#I read books my grandmother got when she was a kid

[feathers-little-nest]

One of my greatest motivations in life is definitely my danmei release calendar. All of my hopes and dreams in one place

[fandomsandfeminism]

Yall wanna hear a kinda funny, kinda sad story about my grandmother and hetero-normativity?

Ok, so... when my grandmother was in her 50s (I was an infant), she met a woman at the Unitarian Church. And, as can happen when you meet your soul mate, this event made it impossible for her to deny parts of herself that she had fiercely hidden her whole life.

All the drama- their affair being found out, the divorce with my grandfather, the court battle over who got the house, happened while I was a baby. Even in my earliest memories, it's just Mama Jo and Oma, and my grandfather lived elsewhere (first his own apartment, then a nursing home, then with us.)

But here's the thing- no one ever explained any of this to me. No one ever sat down and was like "hey, Rosie, so do you know what a lesbian is?" It was the 90s. It was Texas. I think my mom was still kinda processing all this, and just assumed that like... I was gonna figure it out. Don't mention it, let it just be normal. Like I think my mom thought that if she explained the situation, she would be making it weird? I dunno.

But like. In the 90s, in all the movies I had seen and books I had read, do you know how many same sex couples I had seen? Like. 0. Do you know how many "platonic best friend/roommates" I had seen? A lot. I had no context, is what I'm saying.

I literally thought this was a Golden Girls, roommates, besties situation until I was like...I dunno, 11? 12?

It was actually their parrot, an African Grey named Spike, imitating my grandmothers voice saying "Johanna, honey, it's getting late", that triggered the MIND BLOWN moment as I realized that *there's only one master bedroom and it only has 1 waterbed* when all the pieces finally clicked.

Anyway. I think it's a real important thing for kids to know queer people exist, for a lot of reasons, but also because kids can be clueless and it's embarrassing to have your grandmother be outted by a parrot because everyone just thought you'd figure it out on your own.

Anyway, here is my grandma and her wife, my Oma, after they moved to Albuquerque to be artsy gay cowboys and live their best life. They helped run a "Lesbian Dude Ranch" out there (basically just with funding and financial support. As Oma has explained "traditionally, most lesbians don't have a lot of money" so they wrote the checks and let the younger ladies actually run the ranch.)

[foldingfittedsheets]

My paternal grandmother was a librarian. I only got to see that set of grandparents once a year as they lived out of state. I fondly remember summers spent at their house watching That Darn Cat and The King and I on loop, hunting for water skippers in the back creek, and reading the entirety of the Peanuts comics.

Because my grandma was a librarian she was delighted to foster my love of reading. We made trips to the library every week. One summer when I was seven or so I got really into this kids series about princesses all named after gemstones, each had a unique magic power.

At the end of each book was a puzzle or some extra bit of lore to decode. All of them were easily copied down in some way. Until I got to Sapphire’s book. At the end of the story Princess Sapphire was in peril! She needed a hero to come save her from a terrible fate. And there, on the last page, was a decoder device. It needed to be cut out and assembled.

I had to help save the Princess!!! In the iron grip of a fever of imagination I immediately found scissors and started carefully cutting the page. The page warned only to use scissors with an adult present and I scoffed to think I needed supervision just for scissors! I was a hero!Her plight called to me from the pages, imaginings of how I would daringly rescue the beautiful sweet Princess Sapphire ran through my little brain-

And about halfway up the page toward my goal I froze. This was a library book. I couldn’t cut a library book! What was I doing?! Even now in my memory it stands as a glaring example of the first time I mastered impulse control. Tragically, too late.

I was distraught. My grandma had a sacred duty to books and I, villain that I was, had defiled a precious tome! I wallowed for some time in abject misery, experiencing the greatest amount of guilt my tiny body had ever previously held. I’d probably go to jail. For a crime as monumental as wielding scissors against a book I wouldn’t even get dessert in jail.

Gradually, I processed my way through the grief of my vile deeds. I couldn’t have the decoder, I slowly accepted. That might be punishment enough. And I had only cut the page halfway. So it was only half a crime... It wasn’t illegal to lie when you’d aborted an evil act, right?

I didn’t know but I didn’t want to face my grandma’s potential wrath. I have no memory of my grandma ever yelling at me. I waited until the next day to approach her.

“Grandma? I finished my book and when I got to the end I saw someone had cut the page! They probably wanted the decoder because I also want that but it was very bad to cut a book, wasn’t it?”

My grandma regarded me benignly. She carefully took the book to observe it and nodded. “It’s good to see that they stopped before they cut it all the way out. Let’s go tape this together, and then I can photocopy the page and we can make you a decoder.”

I was ecstatic. Rewarded for my honesty! I created and cracked codes for the rest of summer with the flimsy paper creation we’d made. I genuinely doubt my grandma believed that I wasn’t the perpetrator, but I loved that she acknowledged that the person responsible stopped.

[sergeantbarnessdoll]

I’m just thinking about Bucky denying that he doesn’t feel well because I’m a super solider, I can’t get sick!

So he goes and tells Dr. Raynor what’s going on during his next session. As it would turn out, super soldiers are immune to many physical things, but they aren’t immune to anxiety attacks.

