#Hope Valley events

[themaynard]

Join The Maynard's August Bank Holiday Garden Party with Live Music and BBQ

Celebrate the August Bank Holiday at The Maynard with our annual garden party. Enjoy live music from Stav, Jake, and The Money Duo, inflatable fun for all ages, and a delicious BBQ with an outdoor bar. Book your garden dining table in advance and soak in the stunning views of the Hope Valley. Don't miss out on this summer highlight.

[a-different-way-of-life]

“…Well, back to sleep.”

❤️❤️🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🩶🩶

[el-dritchknight]

what i’m saying is that i’m here for you and if the train comes please move. (x)

x - x - x - x - x

[jodismail]

higuys itz vincenti stole moms fone and sawthis kool ap so yeah imgona andsir sum asks 😁😁😎😄

{mod: VINCENT TAKEOVER RAAAAHH this will be a fun event for y’all :) these posts will be tagged with: 🧸vincenttakeover and vincent will answer all asks! have fun yall! all rules still apply :D}

[takadanobaba]

▲ Ingo's 2 Heart Event ▲

As always, thank you to @xdoctorsparklex for drafting the script for me to code in!

This event expands on a line from part 3 of the Subway to Stardew introduction events! Pierre upcharges them. Drama ensues.

[hopefuloverfury]

may i request something with Elliott? something fluffy, perhaps? I've had a bit of a bad week and need a pick me up, and your hc list for how the bachelors fell in love was so sweet :') I just had his post-marriage heart event and can't stop thinking about it, so maybe something like that? maybe the moment when he comes home?

I’m sorry you had a bad week, anon. I hope this helps cheer you up a bit, even if it’s a little late. And I hope this week is better! I still haven’t married any of the candidates in my (singular) save file because I love all of them and can’t choose. Ugh. Anyway! Elliott is husband material and I love him.

898 words. Kinda short :( GN!Farmer, pure fluff. A planet made out of squishmallows. A field full of grazing sheep. Pillow stuffing fluttering around you after a pillow fight gets too crazy. So. Much. Fluff. Not beta'd or proofread, sorry about that. I hope you enjoy it anyway <3

Elliott closes the front door behind him, nodding in satisfaction when the lock clicks into place quietly. The house is silent, and Elliott carefully toes off his stuffy dress shoes and abandons his suitcase by the door. He’ll unpack in a bit, but right now he has more pressing matters to attend to.

Slipping on his house shoes, he climbs up to the second floor of the farmhouse. Miso meows from the top of the stairs, greeting him with an eager flick of the tail. Elliott smiles fondly at the gray tabby and scratches under his chin for a moment, before straightening up and making his way to the bedroom. 

Impatience nips at his heels as he pushes the door open, and his breath leaves him all at once at the sight before him.

Yellow morning sunlight streams through the windows, bouncing off the white flannel sheets, and the whole room glows, edges blurred like an old polaroid. At the center of the world is the Farmer, curled up in the middle of the bed with their arms held tight around a pillow. 

His throat closes.

His pillow.

He presses the back of his hand, still chilled from the frigid morning air, to his burning face. The things they do to him, truly.

Collecting the scattered pieces of himself from the floor, Elliott shuffles across the room and kneels beside their bed. Affection ripples in his chest like the surface of a pond disturbed by a fallen leaf as he watches them sleep for a few moments, but then it gets to be too much and he’s moving.

He presses a kiss to the top of their head, and squeezes their shoulder in tandem. They grumble in their sleep, and he smiles into their hair. He leans away as they shift a bit, groggily untucking their face from where they’d smushed it into his pillow, and their eyes flutter open.

“Good morning, gorgeous. I’m back,” Elliott whispers, brushing the pad of his thumb over their cheek as they look up at him. They blink a few times, the sun glaring in their eyes, and he smiles softly, endeared by their initial sleepy confusion. 

He clocks the exact moment the realization dawns on them, and suddenly his arms are very, very full.

He chuckles, hugging them tightly as they bury their face into his neck.

“Elliott,” they whisper, tangling their fingers into his hair, and he sighs happily. Their weight against his chest is a welcome pressure. 

“My love.” He rubs his palms up and down their back, refamiliarising himself with the contours of their body. “Ah, I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Their arms tighten around his shoulders, and he presses a kiss to the side of their head. They pull away, eyes sparkling in the sun. They’re still soft with sleep, a little less alert than usual, and he tightens his grip on their waist. “How was your tour?”

He hums, running the tip of his finger over a loose stitch on the hem of their shirt. “Nothing I didn't already say in my letters. But one drop of the big city and I’m quenched. I much prefer being back here with you.”

He pecks their forehead.

“I really did miss you,” they whisper, cupping his jaw with a calloused palm when he’s settled back. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Elliott shakes his head with a smile. “You know well enough it was the same for me.”

“I do, but—”

The shrill call of the rooster echoes outside, cutting the Farmer off sharply. They frown, a displeased wrinkle appearing between their eyebrows.

Elliott smiles and smooths out the lines on their forehead with gentle fingers. “Don’t be so disappointed, my love. I’m home, but we’ve both got chores to catch up on, hm?”

He makes to pull away, but their arms keep him firmly locked in place. 

“Stay?” They brush a loose strand of hair behind his ear, and tingles shoot down his spine. He nearly shivers. “I already took care of everything.” 

“Of course you did.” He chuckles, petting their side. “But Darling, I must insist. I have to at least feed Miso.”

“All of his bowls are full. I filled them last night, and we can go to the saloon for a late breakfast if you come back to bed with me. When did you get up this morning? Wasn’t your train at four?” Their lips pillow out in a pout, tempting him. Elliott swallows hard. “Please? I almost forgot what sleeping next to you feels like.”

“Well now you’re just playing dirty,” Elliott mutters, reaching to pinch their hips softly. They jerk against him, and the tip of their nose brushes his own. 

“Is it working?” They ask, grinning.

God help him, he is a weak, weak man.

“You know it is, just—let me change.” The farmer hums, smiling like the cat that got the cream as they bring their hands down to grip at the lapels of his suit jacket. He stares at their lips.

“Hurry up then. I wanna cuddle.”

"Yeah." He nods stiffly. “Anything you want.”

[justashamwithwastedpotential]

I have had an image stuck in my head ever since I got Lance’s 10 heart event months ago and it would not leave, so...

Spoilers under the cut

“Enjoying the view, my dear?”

[thegeorgehathersage]

Corporate events are an essential part of any successful business. They offer a unique opportunity for employees, clients, and stakeholders to interact, bond, and align with your company’s objectives. However, in a sea of monotonous PowerPoint slides and drab networking sessions, how can you ensure that your event truly stands out? Here in this article are some crucial tips that will not only elevate your event to the next level but will also leave a lasting impression on your attendees.

[azuneekun]

STARDEW VALLEY BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE (personal) HEADCANONS:

Maru

Is a registered nurse, but is working to become a medicinal and environmental researcher like her father (Professor Demetrius).

