#Cedar House Gallery

[formlines]

Solar Eclipse Drum

Tlehpik Wenstob

[serpentandlily]

Mystique - Azriel x Reader

Mystique - Azriel x Reader

Summary: When the whole family is dragged to the new ballet show in Velaris, Mystique, Azriel never imagined a mating bond snapping into place...but as soon as she stepped on stage, he knew his life was about to change forever.

Warnings: mention of strict dieting of a dancer

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Going to see a ballet show was not how Azriel planned to spend his Saturday night, or any night really. Arts and theater were not something he was usually interested in. But Feyre had begged the whole family to go, claiming she had bought a private booth in the gallery for them to watch their opening night show. 

Elain had been the first to agree, so he followed along. If only to spend some time with her, to watch her face light up as she watched the performance. 

Mystique. That was the name of the show they were seeing tonight. He had no idea what it was about or what to expect. But he didn’t care. Not as he snagged the seat next to Elain and brushed his fingers against hers as she gave him a secret smile. 

The lights had dimmed and the audience fell quiet. It was a full house tonight, no seat below in the orchestra empty. Even the other private booths in the gallery were filled with rich nobles. 

He understood the name of the ballet once it started. All the dancers were wearing masquerade masks. That was about the only interesting thing about it. His eyes flickered from the stage to Elain every so often, more enthralled with her than the dancers. 

But then she came on stage. The main dancer partnered with some male. Her costume was a light pink, bejeweled with gems and flowers, with a tutu that showed off her long legs. It was the gleam of the jewels that had caught his attention, shining brightly in the faelights. 

And then his eyes had drifted up, to the pink mask that matched the costume and the dancer beneath it. 

He knew she was special the moment he laid eyes on her. Not because of the elegant, graceful way she moved on stage, or how she seemed to have captured the rapt attention of the audience. No, she was special because she was her. 

His eyes didn’t leave her figure after that. Constantly following her movements as she danced around the stage alongside the male and the other dancers, always standing out. 

When the show ended and the performers came out for applause and shouts from the house, he knew his life was about to change forever.

Because when she came out holding hands with her partner, bowing before the crowd masks off, a gold thread from his chest unraveled and the mating bond snapped into place. 

If it wasn’t for his years of training, of all the time he perfected his craft as the spymaster, he wouldn’t have been able to keep such a cool demeanor. He gave no indication to his family, said nothing as the dancers disappeared behind the curtains and everyone rose to leave.

“That was beautiful!” Elain chirped from next to him and he almost jumped. He had forgotten she was there. 

All he could think about was her. The dancer. His mate. His beautiful, beautiful mate. 

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱ 

Opening night had been a success and the second show had gone off without a hitch as well. Your legs and feet were so sore as you made your way back to the dressing rooms with the other gaggle of girls, already yanking the pins out of your hair. 

You rubbed at your scalp, soothing the tightness from the bun your hair had been in, as you walked up to your mirror on the long vanity table. You paused for a moment at the sight of a single rose lying beneath the mirror on the table. That had definitely not been there at the beginning of the show tonight.

You picked it up, twirling the stem in your fingers. The faintest scent still clinging to it was foreign from the sweet smell of rose. A hint of cedar and night-chilled mist, a very masculine smell. 

“What’s that?” your friend, Lena, asked, peering over your shoulder at the rose in your hand. 

“I’m not sure,” you mumbled.  

“Oooohhh,” some of the girls around you giggled and your cheeks turned pink at all the attention. “Are you hiding a male from us, y/n?”

You shook your head. “No, no. It must’ve been for one of the other girls. Probably didn’t know which mirror was hers.”

Your dismissal had the other girls turning back around, no longer interested now that there was no gossip to be shared. You wished you knew who the rose was for so you could give it to her but there was no note or anything—just that faint smell. 

The next night you were met with another rose beneath your mirror. You frowned as all the girls giggled behind you. Had the male still not realized his girlfriend had never gotten his rose?

“I think you might have a secret admirer,” Lena said, grinning at you.

“I don’t think so. Maybe we should all label our mirrors,” you suggested. “I’d hate for these roses to keep going to the wrong girl.”

“I think Lena is right,” one of the other girls said. “I think y/n has a secret admirer!”

You rolled your eyes, plopping down in your chair to start the long process of ripping the pins from your hair and taking off your stage make-up. “How would they even know where I sat? And a stranger would never be allowed back here.”

“Let’s do what you said then and write our names on the mirrors. Then we can find out who’s the true owner of the roses,” Lena said. She pulled out a tube of lipstick and wrote her name on the corner of the mirror before spreading the lipstick on her lips and kissing the spot she had just signed.

She handed the tube of lipstick over to you and you laughed, doing the same as her. 

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

"Alright, it's official. Y/n has a secret admirer!"

Your mouth dropped open as the group of girls giggling around your mirror parted and you saw another red rose on the vanity. You picked it up carefully, glancing up at your mirror to make sure your name was still written there.

The girls around you were still giggling, some making kissy noises as your cheeks lit up with embarrassment. That scent was clinging to the rose, the cedar and night-chilled mist. You took a small inhale, finding the smell to be so tantalizing. 

"Any idea who it could be?" Lena asked from beside you.

You shook your head. "No, it's not like I've had time to go out between rehearsals and the show. I haven't met anyone new in the past few months."

It was true. Your mother, one of the ballet teachers here in Velaris, kept you on a tight leash. Between classes, rehearsals and show nights, you didn't go out. Mother always said anything else was a distraction and that ballet involved sacrifices if you wanted to be a principal dancer. A role you had finally landed this season, which meant you were even more busy.

Besides, you hadn't ever been with a male like that. You had barely just turned twenty and had spent your whole childhood in ballet studios with your mother. The males that were part of those classes usually swung for the other team and the few that were into girls were usually snatched up quickly by the others. 

"How do you think he's even getting into the dressing rooms?" you mumbled to Lena, who shrugged before a mischievous grin spread on her face.

"Maybe we should ask one of the understudies to hang around here during the next show so they can catch him in the act. I'm dying to know who it is," she said.

"Not a bad idea," one of the other girls chimed in. 

"I’ll ask Helena. She's still nursing her sore ankle from her fall,” you replied, placing the rose into your satchel to take home. Pretty soon you’d have a whole bouquet.

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

“No one?! But how is that even possible?”

You stared at the new rose on the vanity before you. Helena had stalked out the dressing room but she claimed no one had ever entered.

“I don’t know, but I’m telling you, no one came in here,” Helena said back to Lena.

“And you stayed in here the whole time?”

Helena rubbed the back of her neck. “Well, I stepped out at one point to talk to Nicholas but I swear, my eyes were on the door the whole time! No one went in or came out!”

“Maybe they winnowed?” One of the girls suggested.

You shook your head. “This place is warded from that. Set up by our High Lord himself. There’s no way someone could break through those.”

“Perhaps we have a phantom on our hands,” one of the other girls laughed. “A romantic with a crush on y/n.”

All the girls fell into a fit of giggles as your cheeks turned bright red. You scowled at them, feeling a little embarrassed. 

Maybe someone was pulling a prank on you? But who would do that? You didn’t think any of the girls would be that cruel but…

Your mind was not going to rest until you found out who was putting these roses here. 

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

The next day you were rushing through the very busy streets of Velaris, trying to get to the ballet studio. You had slept in on accident and you were going to be late for rehearsal, something that might lead to your understudy taking over your role. Ballet teachers were strict like that, would see being late as a lack of self discipline and an uncaring attitude.

You sprinted around a corner only to smack right into the chest of someone. You let out a gasp, your ballet bag falling to the floor along with your folder full of sheet music for the pianist. 

“Watch where you’re going!” The Fae you had run into hissed, stepping over the strewn papers on the floor.

You were definitely going to be late now. You bit your lip, trying to fight back tears as you bent down and started to collect everything. You were so in your head that you didn’t notice the person kneeling in front of you until they were holding out a stack of the music sheets for you. 

“Thank you so much!” You said quickly, grabbing the papers and looking up to see who had stopped to help you.

Your eyes widened at the sight of the most beautiful male you had ever laid eyes on. His piercing hazel eyes bore into yours, his dark hair brushing against his forehead as he looked down at you, despite both of you kneeling on the ground. Giant wings sprouted from his back, hiding the sight of the bustling crowd. 

“Are you okay?” 

His voice was dark, just like the shadows that were now curling around his shoulders. Your breath caught in your throat as you realized who he was. The shadowsinger. One of the fae in Rhysand’s inner court. 

You cleared your throat when you realized you had been staring at him for a minute too long, your cheeks turning pink.

You shoved the papers back into the folder and grabbed your bag off the ground, standing back up. “Yes, thank you, I’m fine. It was my fault anyways. I was rushing because I’m late for rehearsal and my mother is going to kill me if I lose my role and—”

You shut your mouth as you realized you had started rambling. To his credit, Azriel didn’t seem annoyed. No, he looked more concerned as he stared down at you and Gods, now you were realizing how tall he was. 