While he’s gone to his session, Reader finds an old recipe book with a handwritten soup recipe inside of it. It’s probably as old as Bucky is, if not older— but it’s very well-preserved. She makes some of the soup for when Bucky returns, because no matter what, soup is an exemplary comfort food.

Bucky comes back and he could swear he smells something that he hasn’t smelled in decades, since he was a kid. He smells his grandmother’s soup recipe— but that can’t be right, right? His body’s lying to him, there’s no way it’s there, a century later.

As he walks into the kitchen, the scent gets stronger. Reader made soup just for him. His anxiety starts to evaporate like the steam from the soup.

After all: it’s made with the secret ingredient.

Made With Love » Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier

Pairings: Boyfriend!Bucky Barnes x Girlfriend!Reader

Summary: Bucky comes home from therapy to find out that you made his grandma’s soup recipe.

Warnings: Fluff, language, mention of Anxiety, kissing, pet names

A/N: Thank you to the lovely anonymous person who requested this🩵

Written on my phone. My apologies for any mistakes.

Header made by @buckys-wintersoldier

GIF IS NOT MINE! Credit goes to the creator.

“Are you sure you’re ok, baby?” You asked while sitting on the bed and watching Bucky get dressed.

“Yes, I’m fine, doll.” Bucky answers.

You frowned. He sounds different. He doesn’t sound like his normal self. It worried you. You got off of the bed and walked over to Bucky.

“I hope you’re not getting sick.” You say worriedly, putting your hand on his forehead to make sure he doesn’t have a fever.

“I can’t get sick, doll.” He gently took your hand off his forehead and kissed the back of it. “I’m a Super Soldier, remember?” He says.

You pouted up at your boyfriend, knowing that something’s off about him, but you can’t figure out what it is.

“I have to go to therapy.” He sighs. “I’ll see you later, ok?” He says.

“Ok.” You sighed. “I love you.” You say, standing on your tippy toes to kiss his lips.

“I love you too, babydoll.” He says softly.

You watched him walk out of the bedroom and listened for the door to the apartment to close. You looked down at the basket of clean clothes that needs to be folded and hung up. You sighed loudly, not wanting to do it, but it needs to be done.

You grabbed the clothes that need to be hung up in the closet and took them in there, hanging them up. Your foot bumped an old box and knocked it over. You crouched down and picked up what fell out of it. You came across an old recipe book. You picked it up and opened it. The inside of the front cover was signed “Grandma Barnes”. That was enough to tell you that the recipe book once belonged to Bucky’s grandma.

You found a piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it. You read the ingredients on it, seeing that it’s a recipe for soup. You got to thinking… if you make this for Bucky, he’ll feel better compared to how he felt this morning. Everyone loves soup, right? It’s comforting.

You wrote the ingredients down on a different piece of paper, making a grocery list. You put the recipe book on the kitchen counter and went to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for the soup. Meanwhile, Bucky was at his therapy session, not wanting to be there.

“How are you?” Dr. Raynor asks Bucky.

“I’m ok I guess.” Bucky answers and shrugs.

“What do you mean you guess?” She asks.

“I been feeling off for the past couple of days and I don’t know what it is.” He tells her. “My girlfriend thought I was getting sick, but I can’t get sick. Super Soldiers are immune to everything.” He says.

Dr. Raynor wrote what Bucky said down in her notebook, making him roll his eyes. He hates that fucking notebook.

“I think you’ve been experiencing Anxiety.” She tells him. “Are you still having those nightmares?” She asks.

“Not lately.” He answers honestly.

Dr. Raynor looked at Bucky for a few seconds, making sure he’s not lying before writing it down in her notebook.

“You’re just having some Anxiety.” She closed her notebook. “Like you said, Super Soldiers are immune to everything, but they’re not immune to Anxiety.” She explains. “Try talking about how you’re feeling with your girlfriend and you might feel better.” She says.

Bucky nods before leaving her office. He got his phone out of his pocket and texted you.

Bucky: I’m on my way home

Doll🩷: Ok see you in a little bit😘

Bucky smiles at your text before shutting his phone off and put it back in his pocket, making his way home.

Bucky sighs contently when he walks inside of yours and his apartment, closing the door behind him. He stops in his tracks when he smells something all too familiar. He knows that smell. It’s something he hasn’t smelt since he was a kid. He made his way to the kitchen to see a pot on the stove. He walked to the stove to look inside of the pot, seeing the soup his grandma made when he was a kid. He seen her recipe book and soup recipe a few inches away from the stove, which confirmed it for him.

“Baby, you’re home!” You smiled. “How was therapy? Did Dr. Raynor help you figure out why you haven’t been feeling good the past couple of days?” You asked.

“It was- I umm-” Bucky was too speechless to answer you.

He turned around so he was facing you. You looked at him, waiting for him to say something.

“Did you make this?” He asks, referring to the soup.

“Yes!” You answered. “You weren’t feeling good the past couple of days so I made you something comforting. I also found what I think is your grandma’s recipe book in our bedroom closet when I was putting away laundry.” You tell him.

“It is my grandma’s recipe book.” He says, picking the book up.

You stood there, watching him look at his grandma’s recipe book. You couldn’t tell if he was happy or you accidentally did something wrong.

