can – These two had deep scars from feeling unloved by parents. The tables flip on who and how is dealing with it, but they eventually get there. I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get our Grampa Jack moment ☹

Elliot and Colt – Complete opposites, but they tended to rub off on each other! The single dad and the free spirit start off one way, and then make a turn, and that is what brings them together <3

[class-dojo-officially]

I unfortunately live in a city where owls aren’t that common, like the downtown area is within eyeshot, so I don’t see that many owls

so I feel I’m justified for thinking if I see 3 something’s up

My brother just posed this question at family dinner

[willow-and-morel]

Visions Through Orpiment Eyes

Chapter 3: What The Fuck Wednesday

TW: blood, lot of blood, panic, angst, etc....

MY TENSES ARE NOT PROPER 😭 its a good thing writing is a very very side hobby im so sorry for the writers reading this wondering wtf is this guy doing

it was the gt brain rot, makes me think i can create any form of content possible ;3

Jasper

It was a bit hard to stay up and concentrate on walking. Although the wounds were not life threatening, they ached- I was also somewhat worried about the small creature sitting on my neck. If I fell they would surely be hurt more than I would be.

What are they anyways?

Are there more of them?

As I was pondering these questions, I finally saw the small stream ahead as well as the water-plants growing around the landscape. It was a relatively flat section where the water flowed, allowing water to seep into the surrounding area and avidly fertilizing those sections.

“Is this the place?”

I asked, trying to keep my voice low. I had realized after they mentioned it that my voice was probably very loud to them. Although I could slightly feel them move in the crease of my neck they were so light that it was easy to forget they were there. As I neared the creek I stooped down, letting my knee sit in the patch of plants. I held my hand up to where the creature was and let them descend to my curved palm. I was going to set them down onto the ground, but the area was mostly mushy, covered in water, or plant roots. I set them on my knee instead.

“If you mash the plants into a pulp and spread them on the wounded areas it should help.”

They pointed towards the water plants stemming up from the muddy creek bed. I nodded and gathered a bushel or so of the plants. The creature opted to slide off of my knee and onto a nearby plant. Somehow they managed to stay on it as it swayed under their weight. I stood up once they got off.

“So… what’s your name?” I asked, and walked closer to where the water was. They turned around to look at me as I moved and answered in what seemed like a yell, although it was fairly quiet in comparison to the bubbling brook,

“It’s Fawn.”

I nodded and as I approached the creek I (with some difficulty) pulled my blood stained shirt off. I held my breath slightly as the cloth slid against some of the wounds. I finally managed to yank the shirt off and dipped it into the clear water of the stream.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fawn

I saw the giant start to take his blood-stained shirt off and winced at the sight of his wounds. They were ghastly- to say the least. Even the monumental collection of plant matter he had with him may not be enough to cover the gashes. I walked around him and ascended the pile of plants to avoid getting swept into the water. He had not noticed that I had joined him, and was still attempting to get some of the blood out of his shirt.

“You’re going to need to rinse the wounds off first, and start to pulverize the plants on one of the flat rocks.” I yelled to him, to make sure I was heard over the sound of the brooke.

He used the blood stained shirt to attempt to wipe the wounds on his back clean, but it didn’t go especially well considering he was unable to reach most of the wounds. He winced at the pain and I sighed.

I’m going to have to help clean these. There’s no way he can disinfect those by himself.

I felt the hairs on my neck lift, and goosebumps start to form on my arms. The thought of having to assist a creature that could squelch the life out of me like a bug was horrifying. I was already busy with trying to keep my body from trembling at just the sight of him. It was a lucky pull that he wasn't purposefully violent.

“You can't reach those, can you?” I asked, just to confirm.

“No, not well at least.” He grumbled, his voice was louder again and the sound easily cut over the sound of the brooke.

“Lay on your stomach, on one of the rocks, I can help. But, you owe me.” I pointed to a rock that I would be able to quickly climb on to. He nodded in response and grabbed the pile of plants, and me. The action might have seemed like not much of a deal to him but it swept me off my feet and left me lying on top of the pile of plant matter as he walked. I still wasn't used to the sensation of tree-like legs moving underneath me. It left my heart rate spiked and with my nerves already shot; I really wasn't having it.

As he set the pile down and layed down onto the rock I gave the giant a look, “Did no one tell you it's rude to pick people up without asking?”

His face flushed red, and he babbled a response as he laid down, “Sorry- I, didn't mean any disrespect? This all is just… new? Please tell me if I do anything wrong.”

I gave him a curious look at the fact he actually apologized.

Humans don’t usually do that, right?

I reduced a huff and started grabbing plants, then I realized I would have to climb up his side in order to apply the plants. Instead, we managed to resolve the problem by moving the pile of plants where Jasper would still reach them with one arm and then I was able to climb on his back using the side of his arm as a ramp.

I covered my mouth to try and suppress the gagging sensation in my throat. The wounds looked horrible- on top of that, they were magnified multiple times from him being so goddamn big. There was one major gash down his shoulder blade and into his mid-back. It looked like it needed stitches from how wide it was, but there was nothing around to use as thread for him. I made a mental note to make some rope- or thread- for him and stitch the wound. It would just reopen if there was nothing to keep it in place.

“Can I hand you some of the plants?” He asked, making me tremble slightly as I remembered I was standing on a conscious and sentient being. I managed to respond with a stifled yes, but I wasn't prepared to move out of the way when he lifted his arm, subsequently turning his shoulder blade into a slide. He yelped as I fell onto and clambered off his wound, tracking sticky blood on my clothes and onto his skin. I could feel his skin literally twitch when I fell into the wound.

He made sharp inhales followed by a slow hissing noise. I could feel as his back rose and fell, and his heart rate was pounding in my brain.

It was so, so, loud.

