#Hickory Snow

[uxbridge]

Snowy trail 3

[my-52-weeks-with-christie]

[plazainkfish]

[travelwithliliana]

Events in Hickory, North Carolina

Hickory, North Carolina, a city known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage, hosts an array of events that bring people together in celebration and enjoyment. One such event that stands out in the city's calendar is the Annual Festival of Trees & Holiday Snow Village. This festival, a collaboration between Ace Hardware and the Western Piedmont Symphony, marks the beginning of the holiday season in Hickory and offers a unique and delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.

Annual Festival of Trees & Holiday Snow Village

Five years ago, Andrew & Sheryl James displayed their beautiful village in the board room of the Arts & Science Center. Since then, the display has grown dramatically into a breathtaking spectacle, now housed in the old West Wing library. Spanning an impressive 30 ft x 30 ft area, the village showcases the magic and charm of the winter season.

Snowy Celebration

The "Snowy Celebration" serves as the opening Saturday night gala of the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Snow Village. It's an exclusive event where attendees can be the first to see the beautiful trees and wreaths and experience the breathtaking Snow Village. The celebration starts at 6 pm and ends at 10 pm, providing ample time for guests to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Tickets for the event cost $50 per person, and the experience includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and decadent desserts. Bistro 127 caters the event, ensuring that the culinary offerings are as delightful as the visual spectacle.

Become Part of the Village

One of the unique aspects of the Snow Village is the opportunity for attendees to become part of the village by sponsoring a home or a business within the display. This interactive element adds a personal touch to the event, allowing guests to feel a connection to the village and contribute to its enchanting ambiance.

Location and Contact Information

The Annual Festival of Trees & Holiday Snow Village takes place in the Old Library Room in the West Wing of the SALT Block in Hickory, North Carolina. For more information or to reserve tickets, interested parties can call (828) 324-8603. Additional details are also available on the Hickory Metro website.

Conclusion

The Annual Festival of Trees & Holiday Snow Village in Hickory, North Carolina, embodies the spirit of the holiday season. It brings together the community in a joyful celebration that combines art, music, food, and the magic of a winter wonderland. Whether it's the stunning visual display of the Snow Village, the delicious food catered by Bistro 127, or the opportunity to become part of the village through sponsorship, the festival offers something for everyone. It's an event that not only marks the beginning of the holiday season but also celebrates the creativity and community spirit that makes Hickory a special place to live and visit.

[ares857]

internet finds

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[darkeagleruins]

Whistleblower from NCGA reveals there are FEMA trailers sitting in Hickory right now and FEMA has no timeline on when those will be deployed to those who need them.

Meanwhile, people across the region are sleeping in tents. Tonight it will snow - and the temps will be in the teens in some areas.

The campers belong to the American taxpayer and FEMA is holding them hostage from people who need them.

Let's not get it twisted.

[cloudcountry]

NRC'S PAINT CHIP PROJECT!

"short drabbles of every nrc student based of a paint color that reminds me of them!"

riddle rosehearts — rose red

trey clover — moss green

cater diamond — baker miller pink

ace trappola — tigers eye

deuce spade — sapphire blue

leona kingscholar — orange blossom

ruggie bucchi — yellow finch

jack howl — sweet pea

azul ashengrotto — lavender lace

jade leech — sage green

floyd leech — baby blue

kalim al-asim — sunshine yellow

jamil viper — ruby red

vil schoenheit — royal purple

rook hunt —rusty red

epel felmier — hickory brown

idia shroud — midnight blue

ortho shroud — new hope grey

malleus draconia — green with envy

lilia vanrouge — neon yellow

sebek zigvolt — fiery red

silver — lilac snow

[fandom-skellyweirdo-jumper]

Branch and Hickory both really hate the cold.

Branch hates the cold because he remembers all the times he almost didn't survive the winter, in his trolling days, and gets extremely anxious over his food and fire wood supplies because of it.

Hickory hates the cold because it keeps making him unreasonable anxious and when he starts freezing he gets hit by unexplainable panic attacks. (He only ever recalls all thoses god forsaken blizzard he got stuck in with Dickory. He doesn't remember the numbness that overtook him when he was buried under the snow- under the avalanche.)

