#Agni Estates

[wileycap]

Little snippets of dialogue, showing what I think postwar redeemed Azula would look like:

AZULA: Admiral Asahi seems to be convinced that a return to the old regime would be in the best interests of the Fire Nation. He recently gave a speech where he accused the Fire Lord of being an impotent, cowardly puppet who was leading the country to ruin. Well, if he misses the old ways so badly, we should slather him with tar, put him in a boat at sunset and light the boat on fire after Agni's last rays have left the world, so his spirit will never feel the warmth of the Sun again!

EVERYBODY: [looks at her]

AZULA: But... we won't. Because. We're very moral.

SOKKA: Yyyeah, good save. Not creepy at all.

---

ZUKO: Princess Azula, what do you think we should do about the war orphans?

AZULA: We should train them to be an elite fighting force. They've already lost everything, so their feelings of hate and grief would be easy to twist to serve us.

ZUKO, sighing: Let's try that again. Remember that the Earth King's delegation is going to be at this meeting, so maybe try to avoid saying anything that could restart the war.

AZULA: ... give them jobs?

ZUKO: Child labor is bad.

AZULA: Even if it's-

ZUKO: Even if it's peasant children, yes. And don't call them peasants.

AZULA: What do you want from me? Should I say, 'oh, poor babies, we should fund luxurious orphanages where they can get the best education and care, and many hugs and kisses, where they can weave flower crowns and roll around in meadows of fire lillies?'

ZUKO: Yes.

AZULA: Oh. Well, that one, then.

---

ZUKO: Azula! What did you do?

AZULA: You're going to have to be a little more specific.

ZUKO: Admiral Asahi's estate burned down!

AZULA: That's unfortunate, but I don't see what it has to do with me.

ZUKO: So you're saying you didn't do it?

AZULA: Of course I didn't.

ZUKO: ... really?

AZULA: I hired someone to do it. I am royalty, after all.

ZUKO: Azula!

AZULA: Oh, lighten up, Zuzu. My operative made sure that everyone got out.

ZUKO: Everyone except for Asahi, who was trapped in his outhouse.

AZULA: Yes, well, that was unfortunate.

ZUKO: In his outhouse, where the fire started.

AZULA: A very tragic accident, but he survived, didn't he?

ZUKO: Yeah, but he was covered in... anyways, who did you hire?

AZULA: You know, I'm not entirely sure. She wore a mask, but I think she's called the Red Spirit.

ZUKO: What? You can't steal my secret identity!

AZULA: What are you talking about?

ZUKO: The Blue Spirit!

AZULA: The Blue Spirit was a myth, made up by Zhao to explain the Avatar's escape from Pohuai. Sure, there were some copycat bandits in the Earth Kingdom, but our own intelligence has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of the Blue Spirit being an actual person. Haven't you been keeping up with the reports?

ZUKO: I- you- argh! [stomps off]

AZULA: Bye, Zuzu.

[leoprincess777]

DHANISHTA NAKSHATRA

23º 20’ Capricorn – 6º 40’ Aquarius “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” The Dolphin: Alpha Delphini, Beta Delphini, Delta Delphini, Gamma Delphini Ruled by Mars Star of Symphony. Power to give abundance and fame. Symbols: empty drum, an hourglass, bells and bulbs.

Dhanishta is like a death of the inner child. Its essentially inert like sand, of coal or oil. Even the system is a dead thing unless the people actual show up to support it. The death of the spirit begins in Dhanishta and is completed in Purvabhadrapada. The machine  is just a dead thing. There is a suffering here as one is constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve.

Struggles of being controlled by other people, feelings of emptiness and superficiality. They devote themselves to a purpose or a person to deal with emptiness.

As it is within Dhanishta's power to give fame, they enjoy popularity and are often local celebrities. If well placed, they have a good reputation and are loved by people. They tend to mask their inner struggles with a bubbly persona, become an entertainer for other people, play the jester (performative) and seek out external stimuli as a way to fill the emptiness.

Major karma with marriage. Ashlesha is direct across so they often get into manipulative relationships do things they don’t want to do. They display big devotion towards their spouse and are service orianted, however they can get manipulative and use marriage as a means to an end. Often as a result, they are prone to getting controlled by their spouse. They enjoy material comforts.

Planets here are more likely to have feminine characteristics. It may also be seen that women with this placement have a somewhat easier time with the energies of this nakshatra.

Rakshasa: Belonging to the clan of the demons. Less practical, more hedonistic, often many ups and downs in life as the guru of the demons has the power to raise from the dead. Rebirth, transformation, redemption are all part of the system. Cyclical sense of time; mystical sense of reality. Marriage matching with another Rakshasa is best.

Dhanishta's stars form the diamond shaped Delphini constellation. Dolphin’s are unique creatures thought to be even more intelligent than human’s, and with that intelligence comes a childlike nature, playfulness, understanding, and selfless nature. They have a unique way using sonar & echolocation for communication, navigation and understanding the world around them. They are friendly, curious, peaceful, carefree creatures who live in harmony with humans as well as most other creatures of the sea. But they are also fearless in the face of predators and will sacrifice themselves to protect the pod rather than show any fear.

The Vasus such as Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), etc helps lord Indra in his fight with the demons and hence this nakshatra can also indicate some type of fight, competition, and competitiveness in a person’s life. Dhanishtha is also linked with land, real estate and may attain multiple properties. Suitable for real estate business.

Dhanishtas should keep musical insturments in their house as a remedial act and practice performance arts, music, communication and diplomacy.

"Most scientists and historians are born in Dhanishta. Since there is an inherent talent of keeping secrets, you are quite suitable for secret service, private secretaries to senior executives. Whatever may be your academic background, your intelligence is beyond question. In argument you are much ahead of others. Lawyers profession is excellent for you. From the 24th year onward will show progress in the earning field. Any improvement in the financial field will be only after marriage."

Shil-Ponde Female with Dhanishta Ascendant: “This is a talkative and interesting person, particularly successful in lecturing and debating. She is capable of writing mystic novels and is good at story telling. She will be happy in domestic life. She loves nice dresses, especially blue, pink, and purple, and likes curios and antiques.”

pada 2 (virgo): They can do very well in public service, administration, communications, or managing public affairs. They can be very good at the rhetorical, persuasive side or languages, marketing, and communications.

[sleepingdeath-light]

marrying ciel’s older sister hcs ; prince soma

requested by ; the-letter-horror-lover (31/05/23)

fandom(s) ; black butler

fandom masterlist(s) ; hub | secondary characters

character(s) ; prince soma asman kadar

outline ; “Prince Soma marriage headcanons with a female S/O who is Ciel's older sister please and a lot more mature. (I'll leave the imagination up to you about the marriage headcanons). *I guess that Prince Soma was not requested as much as the others*”

warning(s) ; references to canon-typical violence, references to parental and sibling loss (reader is ciel’s older sister), references to survivor’s guilt

the day you lost your family you’d been sent to spend the holidays with your aunt, madam red — the two of you had been exceptionally close and she’d offered to privately tutor you so that you could follow in her footsteps

and when the news reached you, you were absolutely shattered and riddled with survivor’s guilt — which caused you to isolate and start suffering from night terrors and panic attacks

your aunt — now adoptive guardian — had saved you from taking your life several times

the day your baby brother came home was the happiest you’d been in years, not fully believing your eyes when you arrived at the rebuilt estate and saw him waiting for you

you were the only person who he actively ran over to hug, and your aunt gave you both a moment before coming in herself

your home was restored, you had some of your family back — and you weren’t about to let anything happen to them

which meant that you were terribly protective of ciel (well, not ciel as he’d told you, but you kept his secret well enough) and refused to let him go out on missions without your help

you insisted on helping him with each and every case and your insight was vital in solving a great number of them — especially since you were the only member of the family to have an active rapport and history with undertaker, making him much more willing to provide assistance to him

ciel was your baby and you were so deeply attached to him that you nearly blew a gasket when you met soma and he started to take advantage of your baby brother

you got into a screaming row over it until agni and your brother stepped in to mediate, with the two of you agreeing to remain neutral whilst he stayed at your family’s town house

and that was the start of a shockingly beautiful relationship

for his entire life soma had gotten everything he wanted — everyone everywhere always bowing to his wants and feeding his ego

until he met you, and that made you all the more interesting to him

so the prince relentlessly pursued and courted you using a mixture of traditions from his home and bits and pieces he’d scraped together from sebastian

showering you in expensive gifts, sending flowers at every opportunity, asking you to accompany him (or offering to accompany you) to every outing and drowning you in compliments

but you didn’t give in, being cordial but not going beyond friendly conversation with him

until he stepped up to defend your baby brother from a rude nobleman who was acting especially snobbish and cruel towards him

that was when you started to return his efforts and after six months of this back-and-forth the two of you started to officially court

you took things slowly, or you tried to at least, going out for regular dates and exchanging so many letters that you’d likely felled a forest between you over the course of your relationship

he sent flowers to the main estate every time you succeeded at a case, sent jewellery and sarees for random gifts and absolutely spoiled you on your birthday

loves introducing you to the sweets and foods and drinks he grew up with — but good luck trying to get him to swallow traditional foods you grew up eating (he loves you but he cannot bring himself to eat jellied eels)

teaches you songs and dances and will encourage and congratulate you even if you misstep or sing the wrong note

you have two weddings: one in bengal and one in england to accommodate both of your cultures

he sticks with you and comforts you during your terrors and panic attacks — he becomes an expert at grounding you extremely quickly

never stops wooing you and, whilst is drawings and handwriting aren’t the best, the content of what he creates is incredible — he excels at love poetry

he’ll randomly just start dancing with you — sometimes it’s traditional, sometimes it’s improvised, sometimes it’s something you taught him, but it’s always intimate and ends with you laughing

constantly brags about you to anyone who will listen — including a cheerful agni and his brothers who do not hold back about teasing him for it

uses so many pet names for you that you almost think he’s forgotten your name — and you only understand a fraction of them

some of his favourites are: mishti, puchki, and shona

you and agni are the only things standing between him and pure chaos — you keep him in line, so to speak, since he can’t say no to either of you

if you speak to him in bengali — especially if you’re flirting — this man will absolutely melt, yes even if your pronunciation is a bit off

he’s incredibly affectionate and is always touching you at all times — whether that’s kissing, hugging, hand holding or otherwise

ciel isn’t too pleased about him being a permanent fixture in his life, but appreciates that soma makes you happy and that you can keep him in line

very emotional and has woken you up in tears after a bad dream involving the two of you getting into an argument so that he can apologise for his words in the dream

[delusinaldreamer19]

✨Fanfic Masterlist✨

I'm going to give the synopsis for each story as it is on Ao3, as well as Trigger warnings where needed, and current status. (When I say Ciel's trauma as a TW, I mean just the general mention of the things that happened to him such as SA, physical Abuse, and PTSD. The intensity of it varies between my fanfics, feel free to ask for any clarification or you can just look at the rating/tags on A03.)

Of All The Unexpected

Agni, a part-time employee at a local coffee shop in the city, and Sebastian Michaelis, a pristine businessman hiding an odd secret, find themselves in a peculiar friendship with one another. After a month or so of knowing one another, Agni goes to Sebastian's home, where the past and identity of the strange, beautiful man begin to reveal themselves. And it all seems to come back to a certain blue-haired boy with an eyepatch.

TW: Alcoholism, Ciel's trauma

STATUS: Ongoing

Audacity

Francis Midford has sent a letter to the Phantomhive estate, requesting to speak with, of all people, the butler. There are questions which have remained unanswered for three years, lingering in the back of her mind, but she knows that asking her nephew directly would not end well. So, for their relationship's sake, as well as the young earls stability, she plans to go through an indirect, more neutral, individual. However, Sebastian ends up not being so keen on providing the answers that she's looking for either. And he has a question of his own.

TW: slight mentions of Ciel's trauma

STATUS: complete oneshot

Heightened Senses

Ciel is invited to stay at a fellow aristocrat's home for a few days to work out a business deal. Sebastian and Bard have come along as well, but quickly find that they will be facing some difficulties. This house imposes strict rules upon the servants, which prohibit them from interacting with their master. But, aside from that, all seemed fine. However, things take a turn when Sebastian begins acting strange. Something in the house of this Lord has put him on edge. Things will be learned, revelations will be made, and overdue words will finally be spoken.