He groaned laying his head face first onto the cool rock, his heart rate was starting to drop again but mine wasn't. I was there, sitting atop a human, with my heart ready to fly out of my chest. Now his blood was on me along with the blood still on my father’s tool belt. I tried to slow my breathing but it just wasn't enough.

I was covered in blood,

not even my own.

I couldn't get the image of my father's tool belt on the forest floor covered in his blood.

Why was there so much blood?

My eyes started to water. My stomach was already in knots but this just made it flip. I couldn't breathe straight without my breath catching and hiccuping as I cried.

My Dad, Is on the fucking bottom of his shoe.

Like a bug.

Am I really that insignificant?

Am I so stupid as to TRUST the thing that killed him?

Won’t he think I'm just a toy? A bug in his way-? -And won’t he kill me once he thinks I'm not useful?

He tried to say something but I couldn't hear what it was, I could just feel the vibrations of his voice through his back. I held my legs to my chest and sobbed, I usually didn't worry about being “tiny” before

but this- ?

this just me feel so fucking minuscule.

I finally heard him when he spoke again,

“Fawn? Fawn? Are you ok? What's going on?”

He paused and seemed to hear my sobs. He sighed, “Is it the blood? I’m sorry- If it might make you feel any better, I-I’m not that great with blood either.”

I was still hiccuping with my head in my knees,

“Come here, well- to my face I mean, just- it's easier to help if I can see you.”

I was already trembling, scared out of my wits, and he wanted me to come… closer? I sighed shakily and got up, my pants covered in his blood.

Maybe if he kills me I can see Father again.

I wandered up his shoulder, tracking bloody footprints on his skin. I jumped off his shoulder and came around his head to stare him straight in the eyes. He had his cheek resting on the rock with his head sideways. I only stood a couple inches from his nose. I could feel him exhale and inhale in rhythmic motion. I could see the details of his eyes, each one bigger than my head. Seeing them focus on me and me in my entirety made my blood freeze. I could see every single detail in his face, his irises were hazel, with tinges of green, yellow and blue. I didn't know that someone could have that much detail in just their eyes. It was unsettling. It was more than unsettling, it was horrifying. The scales were not in my favor.

Fuck it, what's he going to do to me? Kill me? That would be more of a blessing.

I walked towards one of his eyes, and pointed centimeters away from his pupil.

“You killed my dad.”

I watched him retract, he blinked, and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Just thought you should know.” I added, shrugging.

Nothing you can do can hurt me more than that.

[wastheheart]

could you… do that again?

@feltferal (thank you!)

Jasper undoubtedly struggled the most out of everyone who made the Olympic Coven. Esme didn't place any weight in his mistakes or stumbles; Jasper needed support, not criticism when he was already well aware of his particular weaknesses.

The forest always offered a welcoming embrace when unable to find it in others.

This particular evening had seen Esme and Jasper wander into the forests that extended around the house they currently called home. Perhaps if inspiration hit, they would also hunt, but they were merely content observing an amalgamation of greens, browns and blacks, only interrupted by a smattering of colour here and there.

Jasper, like most in her coven, feels comfortable enough (to a degree) to share more vulnerable aspects of himself with Esme. She can't recall what initiated this particular conversation, but they're perched on a collection of rocks overlooking a creek. Jasper has one knee bent, his forearm resting atop his knee as his other leg remains outstretched and he places his other hand flat against the rock's face.

She hears the name Maria, and Esme naturally starts rubbing circles against Jasper's back as the name get stuck in his throat. His muscles are taut underneath his clothes, and Esme recognises herself in him.

When she lets her hand fall away, she isn't expecting Jasper to request she continue. Her lips twitch with a smile, and her palm once again begins rubbing circles across the expanse of Jasper's back. Eventually, she feels his muscles release and an exhale which collapses the man's chest.

"We can stay out here a bit longer if you'd like? I'm sure Alice will know exactly when we're due home."

[mcalhenwrites]

Post-Seasons details #4

Read #1 here Read #2 here Read #3 here Spoilers ahead for all of Seasons, as usual. This time, I'll focus on Howie.

When Howie finally settles down and has his own family and spouses (he has a husband and a wife down the road), he finally collects the bedroom set Graham made for him and uses it for his family. (I have not thought of names or anything yet for his spouses, just vague personality traits. I also suspect they'll be fellow nature spirits, but... not sure which ones yet, just that they definitely get involved in the births of his daughter and later his son.) And yes, he has two children. He's a really good dad. I have a lot of fluffy mental images of him eventually settling down and raising a family, and just the kind of warm, loveable dad who takes his kids on little adventures. His children do come a bit later down the road from the epilogue, and their childhoods do not overlap with Jasper and Jacy's. He'll be raising them away from Sparrow's Creek, too. He likes to mingle with the humans in their cities quite a bit, so... :') Between chapter 89 and the epilogue, Howie does repair some of his relationship with Graham slowly. They're never close, but enough to exchange kisses and hugs during family gatherings. Howie overlaps his study of trees and insects. He collects degrees like candy so he can learn more and more. He has the benefit of helping trees with science and magic, since he can heal trees from sickness as part of his tree-inclined ways. (As seen in chapter 88! That was one of my favorite parts to write toward the ending...) Howie does eventually want a change of pace, and that's why he's studying theatre. He has money saved up (he's pretty good about this, unlike El, although I suspect he also sends El boxes of rare books from his travels to assist with his brother's collection!) and can afford to try something new for a bit. He'll go back to trees eventually, but he wants to learn stagecraft and acting. Yes, that's risky, he's immortal... but Howie's like that. Also, he's so social. I can't imagine him not enjoying the friendships he'll make through this and all the things he'll learn along the way. Due to him going from a scientist who travels and studies to being in a studio apartment for a bit, he doesn't own any pets. He does like being around other people's animals, though. He might keep pets when he has children, but I haven't thought that far ahead. :P Howie also studies dancing and singing because he wants to do theatre, and... Yeah, he's not too bad at either, especially dancing. He has to have some vocal training to get better at singing, though, since he's a little rough and hasn't had a ton of practice with it. Despite his relationship with Jacy, he is nothing more than formal around Vivian. And honestly, Vivian is grateful to see him doing well and being allowed to even know that much, but... it hurts pretty deeply for him, because he does miss his son. He has a lot of regrets the more time that passes. But Howie was hurt too deeply to ever easily forgive him. Howie is close to all five of his siblings. He's Jacy's favorite, because he absolutely spoils her with not just love and the occasional fun present (fellow autumn knows a kindred nature spirit haha), but he's always telling her fun stories about his travels. He's like a fun uncle, only he's her much older brother. :') For Jasper, however, he just is the fun uncle. He loves the stories and toys, which... Howie always seems to know just what to get his loved ones. ;A; He is truly the bonfire that draws everyone around for stories.