“Sorry, I’m rambling. I’m y/n,” you said, hugging your folder against your chest. “You’re Azriel, right, the spymaster?”

He nodded in answer, his shadows dancing on his shoulders. 

“Would you like me to take you wherever it is you need to go? I can get you there faster.”

You were still mesmerized by his elegant beauty; he was so devastating to look at. You hadn’t even heard a word he had just said. Gods, you were absolutely embarrassing yourself. “Huh?”

He seemed amused now, faint color on his cheeks. “I asked if you would like me to take you wherever you need to go. My shadows let me travel faster than most fae.”

“Oh please, if you could! I just need to get to the ballet studio.”

You didn’t have time to deny his request, didn’t think twice of it through the panic of running late. He held out his arm for you and you placed your hand in the crevice of his elbow. His shadows surrounded you both until you were in complete darkness. 

It was a different feeling than winnowing, something you still had yet to learn how to do. But the feeling of traveling through Azriel’s shadows was slightly calming. 

Not a second later, the two of you appeared in front of the ballet studio, saving you the ten minute walk. You let out a breath of relief knowing that you weren’t going to be late anymore.

“Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver!” you chimed, untangling your arm from his. 

He gave you a small dip of the head when suddenly a familiar scent washed over you. It took you a second to place it but…No, it couldn’t be, right? It wasn’t the same smell as the one that lingered on the roses?

But that cedar and night-chilled mist smell was unmistakable.

Azriel was disappearing in a swarm of shadows when you waved a hand at him, shouting at him to wait so you could ask him about the roses but he vanished from view, leaving you standing on the side of the street alone with a million questions running through your head.

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

Another week went by and still every night after the show, a rose was waiting for you at your vanity. The same scent of cedar and night-chilled mist still faintly clinging to them. You hadn’t seen Azriel again since that day and part of you was certain you had mistakenly thought he smelled like the mysterious stranger leaving you roses. 

You were stretching your feet out, getting ready to do your warm-up before the show when the Head Teacher walked in, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Listen up, girls!” she shouted so everyone could hear her. “I have an important announcement to make. The High Lady loved our show so much she’s inviting the entirety of the Royal Ballet to a dinner at The House of Wind to celebrate our hard work. This is an honor and I expect you all to treat it as such. Next rehearsal, you all need to bring a dress that you plan to wear to the dinner so they can be approved by me. Now, back to work, girls!” 

As soon as she left the room, the chattering began. Everyone was excited about the news, mostly to have an excuse to dress up but your thoughts were stuck on the shadowsinger, at the chance to see him again and as weird as it sounded, see if his scent matched the stranger who was leaving you roses. 

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

You stared at yourself in the mirror, twirling around. Your mother had picked your dress like the controlling person she was, but for once, you actually liked her choice. It was a light pink gown, with a long A line tulle skirt and a corseted bodice with off the shoulder straps. The fabric was covered with stars that shined like diamonds and some pearl detailing. 

“Come, y/n,” your mother called out from the living room of the apartment you both lived in. “We’re going to be late if we don’t leave now.” 

You met the rest of the girls at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the House of Wind. The High Lord and Lady had assured you guys that transportation up to the House would be provided. The girls were all giggling with anticipation, gossiping together about what to expect. 

Four winged figures swept down in front of your group. The High Lord was one of them, dressed finely in all black with his huge wings held high behind him. The High Lady was next to him, dressed in dark blue harem pants with a matching crop top, both decorated with sparkling jewels. The General, Cassian, stood behind them wearing his Illyrian leathers, arms crossed with a friendly smile on his face.

And lastly, the Spymaster. He stood next to his fellow Illyrian, also in his leathers, and looked just as devastatingly beautiful as that day he had taken you to the ballet studio. His wings were giant, even more so than the other three, making him look like a dark angel. Your cheeks turned pink as his gaze met yours and you bit your lip, looking away. 

“Ladies,” the High Lord purred in greeting. “We are pleased that you accepted our invitation. The House of Wind is warded against winnowing, so we are here to fly you up. It is a short flight, but if any of you are uncomfortable with the idea, we will try to accommodate you.” 

You watched as the girls exchanged looks with each other, giggling and turning a bit red at the idea. You found your eyes going back to the shadowsinger, jolting as you realized he was still staring at you. Something jumped in your chest, causing your pulse to spike. 

“Now, who wants to be the first to go?” The High Lord stepped forward and held out his hand. 

Lena winked at you and was the first to volunteer. The High Lady also held out her hand with a smile. “I can also fly some of you up. I promise I’m just as strong as the boys.” 

Slowly, one by one, the girls from your company paired with the four winged faes, letting them fly them up to the House. It was a quick process; Rhysand hadn’t lied when he said it was a short flight. You hung around in the back of the group, feeling a bit nervous as you watched them disappear into the sky each time. 

You had never been that high up in the air before, a bit of anxiety curling in your stomach. 

“Lady,” the General was in front of you now and you realized you were one of the only girls left to go. “Are you ready to be flown up?”

He held out a hand to you but you bit your lip, looking up at the House of Wind again. “I-I’m just a bit nervous.” 

“It’ll be over quick, I promise,” he grinned, trying to settle your nerves. 

You hesitated again and suddenly the Spymaster was there, gently nudging his brother to the side. Cassian glanced at him in question. 

“I’ll take her, Cass,” Azriel said, looking at you. Something about his hazel eyes had your shoulders falling. “I can use my shadows so she doesn’t have to fly.” 

That seemed like enough of an explanation for Cassian because he stepped aside and moved on to the next girl who was still waiting. 

“Your shadows can get past the wards?” you asked, curiously. You glanced at the shadows that seemed to be dancing around his shoulders. 

“Yes, they can,” he answered simply. Azriel held out his arm to you, just as he had that day. You took it gently and waited for the shadows to cover you.

If his shadows could get past the wards of one of the High Lord’s residences, then they could absolutely get past the ones around the theater’s dressing rooms. Which could mean he really was the stranger leaving you roses. 

“I just want you to know I didn’t want to fly not because your wings scare me but because of the height,” you said, feeling the need to make that clear. Azriel glanced down at you with an unreadable expression and you suddenly felt even more nervous. “In fact, I think your wings are quite beautiful and I would never—”

You closed your mouth sharply, realizing that you were both rambling again and also that you guys were now in the dining room, where everyone else was taking a seat. You blushed and stepped away from him. “Thank you.”

He dipped his head and gestured towards the dining table without a word. You gave him a nervous smile as you scurried past him and to the seat next to where your mother was sitting, already saving you a chair. As you passed by him, you were met with that scent again. The cedar and night-chilled mist. 

This time it was so unmistakable that you whirled around to look at him. But he had disappeared already, likely helping the remaining girls down below. You let out a sigh and continued on your way to your seat. 

When everyone was accounted for, Azriel slid into the seat across from you and you had to keep your eyes glued to your plate to stop yourself from blatantly staring at him. Should you find a moment to ask him about the roses? Should you let him come to you? Or maybe he had been leaving the roses for you as a favor for a friend? That theory almost made more sense because the idea of the shadowsinger leaving you roses seemed so far-fetched. 

All throughout dinner you managed to sneak glances at Azriel as you ate. You joined in the conversations around you but noticed that the shadowsinger didn’t talk that much, seeming much more content in just observing. 

Once everyone seemed done with dinner, the High Lord snapped his fingers and it was all replaced by a huge spread of different desserts. Cakes, pastries, custards, tarts. Everything you could imagine. You didn’t get to indulge in sweets much, your mother was strict about your diet to keep you in shape as a dancer, so your eyes lit up at the sight. 

You started to reach for the closest thing to you, a tiny fruit tart, but your mother slapped your hand with a hiss under her breath, “You’ve had enough to eat tonight. You know the rule about sweets.”

Your brows furrowed, upset. You placed your hands on your lap under the table, nodding. “Sorry, mother.” 

She pressed her lips together and placed her napkin on her own empty plate. Your eyes lingered on what looked like a peach pie, longingly. You felt a ping of envy as you watched all the other girls trying everything. 

“You should try the pie.” Azriel’s voice had your head whipping up and his eyes connected with yours. “It’s the High Lady’s favorite.”

You glanced at your mother, opening your mouth to politely decline but she cut you off. 

“Well, go on,” she said, nodding towards the pie. “Don’t insult them by not eating any.” 

You ground your teeth together, turning a bit pink. As if she hadn’t been the one to literally stop you from having any just a second ago. You looked back at Azriel, noting the way a muscle in his jaw clenched, and nodded your head. 

“I will, thank you,” you said, eagerly taking a slice of the pie. 

It was delectable and you nearly moaned as you ate it. A small smile lit up your face as you tried it. 

“The High Lady has good taste,” you said to Azriel, who was still staring at you. “The pie is delicious.” 

He gave you the smallest of smiles and it warmed something in your chest. 

