#Admin's grotto

[adminbryantsaki]

350 followers!

Thanks for helping me get up to 350 followers. Its been a long process. I hope you all will still like the content i produce in the future.

[meteor752]

They deserve to go feral, as a treat

I was inspired

Someone asked who of the kids are most likely to go bad in the wake of Jimmy-boys villain arc, and 5/7 of em could very much go bad if they tried, and I gave all of them reasons as to why and how they would be evil

So here’s the evil guys

Also all of these exist in separate universes from each other, we don’t have five supervillains running amok at the same time lol

Watcher Liana

Liana has the watcher gene who most commonly in the fandom is depicted as not very nice guys, plus the hurt and betrayal of her dads would leave her impressionable to their words

Power: Clairvoyance, pupeteering, mind control, space warping

Status of the world: Hermitcraft, Empires, and the death servers have all been combined through a multitude of rifts. Hardcore rules, and some people are under her influence and out for blood

Weakness: Can be subdued if wearing the blindfold

Victims: Grian, BigB, Jimmy, Pearl, Martyn, Gertrude

Danger level: Severe

Wes of the under

Wes would be a villain who like, wouldn’t see himself as bad. Wes is a protector, and he’s also naturally anxious and fearful, so he’d do anything to protect the people he loves, even if it means hurting others.

Powers: Durability, Teleportation, Invisibility, Fire Immunity, Imp scouts

Status of the world: People avoid going underground and entering caves like the plague. The underground is a complicated tunnel system, a maze to anyone that isn’t apart of the imp hive mind. All of the kids, and some hermits and emperors, are missing

Weakness: Doesn’t kill, and will do anything to stop himself from doing so

Victims: None

Danger level: Medium, can be reasoned with

Princess Gertrude

Gertrude has also been hurt deeply, by both of her dads. She’d want control over her own life, and the best way to do that is to take ultimate control. Her dad has gone evil king twice, and she is a fairytale fanatic. What’s stopping her from going evil princess?

Power: Werewolf transformation, wolf army, influence over many powerful hermits, redstone skills

Status of the world: A dystopia with her at the top. Taxes are high, as is the threat of death. She has access to both X’s and fWhip’s admin controls, so she rules the world with her iron paw, and is quick to crush any rebellion

Weakness: Silver coated arrows

Victims: Grian, Xisuma, fWhip, Scar, Impulse, Pearl, Gem, Mumbo, Beef, Wels, Iskall, Katherine, Pixl, Joel, Liana, Wes

Danger level: Medium of alone. Very high if with her wolf army, or in her werewolf form

Jekiv the undead

Jekiv is a literal necromancer zombie without a soul, and little care for most people, with heavy daddy issues. The only thing actually keeping him from going villain is that Cleo raised him well

Powers: Full control of an undead army, dark magic, able to dismember and reattach his limbs

Status of the world: Zombie apocalypse dystopia. Zombies and Skeletons are immune to the sunlight, so they roam the overworld killing anything and all that they can. Most people have moved into isolated bunkers.

Weakness: Physically vulnerable. Able to be overpowered if you get his scythe away from him

Victims: Every other witch, including Shubble

Danger level: High

Novo, lord of ice

Novo is a Jinx. He’s already dealing with a lot of mental damage, so all it would take was something to make him snap and he’d loose it entirely, hurting people without even realizing it.

Powers: Freezing Water, freezing objects, creating Ice and Snow from nothing, giving life to snow and or ice, telekinetic manipulation of frozen water, creating an eternal winter

Status of the world: A frozen wasteland stuck in an eternal winter. Polar bears and strays roam freely, attacking on sight. People stay in underground grottos and homes, trying to preserve any warmth they can.

Weakness: Fire

Victims: Gertrude, Liana, Doc, Jevin, Xb, Cleo, Cub, Wels, Gem, Sausage, Katherine

Danger level: High, might accidentally kill you

—

Minor notes: The thing that made Novo snap was accidentally Killing Gertrude, a la Elsa style. His cloak, the only thing that’s not completely frozen, was hers. Jekiv and Gertrude are villains less because of something that happened, and more of they were raised differently. Liana is because of manipulation by the watchers, and idk with Wes.

Also shout out to Jassy and Johnny, who not only avoided going bad, but also remained alive in all five realities. Gg

[eureka-roleplay]

EVENT FIVE : EUREKA WINTERFEST 2021

After a tumultuous year, the city of Eureka is proud to announce the return of it’s annual Eureka Winterfest, sponsored this year by Henderson and Hill Architecture

For the fifth year in a row, Carson Square will be staging it’s German Market - With stalls from all of your favourite local shops and eateries you’ll be guaranteed to find something to gift loved ones if you’ve left it too late to get to the store! Santa Claus and his grotto will be back once again in the heart of the Square next to the fountain and our 15ft Nordic Fir ( once , and he and his elves will be waiting there with those naughty and nice lists for all of the boys and girls. And returning for the second year in a row, Eureka Valley Ice Rink are happy to be supporting their pop up ice rink; perfect for those beginners who are only just getting on the ice ( tickets $10 for half an hour ). As with last years ice rink, a portion of the proceeds made will be donated to Eureka’s homeless shelter, helping to ensure that everyone can have a merry Christmas, no matter the circumstances.

Our roving reporters from K94.5 will be back again outside Carson Mansion playing festive songs and hosting games both in person and live on air. For more of the traditionalists, First United Methodist will be hosting a carol concert as well as Christmas services all throughout the season - including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and services on Christmas Day. Temple Beth El will once again be hosting a ‘make your own mezuzah’ stall, and Hanukkiah kits provided by Chabad of Humboldt County, as well as hourly reenactments of the miracle of the Maccabees from the very first Hanukkah.

Is Christmas not Christmas till you’ve watched all of those holiday classics? Fear not because Eureka Theatre have you covered with their daily showings of your favourite festive films ( please contact the theatre directly for specific times ).

Finally head across town to Pleasant Valley Farms where for one week only, the award winning Lightopeia will be arriving in the city. Grab yourself a mulled wine and follow trails all throughout the farm to see hand blown glass sculptures, accompanied by powerful music and dancing lights for a truly spectacular winter treat. And, once you’ve finished the trail, stick around for the winter funfair which will be in full swing along with all those classic rides.

On behalf of the city of Eureka, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season

You really thought we’d forget Christmas? Think again - so to celebrate our first Christmas, we decided to throw it back with the Winterfest event we opened with ( plus a few new additions ). Winterfest 2021 is not a mandatory event and will run from December 19th-January 2nd 2022.

The businesses/locations involved in Winterfest this year are:

Delish on 5th

Humboldt Bay Coffee Company

Humboldt Cider Co Taproom

Mediterra

Arts & Drafts

El Huerto Secreto

Eureka Burger

The Chocolate Box

Comic Relief

Pleasant Valley Farms

K94.5

Eureka Theater

Eureka Valley Ice Rink

Temple Beth El

First United Methodist Church

If your character has a business and would like to be included on this list, drop us a message and let us know.

Please tag anything to do with the event with #eurekawinterfest - this can be anything from threads, self paras, outfits ( who doesn’t love that holiday aesthetic) - go wild! We love you all, and we’re so excited to see where the next year will bring us as a group and you personally

— The Admin Team

[mythos-blogs]

—Sec A. 003. About Your Gods !

[♡] : MOD.SEL :: @saudade-mayari

↻ The owner and admin of MYTHOS. 25, she/her, and otherwise known as our Mommy Sel and our moon goddess. Runs an 18+ multifandom blog. Mortal men she will thirst and devour for are Shota Aizawa, Kotarou Bokuto, Kakashi Hatake, Gray Fullbuster, and more. She also presides Herophile. . . if you dare gleam into the future, the past, and the present, that is.

↻ Interactions with Selene will be under the tag #mod.sel

[♡] : MOD.RO ::@roanniee

↻ Emerging from the depths of the sea, our co-owner. 20, any pronouns, and otherwise known as Aphrodite's deadlier version. Runs an 18+ HQ blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are Nicollas Romero, Eita Semi, Satori Tendou, Aran Ojiro, and more. She also presides over Cumæ, a +16 grotto for those who want to know more about Dionysus' Bacchanalia. ↻ Interactions with Roannie will be under the tag #mod.ro

[♡] : MOD.LAVI :: @lovemeian

↻ Your favourite keeper of the hearth. 21, she/her, and otherwise known as Hestia with a heavier cloak and a bouncier attitude. Runs a 16+ HQ blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are: Meian Shūgo, Ryunosuke Tanaka, Yūji Terushima, Aran Ojiro, Kentaro Kyōtani, Daichi Sawamura, and more. She also presides over Delphi. . . a daily tangent of fun tea time questionnaires.

↻ Interactions with Lavi will be under the tag #mod.lavi

[♡] : MOD.TES :: @writewithmarites

↻ Mistress of all and more, able to make men bend to their will. . . 20, she/they, and otherwise known as the Goddess of Spring's Sexier version. Runs an 18+ multifandom blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are Loki Laufeyson, Severus Snape, Hwa-jin Na, t Shouta Aizawa, and more.

↻ Interactions with Marites will be under the tag #mod.tes

[♡] : MOD.GIL :: @slutbench

↻ Lady of the Hunt. . . 20, she/they, and otherwise known as our youngest Goddess and sharper than a flying arrow. Runs an 18+ HQ and BHA blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are Asahi Azumane, Ushijima Wakatoshi, Shinso Hitoshi, Bakugo Katsuki, Jellal Fernandes, and more.

↻ Interactions with Gillian will be under the tag #mod.gil

[♡] : MOD.RAYA :: @moonlit-island

↻ The shadowy figure that encompasses the night . . 23, she/her, they/them, and otherwise known as the Goddess and Deity of Night. Runs an 16+ multifandom blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are Alcurad, Gojo Satoru, Akaashi Keiji, Suna Rintaro, Sakusa Kiyoomi, and more.

↻ Interactions with Raya will be under the tag #mod.raya

[♡] : MOD.NIA :: @ushisrever

↻ Rider of the Chariot. . . 20, she/her, and otherwise known as the Goddess of the Sun, Music, and Poetry. Runs an 16+ haikyuu blog. Men she can thirst and devour without hesitation for are Ushijima Wakatoshi, Daichi Sawamura, Asahi Azumane, Daisuke Kanbe, Vincenzo Cazzano, and more.

↻ Interactions with Nia will be under the tag #mod.nia

DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK THE GODS FOR INQUIRIES !

[yandere-society]

Delphinium | M

Summary: To bridge two kingdoms together, you and Kim Taehyung are planned for marriage. In an unfamiliar home, garden filled with delphiniums and the looming, unknown future of the Kim family, you place your trust in your soon-to-be husband. Surely, he could never break your heart.

Pairing: Prince!Taehyung x Princess!OC (slight Jimin x OC)

Genre: Royalty!au, romance, smut, drama, fantasy. 

Word Count: 10K

Admins: @nomnomsik​ and smut written by @kimseokmomjins​ 

A/N: This oneshot is for the 2K giveaway winner, @dazedspiral​ ! I hope you enjoyed this royalty au! This was their request! 

Trigger warnings: soft yandere-themes, infidelity, multiple character deaths, jealousy, impregnation kink, virgin reader, and smut. Please read with caution.

»»————- ♔ ————-««

There was something with how the sunrise illuminated on the exterior of the white brick and stone walls of the palace, sunlight hitting the sloping slate roofing at the top. Workers rushing out of the palace gates with carriages full of cargo, guards standing on each side as they watched in attendance. Even the water that sprinkled out of the multiple fountains decorated at the center of each garden sparkled amidst the bright rays of the Sun. 

Groves of trees were being tended to, statues cleaned, and grottos of fruits picked. There was a rush of people, sculptors, and painters carrying large bags filled with supplies who bowed at the man that took powerful strides in the palace. The off-white walls of the palace were hung with large plaques, tapestries, trophies, and paintings.

The gentleman took quick steps up the grand stairways, ornate designs on the walls and ceilings as he ascended them, more trophies that he could observe that showed off the processions of his family, the Kim family. 

His palm pushed against the glossy and polished surface of the wooden doors, revealing a sleeping figure buried in the light and transparent sheets, hair sprawled over the pillows and figure shriveled up. He slowly crept over, taking a seat next to you with his thumb trailing over your cheek.

“Y/n, the sun is up.” 

Taehyung’s sweet voice seemed to reach your ears as you stirred awake, groaning and shuffling in the soft bed, only to roll around and bump his leg, a groggy apology slipping from your lips as one of your eyes peeked open to see the small smile on his face and his crisp, sharp black hair styled out. 

He lifted his hand up from where it lay on the mattress, resting his palm on your head as he stroked it back and forth, golden jewelry jingling and dangling down from his wrist. You succumbed to his gentle touch, a soothing and peaceful feeling washing over you in the bright morning sun. When you finally sat up, you tugged onto the blanket that was sewn with golden thread, pulling it to your chest as you stared at him with wide eyes, shying away as his black cloak, patterned with intricate lining, draped onto the floor. 

A chuckle escaped his salmon-colored lips, his dark locks falling over his eyes as he shuffled toward you, his arms seeming to find their way around you and bringing you into his torso, your head laying on his shoulder. “It’s best to get up before Jimin comes in to scold you.” 

You gave him a small nod, moving away as your feet made contact onto the surface of the cold tile of the bedroom floor, your nightgown fluttering behind you as you walked over to the spacious closets, opening one of the sculpted doors and gazing at the hundreds upon hundreds of articles of clothing of different fabric: velvet, satin, cotton. Taehyung came up behind you, his arm reaching out and into the bundles of fabrics, pulling out a white and blue dress that held transparency to it which easily show off the form of your body. 

He raised it in front of you, softly closing the door, your accepting hands clutching it to your chest. It was crazy how the lavish lifestyle you once had back in your kingdom was now unparalleled to how you lived in his home. Unlike your closet back at the palace, Taehyung’s was filled with the most expensive pieces of clothing, all personally designed to his tastes. The life you believed to be luxurious was not to the extent of thousands of rhinestones that were laid upon each inch of the dresses in his palace.

“Your highness?” A voice outside your room called, followed by a soft knock. “I’m coming in.” The doors gently pushed opened and in came Jimin with quick strides, Taehyung’s most loyal servant that had tended his family for years. But to you, he was your new assistant who aided and guided you in all your activities around your new home, observing the progress of your adjustment in the palace. 

His hair was a soft blonde, a polyester beige top whose sleeves came up to his wrists. Jimin halted in his tracks as his warm brown eyes spotted Taehyung sitting back onto your bed, legs sprawled out and falling off the edge. It was an instinct, Jimin immediately bowing despite the crude and lack of manners in the way Taehyung presented himself, a normality for him to gaze upon. Jimin slowly lifted his head back up, giving his greetings to the prince and looking over, only to see you fumble with the dress in your hands, an expression of confusion as you raised it into the air, looking at it from side to side. 

“Do you need help with that, your majesty?” 