If any troll asks them if they like winter holidays, they'll lie and say that they're just not too fond of damp socks and cloud darken morning.

But if any troll has the bright idea to try and start a surprise snowball fight against Hickory- when Branch had finally gotten him to warm enough to try and go outside without fear- than that same troll better be prepared for a surprise snow-fucking-cannonball fight because Branch takes no prisoners.

[frogalor]

playlists i’m proud of:

west coast winter for the timeless days between christmas and new years / for the snowless california winters

bobcore darkwave vibes

feral girl fall ominous, off putting, and vaguely threatening is what we aim for

ayo who put this on at the gym??? just some girly (gender neutral) tunes to get me through a horrible workout

i’m a hickory just as well appalachian folk and bluegrass

dream queen mexicana y latine dreamy pop and r&b (Kali Uchis vibes)

yeeha cunty country (pre-2010s)

hot girl shit (self explanatory)

cigarette lounge dreamy, old timey vibes

in the meadow watching butterflies (ethereal romantic)

the main character just got an apartment upbeat indie pop

daisies dancing in a patch of diaries

gentle showers the soft spring rain that signifies the end of winter and everything becomes greener (soft r&b)

punk party my favorite upbeat modern pop punk songs (tssf, neck deep, movements, hot mulligan)

let’s pretend it’s a snow day just a west coast girly trying to romanticize her winter (semi indie pop vibes)

mistlehoe cunty christmas

stockings by the fire catch all playlist of christmas music (lots of repeat songs)

cigarettes & crisp air melancholic indie / alt

jumping in leaf piles perfect for movie-esque fall days

oh no it’s the season of the witch

let’s get spooky halloween songs

flannels & beanies mom, i wish it was a phase

tricks ‘n’ treats spooky adjacent indie & alt

abscission instrumental that feels like leaves gently falling

you’re stuck with me skyguy a goofy playlist of music i think Ahsoka would use to torture Anakin (with the help of the 501st) is she had the aux

pink something lgbt just happened to me

lonesome diner Bonnie Guitar vibes

softly old timey falling in love

fading flower in your feelings r&b

are you bored yet? indie pop (lots of Wallows)

we become the flowers soft indie vibes

bailazo regaaeton

beach bum beachy summer indie

cruisin’ motown and r&b vibes my parents raised me on

~groove~ some funky vibes my mom loves

Doo Wop Don’t Stop doo wop 50s-60s

lover boys lany x lauv (may spice it up in the future)

Shade a playlist for my favorite dnd character, it’s all over the place, but i miss her so much

[mousetoe-wc]

I Got bored one time awhile ago and made a list of every prefix plus some into organised sections so I thought I might as well share.

All the ones that aren’t cannon to warriors, yet at lest are bold

Describing names

Colours: red, russet, copper, golden, amber, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, white, gray, black, ebony, dark, pale, silver, brown, tawny, fallow

Pattern, Texture + Size: spot/ted, dapple, speckle, freckle, brindle, patch, mottle, ragged, tangle, kink, bristle, fuzzy, curl/y, wooly, soft, sleek, little, tiny, small, slight, short, tall, long, big, heavy, crooked, broken, half, stumpy, shred, torn, jagged

Actions + Character: flip, pounce, bounce, jump, hop, crouch, down, low, drift, flail, strike, running, fidget, mumble, whistle, snap, sneeze, shiver/ing, shining, flutter, fallen, lost, rush, fleet, quick, shy, sweet, brave, loud, quiet, wild, hope, wish,

Other: claw, whisker, dead, odd, one, spike, fringe, echo, song, hallow, haven

Elements

Time + Weather: day, night, dusk, dawn, morning, sky, sun/ny, moon, storm, lightning, thunder, cloud/y, mist/y, fog, snow, blizzard, ice, frost, dew, drizzle, rain, clear, wind, breeze, gale, shadow, shade, bright, light,

Earth/Water/Fire names: stone, rock, boulder, slate, flint, pebble, gravel, sand/y, dust, mud/dy, meadow, hill, rubble, river, ripple, whorl, float, rapid, shimmer, lake, swamp, marsh, wave, wet, bubbling, splash, puddle, pool, creek, fire, flame, flicker, flash, blaze, scorch, ember, spark, ash, soot, cinder, smoke

