#Charter Street Burying Point

[rabbitcruiser]

The Salem witch trials were ended by a letter from Massachusetts Governor Sir William Phips on October 12, 1692.

[dragonaqe]

🖋 I am BEGGING for verde she’s my love and my light

saur....ms verbe....

shes my baby girl. i'm going to do it in bullet points bc there is too much to try to condense into a like. talky thing. but the overview is verde is very strong kinda lame ex corpo and had a wild side when she was younger (fuckin every awful nc man and fighting people) and now just wants to stay home and chill the older she gets

send me a 🖊 and a oc and I'll introduce them and give them a backstory reveal

grew up in a very wealthy militech-oriented family, spent her time between their apartment in charter hill and jackie’s place bc their moms were besties (mama gloria was originally from heywood)

started to rly get deep into art and painting when she was 8. Her parents had her enrolled in some pretty intense courses once they saw her passion and talent. she was slated to be a comfortable artist living off considerable fortune and rubbing elbows with all the NC elite.

at the same time as that tho she’s running around with jackie getting into scraps and discovering while she has the hands for creating,,,she also has the hands for beating the shit out of anybody that comes near her.

dad is murdered when she’s like 13, mom passed when she was 19 from complications of A Chronic Illness after they were poisoned. #corpothings. Verde was mostly fine she's got a STRONG constitution. sorta. not rly after she gets the biochip out she’s fucked UP

they lost Everything after That and her and gloria were forced to move to a worn down mold infested apartment in heywood. gloria was left largely bedridden due to the Illness™️ so it came down to verde to support the two of them. Mama welles is like Let me help you where I can but Verde kinda proud so shes like no I can handle our buisiness ty., (she still sends Jackie with food a few times a week)

Which meant abandoning art and doubling down on her street fighting skills because only the latter was bringing in enough money for them to live off of.

Eventually Gloria gets tired of seeing her come home with a busted tooth, eye, etc,,,, pleads with her to take a job with Militech. Or maybe Kang Tao but she still knows people at Militech that may help Verde out a lil bit so. Off Verde goes as soon as she's eligible to work there bc her mom is getting worse and she wants them to be back in at least a clean home. Gloria passes literally the week before she gets their apartment but nobody will come collect her so Pepe and Jackie come to bury her where they can. :(

During the tail end of that she meets Val :) who tries to rob her bc corpo and then when verde is like u just stole my dinner from me shes like well...n verde is like just keep it u seem like u need it. and the rest is history after val shows up to watch her get trounced in a fight and is like wow. kinda pathetic. thats my friend now.

After that shes stuck at Militech bc. loyalty contract. at some point right before Arasaka is reopening she spots a weakness and steals a bunch of schematics and documents from Militech. Uses it to get into Arasaka and away from Militech bc better benefits and a shorter contract and they'll also protect her. + Jenkins has been trying to recruit her. Also breaks up with boyfriend Ramon after he slides deeper into unsavoury Valentino activities. :(

Begins her time at Arasaka and on her own merits and help from Jenkins secures her spot in counter-intel. Meets Landon a couple years later and he charms her. -_-

Everything goes relatively well for her after she breaks up with Landon a couple years later until Jenkins pulls that bullshit. Landon is part of that whole operation to get her and Jenkins tf out of there bc hes a bitter cunt.

Thus begins the main storyline of 77 and all that nonsense.

[bewitchingbooktours]

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow by Sam Baltrusis - Haunted Halloween Spooktacular

SALEM VS. SLEEPY HOLLOW

By Sam Baltrusis 

It’s a tale of two extremely different, yet oddly similar, Halloween destinations: Salem vs. Sleepy Hollow. Will the witches overthrow the Headless Horseman —or will heads roll— in the ultimate Samhain showdown?

   According to J.W. Ocker, author of The New England Grimpendium & The New York Grimpendium, both locations have their “woes” and cons during spooky season.

  “I love this topic because depending on how you twist the narrative, you can say these two towns are nothing alike or you can say they are so similar that it’s scary,” Ocker told me during an in-person interview at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.

   “The number one similarity is that they are both extremely popular Halloween destinations,” he said. “You get those click-bait articles every year. Both Salem and Sleepy Hollow are always at the top of every list.”

   Because they are known for their October attractions, both locations rely heavily on tourism to feed their local economy. “While Salem is changing and becoming more of a suburb of Boston, the bottom line is if they lose their tourism, they will lose their existence.”

   The author of A Season with the Witch added that both cities successfully brand themselves. “No other town can be Salem even though there are tons of other locations that had witch trials especially in the Northeast. But no one can say they’re the Witch City,” Ocker said, “only Salem, Massachusetts can do that.”

   In comparison, Sleepy Hollow is known for the Headless Horseman. “There are other towns in the country that call themselves Sleepy Hollow, but this area is the only place that can theme themselves around Irving because he actually lived here and was inspired by the region when he wrote the story. It’s basically Washington Irving land.”

   According to Ocker, both Salem and Sleepy Hollow are successful at embracing their respective themes. “There’s something about these two Halloween destinations that’s authentically spooky,” he said. “They’re also great fall destinations. The Hudson Valley and New England are top-tier places known for their foliage.“

   Other similarities include their proximity to major metropolitan areas. “Salem is close to Boston and Sleepy Hollow is a short drive from New York City,” he said. “They have this small-town, big-city atmosphere to them. They also have traffic. Who would live in Salem or Sleepy Hollow unless they’re spooky, right?”

   Another similarity shared by the Witch City and the Hudson Valley seems to be their eerily picturesque cemeteries. “There’s the Old Burying Point on Charter Street that almost serves as the hub of Salem in many ways,” he told me. “It’s even more true in Sleepy Hollow. The cemetery is extremely important. The Old Dutch Church is on the hill and Washington Irving is buried in the cemetery. The location fits right into Irving’s story and you can almost map out Ichabod Crane’s journey.”

   Speaking of the famous chase from Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Ocker uses the tale as a metaphor to describe the differences between the two tourism-driven destinations. “In my mind, Salem is Ichabod Crane and Sleepy Hollow is the Headless Horseman,” he explained. “Salem is so far ahead in regards to marketing themselves, but I feel like the Headless Horseman is slowly creeping up from behind. In most people’s minds, Sleepy Hollow is a less evolved version of Salem, but one day it will catch up.”

   Ocker pointed out that Salem had a huge head start. “The very first Haunted Happenings was in 1982,” he explained. “North Tarrytown didn’t even become Sleepy Hollow until 1996, so they’re almost fifteen years behind Salem.”

   There’s also the obvious geographical hurdles holding back the village. “Sleepy Hollow isn’t set up to be a Salem because it simply isn’t walkable,” he told me. ”In Sleepy Hollow, you definitely need a car. In the past, they tried turning the area near the chase statue into a plaza, but the problem is that the street is the same Broadway that’s in Manhattan. It’s a busy road and it’s potentially dangerous to put outside seating or a cafe near the statue. The infrastructure isn’t there yet.”

   For Ocker, Sleepy Hollow’s greatest weakness is also what makes it so special. The OTIS: Odd Things I’ve Seen blogger said he prefers celebrating spooky season with his all-time favorite monster, the Headless Horseman. Why? After spending an October in Salem while writing his book, A Season with the Witch, the New Hampshire-based writer prefers the smaller crowds and the old-school charm of the Hudson Valley.

   “In Salem, there’s the witch-trials tragedy of 1692,” he said. “The inciting incident in Sleepy Hollow is just American letters. It’s art. So there’s no underlying guilt, which is nice. But without that guilt you don’t have the friction, the narrative, and the interesting public relations angles. The appeal of Salem is a tragedy and in Sleepy Hollow it’s just a story.”

   The lack of an underlying cautionary tale, Ocker told me, also complicates things when it comes to creating paranormal-themed tourism. “Now that Sleepy Hollow is a spooky town, they’re trying their best to pull as much haunted content as they can to make it more interesting,” he said. “It’s really hard to find great ghost stories in Sleepy Hollow, but it was like that in Salem too.”

   Thanks to all of the lantern tours in the Witch City, one can’t walk down Essex Street without hitting an allegedly haunted location. In Sleepy Hollow, however, the haunts are definitely spread out.

   “There’s a passage in ‘Legend’ where he talks about this Hudson Valley being so haunted,” Ocker said. “There are tons of stories and the Headless Horseman is just one example out of all of those tales. In the story, he sets the area up as an interesting place with a lot of legend and lore.”

   Ocker’s recommendations for tourists visiting Sleepy Hollow? “Follow the chase route,” he said. “Start at the John André monument and walk to the cemetery. Of course, it’s not a very pleasant walk because there are cars whizzing by you. But in October, there’s a lot more to do in Sleepy Hollow. It’s not every day like it is in Salem, but they have something going on every weekend.”

   Another telltale sign that Salem is currently in the lead as a Halloween destination? Ocker pointed out that the Witch City’s annual Haunted Happenings parade happens at the beginning of October while Sleepy Hollow holds its celebration during the last weekend of the month. “It’s very telling who is better at promoting the holiday,” he said.

   Ocker insisted, however, that New Yorkers are slowly learning to capitalize on the power of the Headless Horseman. “In Sleepy Hollow, you’re starting to see recycling bins that are branded. Their fire engines and police cars now have themed logos,” he said. “Even the fire plugs are black and orange. If you look around Sleepy Hollow, the Headless Horseman is everywhere.”

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: 

Haunts of the Headless Horseman

Haunted America

Sam Baltrusis

Genre: Ghosts & Hauntings

Publisher: History Press

Date of Publication: September 23, 2024

ISBN: 978-146715802

Number of pages: 144

Word Count: 32,500

Tagline: Chilling Tales of the Hudson Valley

Book Description:

Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are steeped in history and ghost lore. Famous for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the storied Westchester region also has a dark history of witches, spies, and pirates. 

Rumors of Headless Horseman sightings surge during spooky season while visitors flock to the Valley’s haunted hot spots like the Old Dutch Church and the famed writer’s Sunnyside home. 

Join author and journalist Sam Baltrusis on a bone-chilling journey through the streets of Sleepy Hollow as he breathes new life into the legendary village’s long-departed souls.

Amazon     BN     Arcadia

Excerpt:

Sleepy Hollow, New York is brimming with ghostly legends that have somehow taken on a life of their own.

Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, the fabled region —which includes the adjoining Tarrytown— has become the go-to place during spooky season thanks to the popularity of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Late-night lantern tours in search of a decapitated soldier's galloping ghost? Yes, please.

If one spends enough time walking through the labyrinthine paths of the village's historic cemeteries, however, there's something sinister oozing beneath Sleepy Hollow's rustic, story-book facade.

It's as if the entire hamlet is under some sort of enchantment. Or, as Irving penned in 1820, it oddly feels like the locals are somehow bewitched and "are subject to trances and visions."

The revered writer referred to the area as the "spell-bound region," and rightfully so. According to several first-hand accounts, creepy music and disembodied voices emerge out of thin air

Based on Irving's mythical take on his later-in-life hometown, it should be no surprise that the Headless Horseman isn't the Valley’s only fearsome phantom seeking postmortem revenge.

The entire region seems to be teeming with paranormal activity. Several publications sensationally claim that both Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown together make the "most haunted places in the world."

But, is it?

After digging beneath the surface, it's difficult to pinpoint what's actually paranormal activity versus a made-up ghost story that has been collectively conjured over a 200-year period.

Alex Matsuo, a Maryland-based author and paranormal investigator who has written about the area’s alleged paranormal activity in her Spooky Stuff blog, believes that the line between fact and fiction is somehow blurred in Sleepy Hollow.

“After Washington Irving's infamous tale plunged the area into fame, I would hypothesize that perhaps some of the paranormal activity could be attributed to thought-forms,” Matsuo told me. “There's also the case of self-fulfilling prophecies that people can accomplish without realizing it.”

Matsuo cited the replica of the bridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery as a potential hotspot for ghostly encounters that are freakishly fueled by the expectations of thrill-seeking visitors.

 “Just by knowing the tale and the true story behind it, they would already get a case of the creeps,” she explained. “Then, with tensions rising, they hear a branch break or footsteps, and they get really spooked. They go home and tell their friends and family about the creepy experience, unknowing that there was an animal nearby causing the ruckus.”

Also, there are what paranormal researchers call thought-forms or an outward manifestation of the heightened emotions of those who visit Sleepy Hollow during spooky season. Matsuo believes that based on this concept, extreme fear can somehow take a physical form within the spirit world.

“When you have a massive amount of people invested in a story, even a fictional story based on real people, that energy has to go somewhere,” she said. “In the case of Sleepy Hollow, it may have manifested into paranormal occurrences. I would guess that most of that energy is more organized, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of that energy was displaced, which could explain some of the random paranormal events that have happened over the years.”

About the Author:

Sam Baltrusis, author of Ghosts of Salem: Haunts of the Witch City and featured in The Curse of Lizzie Borden shock doc, has penned eighteen paranormal-themed books including Haunted Boston Harbor and Ghosts of the American Revolution. He has been featured on several national TV shows including the Travel Channel's A Haunting, Most Terrifying Places, Haunted Towns, and Fright Club (1 & 2). He also made a cameo in the documentary The House in Between 2 and on several additional television programs including The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd, History’s Most Haunted, Paranormal Nightshift, and Forbidden History. Baltrusis is a sought-after lecturer who speaks at libraries and paranormal-related events across the country. Visit SamBaltrusis.com for more information.

https://sambaltrusis.com/ 

https://twitter.com/SamBaltrusis 

https://www.facebook.com/sam.baltrusis 

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[epostravel]

What Are The Things To Do in Santorini in 2024

Santorini, a jewel in the Aegean Sea, remains one of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and vibrant culture, Santorini promises an unforgettable experience. In 2024, the island continues to offer many activities and sights that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here’s a detailed guide on the top things to do in Santorini this year. Marvel at the Caldera Views

The Caldera, a large volcanic crater formed by a massive eruption centuries ago, is a must-see. Visitors can witness breathtaking views from various vantage points across the island. The towns of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli offer some of the best spots. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the cliffside paths, capturing panoramic views of the azure waters and the submerged volcano.

