#Andréa Joy | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

zepskies · 1 year ago

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Hey lovely! I think we've all come across a sketchy elevator/lift at some point (ahh, another friend from the UK, I presume? 😉). I'm glad you've never had the "joys" of getting stuck in one. It's not a party loll. But being rescued by Dean would be so worth it lmao. What a sight indeed. 😏

I saw in one of your comments that you'd based this look on Matt Casey in Chicago Fire... that is exactly the look I was picturing when I read this!! I love it!!

Yes, yes, yes!! Love that you've seen Chicago Fire. You'll see a few parallels as we go on loll.

When he talks like that and gives you the look that always accompanies these types of comments, you can't help but believe him. If Dean says he's got you, then he's got you.

Absolutely my thinking! 🥰 Protective and reliable in a crisis -- that's Dean. And he even offered to rescue Cinderella's shoe! loll

And oh yes, Nick's an asshole. He only gets worse, unfortunately. 😒

I love that you love Grandpa George already! You might recognize his AU self from my Soldier Boy/Ben x reader fic, "Love Actually" loll. But you'll find out more about the reader's family background/past in the chapters to come.

Brilliant... I think I'm going to like her. Is this the Andréa that was with Benny in the show? Is that going to be another future romance here?

You 100% got it! I pulled Andréa from S8 to compliment Benny, but it's also going to give opportunities for drama in the future. 😉

I love the little plan to see Dean again! Sounds like Andréa will be getting Meg in the case to find him!

Yes!! I was trying to find a connection that would help link the reader back up with Dean, and I thought of making Andréa and Meg cousins lol. Something about a former vampire and a former demon struck me as a fun connection. 😂

So glad you enjoyed Part 1!! I'm thinking of releasing Part 2 early this week, so stay tuned... 💋💕

Smoke Eater - Part 1

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real.

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.

AN: "Smoke eater": a self-appointed slang term for a firefighter.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!! 🥳❤️‍🔥 You guys really warmed my heart with all the excitement for this story. I'm very happy to bring you the first chapter. I hope it doesn't disappoint! 😘

🔥Series Masterlist

Word Count: 4,000 Warnings: Tense situations, brief mention of claustrophobia, and a good old-fashioned meet cute.

Part 1: "Class and Style"

Come on, come on, come on!

The toe of your heeled foot tapped on the floor as you, once again, waited for the elevator to make its slow climb back up to the 22nd floor.

In your hand was a tray carrying two steaming lattes: one small, plain hazelnut, and the other a venti caramel frappe with all the sugary bells and whistles. Complete with extra whipped cream, because your boss was a goddamn child.

I shouldn’t even be getting his coffee, you thought sourly. This is his assistant’s job!

And if this elevator didn’t climb any faster, having to stop at Starbucks during your meager lunch break for your boss’s morning fix would make you late for a very important sales meeting.

“Let’s go, Betsy. Come on,” you muttered. “You can do it.”

Yes, you’d named the contraption that usually managed to carry you all the way to your correct floor. When she wasn’t broken down for maintenance.

The four walls of the narrow elevator shook and creaked as it cleared the 20th floor. You inhaled sharply, but resisted the urge to grab the inner guardrail. This thing was old, just like the rest of the building.

But then, Betsy screeched and made an abrupt stop.

You were woefully unprepared. You slid in your heels and gasped—both at the jolt, and at the hot lattes tipping out of your hand and down your blouse and skirt.

Shit!

You didn’t even have time to wince at the scalding hot coffee, as you nearly rolled an ankle in the spillage. Luckily, you were able to grab at that guardrail. You sucked in relatively even breaths as you realized what happened…

The elevator stopped, but not on your floor.

“Oh, God…” you uttered, staring up at the red, digital “21” above the metal doors. It was blinking, but not moving. Just like you weren’t moving. Which meant…you were stuck.

Okay, not a big deal. You’re fine, you thought, trying to calm yourself. All you had on you was your phone, your ID, and your credit card. You’d decided to leave your purse in your desk, since you were just walking across the street.

But that was okay! Because you still had your phone…

“No service. Of course,” you muttered, raising your phone high to try and get a bar. This elevator was a dead zone, and it always had been. Fucking hell…

So you did the only thing you could think of.

You shouted for help.

You pressed the emergency alarm, several times.

You could hear it blare and echo outside of the chamber of the elevator, but no one seemed to hear you. Your work building was huge, made up of several departments and hundreds of employees here at Savage & Co. There was always plenty going on, especially in the middle of the morning.

Maybe no one could hear you.

“All right. Don’t…don’t panic,” you told yourself. Even though your heart was beginning to pound.

You finally pressed the “Call” button outlined in red. You didn’t know if it worked; half the floor buttons on the console didn’t even light up anymore.

But to your relief, the sound of a phone line ringing echoed through the small speaker. After a few rings, someone answered.

“Fire Department.”

“Oh, God. Yes!”

With a hand on the rail, you managed to kneel down next to the speaker. Your free hand brushed a strand of hair away from your dewy face. There was no AC in here, and you were starting to sweat. Thankfully, the rest of your hair was pulled up into a clip.

“I’m stuck in one of the oldest elevators known to man,” you told the disembodied voice.

“Sorry to hear that. What’s your name?”

You gave them your name, along with the address of your company’s building. The voice promised that they were dispatching a until to come and get you out soon.

“How soon is soon?” you asked.

“…About forty-five minutes, give or take.”

Jesus Christ.

You baked inside Betsy for close to an hour. While your makeup slowly melted, you found a corner of the ground that wasn’t covered by a coffee puddle, and you pressed the alarm button at random intervals. Still, no one seemed to hear it. You used the empty coffee tray to try and fan yourself.

Your phone was also useless. You tucked that along with your credit card into your bra for safe keeping. You’d definitely missed your meeting about the prospective Zimmerman account—one you and your coworker Josh were competing to nail down, as the top performers in the sales department. You couldn’t even catch up on your emails.

Damn it, Nick’s gonna chew my head off, you thought. But then you frowned, your brows furrowing. Well, it’s his fault for not maintaining this damn building. And for ordering a damn caramel frappe! What is he, a 12-year-old girl?

Your skirt was still sticky on the side. With a sigh, you leaned your head back against the metal wall and closed your eyes. Ah, well. At least I’m not claustrophobic.

“Fire Department!” called a man’s voice from above. “Can you hear me down there?”

You gasped and opened your eyes. Your gaze raised heavenward, and you called out to the voice.

“Hello?!”

“Ah, we found you. You okay, ma’am? Are you hurt?”

“Y-Yes…” You shook your head, even though he couldn’t see it. “I mean, no. I’m not hurt.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear,” he said. “You’re stuck between two floors, but we’re gonna get you out, all right?”

“Okay.” You sucked in a shaky breath and grabbed the rail so you could get back onto your feet. “I’m stuck on the 21st floor right?”

“Well, in between 21 and 22. Hold on one sec.”

You stood there with bated breath, just waiting for something to happen. You heard tools whirring, felt the elevator shutter for a moment, but it didn’t budge. Until you heard a thump on the roof. You looked up, but of course you couldn’t see what was happening.

Until a square patch in the roof was unscrewed and drawn back, revealing a firefighter in almost all his gear: wearing a gray shirt tucked into navy pants, red suspenders, black boots and gloves. All he was missing was a jacket and a hardhat.

He did wear a harness, and he held another one in his gloved hand, as well as a charming, almost boyish grin on his face.

“There you are,” he greeted.

You didn’t know if it was the lack of AC, or his ridiculously handsome features, but you felt your face heat up further.

“Uh, hi,” you said, very eloquently. You offered a smile back. “Thanks for the rescue.”

“Well, we haven’t gotten there yet, but we will,” he said, still with that grin as he lowered the second harness down to you. “I’m Dean. What’s your name?”

You gave it to him as you took the harness.

“Nice to meet you, despite the circumstances,” he said. “I’m sure you didn’t have this on your bingo card today, did ya?”