[jewellryy]

Best Jasper Pendants For Womens Day 2024

Jasper pendants is a micro granulated variety of quartz that comes in) various colors, mostly red, brown, yellow, and green. This gem has been used to create wholesale sterling silver jewelry for many years. At Rananjay Exports, we mostly deals in the popular and loved varieties of jasper, viz., Bumble Bee Jasper, Deerfawn Jasper, Imperial, K2 Jasper, Porcelain Jasper, Peanutwood Jasper, Wood Jasper, and Willow Creek Jasper. When embedded in the 925 pure sterling silver setting, these gems make the most desirable wholesale sterling silver gemstone jewelry collections that are perfect for every retail business worldwide. 

[bellaallen9090]

Mookaite Ring Collection - A Jewelry Piece Which Is Famous For Its Stunning Patterns

Mookaite is an adorable gemstone famous for its beautiful, vibrant colors and stunning patterns. A variety of Jasper is majorly discovered in Western Australia, specifically in the Kennedy Ranges near Mooka Creek, from where it gets its name. Mookaite is highly valued for its elegance and is widely used in jewelry, especially in manufacturing mookaite rings. This astonishing Mookaite Gemstone formed millions of years ago in the geological processes in the ancient coastal seabed of Western Australia. It is a type of sedimentary rock composed of microscopic quartz crystals cemented together with varying amounts of silica, clay minerals, and iron oxides.

VISIT NOW- Mookaite Rings

[mopsnotsoberry]

NSB Challenge Part 11

So Ava finished her element collection! Now she only has to get to level 10 of the Scientist career and she is done, and onto Rose gen!!

Speaking of Rose gen, the kiddos are growing up so fast. Jasper aged up into a young adult, and he proposed to Nikki! They moved into their own little home in Willow Creek, just a neighborhood away from Ava and the family. I think soon they'll start a family of their own!

Crimson is already working on the Serial Romantic aspiration, she's already had two first kisses. The twins have seven days before they age up and I can't believe they're growing up so fast. Carmine hasn't really been doing much. I'm not sure if I see him getting married and having kids or just being the cool single uncle. We'll see.

There's Crimson's two first kisses, one with Gino Pancakes and the other with Sara Hauata. I haven't figured out who her third kiss will be yet. She's got time.

[mr880fan]

Are the Rocks Crying Out? – Godspacelight

1.3K by Catherine Lawton When I was a young child growing up in small towns, my preacher dad would take breaks from ministry pressures by going fishing. My sister and I happily followed him down trout streams as he sought the perfect fishing hole. We jumped from boulder to boulder or waded in the clear, cold water and delighted in discovering colorful, shiny rocks on the creek bottom. I saved some pretty pebbles and was disappointed when they dried and lost their shine. But a few came home in my pocket, nevertheless. Now, my children and grandchildren know I’m likely to pick up rocks anywhere I go. I examine special ones that catch my eye as I dig in the garden, walk in the neighborhood, hike in the mountains, and comb the beaches. I’m likely to have rocks in my pockets as well as a few rocks in the car, interesting rocks lining shelves and filling jars and boxes here and there in my home. 

Microphotograph of design in a rock A few years ago, my son gave me a rock tumbler for Christmas. Then I felt more like a serious collector. When my first batch of stones came out of the tumbling process smooth, glowing, and glassy—much like the creek-bottom pebbles of my childhood—I was hooked on collecting, learning about, creating with, and even meditating on rocks. 

A few of my favorites I have learned more about rocks in the process, and my children and grandchildren admire the polished rocks with me. Sometimes we look for pictures in their designs. I’ve even made a few Christmas gifts with polished stones.

A fun collage I made with beach rocks My favorite stones to polish are beach agates and jasper. 