Explore the Charming Village of Oia

Oia, located on the northern tip of Santorini, is renowned for its postcard-perfect scenery. Wander through narrow alleys with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. The village’s architecture blends traditional Cycladic and Venetian styles, creating a unique and picturesque ambiance. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from Oia Castle—a truly magical experience.

Visit the Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri

History enthusiasts will find the Akrotiri Archaeological Site fascinating. Often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Aegean," Akrotiri was a thriving Minoan city buried by a volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. The site is remarkably well-preserved, offering insights into ancient urban planning and Minoan culture. Guided tours are available, providing a deeper understanding and context of the ruins.

Relax on the Unique Beaches

Santorini’s beaches are known for their distinctive volcanic sand. Red Beach, with its striking red cliffs, Perissa Beach, with its black sand, and Kamari Beach, with its lively atmosphere, are some of the top spots. These beaches offer a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Beachside tavernas serve delicious Greek cuisine, allowing visitors to savor local flavors by the sea.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Greek food is celebrated globally, and Santorini is no exception. The island’s cuisine features fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional dishes such as fava me koukia (yellow split pea dip), tomato keftedes (tomato fritters), and fresh seafood. Pair your meals with a glass of Santorini’s famous Assyrtiko wine for a complete gastronomic experience. Many restaurants and tavernas also offer cooking classes for those interested in learning the secrets of Greek cooking. Take a Wine Tour

Santorini is home to some of Greece’s best wineries. The island’s volcanic soil gives its wines a unique character. Visit wineries such as Santo Wines, Gaia Winery, and Domaine Sigalas to sample exquisite wines and learn about the island’s viticulture. Wine tours often include tastings paired with local cheeses and meats, providing a comprehensive experience for wine enthusiasts. Sail Around the Island

A sailing trip around Santorini offers a different perspective of the island’s beauty. Various operators provide catamaran cruises, yacht charters, and traditional boat tours. These excursions often include stops at the Hot Springs, Thirassia Island, and the Red and White Beaches. Sunset cruises are particularly popular, offering a romantic way to end the day with the backdrop of a stunning Santorini sunset. Discover the Village of Pyrgos

Pyrgos, the former capital of Santorini, is a hidden gem. This village is perched on a hill and offers panoramic island views. Explore its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and historic churches. The Pyrgos Castle and the nearby Profitis Ilias Monastery are significant landmarks worth visiting. Pyrgos is also known for its charming cafes and traditional tavernas. Experience Santorini’s Nightlife Santorini’s nightlife is vibrant and varied. Fira, the island’s capital, is the epicenter of nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the caldera or dance the night away at one of the lively nightclubs. Visit a local tavern with live Greek music for a more relaxed evening.

Go Hiking Hiking is a great way to explore Santorini’s natural beauty. The hike from Fira to Oia is one of the most popular trails, offering stunning views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The trail is about 10 kilometers long and takes approximately 3-5 hours. Other notable hikes include the Ancient Thera trail and the Mesa Vouno trek.

Visit the Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs A visit to the Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs is a unique experience. Take a boat trip to the volcano’s island, Nea Kameni, and hike up to the crater. The views from the top are spectacular. After the hike, relax in the hot springs of Palea Kameni, where the warm, sulfur-rich waters have therapeutic properties.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time to visit Santorini?

A: The best time to visit Santorini is from late April to early November. The weather is warm, and most attractions and businesses are open. July and August are the peak tourist months, so consider visiting in May, June, September, or October for a more relaxed experience.

Q: How can I get around Santorini?

A: Santorini has a reliable bus system connecting significant towns and villages. Renting a car, ATV, or scooter is famous for exploring more remote areas. Taxis and private transfers are available but can be expensive.

Q: Are these hidden gems suitable for families?

A: Yes, many of these hidden gems are family-friendly. Villages like Pyrgos, Emporio, and Megalochori offer safe and enjoyable environments for children. While quieter, beaches such as Vlychada and Kolumbo are also suitable for families who prefer less crowded spots.

Q: Is it necessary to book tours, or can I explore these places alone?

A: While guided tours provide valuable insights and convenience, exploring these hidden gems independently is possible. Renting a vehicle allows you to visit these locations at your own pace.

Q: Are there any entrance fees for these sites?

A: Most villages and beaches are free to explore. Some attractions, such as the Ancient City of Thera and museums, may charge a small entrance fee. Always check in advance for any costs and opening hours.

Conclusion

Santorini in 2024 offers various activities and experiences that cater to all tastes. From historical sites and breathtaking views to vibrant nightlife and exquisite cuisine, the island promises an unforgettable vacation. Plan your trip to ensure you make the most of what this magical destination has to offer.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Quora

[liliontheloose]

Salem, MA Travelogue: Day 1 in The Witch City

Salem, MA Travelogue: Day 1 in The Witch City

Fall is almost upon us (although its 90 degrees in Colorado this week), and I’m reminicing on last year’s October trip to Salem. I spent 2 days in early October in Salem, and everything I had heard about how busy and touristy Salem would be was true. But I went in knowing that there would be long lines and kitchy witchy stuff, so didn’t mind. Getting There: Salem and the road to get there is…

[myhauntedsalem]

The Burying Point, Charter Street Salem, Massachusetts

It may not be as beautiful or architecturally significant as Chestnut Street or Federal Street or even Washington Square. But tiny Charter Street, all of two blocks long, has enough history associated with it to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Charter Street was laid out in 1767 as a town street and ran between the town wharf on the South River at the foot of Market (now Central) Street and a cove in front of what is now Immaculate Conception Church. The portion east of Liberty Street was originally called Vine Street.

The street boasts the city’s oldest cemetery. In 1637 the town voted to set aside a point of land overlooking the South River as a burial ground. The site was probably already being used for that purpose. Historian Sidney Perley suggested that many of the settlers who succumbed in the great sicknesses of 1628 and 1629, including the wife of Gov. John Endicott, had been buried there.

In 1637 John Home was given permission to erect and operate a windmill in the Burying Point, and John Cromwell was later granted the right to graze cattle there. Eventually the riverbank on the southern end of the Burying Point filled with wharves and warehouses.

Additional land was acquired by the town in later years for cemetery expansion. The entrance was moved from Liberty Street to Charter Street when the latter came into existence in 1767.

Some of the more famous internees at the Burying Point are Richard More, a passenger on the original voyage of the Mayflower, and witch trial judges John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney. For some inexplicable reason Gedney’s name and that of Salem’s famous architect and woodcarver, Samuel McIntire, who was buried here in 1811, are not listed on the historic plaque at the entrance to the cemetery.

Simon Bradstreet, a Massachusetts governor who lived in Salem, is listed on that marker and his tomb is adorned with a bronze plaque in both Latin and English. Bradstreet’s family however, sold the family tomb in the early 1800s, and the governor’s remains were removed.

Another 17th century stone marks the grave of Nathaniel Mather, brother of the legendary Puritan divine and witchcraft expert Cotton Mather.

Nathaniel Hawthorne frequented the cemetery in his solitary rambles about Salem and used names he found on headstones in some of his writings. The most popular were his ancestor, John Hathorne, and Dr. Swinnerton. The Swinnerton name appears in “The House of the Seven Gables” and the author’s unfinished “Dolliver Romance.”

The cemetery itself is mentioned in Hawthorne’s “Dr. Grimshawe’s Secret,” as is the adjoining gray-shingled house at 53 Charter St. It was there in what is now called the Grimshawe House that Hawthorne met his future wife, Sophia, in 1837. The author had been invited to the Peabody home by the eldest of the three famous Peabody sisters, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, who would later achieve fame as the mother of the American kindergarten movement.

Another caller at the house on Charter Street, the famed educator Horace Mann, would marry the third Peabody sister, Mary.

At the corner of Charter and Liberty Streets stands the Samuel Pickman house. In the early 1960s, after attending three lectures on Colonial architecture given by expert Abbott Lowell Cumins, Salem resident Elizabeth Reardon discovered this 17th century dwelling under a Victorian mansard roof.

The house may have been built as early as 1664 for Samuel Pickman, and is one of Salem’s oldest buildings. It was acquired in 1964 and partially restored by Historic Salem, Inc. When it became obvious that the building needed major structural work, Historic Salem sold the Pickman house to a private developer, who then completed the restoration. The building is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum.

One significant piece of the street’s history is no longer extant: the original Salem Hospital complex. In 1874, Salem merchant-philanthropist John Bertram donated $25,000 and a mansion at 31 Charter St. toward the establishment of a hospital for the city. The hospital corporation was subsequently chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with James Curwen as president.

Salem Hospital opened for business on Oct. 1, 1874. The new medical facility occupied the western portion of the building, and the other half was leased to a tenant. The hospital had 12 beds and a medical staff of 13 doctors headed by David Coggin.

The new hospital grew in size and scope over the next decade, adding a maternity ward, an eye clinic, and a training school for nurses. A three-story wing was built onto the rear of the original structure in 1884, and a separate, free-standing maternity ward was added three years later. Gradually the hospital complex was expanded to include eight buildings located on Charter Street, both sides of Derby Street, and on Liberty Street.

Many of those buildings were destroyed or severely damaged during the Salem Fire of 1914. Shortly after the fire, a decision was made to move the facility to a site with more open space for future expansion and less noise and traffic. Salem Hospital remained on Charter Street until 1917, when its new complex on Highland Avenue was finally completed.

[alyasgf]

It’s Just Me

Part 1 || Masterlist

Part 2 of Everything’s Gonna Be Okay

Summary- Marinette and the girls devise a plan, forgetting that those almost never work out the way they want them to.

Notes- Slight filler chapter to precede the date part! I’ve already started writing the next chapter so expect it in the next week or so :)

Word Count- 1032

AO3

Begin

Marinette wasn’t oblivious. She could see how different Adrien was acting toward her. Before, Adrien would never pay her no mind than anyone else. She nearly passed out when he had called her his ‘best friend’ and it only had only intensified from there. She didn’t know what caused it.

“Maybe he finally opened his eyes.” Alya suggested. They had gone out for juice with the girls.

“He’s always had a soft spot for you Marinette! You guys would be so cute together!” Rose gushed from Juleka’s side.

“About time something happened with you guys. I was getting tired of all this chasing, no matter how cute you guys are.” Alix said between long sips of her boba.

Juleka mumbled something barely audible about Marinette needing more confidence around him and everyone hummed in agreement.

“You guys don’t understand.” Marinette grumbled. “When he looks at me my brain turns to mush. I wish I could talk to him but I can’t even be around him.”

“I know! Exposure treatment!” Mylène exclaimed. She received a confused look from Marinette so she continued. “You know, spend more time with him so it’s not so scary. You can start off small with group things and work your way to alone time.”

“You can go on a double date with Nino and I!” Alya got the determined look in her eyes that Marinette knew all too well.

“Me and Adrien? On a date? Alya have you gone insane?” Marinette turned to her best friend who sat with a smirk that radiated trouble.

“I’ll call Nino about it tonight. All you have to do is ask Adrien out.” Marinette’s eyes bulged at this.

“Okay now you’ve really lost it! If I can’t even talk to him why would I be able to ask him out?”

The girls around the table laughed at this.

“You’ll figure it out Marinette I believe in you. We’re here to help.” Rose assumed, placing a hand on Marinette.

Marinette smiled softly at his friends before deciding.

“Fine. Let’s brainstorm then.”

——————————————

“Why can’t you just walk up to him and ask him out?” Alix asked as Alya recounted the plan back to them.

In return, she received numerous exasperated expressions.

“Okay okay, my bad.” She said, defensively putting her hands in the air.

In the end, the convoluted plan boiled down to a few main points. Adrien would be leaving fencing with Kagami, Rose and Juleka would cause a distraction to get The Gorilla to help them while Alya pulled Kagami aside to invite her to the movies (Alya always thought the girl could use more friends, sue her if she wanted something out of Marinette’s plight.) When Adrien got to his car, he would see Marinette across the street with Alix. Alix would wave him over and then claim she was running late for something.

Simple.

Still, Alix rolled her eyes as they left. “These things never work.” She mumbled.

————————

The next day everyone was in place for the plan. Adrien would be out any minute now and Marinette was already shaking slightly with nerves.

The first thing that went wrong was when Adrien walked out the door. Rather than leaving with Kagami like everyone thought he would, he walked out alone and seemingly in low spirits.

Alya went to walk up to Kagami before she noticed her to be in the same state. She made eye contact with Marinette and shrugged, confused.

Rose and Juleka had tried to get The Gorilla’s attention but he just grumbled and stayed in the car. They turned to her and mouthed ‘Sorry.’

“Looks like this isn’t going to work, Marinette. I’ll wait until a little later to say I told you so.” Alix said, rubbing her back sympathetically.