“Ahh, I might…” You mumbled, fumbling with the fabric as Taehyung narrowed his eyes at the pair in front of him. He watched as Jimin walked over, his hand taking yours and fingertips touching the exposed skin of your arm and back.

“Jimin.” 

Despite the sharpness of Taehyung’s voice and how intensely it pierced the air, Jimin turned around, looking at Taehyung in the eye, his expression soft and carrying a childlike innocence, one that Taehyung noticed as genuine obliviousness.

���Yes, your highness?” 

“I’ll help her change.” 

“Yes, of course.” Jimin bowed, taking several steps back as Taehyung hopped off the bed and walked closer to you. Jimin’s hands let go of yours, handing the fabric delicately over to the prince.

“Privacy, Jimin.” 

With Jimin’s head still lowered, he excused himself from the presence of the two of you, walking into the hallway and catching sight of a maid who was slacking in her duties, having no intention of eavesdropping on the prince’s conversation, but quick and ready to discipline the staff inside the palace halls. 

“What’s wrong?” You asked, looking up at Taehyung who only pulled you closer to him, his fingers still tightly grasping the dress. 

“Do you think I like the idea of watching Jimin dress you? That I enjoy watching my wife-to-be naked in front of another man while I’m right here?” Taehyung accused in a lighthearted manner, tugging at the garment as your fingers trailed up to your collar, unbuttoning your nightgown as it fell from your shoulders and onto the ground.

Taehyung held the dress for you as you slid in it, your hands adjusting the waistband that connected it to the bottom half of the skirt while fixing the cuffs. Meanwhile, Taehyung was lacing up the corset back, his fingers halting as he realized he had forgotten how to do it properly. 

You looked over your shoulder, wondering the holdup on your dress as your hands held the loose parts to your chest, and Taehyung's eyes awkwardly met yours before giving you a sheepish smile. 

"Jimin!" Taehyung shouted, his servant quickly hurrying in, only to find the lace in the prince’s hands and falling to the floor. "Please tie this." 

"Of course, prince." Jimin bowed, lifting his hands up to receive the lace as he began to successfully tie the back up, tugging on it while confirming its hold on you. "Is it too tight, your highness?" He whispered, only to watch you shake your head, allowing him to continue. 

Taehyung’s bottom lip jutted out as he watched from afar on the bed, somewhat in envy as Jimin did what he could not do, a blow to his pride that further reinforced his lacking abilities as your soon-to-be husband. 

“I’m all finished, your highness,” Jimin called, showing the neatly tied corset as you turned around, Taehyung standing back up and ushering you towards him. 

“I’ll be quite busy in the morning, attending to my duties. Be sure to listen carefully to what Jimin teaches you, understood? I’ll give you a visit sooner or later.” He had instructed, obedience overcoming you as you nodded.

“Yes, of course, Taehyung.” You shyly murmured as his fingers caressed your cheek, a small blush surfacing on your skin as he grinned. 

“I’ll miss you.” 

Taehyung turned around, giving Jimin a nod as he walked past the double doors, his black cloak flowing behind him as he turned the corner. Jimin then fixed your appearance, brushing your hair and going over your schedule for today. He led you out of your room and into the bright white hallways, sparkling and polished chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was as if the whole palace was filled with beautiful crystals that were displayed with the intention for all to see. 

It must suck to clean all of these.

You constantly followed behind Jimin as he went from lesson to lesson, piano to etiquette, reading to posture. Your previous lessons back at the palace gave the basic foundations, but you quickly noticed how lacking you were inside your new home. Even when you were courted by other princes, you thought your skills were adequate enough, allowing you to receive positive receptions. But unlike all the other times, the princes quickly revealed their intentions, wanting you in their beds, shouting orders at you or brushing you off as you were only an accessory they would wear, but later forget. 

Taehyung’s touch seemed to be more human than any other the other interactions you’ve had before. You had your doubts at first, afraid that the arranged marriage between the two of your kingdoms would only be a similar experience to the ones you had with other princes, but only for the rest of your life. 

However, you were quickly proven wrong by how much Taehyung protected you, his fingertips brushing over you like silk, his eyes so warm and soft that they could ease you just by staring. It wasn't all like that in the beginning, but he gave you what no one else could and you gave him the only thing he wanted. Loyalty. 

Taehyung was more than private with all his endeavors, and not wanting to be the overbearing wife-to-be, you contentedly stood off to the side, not asking, afraid it would push him away. But, from the way he spoke to you and how fond he seemed to be, his desire for loyalty in a partner sparked curiosity in you, a question lingering of “why?”. 

Too engrossed in your thoughts, you turned the corner, only to collide with another figure, a shriek escaping from their lips. When you peeked an eye open, your face visibly paled, body immediately tensing up as your arms fumbled across your chest, hoping for some sort of comfort.

“You reckless- ugh… Watch where you’re going!” The voice hissed back with intense vigor, anger lacing every single syllable. 

It was the Countess. Her presence alone demanded respect whenever she treaded the palace grounds. Being one of the king’s favorites, everyone was rightfully afraid, afraid of the consequences if you didn’t. 

She steadied herself back up against the wall as she sent a glare at you, one full of distaste as if you made a huge inconvenience that impacted the rest of her life.

“My apologies, Countess.” Jimin bowed apologetically for you, his arms coming up to pick you back up from the ground. 

“Silence, boy. Did I give you permission to talk?” She snapped, Jimin flinching and backing down, his shoulders slumping as well. “Servants like you need to understand your place in the palace. Ugh-” The Countess groaned, huffing and puffing like a child in a huge tantrum. “Sure, you make our lives easier, but there are many more than can easily replace you.”

She then turned her head towards you, her hand resting on her hip. 

“As for you, don’t get so stuck up.”

“I-I’m sorry…” You forced out in a whisper, grabbing onto Jimin’s hand as he lifted you back up. No matter how much she dragged your pride through the mud, there was one thing you learned: faking respect even when that person didn’t deserve any. “My apologies, Countess.” 

“You better be sorry.” The Countess scowled, brushing herself off. “Just because you’re going to marry the prince doesn’t mean you’re suddenly above everyone else.” 

“I-I don’t even… think that…” You muttered, only for the Countess to glare back at you, clearly ticked off by the fact you dare talk back to her. 

“Listen, you.” The Countess began, only to be cut off by a cold, yet piercing voice from the end of the hall.

“Countess.” 

Three heads snapped over to the low voice that echoed from the hallway, quickly brushing yourself up as you stood up straight, locking eyes with the prince’s sharp and piercing gaze. The Countess stood firm, not fazed by the prince’s presence, a tongue rolling inside her mouth.

“Prince, good morning.” 

“Countess, what do you think you’re doing?” Taehyung spat, tilting his head to the side as he sent another harsh glare at her, eyebrows frowning. 

“Your highness, the princess happened to bump into me rather violently.” The Countess only smiled, a perfect mask on her face as if she hadn’t just had a fit seconds ago. “She wasn’t paying attention and I was just giving her a lecture about being more aware of her surroundings. Besides, I think it would be best to reconsider, especially if she doesn’t know basic and proper manners.” 

You lowered your head as you balled up the dress into your hands, earning a glance from Jimin off to the side, his hand coming up to interlock with yours as he gave you a reassuring squeeze. Taehyung’s mouth twitched at the entire sight in front of him, from the existence of the Countess to Jimin touching you when it should be him being there to reassure you, he quickly lost his temper.

“Countess,” Taehyung repeated again, folding his arms across his chest, his tongue rolling inside his mouth. “Are you my mother?” 

“I-I” The Countess sputtered, caught off guard and taking a subconscious step back away from his intimidating stance. Such a topic was to never be discussed inside the palace. 

“I understand that you might think you are because of my father’s interest in you and you like to think you run the world. But remember, you’re not my mother and you will never be. Do not ever think you are in a position to tell me what to do.” He snapped, scowling and turning away. “Come on, y/n. Let’s go.”

Your heels clacked onto the floor as Taehyung grabbed your hand, pulling you away from Jimin’s grasp as the two of you walked together and away from the Countess. Jimin quickly followed right behind you, his posture straight as he took a glance back at the angered woman, only to stick out a playful tongue. 

“Where are we going, Taehyung?” You asked as he guided you around the halls you had yet to see before in the grandiose palace. 

“One of my favorite places in the castle. I know you still have lessons, but the Countess really soured my mood, so this might cheer us both up.” He gave you one of his signature boxy smiles that you had quickly noticed after getting him to be more comfortable around you. His whole demeanor changed like a flip of a switch, a hum escaping from his lips and floating into the open air.

Taehyung always smiled around you, touching you delicately as if you were the most precious thing on Earth that he could break. It was only you that could get him to smile genuinely and lift up his mood in a palace where people seemed to turn their back on him left and right. 

He led you outside and into the palace gardens, ignoring all the beautiful flowers that blossomed out of its own confinements. You wondered why Taehyung seemed to push past them as if he was impatiently rushing rather than taking in the wonderful view. 

Had he been here that often?

"Here." 

You both stood before blue and lavender flowers that seemed to cover most of the flowerbed. Jimin held an umbrella over the two of you, protecting your skin from the harshness of the Sun. You looked over to see gentleness in Taehyung's eyes, another new expression you had come to learn from being in your new home. They seemed so soft and vulnerable as if you could make him cry.

"These are delphiniums― well that's― they're mostly known as larkspurs, but delphinium is just the genus name…" Taehyung rambled off, earning a small chuckle from Jimin's lips, your head snapping over to see him smile. 

Jimin was always so stiff and perfect with orders that to see him smile, and so brightly, was such an exciting experience that you could feel your heart melt at the look of happiness in his face. 

"The prince really loves these flowers…" Jimin bent down to whisper into your ear. "He knows almost too much about them. It seems like he always comes out here no matter what the weather is. Actually, I once found him deep in the snow, trying to find any remnants left." 

You chuckled and smiled, licking your lips. There was something you really wanted to know, one that you realized you would regret in the future, causing your heart to break into pieces. 

"Why do you like these flowers, Taehyung? I mean, all of the flowers here are beautiful… so why these ones?" 

Taehyung stood motionless, his eyes just staring out into the distance at the row of delphiniums. You turned to look at Jimin for assistance, but his eyes seemed to dull out and he mustered up a small smile, but it faltered as he turned away. 

"Because of my mother." 

Taehyung cleared his throat this time, looking at you directly in the eye.

"They remind me of my mother." 

“I see…” 

You knew the tragic ending for his mother. It was one no one wanted to discuss, and thus, there was only silence about the topic. 

A few seconds past, until Taehyung broke the silence in the air. 

"Remember how this arrangement started?” Taehyung asked out of the blue, not really caring if you answered or not. You stayed silent, only staring up at him while the breeze blew past your hair. 

“Of course I do.” 

He only looked over, squinting his eyes as you looked solemnly out in the distance. You only kneeled onto the ground as your fingertips brushed against the delphiniums. Taehyung sighed, aggressively ruffling his neatly combed hair at the past memory, a finger coming up to the side of his face.

“A year ago, my mother asked me to at least get married, but I was too dumb and young to listen. In a way, I think… I think she knew she was going to die.” 

"Taehyung… why would you think or even say that?" you murmured, sadly looking over to the distance as you watched a pair of gardeners energetically bicker around a finely cut bush. Why were they so full of energy when their life was filled with so much work and labor?

"She came up to me one day and told me to take a seat to talk to me about something. Little did I know that her conversation, that talk, would stay with me and basically, be the reason for everything I did.” 

You simply looked up at him, blinking somewhat obliviously as he only chuckled at your reaction. 

“That’s where you’re supposed to ask what she said, y/n.” He teased, a finger coming up to your forehead as if he didn’t want to be a downer in the conversation.

“O-oh, what’d she ask-I mean, what’d she say?” You spoke faintly, heat rising up in your cheeks for your stuttering. Another smile appeared on his face as he hummed, a light jump to his walk as he swung to the other side of where you kneeled. 

“She told me to not treat you like how my father treated her.” He spoke gently. “And if I’m being honest, I didn’t understand at first.”

“I always told her that I would never be like my father, especially with his thing and the Countess. So I wondered, ‘why is she telling me this? Of course, I’m never going to be like him.’ But then, I woke up one day and I finally understood. It doesn’t matter how many times I say I won’t be like my father if all my actions suggest I’m becoming like him. It was so unfair how I tried to avoid you, never visiting you, and leaving you all alone, especially in an unfamiliar place that’s supposed to be your new home. I’m supposed to be your husband soon and I ignored you like you didn’t even exist.” 

“Taehyung…” You muttered, looking at him with a frown on your face as you struggled to force back your sadness. “You know it doesn’t matter anyway. It’s just how things simply are.” 

“That’s where you’re wrong, y/n. Never accept contentment with the state of our affairs or any affair for that matter.” Taehyung kneeled down as well, inching his way near you as his forehead began to touch yours, his stare intense and hold on you tight. “You deserve happiness. You deserve to live life. How much of your heart did you give away to now have this mentality where you believe it doesn’t matter in the end?” 

You stared back at him, your face warm and chest tight, but his words and touch seemed to unwind that coil inside you, wanting you to be free. 

“It’s okay…” He whispered, wrapping his arms around you as he rubbed your back. “It's okay....shh… crying doesn't make you weak. I'm proud of you, always, y/n.” 

You nodded, warm tears dripping down your chin. You sniffled as he let you rest your chin on his shoulder, hands wrapping around yours.

“Besides, it’s not like I hated you, I just didn’t know you for you…”

“Y-yeah…” You nodded, your face red and cheeks wet from the tears that spilled out of your eyes. “Taehyung… Can you be honest with me?” 

"Of course.”

“Why do you not like your father? The people always seem happy with his rule, but ever since I’ve been here, you have this angry fixation on him.” 

A rather large sigh escaped from his lips, his shoulders falling as he licked his lips, as if he had a full list inside of his mind, ready to recite. 

“I’m going to be rather blunt, so prepare yourself. Ready?” 

“Yes, of course.” 

“My father has had an ongoing affair with the Countess, even when my mother was alive. Mostly everyone in the palace is aware of it, but they keep their mouth shut so the King never stopped. I mean, he’s a king after all. But the worst part was that I watched my mother smile and lie between her teeth like everything was perfectly fine. I was so angry, I still am.” 

“My father also…” Taehyung’s voice trailed off, before clearing his throat again and looking off to the side. “My father ordered her elimination, let's say…” 

“W-what?” A chill split through your spine as you immediately looked up only to find Taehyung to sadly affirm his statement. 

"You saw the reason for it a few minutes ago." He spat bitterly, his fingers clawing at the dirt. "It was for HER, so he could marry that wrecked witch. Technically, she should be the queen, but luckily my father’s court wants no part in another marriage. Times are getting too desperate. We’re already trying to piece together this alliance to build up a reliable military force." 

"Wait, wait, slow down… Nobody knows your father did this? That he killed his own wife? How do you even know? How did your father even carry it out?” 

"That’s a lot of questions." Taehyung chuckled to himself. "It’s understandable to get overwhelmed by it all. That’s how I felt as well, y/n. But I know the truth. I was there when my mother passed out on the ground and besides, he got one of the maids to do it for him. The answer is right in front of you, y/n. You’ll know." 