MAJOR TRIGGER WARNINGS: csa, descriptions of gore and violence, Ciel's trauma

STATUS: complete

Exorcism

Ciel and Sebastian are sent on a mission by the Queen to investigate rumors of odd practices taking place within a cathedral. A sickness of paranoia has overcome two of the priests, and they believe that an entity of evil has been hopping between the holy men and women at the cathedral, and they are hellbent on expelling it. In order to save the life of an innocent girl, Ciel and Sebastian decide to 'fake’ her possession, so that the priest’s can have the exorcism they are so desperately after. Except it’s not really fake, is it.

TW (kind of?): religious imagery, (you guessed it) exorcisms

STATUS: Complete

Offspring

Demons are extremely powerful deities, they do not simply come about this world through procreation. However, they can still bear offspring. And they can do so with humans.

But if a demon can’t create a genuine soul, and a human can’t carry the power of a hellspawn, then what exactly is made from it?

(aka a long winded explanation for my head canon)

TW: suicidal ideation, cannibalism 

STATUS: Ongoing

A sweet Solution

Sebastian is baffled by his new master's inability to eat. He searches for an answer, and finds it in an unexpected place. Which leads him to a unique fix.

TW: could be viewed as disordered eating

STATUS: complete oneshot

[anonymousewrites]

One Hell of a Love (Book 2) Chapter Nine

Sebastian Michaelis x Demon! Reader

Chapter Nine: One Hell of a Banquet

Summary: A new game begins for Ciel to prove himself.

            “Well? How much longer do you two plan on staying here at the manor?” demanded Ciel from across the table. Soma was still clinging to Ciel and staying in the manor with seemingly no intention on leaving.

            “I’m staying just so I can spend the long-awaited winter holiday with you, so how could you say that?!” cried Soma dramatically.

            “Don’t go making up your own holidays,” said Ciel.

            “You see, today is that day I beat you at chess!” declared Soma.

            Ciel stood. “Forgive me, but I have to work today. Come, Sebastian, (Y/N).”

            “Yes, Young Master,” said Sebastian.

            “Yes, sir,” said (Y/N).

            Soma pouted. “But you said that yesterday too and played only one game with me!”

            Ciel leveled a look at Soma. “Why don’t you try improving your game by studying up on chess problems while I’m working? You’re too weak.”

            “Dammit! I’ll get you! Agni, assist me with my special training!” cried Soma as Ciel sighed and left the room.

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            “Sebastian, I’m hungry,” said Ciel as he set down the latest stack of papers from Funtom companies.

            Sebastian consulted his pocket watch. “It is nearly teatime. (Y/N) and I will fetch it.”

            As soon as they stepped out of the office, (Y/N) and Sebastian glanced at each other. They could hear the commotion from the kitchen.

            “It looks like we have some guests,” said (Y/N).

            “The Queen’s butlers, judging by the voices,” said Sebastian.

            “We should probably intervene before we have to clean up blood,” said (Y/N). As for the issue of death…a non-issue to (Y/N).

            “Yes, that would be quite tiresome,” agreed Sebastian as they headed to the kitchen.

            Sure enough, as they opened the door, a man with long white hair and a sword lunged at Mey-Rin, who had her glasses off and pistols in hand. Sebastian sighed and jumped between them, holding a platter of pastries and blocking Mey-Rin from attacking. (Y/N) grabbed one and skewered it on one of the butler’s swords to redirect his attack.

            The servants blinked in surprise as (Y/N) and Sebastian straightened. The demon butler smiled and said, “May we present to you these custard cream puffs, made with plenty of traditionally-raised eggs produced on the Phantomhive estates?”

            “Please, try one,” said (Y/N), smiling and nodding to the puff they had placed on the sword.

            The man with long white hair took a curious bite. “Hm, not bad! I suppose I can give it a passing mark.”

            “Hey, Sebastian, (Y/N)! Who the hell are these guys?” demanded Baldroy.

            “These two gentlemen are—”

            The man with long hair interrupted him. “Oh, right, right, this is our first time meeting you. I’m Charles Grey.”

            “I am Charles Phipps,” said the taller one.

            “We are commonly known as the ‘Double Charleses.’ Weare Her Majesty’s private secretarial officers, as well as her butlers. Nice to meet you,” said Grey. He removed a letter from his pocket and grinned. “And today we’re messengers who’ve come to deliver a letter to the Earl!”

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            “—And so, per Her Majesty’s urgent request, she would like you to hold a banquet in two weeks’ time in honor of a particular visitor to England and treat him to the kindest hospitality,” said Grey to Ciel after the Earl read the letter.

            “Why me?” asked Ciel. “As I’m not acquainted with him, I find it hard to believe that your guest will derive much pleasure from being entertained by me.”

            “The gentleman in question is a certain German personage, who also happens to be a distant relative of Her Majesty’s,” said Phipps. “He travels here in secret. It appears that he is interested in the industry of Great Britian—the factory of all the world—as well as in popular literature and wishes to discourse with those who have profound knowledge in such matters. Your Funtom firm is one of the British enterprises about which we may boast to the world. With your numerous connections, we believe you will be more than capable of summoning guests in whom our visitor will delight.”

            “If it’s connections you want, would Her Majesty not be better off receiving this visitor herself?” said Ciel.

            “Are you sure you ought to be saying such a thing?” Grey’s smirk was vicious. “Her Majesty harbors doubts regarding your report about the ‘recent incident,’ Earl Phantomhive.”

            Ciel’s eyes narrowed. His report on the incident with Baron Kelvin had been kept vague to disguise how he ignored the Queen’s directive to save the children and had instead destroyed the manor and everyone inside.

            “Are you quite certain that story contains no hint of subterfuge?” said Grey. He leaned forward. “Aren’t these marching orders the perfect chance for you to restore the gleam to your dulled image? You might say this request from Her Majesty is not to the Earl, her Guard Dog, but one simple to the Earl, a nobleman.”

            “Noblesse oblige,” said Phipps. “We should like you to consider it an obligation of the haves.”

            A moment of silence before Ciel inevitably placed the letter down. “Very well. I shall accept the request.”

            Grey grinned happily as if he hadn’t been threatening Ciel. “By the way, I’ll be participating as a supervisor. You’ve no objections, do you?”

            “As you wish,” said Ciel.

            “We’ve already confirmed the safety of this manor. It doesn’t seem like you’ll need additional guards,” said Grey.

            “No need to worry on that account,” said Ciel. “This manor is absolutely secure.”

            (Y/N) and Sebastian smirked at one another.

            “I’m against inviting superfluous personnel into the manor and raising the risk from within,” said Ciel.

            “Very well,” said Phipps. “Then we shall take our leave. You do not need to see us off. We look forward to seeing you again in two weeks.” He bowed with Grey and then set off.

            Ciel waited until they left to address (Y/N) and Sebastian. “Well, you heard the man. Prepare the invitations right away.”

            “Yes, my Lord,” said Sebastian.

            “And get in touch with Lau and the Undertaker as well,” said Ciel.

            “Very good,” said (Y/N).

            They glanced at one another. They knew the tone of Ciel’s voice. There was something more going on here. (Y/N) grinned. They had a feeling they were about to have some real fun at some humans’ expenses, if only in seeing them humiliate themselves.

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            Two weeks later, (Y/N) felt the same but had yet to see the fruits of their instinct since, as usual, there was plenty of work to be done to prepare for the arrival of the guests. Outside, rain poured down heavily, and inside, Sebastian and (Y/N) kept the other servants on track before they managed to start the dinner off with a disaster as guests milled about in the foyer. Ciel was readied to make an entrance from his office above, and his demonic servants flanked him as he descended towards his guests.

            “Why don’t you leave your teasing of my guest at that?” declared Ciel, leveling his infamous glare at Lau as the man teased Arthur, the writer ((Y/N) and Sebastian had easily memorized all the information available about their guests), about what type of man Ciel was.

            “Eh…a child?” said Arthur in surprise, looking up at Ciel.

            “That little boy is Earl Phantomhive!” said Lau happily.

            “The ‘little’ is unnecessary!” said Ciel before collecting himself. He gazed over his guests and smiled. “I thank you for accepting my invitation on this occasion. I am the head of this family, Ciel Phantomhive. Ladies and gentlemen, those of you with whom I am acquainted through your continued patronage and those I am meeting for the first time, I hope you will allow me to extend my greetings to you anew in person once the banquet is underway.” He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sebastian and (Y/N). “The guest of honor appears to be missing?”

            “The weather is delaying him, it seems,” said (Y/N).

            “Well, that’s just great,” huffed Ciel. “We can’t have everyone waiting in the hall like this—”

            Mey-Rin barged into the room and hurriedly bowed. Behind her, the doors opened up to reveal Grey and another man. “The guest has arrived, he has!”

            “Pleased to make your acquaintance,” said the German. “I am Georg von Siemens. Thank you for your kind invitation.”

            “Hiya!” said Grey. “Is the party all set to go?”

            Siemens shook Ciel’s hand. “I apologize for having kept you waiting on my account.”

            “Not at all,” responded Ciel. “I thank you for traveling at such length to be here. Let us exchange greetings once the party has begun. Tonight’s dinner is buffet-style, so everyone may speak freely with one another. This way, please.”

            Sebastian smiled. “Ladies and gentlemen, I shall announce each of you, so please go through the dining room when your name is called. First, Irene Diaz and Grimsby Keane.” A famous opera singer and her producer stepped forward. “Karl Woodley.” The diamond magnate walked into the dining room. “Patrick Phelps.” The board member of the Blue Star Line Company walked forward. “Lau and Ran-Mao.” The old friends of the Phantomhive estate walked in. “Arthur Conan Doyle.” The writer walked in nervously. “Georg Von Siemens.” The guest of honor entered the dining room. (Y/N), Sebastian, and Grey walked in behind the nobles. The banquet had begun.

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            “When his grandfather was Prime Minister, word of the man’s shrewdness reached even as far as Germany,” said Siemens, already discussing politics and history with Woodley. “Still, I must say, he is the spitting image of his grandfather.”

            “Speaking of Earl Grey, he hails from a family of such repute as to have lent its name to a tea. I never imagined the day would come when I could personally offer him my compliments,” said Woodley.

            Grey grinned at the praise of his family. “As I’ve only just inherited my title, I think Earl Phantomhive plays the part far better than I.”

            “Hardly. I still have much to learn. I’ve but managed to start up my company as Earl. As far as business is concerned, Mr. Woodley is the clear expert in such matters,” said Ciel.

            “You are much too modest, my Lord,” said Woodley. “Especially considering how the art of diamond polishing will become an important technology that supports the heavy industries. To have among her colonies diamond-producing nations is a major advantage for Great Britain to be sure.”

            “Even in my country, heavy industries such as steel and shipbuilding are showing growth of late, and our bank is considering focusing most of its efforts on them and their like,” said Siemens. “We may be no match for Great Britain now, but we will most certainly catch up one of these days, you’ll see.”

            Woodley laughed. “We mustn’t let down our guard, eh, Mr. Phelps?” He clapped the man on the shoulder.

            “Y-Yes, I suppose you’re right,” said Phels nervously.

            “Lord Earl, would you introduce me as well?” said Lau.

            “Very well,” said Ciel, though he doubted any good would come of it. Lau would cause trouble, as usual, and think himself humorous. “Allow me to introduce Mr. Lau, British Branch Manager of the Shanghai trading company ‘Kong-Rong.’ ”

            “Kong-Rong?” Phelps said nervously. Lau’s eyes narrowed on him in a single look of warning, and Phelps gulped.

            (Y/N) raised an amused eyebrow from where they watched the goings-on from the side of the room. Now that was an expression Lau rarely used. How significant.

            Lau turned to Siemens with a pleasant smile. “How do you do, sir? I am Lau.”

            “You must possess an extensive network to have a branch in Great Britian,” said Siemens. All of a sudden, Ran-Mao grabbed onto his arm. “Wha—?!” Siemens blushed as Ran-Mao pressed her breasts onto his arm.

            “Dear, dear. Really, now, Ran-Mao,” said Lau, looking barely apologetic. “I do beg your pardon, sir. She can be such a baby.” And then he continued on with the discussion as if nothing was happening. We may have a wide network, but we’ve yet to intrude upon Germany. I do hope to learn many things from you for future reference.”

            “I understand, so please get away from me!” declared Siemens, blushing as he hauled Ran-Mao away from him. He coughed and attempted to regain composure. “If it’s Germany that interests you, I’ll tell you all about it at length tomorrow. I’m curious about the situation in Asia myself.”

            “Excuse us for interrupting,” said a formal voice. Grimsby stepped up with Irene and smiled at Ciel. “Thank you for inviting us tonight.” Everyone stared at the beautiful pair.