“I overstepped, didn’t I?” You asked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I thought you might want something from your childhood and-” Bucky kissed you before you could finish your sentence.

Bucky kissed you with so much passion that it took your breath away.

“You didn’t overstep in any way, babydoll. I’m just speechless, because I haven’t eaten this since I was a kid.” He explains. “I could marry you right now.” He says happily.

You smiled widely. You stood up on your tippy toes and kissed him sweetly.

“To answer your question, Dr. Raynor said I’ve been having Anxiety and talking to you about how I’m feeling might help.” He says, finally answering your question from a couple minutes ago.

“Is she going to give you medicine for it or something?” You asked curiously.

“No.” He answers. “Why would I need to take medicine when I have the most gorgeous girlfriend in the world?” He says.

You blushed when he called you gorgeous. Bucky kisses you passionately again.

“I love you more than anything in this world, doll.” Bucky whispers, looking deep in your eyes.

“I love you too, baby.” You say softly.

You kissed him once more before getting him a bowl of soup. He took a bite of it, savoring the taste of it.

“I think I just fell in love with you again.” Bucky says.

“Is it good?” You asked. “I know it’s probably not as good as how your grandma made it.” You say.

“It’s amazing! You made it just right.” He says.

“I also made it with everyone’s favorite special ingredient.” You tell him with a smile.

Bucky smiles widely, already knowing that special ingredient is love. You got yourself a bowl of soup and tried it. You savored the taste too.

“This is amazing.” You say, agreeing with Bucky.

“I told you.” He says with a smile.

There was a moment of silence while you two ate. Bucky looked at you with the look of love and adoration on his face. He reached over and gently put your hand in his.

“My grandma would’ve loved you.” He says softly with a smile.

“I bet she would’ve.” You say, smiling back.

🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖

-Bucky’s Doll

[shall-we-die]

Hcs about a Old lady mc with the obey me brothers. Just her treat the brothers like they were her grandchildren.

╔‌‌‌‌═══════════════•⊰•°༄༚

{Granny's favorite}

☰[Main list]•⊰ Obey me!

↬[A/N]•⊰ It was such a nice and cute request, I love it soooo much 💞

╚═══════════════•⊰•°༄༚‌‌���

At first, Lucifer feels that the presence of an old person causes disturbance. Sometimes he got angry because of grandmother's slowness. However, his heart melted when Grandma patted him on the head and reminded him what a good brother he was. Now he is grandma's favorite son who helps grandma knit new sweaters.

Granny's opinion: "hohoho, I like that that gentleman who has deep voice. He reminds me of my first crush when I was 19." *Granny has a crush on luci.*

On the other hand, Mammon first thought that this little  granny was old and stupid, so he tried to steal from the them, But, the clever and smart granny slapped on the back of his hand and reprimanded him. After that, she stroked his cheek and gave him a chocolate. Now, like a puppy, Mammon is looking for his granny to praise him.

Granny's opinion: "Mammon is my little boi, if you hurt him, I'll kick your ass." *shy giggles*

Leviathan didn't care much about our cute granny, although she was more strict towards him and kept forcing him to come out of his room and not be isolated. After Grandma made a knitted doll of his beloved character, he became a huge fan of Granny.

Granny's opinion: "This young man needs to get kicked out of his room." *Granny doesn't know they're demons.*

Satan is the angry kid, although Granny knows how to teach naughty children. Granny easily pulls his ears and tells him to be calm and not to fight with his brothers. As a bonus, satan gets to sit with granny and learn how to knit a cat doll.

Granny's opinion: "I like kids who study hard. I'm sure he can be a great doctor." *Asian parents vibes*

Asmodeus did not like a wrinkled and ugly old woman. However, the grandmother easily won his heart because she made him a sweater in his favorite color and gave it to him. Now he wants more gifts from his dear Granny.

Granny's opinion: "At first I thought he's a girl. Sorry I am visually impaired." *takes a sip from her tea.*

At first, Beelzebub thought grandma was food because she smelled like a chocolate chip cookie. Of course, even now, he feels that Granny smells delicious. He loves the cookies that Granny bakes.

Granny's opinion: "don't tell others, but Beelly is my favorite grandson. He really likes my food and eats them all."

At first, Belphegor hated granny and felt that she had bewitched his brothers. Granny knows how to deal with an angry cow though. Now he waits every night for his granny to come and read story books to him.

Granny's opinion: "youngest child... he's a brat. Hohoho."

[queensunshinee]

Time Of Our Lives || Part 1

Part 1:

When they were kids, Liana and Art didn't like each other. To be more precise, they couldn't stand each other. They were born in the same month, and because their parents were such good friends, they always celebrated their birthdays together. Since Art was born two weeks after her and his grandmother firmly believed that one should not celebrate in advance, Liana never celebrated her birthday on its actual date, and that was a good enough reason to hate Art Donaldson forever.

When they were 7 years old (or more precisely, he was seven, and she was seven and two weeks), Art received his first tennis racket, and Liana got a small skateboard with a Pokémon design. He cried. Of course, he cried; everything Liana had, Art wanted too. He didn't know how to share anything, and eventually, Liana was forced to let him use her skateboard whenever they met, which unfortunately was at least once a week.