You looked away from Taehyung and back at the delphiniums, only for your eyes to widen. 

"H-he…?" You whispered, a hand coming up to cover your mouth as you suspected the answer. 

"Yes, poison," Taehyung spoke sadly, his fingertips brushing against the delphiniums. "Funny how much is growing in our garden. Something that can kill another so easily accessible right here at my fingertips… It was so obvious to me that my father infused it into her drink, but I also think she knew too. I don't know why she would ever want to suffer like that." 

"Yet you like these flowers the most, Taehyung?" You questioned, only for him to glumly smile back. 

"You can't help what you like sometimes, y/n, no matter how much it hurts you." 

»»————- ♔ ————-««

“Father, you called?” 

The prince stood in his neatly buttoned dress shirt, black signature cloak flowing out and onto the blood-red carpet underneath his feet in the king’s chambers. 

“Yes, son.” The king turned from his seat, Jimin coming into his room and serving both of them a drink. “I heard from the Countess that you yelled at her today? Why’d you do that?” 

“I didn’t, father.” Taehyung hissed between his teeth. “She was yelling at my soon-to-be wife for accidentally bumping into her and I simply put her back into her place. She was the one that yelled, no one raised their voice at her.” 

“Son…” The king sighed, his white strands of hair slowly growing out from the top of his head and skin wrinkling as he spoke. “Just, try to be more considerate towards her, is that understood?” 

“No, it’s not understood, your majesty.” Taehyung mocked, heat rushing up his body. “Why? Why do I have to respect her? It’s so infuriating!” 

“Taehyung, calm down. The Countess is an important ally to our kingdom. Her late husband held very valuable assets for our military.” 

“Ugh, I don’t care! She made MY mother miserable! YOU made her miserable! And you want me to be more ‘considerate’? How about YOU be more considerate to my dead mother!” Taehyung yelled, slamming his hands onto the table, the teacups clattering on their saucers as liquid spilled onto the polished wood. 

“You’re too young to understand.” The king sighed, taking a large gulp from his drink and clearing his throat. “You need to understand the kingdom is much more important than one WOMAN, son!” 

“You’re disgusting.” Taehyung seethed, pushing himself out of his chair. “I could never do that. Never. I’d actually at least try to love my partner!” 

“That’s because you don’t have your priorities straight, son. I have to protect my people! Not everything is about you and your happiness.” 

“Don’t say that when you didn’t even care about my mother's happiness!” 

With that, Taehyung stormed out of the room, Jimin bowing to the King and retreating to find his master. The King only let out an exhausted sigh, brushing his dead hair and looking out at the door with his bad eyes, his vision blurry as he only could see blobs of color of his son’s figure. It had already been so long since he could properly see the features on Taehyung’s face and how much he had grown.

Were his eyes more like his mother’s? Did he have a mole on the left side of his face like his mother?

The King slowly stood up from his seat and sluggishly walked over to his bed, the blankets decorated with royal embroidery bright red and gold in color. 

There, the King laid down, softly closing his eyes and succumbing to a dream, where the fields were vibrant with green and the sky didn't seem so dark. With the last moments of his old age, his lips pulled up into a smile as he quickly drifted to sleep, one in which he would never wake up again. 

»»————- ♔ ————-««

It was beautiful silk and lace cascaded like the ripples of water over a shimmering metallic underlay, an exposed back accented by delicate needling and floral applique. A veil over your face and hands folded in front of you, your eyes cast downward at the shimmering and polished floor, as you struggled to raise your head up. Tightly braided hair was clipped onto the back of your head, neck sore from sitting in your chair for hours, only to be dressed for a single day. 

Just beyond where you stood, the throne room was lined up with servants, politicians, and other important people of the two kingdoms, in perfect rows whose eyes seemed to stare at you. The looks given to you were unsettling and nerve-wracking, your hands fumbling with each other as you patiently waited for the ceremony to commence, or to at least go by quicker. 

Bells could be heard from outside, ringing throughout the streets as the people stood outside the gates, trying to catch a glance at the new couple as well as rulers of the kingdom. 

The small tiara which once adorned your head was now replaced with a heavy crown as if its weight signified the responsibility of the bearer who wore it. Even though Taehyung stood next to you the entire time, his face was stone cold, facing the entire sea of people who had come to watch his succession to the throne. He kept his signature black color, except for the cloak that was replaced with red instead with white threading around the edges and gold-encrusted necklaces around his neck. A crown fit perfectly on top of his head, gems and crystals worth unimaginable prices. 

With your vows and rings exchanged, the pair briefly gave their greetings to their guest, only to slip away from the crowd. Taehyung stuck next to you the entire time, whether it be walking down the hallway to sitting in his new throne. Even in the ballroom, his arms were linked with yours, his face so close that he leaned down to plant a small kiss on your lips. Your cheeks stuck out, warm and pink as you smiled back, head resting on his shoulder. 

With the sun descending to the horizon, the warm hues filling the sky, Taehyung led you into the hallway, grasping your hands together with his own. 

“Come to my chambers tonight.” 

Taehyung leaned back up from your ear, a devious smirk on his face as his eyes crinkled, reassuring you with a squeeze and softly kissing the top of your head. He slowly let go, watching as your face reddened before making strides down the hallway, the red cloak flowing behind him, his boots clicking against the polished flooring.

You aimlessly waited in your own bedroom, legs swinging off the bed as your dress flowed down onto the floor. The chattering from the ballroom and the halls dissipated as the guests began to take their leave, sending their farewells to the servants who promised their message would be delivered to the new king and queen. It was then that you stood up from your luscious sheets, knowing the route to Taehyung’s room, one that you would find yourself often arriving in, even when he wasn’t there.

The door shut behind you with a soft click, causing Taehyung’s head to snap up. He gave you a bright smile, eyes crinkling into crescents. “Just a moment, Y/N,” he said, before returning his attention to lighting the candles upon the mantle. 

You nodded, feeling slightly out of place standing just beyond the threshold of his quarters. Nevertheless, you took in your unfamiliar surroundings-- the dim glow of the candles allowing you to see the large, canopy bed with decorative white chiffon drapes adjacent to the Kim Family coat of arms along the southernmost wall.

It overwhelmed you to be in such close quarters with your newlywed husband, someone whose duty it was to ensure the preservation of the Kim bloodline. Taehyung was someone who you were acquainted with but didn’t really truly know. 

Who he was as a person was still as shrouded in mystery as the first day you had met him, although the both of you had recently begun to become more comfortable. Despite that, you couldn’t control the blanket of anxiety that surrounded you. Your fingers twitched restlessly, making your uneasiness obvious. Thankfully, Taehyung noticed your general reluctance and quickly made to absolve your discomfort. He set the snuffer on the mantle and strode across the room.

“Y/n...” he cooed, weaving his fingers with yours. It was then that you realized that this minuscule gesture of skinship was, in fact, the first time Taehyung had initiated any form of physical contact that insinuated deeper romantic feelings. 

Your bottom lip jutted out as Taehyung tugged you towards a stool sat in front of a vanity, the trifold mirrors reflecting you in your wedding dress, and Taehyung in his suit and red cloak. You watched in the mirror as Taehyung unfastened his robe, which pooled on the ground in a thick pile of fabric. 

Momentarily, you thought to yourself that Jimin would have a heart attack if he saw how carelessly Taehyung treated the garment. Next were his shoes and socks, leaving him barefoot. Your eyes met for a split second and Taehyung smirked as he untucked his dress shirt and unbuttoned the first few buttons, leaving a sliver of his tanned chest exposed. Taehyung’s affinity to comfort over style was domestic, making you feel slightly more at ease in his chambers. 

“Would you mind if I brushed your hair?” he asked as he picked up a silver plated hairbrush. You nodded, and almost immediately, Taehyung began to remove the pins that kept your hair in place. His fingers were deft and gentle, as you could barely feel any sort of tug on your roots. 

Once your braids had been removed, he began to drag the brush from the ends of your hair upwards. He hummed a nameless tune as he worked, making sure to not exert too much pressure. Once every knot had been successfully detangled, Taehyung began to sweep the brush in long, rhythmic strokes. It was incredibly relaxing, to say the least. After several minutes, you found yourself beginning to melt into his touch, your neck craning to meet his hands. 

Taehyung chuckled at your tranquil state, setting the brush back down on the vanity. “Someone’s relaxed,” he noted with a smug grin. 

“Mmm.”

Taehyung swept your hair across your left shoulder, leaving the side of your neck exposed. His gaze locked with your reflection, silently asking permission to initiate contact with your skin. You gulped, wide-eyed, but gave no indication for him to stop. Slowly, Taehyung’s lips descended into the crook of your neck. 

Taehyung tested the water by leaving more kisses in the same area, each one lasting slightly longer than the last. The kisses trailed up and down your neck until one placed directly under your earlobe caused you to shudder. Taehyung’s eyebrow quirked curiously and he returned to that spot, this time adding a slight graze of his teeth. 

Once again, you shuddered, but couldn’t withhold the quiet giggle that escaped you. “Ah, I knew you were ticklish,” Taehyung murmured against your skin. You ignored his proclamation, trying to maintain your willful ignorance. Leaving one last kiss on the spot under your ear, Taehyung continued his exploration of your boundaries. He kissed up your jawline and across your cheek until his lips met the corner of your mouth. 

Demurely, you looked at your hands folded in your lap, a picture-perfect portrait of shyness and innocence. It only made Taehyung’s urge to swallow you whole grow. Time seemed to halt as his lips made contact with yours. They were slightly chapped but still soft and had an aftertaste of the wine from your reception. 

Although the two of you had kissed before, this kiss was vastly different. It was not one of matrimony or duty, but one of experimentation. One of fondness and passion. 

Tentatively, you moved your lips against his, slightly deepening the kiss. He happily accepted your compliance and, in a moment of boldness, cradled your cheek in his hand. The two of you parted, slightly breathless from the intensity of the kiss. Taehyung brought his other hand to your opposite cheek, holding your face in place for him. “You’re gorgeous, amazing, stunning,” he admitted, voice hushed as if he was speaking to himself, “the most beautiful bride I could have asked for.” 

The sincerity of his words caused you to blush furiously, “Thank you, Taehyung.” He didn’t respond but merely kissed you again. And again. And again. 

Taehyung kissed you until your head was spinning and your lungs ached. He kissed you slowly and tenderly, and he kissed you with vigor. Soon, his hands began to wander until they were resting on the bodice of your wedding dress. He toyed with the corset lacing, fingers tugging you closer to him ever so slightly. 

You gasped and broke the kiss, nervously patting down the skirt of your dress. “We should call Jimin,” you said shyly, knowing your advisor would reluctantly help remove your dress as quickly and efficiently as possible. Taehyung abruptly dropped his hands and folded them behind his back, turning away from you in the process. “Jimin this, Jimin that,” he said coolly, almost mockingly. “Why are you so fixated on a servant?” 

“I didn’t mean it like that, Taehyung,” you said, standing and following him as he paced around his chambers.

“Oh, but I do think you meant it like that,” he stated, turning on his heel to face you. Taehyung’s eyes were a void of darkness, almost piercing you to your core. He stepped closer, only a few inches away as he peered down at you. 

“What I think you mean, Y/N, is that I bet you wish it was Jimin kissing you.” He paused, waiting for your reaction, and just as you were about to refute his claim, he continued. “I bet you wish it was Jimin leaving you breathless, or Jimin touching you in sinful ways. Maybe he’d fuck you right here on this vanity, with your wedding dress still on.” While Taehyung prattled on, and definitely not one to curse so outwardly, he discreetly began tugging on the lace of your corset, unraveling it with newfound practiced expertise. In a matter of seconds, your dress fell to the floor, leaving you exposed in nothing more than your undergarments and jewelry. 

Taehyung’s voice dropped an octave, absolutely oozing with lust. “Do you still wish it was Jimin here, in this room? Talking to you the way I do?” 

“No,” you half-whispered, half mewled, clearly affected by Taehyung’s words, “I want you.” Taehyung seized the opportunity to lift you into his arms, wrapping your legs around his torso and carrying you to the bed. He set you down with a soft thud, and quickly rid himself of his dress shirt. 

You scooted up until your back rested on the pillows, and Taehyung crawled to meet you, caging you between his arms. His index finger hooked under your chin, guiding your lips to his once more, but this time, the kiss was more carnal and urgent. You threaded your fingers in his hair, trying to close the nonexistent gap between the two of you. All you wanted was Taehyung, and you were all he wanted in return.

Taehyung reluctantly pulled back, thumbs affectionately grazing over your cheekbone as he looked into your eyes. “Are you sure you’re comfortable with this? We don’t have to if you don’t-” 

“I’m fine, Taehyung. I promise,” you reassured with a smile, which he returned with a toothy grin of his own. 

“If that’s the case, then,” he trailed off, eyes traversing down your scantily clad body. Taehyung quickly rid you of your bridal undergarments, tossing them off the side of the bed, leaving you only in the heavy, diamond-encrusted necklace. Now fully bare, he took a moment to fully drink in your appearance-- from the swell of your breasts, down to the sloping of your waist that ended in the apex between your thighs. 

Taehyung had always been stoic, never one to outwardly show his emotions, but tonight he looked at you with such an overwhelming adoration that you could not identify. “All of this is mine, forever.”

Your newlywed husband descended upon your lips again, but with him, he left gentle, fleeting touches along with the more intimate parts of your body. The pad of Taehyung’s thumb flicked your nipple, eliciting a whimper from you. He retracted immediately, face clouded with worry. 

“Y/N, did that hurt, or feel good?” 

“Felt good,” you mumbled, shying away under his attentive stare, choosing instead to focus your attention on the flickering flames of the candles. Taehyung noticed your hesitancy and pulled your chin back to face him, eyes ardent and bright. “I promise that tonight, and every night, I’ll only do what makes you feel good.” 

You had previously known that beneath his aloof exterior Taehyung was patient and kind, but his proclamation of respect helped set your heart at ease. His presence was comforting-- enough to trust him by giving yourself to him fully.

You strained your neck to leave a light peck on Taehyung’s lips, “Can I be honest?” 

“Always.”

Inhaling sharply, you divulged your worries to your husband, your confidant, “I’m scared it’ll hurt.” Taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, oblivious to your innuendo. You continued, voice hushed with embarrassment, “My handmaidens told me their first times were painful....” 

Taehyung’s eyes widened to the size of saucers; a switch was flipped and he was now the comedic embodiment of childlike innocence. 

“Oh…” 

A beat of silence passed, in which Taehyung tenderly cupped your face in his hands, planting a kiss on the tip of your nose. “I can’t promise it won’t hurt, but I’ll be as slow and gentle as you need me to be.” You shifted, a movement Taehyung perceived as one of impatience, which brought him back to the realization that you were here, naked, underneath him. 

Once again, his hands explored every inch of exposed skin until they slowly began to traverse southwards towards your walls. Experimentally, Taehyung inserted his middle finger, cautiously studying your facial expressions for any signs of discomfort on your behalf. 