You snorted in response. “Not even in my fortune cookie.”

It earned an amused look from him. Then he proceeded to instruct you on how to put the harness on around your waist and shoulders and clip the straps together.

“Okay, good. Now tug it, make sure it’s tight enough,” Dean said, motioning with his hand. You obliged him.

“Perfect.” He nodded, before crouching down and lowering his hands through the compartment. “All right, now. Just take my hands. I’m gonna pull you up.”

You looked up at him, then and at the narrow escape hatch with uncertainty.

“It’s okay,” he said, noting your reluctance (and your white-knuckle grip on the guardrail). “It’s perfectly safe.”

“Yeah, I doubt anything about this situation is safe,” you replied wryly. You glanced at the elevator’s metal walls. Even now, they groaned under Dean’s shifting weight.

“I mean, I’m sure you’re strong and all,” you said, with a vague gesturing hand at him. You couldn’t quite tell from your limited vantage point, but Dean could barely fit his broad shoulders through the hole he’d opened up. He was probably a big guy.

Still, you didn’t like the idea of your legs dangling in mid-air.

“I’m a woman, but I’m still a full-grown person,” you said, your brows beginning to furrow in worry. “People are heavy, and this thing is rickety as hell, and that’s a really tiny window…”

“All right,” Dean gently interrupted. He looked like he was trying hard not to chuckle, and you didn’t appreciate it…even though you were biting your lip, trying not to smile too (more in embarrassment).

“I promise you, the line’s got you,” he said. And he tugged on the sturdy rope that connected to your harness.

His eyes met yours directly, firm and assuring. They were green, you noticed, even in this fluorescent lighting.

“More importantly, I’ve got you. And there’s no way I’m gonna let you fall,” he said, with what seemed like every conviction in the world. “Just take my hands.”

He leaned in further so you could reach him.

…And damn it, you believed him.

Staring into his eyes, you found the courage to suck in a deep breath and release the guardrail. You reached up and let his hands curl tightly around yours. You gripped him right back.

“All right, pull up!” he called back over his shoulder.

You couldn’t see them, but you heard the voices of other firefighters as they slowly retracted Dean’s harness line as well as yours. When he was able to plant his feet on the roof of the elevator again, you held your breath as he pulled you all the way up as well.

You lost a heel along the way though. It fell off your foot and hit the bottom of the elevator below.

“Woops,” Dean said. His arms wrapped around you, and he held you securely against him when your heel (and bare foot) also met the elevator roof, a bit awkwardly. You both peered back down through the square hole.

“Want me to get that for you?” he offered, with another one of those grins.

Now you knew you were blushing. Stop it!

You shook your head as you clung to his arms. You felt the strength in them, and it steadied you, along with the easy way about him that said he was more than comfortable with the perils of rescuing trapped women from old-ass elevators.

“Don’t even worry about it,” you told him. “I just want to get the hell out of here.”

Dean chuckled then. “I hear ya. Let’s go, then.”

He glanced up and called out to a “Benny” and a “Gordon.” You assumed they were the men securing the harnesses that held you and Dean.

“Okay. You ready, sweetheart?” Dean asked.

“Yeah,” you replied with a nod, even as you bit your lip again at the endearment. Usually when men called you sweetheart, (like your boss), it was like nails on a damn chalkboard.

But somehow, it didn’t seem so sleezy coming from the charming fireman.

You craned to looked up at his face. He was much taller than you, even with half your heels. Dean met your eyes again, and for a moment, you were tense. The elevator shaft was dark and cold, but the light from the open doors of the floor above allowed you to see his face, decorated lightly with stubble, and his brown hair that spiked to one side.

Your mouth parted, though you didn’t have a clue of what to say next…

You were saved when the lines went even more taut, and the firefighters on the floor above brought you and Dean all the way up to the 22nd floor. He helped you reach out to a bearded fireman, who supported your arms and carried you out of the elevator shaft, onto solid ground.

A small crowd had formed in the lobby. Zachariah the CFO was there, along with the building manager, and your friend Andréa, who looked both worried and relieved to see you. And even your boss, Nick, came forward to meet you once Benny and Dean helped you take off the harness.

“You’ve had a busy morning,” Nick drawled.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. “You could say that.”

Technically, he was everyone’s boss: Nick Savage, CEO of Savage & Co. He’d inherited the company from his father. However, Nick believed his one sad year of college business classes made him an expert on running your sales department with a firm hand.

“Well, it’s good to see you’re all right,” he said. Though his eyes glanced down your stained, white blouse, down to your bare foot. His gaze made your spine prickle. And not in a good way.

You crossed your arms on reflex. “I know I missed the meeting—”

“We recorded it. You’ll be able to watch it later, take notes, all that good stuff,” he said, his head tilting in that lazy way of his. He gestured at you with a finger. “But, uh…once you’re done cleaning up, think you could nip back out and get me that coffee? Since, you know, you’re kind of wearing it.”

Behind you, the team of firefighters discreetly watched the scene while packing up their gear—some with curiosity and bemusement, others (namely Dean) with a subtle frown.

You were livid.

But you managed to keep it down, just beneath your skin, as you bent down and took off your remaining heel.

“I’m requesting the afternoon off as personal time,” you informed him with (mostly) all due professionalism. There was a fire in your eyes, however, that not even you could tame.

“But don’t worry,” you said. “I’ll still land the Zimmerman account by Friday.”

You turned and dropped your shoe into a nearby garbage can. You didn’t want to be reminded of your boss every time you saw the coffee stains.

Before you left, you stopped in front of Dean and the other firefighters.

“Thank you very much for all your help,” you said, giving them all a smile. Your gaze lingered on Dean, who smiled back at you and nodded, his hands resting on his belt.

“You got it, sweetheart.”

Your lips twitched. Then you continued on your way towards the exit door, to the stairwell. You shoved it open and walked bare-footed up to your office to get your purse.

You’d left Nick silently fuming in the middle of the hall. You knew there wasn’t too much he could do with an entire crowd of witnesses.

He soon huffed and let your behavior roll off his back, as he became distracted by Zachariah and the building manager asking about the last time the elevator was properly serviced.

Meanwhile, Dean and Benny shared an amused look as their team rolled out.

Damn, Dean thought, remembering how you’d stopped in your little storm out, just to thank them. And how you’d held your head high as you walked away on bare feet.

He could admit, you had both class and style.

“Really, Grandpa. I’m fine,” you insisted.

Now in the comfort of your own home, and in your pajamas after a nice hot shower, you stirred a pot of chicken soup for your Grandpa George. He eyed you from the kitchen table with a measure of suspicion.

“Well, it’s lucky for you we’ve got a responsive Fire Department,” he said. “In the sleepy little town I grew up in, you’d be lucky if the whole damn building didn’t cave in before somebody got to ya.”

You shot him an amused look.

“Thanks. Makes me feel better about stepping into an elevator ever again.”

George seemed to consider the prospect, but he soon waved a vague hand.

“Ah, you’ll be fine,” George said, waving a hand. “Even if one of the cables snapped, you’d have three more holdin’ you up. And it should only need one cable to support the compartment, make sure the whole thing doesn’t fall to the damn ground.”

Your grandfather had been a technician for sixty years, so he knew a little thing about commercial building maintenance. However, right now, he wasn’t making you feel any better about your somewhat perilous experience. You paled a bit at the thought of cables snapping, leading to a long, Tower of Terror-style drop.

Except there’d be nothing to catch you at the bottom.

“It’s okay. I’ll just start walking up all 22 floors up to my office every day,” you said, smiling wryly. “I’ll finally have thighs like Wonder Woman.”

George laughed, though it soon ended on a cough. You eyed him with a frown as you ladled out a bowl of soup for him. You went over to him, both to set down the bowl in front of him and rub his back.

“Still with that cough. I don’t like it,” you said. “I’m making an appointment with your doctor.”

George shook his head and grabbed his glass of water.

“Just something caught in my throat.”