"You don't even know how to ride it," she tried to instill some logic into the blonde boy. "Do you?" he asked curiously. "Not yet, but I'll learn, duh," she rolled her eyes at him. "Then I'll learn too," he shrugged and went to wash his face, returning a few minutes later as if nothing had happened.

Only those who knew Art well understood what Liana knew - he was a crybaby who was never satisfied with what he already had. His friends passed around the racket he received as if it were a chocolate cake while he continued to glance at Liana, who was trying to balance on the skateboard and nearly fell.

At the age of 12, Art was accepted into the fancy tennis boarding school he couldn't stop talking about to anyone who would listen (even those who wouldn't), and Liana was the first to arrive at the party held in his honor. She was so excited. As far as she was concerned, Art wouldn't be coming back. There was a high chance that now, with him gone, she could convince his parents that it wasn't worth maintaining him at home. He was too much of a headache, and they were too good-hearted to keep enduring his presence.

Instead of that happening, he came back with a curly-haired addition named Patrick Zweig. They shared a room at the boarding school, and now he spent half the summer with them. Every time Liana wanted to do something like go to the pool with her friends, her parents would say that the Donaldsons had a pool at their house. Every time she wanted to lie on the grass and read a book, the two noisy boys would decide to play right in front of her, until she gave up on the book and had no choice but to stare at them. It was a pity her plan didn't work, sadly Art didn't stay at his stupid boarding school forever.

By the age of 17, it was clear to everyone that Art was good at tennis. Really good at tennis. He won youth singles competitions and also did well in doubles with Patrick. Her parents forced her to attend quite a few of these tournaments.

"Li, I think you're my lucky charm," he said in front of everyone at dinner after one of the tournaments, smiling a smile that only Liana knew was malicious. Everyone melted at the touching gesture of the ultimate champion taking time for the girl he grew up with, but Liana knew Art too well. He couldn't fool her with his feigned niceness, his suddenly acquired manners. She knew him too well and knew that everything he did was always about embarrassing her and making her do something she didn't want to do. "So, are you suggesting I stop coming to your games?" she asked, taking a bite of chicken, throwing a smile of her own. Two could play this game. "You're going to be at most of my games for the rest of our lives anyway," he shrugged while Liana raised an eyebrow, and the adults around the table laughed as if they knew something Liana and Art didn't. Later, Liana sat on a chair by the pool, and Art sat next to her. She looked at him with the same expression as before, and he raised one hand in surrender. "I come with peace offerings," he pulled out a cake and two spoons from behind his back. Her raised eyebrow turned into suspicion. "What do you want?" she reached for one of the spoons. "I missed you, Li. Tell me something good," he took a bite of the cake and in response got another eye roll that made him lightly slap her hand as it reached for the cake. "You're not getting any until I hear at least one interesting story," he moved the cake as far from her as he could. "I'll just go in and get a piece for myself," she replied quickly. "There’s no more. I took the last one," he took another bite, knowing she was starting to worry about how much cake would be left for her if he finally agreed to let her have some. "I started working on my applications to Stanford," she said, and he moved the cake closer to her, finally letting her eat.

"How's it going?" he asked. They both knew Stanford was a big deal; their families had history there. Art's parents got engaged there. Everything in their lives revolved around getting into Stanford. "I'll be fine. I'm in all the extracurriculars at school, student council, and prom committees. My essay is a bit boring, needs more work, but I have a year, so maybe something will change," she shrugged and saw he hadn't eaten the last bite of the cake, leaving it for her.

"Write about your best friend and what it's like growing up in the shadow of the best tennis player in America," he said with a serious tone, and after a few seconds, he started laughing. "Write about how you miss me," he added. His laughter faded a bit as he studied her, and she went back to looking at the pool. "If I decide to lie in my university application essay, I'd rather write that I got into a modeling agency and live a double life like Hannah Montana," she replied without looking at him. "You're mean," he chuckled and stared at the pool, enjoying the silence between them.

When they went inside, Liana saw there was still half a cake left, and Art, noticing her look, just shrugged and went to talk to her dad about basketball. A year later, things got a bit complicated. Liana had a boyfriend. It wasn’t anything too serious, but he came to her and Art’s joint birthday party. Needless to say, Art and Patrick couldn’t stand him. Patrick said he smiled too much, like he wanted everyone to like him. "How can you trust a guy with a smile like that?" he asked for the third time that evening, as they stood there watching Liana talk to her parents with Jake holding her hand. "All his teeth are in place," Art responded. He felt betrayed. He felt as if tennis had betrayed him. If it weren’t for tennis and the boarding school, he would still be going to the same school Liana went to. He wouldn’t take his eyes off her, certainly not for long enough for her to have a boyfriend with a smile like that. "Do you think they’ve fucked?" Patrick asked suddenly, making Art turn his head sharply in his direction. "You think they did?" he asked back. "I don’t know. You know her better. I only talk to her on the phone occasionally," Patrick shrugged. "You talk to her on the phone???" Art asked, unable to process this new information. In his view, there wasn’t an option to talk to Liana unless she came to watch him play or their parents arranged for them to meet. The thought that Patrick and Liana had phone talks and didn’t just meet in the summer made him uncomfortable.