            “I am honored to meet the songstress and director who are capable of filling every last seat at the National Theatre,” said Siemens.

            Good. He’s entertained, as was requested, thought (Y/N).

            “I am Irene Diaz,” said the opera singer, curtseying.

            “And I, Grimsby Keane,” said her director.

            “Even people in Germany are talking about how beautiful your productions are,” said Siemens appreciatively. “I would very much like to have you perform in Germany with Miss Irene. If it’s a question of financing, we can discuss that as well.”

            “Is that so?” said Grimsby. “I find that most heartening.”

            Poor Arthur tried to interject and join the conversation, awkwardly unsure of how to converse with the nobles, and his attempts to speak were quickly spoken over. “I’m—!”

            “That should be it for introductions, so what do you say to a toast?!” said Grey energetically.

            Arthur sat down at the edge of the room awkwardly, resigning himself to silence. And so entered (Y/N) and Sebastian, playing their roles perfectly for Ciel.

            “Would you care for a drink?” said (Y/N) as Sebastian held out a platter.

            “Thank you…” Arthur trailed off as he got a look at the servants. His eyes widened. They were both captivating, high-class. It was quite something. And as he stared, he didn’t notice Ciel approaching.

            “May I sit here next to you?” said Ciel.

            “O-oh, yes, of course,” said Arthur.

            Satisfied at having given Ciel the opportunity to speak to the author he wished to “reinspire,” Sebastian and (Y/N) retreated to their jobs as they served the other noble guests. Siemens was very quickly going through drinks, and it was clear he was tipsy as the red glow spread across his face and he grew more forward with the more feminine guests and servants. Irene was of particular interest to him, and as she huffed at his advances, (Y/N) stepped between them.

            They smiled pleasantly, playing the role of dutiful maid and servant of the host. “Sir, in the interest of all the guests present, I believe you should refrain from any inappropriate advances.” They closed their eyes with their smile to further lull Siemens into a sense of security. “That way everyone can enjoy themselves.”

            “And wha…what about me enjoyin’ myself?” Siemens slurred the words together, waving a bottle above his head. “Pretty little things…right ‘ere, and don’t want my attention…”

            (Y/N) was tempted to roll their eyes at his advances. Honestly, it would take a moment to break his arm if he reached towards them. Luckily for Siemens, Sebastian jumped into the air and stole the bottle from Siemens grasp. He popped the cork and poured the wine over a tower of glasses he had created. Sebastian smiled sweetly as everyone looked on it surprise as he easily smoothed over the situation with a distraction. Truthfully, Sebastian was inwardly sneering at Siemens for even getting near (Y/N), but he knew they didn’t have to fear Siemens and Sebastian had to keep up his reputation.

            “This is a fabled wine from Purcari village in southeast Moldova,” said Sebastian. “Please do enjoy it, ladies and gentlemen.”

            “How exquisite…” said Siemens, slightly sobered by the glittering sight. “What is this tree?”

            “When in the world did you have time…?” said Phels in awe.

            “And this aroma!” said Siemens. “I feel like I’m in a flower bed!”

            “Smells deliiish!” said Grey. “Can I have a glass?”

            “I would like one, too,” said Siemens.

            “Me too,” said Lau.

            The guests eagerly moved forward, and Ciel glanced at Sebastian.

            In French, he said, “So that’s what becomes of that stuffed shirt of a man once liquor’s involved, eh?” Ciel tsked. “Seeing him like this, I’d have to say he and the bottle are no strangers.”

            Arthur blinked as he heard him. He understood French and stood close enough to overheard.

            “Even so, seeing him incapable of self-discipline makes me think him either an utter fool or perfectly shameless,” said Sebastian in perfect French.

            “I believe he is both,” remarked (Y/N), their accent perfect.

            Arthur didn’t manage to smother a chuckle as he overheard the teasing remarks between the three. Ciel glanced at him and pressed a finger to his lips with a mischievous smile.

l

            A while later (and many drinks drunk), Siemens lay asleep and snoring on the couch. Poor Mey-Rin had barely evaded him, and Ran-Mao still hung over his shoulder. Ciel deadpanned at the sight.

            “Has Lord Siemens fallen asleep?” he said.

            “Yes, so it would seem,” said Grey.

            “Sebastian, (Y/N), take him to his room. I’ll be retiring myself,” said Ciel. He turned to the group. “Forgive me. I will be taking my leave now as well.”

            “Lord Earl, off to bed already?” remarked Lau.

            “It’s rather past bedtime for a child such as I,” said Ciel. “Please stay and enjoy yourselves at your leisure, everyone.” And then he made his escape from the party as Sebastian lifted up Siemens onto his back.

            “Past your bedtime?” commented (Y/N) with a slight smirk as they walked through the halls.

            “My, my, a child only when it’s convenient,” said Sebastain.

            An irk mark appeared on Ciel’s forehead. “Hold your tongue.”

l

            At one in the morning, Sebastian and (Y/N) were still cleaning up while Baldroy stacked dishes and Mey-Rin lamented having to deal with Siemens. A ring of a bell gained the group’s attention.

            “Gah!” Mey-Rin whined. “It’ scoming from Lord Siemens’s room, it is!”

            “Maybe he just woke up and wants some water?” said Baldroy.

            “I don’t want to go. Really, I don’t,” said Mey-Rin.

            “We shall accompany you,” said Sebastian as he and (Y/N) took off the aprons they’d been wearing while cleaning.

            “Mr. Sebastian! Are you worried about me, are you?” said Mey-Rin, blushing.

            “I am worried about Lord Siemens,” said Sebastian simply.

            Mey-Rin deflated and followed Sebastian and (Y/N) out into the corridor. She shivered as the storm raged outside, lightning flashing through the sky.

            “It is raining very hard, it is,” said Mey-Rin.

            “I do hope it lets up somewhat,” said Sebastian.

            (Y/N) paused before Siemens’s door and knocked. “Lord Siemens, did you send for us?”

            Instead of a proper answer, a scream emanated from within. Sebastian and (Y/N) paused and Mey-Rin froze.

            “What is going on in there, Lord Siemens?!” cried Mey-Rin, banging on the door. “Lord siemens! Lord Siemens!”

            “Something wrong? What’s all the fuss?” The other guests rushed towards the room as the distress was overheard.

            “We have to break down the door,” said (Y/N) to Sebastian. He nodded and stepped back. (Y/N) kicked the door and let it flying off the hinges. Everyone watching gasped.

            Siemens lay in his armchair before the fire. Pure red stained his shirt as he stared vacantly into the air. Phelps promptly feinted, and Irene screamed.

            Arthur spoke the words on everyone’s mind. “…He’s dead!”

            (Y/N) was tempted to smirk. Now things were getting interesting. It's time for everything to go into action.

Taglist:

@technikerin23

@im-making-an-effort

@izzieg3987

@jinxxangel13

@alexpangender

@otomyoli

@neenieweenie

@nex-crowley

@anxious-chick

@bellacastiel

@v1l-ismissing

@agentdedf1sh

@idkhowtoplayhoyoversegames

@iamsexytrash

@oceansfloor

[abybweisse]

Hello.

In your latest post you suggested that after discovering the truth Snake might either stay with the Phantomhives or leave after taking the kids to safety. If the latter would ultimately happen, do you think he and his snakes somehow meet Prince Soma and join him? I mean, when we last had seen the prince shortly after Agni's death, it didn't look like his story ender but rater was a setup for future arc. He and Snake would somehow bond over their conflicted feeling towards R!Ciel (Soma's grasping at the idea the person he considered his little brothe has an actual evil twin and Snake's coming to terms with the idea someone he trusted witholded the truth from him and, no matter the reasons, was responsible for the circus crew's deaths).

Leave or stay?

It does look as though Soma was being set up to come back into the story, and I'm not sure if he really knows just yet which twin he's supposed to oppose the most. Our earl wanted Soma and Agni to leave for their own safety, but he just couldn't express that. Then Agni was killed by Polaris under real Ciel's orders. Soma's got reasons to fight both of them, but he might decide to just keep away from both of them. Even with the Right Hand of Kali, he's probably not a match for Polaris or Sebastian.

Snake also has plenty of reason to either oppose them both or get away from them altogether. Even with his snakes, idk if he could do much to Polaris, and we know he's no match for Sebastian. About trust, Snake learns to trust our earl, who has lied to him at least twice now (infiltrating the circus, then lying about his friends' fates)... but the same goes for him trusting Doll. It's through our earl he finds out his circus mates were kidnapping children, and Doll has just confessed to lying about herself at the orphanage. I expect him to confront Doll about the children she helped kidnap, because that's something she still hasn't admitted to him. He (and Finny) will have to point out they were never innocent when they were killed, despite the way she's trying to make it sound. They were kidnapping kids for their "Father", and they had been ordered to kill "Ciel". It's not like our earl hunted them down; most of them showed up on his estate, intending to kill him. I also hope that either Snake or Finny points out that Doll is now under the orders of our earl's older twin, the real Ciel Phantomhive... and ask her what she thinks of that...!

If Snake leaves and runs across Soma, they could be a powerful duo, plus those snakes, but idk if it's enough to gain them much in the way of revenge. They'd be better off teaming up to find new lives elsewhere. Those snakes might enjoy Bengal....

Correction: The circus troupe had orders to capture our earl and take him to "Father", not to kill him. Kelvin would have killed him/had the doc kill him as entertainment... with the hope of dying the same way the other cultists had that night.

[snoffyy]

Aang x Azula prompt: "It's getting harder to hide our relationship but there's a serial killer, several important political figures, your ex, and your family, all in the same place. Now is not the time. "

or Hanahaki disease. :3

OMFG YES AZULAANG. I so very much wanted to explore it in 'And I will Stay' but it was going to take up way too much real estate 😭

I went with Hanahaki disease, but then for once my brain cell decided to work, and... eh, churned out something that really can't be called a ficlet anymore. It reads a little rushed to me, but I also didn't want it to spiral more than it already did, so please forgive the pacing.

Thank you for the prompt, it was so fun to work with!

Azula counts the dust motes floating in her cell.

One… two…

She loses count. They blur together. Floaters in her eyes, or perhaps another speck that drifted from the ceiling.

“Would you seriously rather stare at the wall than talk to me?!”

The Avatar’s incredulous voice, unfortunately, invades her peace. Azula sighs, and with a languorous turn of her head, eyes the Avatar with disdain.

For whatever reason, brother dearest had thought the Avatar would have more luck getting through to her. In a way, she understands, even though she abhors having anything in common with little Zuzu. He hasn’t visited her in weeks. She supposes she can’t blame him. Not when every meeting has them screaming and throwing fire at each other.

There’s too much anger and hurt between them for anything to go anywhere.

“I’m not interested in anything you have to say,” she sneers. “What more do you want, Avatar? You’ve won. There, I admitted it. My father is rotting in prison, my brother is on the throne – my throne, for that matter –”

“You lost the Agni Kai. You aimed for a third party.”

“Semantics,” she waves him off.

“They’re not semantics,” the Avatar protests, the furrow of his brow the first indication of anger he’s shown since these inane little visits started. “You could’ve killed Katara. You could’ve killed my friend.”

Azula appraises him stonily.

The Avatar sighs. “You’re not a monster. I want to believe you’re not a monster.”

“Oh yes?” she drawls sarcastically. “Then why am I here?”

In the corner of her eye, a shadowy figure flit by. A tall woman, the silhouette of the Fire Lady’s hairpiece in the tight furl of a topknot –

She lets out a slow breath, returning her attention to the dust motes.

One… two… three…

“I’m going to give you something,” the Avatar says, grey eyes steely. It’s uncharacteristic of him, and she isn’t quite sure what to do about that.

“What?” she still retorts drily.

Suddenly, the Avatar’s face brightens, a curious childlike gleam in his eyes.

“Freedom.”

Azula barely refrains from an undignified snort. “I beg your pardon?”

“Freedom,” the Avatar repeats. “You’re getting out of here and going on a trip with me.”

She rolls her eyes, scoffs, rakes his face for any tells or hints of deception. When she finds none, she furrows her brows.

“Is that not another prison? You will be holding me hostage –”

“Not hostage,” the Avatar interrupts. “It’s a trip. On Appa. We’ll go to some cool places, try out some local cuisine, maybe even go penguin sledding…”

“No thanks,” Azula says thinly. “I think I’d rather be a prisoner than a tourist.”

“Come on,” he wheedles. “Wouldn’t you want to get out of here for a bit? I promise you no stuffy politics. It’s just fun!”

She summons a ball of flame and tosses it at the Avatar. He yelps, jumps six feet in the air, the top of his bald head threatening to brush against the ceiling.

