#Broken Ice

[huariqueje]

Ice Out - William H. Hays , n/d.

American, b. 1956 -

Colour linocut on paper, 12 x 9 in . 31 x 23.5 cm. Ed.1/100.

[e-b-reads]

Books of the Month: Sep 2024

Whoops, should probably do this before it gets any closer to Halloween. Interestingly, and unusually, my reading seems to have slowed down a little in terms of sheer number of books after the summer, but I think this is partly because 1) the fall has still been pretty busy (still plenty of work, though less than during summer camp season, with added school stuff) and 2) I've had the mental energy to read some different, longer books instead of lots of mindless, quick murder mysteries. (Still plenty of mysteries, though). Here's the books from September that I think are worth reading:

The Curse of Chalion (Lois McMaster Bujold): Had an odd experience reading this book: I didn't exactly know what was going to happen, but after I hit some fairly major plot points, I would think, "Oh yeah, that's right," as if I'd been expecting them. (There's some neat twists in this book! I was not expecting them all!) Anyway, I do read a lot and sometimes forget what I've read, so it's possible I read this a while in the past (sometime before I started tracking my reads, 3 years ago) and then forgot most of it. I don't plan to forget it this time, because I really enjoyed the experience! Good writing, and I do like a main character who's already seen a lot of shit and would ideally like to just live a quiet life (but also sighs and takes responsibility for things pretty regularly). Sad to see that the sequel is not also focused on Caz. (I'll read it someday anyway, because again, good writing!) (I'm not sure the etiquette on this, but to give credit where due: I had a few reasons to check this book out of the library, but one was that I've seen @wearethekat rec it convincingly multiple times!)

Broken Ice (Matt Goldman): OK, so this is actually book 2 in the Nils Shapiro mystery series (I read book 1 in August), so I recommend starting with book 1, but I'm more recommending the series than any individual book. Each mystery is interesting and original, but none of them stands out to me in particular; what I like is that the main character could very easily be a loner, sad, possibly alcoholic, slightly sexist private detective, but instead he builds up some healthy relationships over the series (romantic and other), and generally is someone I think I would get along with. There are 4 books so far, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a book 5 someday but I see nothing online promoting one.

Overture to Death (Ngaio Marsh): I don't think I've recommended this Inspector Alleyn mystery before, anyway? I think it's one of her better-crafted ones (they're all pretty good tho, imo), with some fascinating characters. (Though I feel I should mention, I reread it this time because of @oldshrewsburyian mentioning that 2 of the spinster-ish characters were at least somewhat - unflatteringly - based on Dorothy Sayers and wow, they're even worse than I remembered!)

[sigalrm]

Tauwetter by Pascal Volk Via Flickr: Heute Mittag lagen plötzlich verschieden große Eisstücke unterm Fernsehturm. Ich denke, die kamen von ganz oben.

[revilermpls]

Photos: Broken Ice at First Avenue

AKU-Matu, Bizhiki, Ya TseenFirst Avenue, MinneapolisFebruary 1st, 2024

[hannaedits]

Five-Star Reads for January 2024

[hamelin-born]

@sparklecryptid

To be fair, most of my 'choreography' is essentially trying to figure out who would sing what - what songs, which verses, would fit with your characters. And I've mainly been considering 'Wicked Girls'. Here are my thoughts - still somewhat incomplete.

I've bee selecting which character goes with which 'verse on a half-made up set of criteria. Which is essentially what I think resonates with them, and if said 'verse has - a theme that fits to the individual. A reminder specifically for them. Yes, I'm aware that I'm leaving some of said characters out - mainly because they don't need the reminder. They can help with the chorus or make an appearance in the last 'verse.

First verse (The Wendy One). I'm actually torn between Mercury and Jules for this one. Because Mercury is - such a creature of impulse who prizes her freedom and advocacy - 'got her feet on the ground, got her life on its track' and 'she died on the ground' is - well, the nightmare scenario for her. As I tend to picture her fighting style as extremely aerial in nature, that's also something of a tongue-in-cheek reference as well. Whereas with Jules - Jules does play by the rules, most of the time. 'She played by the rules that they gave her' - she's a lot less directly confrontational than the rest of her siblings. From that point of view - for her, singing that 'verse could be a reminder about what happens if she goes too far, if she follows the rules too closely and lets them bind her, lets them strip her of her self-advocacy and rob her of the chance to fly free.