Plants

Trees: alder, aspen, birch, beech, cedar, cypress, pine, elm, willow, oak, larch, maple, bay, rowan, timber, bark, log, wood, twig, acorn, cone, seed, spire

Berry/Nut/Fruit/Herb: juniper, elder, sloe, holly, yew, mistle, bramble, hickory, hazel, chestnut, nut, apple, cherry, cranberry, olive, pear, plum, peach, chive, mint, fennel, sage, basil, mallow, parsley

Flowers: aster, poppy, primrose, rose, bluebell, marigold, tansy, pansy, briar, cherry, daisy, dandelion, daffodil, tulip, violet, lily, myrtle, thrift, yarrow, heather, lavender, blossom, bloom, flower, petal

Other: leaf, frond, fern, bracken, sorrel, hay, rye, oat, wheat, cotton, reed, pod, cinnamon, milkweed, grass, clover, weed, stem, sedge, gorse, furze, flax, nettle, thistle, ivy, moss, lichen, bush, vine, root, thorn, prickle, nectar

Animals

Mammals: mouse, rat, mole, vole, shrew, squirrel, hedgehog, bat, rabbit, hare, ferret, weasel, stoat, mink, marten, otter, hog, wolf, hound, fox, vixen, badger, deer, doe, stag, fawn, sheep, cow, pig, lion, tiger, leopard, lynx, milk

Birds: robin, jay, cardinal, thrush, sparrow, swallow, shrike, starling, rook, swift, dove, pigeon, crow, raven, duck, goose, heron, wren, finch, swan, stork, quail, gull, lark, owl, eagle, hawk, kestrel, buzzard, kite, hoot, feather, bird, egg, talon

Fish, Reptiles + Amphibians: pike, perch, pollack, trout, tench, cod, carp, bass, bream, eel, minnow, fin, snake, adder, lizard, turtle, frog, toad, newt

Bug type Names: bug, lady or ladybug, moth, spider, ant, snail, slug, beetle, bee, wasp, dragon or dragonfly, bumble, worm, maggot, cricket, fly, midge, web, honey

Skyclan + Warriorclan: Bella, Billy, Big, Harry, Harvey, Snook, Ebony, Monkey

[autumn0689]

You can have your own opinion on the Trolls movies (whether you love it or hate it) but something that I adore about them is how they handle Branch’s trauma and how it affects his relationships with others.

Sure, he is in a WAY better mental state now, but he still struggles. It’s mostly shown in the TV shows because shows have more time to develop things, but also in the movies he is still struggling.

In the first holiday special, he struggles with learning how to smile (and he truly doesn’t have a good smile until he is being genuine) and is shown to follow Poppy’s lead and when he tries to give his opinion and she says something else he just gives into her. I love how they also address his lack of social cues, especially when instead of telling Poppy that she ignored Bridget’s feelings, he treated Poppy how she treated Bridget.

Now, In the second movie, he doesn’t trust others easily and is always on the defense. He has a backup plan for everything and is shown to struggle with admitting his emotions (involving his crush on Poppy and mostly following her around and being there for her even if he doesn’t agree and it results in him and her having a fight) he sings and dances and all but he is still learning how to adjust to being a happy Troll again.

In the second Holiday special when he gets Poppy he freaks out because he doesn’t want to disappoint her (abandonment issues, anyone?) and, again, his lack of social cues, ESPECIALLY when he goes to measure Poppy’s hair and how seeing Poppy’s gift for him got him spiraling, which resulted in him thinking that he had to go BIGGER for Poppy, and when it ended up backfiring and making a scrapbook, he thought it was ‘lame’, which caused Poppy to calm him down, and while he was panicking about the clouds snowing, Poppy decided that they should both go on a balloon ride with no multitasking, making him happy. I love how Poppy knows how to calm him down and that while he’s struggling, she’s always there to help him.

Now onto the third movie *cracks knuckles* here we go!