Robotics, Electrical engineering and Astronomy are just a few of her hobbies and passions. 

Afraid of getting real piercings, so Sebastian gifted her clip-ons.

Doesn’t trust newer computers, unlike her brother.

She is nearsighted and has astigmatism.

She goes stargazing in hopes of finding signs of extraterrestrial life. Or just to see if she can spot a certain flying robot.

Used to follow her brother Sebastian around a lot when she was very young, but his troublemaking behavior made Maru distance herself. She still cares about him.

Loves helping the farmer with building farming machines.

Loves spending time with her best friend Penny and talking about books and trivia together.

Other than tinkering with gadgets, she also enjoys doing puzzles.

Penny

Could not afford finishing her teaching course in college due to financial troubles.

Saving up money in her tutoring job to become an elementary school teacher.

Her father abandoned them due to feeling ‘trapped’. It happened around fall—so she feels melancholic during that season.

Likes cooking but is a novice at it.

She and Emily do arts and crafts together in the library and or the (fixed) community center. (For the kids and for event decorations.)

She has a slight southern accent.

Elliott and her like to swap book recommendations.

Loves listening to Maru infodumping about her trivia and interests. She teaches them to Jas and Vincent in return.

She likes to do crossword puzzles under the tree near the graveyard.

She prefers to wear skirts.

She influenced Jas and Vincent to have an interest in archeology, thanks to her own fondness of it.

Abigail

Pets every animal they see. Sanitizes herself right away before going home due to Pierre's allergies.

Sometimes helps her dad with the general store. Pierre gives her some money in return.

Abigail loves to draw and sometimes likes to join art competitions.

Enjoys the occult and fortune telling. Has some magical ability, but is not fully aware of it.

She plays the flute and the drums.

Loves adventuring, but feels guilty killing monsters (even out of self defense). Will make graves or offer prayers to put their souls to rest.

Very interested in monsters and loves reading about them.

She has a sweet tooth; minerals taste like candy to her. She also loves spicy food from time to time.

Gets sunburnt easily.

Leah

Used to be hired as an illustrator for books in Zuzu City.

Is under apprenticeship with Robin.

Loves using different painting mediums. Current favorites are charcoal, oil painting, and watercolors.

Experienced forager—she adores making vegetable/fruit salads and stir-frys out of them.

Likes to drink the wine sold by the farmer and the saloon.

She is left handed.

She makes her own special homemade vinaigrette.

Has her own mini-garden.

Loves to help the farmer with crafting artisan equipment that involves wood (eg: kegs, preserve jars, casks, and etc.)

Emily

The unofficial hair stylist (and barberess) of the townies. (HC adopted from @/moon-boat)

Has some real spiritual power and foresight.

Her prophetic visions mostly appear in her dreams.

Knows supernatural beings and Junimo exist (and has seen them) but opts not to tell anyone directly for the creatures’ safety. (Likes to give subtle hints, though.)

Can genuinely communicate with birds and flowers.

Is very good at arts and crafts and helps decorate the festivals often.

Vegetarian. Likes to cook vegetarian dishes.

She's a very talented dancer, and she likes to do her choreography in secret.

Sandy sells the clothes she makes. Haley advertises them on her blog. 

Loves all animals—especially birds.

She likes clowns and circuses.

Is very meticulous about cleanliness and housework.

Is incredibly scared of watching horror movies.

Haley

A talented cook that loves baking sweets.

Is a social media influencer. She has a popular Instagram account called StarfruitHaley and a Youtube channel named Cooking Junimo.

Likes drinking peppermint coffee and eating cupcakes.

She is a picky eater.

Learned to dance from Emily.

She and Emily are taiwanese-americans.

Her hair is dyed blonde and she wears contacts.

Freelance model, but likes doing photography more.

Does photography gigs sometimes.

Secretly admires her sister's dancing, but doesn't want to lose to her during the Flower dance.

Likes to go surfing during the summer time. (HC adopted from @/sofiaruelle )

Closeted lesbian, but came out proudly once she started to live in the valley.

Bunnies and Ponies are her favorite animals.

Shane

Prefers keeping people at a distance (so it doesn’t hurt him if he loses them), but is weak to persistent people. (eg: Emily, Sam, the farmer)

Is very good friends with Emily. Likes to joke around and share chicken stories with her. 

Lost a sports scholarship in university due to injury, so he dropped out. (He took a course in multimedia arts, hence his 7 ♡ event.)

Likes to collect funny printed boxers.

Wears old clothes until they tear apart.

Doesn't bother combing his hair much.

Takes care of the animals when Marnie's not around, and teaches Jas about the ranch while he’s at it. 

Most of his savings are for Jas and Marnie.

Has calloused hands from hard work.

He likes to use nicknames. Both derogatively and affectionately. (e.g. Sweetheart, Chickadee, Doll, Buddy , Asshole, Jockstrap (Alex specific), Dickhead, Kid)

Shane has excellent upper body strength due to lifting heavy boxes at work, and sacks of feed at the ranch.

Jas’ mother is his older sibling. Marnie is his father's younger sister.

In the future, his beautiful blue chickens will become recognized as a standardized breed by the farming community. 

Harvey

Used to be a surgical oncologist. Left this position due to emotional distress.

Came from a prestigious family of doctors, lawyers, and professors.

Has a twin brother. ( HC adopted from @/coinly )

Loves science, history, and the documentary channels.

He used to be in a long term relationship but it ended due to LDR.

He can cook but doesn't feel happy eating by himself—so he just heats up frozen meals.

He smells like nice soap and hand sanitizer.

Has a wonderful singing deep voice. (HC adopted from @/hannahstumble )

Likes to drink wine every once in a while to relax.

Jazz music is calming to him. He owns many cassettes of the classics.

Elliott

Was a music professor in a private university.

Is from a wealthy family, but left to become more independent.

Humble and isn't very materialistic, but is very strict with his well-kept appearance. 

Keeps his pencils so sharp it might as well be a weapon.

Isn't very good at taking care of plants, but is learning how to. 

A little clumsy with housework and repairs, but tries to keep tidy.

His favorite pastime with his father was fishing. 

Likes to drink, but can’t hold his liquor at all.

 In his youth, he has gotten some recognition for his published short stories and poetry, but  has yet to make a full length novel.

Commissions and collaborates with Leah on art and ideas for his books.

His piano actually came from Robin's. Sebastian used to own it but preferred playing the synth now.

Sebastian

Is very skillfull at using a knife (for fish and seafood).

He is a lazy genius. 

His Korean name is Seojun. His biological father tried bringing him to his home country when he and Robin divorced, but Sebastian opted to stay with his mother.

He loves cats as much as frogs and bats.

Sleeps very messily. Ends up in weird positions on the bed, with pillows dropped onto the floor.

Loves exploring the mines and wants to join the Adventurer's guild in the future.

Does his (and his friends') piercings.

Has a long deep scar on his left leg due to a rock crab.