“Mhmm,” you replied. He was the absolute king of downplaying. It used to drive your grandma nuts.

You sighed and raised a hand to your forehead. An ache was building behind your eyes. Or maybe it had been there since you left work early today, and you were just now realizing how tightly wound your spine was.

“You okay?” George asked. You read the concern in his eyes and tried to relax your face from its scrunching.

“Yeah. Just a tension headache.”

“Hmm. Maybe you should spend less time worrying about me, and more time taking care of yourself,” he pointed out. “You had a stressful day. Why don’t you go relax? Or better yet, go out! Go see your friends. Get in a bar fight. Something productive.”

A grin curved your lips as you raised a brow.

“A bar fight would make me more productive?”

George grinned up at you. “Well, at least it’d get you out of the house.”

You pursed your lips. There was a reason you didn’t go out very often, and your grandfather knew it. You were the only one who could watch out for him now, even if he didn’t think he needed it. Your mouth opened to reply, but before you could, your cell phone rang through the house.

For a moment, the two of you stared at one another. Until George raised his brows.

“You should get that, huh?” he said.

You narrowed your eyes at him, despite your small smile, and you raised a finger as you went to get your purse over in the living room.

“We’re not done, old man,” you said over your shoulder.

“Oh, believe me. I know,” he grumbled, delving into his soup with a spoon.

Meanwhile, you fished your phone out of your purse and answered. A genuine, if tired smile graced your lips. It was your best friend, Andréa. She worked with you at Savage & Co., over in Marketing as a graphic designer.

As fate would have it, the two of you were hired on the same day five years ago. She’d invited you to lunch that day, and from then on, you two had been rocking through corporate life like Thelma and Louise—if Thelma had been a Greek artist and Louise had been a sarcastic saleswoman.

“Hey, Dre,” you greeted.

“Hello, my love. Congratulations for surviving your near-death experience, and getting to serve Nick Savage a bit of humble pie,” she teased. “I thought you were going to lobby your Prada heel at his head.”

You huffed and plopped down on the couch with your feet up on the coffee table.

“First of all, let’s not be too dramatic. I was stuck in an elevator, not a Chilean mine shaft,” you said wryly. “Second, you really think I would throw away Prada? Even if it was coffee stained… Those were just my $30 Steve Maddens.”

And yet, they had been your most comfortable heels. Maybe you should just find some sensible flats in the back of your closet and be done with it. But you liked the height and confidence that a nice pair of heels gave you—especially in that office filled with “Mad Men” wannabes.

Every male on your sales team thought he was Jon Hamm in a room full of George Costanzas.

Nick Savage was the worst out of all of them.

You dealt with it, however, and sometimes even thrived on being the only woman on the team. Mostly because you needed your job.

It paid well enough, but most of it went into the upkeep of your grandparents’ old house, and for the past few years, their extensive medical bills…

“Still, at least you got a Mission Impossible-style rescue out of it,” said Andréa. Her tone turned both leading and flirtatious. “Tell me you got that fireman’s number. Dear God Almighty, what a Grade-A Hottie.”

You chortled through your blush at remembering Dean, the firefighter who saved you. You could admit, he’d been one fine specimen of a man.

“Grade-A Hottie. What are we, in middle school?” you retorted. “Besides, he was just doing his job.”

“Ugh, you’re so pragmatic it hurts,” your friend lamented. “You really need to live a little, while you’re still hot and firm.”

You laughed fully at that one. “Yeah, I think taking the stairs from now on will help with the ‘firm’ bit.”

Just like the strength of the firefighter’s hold had been. You’d felt entirely secure after he’d pulled you up on the elevator roof. His arms had reassured you even more than the harness, if you thought about it. (And your face heated up further at said thought.)

“I do wish I could say thank you again, somehow,” you mused out loud, not really thinking about who exactly you were talking to.

“Oh, yeah?” Andréa said. You could practically hear her mischievous grin. It made you slightly nervous. “Well, it’s not unheard of for a grateful civilian to stop by a firehouse. You could bring him lunch or something!”

“Ah, I don’t know about that,” you said. Your instinct was to withdraw inward at the thought of putting yourself out there like that. Besides, you didn’t want to bother him while he was at work.

“What’re you talking about? Firefighters love food! Believe me, my cousin Meg is a paramedic,” Andréa said. Then she gasped. “Oh, girl. I have the perfect idea for you. Why don’t you bake something for the whole firehouse? That way it takes some of the pressure off, but you still get to see him.”

You became more contemplative then.

Bake something, huh?

Now, that you could do. Andréa knew all too well that the one thing that could get your gears turning was getting your apron on, as baking was your ultimate hobby. It made you feel creative, and damn-near stress free…

And her idea wasn’t too shabby, the more you thought about it. It was something kind that you knew you could do. And more than anything, you really did just want to say thank you, one more time.

You smiled.

“Okay. I think we have a plan.” However, your smile soon fell. “Wait, I have no idea what firehouse he works at.”

“Hmm, my cousin might know,” Andréa said. “Let me reach out to her…what’s his name again?”

“Dean,” you replied. Another small smile reached your lips, against your will.

“His name was Dean.”

AN: Ah, the first chapter! Launching a new story is always so exciting! 🥰 What did you think of the reader and Dean's first meeting?

Also, feel free to imagine Mark Pellegrino's "Nick" for this (I am). He didn't have a last name on the show, so I created one for this story, as he's going to be an important antagonist throughout.

And just so you guys know, my knowledge of the inner workings of fire departments and law enforcement will largely come from my own research and being a huge fan of procedurals, like Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Law & Order, etc.

Yes, aspects are fictionalized on those shows, but a lot of it is rooted in real-life protocol and stories. All the love and respect for creator/executive producer Dick Wolf. 😂

...Oh, and the elevator scene was inspired by true events. (Yes, I've been stuck in an elevator before. 🫠 Two ridiculously hot firefighters pulled me out, but by then I was melting from the lack of AC, had no makeup, and was dressed like a female!Dean, plaid and all lmao.)

Anywho...

Next Time:

“Protect and serve,” Dean teased back. “That’s our motto, you know.”

“Isn’t that for police officers?” you quipped.

He chuckled a bit. “Hey, if the shoe fits.”

“Well…” you considered that with a tilt of your head, more seriously than he expected you to. You met him with a more earnest gaze. “I think it does.”

Right then, Dean had a feeling, deep in his gut, that he needed to know you.

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#reader appreciation #comment reblog #lovely mutuals

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clarounette · 3 years ago

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NEW RELEASE: LOVE YOU SOBER by Andréa Joy

NOW LIVE! Love You Sober by Andréa Joy is available now! “An emotional, poignant story that will keep you invested until the final page.” – Goodreads reviewer “This is no hallmark story, this is a hard-hitting, sucker punch to your heart story. Andrea Joy held nothing back in this absorbing, heartbreaking read.” – World of Books…

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#Andréa Joy #new release

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kinziethings · 3 years ago

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Release Blitz and Review: These Deviant Ties by various authors

Release Blitz and Review: #TheseDeviantTies @_gayRomReviews #MMromance #darkromance #books

Release Blitz & Giveaway for the Multi-Author Dark MM Anthology: These Deviant Ties Deviants and delinquents… These men exist outside the law. They walk in the shadows and thrive in the dark. Bad to the bone, they take what they want. What happens when what they want is you? What happens when the anger that burns through their veins is now directed at you? Can enemies really become lovers or is…

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blessyourhondahurley · 3 years ago

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Bouquet

Flufftober prompt: Flowers Suptober prompt: Eighty-sixed Random word: shy

(Read on AO3)

“The salmon's eighty-sixed, Garth. Make sure the servers know. Tell 'em to push the pork medallions instead.”

“You got it, chef!” The lanky expeditor hustles out of the kitchen, and Dean turns back to the flat top. Nothing he's tending there requires his full attention, so his thoughts and his eyes drift, as usual, to the Patissier's station in the corner.