Pathetic. To think this was what had brought down her father.

Azula smirks. “Now that is fun.”

“Ha-ha, very funny,” the Avatar grumbles, drifting back down.

“Change your mind?” Azula asks airily, tossing a little flame back and forth between her hands. She doesn’t like these games. The games she likes are the ones she knows the rules to, but the Avatar has come stumbling in disrupting everything. She doesn’t know what he wants, and she doesn’t think she’d be much interested in anything he’d want.

“No,” the Avatar says, frustratingly looking even more determined. “Get some rest. We leave first thing tomorrow. Wouldn’t you rather be a prisoner outside than inside?”

He doesn’t give her time to reply. Instead, like a bird, he alights into the air, leaving nothing but a cool wind in his wake. She throws another fireball where he once stood, scorching the stone.

.

She hates it. She hates everything about this trip. She hates the clothes she’s been supplied, the grungy clip she’d been given to tie her hair, the… the smelly, grunting, scraggy flying bison she is clinging onto for dear life as they soar across the sky.

“See?!” the Avatar whoops. “Isn’t this fun?”

Azula thinks she’d rather let herself tip over the edge.

Their first stop is some dinky little island in the middle of nowhere. When Azula finally swallows down her pride and asks what they’re here for, the Avatar shushes her rudely and leads her to the shore.

And then he stands there with his eyes closed.

She indulges him for the first ten minutes. Ten minutes too long, when she discovers he isn’t even waiting for anything. He’s simply standing on the warm sand, facing the ocean.

She tosses fire at him.

The Avatar dodges nimbly, the serene expression still on his face. Azula would be impressed if she wasn’t fed up.

“What are you doing?” she finally rebukes sharply. “This is a waste of time. If this is all you have planned for your merry little trip, then I think I’d rather walk myself back to prison –”

“Shh,” the Avatar cracks an eye open, grinning. “When was the last time you stood on the beach and listened to the waves?”

“Ember Island,” Azula replies bluntly. “Not too long after your apparent death, actually. With my brother and…” the words shrivel up in her mouth. Mai and Ty Lee were her friends. Were.

“Not like that,” the Avatar says gently. “I meant just listening to the waves, letting them wash your worries away. When was the last time you cleared your mind?”

Azula falls silent. A clear mind has always been what she was renowned for. As if to assure herself, she flexes her fingers, feeling the crackle of static dance between them. But, admittedly, in prison, her only company was often her own thoughts.

“Listen,” the Avatar insists. “And don’t try to throw lightning at me. I know how to redirect it.”

“Well, good for you,” Azula huffs.

Still, seeing that there is nothing else to do, she turns her face to the waves.

And listens.

.

She likes structure. She likes it when things go in their correct places, when plans follow through by her meticulously planned steps. She likes it when she can definitively say that one thing is this and another is that.

The Avatar is, unfortunately, not any of that.

His whims are as free-spirited as the winds, billowing this way one moment and that way the next.

Azula knows people. She reads them easier than reading books. Their tells, the miniscule twitches in their expression, the subtle startles of their fingers and feet.

The Avatar wears his heart on his sleeve and his thoughts on his face. And yet, despite the way he bares everything so openly, she struggles to break him down into individual categories.

“I got you something!” the Avatar beams, popping up beside her. They’re in a tiny village somewhere along the borders of the Earth Kingdom, perusing the local market. There isn’t anything of interest, but Azula finds herself looking around anyway, idly noting the trinkets and wares on display.

Azula eyes the small cloth-wrapped bundle suspiciously. When she doesn’t take it, the Avatar grabs her hand and puts it in her palm himself. She swats him away, wiping her hand on her trousers.

He doesn’t take any offence. “Open it!”

Azula sighs heavily. Undoing the twine, she slowly pulls apart the brown cloth, revealing a small pot of rouge. She lifts the lid, trying to ignore the twinge in her heart as she takes in the bright hue, as deeply crimson as the colour she usually used.

She can’t remember the last time she’d used cosmetics.

“Thanks,” she mutters gruffly.

“No problem! See, I’m something of a haggler, and I managed to get it for a ‘special price’. Although, I think it’s something to do with being the Avatar. But anyway, it was pretty cheap! Not that I know how much makeup usually costs –”

“You have more than enough money,” Azula rolls her eyes. “These are simple villagers trying to make a living. I say you just give them the full price. It keeps the economy going and ensures someone gets to put food on the table.”

The Avatar stares at her in surprise.

“What?” Azula bristles. “I’m stating facts.”

“Nothing,” the Avatar rubs the back of his head sheepishly. “I just didn’t think you’d be so… nice about um, Earth Kingdom people.”

It’s probably rude to throw fire at someone who had just bought her a gift, but Azula does it anyway. Much to her satisfaction, she manages to singe the corner of his top, and gleefully watches the Avatar hop around in a panic.

“I simply know a thing or two about running a country,” Azula announces, turning on her heel to head back to the bison.

Later that night, in private, she carefully applies the rouge on her lips. It seems silly, but it feels like a little piece of herself has returned.

In the background of her reflection, she thinks she almost catches a mirroring smile on her mother’s face.

.

He wears her down. Somewhat.

It takes weeks, but eventually Azula can admit she doesn’t think about her humiliating defeat during Sozin’s Comet as much anymore. She is a princess, and she always will be, but she has never been a tourist.

Maybe it’s not so bad trading thoughts of military plans and strategies for thoughts of how long a hike would take and when they should be heading back for dinner.

At one of the towns they stop by, she even buys Zuzu a figurine of a turtleduck carved from ivory.

The Eastern Air Temple is hauntingly still. Echoes of the past rebound throughout the surprisingly in-tact structures.

They tour around it, and Azula… Azula finds herself enthralled.

“It’s great, isn’t it?” the Avatar bounds in front of her, a little too close to her face.

She throws a fireball at him.

The Avatar dodges nimbly, air currents spiralling under his feet as he launches himself into a tree, feet hooking around a branch.

“Hey!” the Avatar grins, hanging upside down from the gnarled bough like a monkey. “You weren’t serious that time!”

A miniscule smile of her own tugs involuntarily at her lips.

“No,” she says slowly. “I suppose not.”

.

It’s ridiculous.

Azula wakes up one morning before promptly retching up small, white petals with blue accents. She stares at her palmful of flowers in horror. Tiny, little things that were as white as snow, painted with vivid blue streaks that reminded her of the arrows tattooed along the Avatar’s arms and legs.

They smell sweet and light, and something about its fragrance reminds her of something she can’t put her finger on.

She burns them.

.

Hanahaki disease.

A myth, a rumour, a deliverance of punishment unto her.

Azula doesn’t get any better despite every fibre in her body praying day and night that these damned flowers would shrivel up and die. But who should she pray to if not to herself? For it is her own problem, her folly to have some stupid, stupid unrequited love.

She doesn’t even know who she is supposedly in love with.

Not with the Avatar, no, no. It’s her first thought, but when she looks at him, she finds herself relieved to find that her heart remains as steady as ever, her gut as still as a tranquil pond, and her breathing as even as a mirror’s surface.

She doesn’t understand. She isn’t yearning for the Avatar’s love. She isn’t yearning for anyone’s love. She doesn’t need love. Love is for fools.

Love is for fools. Just as trust is for fools.

Because they are intertwined, aren’t they? Love makes one foolish. Love blinds you, turns you on your head, turns your own mind against you.

Azula coughs again. Petals spill from her lips, fluttering to the ground in a scatter. If she concentrates, she can taste its perfume in the back of her mouth.

.

“Zephyr blossoms!”

Azula subtly coughs into her sleeve before she turns around, frowning at the Avatar.

“I beg your pardon?”

He picks up a white petal from the ground, and she realises in horror that she hadn’t managed to catch one. A slip-up. A miscalculation.

“Zephyr blossoms,” the Avatar repeats, stroking the petal fondly, looking a little teary-eyed. “How did they get here? They’re native to the Eastern Air Temple. They used to be carried around by the breeze and we’d make a game of catching them. Monk Gyatso used to say that they were created by air sprites.”

“Is that so?” Azula says dully.

The Avatar throws the petal into the air, manipulating the wind around them to carry it off the cliff.

“Anyway,” he says cheerfully, “we should get to the inn. It’s getting late.”

Azula nods. As soon as his back is turned, she throws her handful of petals over the edge.

.

She wakes in the middle of the night unable to breathe. It’s a nightmare, its shadowy fingers still cinching around her throat. She’d dreamt of her mother, of her soft perfume and embroidered sleeves wiping away her tears. She’d dreamt of her mother’s soothing voice, her gentle footfalls, her indulging smile when Azula ran up to her clutching some interesting little thing she’d found and wanted to show off.

She’d dreamt of the happier times, and in so many ways, it’s worse than dreaming of monsters and demons.

A wretched sob tears free from her throat, and with it, a flurry of petals. They lodge in her gullet, and she coughs, hacking up flower after flower.

“Azula.”

Azula’s head jerks up in shock. The Avatar is standing in the doorway, a small sprig of flame flickering on his fingertip, casting a warm orange glow around the dark room.

“Go away,” Azula manages to choke around her mouthful of flowers. Her eyes blur with tears, from choking or despair, she doesn’t know. “Go away.”

“No.”

She shrieks at him, summoning a molten ball of blue rage before hurling it at the Avatar. To her frustration, he dissipates it calmly, and then slowly enters the room.

Azula hunches forward, sobbing into the disarray of flowers.

“Who?”

“I don’t know,” Azula spits. She lets herself sob one more time before she scrubs at her eyes, taking in deep breaths to calm down. But as she sucks in a lungful of air, she inadvertently takes in the flower’s scent.

She remembers.

It’s her mother’s perfume. Her mother used to make it herself, infusing flowers and oils together in a blend that Azula could never follow. Coupled with the other scents, she hadn’t recognised it on the first go, but now… now, there is no mistaking it.

“Azula,” the Avatar cautiously sits on the bed. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know,” Azula repeats, more numbly now. “It’s not you, I can tell you that.”

“Azula…” the Avatar gently touches her shoulder. She doesn’t shake him off. “This… this is a serious disease.”

“You think I don’t know that?!” she snaps, “Maybe it’s a good thing. Maybe I’ll just wither away and die and the little world you saved will be made all the better!”

The Avatar withdraws, shocked.

“That’s right,” she says bitterly. “I know there are officials clamouring for my execution. Maybe I’ll finally give everyone what they want and just fucking –”

“Azula!” the Avatar shouts, horrified. “No! No, no, no, no, no. Why… why are you saying all this? Azula, I thought you… you…”

“You don’t understand,” Azula hisses. “None of you understand. I just… leave me alone, Avatar.”

The Avatar doesn’t leave her alone. Instead, he shuffles closer, asking her, “Do you… do you love yourself? Cherish yourself?”

Her heart stutters to a stop. Of all times the Avatar has to be insightful, it has to be now, when she is at her lowest point, wishing her mind would go blank so her thoughts would finally leave her alone.

“Oh,” the Avatar says softly, “oh, Azula.”

“Get out,” she barely manages to utter through her gritted teeth. “Get. Out.”

She digs her nails into her arms, deep into the sinew, and her fingers start smoking. She doesn’t dare look at him, not when she’s sure there’s a pitying look on his face. She doesn’t need this. She never needed this.

Footsteps. The door creaking open. A click.

Azula hesitantly raises her head.

The Avatar is gone, but somehow, she feels worse than before.

.

They don’t speak about that night.

Azula continues coughing up flowers, and the Avatar continues giving her worrying glances.

She doesn’t see her mother anymore. Sometimes she feels like she doesn’t see anything at all. The days blur past, and they visit different places in solemn silence. In a way, she almost misses the excitable, jovial atmosphere the Avatar brought with him everywhere.

In a quiet teashop, she sits in a private room, sipping tea and counting dust motes.

One… two… three… four… five…

The paper door slides open, and the Avatar steps in, holding a scroll.

“Zuko wants to come see you.”

“You told him?!” Azula hisses angrily. “You told him about – about –”

“No, no,” the Avatar assures. “No. I haven’t told him anything. He sent a letter himself. He wants to see you, Azula.”

“Why?” she asks, forcing her eyes back to her tea. “Why bother?”

“Because you’re his little sister,” she hears the Avatar walk closer. “He doesn’t want to give up on you. He said your father has hurt you both.”

“That’s easy for him to say when he’s the golden child now,” Azula mutters.

“He’s not perfect, Azula,” the Avatar sits. “And neither are you. Trust me, that’s a good thing.”