Second'verse (The Dorothy One). I actually think this is broken!ice!Luche. Because it does describe her surprisingly well. Luche does want something to believe in, for all that she's seemingly resigned to the path laid out before her by prophecy and the Sight. She - if she thought that free will was an option for her, she'd - well, have a nervous breakdown and be absolutely desperate for it. She wants to be something more than what fate has made of her. She want an escape - 'She made her escape, went from gray into green'. And perhaps she could escape, by letting herself go mad, but- she won't. She wouldn't. She'll play by the prophecy, by the sight, because it is all she has. 'she chose to be good and go back to the gray Kansas sky/Where color's a fable and freedom's a fairy tale lie.'

If she ever breaks free, Luche needs to remember that she is free. And she does not, is under no obligation, to let 'duty' drag her under.

Third verse (The Alice One). This is Sel. This is totally Sel. Yes, the emphasis on madness there would seem to link it to Luche, but consider: Luche would rather cut off her arm then sing something that even peripherally seems to justify her mother's life choices. So Sel - Sel, who makes her living with lies, who is the daughter of the trickster - it's a reminder to her not to get lost in them. ('They say she got tangled and tied in the lies that became her.') And Sel certainly lives her life unconstrained by society and what other people think of her - so that resonates. ('There's peace of a kind in a life unconstrained.') But perhaps - a reminder for balance? Not sure. 'And she'll never be free, but she's won herself safe for a while.'

Fourth verse (The Susan and Lucy One). Persephone sings this. Because - Persephone is a lady. Is a princess, is a Queen. She would be a ruling Queen as of old, sitting under an oak tree with a crown of laurels in her hair - but she chose otherwise. She chose to be a wife, to be, eventually, a mother - but it was her choice. And yes, there would be those who would seek to strip her of her choices, to make her nothing less then 'children and chattel and mothers and wives' - there would be those who would make the choice for her. It's a reminder and it's a warning, a lesson that her Uncle (father, whisper a corner of her heart) learned a long time since and taught them all, and it's up to Luche will step forward to sing-scream 'I am not a toy!' as Persephone draws the end of the verse into a circle once again.

Jupiter is a pirate, and Jules weaves stories for faeries, Persephone will pour you red wine pressed from sweet poisoned berries. Merc, Bard and Sel dance the edge of the blade While Luche marches forward on paths yet unmade - And the rules that we live by are simple and clear: Be wicked and lovely and don't live in fear...

Help, I’m listening to Seanan McGuire songs again and plotting AtB choreography!

OHHHHH

Now I’m curious as to what your thoughts are on how songs would related and be choreographed and such

*chinhands*

@hamelin-born

[novaursa]

The Conqueror's Legacy

- Summary: Dragon blood is meant to twist and coil on itself, and so Aegon wishes to bethrode his children to each other.

- Paring: sister!reader/Aegon I Targaryen

- Note: This story is part of The Broke Crown series. These events happen after Fire and Heart. The masterlist is pinned to the top of my blog.

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround @fiction-fanfic-reader @fireandblood-mharmie @poisonedsultana @sunset18rose

You watch as Aegon’s figure cuts through the misty morning on the high ridge where Balerion waits. The sun catches his silver hair, casting a glow around him that feels both warm and commanding. Your son, Aerion, grips your hand tightly, his young face a mixture of excitement and fear. This will be his first flight on Balerion, the Black Dread—a rite of passage for a Targaryen child.

Aegon turns his gaze towards you both, a rare softness in his eyes as he walks back toward Aerion, kneeling before him. “Are you ready, my son?” he asks, his voice both gentle and firm.

Aerion swallows hard, his little hand clutching your fingers tighter. “I am, Father.” His voice trembles, betraying his nerves.

You kneel beside him, brushing his silver hair back. “Remember, Aerion,” you whisper, “Balerion is mighty, but he knows us. There is nothing to fear with your father by your side.” You give Aegon a small nod, silently entrusting him with the task of guiding your son into the skies.