Castiel Novak had been one of Dean's first hires when he'd opened Impala, and not a day has gone by since that he hasn't thanked the culinary gods for that blessing. Cas's mousses are the airiest, his pâte sucrée the tenderest, his crèmes brûlées the richest Dean's ever had the privilege to taste. Last week he'd put together a mugwort panna cotta with blowtorched berries, whipped cream, roast peach ice cream, and honeycomb that had been so delicious, so elegant, so perfectly balanced that Dean had almost passed out when he'd tasted it. He'd had to put the spoon down after the third bite and sit with his head between his knees until the ringing in his ears stopped.

Rumor is that Impala is on track to gain its first star this year. If (fingers crossed) that does come to pass, Dean knows he'll have Cas to thank. To end a meal at Impala with one of Cas's desserts is to walk out of the restaurant with joy in your heart. Even the most jaded Michelin inspector is powerless to resist that joy.

Dean rearranges the medallions on the grill, pulls a few to plates, and passes them off to Jo, his Entremetier. It feels good to be on the line tonight. As the owner, he's Chef de Cuisine, and generally spends his time in his office, fine-tuning menus and dealing with their suppliers. When his Grillardin Benny had called this morning to say his wife was in labor and he'd need to start his paternity leave a little early, Dean had jumped at the chance to cover his station for the night. It's been too long since he'd spent a shift in the kitchen, and he's missed it. The bustle and chaos of a dinner service feeds his soul in a way that nothing else can.

Besides the pleasure of nostalgia, there's another reason he was happy to rotate in as a Station Chef for the night instead of letting his Chef de Tournant pick up the slack. At the moment, that reason is drizzling spiced red wine syrup across a vanilla bean and yuzu pot de crème. Dean watches him work for so long that he almost overcooks a filet, yanking it off the heat just before it crosses the death line from medium rare to bleccchh.

He's known Cas for seven years now. Together with the rest of their core staff, they've built Impala up from the ground with their bare hands. They've been through the wars side by side, in a way, and the bond they share as a result is profound. He'd readily claim anyone on his line as a blood brother (or sister), and he feels closer to some of them than he does to his actual family. But he's always sensed a different... flavor to the connection he and Cas have.

It's pretty clear the feeling goes both ways. They've expressed it in shy smiles and lingering touches, and there have been many moments over the years when Dean's been sure Cas would be more than receptive to a kiss. But he's been loath to cross that line. He's seen the havoc that sexual entanglements can wreak on a kitchen. (Thank you Jesus, Mary, and Auguste Escoffier that Andréa came along a couple years ago and settled Benny's ass down for good before he'd managed to dick his way through Dean's entire Brigade de Cuisine!)

Dean would never endanger their working relationship, and the success they've built together, for a quick fumble in the walk-in (even though that's a scenario he's envisioned in detail more times than he can count, especially when he's in the shower). It's time to admit, though, that what he wants with Cas has progressed light years beyond fumble territory. The walk-in fantasy shares equal billing these days with something much more domestic – a soft-focus vignette of the two of them making dinner together in the kitchen of a house they share. He imagines glancing touches, shared jokes, dropping a kiss on Cas's cheek as he hands him a whisk. It makes him ache in a way the dirty thoughts never do, with a sweet pain like pressing his finger against a love bite, and he can never keep away from the feeling for long.

Despite his intention to enjoy his nostalgic night back on the line, he passes the rest of the service with his mind in the clouds, lost in daydreams about him and Cas at the farmer's market, him and Cas shopping for a new bed, him and Cas in the new bed (hey, he's only human). Before he knows it, the last plate has gone out to the floor and it's time to tear down the stations before the cleaning crew shows up.

He stretches, and his back and feet scream at him, reminders that he's not as young as he was the last time he worked a dinner rush. As much as he'd like to head straight home and collapse, he does have a bit of paperwork on his desk that he needs to sort out before the morning deliveries. He gives a wave and a “thanks, everyone” to the rest of his kitchen and returns to his office.

He's stapling the last receipt when there's a knock at his door, and Cas peeks his head in.

“You're still here,” he says in his rock salt voice. “Good. I brought you something.” With a flourish that he must have picked up from their headwaiter, he sets a small plate on Dean's desk. On it are three small scoops of ice cream. “Let me know what you think.”

“Are these new recipes you're working on?” Dean asks as he takes the spoon Cas is holding out to him and digs in to the scoop at 4 o'clock.

“No, nothing like that. I just wanted to give you something.”

Dean quirks an eyebrow at that, and is about to inquire further when the taste of the ice cream hits his tongue. There's honey in there, and double cream, but the top note is delicate and elusive. He lets the flavors expand as the heat of his mouth warms the ingredients...

“Chamomile?” he asks uncertainly. Cas nods. “Interesting. I like it.”

He carves off a bit of the second scoop. This one is pale pink, and tastes of... “Vanilla and... Roses?” Another nod. In a less skilled hand, the flavor would be bitter or perfumey, coating his mouth and his nose, but Cas has given him something ethereal. He takes another, bigger spoonful and savors it before moving on to the third scoop, which looks chocolatey.

There's definitely cacao in there, but yet again something unexpected is entwined with it. Dean considers for a moment. “...Lavender?”

Cas grins. “Perfect score, chef.” Then his expression changes to something bashful, making him look uncannily like a school boy standing in front of his crush, holding out a scraggly just-picked bunch of...

“Cas,” Dean says slowly, as a realization dawns. “Are you giving me flowers?”

A blush spreads across his pastry chef's cheeks, but he looks Dean straight in the eyes when he answers. “It's a customary way to indicate romantic interest, is it not?”

Dean has never wanted to kiss him more. But somehow, knowing that they're finally ready to cross the line together, that a kiss is definitely going to happen, makes him okay with waiting a little longer for it.

“You wanna grab a burger with me, Cas?”

“Are you asking me out on a date, Dean?”

“It's a customary way to indicate romantic interest, is it not?”

“Then yes.”

“And in the morning, you wanna hit the farmer's market together?”

“I'd love to.”

#destiel #destiel fanfic #destiel au #destiel fluff #flufftober2021 #suptober21 #day 19

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blairsanne · 3 years ago

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5: Music

Drabbles for December based on this prompt list.

The Hobbit - OC, Kili, Bofur Based on my 'An Unexpected Blue Wizard' fanfic.

One of the things that Andréa loved about Rivendell was the music. There were talented musicians among the elves, and she felt she could listen to them play all evening.

The dwarves in Thorin’s Company weren’t as fond of the elven music.

Andréa left her meeting with Lord Elrond and wandered the open halls toward where the Company was to spend the night. She glanced up at the stars, noting the pale moon in the sky, and thought briefly of her mother.

As she continued on, she could hear a flute being played, and laughter that could only belong to dwarrow. She came upon the company - save Bilbo and Thorin - sitting around a fire they’d made on one of the balconies.

“Oh, I’m sure Lord Elrond would have provided fuel,” she quipped, noting the broken furniture being used as tinder.

“It happened to break,” Kili offered quickly. “Mm.” She raised her brows and nodded, not convinced but also not pressed by it.

She sat down on the floor, leaning back against the lounger that Kili was laying on, smoking his pipe. He patted her head softly and puffed, looking over to where Bofur started singing another song. This one was less raucous, and spoke of the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Andréa let out a soft sigh, pulling her knees up to her chest as she listened.

When he finished, the group cheered their approval. “It sounds like a lovely place, Bofur.” Andréa offered. “I should like to see it sometime.” “Oh, aye, but I don’t suppose we’ll be back that way for an age once we reclaim Erebor, eh lads?” More cheering.

“Do you play any instruments, Peony?” Kili asked, tapping Andréa on the shoulder. “Mm, I do.” She shrugged. “The lyre, though I don’t have one.” “Och, we found loads of instruments!” Bofur darted off to a nearby room and came back with a lyre in hand. “Play us something, eh sweet pea?”