The town go-to mechanic, alongside Maru.

He’s jealous of Maru, but doesn’t hate her. Doesn’t know how to express himself, so they end up fighting. He thinks he’s not the best older brother to have.

Insomniac. Needs medication to help sleep, sometimes.

Likes to tease and scare people.

Also gets sunburnt easily—but in return doesn’t get affected by the cold weather as much.

Best billiards player in Stardew.

Alex

Has dyslexia, but is not aware of it (until the farmer points it out).

Likes to help cook with his grandma.

Makes and sells his own icecream.

Is the local town mailman.  (HC adopted from @/ryllen )

Childhood friends with Haley, but pretended to be her boyfriend in HS to shield her from men (as per her wishes).

Not only was he a varsity quarterback for gridball, but he was also an ace baseball player.

One of his favorite pastimes is watching the gridball game every Sunday.

Thinking about saving money to go to a vocational college or getting a scholarship. 

Interested in becoming a physical fitness coach if his dreams to go to the league fall through.

Afraid of being vulnerable to people, because he wants to be seen as strong and reliable.

Sam

A popular boy in school. 

Was influenced into loving music due to Sebastian. 

Likes flowers but has severe hay fever.

Has a scar on his eyebrow from a skateboard accident.

Loves his mom's largemouth bass fish casserole.

Thinks being a submarine captain might be cool as a job (thanks to the night market), but would prefer being in the music industry.

Likes to DJ and compose his own music.

A little forgetful, so his wrists and hands are full of scribbles and rubber bands as reminders.

Likes cactuses and the flowers that bloom from it (and especially loves cactus fruit).

Him and Alex both like to collect branded sports shoes, and talk about it together sometimes.

[egophiliac]

What do we think, will we get Briar Valley Event somewhere in the future? And WILL WE SEE PRESENT PEEPAW ZIGVOLT? I wonder what Sebek meant that he looks older and I really wanna see Lilia and his relationship after retirement. What do you think?

god I hope so, I desperately want to see Briar Valley and whatever family member they throw at us. and if it's Baul I hope he's the exact same sprite but with, like, a mustache crudely pasted on. that's how he looks in my head and in my heart.

my entire KINGDOM to see one or both of Sebek's parents though, they are the best characters in all of Twst and they haven't shown up even once. 😭 though I think I might prefer his dad, because 1) show me the noodley dentistman, and 2) Mrs. Z is such a mythical figure in my mind at this point that reality could never compare (w-what if she gets a canon design and she isn't a hundred feet tall and could crack the earth by flexing her thighs, how could I go on) (jk jk she's so great that I would love her no matter what) (but also...)

of course based on past Twst events if they go to Briar Valley it's just going to go basically like this:

[themaynard]

Fall in Love Again: Top Couple Events in Hope Valley

Explore the best couple events in Hope Valley, from romantic walks and picnics to hot air balloon rides and cosy dinners. Discover historic sites and enjoy outdoor adventures together. Make your stay truly special by booking a romantic retreat at The Maynard in Grindleford. Create unforgettable memories with your loved one.

[tbaluver]

A Slow Night

pairing: rafayel x fem! reader genre/tags: MDNI, 18+, oral, unprotected sex/ slow sex a/n: this was requested by a couple of my anonnies requesting a slow and soft smut for raf but i can't find the requests so if your the anonnies that requested this i hope this finds you (╥﹏╥) this was sitting in my drafts for weeks....i hope this doesn't disappoint and you all enjoy ! if it does then this def does not exist okay ദ്ദി ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ ) i plan on writing a soft smut for xavier soon i'm not sure yet ! but it might also take a while tho hehe (ᵕ—ᴗ—) any likes and reblogs are always appreciated! enjoy!

⋆｡‧˚ʚ♡ɞ˚‧｡⋆

After finally escaping the art exhibition, you both celebrated, eager to savor your time together alone. You enter his room, your lips remaining entwined with his, not breaking the contact as he gently guided you inside.

Both of you had matched elegantly for the event, but you two barely had a moment to enjoy the event together as a swarm of art collectors, critics, and journalists surrounded Rafayel. The only real contact you shared the rest of the event were stolen glances across the rooms. As if reading each other’s minds you both had managed to slip away out of the event and back into Rafayel’s studio.

A wave of emotions washed over you. Watching him across the room, stealing glances at each other as you watch him engage in conversation with countless people about his work, has stirred something deep inside of you. After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, you were finally alone with your boyfriend, yearning for him. Breathless, you break the kiss to catch your breath, “My boyfriend is so talented.”

“And what else?” He smiles with a playful glint in his eyes and draws you back into another fervent kiss. His hands slowly unbuttoning his dress shirt before completely removing it. His sculpted torso displayed so closely to you as if inviting your hands to hungrily explore.

“And he’s so handsome,” you murmur, your voice breathless as you run your fingers through his soft hair. Your hand slips to the back of his head, pulling him in closer as you deepen the kiss. Your lips dancing in rhythm, hot and needy.

You feel the back of your knee press against the edge of his bed and he helps gently lead you down onto the bed without breaking the kiss. You continue to keep praising him in between the slow kisses as his hands run along your sides.

As your bodies were pressed against each other, instinctively your hips began rolling against his lower half, feeling his hard cock over the thin material of your dress.

He presses a couple more kisses to your lips before he trails a path of wet kisses to your jaw and down to your neck until he starts sucking on your collarbone. His hands glide over the fabric of your dress, quickly finding the zipper and easily slipping it down with eager anticipation.

“Gonna give you anything you want, cutie,” He cups one of breasts, his thumb thrumming over your hard nipples as a groan leaves his lips. He takes your nipple in his mouth, running his tongue through the bud while massaging the other nipple with the tip of his finger. He switches, giving the other the same attention with his mouth and finger.

He continues to pepper your body with wet kisses, traveling down the valley of your breasts and over your belly. Your breathing is already labored, your hands snaking their way back into the locks of his hair.

He lays down on top of you, head resting on your belly as he begins kissing it. He holds onto your waist so you wouldn’t move. He goes further down to reach the waistband of our panties and you lift your hips up instinctively.

Slipping the fabric down slowly, he places a kiss on your hip bones. ”s’ pretty” He whispers before diving right into you. He explores your pussy with his lips, lapping from your labia to your clit. “Taste so good, how do always I survive that long without you?” He attaches his mouth to your button, sucking it gently, wanting you to enjoy the pleasure and giving you all the pleasure he could.

Your hands tug his hair gently, feeling his tongue explore and flick around. His hands lift your hips as if you were his feast and your thighs wrapped around his body to keep him in place.

He removes his hands off your body, bringing them to your pussy, swifting entering you with his two longer fingers, taking them in and out patiently. “Raf, don’t tease…..” You whine.

“‘m not teasing cutie, preparing you m’kay?” Rafayel fingers you softly, kissing your inner thighs. When your legs become shaky and you tug his hair a little harder, he decides to stop. Taking in one more kiss on your clit, before leaving the place in between your thighs.