Here I am searching (in a relaxed way at the time) for the semi-precious stones on Agate Beach at Patrick’s Point State Park in Northern California. Looking for agates on the beach is what it’s like for me, as a poet, to be present to the thoughts, emotions, winds, and waves of gritty life… to dig into my heart at the moment and find metaphors that seem to reveal themselves to me: reflecting light, shaped by experiences and observations, by forces of the environment, by the workings of Love Rocks appeal to us for many reasons: - The joy of discovering treasures. - Rocks tell a story, often an ancient story, about where they have come from where we have come from, and where we are headed. And we sing, “On Christ, the solid rock I stand.”  - Rocks feel solid and permanent when so much in life and in the world is fleeting and fragile. One of the prayers attributed to St. Patrick begins, “I arise today through the strength of heaven; the light of the sun, the splendor of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea, stability of the earth, firmness of the rock….” Similarly, the prophet Isaiah exclaimed, “He will be the stability of your times” (Is. 33:6). - Rocks remind us of things hidden. We try to clear our vegetable garden of rocks, but every spring we find more rocks that have worked their way up from the deep. Small rocks seem to appear out of nowhere, but they remind me that rock makes up much of our earth’s outer layers, and rocks have a constant cycle of breaking down and being re-formed. - Rocks can speak to us. Even as a child, the famed Jesuit geologist and mystic theologian, Teilhard de Chardin delighted in the hardness and stability of translucent and glittering stones. He later wrote and taught how to see God everywhere, to “see him in all that is most hidden, most solid, and most ultimate in the world” (from Teilhard’s The Divine Milieu).  - Rocks preserve, encapsulate, and speak of history (for instance, fossilized rocks, moss agates, picture rocks, volcanic rocks, and precious gems). - Rocks are sometimes symbols of difficulties and trials. We might say, “I’ve been traveling a rocky road lately.” But rocks can remind us that while constant change is a given in nature and in our lives, God who is everywhere, including in the cycles and changes of seasons, is also unchanging in essence. God’s love will always endure and keep rising getting our attention and sending us reminders. Though God’s loving reminders may sometimes feel like obstacles when we want an easy path … If we give heed, the very rocks in our path will speak and have the potential to help form us. Beautiful rocks and fine gemstones were formed by extreme pressures over long periods of time. These gems uniquely encapsulate the effects of pressures and changes in the formation of our earth home. Examine the depth and design of many stones and you’ll see exemplified the beauty and creativity of God.

We respond to heart-shaped rocks found along our way as if they are valentines placed by God for us to discover. September 17 is “Collect Rocks Day.” So, take a walk and look for Beauty in beautiful rocks, Stability in solid, hard rocks, and Creativity in interesting rocks, and maybe even listen to what the rocks might say if you could hear them “crying out.”

Join Christine Sine on October 14 or watch the recording later. October and November, the season between Canadian Thanksgiving and American Thanksgiving, is the gratitude season on Godspacelight. Christine Sine will encourage you to enter into the practice of gratitude in this interactive retreat that will help us enter this season of gratitude with joy and delight in our hearts. Related Source link Read the full article

[cjjasp]

#FineArtFriday: Summer, Lake Ontario by Jasper Francis Cropsey 1857 (revisited)

Title: Summer, Lake Ontario by Jasper Francis Cropsey (1823–1900) Genre: landscape art Date: 1857 Medium: oil on canvas Collection: Indianapolis Museum of Art What I love about this painting: Cropsey paints a summer evening in New York State, along the shore of one of Lake Ontario’s bays. Near the bottom center, a pair of fishers are placed on the wooden bridge over a creek. This image has a…

[bekkathyst]

These are the stones I have available for wire wraps, for those of you who were interested!

If you would like to claim one, please be sure to read this entire post!

So here’s the rundown. Below is a picture with each stone numbered, and below that is the name of each stone, along with the price.

The price includes the following: the stone wrapped in the metal of your choice (sterling silver, 14k gold fill, 14k rose gold fill), an 18″ chain finished with a handmade clasp, and it includes free shipping worldwide! 

The customer will choose the style they’d like it wrapped in. There are three example pics below. 

Payment is due when the stone is claimed and all the options are chosen (metal, style, etc). PLEASE NOTE - these will be completed in February 2021. They take a long time to make, please make sure you’re okay with the wait before ordering. I put the utmost care into this and have extreme attention to detail, and when that combines with my busy schedule, it means that it can take a while. I always aim to get them done early, but sometimes it’s not possible. If you are buying one for a certain event or deadline please be sure to let me know when ordering.

To claim: send me a message over the instant messenger with your email address, the country you’re in, the stone you’d like to claim, the metal you’d like it wrapped in, and the style you’d like it wrapped in. I’ll then send your invoice and get started on your pendant! :) 

*Note* These are some of my best, highest quality stones! I’ve been collecting (and hoarding, if I’m honest) hundreds of top quality stones for years to build this collection that I can share with you.

Here are all the stones: 

Lace Agate from Mexico - $80

Rhodochrosite from Argentina - $125

Purple/Orange Labradorite from Madagascar - $115

Deep Purple Labradorite from Madagascar - $130

Rust Color Labradorite from Madagascar - $90

Rainbow Labradorite from Madagascar - $115

Rainbow Labradorite from Madagascar - $105

Golden Healer Quartz from Brazil - $120

Moss Agate from Indonesia - $95

Pink Jasper from Madagascar - $85

Star Rutilated Quartz from Brazil - $95

"Bloodspatter" Quartz (Hematite Inclusions) from Madagascar - $125

Rainbow Moonstone from India - $115

Fossil Palm Root Coffin from Indonesia - $125

Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan - $115

Pink Tourmaline in Quartz from Brazil - $115

Chlorite Phantom Quartz from Brazil - $130 (originally $145)

"Flower" Quartz (Rare Pyrophyllite Included Quartz) from Brazil - $130 (originally $145)

Silver Sheen Obsidian Coffin from Mexico - $120

Rose Quartz from Madagascar - $95

Sunstone from India - $120

Aquamarine from Brazil - $115

Blue Labradorite from Madagascar - $95 (originally $115)

Fire Agate from Mexico - $125

Rare Purple Spectrolite from Finland - $225 (originally $245)

Dendritic Opal from India - $95

High Quality Boulder Opal from Duck Creek, Australia - $240 (originally $265)

Crystal Opal Doublet from Australia - $130

Unique Rutilated Quartz from Brazil - $135

Rare "Manifestation" Quartz (quartz with internal fully formed crystal) from Brazil - $140

Fossil Coral from Indonesia - $85

Unique Cut Cordierite - $120

Unique Cut Rutilated Quartz - $115

Watermelon Tourmaline Slice from Brazil - $115

Galaxy Opal from Mexico - $125 (originally $140)

Quartz with Unique Hematite Crystals from Brazil - $140 (originally $160)

Labradorite Wing from Madagascar - $120

Lepidocrosite Included Quartz from Brazil - $115

Boulder Opal from Australia - $115

Cantera Opal from Mexico - $115

These are the styles you can choose from (I do very minimalist wrapping so the stone really shines through! And the wrapping is super sturdy!) 