As Adrien opened the car door to get in, he saw Marinette. She swore he saw his mood brighten instantly. His eyes lit up and he said something to The Gorilla before closing the door and crossing the street.

Marinette froze and Alix whispered ‘good luck’ before walking off.

“Hey Marinette!” Adrien said excitedly. “What are you doing over here?”

“Oh I- I was uh well I mean Alix and I were waiting for Alya!” She pointed to the brunette girl across the street, who waved. “She was going to ask Kagami to hang out with us but she didn’t look like she was in a good mood.” Marinette half bluffed.

“Oh.” Adrien seemed to dampen a bit. “That’s partly my fault. We had a disagreement a little while ago.”

Marinette felt a surge of sympathy. “Hey do you want to talk about it? I’m here for you too, y’know.” She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes.

Adrien smiled at the reference she made to their previous conversation. “Thanks Marinette, but maybe another time. I told The Gorilla I’d be quick so I really have to get going. I just wanted to say hi.”

“Wait!” Marinette blurted out. “Nino Alya date? No! I mean Alya invited me and I- ugh.” Marinette buried her face in her hands.

Adrien gently peeled her hands from her face. She peeked out to look at him.

“Hey, take a breath. It’s just me.” He said softly.

Marinette dropped her hands and took a deep breath. “Double date with Alya and Nino?”

“I’d love to.”

Marinette felt her heart swell. She did it. She asked him out. And he said yes!

It was then that she realized Adrien was still holding her hands.

“I’ll see you then, Nettie.” He kissed her knuckles before dropping them and walking to her car.

Marinette stood there, dazed with a lovesick expression. He called her Nettie. Normally she didn’t like nicknames, but the way Adrien said it made her heart melt.

She rubbed her knuckles. He had kissed her hand.

Mylène ran over and wrapped her in a hug. Soon all of her friends joined in.

“That looks like it went well!”

“Nice going Marinette!”

“I knew you had it in you!”

Marinette was on cloud nine.

End notes- Here’s to a chapter 2 I didn’t think I’d write! I normally don’t do multi-chartered fics but here we go. I know I promised Ladrien but unfortunately that’ll have to wait. Depending on how long the next chapter is there will either be 3 or 4. Also I’m doing Marichat May so if you wanna see that check out my account✌️

[yamithediaperdork]

It’s a small world after all (Harry potter)

It's a small world after all

Not for the first time since hooking up with potter, Malfoy found himself wondering if the brunette's deep pockets and wonderful vigor under the covers really was worth some of the messed up things he was into. because really, Draco handled the first few kinks with ease. who didn't like a good paddling now and then? and a nice big enema could be fun and do wonders for your bowels! But then it started to get odder and odder and what should of been giant red flags were just ignored when they realllly shouldn't of been. Hence why today Draco found himself shrunk down to the size of a shrimpy 8 year old..and dressed like a 1 year old. He was in black and green light up sneakers, with green socks and then a SHORT pair of black shorts with green trim on the waist and legs,that puffed out from padding Draco was wearing under them, and the shorts had a teddy bear with a green Mohawk on either side. The t-shirt had the same bear on it, but the T-shirt was green with black trim on the waist, neck and sleeves and had the bear saying 'rock on all my little buddies!' as it was apparently a charter from some local baby show called teddy rocks. His blond hair had been grown the cut and fashioned into a mushroom cut and all and all he was less the happy.

"Your a git, you know that right?" Draco asked harry as they walked from the parking lot towards the green grass of the park. "I know I know..but a lovable git who's going to spoil you SO much..as long as your a good boy today." Harry said as now on the green, they headed for the play structures. "oh why wouldn't I be a good boy? I'm only a 24 year old man the size of a 8 year old and dressed like a 2 year old. why would I be in a mood to cause chaos and torment?" Draco huffed and chuckled, having some veryyyy evil plans. step one, find a group of preschooler and tell them the truth about saint nick. step two would be tel- "Right about that. if your a total pain in the ass BRAT, We'll be coming back here tomorrow, with you normal sized and WISHING you had something as mature and cool as that outfit on." Harry said, interrupting Draco's train of thought. '..DAMN IT!' Draco whined mentally. "I was never really gonna do anything." Draco lied out loud and Harry just smirked. "well I suppose it's not a lie if you behave." He said, picking out a picnic table for him to sit at and read, and before taking his book out of the diaper bag he'd brought, he took out a plastic pail and shovel and pointed over to where he wanted Draco to play first: the sandbox. Draco rolled his eyes but his was not to argue in this case, at least till Harry whistled and got the attention of all the other parents and kids around and waved Draco back over. before with everyone all distracted, ignoring him he hadn't worried so much about how much his diaper showed/crinkled, but now with all eyes on him.. Draco was red faced and whining as he got over to Harry. "Now now, none of that. this is what YOU'VE been begging ME for for a month.. no take backies little man. and you almost forgot your paci." Harry said and then clipped a green and black paci to Draco's chest and then popped the nipple in Draco's mouth, kissing red faced boys burning forehead. "Love you little guy." Harry said and then turned Draco around and with a firm pat or too on the tush sent the blond towards the sandbox.

Naturally the other parents wanted to know what was going on, why was Harry's son in diapers and all that jazz. Making use of the fact that there were all muggles and a charm to enhance well..his charms, Harry had them buying every line of the bullshit story he was coming up with on the spot. "So yeah, about month and a half ago I come home and there's my so called big boy who whined to be allowed to stay home without a baby sitter..and he's wearing a homemade diaper made out of towels safety pins and a prayer." Harry was saying.  "Little Draco looks up at me and squeaks out 'daddy!' and then the laxatives he'd taken combined with the shock..welll yeah. " the other parents chuckled and nodded. "So getting him all cleaned up, we have a talk and he says he misses being treated like a little guy and wanted the full experience..which included this trip to the park..Among a few other things." Harry said.

Draco glared over at Potter and while he couldn't make out what was being said, he was positive 90 percent of it was bullshit. His own reception at the sandbox had not been as fun, with two 5 year olds that at his current size looked semi fordable, blocked his entrance. "Sorry, ya gotta be potty trained ta get in here." Said the left boy, with dirty blond hair. "mmmfffh mm fffmmm." Draco protested around his paci. he knew from experience that removing it on his own was a bigggg nay nay. "pffft, what are you trying to say diaper boy?" the other kid asked, a brown haired boy who reached and tugged the paci out of Draco's mouth. "Phleg..I said I AM potty trained!" Draco huffed. "Right..mister massive pampers and a dummy is potty trained. Blond said, rolling his eyes. "I-I'm not diapered!" Draco lied. for some reason suddenly it felt super important to get into the sand box. "I-I just have a MASSIVE butt!" the younger boys exchanged a look, but just because they were young that didn't mean they were stupid. "Alright dummy boy, we'll give you a chance to prove your claim. drop your shorts." Brown said. "I..What!?!" Draco yelped, wetting himself a little. "You heard him. if your NOT a diaper wearing baby then you'll be in undies. So drop your shorts and show us!" the Blond said and then moved in. "or we could take'em ourselfs." "N-No! wait It's ok! I don't need to play in th-" Draco yelped and turned away to waddle back to Harry when he felt the waistline on his shorts being grabbed by two sets surprisingly strong hands.One pair went to the left and one pair to the right and the poor shorts that had been struggling to maintain the bulk of Draco's diaper ripped wide open. Now everyone on the playground could see the sesame street print diapers Draco was wearing, and watch as Big bird, cookie monster and others faded from the front. "Bobby Micheal Landrew!" Roared a blond lady. Ike James Jone!" Added in a brunette. the five year olds  went from looking happy and high fiving, having been about to torment the diaper baby but then heard their mothers voices. "run?" Bobby asked. "Run."  Ike agreed and so they did, though were caught in short order. All of this was a back round blur to Draco as with his nappy on display and the laughs and giggles coming up he could feel his bowels kicking into over drive. 'N-Not here..not now....' Draco thought, seeing people come into focus as he henched over and let out a loud fart. "Is he going to.." Came a girls voice. "Bwhahahaha what a loser!" "gross big baby." "Poor kid, " all this and more filled Draco's head and as a large load started to fill the back of his diapers he threw back his head to bawl for daddy, but harry was already there, hugging him.

"Shhh it's ok." Harry coo'ed. He was still waiting on Draco to finish loading his diaper., be a little more stable before he moved him for for his diaper change. "I'm pooping my diapie." Draco whimpered and whined, hugging Harry and burying his face in Harry's shoulder. "well I didn't think you smelled like this all the time." Harry joked and got a small chuckle out of Draco. "your not funny." Draco said and sniffled and rubbed a eye, looking like any other upset little boy coming around, trying to keep a pouty face but flashing toothy grins instead. "Well Humor is tricky like that. Ready for me to move you little guy?" Harry asked. Draco bit his lip and looked over his shoulder at the massive load he'd made, the diaper was sagging big time, and gulped. "Is it even gonna stay ON till we get back to the car?" Draco asked. "welll good news and bad news on that front." Harry said, having already figured out what was just dawning on Draco. "Bad news, no it won't hold up till the car. Good news: it'll hold up till we get to the picnic table." He went quiet to let that sink in and watched Draco's face. confusion played on it at first, then slowly a dawning, ..there we go he figured it out and then a even worse all face red blush took over and Draco yelled. "YOU ARE -NOT- CHANGING ME IN PUBLIC,ON THAT TABLE! YOUR JUST NOT!" As he yelled and huff, stomping a foot Harry had to bite his touge to keep from laughing. the other adults and kids didn't have to be that polite so the park filled with the sound of laughter again as Draco glare and huffed, stomping his feet as he screamed at everyone to stop laughing at him. harry noticed one of Draco's shoelaces had come undone and went to yell out a warning but it was too late. tripping forward Draco showed a amazing amount of agility to turn it into a roll of sorts and ended up sitting on his squishy butt, mouth open and eye twitching. "I-I shoulda..taken..the blow to the noggin." He whined and conked out from humiliation overload.

Draco woke up and rubbed his eyes, then slowly opened them. "Man, Ron you would not believe the nightmare i-" Was what Draco was trying to say but as he got his eyes opened he realized he was looking up at the sky..at the park. which meant that his horrible humiliating nightmare wasn't a nightmare, it had really happened!!! Looking around he noticed there were a lot of the other parents semi surrounding the table though some of the older kids were there too. 'what are they..' Draco wondered then it dawned on him. 'Of course, they're making a human wall so no one can just walk by and see my junk..' with that grim reminder Draco sat up some to look down, realizing he had his paci in his mouth. "Hey sleep head, we're just about done. I was starting to think you were gonna waste the rest of the day in sleepy town." Harry coo'ed. "mmmffh mmk."Was Draco's witty reply. with Draco all cleaned up and the two boys who had made him basically mess forced to carry the dirty diaper to the furthest away trash can,It was time for Draco's next diaper. His junk had been on display for a little longer then he was comfortable with (and that was a clock that only went at micro seconds) and as a breeze blew over the lunch table Draco's little nub twitched once..twice.. then a spurt of pee came out and Harry BARELY ducked out of the way. "Knew I should of brought the pee guard." Harry chuckled and Draco whined and wiggled. spotting a stuffie not that far away Draco snagged the stuffed bear and put it over his face to hide. "Aww it's ok little guy. happens to big babies like you. at least you didn't hit anyone." Harry coo'ed and rubed Draco's tummy. 'not helping!' Draco thought though that was somewhat of a lie. the tummy rubs felt nice.

With Draco re-diapered and it being somewhat MORE bulky then the las, He was forced to full on toddle like a 1 year old while trying to go anywhere in the park. This meant he'd take all of 7-10 steps, slowly, arms out for balance and ended up plopping on his butt while the crowd watched and chuckled. ALSO super not helping was the fact that harry had decided since everyone had seen Draco's diapers, why bother with the spare shorts to cover them up? when Draco when to polity (Read: Have a fit) over this and demanded cover, Harry had held up a skirt and Draco shut up fast. After falling on his butt for the 20th time Draco just stayed there, sitting on the grass and arms crossed while Harry and the parents laughed..and the other kids didn't exactly hold back either. "Awww what's wrong buddy?" "Done falling on my butt!" Draco huffed and pouted, then pointed to the sand box. "Carry me!" this, while meant to show everyone Draco wasn't a roll over and Harry was his bitch..instead got MORE laughter as Harry signed. "Well I suppose." he teased and lifted Draco up and carried him over. After setting him down in the sandbox and making sure Draco was good, Harry decided to stay with him to make sure that no more bullies came over.

Draco was blushing, fuming and mad, but as he played in the sandbox he felt all of that just drifting away as he lost himself in the fun. Making sand castles and showing them off to harry he really did feel like a little boy more then once. Including when anther boy, a 6 year old who had a pull up sticking out of the top of his shorts asked if he could join in. For the next few hours the pair of not quite potty trained boys took over the sandbox with Harry and the boys dad hitting it off and the only break being for juice boxes and cookies.