He looks up to see your mouth slightly open, catching your breath. You couldn’t tell if the stars you were seeing were real through the expansive glass roof or if they were a pleasurable illusion he had conjured in you.

He tilts his head, a playful smirk curling up his lips looking at the sight in front of him. He carefully and slowly moves on top of you. “You still with me cutie? I’m not finished with you yet.” You respond with a lazy smile and nod.

You helped loosen the belt on his pants, unbuttoning and unzipping them as he slid them off completely. You bring your hand to his underwear, freeing his cock from the strained material.

He settles himself comfortably on top of you, slotting his lips back into yours as you take his cock in your hands. Your back was arched as your hands worked on his length, his veins can be felt on the palm of your hand, and his girth fitting into your fist perfectly.

"t's too good, gonna cum on your hands if you keep doing that." He murmurs, pulling his lips away from yours.

He sits up, fully taking off his boxers, his stiff cock stands tall and proud with a large amount of pre-cum on its head already.

He lowers himself to meet your gaze once more, pressing his forehead gently against yours as he softly asks, “How would you like it, my love?”

“Let’s go slow tonight Raf?”

"Anything for you."

He teased himself a bit by rubbing the tip of his cock at the entrance of your cunt, making you even more aroused. “Raf....” You whined, becoming impatient.

“So eager” Rafayel murmurs, slowly sinking his length inside of you. “F-fuck” He inhales sharply, “‘s warm and tight for me baby.” He lowers himself on top of you, brushing his lip on your ear as he slowly fills himself up inside of you.

“‘m so lucky to have you. to have you like this and see you like this.”

You hold onto his arms for support as Rafayel slowly rolls his hips inside of you, hearing you moan for more. With every thrust, he buries himself deeper and deeper in your body, wanting to stay in there forever. His lips are soft against yours as he kisses you, stifling your small whimpers as he pushes slowly into you, filling you up before stopping to catch your breath and adjust to his size.

To be inside of you as you hold him so tight and uttering his name over and over again with pure longing for him, it was perfect.

He kisses your jawline, the side of your neck, every part of your body he could. “‘m gonna go faster now mkay?” He whispers seductively in your ear, his warm breath fanning your skin as he waits for your response. Your eyes were fluttered shut and your mouth was slightly open as if you were lost in a trance. “p-please.” You breathlessly mustered up to say and that was all he needed to continue.

He whispered sweet words into your ear as your body trembled around him. His pace and thrust was much faster this time. “don’t hold back, wanna hear ya.” With his free hand, he squeezes one your tit, making you moan. He can feel your walls closing more and more around his cock.

“I’m so so close Raf,” You whimpered, gripping on him more tightly as your nails pressed more into his skin. “fill me please”

“Hmm? Want me to keep you full?” The lewd noise of your skins slapping filled the room as you began to meet your sweet release. “‘s good raf-you feel s-so good.”

The warm feeling of pleasure took over your body, starting from your chest and spread around your thighs, which began shaking with blissful waves. He continues praising you, working to meet his own release.

He was so close, ready to fill you up. “Fuck,” He groans, holding you closer to him as he slams your hips together, milking himself dry inside of you. Rafayel’s thrusts become sloppy before stopping. He collapses into the curve of your neck, breathing heavily. He stays inside of you for a bit as you both breath in sync, holding onto each other as if it were to be your last moments together.

Rafayel lifts his head, his eyes sparkling up at you and rolls you both over so you are now on top of him. A satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Your cheeks painted in a rosy color and you were both glittered with sweat. He draws you down for another passionate kiss, his hands glide over your soft curves, savoring every touch.

He pulls away from the kiss, gazing at you as if it you were a masterpiece yourself. “Gods,” He sighs contently, “I love you so much.”

[swerellind]

Yesterday I was so lost in thoughts about a game that doesn't even exist that, well, yeah...

Valley Batter also gives such Shane vibes SO there's two heart event or something

@tanblaque what have you done.. (I really love your artwork and hope it's okay to post)

[aerynwrites]

Longing Pt. 2

Halsin x afab!Reader

A/N: it’s FINALLY here - sorry for taking so long with it lmao. NSFW stuff, while I love it is so hard for me to write. But here you go! I hope you all enjoy this spicy conclusion to this story!

Word Count: 5.7k

Warnings: SMUT 18+ ONLY || smut, virgin!Reader, oral (female receiving), vaginal fingering, PiV sex, unprotected sex, creampie, multiple orgasms, Halsin being a total sweetheart by duh, fluff so much fluff and soft, aftercare (kinda?), outdoor sex, kissing, more fluff.

Part 1 || Masterlist

The early evening air is warm as it kisses your skin through the forest canopy. It’s the one thing you notice most besides the soft cloth covering your eyes, a familiar warm hand in your own being your guide through the foliage. 

“Halsin, why can’t you just tell me where we’re going?” you ask, laughing through the question. 

“Because, my heart, if I told you what was in store, it would no longer be a surprise,” he rebuffs, and you can practically hear the smile in his words. 

You let out a little huff, but don’t argue further, letting the druid lead you through the forest by hand. 

The journey is slow, with Halsin careful to guide you around any roots or rocks so you don’t stumble over the terrain, and you use the time to try and figure out where he’s taking you.

The smells of the forest fill your nose, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, and you can even feel the last rays of the day’s light on your skin through the branches of the trees. But what gives you the most information is the sound of water roaring in the distance. 

The waterfall. 

Halsin had shown it to you just a few days prior, having found it on one of his outings in wild shape form. You remember vividly his barely contained excitement as he tugged you through the woods to show you, the blindfold withstanding. 

You start to wonder why he would bring you back here so soon, and you cheeks heat at the first thought that comes to mind. When you had both arrived at the destination last time, you’d wasted little time stripping from your armor down to your underclothes and jumping in - Halsin not far behind you. 

The druid had pulled you into his arms then, lips claiming your own as he maneuvered you both behind the waterfall’s curtain. You had almost jumped the proverbial cliff then, finally feeling comfortable enough to take that final step with him.

But he had pulled away, smiling down at you before tugging you back out into the water and recalling a story from his childhood. 

As the sound of the waterfall grows ever louder, you silently hope for a repeat of those events. 

However, the true intent of this trip is revealed when Halsin finally brings you to a stop, hands sitting comfortingly on your shoulders. 

“We’re here,” he says, gently tugging at the knot holding your blindfold together. 

The cloth falls away from your eyes and you blink to adjust to the light. Your surroundings come into focus slowly and you realize that you are near the same waterfall, but instead of by the river below it, you’re in a small clearing above it. You see the small river that feeds it running steadily by before moving to rush down the cliff side. And the view…it takes your breath away. 

The clearing sits above the valley that holds your camp, letting you see for miles, the slowly descending sun casting an ethereal orange glow over the landscape. 

Finally, your eyes land on what you assume is the last part of the surprise Halsin has planned. 