Taehyung flexed his finger, the sensation coaxing you to whimper in relief. His touch, albeit tender and chaste, was exactly what you craved at this very moment. Taehyung’s filthy words had riled you up so much that you felt like you would snap at any given moment.

The thrumming of his finger increased substantially as Taehyung felt you relax around him. And judging by your hushed whines and the way your tongue poked out from between your lips, he knew you were beginning to enjoy yourself. 

Consequently, he tested his theory by sliding a second finger in. Your gasp was audible, followed by a hum of approval. Your noises were the most endearing thing Taehyung had ever heard, and his ego swelled with pride knowing they were all because of him.

You felt the strain of his cock against your thigh, and immediately your attention was shifted towards relieving the ache he must have been feeling. With trembling hands, you reached for the waist of his pants, only to be denied with a swift kiss on the lips. “Tonight is about you, my Queen,” Taehyung purred.

“Want you,” you implored, rutting yourself against the hand nestled between your legs. 

“Then you can have me.”

Taehyung removed the two fingers coated with slick, eyes boring into you as he slid them into his mouth, while his other hand nimbly unfastened and discarded his shirt. The eye-contact remained as he removed the fingers from his mouth with a ‘pop’, the sight filling you with uncontrollable lust. His trousers and underwear followed shortly thereafter, leaving him just as naked as you. His erection stood proud against his abdomen, rounded tip leaking with precome. Taehyung spit into his hand and applied a generous coat on himself, before lining up with your entrance.

You nodded, a microscopic trace of a smile ghosting your lips as Taehyung’s length began to breach your walls. The pain was almost immediate, and you couldn’t help but yelp in response. Thankfully, Taehyung was quick to assuage your discomfort. He interlocked his fingers with yours, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze before easing in slowly-- inch by inch-- until he was finally snugly nestled inside you. 

Tears pricked the corners of your eyes, causing you to release a shuddered breath. “Shhh, it's okay,” Taehyung cooed, freehand brushing away the unshed tears. “Don’t think about the pain. Think about how good it’ll feel.” 

He lowered his lips to the shell of your ear, voice deep with lust, “Think about me fucking you into the mattress, giving you every single inch of me. Think about how euphoric you’ll feel once you orgasm, and how I’ll fuck you through it and into the next one.” He sealed his words with a languid kiss that was all tongue, saliva, and bated breath. 

Once your body became accustomed to the stretch, you lightly squeezed Taehyung’s hand, parting from the kiss to give him a tiny nod of approval. He dropped his forehead to yours, dark locks cascading around you like a curtain of protection. It was only you and him; you were safe with Taehyung. 

Taehyung’s hips drew back, then surged forward, the movement making him shudder. The moan that escaped his mouth was borderline pornographic, “God, you’re so fucking tight and perfect.” He repeated the motion, careful not to accidentally thrust into you with too much force. 

Soon, Taehyung had developed a steady tempo, the sound of skin on skin echoing within the confines of his room. Removing his hand from yours, Taehyung anchored it to your waist for better grip to further angle his hips. With each stroke, he sought to bring you to the very brink of orgasm. Evidently, Taehyung had found your sensitive spot, judging by the way you hooked your legs behind his back in an effort to pull him closer.

Taehyung grit his teeth as he snapped his hips with more vigor, “That’s it, that’s the spot.” His pace increased, causing you to gasp in astonishment. Your newlywed husband was moaning shamelessly-- long, lurid strings of curses, followed by your name-- in pure ecstasy as he lost himself within you. 

He looked beautiful above you, sinew of his chest and face dampened by a thin sheen of sweat. Deep in the thralls of your first sexual experience, your mouth moved on its own accord, the need to vocalize your pleasure, “Feels s-so good, T-Tae.” He paused, eyes anxiously searching yours as if he was second-guessing reality itself. 

“Call me that again,” Taehyung implored.

Batting your eyes like an innocent child, you tempted him again: “Tae.” 

Two strong arms slithered under your shoulders, keeping you nestled snugly against his cock. “I can’t wait to fill you up,” he groaned. “You have no idea how much I want to…” The sinful insinuation ignited your need to see Taehyung unravel himself within you and above you-- to have him unload every ounce of his physical and emotional self.

Hooking your arms around Taehyung’s shoulders, you pulled yourself upright, leaning yourself against his solid chest. The new angle meant you sank deeper, the two of you panting heavily as you both attempted to abstain from an early orgasm. “Tae, please,” you whined, pouting as he held you down against his hips with an impenetrable grasp. You slid your right hand into his left, conjoining your fingers. 

With Taehyung’s grip lessened, this allowed you to leverage yourself enough space for some friction. “Shit, ughh,” he moaned, feeling you grind on his cock with impatience. 

Taehyung rut into you, effortlessly reaching your g-spot. Your toes became numb and your chest constricted so tightly you thought you’d suffocate split around Taehyung. The throbbing in your lower regions became so insurmountable that it was almost painful. “I think I’m, I’m,” you stuttered, entirely at a loss for words. 

Although it was your first time being with one another, Taehyung was incredible attuned to your body, sensing that you were on the brink. “Me too, baby.” He kissed you, coaxing from you a surreptitious whine of pleasure. “Let go, Y/N,” he murmured against your lips, squeezing your hand.   

Initially, the verge of an orgasm seemed so frightening-- like you were teetering on the edge of a cliff--but the aftereffects were so euphoric, so rapturous, that you would gladly experience it with Taehyung again and again.

He followed shortly thereafter, painting your walls as his cock throbbed from the much-needed release. Although it was slightly uncomfortable, the two of you remained joined, seated, basking in the warm afterglow of sex. Once you felt Taehyung’s erection had finally softened inside you, you attempted to push off his chest, only to be pulled back into him. “Just a few more minutes,” Taehyung whined, giving you the biggest puppy eyes imaginable. 

You chuckled at his neediness but didn’t shy away from his advances, appreciating that he enjoyed your lovemaking so much that he wanted to stay coupled.

Words between you two were not needed, the comforting silence itself being all that was necessary. Your head rested against Taehyung’s pectoral, the rhythmic thrumming of his heartbeat filling your ears as his hands smoothed through your tangled hair. 

“You’re my sun, my moon and all my stars, Y/N,” Taehyung whispered. “I love you.” In response, you nuzzled further into his chest, your eyelids beginning to feel like led, heavy and weighty as you slowly succumbed to fatigue. “Love… too,” you breathed. 

With his lingering touches, you and Taehyung softly drifted into sleep. It would be the first and last time you two would ever share a bed, and as when your eyes fluttered open from the bright rays of the Sun, the other side was empty, the warmth you desperately yearned for missing. 

Every day, you hoped to catch another glimpse, but with an understanding smile, you nodded to yourself. All you could do was hold onto his words, believing that he meant them, no matter how much it slowly felt like all a lie. 

»»————- ♔ ————-««

“Jimin.” 

“Yes, your highness?” 

“Where’s Taehyung?” 

“He’s attending his duties, my queen.” 

You sat in one of the comfortable chairs near your coffee table, teacup in your hand as you stared out of the window, Jimin standing behind you with his hands folded neatly in front of him. From where you sat, the sky was somewhat gloomy, the grey clouds hovering over the castle and past the gardens, stretching to the town. The room you were comfortably nestled in was ashy, lacking the illuminating glow of the Sun that caused the crystals on the ceiling to sparkle, bouncing off the walls. 

“Jimin, are you lying to me?” Your voice was sharpened ice, cold and quick that pierced his heart, his mouth spasming at the lack of words that struggled to leave his lips. On the other hand, you were leisurely taking a refreshing sip out from your cup, only to harshly bring it down on the saucer, patience slowly dwindling. 

“Well?” 

“Of course not, your highness.” Jimin bowed, biting his lip as he seemed to be filled with unrest, his feet shuffling and his body unable to find a natural balance that lacked anxiousness.

“Why haven’t I seen him in days?” You asked, looking at Jimin from the corner of your eye, only for him to shrivel up small. “Why aren’t you answering me, Jimin?” 

“I-I don’t know…” Jimin whispered, bowing his head so his eyes could no longer see you. “I don’t know where he is now…” Jimin lied between his teeth, unable to lift his head up, filled with shame. 

“Jimin.” You repeated, staring once again out of the window. 

“Yes, your majesty?” 

“Be honest with me, understood?” 

“Of course.” 

“Is Taehyung… Is he taking after his father?” Your throat constricted as you suppressed the violent sob that wanted to rip out your lungs, your hands slamming onto the table as you buried your head into the crook of your arm. Jimin lifted his head up, only to watch as slow tears descended down your cheek, his heart shattering as he hurried over to you, wiping them away. 

“Y/n, I would never lie to you about something like this. He’s not. Please believe me.” Jimin pleaded, wrapping your hands in between his as he brought them up to his forehead. 

“Then… then, where is he?” 

Jimin only shook his head. 

“Jimin! Where is he?!” You sobbed, your entire face turning a shade of red, tears slowly pricking at the corner of your eyes.

“The alliance between the two kingdoms just isn’t strong enough and we’ve been…” Jimin sputtered out in a continuous stream of thought, breathing out harshly. “We’ve been at war for quite some time… Taehy- I mean, the King is busy and he’s probably fighting out there.”  

“Jimin, nobody’s talking about such things. Stop speaking nonsense. I don’t need this right now!” 

“That’s what you’d like to think. Your highness, you must believe me.” Jimin smiled sadly. “Nobody’s talking about it because it was on his majesty’s orders.” He only continued, turning away. “Taehyung’s not here because he’s been busy fighting… and he… he wouldn’t let me go out there with him. Said it’s better if I stay here with you.” 

Jimin’s voice slowly broke as he curled up on the floor, his knees to his chest as he also began to tear up, his eyes red and watery. It was like he was reverting to the boy of his age, rightfully upset and unable to properly let out his frustration, only to ball up on the floor. He brought the back of his arm up to his face, wiping away his tears as he willed up enough courage to continue on.

“Taehyung… Taehyung…” Jimin sobbed, struggling to breathe as he desperately tried to finish his sentence. “We can’t win anymore.” Jimin cried as you listened in horror. “We’re losing. We’re going to lose, my queen. We’ve probably already lost by now.” 

You gasped out in disbelief as if the peaceful weeks or even months had been a complete lie. “Jimin… stop playing this sick joke on me.”

“I’m not. This is the truth.” 

“Jimin… Jimin... Jimin!” You screamed, shaking his body as he sealed his mouth shut, no “kidding” or “it’s only a joke” coming from his lips. The usually calm and collected queen was now in shambles, devastated. 

There was a moment where you stood perfectly still, too shocked that the only thing you could do was shake your head back and forth. Your hands released him as he dropped back onto the floor on his knees, turning back to your drink, cooling your head down. “This isn’t real.” You spat in denial, pouring another glass into your cup.

“Jimin… How long…?” 

“Ever since the king’s death.” 

Jimin wiped his face, brushing himself off as he began to steady himself. “The other kingdoms wouldn’t acknowledge Taehyung as the new king, so with the Countess and her followers...They want to acknowledge her and her new husband. And to make matters worse, she took all the necessary military forces that the King was lent by the family.” 

You scowled, your lips taking another sip of your tea, trying to suppress the headache that slowly ate away in your head. “I need to lie down for a bit…”

Before you could even reach the bed, your legs gave out, knees buckling as you toppled onto the floor.

“W-wha-” You gurgled, noticing the excessively drooling that spilled out from your mouth, your body lurching forward, the upper half of your body collapsing on the bed. Your body burned all over, increasing the rate of your breaths as you gripped the sheets harshly, feeling the strength of your legs fail you. 

There was an onslaught of coughs, your arms instinctively coming up to your throat as if you felt you were choking. The thumping of your heart increased in your chest, pupils enlarging as you gasped for air. 

“J-J-Jimi-” You coughed, pulling up all the strength you could muster to receive help from your assistant. But, you wished that you didn’t, for when you met his eyes, they stared blankly at yours, slowly darting away and at the cup on the table. “Y-you…” 

“Forgive me, even if you can’t, my queen,” Jimin whispered under his breath, letting his fringe fall over his eyes, backing away from your desperate figure. “These too were Taehyung’s orders.” 

“H-how c-could you… Jimin?” You sobbed, only for blood to spill out of your mouth and onto the white tiles on the floor. Jimin turned away, the ferocity of your eyes too gut-wrenching to look at, feeling his heart shatter. “How could h-he… W-why?” 

“I’m sorry.” was all he said, your vision slowly turning blurry, unable to keep your head raised upright. Jimin couldn’t do this to you. How could those be the last words you would ever hear? How could Taehyung do this to you? Didn’t he love you? 

Tears and blood fused together as your body sagged, wondering what you did wrong, why you deserved such a cruel fate from the people who reassured you, the people who were supposed to help you.

“J-Jimin… What d-did I do…?” 

Jimin only squeezed his eyes shut, listening as your harsh breathing slowed down, your sobs no longer filling his ears. The sight was terrible, blood dripping from your mouth and down your chin, only to pool onto the floor. With trembling hands, he reached toward your limp figure, picking you up and placing you back onto the soft mattress, wiping away the blood. 

The sky was no longer grey, the darkness reigning over the sky. Strong winds attacked the windows, rattling against their nails and a small drizzle falling from the sky. It was then Jimin heard the sound of a horse, hooves attacking the paved road into the palace, a darkened figure approaching with a brisk gallop. 

Jimin got himself comfortable on the chair you had sat in just prior, fiddling with his fingers as he heard the familiar footsteps running in the hallway. He could tell the labored breaths that escaped the lips of the King, his cloak providing a small gust behind him. 

“Jimin.”

“Yes.”

Their brief eye contact said it all, Jimin’s eyes red and face puffy, only to look away, darting his eyes off the King’s tired figure. 

“Thank you, Jimin.” 

Taehyung's arm was covered with bandages, lips chapped and bloody, yet, with his remaining strength, he sauntered over to the bed where you slept peacefully. 

“My queen,” He whispered under his breath, taking a seat next to you like he had always done in the morning, thumb trailing over your cheek. “I’m back… I’m here to see you, my beautiful…” 

Jimin got up from his seat, only to stand off to the side with his head lowered, hair sprawled in several directions as his tears continued to drip onto the tile floor. Taehyung exhaled peacefully, humming in the air, his eyes fluttering as he continued to whisper. 

“I love you, y/n. I’m hoping your memories remain untarnished and that you lived the last moments of your life in happy ignorance, unaware of everything, just true happiness…”  He leaned down, planting a kiss on your temple. 

“I hope you felt loved… I hope you know that I loved you, that I still do.” 

Jimin took slow steps to the table, setting down another cup and filling them both to the brim. 

“I’ll be seeing you soon.” He murmured to you, stepping away from the mattress as he gratefully accepted the cup Jimin handed over, cheering and clicking the glass together. 

“Cheers, Jimin. Thank you for… for everything.” He breathed out, patting him on the shoulder. 