Style #1 (prongs): 

Style #2 (symmetrical): 

Style #3 (asymmetrical):  

(There's a 10 picture per post limit so click here to see asymmetrical)

I will cross out each stone as they are claimed! 

Thanks everyone :) 

[gogomeaty]

🌻 !!

I love rocks I wish I could go to a creek and collect all the cool rocks I found but my city doesn't have any so I used to look for rocks in my grandmother garden, I have like three boxes and two bags of rocks

Two of my favorites on the second pic, the red one I found it in the garden is very pretty (it have red and pink colors) but I couldn't found a picture where is close to the camera, I suspect that one is a fire jasper and the other one a ocean jasper! But that's just what I thought I don't really know if they're real jaspers

[yoomiii123]

Recollections - Chapter 7

Recollections is a collection of interconnected OneShots that span Jasper's life with Alice. They are in the same continuity, but can be read as stand-alones.

You can also find this fanfiction AO3 or FF.net.

Summary: Alice's reaction to a victory, that has been a long time coming, leaves Jasper seeing her in a new light. One, that will change their partnership forever. Or: The one and only time, Jasper caught Alice by surprise [aka Alice and Jasper's first kiss].

Timeline for this chapter: This takes place pre-twilight, almost six months after Jasper and Alice met for the first time. They are currently living in a small cabin in the Canadian wilderness, where they are getting to know each other and their new situation better.

Word Count for this Chapter: 2'560

Trigger Warnings: none

Rating: PG

---------

April 25, 1949 - Fort George, QC.

I felt her come closer before hearing the shuffling of her bare feet on the wooden floor or the ruffling of her petticoat. To say that Alice was agitated was an understatement. She had been restless all day, switching between drawing, reading, and watching the Cullens every other hour, constantly staring at me. I could feel her gaze on me now, even without taking my eyes off the article. It was impossible to concentrate.

A floorboard creaked the moment her euphoria swept me up and carried away the last ounce of focus I had been able to preserve. I sighed and lowered the newspaper. There she was, standing just a few feet away, beaming at me. Her white teeth glistened in the receding sunlight. Without the constant pulses of excitement pouring from her body, the sheer width to which her grin stretched her mouth would have undoubtedly seemed creepy.

“Can I help you with something?” I asked, unable to suppress the amusement in my voice. It was impossible to stay serious while her emotions jumped around in excitement like a young stallion out in the fields for the first time.

“No, I’m good. I was just wondering… What are you doing?”

I folded the newspaper, not wanting her to feel like she had anything less than my full attention. “Well, I was trying to read this article but then someone interrupted me.”

“How rude,�� she giggled, still hesitant to get to the point. Not for long though, I could feel her impatience was amassing inside of her, seething just below her skin. All she needed was a little push and—

“I think you should leave for your hunt now.”

I raised an eyebrow. Sure, I had been thinking about going out, but my thirst was still bearable. I could probably make it until the morning. “I—“, I started but didn’t get far.

“You’ll come across a wolf just fifteen miles southeast of here if you leave now.”

My muscles immediately tensed in anticipation as they straightened out my back even more. Now she had my attention.

Hunting had been going well in the last few weeks. I didn’t fully understand why but somehow, knowing that this was the only way forward and actively choosing it myself, had re-invigorated my resolve. Drinking had gotten easier. It was still far from being pleasant but at least I didn’t feel like regurgitating the entirety of my insides after every sip.

I had managed to finish a snow fox the other day; a puny creature, half-starved to death. However, that didn’t detract from the accomplishment I felt. And I had been waiting to get my hands on a wolf ever since. It was time I corrected the shameful defeat I had incurred a few months back, on that first hunt just outside Philadelphia.

Alice smile widened even more, as I rose to my feet and handed her the newspaper. “He’s by the small creek.”

I nodded my head in a thankful gesture before pushing the wooden door open and running into the twilight-doused forest. Determination filled every cell of my body, and my mind was focused, sharp like it hadn’t been in a long time. This was nothing like the battles I had fought before and yet, it felt the same. And just like the newborn fights, I wasn’t going to lose this one.

xxxx

Finding the wolf was easy. Unlike that rainy day in October, I now knew exactly what I was looking for. I could smell him from miles away, hear the characteristic shuffling of paws and the irregular panting. He was alone, probably just travelling through, supposed to reunite with his pack a few miles further south. They would never see him again.

I crouched down as I approached; my eyes trained on the grey fur. His tongue was out, and his breath froze in front of his snout. He seemed tired but his ears were wide awake, quickly moving into different directions, eventually stopping in mine.

I leapt for him before he could take off, breaking his neck mid-flight.

When my feet landed on the frozen ground, his body had already gone limp in my arms and my fingers had found the dying pulse beneath his pelt. I laid it bare, carelessly discarding the handful of fur. My sheer force had taken the skin with it, and the foul smell of animal blood immediately attacked my nose. Even in death, he fought against me. But I wouldn’t be defeated. Not this time.

The first two sips were always the worst, violently assailing my tastebuds, spreading nausea, trying to convince my brain that this was wrong. That I should let go. But today, my will was stronger.

My senses numbed after a few seconds, and with every mouthful I forced down my throat, my confidence grew. Still, I could barely believe it when the blood stream started to thin out and eventually subsided.

Dazed, I let the carcass sink to the ground. Pride washed over me in a tidal wave, ecstasy and affection joined soon after.