Andréa began to protest, but the dwarves spoke over each other, a loud chorus of demand. “Fine, fine.” She sighed and stood over near the fire, lyre in hand. “It’s not a dwarf song, so it may not please you…”

She closed her eyes and began to pluck a slower, melancholic tune.

Seeing her against the backdrop of Rivendell, playing an elven lyre, Kili felt the divide between them once more. Her beardless face and dainty fingers seemed perfectly at home in the hidden valley, and he wondered briefly what she saw in him or the company. Much like Gandalf, their backup wizard seemed to fit right in in this foreign land.

After a moment, her sweet voice rang out clear and soft over the music.

Each road I take makes me anew Though far they lead away from you As starlight, or in sparks of flame I pray your love will light my way

I walk two worlds, belong to none Though I am not the only one To battle or to friendly hearth I keep my oath and prove my worth

All those I meet shall be called friend Until I am alone again No heart of stone, for stone erodes And I find love on stranger roads

She plucked a little longer, and when she stopped, the silence that had fallen over the group threatened to swallow her until Dori spoke up. “Lovely, my dear.”

Suddenly they were all speaking over each other, trying to think of nice things to say as she waved off their compliments on her way back to Kili. “You flatter me too much, please.”

Kili moved so she could sit beside him instead of on the ground. “Here, you must be cold as usual.” He offered her the blanket that was draped on the back of the seat.

“Oh, thank you.” She wrapped it around herself and smiled as Fili started singing a rowdy pub tune and the others joined in. Her heart felt full as she took in their shared grins, feeling the kinship between the dwarrow and reveling in their joy.

Kili wrapped his arm around her and sang along, looking into her eyes as though to teach her the words with a crooked grin across his face. “And there they brew a beer so brown-”

There in his embrace, Andréa suddenly decided that she much preferred dwarven music after all.

---

December Drabbles Masterlist

#the hobbit fanfiction #the hobbit fanfic #the hobbit #hobbit fanfic #hobbit #kili x oc #december drabbles #december prompts #drabble #drabbles

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writemarcus · 4 years ago

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Savion Glover, Jason Robert Brown, Priscilla Lopez, More Join NYPL I'm Still Here Benefit

BY ANDREW GANS

JUN 16, 2021

The upcoming benefit, celebrating the New York Public Library's Billy Rose Theatre Division, honors George C. Wolfe and the late Harold Prince.

Additional artists have joined the upcoming I'm Still Here benefit, celebrating the 90th anniversary of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ Billy Rose Theatre Division and the 50th anniversary of its Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.

Honoring Tony-winning directors George C. Wolfe and the late Harold Prince, I’m Still Here will stream on Broadway on Demand June 23 at 8 PM ET.

Jason Robert Brown, Savion Glover, Priscilla Lopez, Susan Stroman, Marisha Wallace, and Christopher Wheeldon have joined the starry roster of participants. The evening, as previously announced, will also feature archival content of several Broadway productions preserved in the archive, including the newly announced Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson in The Mountaintop; Bette Midler in I'll Eat You Last; Brian Stokes Mitchell in Ragtime; Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot in South Pacific; Christian Borle and Tim Curry in Spamalot; and Craig Bierko and Rebecca Luker in The Music Man.

Viewers can expect to see Glover, Jimmy Tate, Choclattjared, and Raymond King in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk; Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden, and Larry Pine in The Seagull; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robin de Jesús, Christopher Jackson, Karen Olivo, Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Eliseo Román, and Seth Stewart in In the Heights; and Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard.

Watch Stephanie J. Block Belt Out She Loves Me's 'A Trip to the Library' for NYPL I'm Still Here Benefit

Also taking part: Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George), Alexander Bello (Caroline, or Change), Laura Benanti (She Loves Me), Malik Bilbrew, Alexandra Billings (Wicked), Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam), Shay Bland, Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), Krystal Joy Brown (Hamilton), David Burtka (Gypsy), Sammi Cannold (Endlings), Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Max Clayton (Moulin Rouge!), Calvin L. Cooper (Mrs. Doubtfire), DeMarius Copes (Mean Girls), Trip Cullman (Choir Boy), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Hello, Dolly!), Quentin Earl Darrington (Once on This Island), Robin de Jesús (In the Heights), André De Shields (Hadestown), Frank DiLella (NY1), Derek Ege, Amina Faye, Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Leslie Donna Flesner (Tootsie), Chelsea P. Freeman, Joel Grey (Cabaret), Ryan J. Haddad (The Politician), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud), Marcy Harriell (Company), Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Mark Harris (Mike Nichols: A Life), David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), Cassondra James (Once on This Island), Marcus Paul James (Rent), Taylor Iman Jones (Hamilton), Maya Kazzaz, Tom Kirdahy (The Inheritance), Hilary Knight, Michael John LaChiusa (The Wild Party), Norman Lear (Good Times), Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line), Sondra Lee (Hello, Dolly!), Telly Leung (Aladdin), Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!), Allen René Louis, Brittney Mack (Six), Taylor Mac (Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus), Morgan Marcell, Aaron Marcellus, Joan Marcus, Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), Sarah Meahl, Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sunday in the Park with George), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Leilani Patao (Garden Girl), Nova Payton (Dreamgirls), Joel Perez (Kiss My Aztec), Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Jacoby Pruitt, Sam Quinn, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice), George Salazar (Be More Chill), Marilyn Saunders (Company), Marcus Scott (Fidelio), Rashidra Scott (Company), Rona Siddiqui (Tales of a Halfghan), Ahmad Simmons, Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), Bobby Conte Thornton (Company), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet), Kei Tsuruharatani (Jagged Little Pill), Ben Vereen (Pippin), Jack Viertel, Christopher Vo, Paula Vogel (Indecent), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud), Shannon Fiona Weir, Helen Marla White (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Natasha Yvette Williams (Orange Is the New Black), and Ricardo Zayas (Hamilton).

The program will also feature interviews with Broadway artists plus the re-conception of classic musical theatre songs, including "A Trip to the Library," “Wheels of a Dream,” “Another Hundred People,” “Love Will Find a Way,” and, fittingly, “I’m Still Here.”

READ: The Woman Who Fought to Record and Preserve Broadway Shows

The virtual benefit is produced and conceived by Boardman and Doran and features direction by Steve Broadnax, Sammi Cannold, Nick Corley, Ty Defoe, Lorin Latarro, Mia Walker, and Jason Michael Webb, choreography by Ayodele Casel, Latarro, and Ray Mercer, with new music arranged by Rachel Dean and Annastasia Victory, arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer, and casting by Peter Van Dam at Tara Rubin Casting.

Tickets are donate-what-you-can, with a recommendation of at least $19.31 in honor of the year the division was founded. Visit StillHereat90.com.

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juliusschmidt · 5 years ago

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Alex! I kept checking my emails yesterday (while revising, of course, of course) to see if you’d updated the fic and :( no :(. But!! I am very well aware that Christmas time is very busy for everyone, and you said in a recent post that it was super busy for you, plus art of such quality takes time, sooooo don’t feel rushed! Enjoy your family time and the food (the food!!)! I’ll wait patiently (while revising........)! Merry Christmas ❤️ xx Andréa

LOL yesterday was busy for me, but- to be 1000000% honest- the story was finished and ready to post. HOWEVER I procrastinated posting when I had time – cause I could do ‘later’– and then my spouse followed me around the house until I was tucked in because of … Christmas present secrecy… so I was blocked from my computer during that ‘later’ :/

Thank you for reading along and for all your fun comments!! One of my Christmas joys today will be responding! :)

#sweet-foretaste-of-joy

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elle--nic · 5 years ago

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The lank you for makimg an effort and answering the moira, it melt my heart that you tried to do research for her. So I want to ask you as a sort of prompt does miranda know Barbra Streisand, are they friends, if so good friends or just acquaintances, are they meeting for the first time, does both both them being super divas have a big impact in their interactions? If they're good friends how does miranda tell her about andy? Etc, etc, etc whatever you want to add Thank youuu!

hello again anon!!! i come bearing gifts !! (I again don’t know much about Barbra Streisand other than that she exists, is Jewish and is very very pretty but I did do a wiki search which was kinda helpful... I hope this is what you’re looking for!)Just Lunch. Just Barbra.