Once everyone was finished eating, the High Lord cleared the table and moved everyone towards the large sitting room. There were some servants walking around with champagne and wine, which kept the party going steady. It was exciting to be able to socialize like this and you were having a good time, especially now that you didn’t have to be glued to your mother’s side. 

Your eyes roamed the room, trying to find the shadowsinger. The glass of champagne you had made you feel a bit more brave. You wanted to talk to him, wanted to ask him about the roses. It took you a minute of walking around to finally catch sight of him. He was resting against the railing outside on one of the many balconies. You glanced around, making sure no one was watching you, before you stepped outside.

He didn’t turn to look at you, not even as the door shut behind you, cutting off the noise that came from inside. It was like he already knew who had stepped out. You fiddled with your fingers, staring at his back. Some of the liquid courage was chased away by the cold breeze, but you refused to back down now that you were out here. 

“You are the one who has been leaving me roses every night,” you said, quietly, walking towards him. 

“I am,” he answered as you slid up next to him, grabbing the railing to keep your hands from shaking. 

You were surprised at how quickly he admitted it. You were silent for a moment, staring at his profile. Under the moonlight, he was truly a vision to be seen. Your breath caught in your throat when he finally looked at you. 

“I apologize if it has made you uncomfortable,” he said, his shadows seemed to hide behind his wings as if they were scared of what your response might be. 

“It hasn’t,” you replied, gently. You gave him a soft smile. “They are quite beautiful. But I must ask why.” 

His shadows eased, cascading down his shoulders. His lips twitched, amused by your question. 

“I cannot lie to you,” Azriel said, his voice low and dark like his shadows. It sent a shiver down your spine. “I find you very beautiful, y/n. And I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since I watched your show.”

Your eyes widened, your cheeks turning bright red. You hadn’t been expecting him to be so forthcoming. You hadn’t had much experience with males, so you fumbled with what to say back.

“Oh,” you squeaked out. 

That only seemed to amuse him even more. 

“Has no one told you that before?”

“Perhaps not quite so… candidly.” 

His lips twitched and you felt that spark in your chest again. He shook his head a bit, tousling his hair as he turned his body fully towards you, still leaning on the railing. 

“Well, now that my identity has been exposed,” Azriel said. “May I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” 

“Y-yes,” you managed to stutter out, butterflies exploding in your stomach. Never in your dreams would you have imagined being courted by the Night Court’s spymaster. 

He smiled this time and the sight of it almost knocked you off your feet. 

“Good,” he said, then his hand flicked into his shadows and he pulled out a single, red rose. “For you. Since I wasn’t able to leave one tonight.”

Your heart was thumping in your chest as you reached out and took the flower from his hands. He dipped his head at you before disappearing into his shadows, leaving you alone on the balcony, twirling the rose in your hand with red cheeks and a warm feeling in your heart. 

꒰ა❤︎໒꒱

A month had passed since that night on the balcony. Azriel had continued leaving you roses after each show, something the girls all cooed over. You had also found out that he had charmed them to make sure they never died. So now you had a beautiful bouquet of never-ending roses in a vase on your vanity in the dressing room and even one in your room at home. 

Your first date went very well. You were surprised by how much the two of you had in common. And soon he had taken you on a second, a third, a fourth…and so on. 

You found yourself falling for him….hard. He was different around you than he was with most others. More talkative, more charming and funny. His wit never failed to impress you. 

Your mother wasn’t very pleased at first, especially since you hadn’t consulted her before agreeing to that first date. But once she found out it was Azriel who had asked you, she seemed pleased considering he was a high-ranking member of your court. You hated how superficial your mother was, but was happy she didn’t try to prevent you from seeing him. 

You hadn’t told him just how inexperienced you were, but he was a polite and kind male. He hadn’t even tried to kiss you yet. It was like he knew your hesitations and the need to take things slow with you despite you ever telling him that. But then again, he seemed to know everything you felt, at all times. Sometimes you even wondered if he was a daemati like the High Lord, but he had only laughed when you accused him of it. 

Today, Azriel had taken you out for some coffee and a small lunch after your morning rehearsal. Now the two of you were pushing through the bustling crowds on the streets, taking in the sights of the city. Your eyes lingered on a flower shop you passed by often, at the lovely moonflowers they had on display outside. 

Azriel noticed what had drawn your attention and pulled you over to the shop. You took a sniff of the moonflowers, basking in their sweet scent. “So beautiful.” 

“Would you like one?” Azriel asked in that voice of his that still sent shivers down your spine. 

You smiled up at him, nodding your head. 

“Azriel?”

You pulled your eyes away from him to look at the person who had just called out his name. The High Lady’s sister stood on the small steps leading up into the shop, a large pot in her arms and a bag full of seeds. 

Her doe eyes flickered between you and Azriel, until they dropped to something below. You followed her gaze to look at your conjoined hands. You quickly let go, face turning a bit pink. You had no idea why you suddenly felt as though you had been caught doing something wrong. 

“Hello Elain,” Azriel said, his voice polite but flat. 

She studied him and then turned that gaze on you, her eyes narrowing a bit. You looked between her and Azriel, not really sure what was going on.

“Oh, you’re that ballerina,” she said. “I remember you, from the show.”

“This is y/n. She is my…” He paused and you shifted from foot to foot. “She is my…friend.”

Friend.

His Friend.

Something about that sentence made your heart crack into two. A weird, unpleasant feeling curled in your stomach and your smile dropped.

Friends.

Elain seemed to ignore your presence, her gaze still stuck on Azriel. “I haven’t seen you in three weeks. Where have you been?”

Azriel went to answer but you tuned the conversation out, your thoughts whirling in your mind. Friends. He said you were his friend. 

Were…were you not something more? 

Had you completely misjudged his intentions? 

Or maybe he was tired of waiting for you to be ready for more? 

Maybe he was like all the males your mother warned you about. Only interested in females if they knew they could get sex out of it. 

Your heart dropped into your stomach, your breath catching in your throat. Suddenly, being here with him seemed so suffocating. Especially as he stood talking to some other girl that clearly knew him…clearly had feelings for him. 

You felt like you were going to vomit. You needed to leave. Needed to catch your breath. 

“Sorry to interrupt,” you managed to get out, causing the two of them to look at you. “I’m just going to go look in the shop while you guys catch up.” 

You darted away before either of them could say anything, only letting out a breath when the door closed behind you.  You rushed through the aisles, past the shopkeeper who was busy with another customer, until you spotted the door along the back wall. You slipped through it, into the small alleyway behind the shop. 

You felt bad for ditching Azriel but he had just crushed your heart, even if he didn’t know he had it. You wiped at a tear that spilled from your eye, almost laughing at how awful you felt. You had only known him for a short period of time. Maybe it was never his intention to make you fall for him, but you did and what had been a beautiful, all-consuming joy in your chest was now suddenly an ache that made it hard to even breath. 

You walked down the alleyway until you were back in the streets, sweeping through the crowd as quickly as you could to make it back to your apartment. You just wanted to get home. Just get home and then you could wallow in your own self-pity. Could cry as much as you wanted. 

The crowd thinned out the closer you got to the residential area until the street was empty. 

You let out a sigh, wiping yet another tear, just as your apartment building came into view. You hoisted your dance bag further up your shoulder and began the last few feet home. But a flapping of wings above you made you still, your heart lurching in your chest. 

Azriel landed in front of you with a small thud, his brows furrowed with confusion and his eyes unreadable. In his hand, he held a small bunching of moonflowers. 

“Y/n? Why did you leave like that?” he asked. 

You bit your lip, looking away from his face.

“Hey,” he said, grabbing your chin and turning your face back to him. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Did something happen?” 

You wiped at your tears, frustrated that you couldn’t keep it together long enough to make him leave. You shook your head, staring at the ground. “No, nothing happened. I-I just don’t…feel good.” 

Azriel studied you, his thumb swiping your cheek. You hated how much the small gesture soothed you. 

“Don’t lie to me,” he said. “I know something upset you. I can feel it. What happened? Please, tell me.” 

“It’s n-nothing,” you stuttered. 

“Please,” he repeated, his arms falling limp at his sides. “It pains me to see you cry. What happened? You can tell me.”

You looked away from him again, rubbing your arm in discomfort. “It’s stupid. Seriously, Azriel, I’m fine. Just…just leave. Please.” 

He stood up fully, his wings stretching out behind him. He crossed his arms, his expression stern. “No, I’m not going anywhere. Not until you tell me what’s wrong. Did I…Did I do something?” 

Another tear slipped down your cheek and you took a deep breath. “You called me your friend.”

Azriel blinked a few times. “What?”

“To that girl you were talking to. The one you clearly have some sort of history with,” you said, begrudgingly. “You told her I was your friend and I thought…well, maybe I’m an idiot. But I thought we were more than that.” 

Realization dawned over Azriel’s face and then to your surprise, the tension in his body dropped and he let out a small laugh. Your eyes narrowed at him. Was he truly going to laugh in your face after your admittance of feelings for him?