I smiled. Of course, she had followed me. This must have been the reason for her previously inexplicable excitement.

“You did it!” Alice’s voice boomed through the forest, accompanied by the rustling of bushes and snapping of branches. She pushed on with no regard, a singular force indifferent to the destruction she caused as she rushed towards her target. She almost took me off my feet as she met me mid-air, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.

“I knew you could do it! Oh Jasper, I’m so proud of you!”

The chuckle her reaction evoked got stuck in my throat as I suddenly felt the feather-light touch of her lips on my cheek. It burned me.

I froze, unable to react as she let go and dropped to the ground, curiously examining the carcass and chattering eagerly. I heard her but didn’t understand a word. The unexpected kiss she had planted on my cheek suddenly stopped the world from turning.

All my senses centred on her, and as her image moved closer and closer, it was as if I saw her for the very first time. I recognised her, and at the same time, I did not. She was still Alice, the strange golden-eyed companion I had unexpectedly found myself with six months ago. But she was so much more.

Her eyes still warmed me with their incomparable joy, but also pulled me into the depths of her very being. Enticingly beautiful, calling for me to come closer.

Her lips, though remaining small, suddenly seemed perfectly smooth and invitingly curved, begging for me to kiss them.

Her features still resembled a porcelain doll’s, while at the same time being more alluring than ever before.

Her body, as incomprehensibly tiny as it was, all of a sudden showed delicate curves that made my throat run dry. My hands itched, craving to touch her, to follow the exquisite shapes that nature had carved into her frame.

And her emotions—

There always was this obscure layer to them that I hadn’t been able to identify. I could now. It was as if a lever had switched inside my head, revealing a part of the world that it had kept from me. That I had kept from myself. Alice didn’t just care for me. She was deeply, passionately in love with me.

Uncountable instances suddenly flashed in front of my eyes. Innocent touches she had disguised as so inconsequential, that I hadn’t noticed her disappointment when I didn’t react. Didn’t reciprocate. Somehow, she had found happiness in what I was able to give, despite silently longing for another version of me. The Jasper, she had seen in her visions. The Jasper, that was more than just a companion. The Jasper, that truly was her mate.

I had seen her as many different things since that stormy day in Philadelphia; a threat, a madwoman, a future, a saviour, a companion. And while many of these still applied, I felt like I was finally seeing her as what she truly was. A woman in love.

And I wanted her to be mine.

xxxx

Alice kept chattering lively, oblivious to the hurricane raging in my mind. She pulled me along, scorching my hand with her touch and torturing my brain with the way her petticoat revealed her fair ankles with every step. I wondered if she felt what she was doing to me, unable to focus on something else than her for long enough to figure it out myself. 

At least her words started to get through to me again.

“I was thinking it might be time for us to move. The weather is getting warmer and it’s just a question of time before the first fishermen show up here,” she said, finally letting go of my hand and leaving me at the door as she moved over to the dinner table. I had to avert my eyes as she leaned forward, looking for a specific drawing.

She was back by my side before I could reign in my delirious thoughts.

“Here. What do you think?”

The painting showed a scenic view of a three-story house surrounded by trees. I couldn’t focus on it long enough to comprehend what she was trying to tell me with it.

Alice didn’t seem to notice, picking the drawing from my hands again, and dancing back to the table, infusing the whole room with her endless positivity. I just continued to stand by the door, dumbfoundedly marvelling at the sight before me.

By God, I loved this woman.

The sudden revelation took me by surprise, but it didn’t scare me. It felt just right. Like something, I had known for a long time but never really dared to admit before.

When I finally was able to shake my rigidity and get back some control over my body, Alice was already packing, gathering up the candles, old newspapers and magazines, and placing them into her leather bag.

I approached her, however she disappeared before my hand could reach her arm, returning a few seconds later with a pile of my discarded clothing. They went into the bag as well.

“Alice,” I started. My voice was hoarse, as if I hadn’t used it in ages. Well, I hadn’t. Not to say what I was about to say to her.

“Could you please go check if we still have—,” she broke off as she saw the look on my face.

She was so tiny, I had to lean down a good bit to be able to look her straight in the eyes. I tasted the emotions around her, sensing how confusion and surprise took her at the same time, pleased by the fact that she hadn’t seen this coming.

“I love you,” I breathed before finally pressing my lips down on hers.

Alice froze under my touch, just like I had under hers before. But unlike me, she recovered within a split-second, wrapping her arms around my neck, and pulling herself up my body. Kissing me back with such force that I could almost taste her thoughts. Finally.

I circled my arms around her waist, drawing her closer. The sheer force with which our emotions clashed and melted, reverberating off each other and multiplying in a convoluted thunderstorm, wiped my mind clear. All I could think about was her. Her exquisite body pressing against me, her hands desperately grabbing into my hair, and her lips brushing against mine, again and again. Never had I been more grateful for the fact that I didn’t have to breathe.

Her skirt rustled as she wrapped her legs around my torso, pushing herself up to my eye level. I straightened my neck, catching a quick glimpse of her eyes, half-closed and darkened by passion, before our lips reunited, and the world turned white again.

A woman’s virtue is priceless. And that’s why you always have to protect it, Jasper. Especially if you care about her.

My mother’s voice cut through the snowstorm of emotions whirling around us, freeing my mind for just long enough that I was able to separate from her. I carefully put her down on the ground before stumbling back a few steps, sorting through the jumbled mess of feelings in the room, trying to emotionally detangle her from me as well.

Alice looked at me with big golden eyes. I couldn’t sense that she was upset, everything was still too convoluted, but I could read the look on her face well enough.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked. Pain laced her words.

I was glad I couldn’t sense it, still sorting through the knots that were holding it back.