Aegon’s hand, large and steady, rests on Aerion’s shoulder. “Hold on tight, and trust in me,” he says to the boy, a faint smile on his lips as he rises, extending a hand to help him onto Balerion’s massive saddle.

You watch, heart thudding, as Aegon lifts Aerion onto the dragon’s back and secures him. Turning his gaze back to you, he reaches out a hand. “Come, Y/N,” he calls. “Let us show Aerion the skies as we know them.”

With a nod, you join them, swinging up onto Balerion’s back and sitting just behind Aerion. The dragon beneath you shifts slightly, his wings stretching as he senses the journey to come.

“Are you ready, Aerion?” Aegon asks once more, his hands steady on the reins.

Aerion nods, clutching the saddle as tightly as his small hands can manage. “Yes, Father.”

With a powerful thrust of Balerion’s wings, you feel the ground fall away beneath you. The air whips against your face as you ascend, the dragon’s mighty beats echoing in your ears. Aerion gasps, and his grip on the saddle tightens.

“It’s alright,” you murmur to him, leaning forward to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Look around, Aerion. All of Westeros lies beneath you.”

Aegon glances back, his expression calm, though you catch the hint of pride in his gaze. “You see, Aerion, this is what it means to be a Targaryen. To look upon the world not as others do, but from above.” He gestures to the vast landscape stretching beneath, the rivers winding like silver ribbons, the mountains rising like ancient giants, and the green valleys unfurling in every direction.

“Do you remember what I told you of dragons, Aerion?” Aegon asks, his voice carrying over the wind.

Aerion nods, his awe-struck gaze locked on the view. “That they are our blood, bound to us.”

“Yes,” Aegon replies. “They are our blood and our legacy. And one day, you will ride a dragon of your own.” His gaze shifts from Aerion to you, a glimmer of affection in his eyes.

You smile, feeling a surge of pride in your son. “And on that day, he will remember this moment, with his father and mother by his side.”

As Balerion soars higher, Aegon begins to point out landmarks, recounting tales of battles, triumphs, and legends, his voice full of pride for his heritage and love for his family. Aerion listens raptly, his fear long forgotten.

After a time, Balerion’s massive wings tilt, and he begins a slow descent back to Dragonstone. You lean closer to Aegon, letting your hand rest on his back, finding comfort in the heat of his presence.

“A fine young dragonlord he will be,” you say quietly to Aegon, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest. “With his father’s strength and courage.”

“And his mother’s wisdom,” Aegon replies, his tone soft, but you hear the deep respect in it.

As you touch down, Aerion dismounts with a newfound confidence, turning to you and Aegon with a bright, excited smile.

“I’ll remember this forever,” he promises, his voice filled with a young boy’s awe and reverence.

Aegon kneels to meet his son’s eyes. “Good,” he replies, his hand resting on Aerion’s shoulder. “For one day, you may need to call upon this strength.”

Watching them together, you feel a profound sense of belonging. In this moment, high above the world, there is only the legacy you have built together.

The children’s laughter drifted through the courtyard, a sound of innocence against the heavy stone walls of Dragonstone. Aelora and Vaella, the daughters of Aegon and yourself, played hand-in-hand with their older half-brothers, Maegor and Aenys. Their silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, a reminder of their Targaryen blood, as their games wove them closer together like threads in a tapestry.

Visenya, regal and vigilant, observed the children, her expression one of quiet contemplation. She saw Maegor take Vaella’s hand, guiding her gently through the intricate game of dragon scales—a game she had taught him. Meanwhile, Aenys tried his best to keep up with Aelora’s boundless energy, his warm laughter echoing with hers.

“Aegon,” Visenya murmured, her voice barely a whisper, but Aegon’s attention turned to her as though he’d been waiting. She glanced his way, her piercing gaze softened by a hint of curiosity. “Do you mean for them to be more than just kin?”

Aegon didn’t answer at once. Instead, he watched his children, seeing something in them that ran deeper than family ties. “I do,” he replied after a moment, his voice steady. “The blood of Old Valyria runs strong in them. A union between the four would keep our line unbroken, ensuring the strength of our House.”

Visenya raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. “You have thought well on this, brother.”

“Of course,” Aegon replied. “But I will speak with Y/N when she returns from her flight. The skies bring her peace; she feels freer with Tesaerix. And with the pregnancy…” He trailed off, his gaze thoughtful. “I would not place added weight upon her without her counsel.”