“I don’t understand what’s so funny. You’ve been taking me out on dates, leaving me roses. What else was I supposed to think—”

“No, it’s not funny,” Azriel cut you off, but he was still smiling which only pissed you off. “I mean, it is. Just not in the way you’re thinking.” 

More tears slipped down your cheeks and Azriel lurched forward, placing a hand on the side of your face. “Don’t cry, please. Let me explain. You're right, y/n, you are not my friend. You are so much more than that. You have been since the day I laid eyes on you. You consume my every single thought, y/n, truly. I am relieved to hear that you share my feelings. You have no idea how much I’ve prayed to the Mother that you would feel for me, what I feel for you.”

You took a moment to fully soak in his words, the pressure in your chest easing a bit. 

“Then why did you call me your friend? Who was that girl to you?”

“She’s no one, I promise you that,” he said, stroking your cheek with his thumb. “And I called you my friend because I almost slipped up and called you my—”

He stopped suddenly and you looked up at him in questions. “Called me your what?” 

It was his turn to let out a long breath, his cheeks coloring. “My mate. My mate, y/n. You are my mate.”

Your eyes went wide, your heart frantically beating in your chest. Mate? You were his mate?

Something snapped in you then. Something that had been with you since the moment you could remember, unraveled in your chest. Your mouth dropped open as a gold thread shot out between the two of you, linking you together. You looked back up at him, at those beautiful hazel eyes that were full of joy, love and apprehension. Such vulnerability that you weren’t used to when it came to the shadowsinger. 

“Mate,” you whispered. “You’re my…mate.”

He nodded, his eyes flickering back and forth between yours, waiting for your reaction. That warm feeling in your chest spread throughout your whole body and you couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed on your face. 

Mate. 

Azriel was your mate!

You threw your arms around his neck and pulled him into a crushing hug. Azriel let out a breath of relief, his arms grabbing you around the waist and pulling you even closer. It felt so right being in his arms. Your heart sang at your connection, at the feeling he sent down the bond. 

Everything made sense now. The way he was able to always know how you were feeling, the accelerated feelings between the two of you, how right it felt to be with him—like he had been made for you and you for him. 

He pulled back, holding you at arm's length so he could stare down at you. 

“I have wanted you from the minute I saw you, even before the bond snapped into place,” Azriel said. “I have been searching for you my whole life, y/n. I never thought I would be blessed with a mate, and especially not you. You are so beautiful and so much more than I was expecting. There will be no one else, even if you decide you don’t want this bond. All I see is you, all I want is you. I’m sorry I made you doubt that, even for a second.” 

“I want it! Of course I want it, Azriel!” You were smiling so hard, your cheeks were beginning to ache. “I…I am already falling in love with you and it has only been a month. I can’t even imagine what a lifetime might bring us.”

Azriel was smiling now too, a rare sight that had the bond in your chest glowing. He rested his forehead against yours, shutting his eyes. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I will thank the Mother every single day I get to call you mine.”

You placed a hand on his chest, smiling up at him as he opened his eyes again to stare at you. Butterflies swarmed your stomach, your heart was pounding drums in your chest. 

You needed him so much closer now. You needed to hold him, to kiss him, to hear him call you his. You were ready for that next step, ready to jump right into it. 

“Kiss me,” you whispered, your eyes fluttering to his lips. “Please.”

Azriel let out a small growl. “Do you mean it?”

You nodded, shyly, staring up at him from under your lashes. 

Azriel didn’t waste one more second, he leaned in and captured your lips with his. His lips were softer than you imagined, warm and tantalizing. The world seemed to fade away as you shared your first kiss with him, your heart pounding in your chest, your mind buzzing with need. 

His kiss was soft and tender, making you feel at ease with him. His arm wrapped around your waist and he yanked you even closer, deepening the kiss. Time slowed down. The bond between the two of you glowed. 

Finally, Azriel pulled back, locking eyes with you. He held up the moonflowers he was still holding, letting you take them as he pressed a kiss to your cheek.

“Flowers for the pretty lady,” he teased, causing you to giggle. 

He was still holding you around the waist, his other hand now slipping up into your hair. His hard body was pressed against yours, the flowers nearly crushed. He kissed you again and you felt it then, the promise he was making. 

You were his mate. 

And he would make sure you were his to have and to hold for the rest of eternity.

[whyeverr]

Seventies Shed

What can be said of the 1970s shed? Sometimes known as cedar contemporary or California contemporary, they are, in my opinion, often underappreciated and misunderstood. I see them as the little evolutionary escape route that midcentury modern took while middle class America barreled forward toward the McMansion.

This shed home has everything I love about the style: cedar shingles, warm wood tones, multiple outdoor zones, plus everyone's favorites, track lighting and hideous bathroom color combos. (Black and brass, baby! No? Just me?) The kitchen has, blessedly, been updated, because I just couldn't bring myself to put the more period-appropriate BlandCo contemporary counters into this house. I mean, I do want people to download it.

This home might be perfect for: native San Sequioans, your sim family's second home upgrade (a little dated and a little too big, but we'll grow into it!), the decades challenge, yuppie sims who host wine and cheese nights

Lot details:

Lot Type: Residential (4 bed, 3 bath)

Price: §48,494

Size: 40x30

Location: 23 Eucalyptus Lane, San Sequoia

I’ve used from all packs freely here. As always, no CC!

Download links and floor plans below the cut 🎄

Download via the Sims 4 Gallery or tray files via Sim File Share. You’re free to do whatever you want with the place but please don’t re-upload or share without credit. Thank you!

[bidaubadeadieu]

Photos of Hugh Hayden's Exhibition Home Work, as seen at the Rose Art Museum (Brandeis University), 2024. Throughout this post, text present in the gallery (written by museum curators, not me) is intended in block quotes.

Through his prodigious studio practice, Hugh Hayden (b. 1983, Dallas, TX) has become one of the leading artists of his generation. His meticulously crafted sculptures, hybrid forms, and poignant installations evoke profound reflections on the human condition within a complex, volatile, and often threatening world. hayden combines a probing analysis of serious and often painful topics with humor, visual puns, and wordplay, provoking a unique blend of visceral and critical responses.

I was captivated by Hayden's work from the moment I stepped into the gallery. Really stunning stuff. Names of all pieces in this post (left to right, top to bottom), as well as excerpts from gallery text, can be found below the Read More. I highly encourage you to check it out in more detail!

American Gothic (2024)

Hayden merges two skeletal figures with agricultural and domestic tools, examining aspects pertaining to labor and the dignity of work. The artist deliberately positions himself as part of a genealogy of American artists, referencing Grant Wood's 1930 painting American Gothic and Gordon Parks's 1942 photograph, American Gothic.

Eden (2022)

Eden presents two ribcages locked together in an intimate embrace. Hanging on a clothes rack, the ribcages are meticulously crafted from cedar wood, a material often used where clothes are stored to repel moths. The fact that the skeletal lovers are closeted suggests that this embrace needs to be kept a secret. The title references the bliss associated with the biblical Garden of Eden.

Hangers (2018)

High Cotton (2015-2020)

High Cotton, emulating and arcade claw machine, is clad in lustrous, Chippendale-inspired Honduran mahogany, carved to the recall the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century furnishings of high society. Sharp-edged cotton balls (replacing the game's expected toys) force a player to "pick cotton," a task directly associated with slavery. The work highlights the raw material used to produce the fine cotton clothing found around the world--and once neatly folded inside the mahogany armoires of slave owners.

Fairy Tale (2023)

Fairy Tale features a pair of interlocking Tiffany rings, with HIV-prevention medication replacing the expected diamonds or gems. The title suggests a "happily-ever-after" gay love story for those who once lived in the shadow of AIDS. The word "fairy" in the title, sometimes used as a slur, is here reclaimed with pride.

The Kiss (2020)

In The Kiss, two football helmets are caught together like stags whose horns are locked in battle. Their interlocking forms and the title of the piece suggest a range of relationships, from homosocial camaraderie to same-sex intimacy. Many of Hayden's sports-related sculptures expose the fact that the very devices supposed to protect may also wound. The Kiss recalls the high number of brain injuries suffered by football players.

Positives (2019-2024)

Hedges (2019)

This installation features a model of an archetypal suburban home. Rather than associating the domestic with security, Hayden transforms the familiar abode into an unsettling place where menacing branches sprout from and overpower the structure's walls, window, and roof. Hedges is experienced within a mirrored chamber that situates the viewer amid an endless row of uncanny houses. Hayden often notes that home ownership is considered one of the key goals of achieving the American dream. Yet this path is hardly assured for many people, given the inequities in society and the financial precarity that so many endure. As shown here and throughout the exhibition, Hayden's visceral sculptures reveal the disquieting contradictions of the American dream.

[simskittyyy]

Bajo El Sol Villa +CC

Floor plan:

From real house to Sims 4... This house is inspired by PJH's Construction's Bajo El Sol. This two-story villa is located in the upscale gated community of Skyward Palms, Oasis Springs. It has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths (incl. maid's quarters), family/entertainment room, laundry room, garage and a spacious outdoor area with living and outdoor dining, grill, mini bar and pool. The living, kitchen and dining areas are an open-floor concept which provides plenty of room for natural light to flow in. 