Now, let’s get to the ‘Abandonment Issues’ Elephant In The Room. His bitterness about his brothers leaving him is something that he makes obvious, but mostly puts it away until his brothers say that they will be going their separate ways. Throughout the movie he slowly allows himself to enjoy being with them, but when that revelation comes up, everything comes flooding back, his resentment and anger and bitterness that he has had for the past twenty years. He then leaves them, telling them that he doesn’t need them, and when Poppy follows him, he lets his insecurities get the best of him, telling Poppy that she will leave him eventually, that everyone else does.

Poppy, being the best girlfriend that she is, reassures him that they have been by each others sides and that she isn’t going anywhere. He apologizes, but she doesn’t hold it against him. I love how much Poppy has changed, especially when in the second movie she made his doubts about Hickory about herself, and seeing how hurt he is, she comforts him and doesn’t excuse his brothers actions, agreeing to help him save Floyd.

I love how at the end of the movie, when he is surrounded by everyone that he loves, he is at his most happy, in my opinion. Now, I can imagine him still struggling, but he’s in a much better place, and while I’m positive he will still struggle in the future movies (after all, twenty years of not having any help for his trauma is something that won’t go away anytime soon) he has his brothers and his girlfriend.

I love how they still address his issues, they address the fact that not everything will get resolved immediately, and that while in the first movie he gains his True Colors™️ again, his colors fluctuate between being more gray to being more blue. For a movie for kids, I love how they ACTUALLY show Branch healing! Showing him having doubts, and how the movies show that while he has those to help him, it also shows how strong he is by continuously improving himself.

Of course, there’s still some issues (mostly in the TV Shows) in which they could delve more into it, but compared to other children’s media, the fact that they are showing Branch being happy while also showing that he is still recovering is something that I love about the Trolls franchise.

TL;DR I’m so glad that movies and shows for kids are discussing more serious topics, and I love how the Trolls franchise show the effects of trauma and that while Branch is still struggling, they show that with people to help you, you can end up in a better place. Of course he isn’t going to be immediately okay, but he’s slowly getting there, and that’s such a beautiful thing to see, especially in a movie like Trolls, where Trolls fart glitter and hug every hour and with the Pop Trolls being so happy almost all the time! I love how much care they put into characterizing Branch!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 1969 mid-century modern in New Berlin, Wisconsin is owned by a film enthusiast who has a real theater projection room inside. The decor is interesting, too. 3bds, 3ba, $424,900.

Except for the wall in the middle, the home is pretty much open concept, but there's so much decor going on here, it's hard to see.

The kitchen is original. I don't love the outdated cabinets - they don't really look MCM as much as they look funky 70s style.

Maybe if it wasn't so busy, the classic Eames dining set would stand out more.

Formal living room. When I see so much on the walls, all I can think of are the holes. And, that's wallpaper. They've even got tract lighting to illuminate the art, so you'd need an art collection.

There's a small dining room.

The primary bedroom has a nice deck.

Not sure, but the en-suite looks like it might be a half bath.

Definitely a family room.

And, this is the home office.

Here's the full bath. Looks like it's been updated to a shower room.

Spiral stairs down to the finished basement.

It looks like there's a little "street" with a movie box office.

Some kind of weird little sitting room.

This looks like a bar. Like the red fireplace.

There's no home theater. It's more like a restaurant or club atmosphere.

Guest powder room.

And, here's the projection equipment. He's showing films on reels. (Does it matter?)

There's a pergola between the house and some other building, maybe the garage.

It's hard to make out the yard w/all the snow and stuff. It's only a .26 acre lot.

In the back you can see the deck off the primary bedroom.

[adrift-in-thyme]

For the follower milestone prompt (congratulations by the way!!) perhaps some BotW Zelink (it can be pre- or post-Calamity) celebrating a nice, wholesome, cozy holiday in Hebra?

Tysm Ladye!! <333 And thanks for the prompt!! It’s been too long since I wrote botw Zelink. I forgot how much I love them

————————

Zelda bursts through the door of the little cabin, breathless with laughter. Snow scatters in her wake. It drips from her cap and coat and boots, splattering in icy chunks on the flooring.

“Hey!” Comes a shout from behind her. “Zelda, no fair!”

She whirls around to grin at the figure digging himself out of the snow. His blonde locks hang limply, freed from their usual ponytail. He brushes them out of his eyes with a gloved hand.