"Yeah, that’s what phones are for, to call people you miss," Patrick chuckled, but quickly returned to the same expression as he watched Liana and the quick kiss her annoying boyfriend gave her. "In front of her dad," they said together. Art knew her dad well. He knew that gesture wasn’t appreciated. "What do you talk to her about on the phone?" He was a bit embarrassed asking. He felt like he was losing to everyone. Losing to Liana, losing to Jake, and worst of all, losing to Patrick. "Just stuff. She called when she got accepted to Stanford, for example. I promised her I’d take her out for ice cream this summer to celebrate. And she said she stole a bottle of wine from her parents and celebrated with her friends," Patrick felt like he was rambling. He knew Liana and Art didn’t talk on the phone. He didn’t want to compete with his best friend because, well, he was his best friend. But Art had a significant advantage with Liana. He’d known her all his life. And if someone with such an advantage wasn’t making the most of it, Patrick had to step in. He had to show Art he was also in the picture. That even if they both went to Stanford, Patrick would still be around.

What none of them considered was that Liana could choose someone else entirely. That someone else might win. Come to think of it, neither of them even saw her that way. She was just Liana, the girl who was always there, in the background of their lives. And neither of them planned to change that anytime soon. Well, anyway, Jake had to disappear.

here it is. Once again, English is not my first language, and it's my first time writing in it. Hope you like it as much as I love writing it. I'd really like to hear your thoughts so don't stop yourselves from hitting the ask box ❤️

[mayrose713]

Just wondering when your stray kids pack book will be updated. Stumbled across it and now I'm obsessed 😍

Beautifully Cruel World-Update

Series Masterlist

I am again soo sorry for lack of chapters. The last you guys heard from me I was stressing about trying to get SKZ US tickets which I am happy to say I did get 2 field tickets for Arlington so if anyone's gonna be there hope to see you.

But the reason for no update is just a few days after I got the tickets I was at work when I got a text from my aunt. I don't talk to most of my moms family as you guys know from the fic as it is based on my life but she had told me my great-grandmother had a heart attack. My great-grandma is a 92 year old women who is the only grandma I keep in contact to that is biologically related to me. She was able to go home but then 3 days later while I'm at work again I get a call from my mom who was barely 24 hours out of rehab telling me my great-grandma was going back to the hospital and would possible be put on hospice.

Right now I am waiting for more updates on her as it isn't really looking good. If things take a turn for the worse I may have to fly back to where I grew up which we all know I won't be looking forward to but because of it I've been kind of having some writers block as my mind has been everywhere else. I've been trying to write when I can so I'll try to get chapter 14 posted soon but right now there's gonna be some time between chapters. Again I'm sorry but I'll also keep you guys updated as I know

Lots of love ~MayRose

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[screamintoad]

Silanche kid-Alaric Vanrouge

I liked both vers so take em. RSA pride and Diasomnia pride

“I was hoping to attend NRC like my sister but…maybe I fit in better here.”

Voice claim: TBA

Character info

  Alaric is a quiet and sometimes timid young man. He prefers his own company unless he’s around people he likes. Sometimes others will find him curled up somewhere taking short naps in between longer classes. Sometimes the third year students will poke fun at him because they know his sister went to NRC but he always brushes them off, until they find a snapping plant in their dorm rooms a few hours later. Despite that though he’s a straight A student, he’s quiet but he’s learned a lot from growing up in Briar Valley and around the royal family. He actually talks a lot to his roommate, especially about books they’ve read or are reading. 

  His household is quite large since it’s him, his older sister, his parents, grandpa, and great grandmother all living together. Not including the animals. But, he wouldn’t have it any other way. His mom told him about when it was just her and her grandma living together with their old dog and he’s always thought about how lonely they both must have been. At home in Briar Valley he’ll be all over town, from helping at his mama’s bakery, to his granny’s flower shop, to hanging out at the castle when Silver is on duty. 

Fun facts: Aroace icon. Certified mama’s boy. He doesn’t want to become a knight but he would be around his sister when she was training so he learned some things that way. Blanche and Granny Primrose made sure to teach him all about plants and botany, y’know, just in case. When he visits home, him and Fleur have a tradition of going on a trail ride past a waterfall that they’ve dubbed the “Fire Fall” because at sunrise the water appears golden-orange, then they’ll race back home and the winner chooses their next activity. 

Basic info

Age: 16

Height: 173cm/5’6 during first year, 185cm/6’ at graduation 

B-day: February 2nd (Aquarius) 

Dominant hand: left

Family: Blanche and Silver (Mama and Dad), Fleur (sister), Lilia (grandpa “old man” for funnies), Granny Primrose (great grandma “granny”)

Nickname: Lil bat (by family), Ricky (by friends)

1st year

Class B

Club: Horseback riding club

Best subject: Botany

Hobbies: Gardening, reading, baking

Pet peeve: People who can’t mind their business

Favorite food: His mama’s cooking

Least favorite food: His grandpa’s cooking

Talent: Tending to plants

Character dynamics

Fleur: Thick as thieves, they’re inseparable when either of them comes home. Even as kids he would always follow her around. If he’s busy with something then she’ll be the one to find him and hang out until he’s finished. 

Jane: Opposites into best friends. He doesn’t encourage her late night visits but he always hints that it’s okay. 