In the middle of the clearing, just a few yards from the river’s edge, is an arrangement of dozens of furs laid out on the grass. You see a small burlap sack which you assume holds an assortment of food and drinks. And there’s even…candles. Some short, some tall - all of them spread around the space and lit, giving the moment a more… intimate feel than is already present. 

Soft lips press against your temple before trailing down to brush your jaw. 

“What do you think, my love?” 

His words are soft, and you detect a hint of hesitance in them, as if he is worried you would reject this thoughtful presentation. 

You turn around in his arms, lips spreading into a wide smile, your arms slipping around his waist as his do the same. 

“You did all this? Is this where you were all day?” you ask, remembering his absence from your side this morning when you woke. 

The druid nods. “When I found this place the idea immediately came to mind and I…I wanted to surprise you.” 

Warmth blooms in your chest at his words, his thoughtfulness nearly knocking you off your feet. 

You love this man. 

“Well,” you finally say, leaning back to look up at him. “Consider me surprised. But…” you trail off, brows furrowing in question. “Is there an occasion for all this?” 

Halsin pauses then, seemingly considering his words. You wait patiently as he does so, relishing in his embrace, his thumbs brushing over your hips slowly. 

“I will not lie and say I have no goals in mind for this night but…” He pauses, eyes trailing over your face, hands tightening on your hips. “I just want to show you my love. In all the ways nature intended. If you will have me.” 

Your heart stutters in your chest at his words, picking up on their meaning as all the warmth in your chest shifts down to pool in your belly instead. 

You smile up at him again before leaning in to hug him, cheek pressed against his chest as he returns the affection. 

“I’d love nothing more.” 

Halsin leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips before pulling away quicker than you like, eyes shining with happiness as he leads you towards the furs. 

“Let us eat first, while the sun still graces us with her presence. I gathered some of your favorites.” 

The fur is soft beneath your feet as you remove your boots and move to settle onto the large makeshift blanket, Halsin right behind you. Idle talk fills the air as he begins pulling items from the bag, and you can’t stop the way your mouth waters at the presentation before you. 

Various meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, wine, and even freshly baked items. Blueberry tarts. Sweet buns. This has obviously been in the works for a good while for him to find time to locate these items - a realization that makes your heart swell with adoration. 

Quickly, before Halsin has finished unpacking, you lean in and press a chaste kiss to his lips, cheeks warm. 

“Thank you. For all of this, for everything.” 

Pausing his work, Halsin smiles, leaning over on one hand before reaching up to cup the back of your neck with the other. He brings his lips back to yours, and this kiss lasts a little longer before he pulls away to gaze at you. 

“You deserve all nature has to provide, my heart. I’m simply showing you its bounty,” he tells you, leaning back to pick up one of the blueberry pastries. 

He tears off a small piece before holding it out to you, eyes twinkling. 

You raise a brow, unable to stop the smile that tugs at your lips. “Feeding me by hand now, too?” you ask, scooting forward to close in on the treat. “Careful, you might just spoil me.” 

You take the offered bite between your teeth, lips brushing the tips of his fingers before he pulls back. The pastry practically melts on your tongue, the crust buttery and flaky - a direct contrast to the tart sweetness of the blueberry mixture. 

You can’t stop the moan of appreciation that comes from you as you savor the treat, already wanting more. 

Halsin smiles, tearing off another bite and offering to you again. “I would give you the moon and stars in the sky if it is what you wished,” he says, eyes crinkling happily when you take the offering again.

You let out a contented hum, scooting until you’re finally side by side with your lover, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw. 

“As nice as that sounds…I’m perfectly content with blueberry tarts and sweet buns.” You reach up to toy with one of the braid in his hair. “And you, of course.” 

Halsin laughs at your addition, the sound loud and joyous as it echoes through the trees. “I am honored to be listed among the sweetest of treats. Although, I must disappoint you and say that honey might always be my first love.” 

You scoff, feigning hurt as you lean away from him, a hand over your heart. “I’m wounded. I thought what we had was special.” 

Strong arms wrap around your waist, pulling you into his lap effortlessly as he attacks your neck and shoulders with kisses, making giggles erupt from your lips. 

“You know I only jest,” he tells you as he finally pulls away, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair away from your face. “You are the only thing my heart desires. The moon to my night sky and the soil to my earth. Nothing could ever compare.” 

Tears burn at the back of your eyes, and you have to blink to keep them back, his words making your heart so full you feel it might burst. 

Cupping his face gently, you take a moment to let your eyes roam, taking in everything about the man beneath you. His scars that some might be frightened by, but you think makes him more handsome. The curving crimson tattoo that adorns his skin. His strong brow that complements his soft hazel eyes. And his lips…lips that smile down at you so often you sometimes worry they might get stuck that way. The smile that makes crow's feet appear at his eyes and show years of laughter he’s shared. 

You shake your head, pressing a kiss to each cheek before finally meeting his lips, holding him to you until the need for air arises. 

“I love you, too,” you whisper, meaning every word. 

————

The evening continues much like this. Eating and drinking and sharing kisses between, until you’re too full to continue. By then, night has fallen and has you both on your backs next to one another, eyes turned towards the stars as you each point out constellations and the stories behind them. 

Halsin shows you the one representing Silvanus and goes on to tell you about his god and the stories behind his origin. You show him a constellation of the goddess your parents worshiped, recalling fond memories of your childhood. 

A gasp falls from your lips in the middle of the story, eyes widening as you point up to the sky. 

“Halsin, look, a shooting star!” 

The little white light streaks across the sky, and you reach over to grab his hand in yours. “Close your eyes and make a wish!” you demand, eyes scrunching closed childishly. 

You open your eyes once more only to see dozens of other stars following the first. Flashes of light igniting the sky before fading away. 

You’ve never seen anything like it. 

“Wow, it’s…beautiful,” you whisper. 

You hear Halsin him in agreement. “It is…Nature has once again outdone itself.” 

You turn to look at him, only to see his eyes aren’t on the sky at all. 

They’re on you.  

“You’re not even looking,” you chastise quietly. 

Halsin smiles. “I’m looking at something more beautiful than even the stars.” 

Heat rushes to your cheeks once more. “Halsin…”

Before your protest can continue, Halsin is moving. He rolls deftly towards you, hand never leaving yours until he pins it beneath his own beside your head, hovering over you. Your heart leaps in your chest, legs moving instinctively to cradle his hips as he settles above you. 

His hair falls over his shoulders, the small braids swaying slightly in the soft breeze that whispers through the forest. His hand squeezes your own before his other comes up to cradle your face, thumb brushing over your cheek. 

“I do not speak words without them being truthful - false niceties are an affront to those we care about, and I do not say these things insincerely,” he tells you, voice unusually quiet. “My heart does not stir lightly. But it does now. Allow me to show you the pleasures of the heart, my love.”

Excitement stirs in your chest before settling lower, warming your belly and making arousal thrum through your veins. You nod, reaching up to card your fingers through soft honey colored hair, before settling at the back of his neck. 