But she doesn’t trust him, that’s the thing.

Did she?

“I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to,” the Avatar says. “But think about it. Please.”

He gets up and leaves again.

Azula watches the dust motes.

One… two…

She turns away.

.

She sits in yet another inn room, brushing her hair. The rouge is sitting on the table, the dim light showing off its waxy sheen.

“Hey,” the Avatar pokes his head in. “Do you want dinner?”

“I’d like to see Zuzu,” Azula blurts out. The Avatar startles, and Azula falls into embarrassed silence. She clears her throat delicately. “And dinner, yes. But… I think I’d be willing to see my brother.”

“That… that’s great!” the Avatar shakes himself out of his reverie to grin brightly at her. “I’ll let him know.”

“No,” Azula interrupts. “I’ll write him.”

The Avatar nods vigorously in agreement.

Azula coughs, and petals fall from her lips. It hasn’t gotten any worse, but it hasn’t gotten any better either.

The Avatar touches her shoulder, and she turns to the mirror, studying herself. She looks… better. Healthier. Despite the disease racking her chest, she doesn’t look as tired and bitter anymore. But it doesn’t mean that she looks better. What matters is…

“One day,” the Avatar says softly, their eyes meeting in the reflection. “You will look into the mirror, and you will realise that you finally love yourself. The day will come. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week. But the day will come.”

“Save your breath,” Azula manages around the lump in her throat.

“I mean it,” the Avatar insists. “We’ve all been brought to our lowest point. What matters is what we do to get out of it.”

“I don’t even know what to do,” Azula confesses.

“You can start by calling me by my name,” the Avatar smiles.

There are more than petals in her throat now. The Avatar’s name is also lodged in there, joining the jumbled mess of flowers. It’s then that she realises something that now seems so glaringly obvious.

She is content. And she thinks that, for the first time since her imprisonment, there could be happiness in the future.

“Aang,” she says. Her heart skips a beat. But he smiles wider, warm and bright, and she thinks she finally understands why people find sunrises so appealing.

“Azula,” the Avatar – Aang, she corrects herself, reaches out and grabs her hand, squeezing it. She doesn’t set him on fire. “Should we go check out Kyoshi Island?”

She smiles back tentatively, her inner fire growing warmer as she nods.

One step at a time.

[hobbit-in-kuroshitsuji]

Kuroshitcember 2022 Prompt Nr. 25 - Christmas Special 3/3

prompt: Sebastian bears an awful resemblance to someone held near. Pick a character and let them realise this!

You can find all prompts here!

All of these will be uploaded/archived to this blog's Ao3 eventually

📌Because I ended up not being able to participate in quite a lot of prompts lately, I decided to put together a 3 part little story for 23rd, 24th, and 25th of December, each chapter inspired by that day's prompt. I tried incorporating as many characters as I could <3 I hope you enjoy!! I hope I can keep up writing after Christmas though <3 these prompts have been amazing, and it's been so much fun participating <3

Summary: On Christmas Day, the Phantomhives host a special Christmas Dinner. This year, it's even more special than they anticipated... as memories of Vincent flood everyone's minds. CW: kuroshitsuji spoilers (if you don't know about o!ciel and r!ciel, do not read this 3 parter!!), mentions death, suicide, anatomy study, workhouses - please be careful if you are easily triggered by real events that happened in the past. oh, if you don't ship Vincent/Undertaker, please don't send hate <3 it's just a fleeting mention, but still <3

“What…” Sebastian and Ciel stood in the dining room, forty minutes before the annual Christmas Dinner was set to begin.

The decorations that the servants, along with Agni and Prince Soma, had put together were………..

Interesting.

It was all made of paper and glittering glue. Tanaka had tried to show everyone the best way to create Christmas crafts to decorate everything – but the servants weren’t the greatest at following orders.

Amidst well presented art made by Tanaka were some that were… either plain ugly, burned to a crisp, or confusing imitations of Christmas trees.

Sebastian hoped they were Christmas trees, at least…

Oh, and the Undertaker had shown up early to the party, inviting himself to aid in the Christmas crafts to add some “festive skulls” to the decorations – of course, because why not?

Prince Soma had also taken it upon himself to change the way the table had been carefully prepared by Mey-Rin, removing all chairs for everyone to sit on cushions on the floor, and removing the “confusing amounts of cutlery”. How Prince Soma had managed to find a low enough table that housed over 14 people, no one knew. Not even Agni.

“He looks positively pale. That means we succeeded in what dear Finnian called the ‘wow’ factor,” the Undertaker said with an air of sarcasm only Ciel and Sebastian seemed to pick up on. The glares they sent his way only made the Undertaker fall into a fit of laughter.

“My lord, I will immediately change–“

“Don’t.” Ciel interrupted his butler. He sighed. “Despite what I might think of the decorations… it does incorporate the culture and personalities of everyone at the estate including the varieties of guests we’re serving. Christmas doesn’t belong to aesthetics. It belongs to the people. Just leave it. Spend the time double checking the food is… up to standards though. I’m starving.” Ciel turned to leave, but paused to add a quick: “Focus on the desert, actually.”

Sebastian sighed. This Christmas was definitely not running the smooth, traditional way it usually did. Then again, what else did he really expect at the Phantomhive estate?

“I think he liked our decorations,” Finny whispered to the others with glee.

Shaking his head, Sebastian left them to their joy to double check Agni had saved the food.

…

“He acts awfully fatherly, doesn’t he?” Ronald pointed out. He and his red dressed reaper partner were on their way to give William the… (sort of) bad news.

The holidays were a time when reapers had to work overtime. For a full 24 hours, they had to deal with suicides (this was not on Ronald’s pay-roll, only certain reapers were allowed to handle these), murders, starvations, people freezing to death, and other freak accidents (a lot of people die from candles, surprisingly)… Normally, there was a night shift. But with the added family drama humans often brought to the holidays, the night shift also had to work 24 hours alongside the day shift.

“Who?” Grelle asked.

With three more hours to go, things were starting to calm down. When Ronald and Grelle walked through the office, people weren’t running around with papers and bloody scythes anymore. People were starting to clean up instead, or slumping down in their chairs with a hot beverage to calm down.

Ronald pitied the reapers that had to take first shift in the morning after all these hours – but this was the life of a reaper. They had to suck it up.

“That demon of his. Of Phantomhive’s.”

“If you ask me, it only shows what good potentials he would have as a husband,” Grelle said simply, smirking.

“You want children?”

“If they’re mine I wouldn’t quite hate them so much,” Grelle scolded. “If they were mine, they would have impeccable taste and not shout so much. Obviously.”

Shaking his head at Grelle’s words, Ronald refrained from commenting on it. Truth be told, Ronald could see her being quite a good mother. There was empathy and gentleness hidden away behind a façade of craziness.

Though… that was not what either reaper should be focused on anyway, because they had just reached William T. Spears’ office door. Preparing themselves for the scolding of a life time, they opened the door to find their supervisor hunched over his table, paper everywhere from table to floor to even one stuck on the ceiling, and with his hair a complete mess. The long shift had taken a toll on him too, it seemed.

Which most likely only meant the scolding was going to be ten times worse.

“Ehm…” Grelle pushed Ronald ahead, forcing him to take point on the bad news. “Mister Spears, sir. We uh… We just came back from London-“

“Yes?” William snapped, lifting his gaze from piles of papers to try and locate a report in Ronald’s hands. Upon not seeing one, his eyes narrowed into anger which was dangerously murderous.

“Uh – Well, you see… Those uh, workhouse children you asked us to reap?”

“Yes?” Despite only speaking so few words, it was crystal clear what William still meant. Honestly, it was a gift that he could portray so much with just the inclination of tone… and glares…

Hurry it up, Knox, I have work to finish.

“Uh, we didn’t get their souls. The demon – Sebastian Michaelis – got in the way… We did, however, get some other souls that took their place if that’s-“

“What?” William straightened up behind his desk. “What do you mean he interfered? We- We would have known if he was going to! Those children were set for death, we were not told of any inclinations of possible fate twisting changes-”

Standing up, William began rummaging through the mess on his desk, lifting papers, throwing some to the floor even, to try and find what he was looking for.

It was madness, really. William T. Spears was never disorganised.

“William, darling,” Grelle piped up, stepping up beside Ronald with a less crazy look in her eyes than she usually had around Will. “Have you allowed yourself even a second’s break?”

“What does that have to do with the – There,” William found what he was looking for, apparently, and lifted one folder for him to read through. “Six souls, aged between 6 and 10…”

Then it got quiet.

“They’re not deceased?” William asked again for clarification.

“No, sir.”

“None of them?”

“None.”

William flopped back down into his chair, folder falling to the floor as he let out such an exhausted sigh that it looked like he had given up on life – again.

“It’s not in the report. Which means Sebastian acted upon a nature which was not predicted by fate, which indicates it even goes against demon nature… Those are four separate reports for me to fill in after work, not to mention the two reports I will have to write taking your statements, then write up a full conclusion of my own investigation as I go down there-“

“William,” Grelle interrupted. “That’s impossible for you to do all alone after this shift.” She walked up to him, noting he was still listing reports and documents he needed to take care of because of this one incident under his breath, not listening to her.

He was beyond exhausted. He was getting delirious.

“William…”

“No, you cannot help. There is a Christmas dinner being served for all who have participated in this long shift.” The words ‘you both should go, I’ll handle this’ were not said, but it was heavily implied.

“William, darling, you do so much for us all…” Grelle tried with a frown, earning nothing more but a shake of his head. Approaching him, she sat down on the arm rest of his office chair, wrapping herself around him, arm around his shoulders. William didn’t budge, not even leaning away from her to try and recover some personal space.

It was both an act of affection from Grelle, and her making good use of this version of William so she could have some intimacy… But it was mainly a testament to William’s exhaustion. If William had been feeling alright, he would have pushed further, moved away from Grelle’s attempts to let her help him.

“How about, we give you a break not for you, but for someone else?” That sentence was entirely confusing, even for Ronald. Both male reapers glanced at Grelle in confusion. Gently, she brushed some stray strands of hair away from William’s face, an act normally not needed should the supervisor be feeling like himself. “If you can’t take a break for yourself, then take a break for someone else…” That didn’t clarify it either. “Besides, you have to go there anyway to investigate the premises and search for that demon.”

…

Apologising profusely, Mey-Rin wobbled up the ladder. Her glasses were fogging up from the sheer anxiety… But she soon calmed down when Agni remained gently smiling at her, doing nothing more but climb the second ladder to assist her.

The entrance hall to the Phantomhive Manor was huge. Literally. It was a testament to the wealth of the Phantomhives, and a testament to the dramatic flair of a certain demon who had “helped” rebuild it.

Of course, the servants and everyone else didn’t know about the latter part.

Its grandness meant that the walls were extremely tall, perfect for fitting large portraits of long lost family relatives onto it; watching over the going-ons in what used to be their domain.

One such portrait was that of Earl Vincent Phantomhive, the previous head of the family before Ciel.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir,” Mey-Rin whispered to the portrait. “Twas all my fault, I’m too clumsy.”

In harmony, Agni and Mey-Rin lifted the long line of tinsel up and stuffed it back behind the top corners of the portrait. Around the entire hall, Christmas decorations were put up high up to create a flair of glistening beauty as a welcome to the guests. Mey-Rin had… somehow… tripped and let one plate fly up into the air, only for it to bring the decorations down with it.

Agni had been present, catching Mey-Rin before she fell face first onto the floor, before then proceeding to help her fix the decorations.

“There we are,” Agni calmly said, “all fixed again, and no one will ever know anything even occurred here.”

Yet, despite being done, both stayed up on the ladders, staring at the portrait. It was immaculately done, with details only the finest of artist, or closest of friend, would have known existed on Vincent’s face.

“He looked like a kind gentleman,” Agni eventually said. His voice echoed against the walls, but no one paid it any attention. All guests were currently in the dining hall, enjoying the peculiar decorations, the fine food and each other’s company. Even Ciel had been seen cracking a smile from time to time when Elizabeth said something – that in and of itself was a Christmas Miracle, truly.

“I wish I could have known him… I bet it woulda gladdened the Earl plenty if someone could tell stories about his dad,” Mey-Rin pondered.

“Tanaka could, no?”

“Tanaka does, but… There’s something between the two of them. I can’t tell what, but sometimes it feels like Tanaka doesn’t want to remind Ciel of the past, even the good stuff.”

“It can be painful sometimes… To know the good will never come back.” Agni sighed. “I see it in my prince’s eyes sometimes. He does not want to go back home, but he does miss it… I know he does.”