“I’d say it was perfectly fair,” she retorts, playfully. “After all, it wasn’t my fault that you happened to trip.”

“I didn’t trip.” Link drags himself upward, shaking his head viciously to get the snow out of it. Zelda is reminded of one of the stable dogs. “I miscalculated.”

Zelda laughs and it feels so wonderful that it almost brings tears to her eyes.

This is what she loves about Link — well, one of the many things. He makes her laugh as no one else ever could. Except, perhaps, for Mother.

And now, with the Calamity gone and Hyrule on the mend, she feels she can finally afford such a declaration of joy. She wonders if he feels the same way. He certainly feels freer now that it is all behind them, now that he is no longer bound to the persona of the silent knight.

This boy who stands beside her by choice, not because of duty, this boy with a dirt eating grin and cheeks flushed by the brisk wind – he is how she imagined the Link Mipha had told her about, the jovial adventurer that the Zora princess had known, yet Zelda had never had the privilege to meet.

He lunges for her now, sensing her momentary distraction, and she stumbles back with a shriek. They tumble through the doorway, all puffy winter clothes and wet icy slush and warm limbs. She comes out on top, pinning him to the ground. He grins up at her.

“You never told me you were willing to cheat, princess.”

Zelda sniffs. “Why would I tell you such a thing? Besides, I did not cheat.”

“I’m the best shield surfer in Hyrule.” Link pushes himself up onto his forearms and Zelda sits back so he can get into a seated position. “So, you had to have cheated.”

“Selmie is the best shield surfer in Hyrule,” Zelda corrects him, haughtily. “And who’s to say I’m not a natural at the sport?”

Link considers that for a moment, lips pursed as he thinks.

“Okay fine,” he says, finally, with a pouty huff. A smile is struggling to break through though, and Zelda can’t help but chuckle as he bites his lip to keep it back. “I acknowledge your completely fair victory.” He rises and holds out a hand to help her to her feet. “And to celebrate, I’m gonna make us some cocoa.”

They both slip into some dry clothes and Link gets a cheery fire going in the fireplace. Then, as he melts chocolate over the stove, Zelda mops up the mess from their playful scuffle. Soon, the cabin smells of sweets and hickory smoke. The scents dance in the air, heavy and warm.

By the time she has finished cleaning up and fetching a blanket for them to share, Link has drained the dark, milky substance into two mugs. He walks into the living room and with a smile, offers Zelda one of them.

She inhales deeply, reveling in the heat of the cup between her palms and the soul-warming scent.

“Thank you, Link, this smells delicious.”

He sits down on the couch, tugging the blanket with his free hand so that it is situated over both his legs and hers.

“Once you taste it, you’ve gotta tell me if it’s better than any fancy stuff you had in the castle.”

Link snuggles close to her and she leans in to him. Long gone is the time when they had kept a respectful distance, playing the part of princess and hero. This, at least, this easy proximity has been carried over from the days before the Calamity. Those days when they traveled long together and their boundaries slowly fell away…and were never rebuilt.

They had been friends then, Zelda can see now. Good friends. These days, she wonders if perhaps they are toeing the line toward something more.

But those are thoughts for another time. For now, she pulls her feet up on the couch, sighing as she enjoys the warmth and comfort of this moment.

“I assure you,” she murmurs, “that this cocoa is superior to anything from the castle.”

All of this is superior, she thinks as he rests his head on her shoulder. The past had had its joys, of course. But now…now she is truly happy.

They sip their cocoa in sleepy, companionable silence, curled close to one another, fingers entwined, watching the fire’s endless dance. Tomorrow they will put up a tree and decorate it. Tomorrow they will enjoy each other’s company anew.

It will be lovely. But…

Zelda sighs, slightly. “I wish this could last forever.”

Gently, oh so gently, Link plants a kiss on her cheek. He smells of smoke and cocoa and a scent that is woodsy and fresh and distinctly him. She turns to him and he is smiling, shy and hesitant.

“Who says it can’t?”

Zelda grins.

He’s right, she thinks, as warmth blossoms within her. These moments need not remain during the holidays alone. The world is at their fingertips.