He responds swiftly to your silent approval, his lips coming down to capture yours in a kiss so unlike the others you’ve shared tonight. They were soft and gentle and chaste, but this…

This is all consuming. 

It’s heated, but not rushed. Firm, but not uncaring. His lips move against yours as if he’s pouring all his devotion into you, tongue teasing your lips until you grant him entrance. 

Sighs and groans leave you both, swallowed by the other or lost to the night air as hands and lips start to roam. 

Halsin shifts above you, moving to straddle your hips as his lips travel from yours to leave suckling kisses at your jaw, his hands moving to settle on your waist. 

Your own hands fumble, not sure where to go when they want to touch him everywhere. They flit from his hips to his waist down to his thighs before running back up to tug at the hem of his shirt, fingers twitching as they itch to slip beneath the fabric. 

Gods… you’ve never done this before. Is it too forward? Should you wait? Will he want to undress you first? What if-

Halsin’s soft chuckle rips you from your racing thoughts as he presses a kiss to the underside of your jaw, nipping lightly. 

“You are free to touch, my love,” he says, as if reading your unsure thoughts. “I know I plan to. So, I believe it’s only fair of you to do the same.” 

Heat rushes to your cheeks at his words, his promise to touch you as you want to touch him. But his encouragement works, and before you let your insecurity take over once more, you slide your hands under his shirt. 

You sigh as your hands meet his skin, instantly relishing in the heat radiating from him. The fabric rides up around your wrists as you reach higher, fingers tracing each and every muscle and divot in his skin. You think you can faintly feel scars marring his flesh, some large, some small as they stretch across his skin. 

You aren’t left to wonder for long though, as Halsin pulls himself from you only long enough to tug his shirt over his head and toss it to the side before leaning forward once more, covering you with his body. 

You almost let out a whine, wanting more than just a second to take him in, but the thought is quickly forgotten as his lips return to you once more, this time relentless against the sensitive skin of your neck. 

His teeth gently nip at you before his tongue comes behind to soothe the mark he’s no doubt left behind. 

Your hands trail up from where they rest at his sides, coming to run over his chest, the dark hair tickling your palms until they eventually flit upwards to rest against his shoulders. 

Expert fingers tug at the laces of your top, and your eyes fall to meet those of the man above you. He’s pulled away from you now, eyes searching your face as he continues to toy with the front of your shirt. 

Your chest is heaving, and it’s only in this moment of silence do you realize the heat running through you. The way your toes curl into the furs beneath you, the tingling and pleasure settling low in your belly. 

Gods, you want him.  

You arch up into his hands ever so slightly. “You don’t have to ask,” you say, tone impatient, a surprise even to you. 

Halsin’s brows furrow, lips turning down ever so slightly. “Of course I do.” He leans down to place a kiss to the corner of your lips before trailing a path down your jaw to just below your ear. “Your comfort is my utmost priority, so I will ask each and every time.” 

His over abundance of care makes warmth bloom in your chest, disposing what little nerves may have been lingering in the back of your mind. 

You smile, turning your head to capture his lips with yours as you give his shoulders a reassuring squeeze. 

“I can assure you,” you tell him, pulling away from the kiss just enough to raise your arms above your head. “I’ll be most comfortable when we’re both rid of all our clothing.” 

Halsin smiles, eyes twinkling with amusement. “As nature intended.” 

You can’t stop the giggle that slips past your lips as Halsin lifts your shirt over your arms. You’re used to his druidic nature quips, but they still always manage to bring a smile to your face. 

Halsin is quick to oblige your request, and soon you’re both bare against the furs, and that tiny tinge of uncertainty is back as Halsin’s eyes roam over you. 

Without thought, your arms come up to cover yourself, but Halsin is quick to stop you in your tracks. He takes your hands in his, threading your fingers together before pressing them into the ground beside your head. 

“Do not hide from me,” he whispers, leaning down to brush gentle lips over your collarbone and down lower. “You are beautiful - more radiant than the sun on a clear day and more ethereal than the moon at its fullest.” 

He nips at the swell of your breast before kissing the soft skin and traveling lower, pausing between the valley of your chest to shower kisses over the softness of your stomach. 

Blood rushes in your ears, heart pounding, arousal shooting to your core as you realize the path he’s taking and his most likely destination. 

“Halsin…” His name leaves your lips in a gasp as his hands leave yours to follow the path his lips took just moments before.

You can feel the roughness of his palms in stark contrast to the softness of your skin, arching up into them as he reaches your breasts, kneading them in his hands. 

His thumbs brush over stiffened peaks, teasing as his lips move lower, nose nudging at your navel. 

“I wish to know all of you, my heart - body and soul.” His lips move against the delicate skin of your hip, breath fanning over your most intimate parts. “I have longed to taste you, to have you come undone on my tongue before I show you the other pleasures nature has to offer.” 

You’ve honestly never really thought about this before, your mind always jumping to the ‘ main act,’ if you will. But now, with Halsin’s hands on you and his lips so close to where you ache for him to touch you…You find you’ve never wanted anything more. 

Your hips lift from the furs involuntarily, and Halsin’s hands are quick to slide down to your hips, holding you in place gently as a chuckle leaves his lips, ghosting against the crux of you once more. 

“Yes - please …” The words fall from your lips in hushed whispers, the breath having long since left you. 

You don’t even know what you’re begging for. It’s not like Halsin was asking, but he must find your quiet words pleasing as another amused rumble comes from him. 

He’s down lower now, his lips brushing teasingly against the inside of your knee, placing feather light kisses up along your inner thigh. 

“I’ll have you begging for much more than this before the night is done.”

A shudder runs through you at his words and before a retort can even come to your mind, his mouth is on you, stealing all thoughts away. A gasp falls from your lips as your fingers move to tangle in his hair, wanting to keep him close and push him away all at once. 

His tongue parts you eagerly, his nose bumping against your clit as he teases your entrance. 

Arousal is hot and piercing in your core, making you even wetter than you were before, Halsin’s ministrations spurring your pleasure higher and higher with each expert stroke. 

The sensation is so… foreign. Something you’ve never experienced before that has you craving more and wanting to run away at the same time. Inexperience and utter pleasure push and shove at one another, until the latter wins out as Halsin presses one finger against you, sinking in ever so slowly. 

His tongue, his lips, and now his finger sinking into you makes that feeling in your belly crescendo, a feeling new to you. You don’t know whether to urge him on or tell him to stop. 

As if sensing your dilemma, Halsin adds another finger, making your jaw drop open as he crooks them inside of you, brushing up against a spot that makes you see stars. 

He pulls away from you then, pressing a hurried kiss to your hip, nipping at the skin there. 

“ Let go for me, little one. ” 

His words are the last thing you need to catapult you over the ledge you’ve never jumped before. The tension in your core bursts, the taut pressure snapping in two as your body arches into Halsin’s. 