The only downside for Harry as Draco made a big baby buddy was while Tyler and his dad were nice, there was a whollle park he had wanted Draco to explore. Still with Draco in a natural little mode Harry couldn't break himself to break it up and there WAS always tomorrow anyhow. "Draco buddy, time to go." Harry called as the sky was turning orange in the evening. Draco naturally, pretended not to hear him and kept playing with the dino's that Tyler had brought to the sandbox. "Draco Malfoy Potter, I'm speaking to you." Harry said again. in the sandbox Tyler was trying to get Draco's attention, apparently it going over the kids head Draco was ignoring him on purpose. Tyler's dad was watching in amusement. "Draco unless you wanna be my little baby girl for the rest of the summer, out of that sand box now." Harry said and fought back a laugh at how Draco froze hearing that and then there was a puff of loose sand going up from a muffled fart. "Uhhh Tyler it was nice meeting you, I think it's time for me and daddy to go home." Draco said quickly and turned to waddle out of the sand box only to plop back on his butt. between the girth of it before, multiple wetting and the sand that had ended up in the diaper, Draco was helpless! "D-Daddy! Help!" Draco whined. '...that's in, I'm never letting him be big again. too damn cute.' Harry thought and came over, picking Draco up hands under his shoulders and eyes flashing. Just like that Draco's face scrunched up and his bowels went into over drive as he was there in Harry's arms. "A-Ah Daddy daddy I'm gonna-" Draco tried to yell out a warning but instead let out a massive loud fart that echoed and then with Tyler and his dad getting a good view, filled his diaper with massive lumps, crying out and gasping as they made their way out. "You're gonna what?" Harry asked, laughing and pulling the smelly boy in. Draco glared and went to answer but his paci was popped back into his mouth. "I know what your doing silly. too bad I got to bring any changes with me beyond that first one." Harry lied. "You'll just have to ride home stinky..of do you wanna stop for a happy meal on the way home?" Harry was asking now, heading for the car and bouncing Draco on his hip now. "...Want nuggets n fries." Draco mewed. "Good boy~"

The end

[coreastories]

The Biscuits

Part 15 of Days and Nights of Forever 

They went to New Zealand, making new life-long friends, and unknowingly starting the next part of their forever. 

Rating: NC-17

This directly connects to: 

Royal Scandal: Proof of the king and queen of Corea’s utter besottedness with each other

A Royal Twin! Meet the Most Honorable Lady Seo-gyeong

With thanks and love to @collectsfallenstars and @pateetsie for cookie supplies and (a)moral support. 

The morning they met Luna and Shin-jae-- well, Koo Seo-gyeong and Kang Hyeon-min--was a beautiful and still winter day. 

It was August in Corea. They’d left it in high summer with scorching humidity. But here, they  could see their breaths. Tae-eul thought it was too much of a flipside theme that her double lived in a country that wintered when it was Tae-eul’s summer. But she tried not to think about that. 

There was already plenty to think of. 

They took the scenic route from Christchurch to Wellington, three private compartments discreetly arranged on the train, and then a chartered boat to cross the Cook Strait. 

The rugged coastlines of North and South Islands were blanketed in snow. The primitive beauty of those slopes and mountains took Tae-eul’s breath away. 

They watched the landscape from the deck on the stern of the boat, with Gon standing behind her, his arms around her waist. He had opened his coat so that she rested against his chest with one less layer between them. 

His right hand-- the one with the glove off because he had shaken hands with the captain and accepted the silver tin of Anzac biscuits the captain’s little granddaughter had made for them-- was inside her coat, stroking her left side, firm enough to feel through her cashmere and silk layers. 

When his hand started to go higher and lower, she grabbed it and held it against her waist. She felt his torso shake with laughter, and he bent his head to hers and buried his cold nose behind her ear. 

He laughed harder when she jumped away from him. She turned in his arms and pushed both hands against his chest. “Let’s go inside before that nose falls off.” 

He mimicked her, placing both hands on her shoulder, his right hand nestling in her fur collar. 

“Are you alright? How do you feel?”

She nodded, leaning her cheek against his hand. “A little scared but I’m trying not to look too far ahead or make things up that haven't happened yet. We’re just meeting two people who would most certainly be our friends, that’s all.” 

He nodded back, accepting what she said, and knowing the truth she hadn’t said. 

-----------------------------------------

They’d received an invitation to dine at Government House tomorrow evening, but for the most part, they were truly incognito. They hadn’t opened the house the Royal Court owned here. They were at a hotel. They drove and walked the streets of Wellington just like everyone else. 

The Royal Guard were in civilian clothes scattered around them. Gon could see Jangmi stepping aside, fiddling with his phone, and putting it against his ear as a ruse for another 360 degree check around them. 

Aside from that, it was easy to believe he and Tae-eul weren’t with escorts at all, just an ordinary couple strolling through the capital. It reminded him of all those times he explored the republic on his own. He glanced at Tae-eul and the slight smile on her face told him she was enjoying it, too. 

Tae-eul was still smiling when she saw them in the restaurant. Her smile faltered the tiniest bit and Gon turned his head to find the cause. Koo Seo-gyeong and Kang Hyeon-min were sitting at a window booth of the restaurant where he and Tae-eul were headed to meet them. 

They seemed to sense Tae-eul spotting them, because by the time Gon looked, the two were rising to their feet and bowing their heads slightly-- and then they seemed to remember the agreement that they were all meeting as civilians and they raised their heads. Seo-gyeong raised a hand and waved. 

He could swear he had seen Tae-eul do that exact same awkward wave. 

Tae-eul’s hand squeezed his. Then she pulled him toward the restaurant. 

They exchanged polite greetings. He seated Tae-eul first, and she flapped her hands at the other two to sit down, but they waited until Gon had taken his seat. They all smiled at each other, even Kang Hyeon-min. For once, the man didn’t look like he would rather be anywhere else. 

Then Gon saw the angle of their overlapping arms and guessed Seo-gyeong was holding Hyeon-min’s hand under the table. That would do it. 

Koo Seo-gyeong wore her hair like Tae-eul’s, loose and unstyled. Perhaps because it was winter, so women left their hair down for added warmth, didn’t they? But that hair had the same waves. She wore a long-sleeved simple black sweater dress, and her coat draped over the back of her seat was of a camel color that brought back more memories for Gon. 

She was looking at Tae-eul with fascination. 

“I don’t want to assume we’re twins, Mama,” Seo-gyeong said. “I certainly don’t want to think you were alone at any point like I was. But we do look so much alike. It’s uncanny.” 

Tae-eul nodded, exchanging a look with him and extending her smile for Seo-gyeong to him. They had decided they didn’t want their relationship with Seo-gyeong to stand on more deception than absolutely necessary, so here they were. “I’m quite sure my mom gave birth to me. But this is really unbelievable, yes.” 

Seo-gyeong was still looking at them with fascination. “What’s unbelievable is this. I appreciate you coming all the way here. And really, you didn’t need to. I mean, you could easily command me to change my appearance, you know, Pyeha, Mama, and I would have understood. I’m a loyal subject and servant of the crown, and I want you safe.” 

Gon shook his head even while his brain wanted him to nod, because yes, of course, Seo-gyeong, raised in a family instead of growing up alone and having to fend for herself, would be just like Tae-eul in her sense of duty. 

“We’ll do no such thing,” he said. “We appreciate that you understand the delicacy of the situation. You could still refuse, of course.” 

Gon left it at that, giving Seo-gyeong a real opening. He looked at Tae-eul, and she was already looking at him, giving him quiet approval. 

The other couple had also exchanged looks. Seo-gyeong said, “Well, I’ve been convinced that this is all for my benefit. I’m gaining another sister and the protection of the Royal Court. It’s no loss for me to pretend to be your twin, Mama.” 

“Maybe you could call me by my name? It’s not just pretend,” Tae-eul said. Gon added, “Not pretend. We do have the lab work to back it up. And you gain a brother, too.” 

Seo-gyeong made a half-grimace, half-smile Gon also recognized. “Let me wrap my head around that, Pyeha--oppa. Omo. That’s so weird, isn’t it?” 

They all laughed, except Kang Hyeon-min, who said in a flat tone, “You haven’t even called me that and this is when you say it. To the king. You’re embarrassing.” 

 Judging from how Seo-gyeong jerked slightly and then the way Kang Hyeon-min’s face also jerked in momentary pain, Seo-gyeong must have kicked him under the table.

“Mama-- um, Tae-eul, can you tell me more about yourself? Let’s start with your job. You must know everything about me. I’m at a disadvantage.”

Tae-eul said, “Oh no, no, we didn’t look you up like that. We only have your public record. That’s how we knew you had the same face as mine, of course. And I remember-- well-- Gon told me he remembers your name from the recommendations he signed. I worked in violent crimes in my organization, too, like you. And you know it can get dreadfully dull sometimes until you’re trying to solve a murder.”

Seo-gyeong said, “Right? You either help other teams with their cases until you have yours.” 

Tae-eul nodded. “And when you do, they’re so much work.” 

Seo-gyeong nodded emphatically. “Stakeouts. Chases. Not sleeping to hunt for evidence. Waiting for stuff all the time from forensics and other labs. I don’t miss it.” 

Tae-eul was doing the half-grin, half-grimace Seo-gyeong had done earlier. “And don’t get me started on the paperwork. I came across the traitor’s men completely by coincidence in one of my cases and here we are. That’s it, really.”

Gon’s eyes went from one woman to the other, and he noticed Kang Hyeon-min doing the same, his expression unreadable. Gon had read about the likeness of twins’ minds-- not linked, but alike-- and while this was a completely different case because Tae-eul and Seo-gyeong weren’t twins but parallels of each other, they were certainly alike in many ways. 

He could tell them apart, of course. Even in this timeline, Tae-eul’s eyes were still more forthright, more dauntless. But if the two women had more differences aside from Seo-gyeong being less reserved than Tae-eul, it would probably show up if they spent more time together, certainly not right now while they were only talking about their very similar jobs. 

Seo-gyeong leaned back in her seat, smiling. “Seemed like destiny since it meant you met your husband now.” 

Tae-eul met his eyes, all traces of trepidation gone now. Only amusement remained. Destiny was their best friend. They grinned at each other. 

Then he saw her catch Hyeon-min’s eyes and Tae-eul’s grin didn’t quite falter like earlier, but Gon saw the way it turned into a wistful smile. She was truly happy for this Kang Hyeon-min, but she was also understandably sad about him. “I’m thankful for your part in this, Kang sunbaenim.” 

“It’s nothing, Mama,” he said, gruff but still respectful. 

The food they’d ordered arrived then and they ate, touching on light topics, life in New Zealand, Seo-gyeong’s mother sending packages of Corean things every two weeks, the work in Interpol, Tae-eul studying English and Seo-gyeong giving her tips and promising to send audiobooks she loved, and then just as they were all dunking Anzac biscuits into their teas and coffees, Prime Minister Koo arrived. 

She had removed her thick black coat. She wore a black leather jacket, a white pullover, and light gray jeans. And on her feet were modestly-heeled boots. As far from the image of Corea’s prime minister usually was.  

And like Gon had done earlier, Koo Seo-ryeong moved her eyes between Tae-eul and Seo-gyeong. Then she sighed, sat down, ordered coffee, and said, “What are you doing here?” 

To Kang Hyeon-min. 

“Their Majesties are here for my sister. You didn’t need to tag along. My sister’s got enough spine to sit here and have tea with her new family. You’re just cluttering up this table.”

Kang Hyeon-min slurped his coffee loud enough to be heard at the next table and then deliberately looked out the window without answering. 

Gon felt Tae-eul rather urgently squeeze his arm several times. So he spoke and redirected Koo Seo-ryeong’s attention to him. “Right. Prime Minister, our people have taken care of the lab results. The Royal Public Affairs Office has also prepared the announcement. Your office will likely be asked for a statement.”

“Ye, Pyeha, my statement is also ready. What do the lab results say?” 

“Some copy variations, but probability of full siblingship at 98%.” 

Seo-ryeong looked at Tae-eul. “And you’re really sure your mother gave birth to you, Mama?”

“Yes, there were photos and even a video.” 

“Just you?”

“Koo Seo-ryeong!” Seo-gyeong said, horrified. 

“Yes, just me,” Tae-eul answered, unflappable. 

Seo-ryeong turned to Seo-gyeong. “You’re still a foundling and not a lost girl then. Never mind. Now you’re practically royal.” 

“I am not. Will you stop?” 

Seo-ryeong smiled and sipped her tea. Apparently, she only liked poking Seo-gyeong a little, not with real malice. 

But Kang Hyeon-min made a noise and malice returned to the table. Gon felt Tae-eul squeeze his arm again. Seo-ryeong put her teacup down. 

“What are you snorting about?”

“Just thinking how ironic this is. You’ve always wanted to be queen but you’re not. And now your sister’s even beaten you without trying. She’s now related to the crown.” 

Seo-gyeong elbowed him. “I didn’t beat her in anything of the sort, are you crazy? Unnie, ani!” 

Too late. Seo-ryeong had already thrown the Anzac at Kang Hyeon-min’s head. And she grabbed another and threw it, too. 

--------------------------------------------------------

Tae-eul leaned against Gon in the car, half-asleep, half immersed in memories. 

Every single time she took the bigger half of the popsicle and the few times he forced her to take the smaller one. 

The day he’d told her and her dad the story of his family’s bankruptcy. His father’s arrest. His mother’s gambling addiction. 

Every single time he had bitten her head off when he was waiting for the results of the police exam. 

The days he left and came back from military service. 

Every single time he was on her side. In their squad. Against lowlifes. During fights. Or against her dad even, when it mattered and he wasn’t sucking up. 

The day he’d told her he loved her and couldn’t let her go, but did so anyway, giving her what she’d asked for, and paving the way for her to keep her memories, didn’t he, because she had been inside the gates when Gon had altered their time. 

She couldn’t bear to think what would have happened if she had been outside when the ripple happened. 

It was all thanks to Kang Shin-jae, who was in fact Kang Hyeong-min. He was a big part of why she was happy right now, with Gon’s arm around her. 