.oOo.

It was always just lunch, but this time, Miranda had news. Bignews. Her biggest yet since she found out she was having twins. And she wasmore nervous this time around, so naturally, she fired three people in a singlemorning and had to call Andréa to talk her down form homicide. But it was justlunch. It was just Barbra.

“Emily, coat, bag,” Miranda barked as she tidied her desk. Thesecond assistant, Gemima or something, scurried about to grab her things. Shewas efficient but annoying, and not in the way Andréa had been when she workedthere the year before. But never mind that. “I do not want to be disturbedwhile I’m gone, not even if the building is on fire. Frankly, the current issuemight be better off being burnt to ashes.” Emily (Gemima) said nothing. She wasas she said: efficient.

The car ride was silent for a number of reasons. The main beingMiranda was still so damn nervousabout a simple lunch with one of her oldest friends. The other being Roy was onleave and her driver was an older, silent and thoughtful type of man thattipped his hat but didn’t speak. Miranda found him the most tolerable replacementpossible, and it was no doubt Andréa’s doing.

Andréa, who was working from their home (!) that day, waiting forher to call after her luncheon. With Barbra. Miranda pursed her lips tighterand fiddled with her necklace all the way to the bistro her friend swore by. Shedidn’t wait for her driver, Rafael she knew to be his name, to open her door,only telling him to wait for her to call and then shutting her door with theforce of a hurricane. It’s just drizzling,her own voice taunted. She fought a smile.

She walked right up to the main counter in the small, homey bistroand stated her name and who her companion would be, noting the widened eyes ofthe young woman before her. Being led to her table she was relieved to see itempty. Barbra was always slightly late to these sorts of things and usuallythis irked Miranda to no end. Barbra knew her well, had known her for more thananyone else that was not related to her, and yet, Barbra still insisted onbeing late to meeting with Miranda. “Keeps you patient, honey,” she’d alwayssay. Ridiculous.

“You’re here,” Exclaimed a delighted voice from beside her,bustling over to hug her immediately. Barbra still hadn’t changed her shampoo,Miranda noticed in her cloud of golden-brown hair.

“And you’re late,” Miranda chastised lightly, hugging the womanback only briefly. “Now, stop fawning all over me and sit down, for heaven’ssake.”

“Oh, you’re nervous about something,” Barbra said airily, with achesty chuckle. “Tell aunty Barb what’s wrong, precious,” she cooed with ateasing smile.

“Must you be so immature?”

“I must,” she declared, her dark eyes smiling, snatching awayMiranda’s menu when she went to pick it up.

“Barbra, what are you doing,” Miranda huffed. She should haveknown that the older woman would torment her for every moment they spent together.Such was their relationship, to Miranda’s dismay (private delight).

“I know you, Miriam,” Barbra said, waving the menu in her face, “AndI know that if you get your hands on this menu, then on a meal, you’ll be ableto get through this lunch without telling me why you’ve summoned me here when I’mhaving dinner with you tomorrow night.” Miranda was silent. “So,” Barbra added,“spill.”

Miranda squirmed for a moment, uncomfortable with her owninsecurity. Barbra had never indicated a disdain for anyone for something likefalling in love with the same gender. Not even the age gap could sway heropinion, Miranda knew. But it was lunch and it was with Barbra and she lovedBarbra, even if she didn’t say it so often (Andréa had already begun toconvince her that there was mutual delight to be shared in a profession of love).

“I’m nervous,” Miranda admitted quietly, though her face was stonyand impassive as ever. If anyone looked over at them, they would not think theIce Queen frightened to tell her closest friend her news.

“Tell me anyway,” Barbra insisted, that nauseating, endlesskindness in her eyes that Andréa had, too.

“I’m getting married,” she said simply. Barbra showed no reactionfurther than a kind smile and a raised brow. It was the fourth time Barbra hadgotten news like this, but it was the first time Miranda was nervous to say it.For good reason.

“And?”

“And I’d like you to meet her.”

“Oh!”

A strange silence settled around them, during which a server cameand asked what they’d like to order. Miranda ordered for them both, havingperused the menu before she arrived to see what she’d want. She ordered forBarbra too, who still seemed shocked into silence. A silence that lasted evenafter the server had gone.

“Barbra,” Miranda pleaded, “Say something.”

“I thought I’d be dead in the ground before you figured it out,”Barbra decided on saying, her smile widening. It was the most positive reactionshe’d gotten from the New Yorker in all the times she had announced herimpending nuptials.

“What, that I’m…” Looking around the semi-public place, Mirandalowered her voice, “That I’m that wayinclined?”

“No, don’t be absurd, honey. I meant how to get married.” Mirandafrowned, but then stopped, weary of developing more wrinkles.

“That doesn’t make anysense, Barbra.”

“Sure it does,” the woman replied easily, leaning back when thesame server came to deliver their meals. She began to eat immediately. “Youweren’t nervous the last times you told me you were getting married,” she saidafter swallowing a bite of her pasta. “And I’m your closest friend. You should be nervous to tell me that sortof thing. And now you are, so I think you’ve figured it out.”

Miranda sat unmoving, watching as Barbra ate without a care in theworld.

“About time, too,” the older woman said after another bite. “You’realmost all grown up,” she added with an affectionate smile. Miranda grabbed herknife and fork and smiled down into her steak. She had been right, of course.It was just Barbra.

.oOo.

“So, how did it go?”

“It went exactly as I’d planned, Andréa. There was no need for youto worry,” Miranda replied, managing to hold in her sigh of contentment athearing Andréa’s voice.

“You were worried!”

“I was not!” She frowned down at her desk, trying to focus on thearticles Emily (still Gemima) had left for her while she was at lunch.

“You made two cups of coffee this morning and only drank one. Youonly drank one because you were busy practicing different ways to say you weremarried, and looking at the menu of the restaurant you went to. You were worried.”Miranda grumbled.

“I miss when you were afraid of me,” she mumbled.

“No you don’t,” Andréa said, laughing brightly enough to bringMiranda joy from across Manhattan.

“No,” Miranda smiled. “I don’t.”

#hah its half one in the morning and sis is writing prompt fic #god help me #fic shit #elle shit #i hope this is okay kind anon??#Anonymous

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parf-fan · 6 years ago

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Followup: Blackfryars!

Mount Hope, I’m begging you. 👏 Hire 👏 a 👏 copy 👏 editor. 👏

As always, visit the Faire’s website for headshots

Estelle Angrist : Millicent Goodnestone – Apprentice Stone-Carver

Inside every stone is a piece of art, so says Millicent. All you need to do is listen to the rock and take away the unnecessary pieces. Now, the artistry comes in the patience with which one removes the extra bits of stone. Patience, hammer, chisel, and a light touch are all that are required. Otherwise, a good piece of stone can become a dust pile very quickly. Thank goodness today is a festival day, because Millicent has been sweeping piles of dust for a while.

Alessandra Appiotti : Bernadette Albright – Matchmaker

The shire is being visited by the World’s most famous Bachelorette: Queen Elizabeth! If Bernadette can find the one for Queen Elizabeth, she will go from rising star to full-on supernova! She’d better get started lining up eligible bachelors! Or Bachelorettes! She hasn’t met Her Majesty yet, so who is she to judge her tastes?

Andréa Barton : Lady Blanche Parry – Lady in Waiting

This devoted Lady has served the Queen from the time our monarch was in nappies! They are boon companions, sharing court life and all its intrigue and frivolity. While she may look like the marzipan on the cake, her skilled organization of the Queen’s library and fondness for a good jest keeps her wit sharp enough to cut like a knife. Just ask the fool that attempts to play with her heart strings or guitar strings!