“Jasper?!”

I held up a finger, prompting her to wait for a moment. Give me the chance to work through the sentiments, regain my focus. It took a few seconds longer than I had expected. But then again, I couldn’t remember having faced an amalgamation of emotions as strong as this before. It was as if they refused to be torn apart. Just like I hadn’t wanted to separate from Alice. But I cared about her. It had to be done.

“I’m sorry Alice, but I can’t,” I said, finally having regained control over myself. “I cannot dishonour you like that. It’s not right.”

“Not right?!” she echoed. I could sense her hurt clearly now. And I hated it with every fibre of my being. “But I’m you’re mate! I love you. You said you love me! How can this be wrong?”

I couldn’t stand looking at her like this, her arms wrapped around herself as if she needed to physically hold her body together. My hand found hers instantly, pulling her into my chest and enveloping her in my arms. She didn’t protest, but her body was shaking. I had wounded her deeply but despite everything, I couldn’t regret it. I couldn’t be with her. Not yet.

I wished Peter was here. He’d probably have some much-needed insight on the subject.

“I—,” I started but immediately stopped again. Every explanation I came up with sounded incredibly foolish. These were human concepts, norms born of the religious idea that a man should commit his limited existence to one woman, and one woman only. Vow to honour, cherish, and protect her for the rest of his life. But I wasn’t human anymore, and Alice didn’t need my protection, despite me wanting to give it to her more than anything. And still, I somehow felt bound by the principles that my upbringing had instilled in me.

“I do love you. I just need a little more time,” I finally said. It was as bad an explanation as any, I knew. But at least it was honest. I needed time to figure this out. Find a way to be with her, without damning her soul—if vampires even still had one.

Her head moved slightly. She was nodding. I could feel the pain simmer away, as her beautiful positivity slowly seeped back in. It wasn’t long before she took a small step back, looking up at me with a smile on her face.

“Can I still get a kiss?” she asked.

I returned her smile and bowed down to meet her halfway. “As many as you want.”

[mczenrath]

aesthetic.

what are your muse’s aesthetics? bold any which apply to your muse! remember to REPOST! feel free to add to the list!

[ COLORS ] ~ burgundy. red. crimson. scarlet. maroon. mahogany. copper. amber. chocolate. brown. tawny. tan. bronze. brass. orange. gold. saffron. yellow. chartreuse. spring green. lime. mint. green. olive. forest. turquoise. teal. cerulean. blue. navy. cobalt. periwinkle. indigo. pewter. plum. purple. magenta. fuchsia. lilac. lavender. pink. coral. peach. ivory. cream. white. silver. grey. smoke. charcoal. ebony. black. pastels. vibrant. matte. metallic. muted. dark. light.

[ BODY ] ~ mutations. claws. fangs. wings. tails. feathers. webs. spikes. scales. fur. stripes. spots. freckles. acne. bruises. scars. scratches. gashes. lashes. wounds. amputations. burns. brands. teeth. gums. tongues. lips. beards. mustaches. cheeks. noses. ears. eyes. eyelashes. eyebrows. hair. heads. neck. shoulders. collar bones. arms. elbows. wrists. hands. fingers. breast. back. ribs. abs. belly. hips. curves. butts. legs. thighs. knees. shins. ankles. feet. toes. nails. sweat. spit. tears. blood. heart. stomach. lungs. liver. veins. guts. bones. spine. muscle. skin. feline. canine. masculine. feminine.

[ WEAPONS ] ~ bites. fists. kicks. sword. dagger. spear. arrow. bow. crossbow. hammer. shield. poison. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staffs. wands. powers. magical items. magic. rocks. mud balls. bombs. missiles. boomerangs. lethal pets. lasers. canons.

[ MATERIALS ] ~ metal. gold. silver. platinum. pewter. titanium. iron. steel. copper. bronze. brass. tin. bismuth. diamonds. pearls. rubies. garnets. sapphires. emeralds. jade. peridots. alexandrite. opal. topaz. jasper. quartz. rose quartz. smoky quartz. amethyst. citrine. fluorite. amber. malachite. turquoise. lapis lazuli. sodalite. pyrite. labradorite. moonstone. petrified wood. wood. paper. parchment. hemp. canvas. burlap. oils skin. muslin. rayon. faux. wool. fur. lace. leather. skins. suede. corduroy. silk. satin. chiffon. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. rocks. flint. asphalt. brick. granite. marble. dust. rust. glitter. sand. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. carbonate. rubber. synthetics. nylon. polyester. plastic. glass. porcelain. bone. shells. coral.

[ NATURE ] ~ grass. leaves. trees. bark. flowers. roses. daisies. forget me nots. tulips. lavender. sunflowers. petals. thorns. seeds. hay. roots. ocean. pond. river. stream. waterfall. creek. meadow. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rain forest. tropical. jungle. marsh. moors. swamp. plains. hills. highlands. caves. underwater. coral reef. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains. fire. lava. ice. frost. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold. steam. lightning. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops. shadow. tornado. hurricane. water spout. thunder. hail. twisters. humidity. dryness.

[ ANIMALS ] ~ birds. penguins. eagles. owls. falcons. vultures. hawks. swans. parrots. parakeets. doves. pigeons. ducks. robins. cardinals. blue jays. bluebirds. blackbirds. crows. ravens. magpies. mockingbirds. flamingos. ostriches. seagulls. albatross. peacocks. condors. finches. pelicans. chickens. geese. quail. bats. sheep. cows. buffalo. deer. hedgehogs. elephants. horses. giraffes. cats. lions. tigers. pumas. cheetahs. jaguars. foxes. dogs. wolves. coyotes. bunnies. mice. rats. monkeys. apes. bears. pandas. polar bears. snakes. iguanas. chameleons. alligators. crocodiles. turtles. lizards. frogs. toads. whales.dolphins. fish. sharks. stingrays. octopus. lobsters. crabs. bugs. spiders. moths. butterflies. flies. maggots. roaches. ladybugs. beetles. cicadas. dragonflies. fleas. termites. leeches. worms. snails. mosquitoes. werewolves. unicorns. pegasus. dragons. dinosaurs.