This feeling need never end.

And perhaps, that wonderful feeling is what inspires her to do it. Or perhaps, the cold has simply gotten to her head. Because in the next moment, she leans forward and kisses him.

Link doesn’t pull back like she fears he will. Instead, he leans forward, calloused hand cupping her cheek. He is still so gentle with her, as though she is a vase bound to break. Yet, there is something else there when he returns the kiss, something she feels in her very soul.

It is as though he has been waiting for this moment forever. Just as she has.

The kiss is short and the slightest bit awkward, but undeniably soft. And when they separate, Zelda can hardly think past the explosion of butterflies in her stomach, all happiness and disbelief and flat out terror.

She is speechless for a moment, unsure whether to apologize or laugh or perhaps merely burst into tears. But then Link takes her hand in his and all that seems to flee.

“Did I ever tell you how much I missed your smile?” He asks.

Zelda blinks and shakes her head. Her brain no longer seems capable of functioning.

“I don’t…well, no I don’t believe you did.”

Link brushes a stray hair behind her ear. “Well, I did. Every day.” He tilts his head, grins. “I’m glad I get to see it now.”

“Link, I…”

Link leans forward again, just slightly. An invitation. Zelda lets the words die off in her throat.

She smiles. And she kisses him again.

[endlss-voiid]

WINTERTIME GOTHIC AESTHETICS

MIDWEST DETECTIVE. files of black and white newspaper clippings. long beige trench coats. lace curtains in cobwebbed attics. 1950s love songs through a.m. radio static. piebald deer. ominous billboards against a flat grey horizon. leather messenger bags and cups of black coffee. headlights through blizzards. hatchets propped against stacks of hickory wood. abandoned factories. the scent of ink. blood on snow.

UNIVERSITY VAMPIRE.  white button-down shirts. the scent of ancient books in drafty tomb-like library stacks. wrought iron candelabras dripping wax. gaunt portraits of renaissance noblemen in folds of red fabric. steaming chalices of mulled wine. garlands of dried oranges. vitrolas playing classical symphonies. ravens perched on the snowy sills of arched windows. black peacoats. gold astrolabes. blood on parchment.

LIGHTHOUSE-KEEPER’S GHOST. heavy grey wool sweaters. fossilized trilobites & ammonites. splintering sheets of silver ice on inky black water. st. elmo’s fire. dusty sea glass bottles. fractal patterns of frost on window panes. boxes of matches and magazine clippings. curling tentacles & faded tattoos. dissonant player piano tunes. the smell of juniper. eerie yellow-green light through heavy fogs. circles of salt. blood on water.

VILLAGE WEREWOLF. brown cobblestone cottages capped with snow.  clawmarks through sycamore bark.  baskets of yarn and knitted smoky grey cloaks.  ram’s skulls mounted stable walls.  straw dolls & fingerless gloves.  clouds of hot breath hanging in freezing air.  tapestries of black-haired beasts accented with crimson embroidery.  gas lanterns.  chanted children’s rhymes.  the scent of fir trees and rich soil.  blood on wool.

TAGGED BY. No one.

TAGGING. @miercolaes @frostise @ripcreel @platiinums (Louis) @catfcng (Cat king)

[cowgirl60]

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the holler,

Not a critter was stirrin’, not even old Blue, the coon dog scholar.

The stockings were hung by the woodstove with care,

In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The young’uns were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of moon pies danced in their heads.

Ma in her kerchief and me in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my recliner to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Knocked over my spittoon and stepped on the trash.

The moon on the hilltops and fresh-fallen snow,

Lit up the outhouse like a heavenly glow.

When what to my wonderin’ eyes should appear,

But a rusted-out truck pulled by eight mangy deer.

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew right away it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than spit from a chaw did they run,

And he whooped and hollered at each critter by name.

“Now Bubba! Now Bocephus! Now Cooter and Earl!

On Daisy! On Jethro! On Skeeter and Pearl!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Now giddy up, giddy up, dash away all!”

Like hay bales that fly when tossed by the twister,

They leapt and they bounded—every critter and mister.

Right up to the rooftop the deer they did soar,

With the truck full of toys and ol’ St. Nick at the door.