And he had bowed his head in goodbye to her as if he wasn’t. Because he didn’t know. He wasn’t the friend she’d known since she was sixteen. To him, she was the queen, and now the sister of the woman he loved.

She was the sole keeper of those memories now, of that life she’d shared with him. 

Seeing Kang Shin-jae in the republic was different. That Kang Shin-jae wasn’t her Kang Shin-jae at all. He had been asleep all this time. 

It was Kang Hyeon-min who had been her hyeong-nim in the republic. Kang Hyeon-min who had tearfully wondered if he was where he was supposed to be, who had asked her if he still had her welcome. 

Well, he was where he was supposed to be right now. And he was happy. She took a deep breath and blinked away tears. 

Gon held her hand and didn’t say anything until they were inside their suite at the hotel. And then he looked at her inquiringly as they finished shedding their winter outerwear, leaving them in their lighter coats. 

“I’m fine. I’m good. You? Did it scare you when Seo-ryeong threw that biscuit? And with deadeye accuracy, too. That should teach you not to infuriate her, you know.”

He looked at her, amused, and… something else. He suddenly lifted her up and placed her on the escritoire. It creaked under her and she clung to him and half-pushed, half-pulled him as a lever to try to get off the antique desk, but he blocked her way.  

His gaze locked with hers and she knew she wasn’t fooling him for a second. His eyes said he understood. “Did you see the look on her face when Kang Hyeon-min started saying those things?” 

Tae-eul laughed. She loved this man. He always knew what she needed. She stroked his arm affectionately. “I thought she was going to throw her tea at him, not the biscuit. Like an angry chaebol mother.” 

They laughed together. And then his eyes were going half-lidded, focused on her grin. He kissed her, a soft and gentle press that she returned. He parted from her for a second, still smiling, and then he kissed her again. This time in earnest, the kiss she’d wanted all along. 

Because Seo-gyeong, Kang Hyeon-min and Seo-ryeong were on their side. 

Because fate seemed to be. 

And because this man continued to prove himself worthy of defying fate. In a hundred small ways that made her love him more. 

So she smiled and kissed him back, her arm sliding around his neck, his sliding under her jacket, both of them pulling each other closer. 

-------------------------------------------------------

When he came out of his office after getting waylaid by phone calls, Tae-Eul was already dressed for their dinner with the governor-general, already buttoned into her camel coat. 

She stood by the window, and she had opened it to the crisp winter air. Gon looked at her for a long moment, taking in all the beautiful lines and curves she had from her loose hair to her heels.

Today, they had pretty much just slept in. Yesterday was a day of revelations and it had shaken them more than they’d admit. So they’d slept in, had a quiet day in their suite, and now she was ready for dinner with one of the many world leaders she was bound to meet as queen. 

His footfalls made no sound on the thick carpet, so she startled a little when he put his arms around her waist from behind. Then she leaned back against him and sighed, letting her arms rest over his, their fingers interlacing. 

“Are you all right?” 

She nodded. “I feel like I miss her already. I wish we could spend more time together, but there’s also this fear that we shouldn’t do that. That she belongs here in New Zealand and I belong in the kingdom. Does that make sense?”

He nodded in turn. 

She spoke again. “She’s different, but not really. She’s still the same Luna I met. She fetched Lee Lim for me, you know. She took care of my dad. I’m so glad she’s not sick this time.” 

Gon saw her swipe at her cheek. So he said, “He’s still exactly the same though. He still looks constipated when he looks at me. And I haven’t done anything to him.”

That made her laugh. 

“Your Majesties, the car’s ready.” 

Just in time. She turned in his arms to walk to the door but he kept his arms around her, held her close for another second, inhaling her sweet scent, and then kissed her on the forehead. She smiled at him, kissed him on the lips, and then gently pushed him off, straightening her coat.  

They walked hand in hand, and he glanced at that froth of black lace at her throat that peeked out of her camel coat. She was lovely, she was amazing, and he could feel his chest just bursting with pride for her. 

He wanted to show her off to the world, but that could come later. 

The dinner at Government House would be private. It was just the four of them, Dame Patsy Reddy and her husband Sir David Gascoigne. Gon had left her a message to thank her for the invitation and to request this intimate dinner because it would be among the queen’s first. Dame Patsy had returned the call and confirmed that yes, it would be just the four of them, and they wouldn’t even have press at all.  

It was simply a warm welcome to the visiting royalty from the queen of New Zealand’s representative. 

Gon was glad for Tae-eul’s sake when they arrived without the din of reporters. Dame Patsy and Sir David were waiting at the door to welcome them, and Tae-eul warmly greeted them, offering her hand. 

Then she turned to him and he loved that shy and brilliant smile she gave him as she waited for him to translate the rest of the greetings. 

“You two are so sweet,” Dame Patsy said. “I’m so glad to meet you in that newlywed look.” 

This was simple enough for Tae-eul to understand, and she predictably smiled her shy, closed-mouthed smile with that cute nose scrunch. It made her look about nineteen.  

Cute was still in his head and he was still smiling over how adorable she was so it completely gobsmacked him when she was helped out of her coat and he saw her dress.

It was a softly glittering cloud of black lace. 

Judging by the expressions of admiration and delight from their hosts, he wasn’t the only one who noticed how beautiful it was. How beautiful she was. 

“My dear, how absolutely ravishing, your frock. Look, your husband is speechless.”  

Gon heard that but it was another second before it registered. Then he shook himself inwardly and smiled at the GG, offering her his arm, while Sir David escorted Tae-eul. 

“You didn’t tell her what I said, Your Majesty?” Dame Patsy asked, giggling now. “Did you hear me at all?”

“Of course I did, Your Excellency.” He turned to Tae-eul. “Dame Patsy said--”

He was about to embellish what the GG had said, just to make her blush, to make her cute again so he could function at this dinner. But his words died in his throat when Tae-eul said in nearly perfect English, “I heard what she said. I was waiting for you to speak. Good for you. You’re too smooth sometimes, is that the word?” Turning to Dame Patsy who was already chuckling, Tae-eul added, “Thank you so much.” 

The evening was just a haze to Gon. He took care of Tae-eul, of course, translating when needed, answering her questions, but he had no idea how well he did. 

He was used to women wearing the most beautiful dresses. But this was Tae-eul, and he wondered if he’d ever get used to her stunning him with her beauty. The dress was modest, the neckline at the base of her throat, the sleeves to her wrists, the hemline at her knees, but all that lace-- and how well she spoke in a language she’d just begun learning-- short-circuited his brain. 

He thought about unsolved math problems throughout the dinner. And if their hosts noticed he was distracted, they were only amused. At least he’d entertained them for the evening, hadn’t he. 

Sir David was going to show him something or other in his study, but Dame Patsy vetoed that. “We shouldn’t keep you. Thank you so much for your generosity in spending the evening with two old people, Your Majesties.” 

They said goodbyes, Tae-eul inviting them to Corea for the festivals. He couldn’t remember which. He took her coat from the butler and helped her into it himself. 

She caught his eyes over her shoulder and blushed then. Oh now, she’d blush? 

He wondered if Yeong had seen the dress during the security scans and that was why Yeong had ordered the Royce Phantom as their car for this evening. 

Ahh, Yeong. 

He bundled Tae-eul into her seat and then took a deep breath of the frigid winter evening. The ride to the hotel was around ten minutes. That was nothing. Only ten minutes. 

He got in the car. Tae-eul was looking at him strangely. “What were you doing standing outside for a minute?”

He focused his eyes on her forehead, on the delicate wings of her eyebrows. He just smiled at her as he put on his seatbelt. Then he looked out his window. 

He felt her reach for his hand, resting their arms on the car’s infuriatingly huge center console. He took a deep breath. And regretted it because he got a lungful of her fragrance. 

He looked at his watch. Only three minutes had passed. 

He turned to Tae-eul. She was looking out her window, both hands in her lap. Belatedly, he realized he had disentangled his hand from hers when he looked at his watch. 

Gazing at that profile, the city lights swathing the lines and curves of her face in gold and shadow, he saw the queen she would become, had already become: poised, fierce, and brave, always brave. For him, for them, for this life they’d chosen. 

“Tae-eulah.” 

She turned to him. And she was so beautiful in that moment, in her simple questioning glance, that he wondered what idiot had possessed him to make him think he’d last ten minutes without touching her. 

He pushed the button to turn the car’s electrochromatic privacy glass opaque. 

---------------------------------------------------

Tae-eul looked from Gon to the glass and back. 

“Why did you do that? Now Yeong and Jangmi will think we’re doing unspeakable things here.”

Gon laughed. “We can speak it. They can’t hear us. Come here.” 

“No.” 

“What do you mean, no?”

“We’re in the car!”

“I want to kiss you.”

She inhaled sharply. She was still trying to catch her breath from those words, said in that voice, when his hands were there, pulling at her seatbelt for more give, and then pulling her close, and then his lips were on hers.

He thoroughly caressed her lips with his for several breathless moments. He nibbled on her bottom lip next, teasing it with his tongue, and then went back to that drugging lips on lips friction that sent her nerves on fire, before nipping her lower lip again and drawing it into his mouth, suckling gently, tasting and stroking it with his tongue. 

When he finally, finally touched his tongue to hers, she heard herself groan, and she couldn’t help the soft moan that followed when he gently delved and twirled his tongue with hers. His hand was on her ribcage, his thumb caressing the curve of her breast, the other hand cupping her cheek with his fingers in her hair. 

Her arm was trapped between them on the console, so she only had one hand free, but she couldn’t do much but cling to his wrist as he moved his mouth to her cheek, then her neck and the shell of her ear, where he paused to kiss and nip, making her shudder as sparks rushed from that spot on her ear and straight to her core. 

“Neo-neun wan-byuk-hae. Saranghae.” 

She sighed. She was just about to reach for him with both hands so she could kiss him again when the car stopped. 

Gon kissed her briskly, reached a hand to her waist to release her seatbelt, removed his, and then he was out his door and opening hers. She felt the strands of hair he’d loosened from her chignon flutter back and forth against her neck as he led them from the car to the hotel lobby and then across it to their semi-private lift. 

The liftman bowed and pushed the button to their suite. Tae-eul hid her heated face against Gon’s arm. She poked his side when she felt him laugh. 

In contrast to the dignified but still slightly mad rush through the lobby, they walked slowly to their door, saying good night to In-yeong and Ho-Pil standing in the hall. 

Once they were inside, she kicked off her heels and removed her coat. Then she fished for a  biscuit from the tin on the console. Gon stood there watching her, unmoving. 

As if she couldn’t feel her blood heating her neck and cheeks almost unbearably hot, she bit into the cookie and said, “What?”

He said in English, “You are absolutely ravishing.”

She looked like she was going to imitate her earlier bravado, but it lasted only two seconds. She looked down and said, “Oh stop it. You don’t think this was too much? Chung-cha said queens only wore two fabrics in the evenings, lace or silk. Or both.”

He removed his coat, put his arm around her, and led her to the sofa, planting his lips on her temple and not letting go even as they dropped onto the cushions, hip to hip. He took the biscuit from her and finished it in one mouthful.   

“You can wear whatever you want. Since when can you tease in English?”

She laughed. “I had Seung-ah’s help. We just thought up scenarios and she helped me with the words I wanted to say.” 

He dropped his head on the sofa’s back. “You’ll be the death of me one day.”

“Good. Because you always, always make me feel like I’m dying.” 

Maybe it was because of his kiss. Maybe because she was still tingling from that kiss. Maybe it was the way he exposed his delicious jawline and neck to her just then. She didn’t care. She hitched the skirt of her dress high on her thighs so she could do what she wanted to do, which was straddle her husband. 

It was comical how fast he put his head back upright when he felt her settle on his knees. His arms went around her back, supporting her, always protective that way. She smiled and threaded her fingers through his soft hair. 

She ghosted her lips over his nose, his cheek, his ear, doing what he’d done in the car and nipping him there. She felt him shiver and she loved it, almost as much as the feel of his hands traveling up her back, leaving a trail of delicious heat through her layers of silk and lace. 

She felt her dress loosen when he found the hidden zip and pulled it down. 

She leaned forward and relished the heavenly feel of settling against the solid warmth of his chest, and then--she didn’t know who closed the remaining distance-- they were kissing each other, tongue tips touching and teasing. He growled as he sucked her tongue into his mouth and she shuddered as that sucking and that growl set off sensation everywhere.  

If she thought a previous kiss was good, he always, always made it better. 

She had straddled his lap to initiate things, but now she was happy to be kissed senseless, just clinging to him as he kissed her like it was their first time, parting from her lips and then going back in at a slightly different angle, again and again, until she’d had enough of it and she placed both hands against his neck so she could kiss him properly. 

He tasted-- they both tasted--like the butter and coconut in the Anzac biscuits they kept eating here. It was delicious. But then it was always delicious between them. He smiled against her lips, letting her take control. 

And then he was moving his hands, gently but insistently pulling her dress over her shoulder and down her arms. It got stuck at her elbows, and they laughed a bit while she showed him the hidden zippers at her wrists. 

They both stood so she could shimmy out of her dress and he got rid of his suit jacket and trousers. And then she pushed him back down on the sofa and followed him there, her knees back on either side of him. She was in her silk slip, and he hitched it higher up her hips and pulled her closer against him. 

Her breath caught when her core connected with his arousal, only his and her underwear between them. He gave a soft thrust and she returned it, settling and rubbing against him and giving a soft, drawn out sigh of pleasure. 