Utter euphoria rushes through your veins in a burning tidal wave, toes curling, fingers tingling from where they still clutch at his hair. You can’t even find it in you to think about loosening your grip, the pleasure coursing through you like an electric current and locking you in place. 

You have nearly no idea how much time has passed before your mind comes back to you, your chest heaving with tired pants as Halsin kisses his way back up to you, nuzzling your jaw before peppering kisses to your cheeks as his hands rub soothing patterns against your sides.

“That was…” You trail off, both lost for words and still trying to get your breath back. “A lot.” 

Halsin chuckles again, making you warm inside for a completely different reason as he presses his lips to yours in a slow kiss before pulling away to press another one to your temple, lips tugged up in a grin. 

“Well…I did promise to overwhelm you,” he says, calling back to your conversation all those weeks ago. 

You huff out a short laugh of your own, arms coming up to wrap under his own so your hands rest against the back of his shoulders. 

“Consider me overwhelmed.” 

That smile still on his lips, Halsin comes back down to nuzzle at your jaw again, hands trailing down your sides to rest on your thighs, guiding them to cradle his hips as he press his body more fully into yours. 

A short gasp slips past your lips as you feel him against you, hot and heavy against your inner thigh. You can’t help the way your eyes glance downwards, widening at the sight of him. You hadn’t really thought to look earlier, everything else holding your attention instead, but…

Good gods above- 

“ Will it fit?” The question is out of your mouth before you can think better of it, the hot swell of embarrassment creeping up your neck as Halsin laughs again, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet forest. 

He pulls you closer to him, your chest brushing his own as he captures your lips again. One hand reaching up to cradle your jaw, thumb rubbing soothingly against the skin there. 

When he pulls away, it’s just far enough for his forehead to rest gently against yours. 

“I will go slow,” he assures you, pressing soft kisses to our brow, “but you must be my guide, tell me what pleasures you most or what causes you discomfort and I will adjust accordingly.” 

Once again, despite this intimate moment, Halsin is ever the considerate, giving partner. Never putting his pleasure above yours. 

You smile up at him, fingers pressing into his back slightly. 

“Thank you.” You lean up, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “But I…I want you to enjoy this, too. It doesn’t have to be about just me.” 

Halsin eyes twinkle in delight, one corner of his lips tugging upwards in that rare but beguiling smirk. 

“Trust me, my heart - I am enjoying myself more than you can imagine. You are giving me a most precious gift, your trust - it is more than this old druid could ever ask for.” 

His words once again, strike deep, your arousal and happiness all swirling into one big ball in your chest about to burst. You tug him down on top of you, relishing in the closeness of his chest against yours, his hands on your skin, his lips on your cheek. 

“You have it,” you tell him, voice wavering with emotion. “I love you, Halsin. Please… I trust you.”  

“I love you too, my heart.”

Halsin’s words are but a whisper against your lips before he claims them again, mounding you to him as he positions himself to press at your entrance. 

He enters slowly, never breaking your kiss, swallowing the sharp gasp that leaves you. Your fingers dig into his back at the intrusion - while not painful, it is foreign; a pleasurable pressure within you that expands more and more the deeper into you he goes. 

Your earlier orgasm makes his movements easier, but he still pauses when he meets resistance, a sharp intake of breath from you all he needs as an indicator. 

He breaks his lips from yours, reaching up to brush a stray hair from your forehead now dewy with perspiration. His brow furrows in concern. 

“Are you alright?”

You nod. It’s the truth - you are fine, there is no pain, but, gods, you already feel full and you haven’t even taken him fully yet. 

“I-I’m fine, just-“ Another breathless gasp as he twitches inside you. “Go s - slow.”

Halsin obliges, working into you in slow, measured thrusts, pulling back before sinking a little deeper each time. Each movement, no matter how small - how tempered - sends a jolt of pleasure through you, igniting the flame that never really seemed to go out. 

It’s like everything is amplified by a thousand with him moving against you. The way the hair on his chest brushes against your skin sends tingles down your spine. The blood rushing in your ears, the soft pants he exhales - breath warm against your cheek from where his forehead nuzzles your own. His hand feels like a branding iron against your skin where he pulls your leg up over his hip, fingers digging in hard enough to leave marks behind. 

You can tell he’s holding back, using every ounce of control he has to please you - to not rush this. 

Your heart aches in the best way when he finally - finally - bottoms out, his hips flush against your own. His head falls to your shoulder, and the groan he lets out is sinful enough to match the moan that falls from your own lips - his name a whispered prayer in the night air. 

You’re so full it feels like you can’t take a full breath without feeling him everywhere. Inside you, on top of you, his lips against your skin and his hands holding you in just the right way. You feel…made for him. Him made for you. Like pieces of a puzzle finally joining together. 

You relish in the feeling of him like this. But more than that, you desperately want him to move, your hips twitching against his in silent request. Only, when he doesn’t respond do you speak up.

“I think…I’m alright, you can move,” you tell him, voice breathy. 

You feel him nod against your shoulder, hair tickling the sensitive skin there as he speaks. “Yes I, ah - just need a moment.”

One of your hands runs down his back and then up again, your legs squeezing his hips gently. “Are you okay?”

Halsin laughs quietly, breath hot against your skin before pulling away, lifting one hand up to cradle your cheek as he gazes down at you in utter adoration.

“Yes, just…admiring all of nature's creations, and…considering how very lucky I am.”

You smile up at him, eyes starting to feel watery at the sincerity behind his words. “Halsin, I…I’m lucky too.”

His lips turn upwards before he leans down to place a slow, deliberate kiss to your lips before pulling away. “I care about you a great deal. More than…more than I can express. So, I will do my best to show you.”

His meaningful words end just as he decides to move, pulling out before sliding back in with one smooth thrust. The movement makes stars erupt before you as your eyes clamp shut, pleasure singing through you. 

Halsin picks up his speed when you offer no complaint, skin slapping against skin as he finds a steady rhythm. His lips press haphazardly against you, moving from your neck to your collarbone, down and then back up again, as if he wants to worship all of you but doesn’t know where to start. 

One of his hands plants itself in the furs beside your head, fingers digging into the soft fabric for purchase while the other falls down to grip your leg again, tugging it ever higher on his hip, allowing him to press deeper into you.

A high-pitched cry escapes your lips at the movement, the new angle letting him hit something devastating inside of you with each thrust. 

Your fingers dig into his back, nails no doubt leaving behind marks as they score down his shoulder blades, desperate to pull him closer. He drops down to bear his weight on his forearm, pushing himself closer to you, pressing you into the furs beneath you as if he too can’t get close enough.

“ Oak Father preserve me,” Halsin practically growls, burying his face into your shoulder, blunt teeth digging into your skin before he speaks again. “You are so… perfect. Like you were created by the gods themselves just for me,” he groans as his hips stutter momentarily, grinding up into you. “I love you, my heart, more than words or any actions can describe.”