“But there’s new good things here,” Mey-Rin said.

“Yes.” Agni smiled at that, offering an appreciative smile toward the maid. “And that is the case for your master too.” Slowly, the two started heading down the ladder again. “I heard he spent the afternoon helping the poor.”

“Yes he did indeed, sir. My master is the kindest. He took us all in too, even if we were… not exactly the best of servants.” Done on the marble floor once more, the two continued to stare up at the portrait. “I wish he could have something other than a portrait of the good times, I do.”

“He has a great Khansama. Actually…” Both servants suddenly cocked their heads to the side, realisation hitting them both. “His Khansama looks a little like…”

“Yes,” a third voice said, “so you’ve noticed it too?”

…

“That was mighty kind of you, sir,” Ronald praised, stuffing his mouth full with leftover stuffing.

“You are meant to eat that with the turkey – Oh why do I bother? You’re going to do whatever you want anyway,” William sighed, rolling his eyes.

He, Grelle and Ronald were perched atop the church roof once more. Down below them, Christmas carols were being sung by a choir, their voices a beautiful background to a Christmas morning sunset. Across the road, the workhouse stirred with laughter, cheers and prays of gratitude. Not only had the children been offered toys that day, but the children had also been given a mysterious feast of Christmas food – prepared, unknowingly to them, by the reapers who had wrongfully predicted their deaths.

Sitting atop foldable beach chairs, the reapers took in the sight of their charity as kids rushed around sharing the food amongst each other; food they otherwise would have never gotten, not even a goose to share between them.

“It wasn’t my idea, Knox,” William corrected. “Though I suppose no one will ever believe it if we said Sutcliff offered up a luxury of hers.”

“Hey,” Grelle commented with offense, “I can be nice sometimes. Besides, you really needed a break from working with the dead.”

“That’s… awfully insightful of you,” William said in surprise. In his hands, he held a plate of food he was enjoying at the end of their shift. His held more turkey than the others. He’d been forced to have more turkey on his as he had made a simple comment that he enjoyed turkey – apparently, hearing William say he ‘enjoyed’ something was seen as a Christmas Miracle, which then urged Ronald and Grelle to fill his plate with turkey.

“I take offense to the fact you sound so surprised.”

“And I am surprised Miss Sutcliff isn’t throwing a tantrum over all these offenses thrown her way,” Ronald teased. “’Tis a Christmas Miracle!”

Ronald’s last words were said in unison with one of the kids rushing outside to throw themselves into the snow, creating a little snow angel out of glee to have new toys and food all within the span of 12 hours.

All three reapers – yes, even William – chuckled at that.

Sometimes, working with the dead meant little appreciation was offered to the living. All they saw was the suffering toward the end, moving past the good they saw in the cinematic records like it was nothing, but always taking note of the bad. The good… was easy to forget, and easy to set aside when in reality that should be what people focused on the most. Successfully eating three meals a day, successfully brushing one’s teeth, seeing a puppy on the street, having access to one’s favourite books, being able to go for a walk, laughing with friends – or, in this case, sharing Christmas dinner on the roof of a church whilst enjoying the merriment of happy children being fed by luxuries no one on Earth had (William was going to get in trouble for this, but for now… he didn’t worry about it).

As shifts ended, other reapers joined them too. It wouldn’t become a tradition, but it was a pleasant way of spending Christmas morning together as a found family in the afterlife.

…

“Yes,” a third voice said, “so you’ve noticed it too?”

The Undertaker had been taking a break from the merriment of nobles. He didn’t mind it so much, really, he was used to accompanying the Phantomhives at holidays. It was just… a lot, and a lot of colour and a lot of jokes that only made half sense to him as a being who knew the intricacies of the universe.

It got tiring to dumb it down sometimes.

Besides… lately… these holidays had been a tad more difficult for him. It used to be that Vincent sat at the head of that table, Rachel by his side and twins running around the table until they were told off by Madam Red. It used to be that the Undertaker sat on one end of the table, next to Vincent, whilst Rachel sat opposite him on the other side of Vincent.

It used to be that Vincent would hold both their hands under the table, offering glittering, appreciative glances to both as they secretly celebrated a shared holiday as a family bigger than the onlookers thought it was.

It used to be…

But it wasn’t no more.

Now, a child pretending to be another child sat at the head of the table, with the Undertaker far away… watching as a demon who had stolen the looks of his beloved tended to the butler duties and whispered in the young lord’s ear. It was suffocating to know more than even demon and master…

But it was also pleasant to be reminded of the old days, in a sad sort of way. And it was pleasant to be reminded of what he was attempting to change… what he was trying to accomplish…

So when he had walked back to the bathroom and heard the maid and prince’s butler talk about Vincent, the Undertaker had stayed in the shadows to listen in. He couldn’t quite help it.

Nor could he help but butt in once they realised a truth he so desperately wanted others to realise too.

Why did the demon choose a father’s face if demons could not care for humans?

“Yes, so you’ve noticed it too?” Mey-Rin and Agni spun around so quickly that the Undertaker simply had to cover his lips with oversized sleeves as he let out a giggle. “The face of a dead father returns in the shape of a black butler, mimicking the human like a raven found at cemeteries, picking at the dead… waiting to pounce…”

“I… sir?” Agni voiced as Mey-Rin was too scared to ask anything at all.

This particular guest was always an enigma to all. He helped the young lord, yet he also… was curious. Scary, sometimes. As if he was an antagonist waiting to show his true colours.

“teeeheee – look at your faces,” the Undertaker giggled. “Did I fool you? Vincent was a great friend of mine. If you want to know anything ever all you have to do is call on me. I aid not just the dead.” The Undertaker was beginning to walk away, when Agni stopped him with his words.

“Sir? Do you think Earl Ciel chose Sebastian as his Khansama because he felt… that the familiar face was comforting?”

The Undertaker dramatically turned around in a slow gesture, tilted his head to the side and offered a tooth revealing grin as he said: “Oh no, I think it was the exact opposite. Those with dark hearts are not meant to become attached, but I think something in the past of our beloved hell of a butler changed the man to want the child to choose him as his most trusted protector. Like a father. I think the man chose the son.” The Undertaker grinned at their confusion. “But then again, I’m just a crazy fool speaking far too many truths. I should return to the feast.”

Indeed… the Undertaker had a feeling that the face was chosen purposefully, so Ciel would feel calm around that which was a demon of hell, meant to scare kids. Whatever past the demon held had meant that the demon understood how a child’s mind works… It knew Ciel needed a father figure to help feel comfortable as he exacted revenge. To keep motivated.

And to feel safe.

…

“I don’t mean to speak ill of the master’s guests but… What a strange man,” Mey-Rin pointed out.

Agni quietly nodded his head, not wanting to speak ill of anyone either. “Let’s return to our work. The feast will be over soon.”

…

“Sebastian?”

The demon paused in the doorway. Room dark from the night. The only light source was the candle held by Sebastian, and the moon shining brightly outside. The child barely saw Sebastian. But the demon saw him as he turned to look.

It had been a long day, and Ciel was exhausted, his breathing even a little ragged from poor health making him even more easily tired.

“Yes, my lord?”

“If Timothy wanted you to be his father, how could you… take his soul?”

The question struck deep within the demon, eyes turning red. Enough about Timmy, already. His master really needed to learn to let go of the past – then again, if Sebastian started teaching Ciel that, his work to get Ciel’s vengeful soul to perfection would fail.

“In truth, my lord, I found ways to extend the contract. I am not proud of it, but I did. It was… a confusing couple of years.” Staying in the doorway, Sebastian only felt comfortable admitting this because of the distance between them, and the fact that Ciel’s question had come out slurred, indicating the boy was half asleep and might not remember this. “And it was not easy to take the child’s soul. Nor will it be this time.”

There was no reply. Sebastian assumed Ciel had gone to sleep and left the bedroom, locking the door behind him.

Left alone in the darkness, Ciel, quietly, pondered those words. The face of his father had spoken those words… It felt… Strange. Oddly comforting.

When Christmas Day ended, Ciel fell asleep with a peaceful smile on his lips…

__

taglist: @eemoo1o-animoo

[deathonsunnysnow]

my take on the modern kuro kids and parents au <3

• Ciel and his twin Astre were adopted by Sebastian and Mey-rin Michaelis after they were orphaned at age 8

• The parents put the twins in therapy to help manage the ptsd from losing their parents in a traumatic manner and suffering abuse from a previous foster family

• At their first group therapy session, the twins befriend Alois who had been placed in the therapy service by his own parents, Claude and Hannah, whom Sebastian was coincidentally friends with in college.

• At school, the twins met and befriended Soma, Elizabeth, Finnian, Sieglinde, and Doll

• Sebastian owns and runs a tattoo parlor whilst Mey-rin works at a local shooting range. Claude and Hannah work at a bar across the street from Sebastian’s tattoo parlor, Sieglinde’s father owns a real-estate company, Elizabeth’s family are all military employees, Soma’s single dad Agni owns a catering company, and Doll lives with her older sister Mary, affectionately called ‘Beast’, who helps run a pet store with their brother. Finnian lives with his dad, Baldroy, who cooks at the bar Claude and Hannah work at.

• When the twins were 13 the couple split, but still keep up a healthy co-parenting relationship.

• Sebastian and Beast are best friends, as her and Doll live right across the street from his house, and the two have frequent wine nights where they bitch about their mutual hatred for Francis Midford, the PTO President.

• Mey-rin constantly embarrasses the twins by always showing up first to every school event and hugging them persistently when they’re at her house

• Mey-rin started dating her coworker Ran-Mao a year after her and Sebastian split. He fully supports the couple and helped them move into the townhouse they share.

• Alois is constantly at the Michaelis residence when the twins are at Sebastian’s because he has a pretty up and down relationship with Claude, and Sebastian doesn’t mind one bit because he knows how his college friends used to fight when they first got together and can’t imagine it’s gotten any better

• When Grell Suttcliffe, a young attorney, moves in the house next door, she is immediately smitten by Sebastian, but he pretends he finds her annoying and hides his own feelings at first because he’s scared to let her into the twin’s life. Alois and the twins however, persistently make attempts to get them in situations where they have to interact to push the relationship further.

• Sieglinde and Lizzie are ride or die best friends, Lizzie filling the role as passenger princess in Sieglinde’s car as the Midfords won’t buy her another one after she hit a mailbox.

• Astre constantly complains about Alois’s driving but still rides with him to school everyday

• Agni and Sebastian made the entire gang get a life360 circle with them solely because of Ciel and Soma.

• Sebastian hosts a weekly dinner party with Beast and Doll, Claude, Hannah, and their two sons, and Agni and Soma.

• Astre has crushed on Finnian for years but against the pressures of Lizzie and Sieglinde, will never make a move

• Ciel and Lizzie are the lovably annoying ‘on again off again’ couple of the gang

• Alois and Astre were each other’s first kiss, none of the gang ever found out because the two immediately knew they were better off as best friends.

• The gang have an infamous groupchat, properly dubbed, ‘Insanity at its finest’

[nimblermortal]

Yngling Death Battle: FINAL!

After somehow managing to get a tie out of 13 votes in the last round, I am reluctantly supporting a three-way final. If there's a tie in this, folks, the Ynglings are going to have to share this crown the same way they shared the actual crown: briefly, before killing each other in improbable fashions.

"Reminders," a word which here means "entire sections copied straight out of Lee Hollander's translation of the Saga of the Ynglings:

Once when Fjolnir went to visit Fróthi on the Island of Selund, a great banquet had been prepared and many had been invited from near and far. Fróthi had a large estate, and a vat had been built there, many ells* high, and reinforced by stout timbers. It stood on the lower floor of a storehouse, and above it was a balcony with an opening in the floor, so that liquids could be poured down, and mead mixed in it. An exceedingly strong drink had been prepared. In the evening Fjolnir and his retinue were led to lodgings in a loft close by. During the night he went out on the balcony to find a place to relieve himself. He was drowsy with sleep and dead drunk, and on his way back to his lodgings he went along the balcony and to the wrong loft door and through it. He missed his footing and fell into the mead vat and drowned.