Visenya’s eyes softened as she followed his gaze back to the children. “She has always been close with all young ones,” she remarked, thinking of your gentle, protective presence with Aelora and Vaella. “They adore her. When she speaks of their future, I see the pride in her eyes. She would want a say in this, Aegon.”

Aegon nodded, his expression warming at the thought of you. “She has a sense for them, a way of knowing what is best,” he agreed. “I would have her wisdom in this. And besides,” he added, a touch of humor entering his voice, “I am certain she would be eager to decide who suits whom best.”

At that, Visenya laughed, a soft, restrained sound that felt rare and genuine. “No doubt. I imagine she has her own ideas on their futures.”

Aelora’s sudden cry of joy drew their attention back to the children. She and Aenys were locked in a playful contest, each trying to topple the other over a small pile of stones. Vaella, more reserved, clung to Maegor’s hand, watching her sister’s antics with wide, curious eyes. Maegor himself seemed slightly amused, his normally serious expression softened by Vaella’s quiet admiration.

“They’re well-matched,” Visenya observed, her gaze flicking between the pairs. “Aelora has a fiery spirit, much like you. She would balance Aenys’ gentler nature.” She looked at Maegor, her pride for her son evident in her gaze. “And Vaella... she has a steadiness, a quiet strength. I believe she would understand Maegor’s nature better than most.”

Aegon nodded, deep in thought. “I see it, too. But I would hear her thoughts, her dreams for them.”

“She will approve,” Visenya murmured confidently. “She has always held our family’s future close to her heart.”

As they watched, Aelora and Aenys finished their game, both flushed with triumph and laughter. Aelora’s hair whipped around her face as she gave a victorious cheer, and Aenys gave her a mock bow, ever the polite young prince. Meanwhile, Vaella offered Maegor a small, shy smile, her hand still in his. Maegor, unsmiling but gentle, squeezed her hand in response, a quiet exchange that needed no words.

Aegon’s face softened. “There is promise in them, Visenya. A unity that could bring us all closer.”

“And yet, I think she would caution you to give them time,” Visenya added. “She would want them to come to this union willingly, even as we guide them.”

At that moment, the air stirred, carrying the distant sound of dragon wings. Tesaerix appeared on the horizon, her brilliant scales glinting in the sun, with you at her helm. Aegon’s gaze brightened as he watched you descend, your bond with your dragon evident in the graceful way you rode.

Visenya offered him a knowing smile. “Go to her, brother. Speak to her of your plans.”

Aegon nodded, a rare smile touching his lips. As Tesaerix landed, he walked toward you, watching as you dismounted with a practiced ease. He reached for your hand, steadying you with gentle strength. “You seem lighter,” he murmured, noting the glow of your cheeks.

“The skies ease me,” you replied, your hand lingering in his. “It is as if the weight of the world falls away up there.”

Aegon led you closer to the courtyard, guiding your gaze to the children as they played. “Y/N,” he began carefully, “I have been thinking of their futures.” He gestured toward Aelora and Vaella. “And those of their older brothers.”

You raised an eyebrow, a spark of curiosity in your eyes. “Tell me,” you encouraged, leaning into him.

Aegon explained his thoughts, his desire to bind the four children together, ensuring the strength of their line. As he spoke, you listened carefully, a soft smile curving your lips as you watched your daughters with their half-brothers.

“They care for each other already,��� you murmured, seeing the gentle way Maegor looked after Vaella and the joy that sparked between Aelora and Aenys. “A bond would feel natural to them.”

Aegon nodded, his fingers grazing yours in a quiet show of unity. “Yet I would not do so without your voice in this. They are ours, as much your vision as mine.”

You looked at him, warmth in your gaze. “I see the wisdom in it, Aegon,” you replied softly. “But give them time to grow into this bond on their own. Let it become their choice as much as ours.”

He nodded, gratitude in his eyes. “Then it will be as you say.”

You shared a look, both of you understanding that this moment was but the beginning. And as you watched the children, your hand in his, the future felt secure, a vision built not just on legacy, but on love and understanding.