Luna Howl: If he has bite marks they’re from her. Somehow she always drags him into her and Jane’s shenanigans, yet he never complains. 

Joey Howl: Big bro. But seriously they’re close as well, he helped push him into confessing to Fleur. 

Mika Bucchi: Roommateee. They spent the first week at RSA in complete silence, until Alaric saw him reading one of his favorite books and got so excited he asked about his thoughts on it. Ever since then they’ve talked to each other a lot more. He still forgets to warm him when Jane visits. 

HOWL SIBS BELONG TO @blood-red-bumblebee AND MIKA BELONGS TO @twtysevapr

anddd extra tags: @gimmeurmoneyagh @babyghoul138 @bunniehunn @angelwishess @moonyasnow

@skibidibabygirl @justm3di0cr3 @midnightmah07 @beneathsakurashade @4necdote

@theolivetree123 TELL ME IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED OR NOT

[midlandslady]

Today I have 2 things to discuss and it's all about Daemyra:

On the "Daemon groomed Rhaenyra." I can see where it comes from but it is such a lie. I cannot even hear these words anymore. Why did he groom her? Because he gave her a necklace when she was 14 and there was sexual tension in the scene? First, it's Matt Smith, he can have sexual tension with a rock. Second, the same could be said for Milly Alcock. Third. They are Targaryens! Daemon always wished that his grandmother had found a wife for him like Rhaenyra, a true Targaryen bride. And Rhaenyra grew up admiring his rebellious spirit, which was very similar to hers. In a way, it was like how Daenerys always expected to marry Viserys one day. This is their tradition: to find a pure Targaryen match. But nothing happened when she was 14 and I don't believe he thought of her in a sexual way back then at all! Rhaenyra, on the other hand, already had a crush on him by then. Then he returns from the Stepstones, she was 18-19 years old and about to be married to someone she didn't care for. She was a woman then and of course he desired her, she was everything he liked mixed with the fondness he always had for her. Was it that bad for him to have taken her to a brothel to clarify all the mysteries of lovemaking that she had no clue about? I think it was progressive of him, and very feminist to be honest. Did he plan to ruin her reputation so that he could marry her? Maybe yes, maybe not. Perhaps he just wanted to marry her. Or he simply wished to show her that there was nothing to be afraid of and that pleasure could exist within the marriage or out of it. Or maybe both things. But in my vision, he didn't plan it that far, he wasn't even aware of the intensity of his feelings for her until that moment in the brothel. And it scared him in a way that all plans flew his mind. The role of uncle and lover so twisted in his mind that he had to get away from her. The entire story would have been different if he hadn't but I wouldn't have had the same love for their romance. And then how can you say that he groomed her when she always had the upper hand when it came to him? He had the entire realm fooled by his lies of marrying Mysaria and having a child with her, he was ready to die facing Otto on that bridge and then she comes, she calls him out on his lies, and immediately his farse is gone, he surrenders the egg and leaves. She had such an influence over him that one might say he was the one being groomed XD Being older does not mean anything. And Rhaenyra was always stronger than him, more decisive, more sure of herself, and she always saw him exactly for what he was, with all his flaws. She was not naive or molded by him. To say so is very diminishing of her character and I hate it. And unlike the books, Daemon and Rhaenyra only got sexually involved when she was much older, already with 3 kids and lovers, and very experienced in the act of love. And again, it was her choice, he didn't pursue her, she did!

On the "Poor Rhaenyra, she was in love with an evil man her entire life and he doesn't care for her as much." Another huge lie. Daemon loves Rhaenyra so much more than she loves him and that is very evident. He needs her more than she needs him. Him wanting to admit that or not is another story but it is the truth. During their 10 years apart, Rhaenyra was miserable because she kept being humiliated by Alicent, she had "bastard" children and a husband who didn't support her as she wished. I can see why she was not happy. But Daemon? Daemon had a fantastic wife, who believed in him, loved him, and was fierce as him. She had all the qualities he loved. They had two legitimate daughters, they traveled the world together. Then why was he so defeated? As Laena said "He didn't eat, he didn't sleep, he spent his days in a library reading books about the Targaryen ancestry". And now people may say that he was sad because he didn't have the throne. Wrong. He had already lost the throne from the moment Viserys had other children, it didn't matter anymore. Or people will say that it is because he missed his brother. Also wrong, he had been away from his brother many times over, but it never stopped him from returning as he pleased. At Rhaenyra's wedding, he didn't even fight with Viserys, so he was not exiled. No, he stayed away for so long because he didn't trust himself if he saw Rhaenyra again. He was heartbroken because she was not in his life and appeared to be faring well without him, with 3 children and a stable relationship with Harwin. From the moment Viserys died, Rhaenyra distrusted him. Outside of their happy bubble, she doubted he would accept her as queen and would try to rule over her. She believes he was not there with her at the birth of Visenya because he was already mad planning his war. But was he? Or was he making sure that the people around them were loyal and would not stab them in their backs? At the funeral of Visenya, she was partially blaming him, she wouldn't even look at him and he was just there wanting to be part of her grief, their grief, but she wouldn't let him. At the war council table, he was proud of calling her his queen, his grace, he thought they would "rule together" and yet all the proposals he makes at that table are refuted coldly by her. And he is confused. In his mind he doesn't understand why she is pushing him away, why she is so explicitly ruling out everything he says. And then Luke dies and she disappears and he is angry at everyone. But mostly he is worried because she went alone and she is exposed to Vhagar and Aemond so he wants to take down Vhagar and the threat that she represents. Finally, when Rhaenyra returns he is so relieved and, despite his harsh words before that she was straying in her duties as queen, he doesn't say any of the sort. He simply asks if she found what she needed. This is such a nice touch. At the end, he just wants to console her but doesn't know how and she doesn't let him near. And being Daemon he reacts to this feeling of being pushed away and rejected with violence as the only way he knows how to deal with his emotions. When she says "I want Aemond" he immediately goes into action because if this is the only thing he can do for her, to comfort her, then he will. And it goes terribly wrong. Overall what I mean to say is: that before Daemon started calling himself king, before he started to feel that he was better suited to rule, Rhaenyra was already blaming him and distrusting him for what he hadn't thought of doing yet. Hence, despite all of his mistakes, and he makes a lot of them, loving Rhaenyra less has never been one of them.