*an ell is around 60 cm or 23 inches

-----

Dag was the name of King Dyggvi's son who succeeded to the kingdom. He was so wise that he understood the speech of birds. He had a sparrow which told him many tidings. It used to fly over various countries. One time the sparrow flew into Reithgothaland and to the farm called Vorvi. He flew to the field of a farmer and fed there. The farmer came up and seized a stone and killed the bird. King Dag felt greatly concerned when the sparrow did not return to him. He prepared a sacrifice, offering up a boar to Frey, to find out what had happened, and received the answer that his sparrow had been killed at Vorvi. Then he summoned a large fleet* and proceeded to Gotland. And when he arrived at Vorvi he debarked with his army and harried there. The people fled in all directions. In the evening King Dag returned with his army to the ships after having slain many and taken many prisoners. But as they were crossing some river, at a place called Skjótansford or Vápnaford, a work slave ran out of the woods on to the river bank and hurled a pitchfork into their flock. It struck the king on his head, and he fell straightway from his horse and was dead.

*as you do

-----

King Agni harried far and wide in Finnland, subjecting it and making enormous booty. He took Skjálf, Frosti's daughter, prisoner and carried her away together with her brother... King Agni had the golden necklace which had belonged to Vísbur. King Agni proceeded to marry Skjálf. She prayed the king to make a funeral feast for her father. So he invited many men of note and celebrated a great feast. He had become most famous through his expedition and there was a great drinking bout. And when King Agni had become drunk, Skjálf asked him to take care of the necklace he wore. So he seized it and bound it fast to his neck before he went to sleep. His tent stood close by the forest, with a high tree over it to shield it against the sun's heat. Now when King Agni had fallen asleep, Skjálf took a thick cord and fastened it to the necklace. Then her followers took down the tent posts and threw the coil of rope over the limbs of the tree, then pulled, so that the king hung high in the branches; and that was the death of him.*

*Skjálf and her men ran to a boat and rowed away.

[wishingforatypewriter]

🎫 for Sola, please?

Hi!!! Thanks for the ask!

After retiring from the Agni Kais, Sola reunited with the love of her life—a woman named Ayano who she met while serving in the Fire Nation military—and they got married. When they first met, their relationship was rocky. Sola dismissed Ayano as a spoiled noble, and Ayano thought of Sola as a ruffian from the colonies. But as they competed for ranks and honor in the military, a begrudging respect developed between them, which in turn grew into friendship, and then love. When the war ended, they went their separate ways, Ayano becoming an imperial firebender in Zuko's court and Sola ruling over Republic City's underground. Ayano got married to a nobleman, as her family expected, though her heart was never in the match. Although she had several lovers over the years, Sola never took a spouse. After years of silence and separation, they ran into each other by chance when Sola was in the Caldera on triad business. Within a year of their reunion, they were both retired and living together in the huge estate Ayano inherited after her husband died under mysterious circumstances.

Ask me about my OCs!

[acollapsar]

@pareidae​​​ asked: ❛ i hope you haven’t been standing out in the cold this whole time. ❜ (from agni >:) )

♞✧° ┊┊ PROMPTED // Accepting!

          There was always a window of a couple of hours in the middle of the night when Sebastian had, in fact, nothing to do. As as soon as the household had gone to sleep, the fireplaces had been cleaned from ashes, and any further preparations for the morrow had been dealt with... he was left with what could be considered as the only free time he’d ever have. Not that he actually wanted any, in fact, he’d prefer to have something to do. As it were though, unless the estate had any unwanted visitors, Sebastian was left with empty hands.

Tonight was no different, and rather than sitting by the desk in his bedroom and go through books or old documents as a way to pass the time, he’d sometimes take strolls around the manor grounds. As such was the occasion tonight, and the butler had eventually found his way to the main garden. Typically, he only ever had one reason to go here ever as long as it was not duty-related. He stood there in silence, looking. Crimson eyes quietly scanned the area around him as he tried to pinpoint the whereabouts of a certain feline companion that the young master had yet to learn the existence of.

Alas... she never came. Not even when he tried to call out for her. As relative as time was, he had no idea how long he’d been standing there waiting. It was strange... it’s been quite a while now since he last saw her. With the arrival of the winter months and the year’s first snow had come to lay like a thing blanket across roads and fields, he feared that perhaps she’s run off to find a warm shelter somewhere. And that appeared to be a ‘best case’- scenario... One can only hope nothing has━

The silence suddenly broke when it was replaced by the familiar voice of a certain Indian butler ━ his sudden presence there enough to make Sebastian question his own senses as how he had not sensed him coming. Did he really now have to explain why he was not in bed fast asleep himself? Not to mention why on Earth he was standing outside in the middle of a cold winter’s night? As simple as his explanation might be, he feared that it might not be enough. After all, what ‘sane human being’ would stroll out in the middle of the night to stand on a fresh snow-covered ground, and look for any evidence that a certain cat was still alive?

          “ ... How long have you been watching me? ” He instead asked as he shifted a tad on the spot in order to offer his friend a glance over his shoulder. “ It is late. I was under the impression that rest was essential to you, no? ” Although he supposed that even humans like Agni could potentially struggle with sleeping from time to time... “ You should return back inside ━ we do not want you to catch a nasty cold, now do we.~ ”

[cryingatships]

Because we're still stuck at the beginning of the tog wedding arc-

Baam is the only son and heir to the wealthy Grace family, one of most powerful in the land, but comparatively new in the aristocratic circle. He is engaged to marry Khun Maria, a daughter from the ancient noble house of Khuns, well known for their bloodline, but struggling from financial troubles as of late. During a visit to the Khun Estate, Maria introduces Baam to her brother, Khun Aguero Agnis, who had come from studying abroad for the holidays. Khun Aguero Agnis is everything opposite of Baam's betrothed. He's stubborn, sarcastic, with a vocabulary much too unsuitable for either the dinner table or the parlour, and has some rather controversial opinions about the world.

Baam ought to stay away from him. After all, the purpose of his visit is getting close to his future wife, and Khun Aguero plays little role in that.

But as he gets to know Khun more, Baam starts questioning his life too.

Maria is busy discussing fashion with her sisters, choosing fabric during the seamstress' visit, or taking walks to the town. There are too many moments when Baam is left in the sole company of Khun Aguero.

They start speaking. Long talks in the parlour about the new laws, discussions of love, and even on the forbidden topic of sexuality, long walk along the lake, through the garden where their hands brush each other's, and they stay quiet, savouring the solitary beauty of autumn.

As the day becomes shorter and cooler, the two men are forced to retreat into the parlour, lounge next to the fire during the evenings. The darkness of heavy curtains, light coming only from the fireplace and the few candles around the room, creates an atmosphere all too cozy, all too encouraging to the human heart to develop feelings of a romantic nature.

On a cold eve in late autumn, when Maria was busy writing a letter in her study, Baam kisses the blue haired Khun boy, who looks too much like his sister, yet all too different from her softness.

It is a sin, a crime, yet Baam's heart flutters with things he has never felt before. Why should something incriminating make one feel this winderful? "You have won." He mutters against Aguero's lips. Indeed, he has, Baam now believes his theories on human love and sexuality much more than he had before, perhaps even wholly.

"No, I think I've lost." He hears Aguero whisper back.

In the end, Baam breaks his engagement. Maria isn't mad, just a little worried about the future interactions and mockery she'll face in high society. But she still shits on Khun cause why not bully lil brother when she gets the chance ayo

khunbaam don't get married, cause same sex marriage isn't legally valid in the era this is set in. But they DO have a small ceremony with supportive friends and even a few family members and become 'partners'. Khun becomes an author well known many many ages later for his writings and theories on human sexuality, gender, equality etc. Baam becomes a very successful businessman during his life time and uses his money to give them the life they deserve (aka spoil khun) and also find orgs that help queer ppl in need of assistance. Historians of their time have documented these two as highly successful individuals, 'roommates' and has taken note of their 'great friendship'. >:)

[ljones41]

"PERSUASION" (2022) Review

"PERSUASION" (2022) Review The years between 2009 and 2020 saw a few television and/or movie productions about various Jane Austen novels. Yet, these productions were either sequel, spoofs or other takes on her novels. Then 2020 arrived and two straight up movie adaptions appeared for Austen fans - "EMMA" and "MODERN PERSUASION". Another two passed before the streaming service Netflix released its own straight Austen adaptation, namely "PERSUASION".