Kristin Bauer : Frances Newton, Lady Cobham – Lady in Waiting

Lady Cobham is thrilled to be on progress with the Queen. After all, this busy mother needs some time with the Ladies. With her soft nature and quick smile, she can often times be found with the children of the Shire, telling stories, rhymes, riddles, and playing games. Her sense of mirth does not leave her without a streak of mischief, as she does love to put her finger in the pot, give it a stir, and see what happens! Naughty or Nice? You be the judge!

Lauralette Bernard : Tolly Muneford – Harbor Master

Nothing comes in or out of the shores of Mount Hope that Tolly doesn’t know about. Her web of knowledge reaches far and wide, and she does it all in the service of the Shire. If only she wasn’t so keen on sharing all this knowledge with literally everyone, she might be able to use it for personal gain.

Jennifer Blackwell-Yale : Emily O. Bales – Fire Brigade

It has been 15 years since a monarch last visited the Shire of Mount Hope. Coincidentally, it has also been 15 years since the last fire in the shire of Mount Hope. Emily is always ready for action, but no one is quite sure she would know exactly what to do should action arise. When in doubt: stop, drop, roll, and have some wine. It seemed to work out just fine for the Old Dun Cow!

Karen Rose Bitzer : Rosie DuLait – Milkmaid

This milkmaid typically spends her day milking the cows and goats on the farm; carefully churning the butter; separating the curds from the whey; making the precious cheese to sell at market; all the time, singing and talking to her fine, generous, milk-laden friends! Is it any wonder that Rosie’s dairy products are highly sought for their sweet, creamy nature? It is even said that her happy cows seem to prance in the fields, as if dancing to a jig. Is that even possible? With Rosie, one never knows! Today she was up early: the Queen is expected and she wants to offer the sweetest cream and the finest butter to lay upon the Queen’s table.

Tabitha Borges : Abigail Montgomery – Governess to the Lady Mayor

Abigail has always had a way with children, and has taken care of all the Lady Mayor’s progeny, which means she is quite resilient! Of the many duties, trials, and tribulations the Penburthys have put her through, her favorite activity is still telling stories, and she is a masterful storyteller. Now that the Penburthy children, Calvin, Penelope, and Danforth, have all grown up, she is experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome far more than Delores is!

Elizabeth Burkholder : Paraffin Dyson – Bellows-Mender

Paraffin is a fan. She is a fan of fans. Her bellows will blow you away, that’s how big of a fan she is. Sometimes she can be a bit of a blowhard, but usually she can play it cool. And yet, even the coolest of bellows-menders may have a difficult time not having a meltdown with our Queen on the Shire. Time will tell if Paraffin maintains her composure or has a blowout, but one thing is for sure; she will certainly enjoy this festival day!

Jasmine Crist : Mary Robin Richland – Shire Ne'er-Do-Well

Every shire has one, ours is Mary Robin! While good-natured and always seen with a smile, it is known that one must keep a hand on your purse and an eye on your goods, for you may come up short when the back side of Mary Robin you see! Slight of hand, quick of feet, and always with a jest to share, it is her good nature and sharp wit that keeps her just on this side of the law, for now! It has been heard that she has high aspirations, but for what? Ask her, she may or may not share!

Ashley Crowther : Ira Roth – Actuary

Everyone’s heard of mad scientists, but a mad actuary? That’s much rarer. If you stare at numbers all day long, apparently they start staring back. Eventually, everything starts to look like a ledger, and you can see the numbers everywhere. Sure... that adds up...

Josh Dorsheimer : Jakob Werner – Landsknecht

Professional mercenaries fight the wars of the Kings of Europe. Professionals like Jakob. He does his level best to never think about any of that, though! He would rather spend his time gallivanting around town, spending his hard-won gold on drink, friends, and frivolity. The oldest of the family, Jakob is sometimes mistaken as the decision-maker of the clan. While he won’t outright deny this, the three siblings all know who really calls the shots: their baby sister!

Elisia Freeman : Agnes Lambourne – Apple-Monger

Apple cider, apple butter, apple sausage, apple crisp, apple cake.... Just ask this happy-go-lucky lady what you can do with all those apples, and she will tell you! Be prepared, her list is LONG! Apple juggling, apple carving, apple tossing, apple dicing, apple bocci. Do not be fooled, she knows that man does not live by apples alone; everyone knows you need a little cinnamon and a lot of laughter!

Corey Graff : Wagner Werner – Landsknecht

Wagner travels all over Europe fighting battles with his brother and sister for one reason: he loves them both dearly. Honestly though, he would much rather be laying down in a meadow watching butterflies. Sometimes suffering from middle child syndrome, Wagner’s gadabout ways certainly make life interesting for all the Werner siblings.

Steve Hager : Rip Skeleton – Gravedigger

There are two things certain in this world: Death, and Taxes – and Rip ain’t no accountant. Its always nice to have a friendly face build your final resting place.

Jeremiah Halteman : Ronald P. Eversmeyer – Yeoman Guard

They say history is written by the victors. Ronald has every intention of ensuring that our good Queen’s name goes down in the history of the world as the greatest victor of them all! He is always prepared to put himself between Her Majesty and danger, wherever it comes from, in whatever form it takes, and at any personal sacrifice! His extensive training in the art of personal security has rendered him one of the elite of the yeoman guard; as long as Her Majesty is not attacked from the air. Unfortunately, Ronald has a fear of butterflies. Something about the wings just throw off his rhythm, but no worries....butterflies in Mount Hope? Never!!

Jonathan Heise : Sir John Giffard of Chillington, Minister of Parliament, Knight – Nobleman

This Minister of Parliament felt it his duty to be present during the Queen’s progress at Mount Hope. Concerned that perhaps this tiny village would not be up to the task of hosting our Queen, he would be quick to move the festivities to Chillington. Upon arrival he realized his foolish mistake; never had he seen such a shire, and thought perhaps ‘twas time to move Chillington to Mount Hope! However, for now, why not enjoy the festivities?

Brianna E. Holmes : Mary Hill, Lady Cheke – Lady in Waiting

This gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber is well loved by all. Her husband, John Cheke, a gentleman of the court, encourages her in her service of the Queen. The Queen has blessed them often with gifts, grants, and an estate or two. Even at this show of opulence, Lady Cheke takes it all in stride. She finds joy in the simple things in life; her children, her rose garden, and her love of arachnids. Their homes, their legs, and loving little eyes; can you ever have enough? I think NOT says Lady Cheke.

Anastasia Keno : Louise Weaver – Shepherdess

A diligent if mischievous shepherdess, Louise has a passion for all things fluffy! Why should sheep be the only animals allowed to graze free? Let the cats graze free! Let the puppies graze free! Let the mice graze free! Free the animals! Sorry... she can be very passionate.

Jennifer Litzinger : Cherie Piquant – Spice Merchant

If the first pinch of salt is free, be prepared to pay dearly for everything else. A shrewd business woman, do not let Cherie’s smile fool you. She was born to barter, and barter she will! Well-known on the shire as the woman who can get what you need, do not be afraid to ask; as long as its cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, or cardamom, by day’s end, it will be in your kitchen. Ask for a song, and you could be in for a treat.

Dana Micciché : Katherine Champernowne, Lady Kat Ashley – Lady in Waiting

Appointed governess, tutor, friend, and confidante, Lady Kat Ashley ensured that her Queen had all the necessary tools to rule England. Well versed in astronomy, geography, history, Latin, Spanish, Italian, and Flemish, this unassuming woman is also trained in the art of swordsmanship, axe-throwing, archery, and caber tossing! Think you know a little about a lot? Lady Kat knew it first!

Traci Mohl : Olivia Charnwood – Huntress

The family tradition of hunting and tracking lives on in the guise of Olivia. Like her mother and grandmother before her, ear to ground, sniffing the air; hunting prey is in her blood. Mount Hope’s finest archer, Olivia never fails to bring home the meat – just don’t ask her to cook it!! On this festival day, she plans on showing off her tracking skills by sniffing out a merry time!