“Of course, your majesty…” 

“A servant to the end?” Taehyung teased despite the thundering in the background, the hundreds of torches illuminating in the darkened sky behind them, all marching towards the castle.

“No… Just a friend.” Jimin smiled back, the King taken aback before giving a small nod, him too also smiling, his eyes glassy. 

“Right… Friend… That’s a… good one...” 

They drank together, their throats bobbing until both cups were empty and cracking as they fell onto the ground. Taehyung, with desperate movements, dragged his feet over to the bed, lying down as his eyes began to slowly close. 

“J...Jimin…” Taehyung breathed heavily, only for the servant to nod, grabbing the mantle on the shelf and throwing it onto the ground, the fire growing as it ate away at the furniture. “...Good…” The King’s eyes closed shut, his breathing slowly constricting and body motionless, the fire continuing to grow in the room. 

With sweat trailing down Jimin’s forehead, he pulled the heavy bedroom door closed, locking it from the inside as he coughed out harshly, the smoke starting to collect. He slowly crawled on his knees, his strength dissipating into the air until he was next to the mattress, lying on the cold tile while the flames tore through half the bedroom. 

“T-taehyung… Y/n…" He coughed harshly. "Thank you...”

The palace was paraded with thunderous footsteps, heavy armor clanking against their bodies as hundreds of soldiers marched up the numerous steps. They quickly made their way toward the King and Queen's chambers, only to find the hallway in ruin. The embers burned at the walls, the dripping heat fanning their concealed faces. With the roar of the flames, the army was forced back, waiting until the blaze subsided. 

It wasn't until the next day that the fire dwindled down into nothing, no more to eat through, everything grey throughout the resting wing of the palace. The soldiers slowly made their way through the beaten-up floors that barely supported their weight, only to find the door to the King’s chambers gone, replaced by a gigantic hole. 

It was an alluring scene, yet their hearts couldn’t help but feel melancholic. The room was ravaged by the flames, every corner ruined and destroyed, yet they could see the overlooking view of the palace gardens, the bright lavender delphiniums swinging in the breeze, so delicately sweet.

[daisyaydon]

After a very busy time in my day job, I took some time out to catch up with ‘life admin’ so I’ve been a bit quieter than normal on social media recently. My vast list of domestic drudgery has reduced a little (how is there still so much to do?) and I’ve even persuaded my husband to take a couple of days off (mainly because I needed help lifting heavy stuff, but it all counts!). I’ve also made good progress on creating the next collection: stitching is done, construction is almost complete and instructions are in progress... . If you’d like advance notice of my next pieces and early bird pre-order discounts, head over to bluecoppice.com! Just scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and follow the instructions to sign up (I won’t bombard you with emails or give your address to anyone else) 💐🐝 . In the meantime, this is a close-up shot of the Roman grotto from the Water Harden Sampler, inspired by the fountains found in Pompeii and Herculaneum. The previous owners of the Honeyapple Meadow estate embarked on a Grand Tour back in the late eighteenth century, and appear to have brought some souvenirs back with them...Medusa is not impressed...⛲️🐝 . #bluecoppice #honeyapplemeadow #watergarden #sampler #samplerseptember #stitchingsmalls #needlework #countedthreadembroidery #countedthreadwork #stayhomeandstitch #bewellandstitch #crossstitching #xstitching #xstitch #stumpwork #bees #dragonflies #medusa #dmcthreads #rajmahalartsilk #zweigartlinen https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPotnYnEbp/?igshid=1pq2uogwy5s45

[fresh-outta-jams]

The Man of My Dreams

The Man of My Dreams Yoongi x Reader Soulmate AU

Author: Admin Mo Sequel to So Far Away (Link in Masterlist) Word Count: 2.3k Warnings: Soulmate Fluffff

Since you and Yoongi had met in person, not all that much had changed between you. When you were dreaming, you talked and hung out, and in person, it was the same, but without the talking. Yoongi had been working his ass off to learn ASL so you didn’t have to write everything out all the time, and he was getting good at reading your lips too. He didn’t try to make a big show of it, because he wasn’t that kind of person, but you noticed his improvement without him having to say anything.

When you were together in person, you spent a lot of time working on music. Oftentimes, he would pull you into his lap in the Genius Lab, strap some headphones on your head, and have you pick out what was slightly off. You were good at that. Other times, you would pluck out impromptu duets and giggle at the spontaneous chaos of the keys, clashing until you found a blend that worked.

The boys noticed a shift in his demeanor when he was around you. He was softer, lighter, not necessarily all that different, but different enough for them to notice. It happened to them too, when they were with their soulmates. There was something about the chemistry two members of a soul bond shared, something irreplaceable and unbreakable. No matter how many times the adults in your lives had described it to you, none of their explanations could compare to the feeling of it. There were no words to describe how close you felt to him, but maybe it was partially because you had known him for a few years prior to meeting him in real life.

As soon as the two of you could find time in your busy, busy schedules, Yoongi pulled some strings and arranged for a little trip.

By the time the day came for your vacation, you hadn’t seen Yoongi in real life in at least a few months. You were seriously craving his warmth, his arms around you, his voice in your ear. And what better place to satisfy your needs than in the happiest place on earth?

Destination: Disney World.

When you landed at the airport, you were looking for a driver with a sign with your name on it. Instead, you found a familiar face and a head of brightly colored hair. Rainbow.

(Y/N) “Rainbow” Garcia was Hoseok’s soulmate. She had the same name as you, so she had taken on the name “Rainbow” so the boys could tell you apart.

“Hey girl,” Rainbow smiled, pulling you in for a hug. You had already met her once for the TwoHearts Awards, and you and the other BTS soulmates had a group chat. It was lit. “You ready to get our Disney on?”

You nodded and gave her a thumbs-up. She handed you a pair of Minnie Mouse ears and you put them on. She too was wearing ears, but instead of the classic black ears with the red and white bow, hers were iridescent rainbow colors. You expected no less from her, to be honest.

“Those are from Yoongi. They’re meeting us at the hotel. But don’t worry, my playlist is lit. It’ll be a fun drive.”

And indeed it was. The two of you spent the entirety of the ride jamming out to your soulmates’ music, specifically, their mixtapes. With a healthy dose of BTS sprinkled in for good measure, of course.

The hotel you were staying in was the Art of Animation Resort, and immediately, the room you were in was perfect. It was Little Mermaid themed. You had latched onto Ariel for obvious reasons, given your shared lack of voice but love of music, so the movie held a special place in your heart.

You turned on the TV to find (surprise!) Disney movies and shows. Not that you were complaining. There was a reason you had taken Yoongi here in your dreams. Maybe it was the hope those movies had or the promise of magic and wishes granted, but you loved everything about what they stood for.

After waiting for a little while longer, you slipped into the bathroom (the shower looked like Ariel’s Grotto!) and changed into a t-shirt that said “a sea witch stole my voice”, adjusting your newly blue hair in the mirror. Yoongi had only seen it in pictures, but told you he was blown away as always. Your followers on Twitter, of course, had put up pictures of him with blue hair for the side-by-side comparison. The internet had spoken: you were officially couple goals.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, there was a knock at the door. Rainbow opened it and you walked out of the bathroom.

“There’s my rainbow girl!” Hobi exclaimed, taking Rainbow in his arms and spinning her around like he did every time they saw each other.

Yoongi came in after, a smile slowly creeping across his lips as he neared you. Reaching out, he twirled a strand of your blue hair around his finger. “The blue looks nice. And so do you.” Simple and sweet, as was everything about your relationship. He gently pulled you forward and kissed your forehead.

It didn’t take too long to get out into the parks, riding the bus to the Magic Kingdom. Yoongi held your hand tight, his thumb grazing over the back of it gently. He seemed nervous, you noticed. Quieter than usual. But then he would look over at you and all of his anxiety seemed to melt away into that beautiful smile. And yes, Yoongi looked adorable in his Mickey ears.

You put up a picture of the two of you on the bus, Yoongi’s head resting on your shoulder and his arm around your waist. In flooded the likes and comments. Rainbow made sure to have Hobi get a pic of you and her in front of the castle, pinkies interlocked and Minnie ears equipped. It was like the best double-date ever.

After riding Splash Mountain and getting absolutely soaked, which felt nice in the heat, hitting Haunted Mansion and listening to Hobi scream for ten minutes straight, and riding Pirates of the Caribbean, you took a break for Dole Whip, a magical blend of pineapple and vanilla ice cream. Yoongi reached across the table and took your hand, his thumb rubbing your knuckles. He had so much love in his warm brown eyes and it just filled you with warmth in that way unique to soulmates. You had never felt this way about anyone.

When your cup was empty, he threw it away for you and then came back, slipping his hand into yours as soon as you stood up from the table.

“Where do we want to go next?” Rainbow opened up her map of the park. “We still haven’t hit Tomorrowland.”

You held up your hand and signed “E-P-C-O-T?”

“Ooooooooh yessss,” Rainbow agreed.

“What’s in Epcot?” Hobi asked.

“The world’s showcase.” Rainbow lit up thinking about it. “They have like a bunch of buildings that represent a bunch of countries around the world.”

“It’s really cool.” You signed. Yoongi snaked an arm around your hips, a hand settling on the fabric of your jean shorts.

“Then we should go.”

After walking around the whole world in a few hours, you went back to the Magic Kingdom to ride the teacups, Small World (which resulted in Hobi singing the song for at least an hour after), and the Little Mermaid ride. You met some characters (caption: We took Happy and Sleepy to meet Snow White!), caught the parade, watched the fireworks, and went back to the hotel room.

Yoongi sat in your bed while you showered, his laptop sitting in his lap and headphones over his ears while he worked on mixing some beats and layering some harmonies. But as soon as the bathroom door opened, he closed the computer, turning his full attention on his beautiful soulmate. He watched as you walked over to the bed, your blue hair thrown into a messy braid.

“You are so beautiful, jagi.” His voice was low, already slipping into sleep. He truly loved being able to spend the night with you. And he hoped that someday soon, it would be an every night thing.

“Says the most handsome man in the world.” You signed, making him smirk and reach out for you. Moments later, you were in his arms and loving every second of it, basking in his warmth.

“I promised I would take you here, didn’t I?” Yoongi brushed the hair out of your eyes.

You nodded and curled into him, pressing a kiss to his jaw to let him know wordlessly just how much you cared about him. The connection you shared was was deeper than words. But that didn’t mean you didn’t have a surprise put together for him. Over the past several months, you had been going through vocal therapy. Yes, your vocal chords had been damaged beyond repair. They were not fit for regular use. But you found that with practice, you could force out a hoarse whisper. It was barely there, barely audible, but still there.

You didn’t say anything. Yet. You were saving it, the first ‘I love you’ for a special moment. You didn’t know, however, just how soon that would be.

***

A week in Disney seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. Every day brought a new adventure.

One of the days you went to Blizzard Beach and you got to enjoy the sight of Yoongi in his swimming trunks with wet hair. There was a ton of splashing involved, especially where Hobi was concerned. His playfulness had been soaking more and more into Rainbow, you noticed. You were glad, though. After she had been stuck with Gray Syndrome for so long, it was nice to finally see her happy.

Another day, you went shopping in Downtown Disney, where when you tried to pay for the toys and things you had found, Yoongi lowered your hand and gave you a look that said, “I don’t think so.” And then proceeded to pay for you, which prompted you to give him a kiss as soon you walked out of the store.

You ended up watching Fantasmic, riding Star Tours, competing in Toy Story Mania, meeting Stitch, eating at Be Our Guest, and doing what you and Yoongi had always done: made the most of the time you had.

On the last day, everything was perfect. You were wearing your matching soulmate shirts, you had ridden so many rides, gotten ice cream, and now, you were watching the fireworks. Hobi and Rainbow had gone to ride Splash Mountain one last time, so you and Yoongi were alone, staring up at the brilliant colors that filled the night sky. His arm was slung around your shoulders and yours was wrapped around his torso.

After a few minutes, Yoongi bent down, seeming to notice something on the ground. You were too distracted by the bright lights and moving colors to fully process what was happening.

“Jagi, you dropped something.” His voice was behind you now, and when you turned to look, he was kneeling there, a little velvet box with the most perfect ring inside held in a shaking hand.

You were stunned. Shocked. You sort of had a feeling something like this was coming. You had known Yoongi for a long time, going on four years now, and you were soulmates after all. But there were still tears in your eyes as your heart threatened to hop out of your chest.

“Yes!” You mouthed, nodding frantically after staring at him for a while. “Y-yes!”

“I had a whole speech ready.” He chuckled, still kneeling on the ground. Yoongi took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto your finger, kissing the back of your hand. He stood on shaky legs, standing to meet you.

You didn’t hesitate to grab his face and pull it to yours, kissing him long and deep. His arms wrapped around your waist tightly and he deepened the kiss, thumbs massaging circles into your hips. When you finally came up for air, he stopped to look at you for a long time, admiring how the light framed your features so perfectly. He wanted to remember this moment and everything about it.

The moment you agreed to be his forever.

“Yoongi.” You strained to make even the smallest noise, but even with all of the sound that surrounded you, he still was taken aback, lips parting in silent surprise. “I love you.”

Although he had been able to keep his composure until now, the sound of your voice, however crackly, faint, or hoarse, caused him to immediately burst into tears, reaching out for you and pulling you into his arms. He couldn’t contain the emotion built up inside him anymore, and you realized as he held onto you as tightly as he could that this was the first time you had seen him cry. Even when you had met for the first time, he hadn’t cried, even though you had.

“I love you so much.” His voice was muffled in the fabric of your t-shirt. “So much.”

And so you stood there, holding each other and crying and confessing your love over and over, a diamond ring wrapped around your finger and more love in your heart than you knew what to do with. You knew one thing for certain: you couldn’t wait to start working on your forever with the man of your dreams. 

[roundtheworldrambles]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Day 144 – Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

My final day in Singapore was packed with life-admin, complete with many visa arrangements, accommodation, ferry and flight bookings for the rest of my time in South East Asia. I bounced around the little shops in Chinatown, picking up everything from a replacement tripod and medications, to Tiger Balm for my still-recovering knee. I figured this was a good time to stock up on the essentials before I began hostel hopping through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam over the following 7 weeks. After a final hawker centre meal, I packed up my bag and headed back to Changi Airport, boarding a 7:30pm Air Asia Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

After a short, 1-hour flight North, I arrived in KL in the early evening, easily passing through customs and boarding the metro from KL Sentral to Pasar Seni. Arriving in Chinatown after dark, I headed to my nearby hostel, Mingle, which had come highly recommend to me from a fellow traveller I had met in Morocco. The air in Kuala Lumpur was thick with humidity, and I was immediately drenched with sweat after only a few minutes of walking. Even after dark, the pre-war architecture of Chinatown was fascinating. Multi storied shophouses were on every corner - some tastefully restored and painted, some weather-beaten and water stained. Large flickering billboards hung over the streets. It also felt like a neighbourhood that never sleeps! Restaurant and bar customers spilled out into the streets, sitting on bright plastic stools and eating at low tables set up on the sidewalks. My hostel for the next 3 nights, Mingle, was in a historic building, the white walls streaked with black stains, having weathered years of colonial rule and World War 2. Inside, the hostel itself had been tastefully refurbished, while also keeping many of the historic touches from the century-old original construction. I immediately crashed for the night on arrival, gearing up for a busy few days of travelling around the lively capital of Malaysia.