Anyone familiar with Austen's works should also be family with the plot of her 1818 novel and this movie. Eight years before the story's beginning, a baronet's daughter named Anne Elliot had fallen in love with a young Royal Navy officer named Frederick Wentworth. However, her godmother Lady Russell, had convinced her to reject Frederick's marriage proposal out of family duty and his lack of social rank and fortune. During the eight years that followed, Anne had become an ignored and faded spinster. When her father, Sir Walter Elliot, finds himself in financial debt, and Anne's older sister Elizabeth move to Bath to live in style with less finances. Sir Walter also leases his estate, Kellynch, to Frederick's older sister and brother-in-law, Admiral and Mrs. Croft. Anne visits her married younger sister and brother-in-law Mary and Charles Musgrove at the estate of the latter's family, Uppercross. During her visit to the Musgroves, Anne becomes re-acquainted with Frederick after eight years and becomes convinced that he has emotionally moved on from being rejected and from her. When I saw the trailer for "PERSUASION", I never thought I would like it. What can I say? I had not been impressed by the film's trailer. It seemed to emphasize the film's worst aspects. And if I must be honest, this version of Austen's 1818 novel, like the other adaptations, had its issues. I did not care how screenwriters Ronald Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow occasionally utilized modern English in the film's dialogue. It felt out of place, and I am thankful that it did not dominate the movie. I rather enjoyed Stewart Scudamore and Agni Scott's natural portrayals of Admiral and Mrs. Croft. This is why I was very disappointed by their lack of appearances in the film's Bath sequence, especially since it was the former who had revealed an important piece of information about his brother-in-law, Frederick Wentworth. I also had a problem with the portrayal of Henrietta Musgrove in the film. I did not have a problem with the actress who portrayed her - Izuka Hoyle. I had a problem with how Bass and Winslow had re-written her character. Henrietta went from a slightly shy and reserved young woman to a more self-assured and forthright personality. Why did they change her personality? Nor did I see the need for a brief scene featuring Anne Elliot preparing to take a piss near some bush before overhearing a conversation between Louisa Musgrove and Frederick. I really did not need to see that. There were other minor aspects of "PERSUASION" that I did not like. I had no problems with Marianne Agertoft's costume designs for the film - with one exception. I did not care for some of Dakota Johson's costumes. With the exception of a few, most of them seemed bland in compared to the costumes for the other female characters. They brought back memories of Sally Hawkins' costumes in the 2007 adaptation. Considering Johnson served as the film's leading lady, I found this particularly irritating. One of her costumes looked as if it was suited for a period drama set in the early 1910s, instead of the mid-1810s. Yes, I could tell the difference. Also, Johnson's hairstyle seemed to be all over the place in some attempt to infuse a loose modern take in her hairstyle. Why? Perhaps the filmmakers wanted to single her out in compared to the other actresses due to her being the leading lady. Or perhaps Johnson did not want a strict early 19th century hairstyle. Whatever the reason, I disliked her hair. I had considered pointing out Cosmo Jarvis' day-growth beard. However, I discovered that the Royal Navy has always allowed its men to wear beards. So, Jarvis got a pass. Almost. I believe he should have worn a full beard or be clean shaven. That day-growth beard looked a bit too modern in my eyes. Many have issued other complaints about the movie. However, I found myself disagreeing with them. I had no problem with Johnson's Anne Elliot breaking the fourth wall every now and then. In fact, this narrative device had been used in the 2007 adaptation with Sally Hawkins, but with less frequency. The same could be said for using Anne as the story's narrator. Again, the 2007 adaptation used narration a lot less than this adaptation did. But I must admit that I found Anne's narration in this movie at times entertaining and rather poignant. Speaking of Anne's narration, many have complained about the character's sense of humor, pointing out that she seemed less like Austen's Anne Elliot and more like the author herself. One, I thought Johnson handled Anne Elliot’s wit with such subtlety that the character did not come off as a Jane Austen 2.0 like the Fanny Price character in 1999’s "MANSFIELD PARK". Even the Anne Elliot character in the 1971 adaptation of Austen's 1818 novel had expressed flashes of wit every now and then. Also, Anne had only expressed her wit in those moments when she broke the fourth wall. I take that back. There were a few moments when she tried to be witty with her sisters, but they tend to either ignore her, criticize her humor or take her words seriously. Although I had complained about the lack of Admiral and Mrs. Croft in the Bath sequences, two other characters from the novel were missing - Anne's old school friend, Mrs. Smith and the latter's aide, Nurse Rook. If I must be honest, I did not miss them at all. I have never liked the scenes featuring Anne with this pair. Only her defiance against accompanying her family to Viscountess Dalrymple's house in order to visit her old friend was the only aspect of Mrs. Smith I liked in Austen's story. But one would point out that Mrs. Smith had served as the catalyst for Anne's discovery about her cousin William Elliot's villainy. My response? Who cares? One of my major complaints about "Persuasion" had been the portrayal of William as a villain. I have always found it unnecessary. And apparently, the filmmakers, along with screenwriter Nick Bass and director Carrie Cracknell felt the same. That is correct, I have never cared for Austen's portrayal of William Elliot as a villain. Nor have I ever saw the need for such a portrayal for the character. I thank God the screenwriters had decided to simply portray William as a roguish man who enjoyed tripping up with his sharp wit every now and then. More importantly, William openly admitted his intent to prevent Sir Walter Elliot from ever marrying Elizabeth Elliot's companion, Mrs. Penelope Clay in order to remain the older man's heir to Kellynch and the baronetcy. One might believe this admission went against William's pursuit of Anne in the story's second half. But William has always been genuinely attracted to Anne - in the novel and in all of the adaptations. If Louisa Musgrove could be a threat to the potential Anne and Frederick reconciliation without being a villainess, surely William could serve a similar role without being the story's villain. For me, the true barriers to Anne and Frederick's romance have always been her rejection of his first marriage proposal and Frederick's long-lasting resentment of her rejection, not Louisa Musgrove or William Elliot. One scene that had never been featured in Austen's novel appeared in this movie. It featured Frederick's attempt to establish a friendship between him and Anne at Lyme. In this scene, Frederick gave a speech to Anne, expressing his "desire" to end the resentment and regret between them and become friends. I thought it was one of the most deliciously awkward moments I have witnessed in a period drama. This scene was capped by one of my favorite lines spoken by Anne: "But a heartbeat ago, there were no two souls more in rhythm than Wentworth and I. Now we're strangers. Worse than strangers. We're exes." In other words, Frederick had just friend-zoned Anne. And it was the film's only moment in which I had no problem with its use of modern dialogue. Aside from my complaints regarding Dakota Johnson's costumes, I had no problems with the film's other artistic and technical aspects. I found Marianne Agertoft's costume designs for the other characters solid and properly aligned to the movie's mid-1810s setting. But I could not think of a particular costume that blew my mind. However, I was very impressed by Joe Anderson's photography. The movie's scenes featured sharp colors and engaging vistas of locations such as Salisbury, London, Lyme Regis and Yeovil in Somerset, and Bath. And I am utterly grateful the movie did not feature dark interior shots that made it difficult for me to see a person or object. I realize I might attract a good deal of flack for this, but I found Carrie Cracknell did a better job in filming Louisa's accident at the Lyme Regis Cobb than any other adaptation of "Persuasion". I kid you not. There seemed to be something about that particular scene that led previous filmmakers to film it in the most awkward manner. As for the movie's performances, I managed to enjoy them. I have already commented on Stuart Scudamore and Agni Scott's warm portrayals of Admiral and Mrs. Croft. The movie also featured solid performances from Lydia Rose Bewley as Penelope Clay, Izuka Hoyle as Henrietta Musgrove, Jenny Rainsford as Mrs. Harville, Nia Towle as Louisa Musgrove, Gary Beadle as Mr. Musgrove, Eve Matheson as Mrs. Musgrove and Edward Bluemel's very outgoing portrayal of Captain Harville. But there were performances that I particularly enjoyed. When I first viewed "PERSUASION", I had judged Richard E. Grant's portrayal of Sir Walter Elliot as a bit over-the-top. Upon my second and third viewing, I finally appreciated how entertaining and hilarious he was as the self-involved baronet. And . . . I thought he had one of the best lines in the film. I found both Yolanda Kettle and Mia McKenna-Bruce's portrayals of Anne's sisters - Elizabeth Elliot and Mary Elliot Musgrove - to be equally entertaining and funny. Ben Bailey Smith gave a very amusing performance as Mary Musgrove's long-suffering husband, Charles Musgrove. Nia Towle's portrayal of Louisa Musgrove struck me as both charming and ebullient. Nikki Amuka-Bird gave a warm and poignant performance as Anne's godmother, Lady Russell. I might as well say it. Henry Golding's William Elliot has proven to be my favorite version of the character. I have already expressed my pleasure at the screenwriters' decision to avoid Austen's more villainous portrayal of the character. But I also enjoyed Goulding's funny, yet sly performance as Sir Walter's heir. Golding had projected so much charm into his performance that he made it easy for me to see why Anne would briefly consider a future with her cousin. Cosmo Jarvis gave an interesting performance as Captain Frederick Wentworth . . . and I mean that as a compliment. I thought he did a fine job of weaving between the charm and wit Frederick directed at the Musgrove sisters, his continuing anger at Anne's past rejection through the occasion sharp barb or caustic criticism of her character. Once Frederick's anger began to dissipate, Jarvis skillfully managed to convey Frederick's awkwardness at trying to hide his love for Anne via friendly dialogue. I was especially impressed by that moment when he tried to place Anne in a friend zone. Many critics and Austen fans have criticized Dakota Johnson's for being too modern and too witty. I have already complained about the movie's use of modern dialogue and Johnson was not the only actress or actor who used it. As for Anne's wit, I have already discussed Johnson's portrayal of Anne's sense of humor. But I also enjoyed how the actress occasionally utilized facial expressions to convey her amusement or any other emotions toward her family and other characters in the story . . . while breaking the fourth wall. I really enjoyed that. Yet, I also enjoyed Johnson's portrayal of Anne's frustrations and despair over the continuing wall between her and Frederick and the possibility of continuing loneliness in her life. I was almost inclined to regard Henry Golding's portrayal of William Elliot as my favorite performance in this film. But you know what? I have to give that honor to Dakota Johnson's performance as Anne Elliot. How can I put this in a nutshell? This new version of "PERSUASION" is not perfect. It has flaws that include some modern dialogue, the transformation of the Henrietta Musgrove character and some of the costumes worn by the leading actress. But despite these flaws, I still enjoyed watching "PERSUASION" very much. I enjoyed it as much as I had enjoyed the 1995 and 2007 adaptations. Only the 1971 miniseries is superior in my eyes. It is a pity that the movie had received so much negative reactions upon its release on Netflix. But I have no control over that situation and frankly, I do not care. I know how I feel about "PERSUASION" and I look forward to many re-watches of it for years to come, thanks to the screenwriters, director Carrie Cracknell and a wonderful cast led by Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis.

[good-resort-in-sakleshpur]

Exploring Sakleshpur Trekking Places: A Simple Guide

Sakleshpur, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Known for its lush green hills, coffee plantations, and serene environment, Sakleshpur offers some of the best trekking experiences in South India. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner, Sakleshpur has something to offer everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best trekking places in Sakleshpur, each with its own unique charm and beauty.

Top Trekking Places in Sakleshpur:

Kumara Parvatha Trek: Kumara Parvatha, also known as Pushpagiri, is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Sakleshpur. Standing tall at an elevation of 1,712 meters, it is the second-highest peak in Karnataka. The trek is about 22 kilometers long and takes around 2 days to complete. The trail passes through dense forests, steep climbs, and rocky terrains, making it a perfect adventure for seasoned trekkers.

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Highlights: Stunning views of the Western Ghats, rich biodiversity, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.

Ettina Bhuja Trek: Ettina Bhuja, meaning ‘Ox’s Shoulder,’ is another popular trekking destination in Sakleshpur. This trek is relatively easier compared to Kumara Parvatha but still offers a thrilling experience. The trail is about 8 kilometers long and can be completed in a day. The trek takes you through dense forests, grasslands, and rocky patches, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Highlights: Scenic landscapes, lush greenery, and a rewarding view from the top.

Agni Gudda Hill Trek: Agni Gudda, meaning ‘Fiery Mountain,’ is a favorite spot for both trekking and camping. The hill gets its name due to its volcanic appearance and is located about 10 kilometers from Sakleshpur town. The trek is short, about 3 kilometers, making it suitable for beginners. Once at the top, you’re treated to stunning views of the surrounding valleys and farmlands.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Time to Visit: September to February

Highlights: Ideal for beginners, perfect for a day hike, and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Jenukal Gudda Trek: Jenukal Gudda, also known as Honey Rock Hill, is the second-highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayanagiri. The trek is moderately challenging and covers a distance of around 5 kilometers. The trail takes you through dense forests, coffee plantations, and rocky terrains. The summit offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea on a clear day, making it one of the most rewarding treks in Sakleshpur.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Time to Visit: October to January

Highlights: Spectacular sunrise and sunset views, dense forest cover, and the chance to spot wildlife.

Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls Trek: For those looking to combine trekking with a refreshing dip in a waterfall, the Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls trek is perfect. This trek is about 6 kilometers long and takes you through thick forests, coffee estates, and streams. The highlight of this trek is the Hadlu Waterfalls, where you can relax and rejuvenate after the trek.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Highlights: Beautiful waterfalls, serene forests, and the opportunity to explore the coffee estates.

Pandavar Gudda Trek: Pandavar Gudda, or the ‘Hill of the Pandavas,’ is steeped in mythology and offers an exciting trek for history enthusiasts. According to local legends, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata stayed here during their exile. The trek is relatively easy, covering around 4 kilometers, and can be completed in a few hours. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Time to Visit: September to February

Highlights: Historical significance, picturesque views, and a peaceful trekking experience.

Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Trek: The Bettada Byraveshwara Temple is an ancient temple located atop a hill, surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations. The trek to the temple is about 3 kilometers long and is suitable for beginners. The trail is well-marked and offers a serene and peaceful environment. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular spot among locals.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Highlights: Scenic beauty, spiritual ambiance, and a sense of tranquility.

Magajahalli Waterfalls Trek: Magajahalli Waterfalls, also known as Abbi Falls, is a hidden gem in Sakleshpur. The trek to the waterfalls is short, about 2 kilometers, making it perfect for a quick getaway. The trail passes through coffee plantations and thick forests, leading to the picturesque waterfall. The area around the waterfall is perfect for a picnic, making it a great spot for families and groups.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Time to Visit: July to December

Highlights: Refreshing waterfall, easy trek, and scenic surroundings.

Amedikallu Trek: Amedikallu, a lesser-known trekking spot in Sakleshpur, offers a challenging trek for adventure seekers. The name Amedikallu translates to ‘Tortoise Rock’ due to the unique shape of the peak. The trek is about 14 kilometers long and is known for its steep climbs and dense forests. The summit offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, making the effort worthwhile.

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Highlights: Challenging terrain, dense forests, and breathtaking views from the top.

Kote Betta Trek: Kote Betta, the third-highest peak in Coorg, is another excellent trekking destination near Sakleshpur. The trek is about 10 kilometers long and offers a mix of steep climbs and gentle slopes. The trail passes through coffee estates, dense forests, and small streams. The summit offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Highlights: Diverse terrain, stunning views, and the opportunity to explore coffee estates.

Streamedge Sakleshpur - Best Resort in Sakleshpur

For those planning to explore these beautiful trekking spots, Streamedge Sakleshpur is the perfect place to stay. Located amidst nature, it provides comfortable accommodation and easy access to all the trekking spots mentioned. After a day of adventure, you can relax at Streamedge and enjoy the serene surroundings. It’s the ideal retreat for trekkers looking to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Sakleshpur.

Conclusion

Sakleshpur is truly a trekker’s paradise, offering a wide range of trekking options for all levels of experience. From challenging peaks to serene waterfalls, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking to reconnect with nature, the trekking trails in Sakleshpur promise an unforgettable experience.

When planning your trek, it's essential to consider the weather, carry adequate supplies, and ensure you have the necessary permissions if required. Respect the natural environment, and remember to leave no trace behind. Happy trekking!

So, pack your trekking gear, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore the stunning trekking places in Sakleshpur!

[lexapenndari]

Breakfast ~

(Earlier this year)

Stewed apple 🍎 and pear 🍐 with mint 🌿, and ginger 🫚

As the weather gets warmer, and we enter summer ☀️ , I see myself having fruit for breakfast, more often.

So much of cooking is about preparation. Here, I’ve pre-measured the spices into a bowl, added ghee to my pan, and put the kettle on to boil. In another bowl, the whole mung beans are soaking for lunch 🥣 👀

I didn’t peel the fruit or ginger, because they’re organic. Otherwise, it is recommended 🍎🍐🫚

#Food #Nourishing #Delicious #Sattvic #Sattva #Vegetarian #Healing #Ayurveda #Agni #Digestion #Life #GlutenFree

Music: Porcelain

Musician: Silicon Estate