His words, the way he feels inside you, the way his lips smooth the dull ache his teeth left behind, it’s all too much. It’s overwhelming in the best way as that coil in your belly pulls taut again, ready to snap at a moment's notice. 

Your chest rises and falls with rapid breaths, one of your hands coming up to cradle the back of his head, holding him to you as your legs finally move to wrap around his waist, heels digging into him, urging him on - silently begging him to bring you both to release. 

“I love you too.” The words come out hoarse and broken.“ Fuck, Halsin I - I’m close, please… ”

He responds to your plea, his hips stuttering as he nears his own end. He turns his head ever so slightly, lips brushing your ear before placing a gentle kiss just below, whispering sweet nothings against your skin. 

He reaches his end just before you do, and it brings about your own euphoria. The cord snaps just as his hips do against yours, warmth flooding you inside and out as you topple over the edge. His name falls from your lips over and over, a provocative incantation for only the night and the man above you to hear. 

He works you through your release, only stilling when you’re both spent, chests rising and falling against one another, skin damp with sweat as you pull each other closer still. 

Halsin tucks both arms beneath you as you slowly come down, pulling you tight against him as he rolls you both onto your sides. 

Neither of you speak for several moments, instead choosing to bask in the afterglow, relishing the cool night air against your heated skin. Only when Halsin’s hand starts to trail random patterns against your back does he finally speak. 

“Are you alright?” he asks, voice gentle with just a touch of concern lacing his words. 

You look up at him, brows furrowed. “Did I do something to suggest otherwise?” 

Halsin shakes his head, reaching up to tuck a piece of hair back from your face. “No, but I…I know I am…more than most. I just wanted to ensure there were no…lingering discomforts.”

You shake your head. Other than the dull ache between your thighs, which you do not regret…there’s not a scratch on you. And you couldn’t feel better.

“No discomforts here,” you tell him, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. “None that I’m going to complain about, anyway.”

Halsin lets out an amused huff before rolling once more so you rest on top of him, ignoring your gasp of surprise. “Good,” he says, reaching up to run warm hands down your sides before resting on your hips, eyes meeting yours once more. “I truly meant it when I said this was a gift. You are a gift, the greatest treasure Silvanus could have ever bestowed upon me.”

Halsin reaches up to take one of your hands that rests on his chest, bringing it up to press a chaste kiss to your knuckles. “You honor me by choosing to be by my side.”

Heat creeps up your neck, and words fail you at first. So, you lean forward to hide your face against him, nose brushing just below his ear as you nuzzle into the space between his head and shoulder. 

“I’ve never…” You trail off before finally finding your words. “I’ve never trusted someone enough to…take this step with,” you admit, arms moving to wrap around him, hands tucking between his back and the furs beneath him. “Thank you for loving me enough to show me what it's like.”

Halsin’s arms wrap around your waist, holding you to him as his lips brush your temple. 

“The pleasure was all mine, my heart. I love you more than the moon loves the stars and the sun loves the earth.” 

You smile against him, eyes suddenly feeling heavy, sleep tugging at the edges of your consciousness. “That’s a lot of love…might take a while to get it all out.”

You feel his chest rumble with laughter. “That just means more nights with you in my arms.”

You hum in agreement, finally letting your eyes fall shut. And, as Halsin’s arms hold you tight, you both fall asleep under the stars, nature surrounding you.

[psychuan]

y'know having read them multiple times i don't understand why people say that Night Watch is the darkest City Watch book when Thud! is right there.

like, Night Watch is pretty grim when you focus on the inevitability of it, but throughout the book the whole like... THING of it is "being told something is inevitable, and fighting it anyway." it's a story about hope and inspiring it in others even when you're not sure you're going to make it through either way. right up until the final melee with Carcer, Vimes does what he can to forestall the inevitable, and for most of the book, he *wins.*

Thud! on the other hand is about fighting against the weight of deep ancient grudges, and the outcome of it SEEMS inevitable. Koom Valley Will Happen Again, and throughout the book there seems no way to stop it. the resolution comes right at the very end, although the book 100% earns the reveal. but it's one man and a small team fighting against bigotry and hatred and figureheads stoking war.

that's not even TOUCHING on the actual Events in the book, which include a hit squad armed with flamethrowers very nearly torching Sam Vimes' infant son to fucking death. then there's the whole thing with the Summoning Dark which keeps trying to push Vimes' rage to the point of murder, there's the part where it *succeeds* and drives him into an unstoppable berserker rage, there's people dying slowly in dark tunnels, and the Vurms which feasting on putrefied corpses.

it's also the first time we've seen Vimes in an actual Murderous rage. every time beforehand he's been angry but it's been "oh i'm gonna arrest the SHIT out of you. i might put the boot in for good measure but you're coming with ME, sunshine." but no, this time he's literally chasing down a hitman screaming "i'll kill you" over and over again.

Thud! is a properly dark book. and yet despite it's unrelenting horribleness... Love Still Wins. Love for your fellow "man." Love wins in all Pterry's books, you can tell, it shines off the page when you read them just how much that man loved humanity, warts 'n' all, but in this one it feels like it's the most optimistic ending. it's the one that goes "in spite of it all, the bigots and warmongers and the narrow minded Will Lose, because there are always people willing to go to the ends of the earth for Love, Love of one another."

i think that's why it's my favourite book in the series.

[sparklingself]

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓

daily reflections #5

Let go of control. This is one of the most important realisations you can have.

You've likely encountered the following: you want something really bad. You imagine the wish-fulfilled. You're fulfilled for a second. But then you start checking the outer-world. Is it here yet? Why isn't it here yet? What can I do to make it come? You're unfulfilled again. You couldn't trust in your imagination. You resorted to fear and the need for control.

You might be inclined to imagine again and again and again in hopes of actually realising it. You're not actually fulfilling yourself. You're not trusting. You're coming from fear and anxiety, not acceptance.

Developing trust can take time. An understanding of the law and regular practice of it aids your finding of trust.

It can be discouraging to imagine for weeks, months, years, decades and not see results.

The time it takes your assumption to become fact, your desire to be fulfilled, is directly proportionate to the naturalness of your feeling of already being what you want to be, of already having what you desire. (Neville)

It will come about in a natural way. In such a way that at first you might not realise it was your own imagination the induced the event. It will come when you least expect it.

Naturalness is achieved through the state of wish-fulfilled and persistence in it. This doesn't mean compulsively imagining at every minute, but rather achieving a state of mind where you trust in it. That is the naturalness Neville is speaking of. Success or failure is entirely in your own hands.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)

Even though you might endure the worst circumstances, you will fear nothing for God (self, imagination) is with you and will comfort you. This is the point of this all. To feel good. To curate a paradise within yourself. Fear nothing, as it is all you.

Whatever happens outwardly, let it be. Just fulfil yourself within. And know, in peace, that this inner-fulfilment will inevitably lead to outer-fulfilment. But the outer-fulfilment and the "how" is not important right now. Right now it's important to merely feel the loveliness of self. That's what brings true happiness.