Mingle Hostel in Chinatown

Day 145 – Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves

Enjoying breakfast on the rooftop terrace of my hostel, I met Jannes, a German traveller who had also recently arrived in KL. Since we were both planning on heading to the Batu Caves that day, we joined forces, hailing a Grab (Asia’s counterpart to Uber) and setting out to our destination, 30 minutes north of the city. It was fascinating to get a sense of the scale of Kuala Lumpur as we drove – the greater city area - called the Klang Valley - is home to over 7.5 million people, and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia, both in population and economic power. The Malaysian capital is also known for its multicultural population, made up primarily of Malay, Indian and Chinese residents – resulting in a fusion of cultures and religions, vibrant events and festivities, and incredible local cuisine.

Streets of Kuala Lumpur

The morning sun was already furiously beating down as we arrived at the Batu Caves, located in a large limestone hill. This 100-year-old Hindu temple is an important religious landmark, with three massive, naturally formed limestone caves which have been turned into shrines.  As we approached the entry gate and took in the massive limestone hill, I caught sight of the colossal, gold statue of the Hindu deity Murugan, towering 140 feet high in front of the staircase leading to the caves. Passing underneath the statue, we began to ascend the 272 steps towards the grottoes. Hundreds of curious macaque monkeys scampered around the limestone cliffs and darted along the stairs next to us. We kept our belongings close to us – as these monkeys are notorious pickpockets!

Macaque Monkeys

Arriving at the top of the stairs, we entered the gigantic, limestone cavern, with craggy rock formations hanging from the vaulted ceiling, and smaller crevices and caverns leading away from the main “Cathedral Cave”. We spent the next hour wandering through the enormous caves, scattered with numerous Hindu shrines, dedicated to different deities. Swirling plumes of incense followed us as we wandered along.  The towering limestone ceilings had a few large holes, letting in the sun and illuminating the caves in a mesmerizing way.  The caves were a truly impressive sight.  

Batu Caves

Jannes and I hailed another Grab for a ride back into the city, ready to tuck into to a delicious Malaysian lunch. We were directed to the nearby Old China Café – a cosy Peranakan café serving delicious Chinese Malay dishes such as Char Kuey Teow (flat noodle stir-fry), Lemak Nenas (pineapple prawn curry), Teh Tarik (a hot milk tea prepared with condensed milk), blue coconut rice, and Nasi Lemak (a dish cooked in a pandan leaf with coconut milk). My first venture into Malaysian cuisine certainly did not disappoint – with Malaysia ultimately ending up being my favourite country for food throughout all of my travels!

Returning to our hostel, we met up with other travellers Jannes had previously befriended– Bart from Brussels, Caroline from London, and Egle, a true citizen of the world, who had lived across Europe, Shanghai, and was in the process of moving to Byron Bay to study yoga. In the afternoon, Jannes, Bart and I set out to explore Chinatown. We first visited Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. A ornate, 5-tiered Gopuram tower rose above the entrance, sculpted with colourful depictions of numerous Hindu deities. Taking off our shoes, we wandered the edge of the main prayer hall, quietly taking in the relaxed atmosphere and colourful murals while trying not to disturb the worshippers.

We continued onwards to Petaling Street Market. Formerly the location of a tapioca mill, modern-day Petaling street is a flea market, chock-a-block with shops, food stalls, selling everything under the sun – fake branded items, Malaysian cuisine, fishmongers, souvenirs, and local goods. At night, the whole area transforms into a vibrant night market, with vendors selling countless discount items for only a few Ringgits. Heading a few blocks over, we walked through Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, which is a handicrafts market, and the former location of a wet market. We spend some time poking around the different stores, with items such as batik prints, paintings and Chinese herbs, to palmistry booths and pearl vendors from Malaysian Borneo.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Leaving the markets behind, we walked along the banks of the Klang and Gombak rivers, taking in the spectacular architecture along our way – in particular the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a 1800s heritage building which originally housed the offices of the British colonial administration prior to Malaysia’s independence in 1957. The long building hosts several impressive architectural features, from onion-shaped copper domes and dozens of pink and white bricked archways, to spiral staircases and a central clock-tower designed to echo London’s Big Ben.

At the confluence of the two rivers sits the Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur, a century-old mosque. Built with red brick and marble, the striking designs of the mosque incorporates Moorish and north Indian Islamic architecture.

Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur

As we continued along the river, we became gradually more fatigued from the overpowering heat, finally stopping for a cold Angkor beer on a covered patio. Relaxing in the shade, we recharged our batteries before heading back to our hostel, meeting up with Caroline. Our group headed out for dinner in Chinatown, sitting on tiny red stools along the sidewalk and sharing Malaysian dishes, including Hokkien Fried Noodles, Beef Char Kuey Teow, and even trying a Fried Frog and Ginger dish! For my second meal out – I continued to be blown away by how good Malaysian food was.

As night fell, we haggled with a taxi and caught a ride to Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre, (or “KLCC”), the modern epicentre of the city, complete with futuristic skyscrapers, office towers, upscale shopping centres, luxury hotels and dining. The most famous landmarks in the centre of KLCC are the Petronas Twin Towers, 88-storey buildings with a bridge joining the towers at the 41st and 42nd floors. At night, the towers are lit up, giving them a dazzling, spaceship-like aura.

Petronas Towers

We walked to KLCC park, a 50-acre garden with man-made lakes and fountains, located directly across from the twin towers. We were just on time to catch the final musical fountain show, where fountain displays are choreographed to music and lights, set against KLCC’s impressive skyline.

Capping off a busy day in Kuala Lumpur, our group of four headed back to Chinatown, where we set up camp at our hostel’s rooftop cocktail bar, swapping stories late into the night.

Day 146 – Kuala Lumpur

Given the overpowering heat from the day before, Caroline, Bart and I decided to go on the hunt for a rooftop pool for a day of R&R. We were lucky that Mingle had a sister hostel – Sky Society, and our host was able to get us passes to the rooftop pool on the 37th floor for free. Not quite knowing what to expect, we jumped in a Grab and headed out of Chinatown to the neighbourhood of Putra, packing a lunch, towels and drinks for the day. After going through many layers of security, (where we were certain we would be turned away!), we finally made it to the rooftop infinity pool. Considering we hadn’t paid for anything aside from our transit, I was stunned by the city view along the horizon. We had a perfect view of the Petronas Twin Towers, The Menara Tower, and the distant hills beyond the city limits. We jokingly told ourselves that we had found the backpackers’ answer to Marina Bay Sands! We spent the remainder of the afternoon soaking up the sun and plunging in the pool to cool off, all while admiring KL’s impressive skyline.

In the late afternoon, we boarded a train back to Chinatown, showering and changing before heading out for another streetside dinner of delicious Malaysian food. As the evening fell, we caught a Grab to Heli Lounge Bar, located next to the Menara Tower. Heli Lounge Bar is essentially a fully functional helicopter pad by day, which at night converts into the coolest rooftop bar I have ever seen. Unbelievably, there was nothing by retractable rope separating us from the edge of the helipad, and we had unobstructed, 360-degree views of the surrounding cityscape. We found lounge chairs on the edge of the helipad, and enjoyed several aviation-themed cocktails, watching the daylight fade over Kuala Lumpur. As night fell, a sea of twinkling lights stretched as far as my eye could see. It was truly a night I will never forget.

[moonnfangofficial]

This person (admin@findglocal.com) listed DPG from it’s facebook description on a site full of Christian websites, across cities and worlds (countries). Maybe you want to be listed too? I will try and resubmit our blog also to feedspot, as we were a top pagan blog. Ning is such shit, come to hiveflare.

[asecretsummer-rpg]

Christmas Festivities

Help us celebrate Christmas coming by showing up to our annual turning on of the Christmas Lights on Main Street on the 12th December

Dance into Christmas with our Festive Masquerade on the 16th-18th December. The theme is Winter and Christmas so do dress accordingly. As part of the masquerade dance, there will be a costume competition so please upload your costumes if you want to take part and tag them with secretsummerchristmas

Drink, dance, and be merry on the 22nd-24th December at the Green Dove Pub to take advantage of the deals and festive karaoke.

As part of the festivities there will also be stalls selling Christmas gifts and trinkets all through the month, Santa’s Grotto is up and running in the shopping centre, and the ice skating rink up at the Entertainment Centre has many special deals and offers going on so head up there with some friends or your kids to take advantage of those!

Admin Note: I know this is a busy month and I’m not really expecting a massive turn out but these are there if you’d like them. The Christmas lights will be a character death event. Ophelia Pierce is the upcoming victim for this event.

[muellerewald-blog]

Last updated on February 12th, 2017 at 01:22 pm

[Admin Note: Everybody knows, I love East Africa. It’s beautiful, it’s safe, it’s easy (well relatively so) to travel. But then Anwuli Okeke from Hacking Africa, inspired me to consider this hidden gem that she discovered while backpacking Nigeria. It’s one of those spots that you’ll see once, but never forget. And it’s much different than the experiences you’ll get in Lagos or anywhere else in the country. This is her story of her recent trip.]

Cross River State. One of thirty-six states in Nigeria and situated in the south of the country bordering Cameroon to the east.

A state whose capital, Calabar, is said to be an acronym for “Come And Live And Be At Rest” because Calabar is famous for its women, cuisine, beauty and tranquility. That tranquility and beauty are not reserved to only Calabar though, because a little north of Calabar lies Obudu Mountain Resort, a ranch that’s located on the Obudu plateau, close to the Cameroon Border, and built at an altitude of about 1600 metres above sea level.

The ranch wasn’t always called Obudu Mountain Resort. It was known, at one time, as Obudu Cattle Ranch but one of the state administrations (I’ve forgotten which one) changed the name in order to give the ranch a facelift and attract more tourists (and their income). The name change and renovations worked because now, the resort is one of the go-to places for local and international tourists and couples even go there to get engaged or to mark an anniversary.

The view from the resort

Getting to the Resort

I went with a friend to the resort – it was his first time backpacking Nigeria & his first overall visit to Africa – and we flew into Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, then took a flight from Lagos to Calabar (~$80/person), a trip that lasts about an hour. The trip from Lagos to Calabar can be done by road and it should take about 10 – 11 hours though it can take longer since the roads are bad.

If you arrive in Lagos, your final destination is the resort and you intend to travel by road, I suggest going directly to the resort from Lagos rather than going to Calabar before heading to the resort. If you do decide to travel directly to the resort from Lagos, expect to spend between 12 – 15hours on the road, assuming no traffic, or more, assuming traffic. Going to the resort from Lagos is considered a specialty service (because there aren’t many travelers who do this). Therefore, expect to spend a bit more on transportation if you pursue this option.

What We Chose + Other Options

Since there are frequent trips from Calabar to the resort, we chose this option; plus it didn’t hurt that we had people we wanted to visit in Calabar. While in Calabar, we did some sightseeing then hired a private car and driver to the ranch at a cost of ~$100 (for both us and which included gas), after a bit of negotiation. You can expect to pay way less if you share a car with others. Be sure to haggle the price.

If you arrive in Calabar, be sure to make arrangements for transportation to the resort. You can fly there – there’s an airstrip at the resort – but this is expensive. So most people go by road, us included.

The resort is a 206 mile drive from Calabar and the road trip from Calabar to the resort should take about 6 hours, though it can take 10 hours or more because the roads are terrible.

Arriving at the foot of the plateau, on which the resort is located, is the first step. To get to the top (where the resort actually is), we had to drive along a long, narrow and steep road, a road my friend says is not for the faint of heart. The drive uphill can be a bit scary and the road is also very winding so if you typically suffer from carsickness, you may feel a bit nauseous on this trip – just something to keep in mind.

Crazy winding roads along the way

Charter air service is another option to get to the top of the plateau. Also available is a cable car. Both services provide a spectacular view of the landscape (and the really winding road). However as we were on a tight budget, we stuck with our car.

Climate at the resort

Due to its altitude, the temperature is cold when compared to the regular villages/cities in Nigeria. So if you tend to always feel cold, grab a light sweater. I tend to always feel cold but I found the weather to be a refreshing change. However, it does get cold later in the day and I remember really starting to get a chill while taking a walk in the evening and was very sorry I didn’t take a sweater with me when I left my room that morning.

Where to stay

The hotels can be very expensive so a more affordable option is Abebe’s Lodge Obudu with rooms going for $20 – $35. Don’t expect western standards though. Hot water for bathing is available, if you ask for it; but eating is difficult so you’ll have to either cook yourself in the shared kitchen or at the hotel on site. It’ll cost you $9 for a main course meal with a small portion of chicken or fish.

To get an idea of the kinds of hotel rooms offered at the resort and how much they cost, check out Hotels.ng

Must-See

A good guide is imperative and one will either be offered to you or you can simply ask around for one. Your guide will suggest attractions for you to see but you can also whisper a thing or two in their ear. They’re very happy to accommodate visitors.

Here are a few sights I recommend:

Prayer Mountain.

You’ll see Cameroon from here, though what you’ll really see are just hills, fog lazily hovering over the tops of these hills and lots of green. Hopefully the weather will be on your side so that you’re able to really take in the view, which is quite lovely without fog or mist. I find the fog or mist quite lovely too especially how they drift above the mountains. But if you’d like to see Cameroon, then the fog or mist is just disappointing. So choose a clear day so get the most out of your trip.

  Prayer Mountain Top

The Cable Car.

It’s sometimes shut down so you want to check if it’s running before you go. A trip on the cable car provides a great view of the resort as well as surrounding areas.

The beautiful cable car journey

Canopy Walkway.

It’s a walkway situated in trees that allows visitors to have a close view of various bird species. The long and narrow walkway with nets on each side (to avoid a fall) and trees are all around you. Similar to one of those walkways you have seen in an Indiana Jones movie–one he has to run across and break off in order to avoid being caught by his pursuers makes for an adventurous feel despite the peaceful surroundings.

You get the idea.

The Canopy Walkway

Grotto.

A natural rock pool garden. A swimming hole, really.

Things to note

There is a restaurant at the resort but the food is expensive. It boasts an international menu but the restaurant may be unable to serve all the meals listed on the menu – which is especially true for international dishes. They’ll typically be able to serve most local dishes.

If you’re able to afford a suite, those come with complimentary breakfast.

There aren’t many recreational facilities in place but the resort is a great location for nature lovers, hikers and campers.

Have some indoor games with you for a rainy day.

Don’t count on passing some of the time by watching TV because the programming isn’t extensive.

Distance from the resort to town is very far. So be sure to take everything you think you could possibly need with you because you won’t be able to easily run into town for a thing or two. Carry drinks, snacks and fruit for late night cravings.

The resort is pretty much in the cloud so depending on your perspective, visibility while on the ranch can be good (if you’d like a view other than the city) or bad (if you’d like an elevated view of the city).