[whatyadrawin]

The Fruit After the Flesh 18+ -Chapter 9-

Minors DNI!

Masterlist

Approximately 4,872 words

Pairing: Thomas Hewitt (Headcanon) x AFAB reader

This chapters Warnings:  Sexual language, foul language, scary moment. This is Slasher smut, be mindful of that and use your discretion.

A/n: This chapter took me so long to complete! I had to read over it and edit like four times. I took 48 hrs to make all the art pieces starting from 3pm march first until 6am march second, took a nap, started back up to finish the art at 2:30pm and finalized EVERYTHING for upload at 6am March 3rd. I'm tired bro, I got so carried away with the art I really should have cut it down to just 3 images but artists always suffer for their passion, it's our curse. Let me know if you want to be in the tag list. I update chapter progress on the masterlist whenever something changes.

Please enjoy this chapter! I worked very hard on it so reblogs, comments, and likes are appreciated very much.

Tag List: @fan-goddess , @artxasa

Chapter 9 

               The days at the Hewitt house went by slow as molasses, within these dragging days a construction crew had arrived and began repairing your home. They worked quickly and made a lot of headway which is unusual for contractors, the team seemed eager to leave for some unspoken reason. The foreman said that in one month, you would get your home back; you were excited to have your life get back on track despite enjoying your time at the Hewitt house. You made sure to water and trim the fruit trees so that they didn’t overgrow or die, since Dover was still missing, all the responsibility was left up to you. There was so much work to do but you were happy to be able to contribute your time to the property. In the passing days you didn’t see much of Tommy, he seemed preoccupied and was frequently away from the farm which only made the days last longer for you.

Half past 4pm, the day was really wearing on you and the sun was getting low in the sky so you decided to leave the orchard and head back to the Hewitt house to rest. On your walk back, you think about Tommy’s room and what it must look like, when you saw the door under that menacing red light it was simultaneously both frightening and intriguing.

The basement was such a dark and quiet place, so spacious and empty; You remembered that room with hooks that Tommy swiftly prevented you from exploring, your curiosity grew when he spun you around and slammed the door shut. This family has a mysterious history to you, the mention of them allegedly eating people weighed heavy on your mind -can I really get past the fact that they might have been cannibals? – it felt easier to gaslight yourself into thinking everything was fine, so you ran it out of your head.

When you arrived at the house, you make your way through the parlor and see Luda Mae sitting on the couch in the living room. She was reading a romance novel with a muscular, golden-haired man on the cover, it was reminiscent of the classics you had seen in your grandmothers closet as a kid. She sees you and places the book down to the side hurriedly as if she was ashamed of what she was reading,

“I-uh-ahem” She stuttered,

You smile politely “Reading anything good?”

She laughs, “Yeah, this one’s real saucy too. Thought I might get lost in it for a while.”

You felt bad for interrupting her, “Well don’t let me stop you, I’m just heading over to my room for some rest before dinner.”

she replies, “Oh, shoot that reminds me, best get dinner started now.” Luda Mae gets up with a groan and starts walking towards the kitchen.

“Time really does fly by when you find a good book.” She laughs as she passes.

You go to your room and get yourself changed and freshened up before dinner, you didn’t want to be around everyone while having the sweat of farmwork still lingering. You put on a comfortable pair of black tights and a white tank top which matched the white walking shoes you slipped on your feet.

When dinner was ready, you left your room to meet with the Hewitts at the dining table. The scent of roast chicken and baked corn wafted into the room, you were starving from having worked all day. Charlie was already sitting at the table when you arrived, he looked at you and said,

“Didja see the progress on the house?”

You take a seat, “Yeah, it’s coming along really fast, I’m surprised.”

He laughs “Don’t be, that crew probably knows this area ain’t so safe for ‘em. They’re smart, gonna get their paycheck and fuck off.”

You furl your eyebrows, “Why isn’t it safe for them?”

“Ah- Uh...” Charlie stopped himself when he caught a glare from Luda Mae from the kitchen,

“Well, what if they were to get hurt hm? Ain’t no hospital nearby or nothin’” he looked pleased with his answer.

You reply, “That’s a good point I guess.”