[blairamok]

skating their way into each other’s hearts 🤍⛸️

(and yes i am currently writing this 🫠)

[ericshoney]

Hockey injury ~ Brothers!Sturniolo Triplets

Summary: Your brothers are home in Boston to see you play ice hockey for your school team and also take you to the hospital to get patched up.

Warnings: swearing, shouting, crying, injuries, broken bones, nicknames, fluff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today was a big game for the season. Your school was close to being champions and had to win tonight in order to win. Everyone was anxious about the game and when you saw Nick, Matt and Chris arrive in the stands you couldn't help but smile wide. You rushed over to them, hugging them tightly.

"Hey kiddo." Nick called.

"Hey! You made it!" You cheered.

"Of course, petal, this is a big game for you." Matt said.

"Now go out there and crush the other school!" Chris shouted, getting shhhed by Nick.

"You can't say that about teenage girls!" The eldest responded.

"Try your best and have fun." Matt replied.

"You sound like mum." You said with a giggle.

"Kick ass but within the rules." Nick said.

You laughed and nodded, heading down to the ice. You got your skates on and warmed up a bit with your teammates. You checked out the other team, seeing they looked determined, but so were you.

The game soon began, the first whistle being blown. You skated quickly, passing the puck with ease and it soon added up as your team was three points to none.

You never celebrated early, knowing it could all change and by the third quarter, both teams were tied. The whistle then went for the end of the third quarter and you skated over to your coach.

"Alright girls, we can do this, it's for the title, to become champions. I want you to give it your all now!" She shouted.

Everyone cheered and you looked over to where Nick, Matt and Chris were. They gave you a wave, making you smile.

The fourth and final quarter now began. You got tackled by another player, crashing into the wall. You groaned as you knew it would bruise, but continued on.

The final seconds were counting down and you had the puck. You hit it hard, it flying across the ice into the goal, the buzzer going at the same time as the whistle but also you crashing to the floor.

You screamed as you felt and heard a loud snap. You looked over and saw a girl from the other team being shouted at by the ref. She clearly had pulled an illegal move. You looked at your arm and knew it was broken instantly.

A couple of your teammates carefully carried you off the ice and helped you take your skates and helmet off, just as your brothers came rushing over. They frowned seeing your teary face.

"Oh kiddo." Chris cooed.

The three came and stood with you as a medic checked you, but as you cried out when they touched your arm, they knew it was broken too. The guys rushed you too the car, Nick helping to hold you as you cried.

Matt broke every speeding limit to get you to the hospital and when you arrived, got you inside quickly. As you were in so much pain and could tell it was visibly broken, you got seen quickly.

After having the x-ray and being assessed, finding out your arm was broken in two places, you got to pick your cast. You picked your favourite colour and eventually returned to Nick, Matt and Chris who were in the waiting room, Nick on the phone.

"Yeah mum, we're coming home soon. Oh wait she's just been let out. I'll pass the phone over." He said.

You took the phone with your non-broken arm and sighed as you heard your mum's voice.

"Oh honey, what happened?" She asked.

"I'll explain everything at home mum, but my arm is broken in two places." You answered

"Okay honey, drive safe." She replied before hanging up.

You passed the phone to Nick as the trio looked at you. They gave you comforting smiles.

"Let's go home, sweetheart." Nick said, wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

"The positive thing here, kid, is that your team won." Chris said.

You laughed softly as you all got in the car, you resting your head on Nick's shoulder, feeling tired and in pain as you drove home.

[the-silver-peahen-residence]

||Villain's charms for his officer||

~Reserved Rp with @within-the-resort ~

Villain Izuku sighed sitting in his chair to think of what he was going to do today. Their was a lot he could do but nothing really came to mind yet. Maybe find a new toy? Or maybe get back on his mission of being after the heroes. He didn't know but he'll figure something out while looking curious towards it.

Though, he was just minding his own business till something exciting happens. Or maybe he could check on his 'new target' from town and see how he was doing.

[yeetusthemighty]

Little reference sheet thing for Zane because I physically cannot draw characters without adding a ton of extra details that just don’t exist

Alt with my doodles under the cut

[missjashin]

Steve and Eddie having to drive the kids somewhere and since there’s nine of them in total, ten if Robin is tagging along, they have to take two cars so obviously the ones with actual licenses have to drive. And Eddie is immediately like “I’ll take the boys, you can take the girls” but starts to doubt his decision right away because uhm why does Steve seem so happy about that?