The crazy amount of fog surrounding Obudu Mountain Resort

Mobile network sucks too and there’s no Wi-Fi. However, MTN & Glo networks (cell phone service providers in Nigeria) are available up there, so internet access is still possible. Just be sure to register and buy a SIM card and lots of recharge cards (cards that provide airtime minutes).

If you have the time and are able to afford it, there are two natural attractions nearby worthy of a visit – the Afi Forest Reserve and Agbokim Waterfalls – both of which are within 3 hours drive of the Resort.

One last thing – don’t forget your camera!

About the Guest Blogger:

Anuli Okeke is a blogger/vlogger sharing stories about Africa at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and the arts.

The post Backpacking Nigeria: The one remote destination you must see! appeared first on Backpacking Africa for Beginners.

[adminbryantsaki]

Countdown

Present Mic x Bryant Saki

(I don’t own Hizashi Yamada/ Present Mic. Horikoshi Kohei does. I own Bryant Saki. This is done through my monthly collab group. We picked a Soulmate AU. If this isn’t your cup of tea, blend of spices, or brew of coffee, move on. Reader discretion is advised. Als,o ask me about my collab group on discord. I’ll give you an invite if you’re interested.)

Bryant’s info is here.

Thinking about how utterly nightmarish soulmate AUs are. There is a physical mark carved into your person as a constant reminder that on your own, you are not whole. In our world the human body is a complete and individual thing, but in soulmate Aus, you are forcibly tied to someone and a timer counting down to when you will meet is embedded in your skin and you cannot get it out no matter how hard you try. You can try desperately to stay alone or love someone who is not your soulmate, but the clock will not stop ticking and your fate will not change. The most momentous occasion in your life is meeting someone else an occasion burned into your skin. This is a horror story. Throw in the talk in your dreams because Bryant has telepathy.)

Tw: Anxiety, spiraling into a panic attack, thoughts of self-h@rm. Talk of a past abusive household, slight swearing.

Wc: 2,068

I stared at the silent ticking clock counting down on the back of my left wrist. It showed the years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and down to the very seconds I would have to wait in agony to meet my destined soulmate. The clock only showed a few days and mere hours left. I tried to ignore the numbers ticking down as my mind spiraled. Who was my soulmate? Were they a killer? Were they a villain? Or were they a complete looser? They probably didn’t even like me. There is so much wrong with me. I thought as I wanted to scratch out the numbers with my fingernails because I was tired of watching the clock tick down from when I hit puberty and the clock appeared. I remembered freaking out and wondering if the clock meant it was ticking down to the day I died. I was lucky to have someone nearby to tell me that it was the clock counting down to when I would meet my soulmate.

Back then I was looking forward to get out of the horrible place I was in, being with someone that truly loved me instead of using my powers for their own gains. I curled up and leaned against the cupboard in the bathroom of the agency I was staying at, still transfixed on the numbers counting down. I pulled my gaze away from the clock and pulled my pantleg down to hide them, trying to calm my mind, pulling my headphones on and putting on some music that I went to help distract me from the horrors that swirled within my mind. After a while, I had fallen asleep where I was and entered the dream scape where I was able to talk to a yellow light that was supposed to be my soulmate but I highly doubted that. I was met by the light again and a voice sounded from it. “Hello. Its good to see you again. How are you feeling today?” I heard it speak. “I wanted to cut out the clock again. I’m tired of staring at it. I don’t want to meet my soulmate. I never asked for a soulmate.” I spoke. I saw the yellow light dim a little and seem to look away from me. “I see. I hope you sleep well and feel better tomorrow.” It spoke. I didn’t respond but just left the dreamscape and woke up. I went about my morning, staring down the clock on my wrist as my coffee brewed. The thoughts of grabbing the nearby bread knife and carving out the clock that kept ticking down. I swore that I began to hear a clock ticking in my ear. I shook my head and took my cup of coffee from the coffee maker and put the milk I wanted into the mug before sitting down at the table and sipping at the hot beverage. I eventually made my way into the radio station, glancing down at the clock, as it now read only four hours left. I had about four hours until I clocked out of my shift that I was now clocking into until I went to lunch. Today was the day then. I would have to be forced to meet them. I still didn’t want this. I didn’t care anymore. I would just have to deal with this. Learn to love whoever it was that was my soulmate. I exhaled and sat down at my desk, pulling out my laptop and watching it warm up as I began my day of work.

About twenty minutes before I was to clock out to go to lunch, I finished  a script for that night’s show. I glanced at my tattoo clock again and saw that a about fifteen minutes were left. I could feel my heart beat loudly in my ears. I sent the script off to the editors and leaned back in my chair, now set on watching the clock count down. I had told myself when I was younger that I’d want to watch this clock count down and look up at the first person that approached me when the clock hit zero. I was intent on this and watched the last few minutes of the clock count down. I counted down the last ten seconds then looked up from my wrist to see the radio show host of the Friday night show Put Your Hands Up which held a nonstop broadcast of music looking down at me. “Oh, hello there. How long have you been standing there, Present Mic?” I asked him as I was a little surprised to see him standing there.

“Since about five minutes and 39 seconds ago.” He spoke and flashed me a bright smile. I smiled softly and looked back down at my wrist. “Yours stopped at the same time mine did. They stopped just before you looked up at me. Guess we’re soulmates, sweetheart.” He spoke. My eyes widened and I looked up to him. “The things I’ve said in our dreamscape… do you even want to spend time with me? I must seem like a horrible person to you.” I spoke. He shook his head. “No. I don’t blame you. You’re not the first one to think those things. Why don’t I take you out to lunch and we can talk things over. How does that sound, Bryant?” He suggested. I nodded and gathered my things before I stood up from my desk and walked with him out of the station with my eyes down. He reached out with his hand to try and hold mine. “May I hold your hand?” He asked. I nodded and let him hold my hand. I smiled softly and we went out to his car. He asked me where I’d like to go for lunch and I looked up at him a little surprised. I didn’t expect him to ask and we would just go to whatever café or restaurant he wanted to go to. I told him where I wanted to go and slid into his car. He entered the driver’s side and we went to the café I normally went to. Once we had arrived, We exited the car and he opened the door to the café for me and let me inside first. I looked up at the menu and already knew what I wanted and waited for Mic to join me before I ordered. He looked at me and smiled. “What do you recommend here? I’ve never been to this place.” HE spoke before he looked up at the menu. “I like the shrimp sandwich with a white chocolate mocha as my drink.” I told him. “Alright. I’ll give it a try.” He spoke and walked up to the counter with me. The person at the register asked what we would like to order and I let Mic order for the both of us. I offered to pay for my part but he insisted that it was on him. He wanted to treat his soulmate especially since we first met. I thanked him before noticing that one of the baristas overheard him telling me that and thought our situation was romantic and congratulated us.

I was a little embarrassed that he barista had said that. We got our food and I made a beeline for the table I liked that was in the back corner by the indoor fountain that I enjoyed to listen to on my break as it relaxed me. We sat down at the table and I began to eat my food. We ate in silence for a few minutes before Mic broke the silence. “So, tell me about yourself.” He spoke before sipping at his coffee. “There’s nothing much to know about me. I’m an open book.” I spoke as I stirred in the whipped cream that was on the top of the drink. The hero across from me leaned back and looked at me. “I don’t believe that for a second. You’ve said more in our dreamscape over the years that tells me you’re hiding something.” He spoke. I looked up at him as my eyes widened. He had known me all my life… or my life after the dreamscape started when I hit puberty.

All the things I vented about in the dreamscape came flooding back. “You know what’s happened to me over those years. You know what my dad did to me, what those monsters did to me, and why I’m here in the first place. I don’t know what else to tell you… You know me already.” I spoke as I gripped the tabletop. “I want to know you as a person. I know the crap you’ve been through and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you sooner. I’m here now and I want to help you now.” He responded. I took a long drink from my coffee and sighed. “What do you want to know about me other than that I have trauma, I never wanted to go through with the whole soulmate process, and I’m stressed about this interaction because I’m scared you don’t want me because I didn’t want the pressure of having a soulmate.” I spoke, shutting my eyes and gripping the plastic cup that held the remainder of my drink. Mic looked at me and nodded slowly. “I still would want you no matter what. I didn’t like the pressure people gave me either about having a soulmate yet. I lost count of how many times people asked me if I had met my soulmate yet. It came down to me responding with showing that person the remaining time on my wrist to get them to shut up. The questions stopped when I got the job at the station.” He spoke as he finished off the last of his sugary drink. “I’m sorry you got all that hate, Mic.” I told him. He chuckled and looked up at me. “Why don’t we start over? My name is Yamada Hizashi. You can call me Hizashi.” He spoke and held his hand out. I took his hand and shook it. “I’m Bryant Saki. Nice to meet you Hizashi.” I said with a smile. We spent the rest of the lunch break talking and getting to know each other without the pressure of having to be soulmates hanging over our heads. By the end of the lunch break we had swapped phone numbers and set up a plan to spend our lunch breaks together in the future. I felt better about this whole soulmate situation and spending time with Hizashi helped to lift the weight on my heart as we headed back to the station to finish out our shifts. Hizashi brought up the idea of going out to dinner that night and I agreed.  I smiled to myself as I went back to my desk to continue work and begin the script for the next show.

The End.

[alanafsmith]

#5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers

Christmas grotto elf, haunted house scarer, life drawing model and even a bouncer!

The path to legal practice isn’t always smooth sailing, with some lawyers pursuing very unconventional routes before eventually finding their way into the profession.

Legal Twitter has exploded with tales of lawyers’ unique paths into law. Using the hashtag #5JobsIHad, solicitors and barristers last night revealed the five jobs they held prior to their current post, and Legal Cheek has rounded up some of the best.

It wasn’t all paralegals and legal assistants as you might think. Rachel Law, criminal barrister at Goldsmiths Chambers, is a case in point. Proving that varied life experience is just as important as having stellar academic credentials to bag a career in law, Law revealed she held posts as a “medieval wench”, “Christmas grotto elf” and “haunted house scarer” before finding her place at the bar.

Interesting threads showing law (and other) students that varied life experience is just as important as good grades.

Five jobs I've had on my way to the bar:

1. Mobile phone sales 2. Mediaeval Wench 3. Christmas Grotto elf 4. Haunted House scarer 5. Mental Health paralegal https://t.co/LKHrXrZr9o

— Rachel Law (@crimcounsel) April 23, 2019

This was something fellow barrister Emmanuel Goldstein knows too well. “It’s vitally important, imho [in my humble opinion], for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it,” he tweeted, before revealing his experience extends to “bouncer”, “book store clerk” and even “maître d’��!

It’s vitally important, imho, for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it.

#5JobsIHad before law school:

1. Horse Show maintenance staff 2. Bouncer 3. Book store clerk 4. Communications manager 5. Maître d’

— Emmanuel Goldstein

(@ExitedBritain) April 23, 2019

Also sharing their top five unique career journeys were Dan Herman, partner and Leeds office head of litigation outfit Stewarts, and Ceri-Ann Taylor, solicitor at specialist medical negligence firm Enable Law.

5 jobs I’ve had:

1. Deli counter assistant at Gateway 2. Trolley boy at Safeway 3. Barman in a jazz club 4. Crew member at McDonald’s 5. Paralegal/Trainee Solicitor/Solicitor/Partner

How about you? https://t.co/y7zqEkn56K

— Dan Herman (@DanielJHerman) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Washing up in local restaurant (for £2 per hour!) 2. Care assistant in nursing home 3. Bar worker 4. Carer for disabled in the community. 5. Trainee/solicitor

— Ceri-Ann Taylor (@ceri_cat) April 24, 2019

Laywers LegallyShort and CrimeGirl, who both tweet under an alias, shared their particularly unsual pathways to the profession:

5 jobs I've had:

1) supermarket checkout assistant 2)playworker 3) receptionist for the probation service 4) life drawing model 5) note taker for students with additional needs https://t.co/hIHAavmZHq

— LegallyShort (@LegallyShort) April 24, 2019

Five jobs I’ve had on the way to the Bar

1. Barmaid (handling drunk people) 2. Sales assistant @ luxury property developer (handling rich people) 3. Paralegal 4. Forensic MH worker 5. Solicitor https://t.co/SKCrXTdJp1

— CrimeGirl (@CrimeGirI) April 23, 2019

Chris Bowman, an associate at personal injury firm Minster Law tweeted he had previously worked as a fireman

Car park attendant Care assistant Warehouse operative Fireman Solicitor

— Chris Bowman (@bo20154709) April 23, 2019

While Kate Murray, a solicitor specialising in medical negligence at Minton Morrill Solicitors revealed her five includes working at the checkout at supermarket chain Asda. “I still hear the beeping now

” she quipped.

5 jobs I’ve had: 1. Worked on the sweet / cigarette counter in a post office 2. Kindergarten Assistant in Germany 3. Checkout at Asda – I still hear the beeping now

4. Call Centre for store card company 5. Solicitor https://t.co/ARi0si09pK

— Kate Murray (Eccles) (@kate_the_lawyer) April 23, 2019

Barman/barmaid, singer, waiter/waitress, shop assistant, sports coach and even “glass picker” made an appearance on some lawyers’ extraordinary CVs:

1. Barman 2. Bouncer 3. Waiter 4. Restaurant Manager 5. Costs Lawyer

— John Plunkett (@JohnPlunks) April 24, 2019

Jobs I had on my way to law firm owner:

1) Ceramics salesperson 2) Barmaid 3) Receptionist at caravan company 4) Spud-u-like 5) Barrister

& within 3 weeks of qualifying as a Solicitor I became joint owner of a criminal law firm which exists to this day (22 years later)

— Keima Payton (@KeimaPayton) April 24, 2019

5 jobs I have had:

1. Shop assistant in a clothes shop 2. Admin Assistant at the CPS 3. Admin Assistant at a Magistrates Court 4. Singer in a band 5. Solicitor at DLA

— Natalie Rodgers (@Natalie_Scala) April 23, 2019

1. Fast food chain worker 2. Waitress 3. Mobile phone salesperson 4. Sports coach 5. Solicitor

— Ashleigh Jane (@LittleMissRolo) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Glass picker @ recycling plant (removing broken glass from conveyor belt of waste) 2. Waitress/ bar staff at the races 3. Supply teacher 4. Trainee solicitor/ solicitor/ associate 5. Mamma to my 10month old

I could list a lot more!

— Jenny Bowden (@JennyBowden) April 23, 2019

Summing up the series of tweets, Owen Franks, commercial property solicitor at Ashtons Legal, commented that “they show how varied the legal profession has become”, whereas before, “solicitor” and “partner” would be the only roles featured.

What I like about these lists is they show how varied the legal profession has become. Back in the day, the list for solicitors would have read:

1. Solicitor 2. Partner.

End of list.

— Owen Franks (@OwenComProp) April 24, 2019

Feel free to share your #5JobsIHad in the comments section below.