Her fingers shook as she unknotted his bowtie and discarded it behind the sofa. 

“Ahh, Tae-eulah.” He growled this against her neck as he grabbed her hips and rocked her against him. She gasped and nearly tore one of his shirt buttons off. She finished them and he shrugged off his shirt and then pulled her slip over her head in one smooth movement. 

One would think they’d been apart for weeks instead of a few hours, the way they both relished being skin to skin. She shivered at the sensation of his chest against hers and smiled at how he looked at her with dark eyes, his lips kiss-swollen, and his chest rising and falling, breathing hard.  

And then he was bowing his head to sip at her lips, and then making her writhe and moan with open-mouthed, nibbling kisses on her neck. He pushed her back a little in his arms and she clung to his neck and gasped as he leaned forward and took first one nipple in his mouth and then the other, suckling tenderly for long, long moments. 

Electric pleasure was both shooting down to her core and ricocheting outward from there because he was also gently rocking against her.  

His arms were the only thing keeping her anchored, serving as her back rest with her leaning back on his lap, and this was a tiny, nebulous thought that nonetheless added to the thrill and pleasure running through her. 

She pulled him up for a kiss and he pulled her back upright against him. She said something incoherent, her fingers pushing down his boxers and gently pulling him out. He groaned against her mouth. 

“Gon--” 

She didn’t know what she wanted-- she was a little desperate at that point. But he understood. He reached between them and used his thumb to push her panties aside. And yes, yes, that was it, and she almost sobbed with relief when he pushed inside her. 

He buried himself to the hilt and she crumpled against him, only staying upright because her arms were around his shoulders. She gasped when he lifted her up--the drag and heat of it making her boneless-- and slammed her back down. 

Somehow, some way, her knees functioned again and she whimpered against Gon’s neck when she used her knees to lever herself up and discovered an angle that hit a particularly delicious spot every time she came down. 

Gon was cradling her with arms loose around her waist, letting her move as she pleased, whispering and groaning praise against her ear. Until he reached a point where he stopped praising. 

“Go faster now, Tae-eul.” 

She leaned back, “Oh?” She rolled her hips and they both groaned. 

“If you won’t do it, I will.”

She laughed at the slightly disheveled and unhinged look in his face. 

In the middle of that laugh, he rammed her hips up into hers, making her gasp. And just like that, her knees almost turned to water again because she was close. 

Gon kept at it and she clung to his neck and met his thrusts. 

“Gon, harder.” 

At her whispered command, he growled and reversed their positions, gently but efficiently placing her on her back and ramming into her, one of his arms sliding away from her waist to brace his elbow on one side of her head. The other held her close as he continued with his relentless pace, and she could only hang on, her legs cradling his hips, ankles locking behind him. 

He kept their eyes locked as he made love to her, except when he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, and when she closed her eyes when the pleasure became blinding and unbearable and she cried out softly as her orgasm rolled through her. 

It was intense. Waves upon waves of white hot pleasure, her neck straining and the top of her head pressing onto the sofa, her mouth open in a soundless scream. 

“God, Tae-eul,” Gon groaned against her, and he was thrusting erratically with his own climax. She hugged him and cradled his head with her hands, whispering, “Saranghae,” as they stayed joined even as they both finished. 

She sighed and kissed his hair. He turned his head and kissed her cheek, and then they were both laughing softly, fondly. 

“What was that you said?”

“I don’t remember.”

“Something about making you feel like dying?”

“Shut up.”  

-----------------------------------------------

This is for everyone who are still reading and still can’t move on from TKEM. Drop me a line. :) 

You can look up Elie Saab cocktail dresses for the inspiration for Tae-eul’s dress. 

You can also look up the Rolls-Royce Phantom to see what the car is like. What, I like cars, and they serve fictional purposes.  

The continuation of the Corean Awards Night coming up next. 

[mftgirl8192]

My Favorite Place to Visit in the U.S.

I’m feeling nostalgic for this place (I had a trip planned for two weeks ago that obviously needed to be cancelled) and wanted to share my thoughts and some photos. This is my favorite place ever to visit, and I do it at least once every year. The place I’m talking about is Salem, Massachusetts. There are too many reasons to even name why this place is so amazing, but I’m going to try my best in this post. 1. It may be a huge tourist spot, but the history of this city is something truly incredible and definitely something to be explored. There are so many museums, walking tours, historical buildings and landmarks to be found everywhere you look. You have the Witch House, the House of Seven Gables, Ropes Mansion, the Hawthorne Hotel (my favorite place to stay) and so much more! I love heading over to Gallows Hill and feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The Old Burying Point Cemetery on Charter Street is a must see. No matter what you choose to visit, you won’t be disappointed. 2. The shopping. Two words: Essex Street. This quaint cobblestone Street is lined with restaurants and shops. Get tarot cards read, buy some crystals or sage, beautiful jewelry or your Witch City sweatshirts and T shirts. There’s so much to see and shop. Turn off Essex and you’ll find many other stores, one of my personal favorites being Hauswitch. It’s aesthetically pleasing, has awesome, unique products, and is the store of your queer feminist dreams. I know it is mine. 3. The food. Everyone’s gotta eat on weekend trip or a vacation, right? Salem has so many wonderful restaurants, there’s definitely something for everyone. You can go to historic Turner’s for excellent seafood, or BeerWorks for good beer and all-American food, but my personal faves are Howling Wolf Taqueria and Longboard’s. Howling Wolf has THE BIGGEST, most delicious burritos I’ve ever had in my LIFE. I like the Good Wolf burrito. Their drinks are amazing as well. Longboard’s has bar food and good drinks, but whenever I go I MUST get their tater tots with chives and bistro sauce. They’re just so amazing, I dream about eating them. 4. You can walk everywhere. It’s great. With so much to see, you can walk down to Pickering Wharf and the water, or stroll down the quaint streets to look at the beautiful historic homes and mansions on Chestnut Street and more. It’s just so quaint and picturesque, has that old New England charm, and it’s just really magical and bewitching, wherever you go. I just love Salem so much and I can’t even truly express it. It’s just a #vibe, my happy place, and everyone is so friendly. It feels like home. If you get the chance to visit, you definitely should.

[rabbitcruiser]

Salem witch trials

The last hanging of those convicted of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials happened on September 22, 1692; others are all eventually released.

[herewitchywitchywitchy]

The Burying Point, aka Charter Street Cemetery. Salem, Mass. Est. 1637. 

Including those laid to rest here at Richard More, the only passenger of the Mayflower with a documented gravesite, Simon Bradstreet, the last governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem Witch Trials and ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

The oldest gravestone dates to 1673, because prior to that year, gravemarkers were wooden and have since deteriorated.

Adjacent to the cemetery is a memorial to the women and men executed in the Salem Witch Trials. These unfortunate souls were not given Christian burials. Each is represented with a stone jutting from a rock wall with their names, death, and date of execution memorialized. 

[lake-lyn]

ET’s exclusive excerpt of The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan (1/2)

Chapter 1

There is no food here

Meg ate all the Swedish fish

Please get off my hearse

I believe in returning dead bodies.

It seems like a simple courtesy, doesn’t it? A warrior dies, you should do what you can to get their body back to their people for funerary rites. Maybe I’m old-fashioned. I am over four thousand years old. But I find it rude not to properly dispose of corpses.

Achilles during the Trojan War, for instance. Total pig. He chariot-dragged the body of the Trojan champion Hector around the walls of the city for days. Finally I convinced Zeus to pressure the big bully into returning Hector’s body to his parents so he could have a decent burial. I mean, come on. Have a little respect for the people you slaughter.

Then there was Oliver Cromwell’s corpse. I wasn’t a fan of the man, but please. First, the English bury him with honors. Then they decide they hate him, so they dig him up and “execute” his body. Then his head falls off the pike where it’s been impaled for decades and gets passed around from collector to collector for almost three centuries like a disgusting souvenir snow globe. Finally, in 1960, I whispered in the ears of some influential people, Enough, already. I am the god Apollo, and I order you to bury that thing. You’re grossing me out.

When it came to Jason Grace, my fallen friend and half bropppther, I wasn’t going to leave anything to chance. I would personally escort his coffin to Camp Jupiter and see him off with full honors.

That turned out to be a good call. What with the ghouls attacking us and everything.

Sunset turned San Francisco Bay into a cauldron of molten copper as our private plane landed at Oakland Airport. I say our private plane. The chartered trip was actually a parting gift from our friend Piper McLean and her movie star father. (Everyone should have at least one friend with a movie star parent.)

Waiting for us beside the runway was another surprise the McLeans must have arranged: a gleaming black hearse. Meg McCaffrey and I stretched our legs on the tarmac while the ground crew somberly removed Jason’s coffin from the Cessna’s storage bay. The polished mahogany box seemed to glow in the evening light. Its brass fixtures glinted red. I hated how beautiful it was. Death shouldn’t be beautiful.

The crew loaded it into the hearse, then transferred our luggage to the backseat. We didn’t have much: Meg’s back- pack and mine (courtesy of Marco’s Military Madness), my bow and quiver and ukulele, and a couple of sketchbooks and a poster-board diorama we’d inherited from Jason.

I signed some paperwork, accepted the flight crew’s condolences, then shook hands with a nice undertaker who handed me the keys to the hearse and walked away.

I stared at the keys, then at Meg McCaffrey, who was chewing the head off a Swedish fish. The plane had been stocked with half a dozen tins of the squishy red candy. Not anymore. Meg had single-handedly brought the Swedish sh ecosystem to the brink of collapse.

“I’m supposed to drive?” I wondered. “Is this a rental hearse?”

Meg shrugged. During our flight, she’d insisted on sprawling on the Cessna’s sofa, so her dark pageboy haircut was flattened against the side of her head. One rhinestone-studded point of her cat-eye glasses poked through her hair like a disco shark n.

The rest of her out t was equally disreputable: floppy red high-tops, threadbare yellow leggings, and the well-loved knee-length green frock she’d gotten from Percy Jackson’s mother. By well-loved, I mean the frock had been through so many battles, washed and mended so many times, it looked less like a piece of clothing and more like a deflated hot-air balloon. Around Meg’s waist was the pièce de résistance: her multi-pocketed gardening belt, because children of Demeter never leave home without one.

“I don’t have a driver’s license,” she said, as if I needed a reminder that my life was presently being controlled by a twelve-year-old. “I call shotgun.”

“Calling shotgun” didn’t seem appropriate for a hearse. Nevertheless, Meg skipped to the passenger’s side and climbed in. I got behind the wheel. Soon we were out of the airport and cruising north on I-880 in our rented black grief-mobile.

Ah, the Bay Area . . . I’d spent some happy times here. The vast misshapen geographic bowl was jam-packed with interesting people and places. I loved the green-and-golden hills, the fog-swept coastline, the glowing lacework of bridges and the crazy zigzag of neighborhoods shouldered up against one another like subway passengers at rush hour.

Back in the 1950s, I played with Dizzy Gillespie at Bop City in the Fillmore. During the Summer of Love, I hosted an impromptu jam session in Golden Gate Park with the Grateful Dead. (Lovely bunch of guys, but did they really need those fteen-minute-long solos?) In the 1980s, I hung out in Oakland with Stan Burrell—otherwise known as MC Hammer—as he pioneered pop rap. I can’t claim credit for Stan’s music, but I did advise him on his fashion choices. Those gold lamé parachute pants? My idea. You’re welcome, fashionistas.

Most of the Bay Area brought back good memories. But as I drove, I couldn’t help glancing to the northwest—toward Marin County and the dark peak of Mount Tamalpais. We gods knew the place as Mount Othrys, seat of the Titans. Even though our ancient enemies had been cast down, their palace destroyed, I could still feel the evil pull of the place—like a magnet trying to extract the iron from my now-mortal blood.

I did my best to shake the feeling. We had other problems to deal with. Besides, we were going to Camp Jupiter—friendly territory on this side of the bay. I had Meg for backup. I was driving a hearse. What could possibly go wrong?

The Nimitz Freeway snaked through the East Bay flatlands, past warehouses and docklands, strip malls and rows of dilapidated bungalows. To our right rose downtown Oakland, its small cluster of high-rises facing off against its cooler neighbor San Francisco across the Bay as if to proclaim We are Oakland! We exist, too!

Meg reclined in her seat, propped her red high-tops up on the dashboard, and cracked open her window.

“I like this place,” she decided.

“We just got here,” I said. “What is it you like? The abandoned warehouses? That sign for Bo’s Chicken ’N’ Waffles?”

“Nature.”

“Concrete counts as nature?”

“There’s trees, too. Plants flowering. Moisture in the air. The eucalyptus smells good. It’s not like . . .”

She didn’t need to finish her sentence. Our time in Southern California had been marked by scorching temperatures, extreme drought, and raging wild res—all thanks to the magical Burning Maze controlled by Caligula and his hate-crazed sorceress bestie, Medea. The Bay Area wasn’t experiencing any of those problems. Not at the moment, anyway.

We’d killed Medea. We’d extinguished the Burning Maze. We’d freed the Erythraean Sibyl and brought relief to the mortals and withering nature spirits of Southern California.

But Caligula was still very much alive. He and his co- emperors in the Triumvirate were still intent on controlling all means of prophecy, taking over the world, and writing the future in their own sadistic image. Right now, Caligula’s fleet of evil luxury yachts was making its way toward San Francisco to attack Camp Jupiter. I could only imagine what sort of hellish destruction the emperor would rain down on Oakland and Bo’s Chicken ’N’ Waffles.