Eddie really thinks it would be easier this way. I mean he knows most the boys little better and. They’re all guys? Nerdy guys too. He can handle them. Steve can try to deal with the girls. Like Robin is a force to be reckoned with and he has to have Max AND Erica in the car with him as well ? With the addition of a girl with actual super powers? Yeah sure Eddie is the one who’s gonna have it easy…

Or so he thinks. He just forgot to take into account the fact that the girls? They all get along just fine. Meanwhile the boys? Sure they are best friends but they can have a debate over EVERYTHING. And they will too.

This would be most hilarious comedy scene honestly. Showing Steve and the girls in the car. The music is nice and everything is calm and they’re all smiling and having fun. Switching to Eddie and the boys and it’s all heavy metal and screaming and rage and something might be on fire too- and cut back to Steve and girls and they’re just happily singing along their pop tunes.

Eddie is gonna need a vacation after this car trip.

[queen-helaenas-pet-spider]

Sandor: *Spends his whole life trying to prove that he's not as bad as his older brother, Gregor {who r*pes, kills, etc}*

Rorge: *Stole Sandor's identity by somehow getting his grubby paws on Sandor's famous Hound helmet, and wearing it during a r*ping and killing spree with friends*

Most "Fans": *Actually believe Sandor regrets not r*ping and killing Sansa Stark {who he loves most} before he fled King's Landing {he was dying and was saying whatever he could to get Arya Stark *Sansa's litle sister* to finally end his suffering, but she robbed him and left him for dead}*

Sandor:

[pumpkinspiceicecream]

The prompts have finally arrived!! Bit of a different set type this time around, though!

The songs are suggestions, if there are other fitting songs for them you’d like to use, that’s absolutely okay!! These are all from my playlist but I don’t want to limit it to just my music, I’d love to see what you have for inspiration as well!

Event runs from October 25th to October 31st, 2024!

🎵- Song prompt

✍️- Regular prompt

Prompt list:

October 25th: 🎵Last Great Love Story -New Years Day |✍️ Revival

October 26th: 🎵Criminal - Britney Spears| ✍️On the Run

October 27th: 🎵That Man - Caro Emerald | ✍️Feelings

October 28th: 🎵 Beautiful Thieves - AFI | ✍️Dress(ed) Up

October 29th: 🎵Still Here - Digital Daggers | ✍️Ghosts

October 30th: 🎵 All the Stars in Texas - Ludo | ✍️Starlit Picnic/Hayride

October 31st: 🎵 Partners in Crime - Set It Off |✍️ Haunted House

Feel free to submit art, writing, moodboards (credited), edits, amvs, cosplay, etc! (No AI please, I want to see your personal creativity 💖)

Use #psicweek2024 or #psicweek, and tag @pumpkinspiceicecream if you would like me to feature your creations!!

[mxnster-soul]

Heya guys/gals/and fellow nonbiney pals!

[baelontargaryen]

DAENERYS APPRECIATION WEEK 2023

↳ DAY ONE: Character traits

The dwarf shrugged. “I know that she spent her childhood in exile, impoverished, living on dreams and schemes, running from one city to the next, always fearful, never safe, friendless but for a brother who was by all accounts half-mad … a brother who sold her maidenhood to the Dothraki for the promise of an army. I know that somewhere out upon the grass her dragons hatched, and so did she. I know she is proud. How not? What else was left her but pride? I know she is strong. How not? The Dothraki despise weakness. If Daenerys had been weak, she would have perished with Viserys. I know she is fierce. Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen are proof enough of that. She has crossed the grasslands and the red waste, survived assassins and conspiracies and fell sorceries, grieved for a brother and a husband and a son, trod the cities of the slavers to dust beneath her dainty sandaled feet. Now, how do you suppose this queen will react when you turn up with your begging bowl in hand and say, ‘Good morrow to you, Auntie. I am your nephew, Aegon, returned from the dead. I’ve been hiding on a poleboat all my life, but now I’ve washed the blue dye from my hair and I’d like a dragon, please … and oh, did I mention, my claim to the Iron Throne is stronger than your own?’”