The post #5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from All About Law https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/04/5jobsihad-social-media-trend-sees-lawyers-reveal-unusual-previous-careers/

[eureka-roleplay]

EVENT ONE : WINTER FEST

Whether you’re driving home for Christmas, or keeping warm by the fire, the city of Eureka, California is proud to announce its annual Winterfest....

Stroll through our Christmas Market on Carson Square, housing stalls from local businesses selling trinkets and gifts — ideal to give to loved ones this holiday season! Don’t forget to visit Santa in his grotto - but remember, only the good children get presents! Grab your gloves and get your skates on for our yearly outdoor ice rink, supported by the staff from Eureka Valley Ice Rink. With a portion of all the profits from the ice rink being donated directly to charity to support needy families during the holiday season, whether you’re a little wobbly on the ice or a true pro, you can skate in peace, knowing that you’re helping some of Eureka’s most needy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Winterfest without our giant Christmas Tree, and this years Nordic Fir stands at a whopping 15 feet. Special thanks to the student body of both Eureka High School, Alice Birney Elementary, as well as the support of Wiyot Cultural Centre, as well as by our local businesses to dress the tree.

Don’t forget to stop by the Food Market where you can pick up a spicy glass of mulled wine ( or hot chocolate for the little ones ), and listen to local musicians and the Methodist’s own choir singing traditional holiday carols.

Spot some of our reporters from K94.5 who will be hosting fun competitions for everyone both on air and live at the market. Grab your popcorn and a blanket and catch some of those holiday favourites - Eureka Theatre have set up a pop up movie screen on the green, playing holiday favourites Elf, Its a Wonderful Life, Love Actually and Home Alone ( please contact the theatre directly for accurate movie times ).

And for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Market, find peace and spiritualism at both the Methodist — which will be hosting mass all throughout the holiday season, including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and all the Christmas Day Services; and Temple Beth El, who will be hosting a ‘make your own mezuzah’ stall, and Hanukkiah kits provided by Chabad of Humboldt County, as well as hourly reenactments of the miracle of the Maccabees from the very first Hanukkah.

Finally, as a special festive treat our much beloved Horse Carriage Rides are offering a holiday trip, perfect for you and the family, taking riders around the city to look at all of the lights and down to the bay before arriving back into Old Town.

From the city of Eureka, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

So, it’s hard to believe but we’re actually here opening up for interactions. And, given the holiday season we decided to open with a mini event - Winterfest. Winterfest will be running in the background and is not a mandatory event by any means, so if you’d rather kick off threads which are completely separate from Winterfest that’s totally fine! Winterfest will be running from Saturday 19th to January 3rd 2021 to ensure that everyone has as much of a chance to get involved.

The businesses that are involved in Winterfest are:

Horse Carriage Rides

Delish on 5th

Humboldt Bay Coffee Company

Humboldt Cider Co Taproom

El Pueblo Panaderia

K94.5

Lumbermill Mercantile

Eureka Theater

Henderson’s Farmers’ Market

Temple Beth El

Methodist Church

If your character has a business and would like to be included on this list, drop us a message and let us know.

Please tag anything to do with the event with #eurekawinterfest - this can be anything from threads, self paras, outfits ( who doesn’t love that holiday aesthetic) - go wild! We want this roleplay to be as relaxed as possible, and we know for a lot of people this year’s holiday season isn’t going to be nearly as fun, so we hope you can find some comfort in Eureka.

--- The Admin Team

[davidchanus]

#5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers

Christmas grotto elf, haunted house scarer, life drawing model and even a bouncer!

The path to legal practice isn’t always smooth sailing, with some lawyers pursuing very unconventional routes before eventually finding their way into the profession.

Legal Twitter has exploded with tales of lawyers’ unique paths into law. Using the hashtag #5JobsIHad, solicitors and barristers last night revealed the five jobs they held prior to their current post, and Legal Cheek has rounded up some of the best.

It wasn’t all paralegals and legal assistants as you might think. Rachel Law, criminal barrister at Goldsmiths Chambers, is a case in point. Proving that varied life experience is just as important as having stellar academic credentials to bag a career in law, Law revealed she held posts as a “medieval wench”, “Christmas grotto elf” and “haunted house scarer” before finding her place at the bar.

Interesting threads showing law (and other) students that varied life experience is just as important as good grades.

Five jobs I've had on my way to the bar:

1. Mobile phone sales 2. Mediaeval Wench 3. Christmas Grotto elf 4. Haunted House scarer 5. Mental Health paralegal https://t.co/LKHrXrZr9o

— Rachel Law (@crimcounsel) April 23, 2019

This was something fellow barrister Emmanuel Goldstein knows too well. “It’s vitally important, imho [in my humble opinion], for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it,” he tweeted, before revealing his experience extends to “bouncer”, “book store clerk” and even “maître d’”!

It’s vitally important, imho, for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it.

#5JobsIHad before law school:

1. Horse Show maintenance staff 2. Bouncer 3. Book store clerk 4. Communications manager 5. Maître d’

— Emmanuel Goldstein

(@ExitedBritain) April 23, 2019

Also sharing their top five unique career journeys were Dan Herman, partner and Leeds office head of litigation outfit Stewarts, and Ceri-Ann Taylor, solicitor at specialist medical negligence firm Enable Law.

5 jobs I’ve had:

1. Deli counter assistant at Gateway 2. Trolley boy at Safeway 3. Barman in a jazz club 4. Crew member at McDonald’s 5. Paralegal/Trainee Solicitor/Solicitor/Partner

How about you? https://t.co/y7zqEkn56K

— Dan Herman (@DanielJHerman) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Washing up in local restaurant (for £2 per hour!) 2. Care assistant in nursing home 3. Bar worker 4. Carer for disabled in the community. 5. Trainee/solicitor

— Ceri-Ann Taylor (@ceri_cat) April 24, 2019

Laywers LegallyShort and CrimeGirl, who both tweet under an alias, shared their particularly unsual pathways to the profession:

5 jobs I've had:

1) supermarket checkout assistant 2)playworker 3) receptionist for the probation service 4) life drawing model 5) note taker for students with additional needs https://t.co/hIHAavmZHq

— LegallyShort (@LegallyShort) April 24, 2019

Five jobs I’ve had on the way to the Bar

1. Barmaid (handling drunk people) 2. Sales assistant @ luxury property developer (handling rich people) 3. Paralegal 4. Forensic MH worker 5. Solicitor https://t.co/SKCrXTdJp1

— CrimeGirl (@CrimeGirI) April 23, 2019

Chris Bowman, an associate at personal injury firm Minster Law tweeted he had previously worked as a fireman

Car park attendant Care assistant Warehouse operative Fireman Solicitor

— Chris Bowman (@bo20154709) April 23, 2019

While Kate Murray, a solicitor specialising in medical negligence at Minton Morrill Solicitors revealed her five includes working at the checkout at supermarket chain Asda. “I still hear the beeping now

” she quipped.

5 jobs I’ve had: 1. Worked on the sweet / cigarette counter in a post office 2. Kindergarten Assistant in Germany 3. Checkout at Asda – I still hear the beeping now

4. Call Centre for store card company 5. Solicitor https://t.co/ARi0si09pK

— Kate Murray (Eccles) (@kate_the_lawyer) April 23, 2019

Barman/barmaid, singer, waiter/waitress, shop assistant, sports coach and even “glass picker” made an appearance on some lawyers’ extraordinary CVs:

1. Barman 2. Bouncer 3. Waiter 4. Restaurant Manager 5. Costs Lawyer

— John Plunkett (@JohnPlunks) April 24, 2019

Jobs I had on my way to law firm owner:

1) Ceramics salesperson 2) Barmaid 3) Receptionist at caravan company 4) Spud-u-like 5) Barrister

& within 3 weeks of qualifying as a Solicitor I became joint owner of a criminal law firm which exists to this day (22 years later)

— Keima Payton (@KeimaPayton) April 24, 2019

5 jobs I have had:

1. Shop assistant in a clothes shop 2. Admin Assistant at the CPS 3. Admin Assistant at a Magistrates Court 4. Singer in a band 5. Solicitor at DLA

— Natalie Rodgers (@Natalie_Scala) April 23, 2019

1. Fast food chain worker 2. Waitress 3. Mobile phone salesperson 4. Sports coach 5. Solicitor

— Ashleigh Jane (@LittleMissRolo) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Glass picker @ recycling plant (removing broken glass from conveyor belt of waste) 2. Waitress/ bar staff at the races 3. Supply teacher 4. Trainee solicitor/ solicitor/ associate 5. Mamma to my 10month old

I could list a lot more!

— Jenny Bowden (@JennyBowden) April 23, 2019

Summing up the series of tweets, Owen Franks, commercial property solicitor at Ashtons Legal, commented that “they show how varied the legal profession has become”, whereas before, “solicitor” and “partner” would be the only roles featured.

What I like about these lists is they show how varied the legal profession has become. Back in the day, the list for solicitors would have read:

1. Solicitor 2. Partner.

End of list.

— Owen Franks (@OwenComProp) April 24, 2019

Feel free to share your #5JobsIHad in the comments section below.

The post #5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from Legal News https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/04/5jobsihad-social-media-trend-sees-lawyers-reveal-unusual-previous-careers/

[fayeburnsus]

#5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers

Christmas grotto elf, haunted house scarer, life drawing model and even a bouncer!

The path to legal practice isn’t always smooth sailing, with some lawyers pursuing very unconventional routes before eventually finding their way into the profession.

Legal Twitter has exploded with tales of lawyers’ unique paths into law. Using the hashtag #5JobsIHad, solicitors and barristers last night revealed the five jobs they held prior to their current post, and Legal Cheek has rounded up some of the best.

It wasn’t all paralegals and legal assistants as you might think. Rachel Law, criminal barrister at Goldsmiths Chambers, is a case in point. Proving that varied life experience is just as important as having stellar academic credentials to bag a career in law, Law revealed she held posts as a “medieval wench”, “Christmas grotto elf” and “haunted house scarer” before finding her place at the bar.

Interesting threads showing law (and other) students that varied life experience is just as important as good grades.

Five jobs I've had on my way to the bar:

1. Mobile phone sales 2. Mediaeval Wench 3. Christmas Grotto elf 4. Haunted House scarer 5. Mental Health paralegal https://t.co/LKHrXrZr9o

— Rachel Law (@crimcounsel) April 23, 2019

This was something fellow barrister Emmanuel Goldstein knows too well. “It’s vitally important, imho [in my humble opinion], for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it,” he tweeted, before revealing his experience extends to “bouncer”, “book store clerk” and even “maître d’”!

It’s vitally important, imho, for people entering the practice of law to have practical, real world experience outside of it.

#5JobsIHad before law school:

1. Horse Show maintenance staff 2. Bouncer 3. Book store clerk 4. Communications manager 5. Maître d’

— Emmanuel Goldstein

(@ExitedBritain) April 23, 2019

Also sharing their top five unique career journeys were Dan Herman, partner and Leeds office head of litigation outfit Stewarts, and Ceri-Ann Taylor, solicitor at specialist medical negligence firm Enable Law.

5 jobs I’ve had:

1. Deli counter assistant at Gateway 2. Trolley boy at Safeway 3. Barman in a jazz club 4. Crew member at McDonald’s 5. Paralegal/Trainee Solicitor/Solicitor/Partner

How about you? https://t.co/y7zqEkn56K

— Dan Herman (@DanielJHerman) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Washing up in local restaurant (for £2 per hour!) 2. Care assistant in nursing home 3. Bar worker 4. Carer for disabled in the community. 5. Trainee/solicitor

— Ceri-Ann Taylor (@ceri_cat) April 24, 2019

Laywers LegallyShort and CrimeGirl, who both tweet under an alias, shared their particularly unsual pathways to the profession:

5 jobs I've had:

1) supermarket checkout assistant 2)playworker 3) receptionist for the probation service 4) life drawing model 5) note taker for students with additional needs https://t.co/hIHAavmZHq

— LegallyShort (@LegallyShort) April 24, 2019

Five jobs I’ve had on the way to the Bar

1. Barmaid (handling drunk people) 2. Sales assistant @ luxury property developer (handling rich people) 3. Paralegal 4. Forensic MH worker 5. Solicitor https://t.co/SKCrXTdJp1

— CrimeGirl (@CrimeGirI) April 23, 2019

Chris Bowman, an associate at personal injury firm Minster Law tweeted he had previously worked as a fireman

Car park attendant Care assistant Warehouse operative Fireman Solicitor

— Chris Bowman (@bo20154709) April 23, 2019

While Kate Murray, a solicitor specialising in medical negligence at Minton Morrill Solicitors revealed her five includes working at the checkout at supermarket chain Asda. “I still hear the beeping now

” she quipped.

5 jobs I’ve had: 1. Worked on the sweet / cigarette counter in a post office 2. Kindergarten Assistant in Germany 3. Checkout at Asda – I still hear the beeping now

4. Call Centre for store card company 5. Solicitor https://t.co/ARi0si09pK

— Kate Murray (Eccles) (@kate_the_lawyer) April 23, 2019

Barman/barmaid, singer, waiter/waitress, shop assistant, sports coach and even “glass picker” made an appearance on some lawyers’ extraordinary CVs:

1. Barman 2. Bouncer 3. Waiter 4. Restaurant Manager 5. Costs Lawyer

— John Plunkett (@JohnPlunks) April 24, 2019

Jobs I had on my way to law firm owner:

1) Ceramics salesperson 2) Barmaid 3) Receptionist at caravan company 4) Spud-u-like 5) Barrister

& within 3 weeks of qualifying as a Solicitor I became joint owner of a criminal law firm which exists to this day (22 years later)

— Keima Payton (@KeimaPayton) April 24, 2019

5 jobs I have had:

1. Shop assistant in a clothes shop 2. Admin Assistant at the CPS 3. Admin Assistant at a Magistrates Court 4. Singer in a band 5. Solicitor at DLA

— Natalie Rodgers (@Natalie_Scala) April 23, 2019

1. Fast food chain worker 2. Waitress 3. Mobile phone salesperson 4. Sports coach 5. Solicitor

— Ashleigh Jane (@LittleMissRolo) April 23, 2019

5 jobs I've had:

1. Glass picker @ recycling plant (removing broken glass from conveyor belt of waste) 2. Waitress/ bar staff at the races 3. Supply teacher 4. Trainee solicitor/ solicitor/ associate 5. Mamma to my 10month old

I could list a lot more!

— Jenny Bowden (@JennyBowden) April 23, 2019

Summing up the series of tweets, Owen Franks, commercial property solicitor at Ashtons Legal, commented that “they show how varied the legal profession has become”, whereas before, “solicitor” and “partner” would be the only roles featured.

What I like about these lists is they show how varied the legal profession has become. Back in the day, the list for solicitors would have read:

1. Solicitor 2. Partner.

End of list.

— Owen Franks (@OwenComProp) April 24, 2019

Feel free to share your #5JobsIHad in the comments section below.

The post #5JobsIHad: Social media trend sees lawyers reveal unusual previous careers appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from Legal News And Updates https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/04/5jobsihad-social-media-trend-sees-lawyers-reveal-unusual-previous-careers/