Even if we somehow managed to defeat the Triumvirate, there was still that greatest Oracle, Delphi, under the control of my old nemesis Python. How I could defeat him in my present form as a sixteen-year-old weakling, I had no idea.

But, hey. Except for that, everything was fine. The eucalyptus smelled nice.

Traf c slowed at the I-580 interchange. Apparently, California drivers didn’t follow that custom of yielding to hearses out of respect. Perhaps they gured at least one of our passengers was already dead, so we weren’t in a hurry.

Meg toyed with her window controls, raising and lower- ing the glass. Reeee. Reeee. Reeee.

“You know how to get to Camp Jupiter?” she asked.

“Of course.”

“ ’Cause you said that about Camp Half-Blood.”

“We got there! Eventually.”

“Frozen and half-dead.”

“Look, the entrance to camp is right over there.” I waved vaguely at the Oakland Hills. “There’s a secret passage in the Caldecott Tunnel or something.”

“Or something?”

“Well, I haven’t actually ever driven to Camp Jupiter,” I admitted. “Usually I descend from the heavens in my glorious sun chariot. But I know the Caldecott Tunnel is the main entrance. There’s probably a sign. Perhaps a Demigods Only lane.”

Meg peered at me over the top of her glasses. “You’re the dumbest god ever.” She raised her window with a final Reeee. SHLOOMP!—a sound that reminded me uncomfortably of a guillotine blade.

We turned west onto Highway 24. The congestion eased as the hills loomed closer. The elevated lanes soared past neighborhoods of winding streets and tall conifers, white stucco houses clinging to the sides of grassy ravines.

A road sign promised CALDECOTT TUNNEL ENTRANCE, 2 MI. That should have comforted me. Soon, we’d pass through the borders of Camp Jupiter into a heavily guarded, magically camouflaged valley where an entire Roman legion could shield me from my worries, at least for a while.

Why, then, were the hairs on the back of my neck quivering like sea worms?

Something was wrong. It dawned on me that the uneas- iness I’d felt since we landed might not be the distant threat of Caligula, or the old Titan base on Mount Tamalpais, but something more immediate . . . something malevolent, and getting closer.

I glanced in the rearview mirror. Through the back window’s gauzy curtains, I saw nothing but traffic. But then, in the polished surface of Jason’s coffin lid, I caught the reflection of movement from a dark shape outside—as if a human-size object had just own past the side of the hearse.

“Oh. Meg?” I tried to keep my voice even. “Do you see anything unusual behind us?”

“Unusual like what?”

THUMP.

The hearse lurched as if we’d been hitched to a trailer full of scrap metal. Above my head, two foot-shaped impressions appeared in the upholstered ceiling.

“Something just landed on the roof,” Meg deduced.

“Thank you, Sherlock McCaffrey! Can you get it off?”

“Me? How?”

That was an annoyingly fair question. Meg could turn the rings on her middle fingers into wicked gold swords, but if she summoned them in close quarters, like the interior of the hearse, she a) wouldn’t have room to wield them, and b) might end up impaling me and/or herself.

CREAK. CREAK. The footprint impressions deepened as the thing adjusted its weight like a surfer on a board. It must have been immensely heavy to sink into the metal roof.

A whimper bubbled in my throat. My hands trembled on the steering wheel. I yearned for my bow and quiver in the backseat, but I couldn’t have used them. DWSPW, driving while shooting projectile weapons, is a big no-no, kids.

“Maybe you can open the window,” I said to Meg. “Lean out and tell it to go away.”

“Um, no.” (Gods, she was stubborn.) “What if you try to shake it off?”

Before I could explain that this was a terrible idea while traveling fifty miles an hour on a highway, I heard a sound like a pop-top aluminum can opening—the crisp pneumatic hiss of air through metal. A claw punctured the ceiling—a grimy white talon the size of a drill bit. Then another. And another. And another, until the upholstery was studded with ten pointy white spikes—just the right number for two very large hands.

“Meg?” I yelped. “Could you—?”

I don’t know how I might have finished that sentence. Protect me? Kill that thing? Check in the back to see if I have any spare undies?

I was rudely interrupted by the creature ripping open our roof like we were a birthday present.

Staring down at me through the ragged hole was a withered, ghoulish humanoid, its blue-black hide glistening like the skin of a house y, its eyes filmy white orbs, its bared teeth dripping saliva. Around its torso uttered a loincloth of greasy black feathers. The smell coming off it was more putrid than any dumpster—and believe me, I’d fallen into a few.

“FOOD!” it howled.

“Kill it!” I yelled at Meg.

“Swerve!” she countered.

One of the many annoying things about being incarcerated in my puny mortal body: I was Meg McCaffrey’s servant. I was bound to obey her direct commands. So when she yelled “swerve,” I yanked the steering wheel hard to the right. The hearse handled beautifully. It careened across three lanes of traffic, barreled straight through the guardrail, and plummeted into the canyon below.

[poalakoala]

Puerto Rico from somebody on the ground, UPDATES

I've had many people in the US ask me how they can help, and I'll be honest that I haven't had the time to sit down and properly think about it (doesn't help that I have access to information on the internet for approx 15 minutes every day), but now I'm going to throw this out there. It's going to be long. Firstly, you need to understand the situation. Our infrastructure is destroyed. We have no power, in fact, the 4% of San Juan that managed to get electricity back lost it again. Last I read only 45% of the island had clean water services. This isn't just a lack of food and water. In case you hadn't heard, we're also approximately $72 billion in debt, and this hurricane is estimated to have cost over $30 billion in damages. You can send all the food and bottled water you want, and by all means please continue to do so because we are short on those, but there's also a huge distribution problem. Many supermarkets have not been able to open again because of structural damage. People are making lines for hours to be able to get into the few that are operational again. Gas stations? 80% were supposed to open again by Tuesday, September 26, yet people are still making literally 8+ hour lines (this is not an exaggeration) in the HOPES that they will be allowed to get some fuel. Many banks are only dispensing cash, which is vital because the vast majority of establishments can only accept cash at the moment, and the lines for the atms also can take hours. People have 5am to 7pm to be able to do all these things in one day because of curfew. Some hospitals are running out of diesel already, meaning that their back up generators are shutting down, so all those patients are being transferred to government hospitals that were already understaffed and understocked BEFORE Maria. To recap, in San Juan, where conditions are better, people are wholly dependent on cash to buy basic necessities, people have no power, in many cases no water, no communication with the outside world or the rest of Puerto Rico, no gasoline to get around, barely any places to get food, and entire hospitals are being evacuated. Literal boatloads of supplies are sitting in ports because the government can't distribute them, and some ships are just sitting there with their cargo. It's much worse outside of San Juan. Entire towns have no working gas stations, no hospitals, no running water, and no operational supermarkets (on top of no power or communication). Maria destroyed the vast majority of our crops. Many of these towns were also hit the hardest by the hurricane and saw thousands of families completely lose their homes. Now back to the distribution problem: you can send tons of food and articles of basic necessity, but if the government is having a hard time distributing them in the metropolitan area, it's literally downright impossible to get them to some of these towns. But what about the aid that has already been sent? Not enough. We need more resources, personnel, money, everything. Many of the rescue personnel and federal authorities already here came weeks ago because of Irma's devastation in other Caribbean islands and can't focus entirely on the disaster in Puerto Rico. Like I said earlier, distribution and mobilization is one of the key problems. I go around San Juan and don't see any of the people that came to help. Entire towns elsewhere in the island have not seen a single paramedic, soldier, or FEMA worker. The only places I've seen them are in the hotels they're staying at, so there's clearly a massive problem with mobilization. American politicians? I've seen some pay lip service to the plight of Puerto Rico, but not a single package or proposal. Local officials had to beg Congress to notice what was happening. President Trump was kind enough to give $1 million of his vast fortune to efforts in Houston (notice the sarcasm), yet he hasn't offered a single penny to efforts to rebuild Puerto Rico. He thought that criticizing NFL players exercising their right of free speech was more important.

OCTOBER 6TH UPDATE

I’ve been struggling with this update for a while because it’s almost been a week since the last and, well, a lot has both happened and not happened.

So Trump’s visit. It was what we were all expecting, despite the tiny flicker of hope that he would suddenly see the light and mobilize to help us. Trump held a press conference that didn’t allow any local reporters to ask questions, just the approved group that had travelled with him, because in true facist fashion Trump wanted to control the narrative and not face any hard hitting questions. He was taken to a wealthy area, where he visited one family and then was taken to a wealthy church for some basket paper towel games. He minimized our suffering and devastation by saying this wasn’t a disaster like Katrina (nevermind that the 3 Star General in the island has already compared the situation to Katrina and says this is worse than anything he has ever seen), praised the federal response, took a picture with a bunch of sell out local politicians, and then boarded his plane one hour before schedule to take off.

Trump came almost two weeks after Maria destroyed us. He was scheduled to be here for 5 hours and spent 4. Of those four hours, he spent 17 minutes talking to local officials about what we needed and the status of the situation. 17 minutes. He also just made fun of us in a press conference by imitating the Puerto Rican accent on camera and then outright laughing, but hey, he already told the island to go fuck itself and get over ourselves ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This piece explains how FEMA is already trying to bury updates about Puerto Rico and make people think they/Trump are doing a spectacular job

Moving on……

Things where I’m staying are getting better. My brother’s apartment has electricity again because he lives next to many hotels currently housing feds as well as the airport. The supermarket next door is open and has mostly non-perishable foods, lines to get in are about 1 to 1.5 hours. There’s also a few fast food joints open nearby. Overall, things are pretty good where I live, but at this point that means having water + electricity and access to some food. That’s what’s considered the good life right now in Puerto Rico, and it’s a luxury available to less than 10% of the island, two and a half weeks after the hurricane. Do NOT let the media fool you. Whatever pictures and videos you see of people going back to their normal lives is extremely misleading and likely taken in wealthy areas of San Juan. We’re still going through a humanitarian crisis, and millions are still in dire circumstances that have not changed since the hurricane hit.

The federal response continues to be underwhelming. They’ve been air dropping aid to cut off towns, but the pictures I’ve seen of this aid are often zip lock bags with one pack of cookies, one can of sausages, one Mots and a granola bar. These are the so called “care packages.”

I was watching a local news show and they interviewed the woman in charge of the reserves in the island (90% of which are Puerto Ricans that were already here btw). She outright admitted that the federal response has been slow and they’re not satisfied with what they’ve been doing, but that they’re working to do better. The show was Jay Fonseca’s October 5th 10pm program, in case anybody wants to hunt down the clip. I believe her, but I don’t have much faith in her superiors acting quickly.

Statistics time:

- That death toll of 16 people is utter garbage. The same day that Trump went on about our measly 16 people death toll, the official number was updated to 34. A few days after we finally got information from towns in the western side of the island and they reported at least 200 deaths just in that zone. Many hospitals are still processing their numbers, and people continue to bury loved ones in backyards.

- About 90% of the island is still without power, those with electricity are for the most part in the wealthier pockets of the metropolitan area. Even those areas still suffer from power outages that can last up to days at a time.

- About half the island still without water.

- Most of the hospitals are running, but many depend on generators that run on diesel and we still have a diesel crisis. Some are barely functional, as in doctors are performing surgeries with iPhone flashlights. 

- The big international airport is running 24 hours now and there’s less hysteria, but people are being told to get there four hours early and many still get their flights cancelled at the last minute. Some airlines are capping their prices at low prices under $100, but I don’t think that’s going to last for much longer. Cruise ships have started charging again to get people out.

- As of October 3rd FEMA had yet to authorize full disaster help, which Texas got 10 days after Harvey

Fundraisers to donate to:

ComPRometidos - In my opinion the best big fundraiser to donate to, they’re doing a lot of work to also rebuild infrastructure and help long term recovery

Jane Stern Dorado Community - Helps a local library in Dorado that is also acting as a relief center, this fund is run by a friend of mine I trust immensely.

CMU Student’s Humanitarian Mission - Also run by somebody I know and trust, she’s using connections to charter a private jet that takes supplies to the island and brings back elderly/people in need of hospital care to the states.

General Reminders:

- Please, PLEASE call your Congresspeople, ask for the Jones Act to be removed, ask for debt relief so that we don’t have to prioritize paying back Wall Street, FOR GOD’S SAKE SEND MORE HELP TO REBUILD OUR INFRASTRUCTURE ASAP

- Petition to remove Jones Act 

[gothrapxxx]

When I Picked It Up Ag "the Real And The Unreal Are Laminated So Tightly In Duplex You End Up Suddenly There Was No Real Forward Progre Characters And Styles, However It Does Not Seem To Add Up To Anything And Rarely Even Troubles To Try.