Beverly Newton : Charlotte Seaswift – Shipwright

This buoyant aquatic engineer helps keep the Harbor of Mount Hope afloat. An eye for design and a passion for innovation drive Charlotte. She knows that the fine line between sink and swim is just a patch away, and she is always ready to keep things floating on.

Jared Nocella : Miles I. Gore – Professional Henchman

Some people are natural born leaders. Miles is not one of those people. Miles is a natural born lackey, and he’s the best there is at being second fiddle. Always down for doing the dirty work, and he does it dirt cheap! Miles is a sidekick with a smile and has a flare for following.

Alexandra Pentz : Dorte Werner – Kampfrau

The youngest of the Werner siblings, but make no mistake: she is the one that keeps the family together. From designing the boys’ clothes, managing the family finances, and fighting her share of battles, she is as clever as she is dangerous. And after all that, she still has the ability to be the most mischievous of the three!

Lianna Pike : Rosalind Anne Uxbridge – Gardener

Rosalind has had her hands deep in dirt, up to her elbows, preparing for the Royal visit. The gardens must be perfect! Simple details like stone placement can be so critical, yet every time she plants, those chipmunks and rabbits have a feast . That is why Rosalind has a bed in all of her garden plots. She sleeps in a different flower bed each night. Thank goodness the festival is finally here, she can finally get out of the beds and enjoy the beauty of her work with the rest of the shirefolk.

Nicolas Rainville : Grayson Thomas Hemplewhite – Squire to the Master of Horse, Sir Robert Dudley

What an honor to serve the horse that carries the saddle that seats the man who serves the Queen so closely! To say that Hemplewhite is a hard worker is putting it mildly. His work is never done. Clean the tack, muck the stall, check the hooves; not to mention ensuring that Tinker, the horse, is always sweet-smelling for his Master to ride. But today is a festival day. Tinker smells sweet, now its time for Hemplewhite to have a bit of merriment.

Jessica Reesor : Holly Teacake – Baker

Everyone likes sweets at a festival, and Holly has made sure the shire is stocked with confections to please any palate. Fruity, chocolatey, savory – whatever your taste, Holly has you covered! An obsessive planner, Holly loves the order of a recipe. It is a mathematical equation for pleasing people. If only everything else was that simple!

Laura Reesor : Pearl Topstitch – Tailor

A visionary designer with an eye for style. Never satisfied with the same-old same-old; when something works once, she’s done with it! Her appetite for new and exotic is matched only by her skill. She can look at a piece of fabric and see the hidden...pearl...of genius within. Now it is time to show off her skills to the Queen.

James Riley : Adam Cringer – Yeoman Guard

A newly-minted member of the Yeoman Guard following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father before him. Legend of Adam’s monster-hunting exploits have already preceded him. Now it is time to see if the man can match the Legend.

Victoria Sangston : Dorothea Anne Heartley – Etiquette Mistress

Today is a big day for the shire of Mount Hope, and the Lady Mayor has tasked Mistress Heartley with making sure everyone puts their best foot forward. Of course, is that the right foot or the other right foot? Joyfully surveying the shirefolk, she knows everyone will be on their best, smiling, bowing, hat tipping, formal greeting behavior – or else!

Michael Sheffield : John Dee – Royal Astrologer

A good ruler has good advisors. Time will tell what kind of advisor John Dee will be. He says he talks to angels. Perhaps he does. Perhaps he’s just a brilliant con man. One thing is for sure – eccentric only scratches the surface of describing this stargazing man.

Jessie Smith : Polly Lynne Pickering – Apprentice Rag-picker

Polly Lynne has been following in her mum’s footsteps for as long as she can remember. Mum does have a keen eye for bits and pieces, but Polly Lynne is impatient! When she is THE Rag-Picker, she will be much more efficient! Would anyone REALLY notice if a bit was snipped off a gown here and there? Bushes and scissors are a picker’s best friend. She has heard of the fine fabrics worn by the Nobles of the court and is hoping to snip.... errrr....snag a piece or two of those fabrics for herself!

Mary Smith : Penelope Ann Pickering – Rag-picker

Some call it rag-picking, but Penelope prefers to call it fabric repurposing opportunities. Opportunities abound in the shire of Mount Hope, all you have to do is look around! And look she does!! With a keen eye for bits of fabric, lace, gossip, and good will, she has a kind word for everyone and perhaps a bit of scrap for those in need; and, really, who doesn’t need a bit of scrap now and then? And now, with the training up of Polly Lynne, she’s busy busy busy! Thank goodness for the Festival. Mirth, merriment, and fabric scraps!

Evelin Stayner : Buttercup M. Rosehips – Scullery Wench

This young lady is happy when surrounded by a pile of dirty anything. Beginning, middle, end! That is where she finds her joy. Every day has its adventures, and they all start when the sun comes up and last throughout the day. You may find her dancing, singing, or generally making herself an asset to the Shire of Mount. Hope. Some might even call her a fledgling pillar of society; probably more like a fence post. But everybody has to start somewhere!

Katrin Stayner : Eva Froman – Sausage Queen of the Shire

Blessed with infinite patience, and a lithe mind to keep up with her husband. The Fromans are nouveau riche, and happy to flaunt it. Eva is the true brains of the operation. Her wurst is the best, and her husband is the best at being the worst. [the Sausage King is being played by one of the improv directors who doubles as an independent act.]

Jordan Taft : Dorothy "Dottie" Brooke – Lady in Waiting

This Maid of Honor is a seasoned Lady of the court. Certainly Lady Dorothy has done it all, seen it all, and has the bodice to prove it. However, Mount Hope intrigues her. After all, it is time for her to settle down and have a family of her own, and the matchmaker of the Shire is famous throughout the land. She may leave here betrothed, or at least,with several good prospects. Love is in the air, or, is that TURKEY???

Robyn Thompson : Fiona Erin O'Donald – Personal Foot Post of the Lady Mayor

When Fiona came to Mount Hope, the first person she met was the Lady Mayor, who had just lost her third foot post in six months. Fiona needed a job; she had no idea what a foot post was, but she knew she could do it! She is Irish after all! As it turns out, she is the best foot post the Mayor has ever had!! Messenger, she’s the Lady Mayor’s personal messenger!

Sandi Trait : Becky Billingsly – Town Crier and Lady Mayor’s Official Letter-Opener

Becky Billingsly, the voice of the shire, knows full well the weight her proclamations carry. As Official Letter Opener for the Lady Mayor, she is at the forefront of all the news that is news in the shire. Of course, nothing beats today’s happenings! The young Queen makes her way to the gates of Mount Hope. How thrilling to share her news and tidings with the court of her Majesty!

Ariel E. Urich : Kathryn Bridges – Lady in Waiting

This Maid of Honor is on her first progress with the Queen. She has lived her entire life in training for this very time and now that it is here, she realizes that something is missing. She knows how to carry the cup with grace and style; the basket is a simple matter; smiling at the proper time, sitting, standing. So, what is the problem? She has this deep desire to make people laugh! So far, she has shared a bit of her talent with the Ladies of the Court, but perhaps this small shire is where she can be a bit more free with her jests and merriment. Oh, the festival day could not get here soon enough!

Brianna Yale : Lydia der Schlachter – Butcher

Leaving home to work for the Fromans was a tough decision but one she is happy she made. Butchering brings her such delight. From the time she begins to sharpen her blade to the beauty of well-cut chop, this butcher knows her way around a slab of beef, pork, and lamb. However, never ask her for a capon! She has been squeamish since the capon incident of 1552. Enough of that! This is a festival day, and she plans on celebrating with the shire folk and perhaps even catching a glimpse of the new Queen.

Darrell E. Yoder : Sylvan Farelight – Tinker

If it needs mending, this is the man to do it. If it needs replacing, step right up, he has it. If you need a bit of magic in your life, having Sylvan on the streets ensures that your needs will be met! Always popular when he arrives on shire; Sylvan can be counted on to share a bit of news from afar; a bit of wisdom from within; and a bit of magic from, well, from where magic comes from!

To the newcomers, welcome! To those returning, welcome back!

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