And then in a twinklin’, I heard on the tin,

The scratchin’ and pawin’ of them hooves settlin’ in.

As I pulled on my boots and was turnin’ around,

Down the stovepipe ol’ St. Nick came with a bound.

He was dressed all in denim from his head to his boot,

And his clothes smelled of hickory and Christmas tree root.

A bundle of goodies he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just openin’ his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!

His cheeks red as apples, his nose like a cherry.

His drawl was as smooth as sweet apple pie,

And his beard was as white as a West Virginia sky.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,

Filled up the stockings, then turned with a smirk.

And layin’ a finger aside of his nose,

He gave me a nod, up the stovepipe he rose.

He jumped in his truck, gave a holler and whistle,

And away they all flew like a cornfield thistle.

But I heard him exclaim as he rumbled from sight,

“Merry Christmas to y’all, and to y’all a good night!”

[highlordofdeeznuts]

The Usurper — Mortal Lands of Prythian Worldbuilding

*Note: This post may be updated alongside the fic.

The Usurper can be found on Ao3 using this link here.

Mortal Lands of Prythian Worldbuilding

Mortals in Prythian live in environments closer to European medieval standards (however they have better hygiene) due to lack of resources and currency 

Most mortals in Prythian live off the land and barter systems 

Currency is still used but less so in more sparsely populated areas

The closer a town is to the Wall of Mist, the poorer the living conditions are

Mortal realms on the neighboring continent are better because they actually have established kingdoms there

Kingdoms trade with Prythian mortals via one seaport in the south of the island 

After the war, the six mortal queens who established the peace treaty also tried to bring back as many mortals as possible 

But the journey is long and expensive, and thousands of people lost their lives at sea due to storms and sea monsters, so the mortals left behind on the island chose to stay despite the poorer conditions 

Mortal lands in Prythian do not have indoor plumbing because no access to running water 

Mortal lands on continent do have plumbing 

Full baths are a two-person job and happen once a week 

Bath house and privy are two separate buildings (usually one-room shacks)  

Privy is wooden bench with hole built over a large tin bucket 

After doing their business, the person brings the bucket outside and uses a shovel to dig a hole out in the woods and dispose of the waste 

Bath house has a small fire pit, a tub, bowl full of soap bars, racks for clothes and towels 

Large water bucket/pan is heated over the fire and dumped into the tub for the person bathing to use 

Usually someone is heating the water and then pouring it in the tub while other person is bathing 

One person can do it for themselves but it’s easier with two people if you want hot water

Tub holds 3-4 buckets of water 

Full baths are done once a week

These include full body washing and hair washing 

Partial baths are done every 1-2 days 

These are just using 1 bucket of water to wash important areas (face, armpits, chest, groin, feet) 

Archeron family water supply

They have a small well behind their cottage that is mostly used for drinking water and laundry 

There is a creek nearby that they use to bathe and collect water from during the summer 

They also have rainwater barrels stored outside the bathhouse that are used during spring/summer/fall 

Snow is collected during winter and melted down for water 

All water must be boiled (for at least one full minute) before use

This is standard in the mortal lands

Plants found during winter – can be grown even in snow 

Spinach 

Onion 

Garlic 

Leek 

Rhubarb 

Broccoli 

Kale 

Cabbage 

Radish 

Turnip 

Apples 

Oranges 

Lemons 

Cranberries 

Pomegranates 

Pears 

Plants found during winter – can be foraged from the forest 

Pine bark, pine needles 

Used for tea

Persimmons 

Rosehips 

Used for tea

Cattails 

Starch from rootstocks can be turned into flour, sprouts can be boiled and eaten as vegetables

Maple sap 

Hickory nuts 

Black walnuts  

Acorns 

Herbs used for cooking 

Basil 

Chamomile 

Chicory 

Chives 

Dill  

Fennel 

Garlic 

Lemon balm 

Mint 

Oregano 

Parsley 

Rosemary  

Sage 

Thyme 

Tarragon  

Herbs used for medicine 

Chamomile – headaches 

Dittany – stomach pain, poultices 

Hemlock – painkiller 

Lavender – disinfectant 

Mint – stomach pain 

Sage – helps with colds