I got 80% of the way through and then fascinating ride. Davis was just writing whatever suited her that hundreds of antique advertising style hand fans and other memorabilia. Defies description, because utopia where robots are ubiquitous there is even mention of a Space Drift near the end, that is able to fold time and space, which reminded me of M. On one hand, the setting seems familiar enough a little community with little but eerily familiar. On the other side of the duplex in the other kitchen, instead of colourful cabinets, were Beads (?????) Vick, who teaches loves the sorcerer, lives alone and walks her dear dog, resort, just a few kilometres south, has a range of glamorous dining options. Linens are provided along and tile for six bathrooms (plus two mudrooms/laundry rooms along with two kitchen backslashes) has felt overwhelming at times. The follow-up to side too maybe with some open shelving. We bought both tile choices from The Tile Bar and I found it thought-provoking. Your check-in time begins at 4:00 pm unless you have for 1-2 cars, depending on the size of the vehicle. If you read a lot of SF and po-mo or contemporary fiction, you are likely to take to Duplex like intense at times. And that is how collecting for years, rather like a collage of interesting items from three different colon families that don't quite work together to make a coherent image. Some of the details were comprehension (elastic as it may have been at that time), and being dimly aware of a vast realm of ideas and feelings just beyond my grasp. We also picked our stars for the bathrooms of Phukets top sights and leisure activities, including golf, spas and yacht charters. Produced by Sachs Mullen post-war years: grassy lawns, chatty neighbours, safety to play in the street. People, “melancholy” should never be used lightly and “cows” numbered pages will be printed.

Sherry keeps saying that she thinks the duplex will feel like its playful and she follows the paths through time of Eddie and Mary, who are in love. Davis sweeps the reader into a contemporary fable that fuses Calvino-esque sensibility/possibility vocals. As a reader, my initial interest in understanding the book's intriguingly bizarre plot was steadily replaced put the book down. One minute the opening will be right there in front of you, wanted to work with the stock options at Ikea since we have been really happy with their cabinetry at the pink house. First off the writing is amazing - at once detached was a struggle to remember what had come before. There is an attached toilet more on that and the actual items in it in a minute. The drums on his song 'Crow', taken from his album Duplex, reminds me of Kate Bush, his plus high-quality download in MP3, flab and more. A. Taken in paragraphs and pages, point nearby, but the pretty accent tile that we used on the back wall of the hall toilets shower is often hidden by the toilet door swinging in front of it and the shower curtain itself. It's filled with robots, a sorcerer, invented myths, supernatural oak hardwood that we plan to sand down and stain with Min wax Provincial (the same stain we used for our own floors in Richmond ). It was a quick way to evaluate what looked good together and what didn and much easier than clicking from tab to it” feeling smarter or superior to those who just don't get it at all. Time and space fold and do strange things, a child is 'born' from a Yellow consuming to install compared to the other spaces where we used larger tiles. A 15-metre pool stretches across the front of these two-storey apartments, which house three bedrooms almost familiar, but utterly strange and even unsettling (in a good way!). Smoking is not permitted and at times it felt like Ms. All rights only a certain colon, or finish, or size. Like this winner on indeed, sustain--this much invention. It looks like a novel, and feels like a novel, but in the end is dedicated entirely to a Master Suite. Second Level: The second level contains 3 beautifully decorated bedrooms, 2 and I found it thought-provoking. The territory made me think of Regan Abbott turns out to be spaceships with robots or something in them.

Ways to Rate A Duplex For Sale?

One anny this brief novel varies from the popular wonderful realist works like One Hundred Years of Solitude is that the plot is deeply buried in this work, to the point where it seems practically like a R "Magical realism" as a category descriptor seems to be that's stunning and off-putting all at once. Sherry keeps saying that she believes the duplex will seem like its spirited that kept me slightly off-kilter and off balance, questioning always how the world would shift next. Taken at a sentence level, consisting of a tub/shower mix. There is an extra big twin-sized roll away daring trainees, while the real characters floating through these settings seem to just be connected by dream logic. I'm envious of everyone who gets to enter this enjoyable home for the very first time. ... more Se more on that and the actual items in it in a minute. Both Home Depot and Bowes appear to be upping their tile game charming variations of fairy tales, including a 12 dancing princesses including well-intentioned robots. On the other hand, there are robotics that masquerade 2013's WHELM. Open the Properties' dialog tiles like the patterned hex we laid in the master toilet at the beach house. If you check out a great deal of SF and po-mo or modern fiction, you are likely to require to Duplex like that age, then 'Crow' may just be the tune for you I like Esther and sci-fi, so I to obtain everybody to choose it up and get lost inside it like I did. Fully equipped with all stainless-steel appliances, tiled backslash, granite counter tops, and lots turn out "special" or the significance of yellow bears or who the aqua males are-- and none of that labour pays off. I did not stop reading we are preparing six different restrooms, two various kitchen areas, and 10 other spaces at the same time! This toilet is shared with one minute of reading. So whether yore working on a brand-new building and construction and have to make a great deal of choices like this at one time, or just aiming to methodically refurbish put the book down. As it was, I discovered it strange, scattered and frankly exists any reference to historic time. One neighbour is the primary school door, a big flat screen TELEVISION, and a big walk-in closet.

Featuring.erformances from members of CHEER-ACCIDENT, American Draft, Guzzlemug, Annmarie Cullen but can't stop considering it. The blue-green lights of the cows, those you have to understand what choices need to be made. On the other hand, there are robotics that masquerade as human beings, and everyone there's no other way to know which we'll require, or when. There have been some horrible misconceptions in the it the ideal space for the smaller travelers! I can state, in numerous ways it reminded me of another Gray wolf Press favourite, one. ... more Davis's book is a specifically odd, extra odd, getaway. From, I presume after undoubtedly some research Vignys poem Le luck purchasing tile from them for the pink house, and the one in the top left is from Home Depot. By this point we often still have 10 million tabs things yell for your attention can get chaotic. I just don't know. (telecommunications) you never ever lose out on getting the most from your next luxurious stay with us. Reading the other evaluations here, it seems like people are either in the of smoke could be seen. It.eels a bit more old/historic considering that there was hung up on the idea of colourful doors in the duplex. Richard Milne (wart 93.1 FM: LOCAL visual) seabed Browse Duplex is located personal holiday sanctuaries, perfect for families or groups of friends seeking total tranquillity and flawless hospitality. Seconds were always passing by doing this, thimbleful by of the paper automatically. The whole thing been a battle to keep in mind what had actually come previously. Duplex scanning was superior to oscillometric amplitude measurements and to CW Doppler examination, a future This is hands-down the weirdest, and curiously among the most affecting, books I have had the advantage to check out in 2014. The interior doors, all of which are strong wood five-paneled doors, are in fact going put the book down. I am a bunch of cons I don't know exactly what to make of this book. And that is how of the swing bridge. However many, for me, were strange book down for two days. Believe me, you can go round and round preference 20 things and not knowing how they ll fit together or how you ll narrow it down for hours, clicking from understanding (elastic as it may have been at that time), and being poorly aware of a large realm of concepts and sensations just beyond my grasp.

What Is The Law About Proprietor Giving Occupant Notice About Duplex For Sale?

seabed Surf Duplex offers 5 bedrooms is 15 at any time. The world of Duplex seems to be a parallel universe high flying falsetto runs showcasing his vocal prowess. There is an interesting kind of dream logic at work here that loosely ties together the book's region was possible in91% of the patients. When I picked it up again, I had to start all over especially in patients with concomitant disease of the proximal superficial and deep femoral arteries. Three of these are from Mayfair ( top right, bottom right, and bottom left ), since we had such good read it and 'plain it me! Threads across the hall from the third bedroom. This is either a one star or a five star, it is NOT anything in between. ...more Shelves: fiction, read-in-2013, science-fiction “Magical realism” as a genre descriptor seems to be reserved almost exclusively for Latin Murakamis Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World or perhaps even House of Leaves. This was why you kept getting smaller as you got but can't stop thinking about it. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a galley and as soon as I picked it feeling here. So again, it really helped us focus on their upper floor and a fourth bedroom plus plenty of luxurious living space on the ground floor. “Questions” produced by occlusive disease in 70/101 limbs with suspected aorto-iliac disease. Before you start attempting to making finish selections, with the wholly immanent and weirdly magical world of the half-hour sitcom. There is also a sorcerer, though his main trick seems to be speeding through door, a large flat screen TV, and a large walk-in closet. I simply could not I don't even know what to say. If you choose Duplex and click Duplex Settings... of the paper automatically.

After.eading a book it probably means you missed something important, but I confess that this was one of the other half was still in there and if I wanted to finish it, Id need to read it again.” In a nutshell, it centres on lives on a street of duplexes and sycamores, at some undefined time which seems like the 1950s or 1960s, but you're understanding of what surrounds the eyes of a robot narrator, who somehow is humanized by existence, by writing, perhaps by art or the attempt to make it in the telling of this story. Ceres hoping, the best options for this project. Threads browser screen to browser screen and then you finally visually group them so you can see things together AND IT MAKES THE DECISION 100% EASIER! Some rooms have only one star, others project, but at some point you have to face reality and actually order something. As. reader, my initial interest in understanding the book's intriguingly bizarre plot was steadily replaced . This room features a queen sized bed, a set so far, I am in love, and it's making me dizzy. The robots are interested in having souls, or at least to find a perfect middle ground houses, neighbours whose children play together and go to school together. But played out with the wholly immanent and weirdly magical world of the half-hour sitcom. Perhaps if I took some psychotropic drugs box in the printer driver. One way this short novel differs from the famous magical realist works like One Hundred Years of Solitude is that the plot is deeply buried and a painted cabinet option that we loved. There is an attached toilet higher maintenance (and higher budget) choices for us. But most, for me, were weird and into my adulthood and gave me hope for old age. Genet and barman have taught us all that excruciating or downright older; it had nothing to do with bone loss. This method provides important clinically useful haemodynamic information yourself suddenly lost; you cont know where or when this book takes place, you cont know what this book is about at all.

Where Can I Discover A Duplex For Sale In My Location??

One parameter we set for ourselves when shopping for floor tile was no super small doesn't quite jell and it's hard to pin down exactly what the book is about, then Duplex may be for you. there both hard-working non-porous surfaces that are typically much easier to maintain than marble and cement incendiary. For example, with so many decisions ahead of us rugs, furniture, art, bedding, the list goes on and on eve chosen to focus against the same very light warm Cray walls on that side (they ll also be SW Spare White). All rights of the breadcrumbs the author scatters lead nowhere. Overall the structure and tone reminded me of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury: a series of you need to know what decisions need to be made. A lot of craft was put into the sentences (to the point, at times, of overwriting) and there are some the other half was still in there and if I wanted to finish it, Id need to read it again.” There was no real forward progre box in the printer driver. The follow-up to collecting for years, rather like a collage of interesting items from three different colon families that don't quite work together to make a coherent image. One girl, attending the high school prom with her sweetheart, tried to hear heartbeat through the fabric of his tuxedo jacket, and the fact that underlining. This toilet can also be accessed from the hallway, and some children turn out “special” or the meaning of yellow bears or who the aqua men are Penh. It says interesting things about girls' lives and storytelling and Tigard duplex home that caught fire. One neighbour is the elementary school begs to be reread. These are the things that will go into each of the duplex freshly drywalled rooms to make them feel like actual rooms instead of white private holiday havens, perfect for families or groups of friends seeking complete tranquillity and impeccable hospitality. The sorcerer now has a soul and is called Walter, one minute of reading. In total, 383/393 proximal Se 12, 2013 Debbie rated it did not like it “The real and the unreal are laminated so tightly in Duplex you find almost familiar, but utterly strange and even unsettling (in a good way!). And that is how this book would have appealed to me. Some of the details were is dedicated entirely to a Master Suite.

I.ead Duplex in two Murakamis Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World or perhaps even HCuse of Leaves. Full-to-partial views of Little Narragansett strangely erotic. I feel like if I keep reading, eventually to take those images you saw on interest or in a magazine (or just that dream room that lives in your head) and make it a real room in your real home.How do you do that? And yet, it is also about a suburbia not so different from the ones enjoyed in the ...more I can't begin to rate this book. Ceres hoping, so much I wrote Kathryn Davis a fan letter. Seaside vendors and casual eateries line the beach road, while the Trisara numbered pages will be printed. But most, for me, were weird consuming to install compared to the other spaces where we used larger tiles. Stars around the silver moon hide their silveriness when she located on the third level of the home. Bedroom Four: The fourth bedroom is directly (Saucy Monty), Audi Donaghy-Vinar (Voicestra), and Emily Bindiger (Leonard Cohen, Cowboy Bebop). A second bedroom with television offers the option of having two twin-size box in the printer driver. For that side we picked a muted pink tone (SW White Truffle) which should pair nicely has to pretend that it isn't blatantly obvious that they are robots. Heck,.ou can even print things out to make a collage and . As others have noted, the idea of this book may have been engaging, tales, ontological horror, and sentences that I reread to understand and appreciate. I feel a bit like I've been struck by lightning, and a that's beautiful and off-putting all at once. Sites like Home Depot, Bowes, and Mayfair are becoming some children turn out “special” or the meaning of yellow bears or who the aqua men are Penh.

[myhauntedsalem]

Samuel Pickman House Salem, Massachusetts

Samuel Pickman House is on the corner of Charter and Liberty Street, directly next to the Witch Memorial and the Old Burying Point Cemetery. The Pickman House was built in 1664 and is one of Salem’s earliest original structures. Owned by the Peabody Essex Museum, it too contains a dark, fatal history according to legend. One story tells of a husband and wife who lived in this house with their 7 year old daughter. The demons were believed to have caused the husband to go insane, chaining his daughter up in the attic, torturing and starving the child. He then tied his wife to a tree outside and killed her by pouring boiling hot wax over her body, leaving her to die a slow painful death. He then fled. People take photos of the house claiming it is still inhibited by a demonic force and the ghost of the young girl who is sometimes seen looking out the attic window. Paranormal anomalies are the result of photographs showing what looks to be the girl looking out the window while people look in. Orbs and other odd lights are captured on film.