About the lot:

Size: 40x30

Value: 170,196 simoleons

Type: Residential

Location: Rio Verde, Oasis Springs

The lot uses the packs: Growing Together, Cottage Living, Snowy Escape, Eco Lifestyle, Discover University, Island Living, Get Together, My Wedding Stories, Dream Home Decorator, StrangerVille, Spa Day and Bathroom Clutter kit.

List of CCs used:

Angela

Garage doors rounded frame

Minc

Tian single door 1x3, double door 2x3

Sunset arch

Vista Arched door V1 4x3

Mutske

Banks door short wall 1x1

Cedar Arch 3x1, 2x1

Lanham window counter 1x1

Pilton Arch single 5x1

Moniamay72

Insta Pastel wallpaper

Nickname

Vaporwave pool ladder

NynaeveDesign

Altara minimalist window 1x1, left end

Erin bedroom, Erin bedroom décor, Erin plants I, Erin plants II

Lyne House Numbers set, Lyne glass panel right & left, Lyne Fences, Gates & Awnings

Haze plants

Pilar

Masala Monsthera

Pralinesims

Grass tile

RVSN

Straight Trellin’ Awning – skinny

That’s What She Bed set

Severinka

Construction Beams 4cell

Valeria Kidsroom part 1, part 2

Vega living room set

SIMcredible

Chlorophyll wall fern, wall fern 2

Dual channel

Flora set

Naturalis Kitchen set, Naturalis kitchenware, Naturalis Office, Naturalis plants, Naturalis skills and hobbies, Naturalis dining, Naturalis dining decor

Vogue dining set

Syboubou

Advent Calendar 2020 Classic Parquet floor & Concrete bare floor

Agnes double bed medium

Cecile office set

Elevatore zigzag railing, zigzag fence

Hotel Plant V2

Intro Set part 1, part 2

Laundry set, part 2, part 3

Millennial bedroom, Millennial décor

Paradis traditional stairs

Plouf curly palm tree V2 (part of set)

Ung999

Black White bathroom

Inside out living, dining

Winner9

Tiramisu living

Wondymoon

Cerium bathroom, decorations

Clematis bedroom, Clematis Study

Flerovium terrace

Magnesium bathroom, decorations

Silver outdoor

Sodium outdoor living, outdoor dining, outdoor extras, outdoor poolside lounge, outdoor bar

Thank you to all amazing CC creators ♥

Thank you xXSarina_27xX for the gallery paintings ♥

DOWNLOAD

Tray files: [CURSEFORGE]

[nuri148]

My Trip to Japan! ⛩️ Part 4

19.12.

We woke up early, had the funny breakfast, and took the suburban train to Nara. The impression we got from it is that it's a "normal" city. There are no major shopping miles like in Tokyo or Kyoto, just regular streets, even the pedestrian market-street. There are no shopping malls or big stores in the city center, only on the outskirts. We left our luggage at the hotel and went straight to Kasuga Taisha. It’s a beautiful Shinto shrine boasting more than 3000 votive fretworked bronze lamps, each of them different designs, hanging along the galleries of the main temple. These are only lit three times a year, but the shrine has a dark room with a few lamps lit for visitors to enjoy its magical appearance. In a corner of the garden, there’s a cedar tree about 1000 years old, depicted in a 14th-century scroll. A juniper tree grows diagonally from the roots of the cedar, for which part of the roof of the adjacent pavilion was cut to avoid hindering its development. In the same garden, in front of the goshuin office, there’s a gazebo with a 700-year-old wisteria.

The shrine is at the foot of another sacred mountain, Mount Kasuga or Mikasa (Yes! Mikasa!), a place just as moving as Fushimi Inari. Several pavilions and shrines rise around the main hall, always at the foot of the mountain, which simple mortals cannot access because it’s the dwelling place of the gods. One of these subsidiary shrines is the Meoto Daikokusha, dedicated to two deities, husband and wife, so people come to pray for a happy marriage. The complex started to grow in the 8th century, when the emperor certified the sacred nature of the mountain and prohibited hunting and logging, which preserved the native forest in its primeval state to this day. Moreover, deer are considered messengers of the gods enshrined in the main hall, so this contributed to the unique fact that deer roam freely throughout the park.

Nara Park is a bit like Hampstead Heath: it extends over many hectares, crossed by several roads, and houses various temples and buildings. The difference is the deer, which are really everywhere (we even saw a stray one near our hotel!). I feared they would be vicious; I’ve read some alarming accounts, and the warning signs didn't help, but fortunately, they were pretty civil (for a wild animal ofc). Obviously, they’re on the hunt for crackers and always on the lookout for anyone who can give them a snack, but people respect the rule to feed them only the special deer crackers sold in shops and stands all around the park. The deer, meanwhile, aren’t stupid at all: although they flock around you the second they see you holding crackers, they leave the vendors alone, even if they have piles of crackers in plain sight. The deer also give up bothering you quickly once they see you’ve run out of "shikasenbei" (I’ve no proof and no doubts they’re formulated to have a very faint smell that doesn’t cling to hands).

After visiting the shrine, we went up a bit a street that was supposed to have a lot of restaurants, but most of them were closed, we assume, due to being low season. The only place open was a souvenir shop with a diner area at the back. It was a typical roadside dingy diner, with a concrete floor; authentic 1970s furniture complete with Formica and fake leather; a mishmash of wonderfully kitschy decorations including, but not limited to, discoloured posters, deer antlers, various trinkets in their cellophane bags, statuettes of very questionable taste, cabinets that have never seen a duster, a sarong hung like a tapestry, a kerosene heater like my grandma's had, old furniture and stuff piled up in a corner, and a painting of a tiger so ghastly it gave Husband mild PTSD. In this unique place, we enjoyed one of the best meals, if not the best, of the whole trip: homemade katsudon and oyakodon, very tasty, with the ever-present miso soup on the side, and the Ojiisan making random comments ("Spain? Oh yeah, I visited Madrid long ago. Pesetas, they had." "Argentina, football"). And all for the price of a McDonald's menu in Europe. In the back, you could see a huge dining room, so during high season, the crowds must be significant.

After eating, we went to Kofuku-ji, which was a bit of a downer as the main hall wasn’t worth the ¥500 entrance fee (unless you're a huge Buddha fan ig). We could have just seen it from the outside and walk around the minor halls, which are free. We then took a bus to the outskirts, to the ruins of the Nara Imperial Palace. It’s a gigantic site (about 145 hectares) where, for the past 25 years, they have been slowly rebuilding the dependencies of the ancient palace, one pavilion at a time. It's an impressive job of archaeology, engineering, restoration, and craftsmanship, and it’s entirely for free though we wouldn't have minded paying an entrance fee here. Currently, there are three pavilions rebuilt, and they’re building the fourth under a roofed scaffolding with a platform for people to peek into the building site. 21st-century engineering and safety standards meet 8th-century construction techniques to achieve a reproduction as close to the original as possible. We also saw the reconstruction of the service dependencies and the museum space they have around the archaeological excavations. We didn't cover everything; it would have been a titanic undertaking, and the cold and wind were starting to take a toll on us. So we returned to the city and went to see the shops, staying mainly on the covered pedestrian street because of the drizzle. It turns out, everything closes at seven in Nara (except for large drugstores, gachapon, and the like), so we got into a ramen place for dinner. It seemed like the safest bet, but it wasn't. What a let down! The broth was so bland not even soy sauce made a difference. It was the most disappointing meal of the trip. How can you open a soup joint and not have a decent broth?

20.12

We started the day at Todai-ji. The entrance fee was high compared to what we'd been paying elsewhere. I get the feeling that the people of Nara might still be a bit salty about losing their status as capital city of Japan, which they held for only 75 years in the seventh century. Nara is only an hour away by suburban train from Kyoto and Osaka; it’s not on the Shinkansen line. I think this must result in most visitors coming just for the day. There probably aren't many like us, spending two days there while exploring all the heritage sites, and that's why the city lacks the touristic infrastructure of its neighbours.

The main hall of Todai-ji, the Daibutsu-den, houses a 15-meter bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. It was destroyed twice. The third and current building, built in the 18th century, is 30% smaller than the previous one, and yet still manages to be the world's largest wooden structure. Behind the Buddha, one of the columns has a 50 cm wide hole at its base—the size of the Buddha's nostril. It is said whoever manages to pass through the hole will attain enlightenment. After visiting the temple and the museum, we spent some time strolling through the park and feeding shikasenbei to the deer. We had a delicious lunch at a yakitori place, Shikamaru, which played the whole Beatles discography on full random.