[ FOODS/DRINKS ] ~ pepper. salt. sugar. honey. syrup. caramel. candy. bubblegum. mints. candy canes. gumdrops. lollipops. chocolate. vanilla. cinnamon. ice cream. cake. cookies. brownies. biscuits. pie. tarts. lemonade. soda. champagne. wine. brandy. rum. whiskey. vodka. tequila. sake. beer. soju. gin. crema de cacao. cocoa. latte. coffee. tea. spices. herbs. fruit. apples. oranges. lemons. cherries. strawberries. blueberries. raspberries. cranberries. watermelons. cantaloupes. bananas. coconuts. grapes. kiwi. pomegranates. tomatoes. vegetables. potatoes. cucumbers. carrots. turnips. onions. leeks. celery. broccoli. cabbages. lettuces. roots. nuts. white meat. red meat. raw meat. veal. pork. chicken. beef. venison. fish. lobster. oysters. pizza. ambrosia. pasta. sandwiches. soup.

[ HOBBIES ] ~ music. piano. flute. woodwinds. whistles. drums. guitar. cello. synthesizer. violin. lute. harp. fiddle. harmonica. trumpet. brass. singing. composing. folk. classical. bluegrass. blues. jazz. big band. pop. country. rock. punk. metal. electronica. hip hop. reggae. ska. rap. vinyl records. cassettes. cds. soundcloud. itunes. spotify. art. sculpting. pottery. painting. watercolour. drawing. pastels. charcoal. sketching. graffiti. printing. inking. collecting. fighting. martial arts. self-defense. boxing. fencing. sumo. wrestling. jousting. paintball. lazer tag. duelling. hunting. fishing. climbing. weight lifting. training. sports. football. football (usa). rugby. baseball. cricket. lacrosse. volleyball. basketball. tennis. badminton. skating. cycling. sailing. swimming. rowing. hiking. running. gymnastics. dancing. ice skating. hockey. reading. writing. cooking. sewing. acting. photography. video games. horseback riding. gardening. smithing. shopping. traveling. movies. theatre, libraries. books. magazines. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. science.

[ STYLE ] ~ nudism. perfume. cologne. piercings. tattoos. henna. body paint. war paint. make up. lipstick. mascara. eyeliner. eye shadow. powder. beauty marks. blush. nail polish. lingerie. fishnet. pantie-hoes. socks. stockings. leggings. long johns. under armor. corsets. sports bras. bustles. camisoles. blouses. button ups. tunics. vests. waistcoats. leather jackets. ponchos. sweaters/jumpers. hoodies. skirts. jeans. kilts. breeches. scarfs. cravats. ascots. belts. sashes. gloves. heels. sandals. platforms. tennis shoes. penny loafers. jordans. slippers. boots. cowboy boots. rain boots. army boots. armor. justaucorps. trench coats. capes. cloaks. burqa. suits. tuxedos. kimonos. saris. sun dresses. gowns. jewelry. earrings. nose rings. lip rings. tongue piercings. belly rings. gauges. eyebrow rings. necklaces. pearl strings. leis. bracelets. bangles. cuffs. watches. friendship bracelets. rings. pendants. lockets. broaches. boutonnieres. pocket watches. cuff links. hats. crowns. circlets. flower crowns. helmets. hijabs. turbans. baseball caps. cowboy hats. brocade. doublet. gorget. bracers. masks. cowls. braces. glasses. sun glasses. eye contacts. pajamas.

[ MISC ] ~ balloons. bubbles. candles. battle. war. diplomacy. peace. money. power. clocks. photos. mirrors. pets. diary. fairy lights. madness. sanity. sadness. happiness. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. family. friends. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. sex. hugs. duality. sin. lust. greed. wrath. envy. sloth. gluttony. pride. virtue. chivalry. honor. piety. charity. diligence. chastity. gentleness. aggression. romance. hatred. grief. pity. success. bitterness. sorrow. joy. fear. anger. good. evil. relativity. vampirism. sapphism. life. birth. time. death. illusion. silence.

Tagged stole from: @ababwa Tagging: @direbcrn @sunsreign & anyone else who wants to do iiit

[morbidology]

Morbidology the Podcast - 44: James Byrd Jr. 

Jasper is a small timber town around 100 miles northeast of Houston, Texas. It’s a quaint area that holds an annual Butterfly Festival the first October every year. However, in June of 1998, Jasper was rocked by a brutal hate crime that still reverberates across the nation today. As a motorist was arriving at the African American church on Huff Creek Road on the 8th of June, 1998, they were met by a grisly scene. Dumped in front of the church beside the African American cemetery was the mutilated torso of an African American man and a three-mile bloody trail revealed one of the world’s most disturbing murders.

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[obsidian-m00n]

Mookaite Jasper. One of my favorites in my collection.

Good for:

-protection

-strength

-grounding

-adventure (carry with you to unfamiliar places or to promote a sense of adventure)

-healing the physical body as well as supporting emotional changes

-assistance in decision making

-Aging (helps to increase positive thoughts on the aging process, coming to terms with degeneration, adopting a youthful outlook on life)

- healthy pregnancy

Corresponding energy centers: Base of Spine or Root Chakra. Solar Plexus.

Where it Originates: Mooka Station/ Mooka Creek- Western Australia

Colors:

-purple, red, white, yellow, cream, brown, and orange

-typically seen in a marble like pattern, but can be solid color as well.