In the afternoon we went to Horyu-ji, outside Nara. This Buddhist temple is made up of the oldest wooden buildings still standing: from the 8th century to our days. Again, though the entrance ticket price was normal to cheap for European standards, it was expensive compared to other temples. Still, the temple’s very nice, and even being a novice in Japanese architectural heritage you can tell the style’s a bit different from newer ones. We also were treated to a glimpse of Japan way off the beaten track: Horyu-ji is in a semi-rural village, complete with a handful of run-down shops around the train station, many of them closed; supermarkets and warehouse-type businesses along the main road, or shops scattered without a defined shopping mile. Low houses, vegetable patches, kids on bikes, very few people on the streets. I’ve seen a lot of little towns like this. I  like it how some places are the same everywhere you go, no matter how different we make them out to be.  

We spent the rest of the afternoon window-shopping - On the plus side, there was this gacha at the local Animate! ⬆️

[journeyofhimalayain]

Manali Family Tour Package: A Perfect Getaway for All Ages

Manali, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a picturesque hill station that offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a memorable getaway. A well-curated Manali Family Tour Package ensures that every family member, regardless of age, experiences the charm and excitement this destination has to offer.

Why Choose a Manali Family Tour Package?

Diverse Attractions for All Ages: From the serene landscapes of Solang Valley to the historical significance of Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali boasts attractions that cater to both young and old.

Adventure and Leisure Combined: While thrill-seekers can indulge in paragliding, zorbing, and skiing, those looking for relaxation can enjoy leisurely walks, shopping on Mall Road, or soaking in the Vashisht Hot Springs.

Cultural and Educational Experiences: Visiting ancient temples, exploring local markets, and engaging with the Himachali culture provide enriching experiences for children and adults alike.

Sample Itinerary for a 5-Day Manali Family Tour Package

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring a fulfilling experience for the entire family.

Day 1: Arrival in Manali

Evening: Arrive in Manali and check into your family-friendly hotel. Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, exploring local shops and cafes.

Day 2: Local Sightseeing

Morning: Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, an ancient cave temple surrounded by cedar forests, known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.  

Afternoon: Explore the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, and then relax at the Vashisht Hot Springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Day 3: Solang Valley Excursion

Full Day: Head to Solang Valley, a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Engage in activities like paragliding, zorbing, and, during winter months, skiing. The valley's breathtaking scenery also makes it perfect for nature walks and photography.

Day 4: Cultural and Historical Exploration

Morning: Visit the Naggar Castle, a historic structure offering panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and housing an art gallery.

Afternoon: Explore the Roerich Art Gallery, showcasing the works of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich, and then visit the Tripura Sundari Temple, known for its architectural beauty.

Day 5: Departure

Morning: After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a local café before heading home.

Accommodation Options

Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable family stay. Here are some family-friendly hotels in Manali:

Hotel Snow Princess Manali: Offers cozy rooms with modern amenities and is located near major attractions.

Urvashi's Retreat: Provides chalet-style rooms with stunning views of the Stok Range and serves traditional Himachali cuisine.

Tips for a Memorable Family Trip

Pack Accordingly: Manali's weather can be unpredictable. Ensure you pack layers, including warm clothing, especially if you're visiting during the winter months.

Stay Hydrated and Protected: The high altitude can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen to protect against the mountain sun.

Plan for All Ages: While adventure activities are abundant, ensure there's a mix of leisure and cultural experiences to keep everyone engaged.

Respect Local Customs: Engage with the local culture respectfully. Visiting temples and local markets can provide insight into the Himachali way of life.

A Manali Family Tour Package offers a harmonious blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, ensuring that every family member leaves with cherished memories. Whether it's the thrill of mountain sports, the serenity of ancient temples, or the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones amidst the Himalayas, Manali promises an unforgettable experience for families seeking the perfect getaway.

[ivoryminitower]

Echoes of Home: 89 - Steve ("pictures")

Echoes of Home: FFXIV AU OC – WoLs on Earth

Engine's still not here yet.  Might be another week.  Or three.  It's leaving me itching to do something.  There's still the frame, which means there's still the aluminum, which means there's still the bauxite, which means there's still Arkansas.  Maybe on Sunday.  I'll need to scope out camping areas we can map from.

Tsu'na was kind of quiet after her corn-gathering, but not arms-length quiet.  We haven't really talked about all the thinking she did; I suspected we needed to, but I'm letting her pick the time.

In the meantime I thought I'd broaden her cuisine exposure a little.  "How about I introduce you to barbecue for lunch?"

"What is barbecue?"

"Classic meaning is stuff cooked on a grill, but it also includes pulled pork, which is slow-cooked until it can be pulled off the bone."

She contemplated my face. "Are you giving me a choice, Husband?"

Wasn't sure where that came from.  "Of course, my love.  Whatever you want."

"Guiseppe's?"

"If you want."

"Burger King?"

She must have seen one from the bus. "If you want."

"Japanese steak house?"

Highway billboard, maybe? "A little expensive, but if you want."

She nodded, still studying my face.  "I think I want to try barbecue today."

"Excellent choice, my love."

I searched for barbecue in Tulsa and came up with a place called Knuckle Sandwich BBQ (which, oddly enough, didn't have pig knuckles on the menu, but did feature a pig in boxing gear on the sign).  On the bus ride over, we talked about greenhouses and plexiglass.  I haven't tried any of Tsu'na's plastic recipes yet; I really should, to make sure they work for me.

I ordered us a little of everything when we got there.  We talked about how to make recipes for it all.  Pulled pork looked like a good use for the pork we got from the pig culling.  Brisket was more of a question…it's beef, yes, but a particular cut of beef.  I don't know if the beef we get from cows can work as "proto-beef" to synthesize brisket, or if we needed to buy some, make a recipe, and then see if it started dropping from cows.

"Are you thinking of a pulled pork pie, Husband?"

"Maybe.  Maybe pulled chicken too.  Brisket might be weird as a pie."

"Must everything we make be pies?  Could we not cook meals?"

"For the diner crowd?  That feels like it'd encroach on the Hartmans.  Besides, this is shtick.  We're the people who do the pies.  Gives it a sort of food-truck vibe."

"What is a food truck?"

"That'll be tomorrow's lunch."

We hadn't really targeted food crops in our harvesting, but it seems we can find cabbage and beans fairly easily, so cole slaw and baked beans wouldn't be a problem.  Tsu'na demonstrated yesterday that corn is still gatherable out of planting season, though she'd already gotten started on converting all her corn to corn oil, so cornbread would have to wait.

After lunch we visited Sunny Side Up Garden Shop to look at greenhouses.  I've heard of improvised (dare I say "redneck"?) greenhouses made from PVC pipe and mylar.  I was expecting to need to make a steel frame for plexiglass panels.  Cedar was a surprise.  It's sturdy, it stands up to weather like treated pine, it's bug-repelling, and it apparently grows all over most of Oklahoma.  Except the part immediately surrounding Wyatt, which is why we hadn't found it before.

I got out my phone and took pictures of how the greenhouse at the shop went together, especially how the plexiglass panels fit in the frame.

"What are you doing, Husband?"

"Taking pictures of the walls and stuff so we can build our own."

"Taking…pictures?"

"Yeah, see?  I point the back of the phone at what I want a picture of, then I press this button on the screen and it takes a picture.  I can open up the gallery and see the pictures I've taken."

"Can my phone do this too?"

I must have taken tens of thousands of screenshots in FF14, but Tsu'na had never seen or used a camera.  I walked her through opening the photo app and checking the gallery.  I set her phone up to backup to Google Photos and linked our accounts so we could see each other's pictures.  I showed her how to add captions in Photos and how to group pictures into albums.

She took a couple practice pictures, including one of me, then wandered through the center taking pictures of some of the flowers and statuary while I checked out the seed selection.  When we finished and Returned to Wyatt, she said, "I want to explore.  I will meet you for dinner," and headed toward town.

I camped at the Pit while I researched construction.  The frame looks easy enough, though it'll need to be anchored.  I want to avoid a concrete pad if we're putting it near the Pit or on the Hartmans' property, and a flagstone-and-gravel base would be better for drainage. And we might need lights and water…more wiring, and now plumbing as well.  But probably nothing we can't handle.

Between looking at materials and reading websites and watching how-to videos, I didn't really think about what Tsu'na might be up to for a couple hours.  Not until Sam came out of the back and asked me, "There a reason yer wife took a picture of me?"

Exploring.  Huh.  "I showed her how to take pictures with her phone.  Guess she's going a little nuts with it."

"Might wanna tell her some people don't like gettin' their pictures taken."

"I'll pass that on, yeah."

I checked my phone.  Sure enough, there were 53 alerts about new pictures added to Tsu'na's Photos account.  I pulled up her images, starting with the garden center ones.  After that were shots from around town.  I recognized most of the buildings -- May's market, the thrift store, the post office, the library -- but needed her captions to know the town had a doctor I hadn't met.

She took some pictures inside the library, including one of Mrs. Hobbes at her desk.  Then there was a picture of her with a smiling little girl…seems Tsu'na was being taught how to do a selfie.  The next picture had her with two little girls, the next one four; apparently all the kids wanted pictures with the Cat Lady.  Hope that doesn't spook the parents.

After that she worked her way back across town, getting a couple shots of the diner with Mrs. Hartman behind the counter.  Then the front of the Pit, then the workshop, and then, yes, there was Sam at the bar's back door holding a beer keg and looking surprised.

The last pictures were of a two-story house I didn't know, a set of exterior stairs leading to a door, and a sleepy-looking fat calico cat on a couch with the caption "Snuggles".  She'd mentioned Snuggles before…it meant she went back to May's place.

There was a bit of a gap after that one.  I checked the map and saw she'd gone home, maybe to wash up before the night's work, so I packed up and headed to the diner.

She showed up a few minutes after I got there, looking impishly happy. "Taking pictures is fun."

"Glad you enjoyed it.  How'd you get into May's place?"

"I followed her in again."

"And taking pictures doesn't break Stealth?"

"No, though Snuggles saw me again.  May did not seem to.  Perhaps we could be spies.  Are spies paid well?"

"Depends on who and what they're spying for.  But for now I'd rather avoid causing people to spy on us."

"Then perhaps I can…"  She typed a bit on her phone.  "...become a paparazzo?  What is a paparazzo?"

"It's like a spy but more obnoxious."

"I suppose I will continue to throw men around in cages, then."

"Good to keep your day job."

[live-from-ny]

sleater-kinney as told by carrie brownstein (12/03)

Corin and I met in 1992 in Bellingham, WA. Her band, Heavens to Betsy, played at a gallery downtown. I was too young to be in college, barely seventeen and not too happy about being in a remote town in northern Washington. I told her I might be moving out of there. Sure enough, the next fall I transferred to a different school, one in Olympia where Corin happened to be living. A lot of other folks were there as well; making music and art, recording one another in basements and putting out records on their friend's labels.

1994. We started the band in a duplex. It was brick, held four people, one of us living in the garage. Nutritional yeast was the cheese, was the meat, was the spice. It took us a week to discover that The Smell was a rotting bag of potatoes in a bottom drawer. We pirated cable and concocted a chore wheel that turned out only to be decoration. Corin left a message for me one day saying that we would call ourselves "Sleater-Kinney". Up until that moment it had only been a road in a neighboring town. Now it was us. If band names were like baby names, we had picked a Gilbert or Sinclair or Beatrice. When we said, "We've picked out a name", we always got a "Hmm", or a head scratch, or a comment as soon as we left the room, like "that poor kid will be teased endlessly". Never listen to other people's advice about your band name. Otherwise, you will end up with an Ashley, or a Madison.

Two years and four drummers later and we get the inimitable Janet Weiss. (I'm leaving a lot of the in between out. Props to Misty, Stephen, Lora, and Toni). We met Janet through mutual friends. On a late summer night she came over to Corin's house with her sticks and her cymbals. We went down to the basement. She had learned "Call the Doctor", played it flawlessly, hit hard so that you got a lump in your throat, tamed the long roll in the middle of the song. Next Corin and I played something that we were calling "Dig me Out". Janet made up a drum part, fierce and solid, we could practically bang our heads against it. Then we were three.

Since then it's been what you'd expect. Limos and hot sauce. Mansions and beach balls. Mini golf, mathematics, groceries, cedar blocks, baby pools, and puppies. Or something like that.

[greatimpressionssigns]

A new housing development in Granville Ohio gets a new cedar wood post hanging entry sign with stone base, built by Great Impressions, installed this week.

[thegaytraveler]

Pride Journey: Fort Lauderdale

By Joey Amato, Guest Contributor

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Nestled along the pristine shores of Fort Lauderdale, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort stands as a beacon of luxury and relaxation. This exquisite resort, with its timeless charm and breathtaking oceanfront views, has become a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.

The Pelican Grand is a beachfront retreat that seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern comforts. Located on the famous A1A Highway, the resort's prime location offers guests direct access to the golden sands of the Atlantic Ocean. The moment you step into the grand lobby, you are greeted by a sense of opulence that sets the tone for your stay.

The resort boasts a range of accommodation options, from well-appointed guest rooms to spacious suites, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. The rooms are adorned with coastal-inspired decor, creating a serene ambiance that complements the natural beauty just outside the window. Private balconies provide panoramic views of the ocean, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that define the Fort Lauderdale experience.

One of the standout features of the Pelican Grand is its exceptional dining options. Ocean2000, the resort's signature restaurant, offers a culinary journey that showcases the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor their meals while enjoying the soothing sound of waves and the gentle ocean breeze. I visited the restaurant for breakfast and dinner during my stay.

The food at Ocean2000 is top-notch. Breakfast items include a variety of elevated benedict options as well as more traditional selections including avocado toast, steel-cut oatmeal, and a fun spin on huevos rancheros.

For dinner, my partner and I began our meal with the Ahi Tuna Tartare as well as a Crab & Lobster cake. Both items were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The tuna especially was so fresh and was accompanied by a citrus-ginger soy sauce with house-made potato chips. The entrees were just as special. The Seafood Risotto was creamy and perfectly cooked, served with lobster, scallops, and shrimp. It is a bit heavy so I would recommend sharing this dish with a guest. The Cedar Plank Salmon was a favorite, served with a Vermont maple syrup-soy glaze, stir-fried grains, sweet peas, and corn.

For those seeking relaxation, the Pelican Grand offers a full-service spa where guests can indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments. The oceanfront pool provides a refreshing oasis, surrounded by lush landscaping and comfortable loungers. Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their workout routine at the resort's state-of-the-art fitness center, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all guests.

Beyond the confines of the resort, guests can explore the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale. The Pelican Grand's strategic location allows easy access to popular attractions such as boutiques and art galleries on Las Olas Boulevard and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

This enchanting estate, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, beckons visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the unique legacy of its former owners, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. The Bonnet House, built in 1920, is a charming plantation-style home that served as the winter retreat for the Bartletts. Its design reflects a mix of Caribbean, plantation, and Art Deco influences, creating a visually captivating structure. The house's name is derived from the bonnet lily, which flourishes in the estate's lush gardens.

Frederic Clay Bartlett, an accomplished artist, used the Bonnet House as his creative sanctuary. Today, visitors can explore the house's interior and marvel at the impressive collection of Bartlett's artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The house itself is a canvas, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate details that highlight the artist's unique vision.

The Bonnet House also boasts an extensive collection of decorative arts and personal artifacts belonging to the Bartletts. Each room tells a story, offering a glimpse into the couple's passion for the arts and their love for travel.

Sunrise Paddleboards

If you prefer a more physical adventure, book a tour with Sunrise Paddleboards. Our knowledgeable and friendly guide led us on a two-hour tour of Wilton Manors, snaking us through mangroves on the Middle River. Although we chose to kayak, the company offers paddleboards as well as private lessons for those who may not have tried paddleboarding. It is a fun alternative to kayaking and a great core workout.

After your tour, head to The House on the River for a wonderful riverside dinner. Start your meal with an order of Crispy Brussels Sprouts prepared with avocado honey and balsamic. This was one of my favorite takes on Brussels sprouts I have ever had. Needless to say, the plate was wiped clean. For our entrees, we ordered the Snapper Filet and Shrimp & Crab Squid Ink Tagliatelle. Both items were prepared beautifully, although I did favor the snapper over the pasta. The House on the River is located just off downtown Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard and within walking distance of the Broward Performing Arts Center, so it is the perfect place to catch dinner before a show.

Fort Lauderdale never disappoints. The destination offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for some fun in the sun or reveling in LGBTQ nightlife in nearby Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale has it all.

Learn more about all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer here: www.visitlauderdale.com.

[formlines]

Wolf

Patrick Amos

[georgiaswings1]

How to Style Your Outdoor Space with Luxurious Outdoor Swing Beds?

Changing your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat can be essentially as basic as adding a rich outdoor swing bed. These flexible pieces offer an ideal spot to loosen up as well as lift the stylish allure of your nursery, deck, or overhang. This is the way to style your outdoor space with luxurious outdoor swing beds to make a quiet and stylish desert garden.

Choosing the Perfect Swing Bed

The first step in styling your outdoor space is selecting the right patio swinging bed. Consider factors like material, size, and plan. Decide on solid materials like teak, cedar, or metal for the edge, and climate safe textures for pads. These materials endure outdoor components as well as add a dash of refinement. Guarantee the patio swinging bed fits serenely in your assigned space. A bigger swing bed would suit an extensive nursery, while a reduced one is great for galleries or more modest patios. Search for a plan that supplements your outdoor stylistic theme, whether it’s a smooth current style or a provincial, rare enlivened piece.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

To make your swing bed a comfortable safe house, add extravagant pads and delicate tosses in fluctuating surfaces and examples. This adds solace as well as presents layers of visual interest. Place a la mode outdoor carpet underneath the swing bed to characterize the region and add warmth. Pick a carpet that is both sturdy and tastefully satisfying. For an additional dash of extravagance, introduce a shelter or pergola over your swing bed. This gives conceal and a feeling of nook, causing the space to feel more close and safeguarded from the components.

Incorporating Lighting

Lighting assumes a critical part in making an enticing feeling in your outdoor space. Wrap string lights around the swing bed or above to make an enchanted, glimmering impact in the nights. Place lamps with Drove candles or pixie lights around the swing bed region to add a delicate, warm sparkle and upgrade the comfortable air. For an eco-obliging decision, use sun based controlled stake lights or lights. These lights charge during the day and illuminate your space around night time without the necessity for plugs.

Adding Greenery and Decor

Consolidate vegetation and ornamental components to raise the appearance of your swing bed region. Encompass your swing bed with rich pruned plants or hanging grower. This adds a characteristic, invigorating touch and establishes a peaceful climate. Place a little side table close to your swing bed for comfort. It’s ideally suited for holding a book, drink, or beautifying things like candles or little figures. Hang outdoor-accommodating craftsmanship or mirrors on neighboring walls or fences to mirror light and add an individual touch to the space.

Maintaining Your Luxurious Swing Bed

To keep your swing bed looking its best, regular maintenance is key. Wipe down the frame and cushions regularly to prevent dirt buildup and mildew. Utilize a gentle cleanser and water for cleaning. At the point when not being used, cover your swing bed with a weatherproof cover to shield it from downpour and sun harm. During cruel atmospheric conditions, store pads inside to drag out their life expectancy.

Georgia Swings — Excellence in Outdoor Comfort

Georgia Swings are the executed adroits in making fashionable indoor bed swing anticipated for comfort and sturdiness. Their faultless plans and pervasive craftsmanship go together with them a top desire for operating on any out of doors area. Track down the great mixture of fashion and loosening up with Georgia Swings’ highly-priced outdoor swing beds.

[whyeverr]

Scarlet Saltbox

Saltbox houses are old old: 18th century colonial folk houses with a lean-to added on along the back to provide a little more living space for cold New England colonists to keep warm indoors. The distinctive roofline resembled the saltboxes used to store (you guessed it) salt back in the day, thus earning the saltbox home its name.

This saltbox features cedar siding, red double-hung windows, and a large central hearth. It has been updated to include modern amenities, including an en suite on the primary bedroom, but is still heavy on the rustic colonial vibes.

This home might be perfect for: starting the decades challenge, simfluencers looking to create tradwife content, your sims' grandparents, or a builder looking to juxtapose historic architecture with a new, hyper modern expansion.

Lot details:

Lot Type: Residential (3 bed, 2.5 bath)

Price: §33,479

Size: 30x20

Location: Daschund's Creek, Brindleton Bay

I’ve used from all packs freely here. As always, no CC!

Download links and floor plans below the cut 🎄

Download via the Sims 4 Gallery or tray files via Sim File Share. You’re free to do whatever you want with the place but please don’t re-upload or share without credit. Thank you!

[best-in-college-park]

Four-Bedroom Townhomes in San Antonio

When it comes to college student housing options, getting four-bedroom townhomes in San Antonio is the best choice for some. Getting four-bedroom townhomes can be an affordable and spacious choice for those students who are willing to live with roommates. Sharing the rent between four or more students can make this option more financially feasible, especially in sought-after areas close to campus. In addition to affordability, four-bedroom townhomes offer better amenities, especially at Villas at College Park. With four bedrooms, students can have their own private space and potentially even a dedicated study area. However, living with multiple roommates may not be ideal for everyone, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. However, if you've made up your mind, visit the Villas at College Park. 

San Antonio, TX, Thriving Arts Scene

San Antonio boasts a thriving arts scene, with museums, theaters, and art galleries offering various cultural experiences. One of the most popular sports in the area is the San Antonio River Walk, with walkways along the river and lined shops, restaurants, and public art installations. The city enjoys a warm subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, perfect for year-round outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, hiking, and nature exploration. San Antonio is also close to the Texas Hill Country, which offers rolling hills, wineries, and outdoor activities for easy weekend getaways. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and family-friendly environment.

Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a historical landmark that covers over 343 acres of land. This park is the oldest and most prominent in the area, providing visitors with various activities and attractions suitable for people of different ages and interests. A major attraction within the park is the zoo, home to over 3,500 animals that represent over 750 species from around the globe. Moreover, visitors can explore the beautiful Japanese-style gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, and traditional pagodas at the Japanese Tea Garden, also known as Sunken Gardens. The park also offers walking, jogging, biking trails, a lake, paddleboat rentals, and a historic outdoor amphitheater. 

Operators Oppose Proposed Ban on Horse-Drawn Carriages 

Neighbors in northwest San Antonio are concerned about a partially collapsed retaining wall near Cedar Creek Golf Course. The Bexar County Fire Marshall is monitoring the area for safety. The neighbor, who lives across the canyon from the collapse, said that everyone in the area knew something was amiss and that the collapse appeared to have happened all at once. The hole in the southern wall is nothing compared to collapse damage affecting the entry ramp of the complex. The neighbor believes the hole in the ground is due to the porous limestone, which is not adequately drained. The hole in the southern wall is not the first failure in the northwest-side area, and the residents wonder what steps are being taken to address the danger before it worsens.

Link to maps

Brackenridge Park 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States Get on US-281 N from Broadway and E Hildebrand Ave 5 min (1.6 mi) Continue on US-281 N. Take I-410 W and I-10 W/US-87 N to Frontage Rd. Take exit 557 from I-10 W/US-87 N 13 min (13.5 mi) Take UTSA Boulevard to Casina Run 7 min (3.4 mi) Villas at College Park 7507 Casina Run, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States

[chchchchelsea]

Finding Peace and Serenity in Things to Do in Somerset, Ky

Discover peace and serenity amidst the charming surroundings of Somerset, KY. Whether you seek solace in nature or tranquillity in cultural experiences, Somerset offers a plethora of activities to soothe the soul. From scenic hikes along Lake Cumberland to quiet moments of reflection at historic sites and art galleries, there's something for everyone to find inner peace and rejuvenation in this picturesque city nestled in the heart of Kentucky.

Outdoor Adventures of Things to Do in Somerset KY

Things to Do in Somerset KY,  boasts a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Explore the breathtaking beauty of Lake Cumberland, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, with activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. Hike along scenic trails at General Burnside Island State Park or Daniel Boone National Forest, immersing yourself in the natural splendour of Kentucky's landscape.

Cultural Experiences of Things to Do in Somerset KY

Immerse yourself in Somerset's rich cultural heritage by visiting local museums and historical sites. Explore the Somerset-Pulaski County History Museum to learn about the region's fascinating history, or tour historic landmarks like the Carnegie Community Arts Center and Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center.

Culinary Delights of The Things to Do in Somerset KY

Indulge in the flavours of Somerset's vibrant culinary scene, featuring a diverse array of restaurants and eateries. Sample traditional Southern cuisine at local favourites like the Barrel House Restaurant & Tavern or discover farm-to-table fare at Harvest on Main. Don't miss the chance to taste Kentucky's famous barbecue or indulge in homemade pies at local diners and bakeries.

Shopping and Entertainment for Things to Do in Somerset KY 

Stroll through downtown Somerset and explore charming boutiques, antique shops, and artisanal craft stores. From unique gifts to one-of-a-kind treasures, you'll find plenty to browse and buy. Catch a live performance at the Center for Rural Development or enjoy a movie night at the historic Somerset Drive-In Theater for entertainment options the whole family will love.

Family-Friendly Fun to Things to Do in Somerset KY

Keep the kids entertained with family-friendly attractions and activities in Somerset. Visit SomerSplash Waterpark for a day of aquatic adventures, or take a ride on the Historic Downtown Somerset Trolley Tour to discover the city's hidden gems. Let your little ones explore their creativity at local art studios or enjoy outdoor playtime at community parks and playgrounds.

Wine Tasting and Distillery Tours of Things to Do in Somerset KY

Embark on a culinary journey through Somerset's burgeoning wine and spirits scene. Take a tour of local wineries like Cedar Creek Vineyards or enjoy a tasting flight at a craft distillery like Wilderness Trail Distillery. Savour the flavours of Kentucky bourbon and wine while learning about the art of distilling and viticulture from knowledgeable experts.

Events and Festivals of Things to Do in Somerset KY

Experience the vibrant energy of Somerset's community events and festivals throughout the year. From the Lake Cumberland Independence Day Celebration to the Master Musicians Festival, there's always something exciting happening in town. Don't miss the chance to join locals in celebrating Somerset's culture, music, and heritage at these lively and memorable events.

Conclusion

Somerset, KY, offers a sanctuary of peace and serenity amidst its picturesque landscapes and cultural charm. Whether you're exploring the tranquil shores of Lake Cumberland, delving into the region's rich history at local museums, or savouring the flavours of Southern cuisine, Somerset invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Bluegrass State. With a diverse array of activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies, and families alike, Somerset provides the perfect setting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself. Come discover the serenity that awaits in Somerset, KY, and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired by the beauty of this hidden gem.