You know there is something more to what he said, but you didn’t want to push him. Luda Mae brought in the food, placing it all on the table followed by a big jug of ice-water, she groaned as she sat down; Tommy however, was missing tonight and you were worried,

You ask, “Where is Tommy? Is he not eating?”

Charlie laughs “That boy not eat? Maybe when hell freezes over after pigs fly n’ the fat lady sings.”

A devilish grin forms on his face before he turns to Luda Mae and says,

“Hey Luda, get the ball rollin’ n’ start singin’, then when the pigs grow wings Satan’s ass’ll turn to ice and the boy won’t be eatin’ us outta house n’ home no more.”

Luda Mae just rolls her eyes, she turns to you and says,

“Don’t worry hun, Charlie brought somethin’ to him so he don’t starve out there.”

You push for more info, “He’s been so busy lately; I feel like I never get to see him anymore. Where is he anyway?”

Charlie grabs a chicken leg and bites into it, he starts speaking with his mouth full,

“He’d shred us in half if we toldja. He’s been workin’ real hard though, wants to show you what all he’s been doin’ tonight”

Charlie swallows his food and continues, “He’s got a big ole’ hard on for you girlie, you better not be trailin’ him along fer nothin’, or he might lose it.”

Luda Mae whips her dishcloth at Charlie, who just smiles and winks at you. Luda Mae looks at you and says,

“Hope you get used to this foul-mouthed pig here, I might die from having to apologize on his behalf all darn day.”

She shakes her head at him and follows, “Thomas wants to meet up with you after you’re done eatin’. He wants to show you what he’s been workin’ on.”

Charlie pipes in, “Yeah, I bet he wants to show you somethin’. Probably whip out the fuckin’ anaconda he’s hidin’ down there. For an ugly motherfucker he sure was blessed. God is a real shit heel for that one.”

You squint your eyes at him, and he continues,

“He used to bathe outside when he was a youngin’ but once he grew up a bit the bulls started feelin’ emasculated.” Charlie starts laughing hysterically.

Luda Mae hides her face in her hands, she yells out,

“Why’r you talkin’ bout my boy’s privates like that!? You tryin’ to make us all upset?”

Charlie is now red in the face from laughing, he gets a sick pleasure in making people uncomfortable, but if anything, it just made you unbearably curious. You caught a glimpse of his erection when you watched Tommy run from you at the pond, it was greatly obscured but from what you could see, it was huge; You were able to feel the size and firmness of it in the laundry room, which factualized Charlies words.

He looked over at you, his eyes were watery from laughing so hard, he says,

“I’m sorry honey buns, but you need to be warned before you let him stick that goddamn two by four in ya.” He continues to laugh while he shovels corn into his mouth. You were still not used to his outlandish way of conversation and it made you blush.

The rest of dinner was mostly just Luda Mae trying to keep the subject matter light and Charlie giggling to himself. Once you cleared the table and packed away the leftovers, Luda Mae guides you to the door and says,

“Go wait for him by the silo, he’ll take you to his surprise. I hope you like it dear.”

The sun was now deep on the horizon which was losing its rosy hue, twinkling planets were already visible and the moon was following the dark part of the sky. You see Thomas leaning against the silo, he had one hand in his pocket and the other was fiddling with some wheat from the field to check the progress of the crop. He was wearing a very loosely fit tank top that looked old and worn, his pants were a pale blue jean with dirt and other stains scattered all over, he was still wearing his working boots which means he must have completed this surprise only today.

He looks up from what he was doing, when he sees you, he stood up straight, dropping the wheat to the ground. You could tell he was smiling, his deep blue eyes squishing upward gave it away, this made you smile wide as you felt knots form in your stomach. You felt like you hadn’t seen him in forever, time away really does make the heart grow fonder, it was agony not being able to spend time with him. He extended his hand to you and when you placed your hand in his and realized how small you really were compared to him, you felt like you could only hold onto two of his fingers while he could easily cover more than just your hand with his.

He looked at you and carefully pulled you toward the forest,

“Where are we going? It’s dark in there, sort of scary, isn’t it?” You were hesitant to be going into a dark forest as the sun was rapidly losing its light, he looked at you and tilted his head to the side,

“I’m here” he said calmly.

His voice was so deep and reassuring. You rarely ever hear him speak, so it felt like you won the lottery whenever he did utter out anything. He was walking slowly, he made sure to accommodate the vast difference in gait you both had by staying behind you, he guided you by gently moving you in the right direction with his hand on your shoulder. Even though you were nervous about the darkness of the forest, you felt safe with Tommy close to you. He was so large and unbelievably strong that there was no way harm could come to you.

Suddenly, Tommy stopped and turned you around to face him, he took your hands and covered your eyes with them, you couldn’t help but smile. He put his hand on the middle of your back to guide you further in, you trusted that he would ensure you don’t trip and fall. The ground went from dirt and crunching leaves, to soft grass, then a hard flat surface. Each step you took made a hollow wooden noise as if you were at a harbor. Tommy stopped you and moved your hands from your eyes. You looked around and gasped, you were on a dock that sat on top of the pond.

The moon was already shining a bright light on the water making it look like glass, the stars that now shone in the night sky were reflecting off the surface and turned the pond into what looked like a portal into space. The gentle croaking of frogs created a peaceful ambience, and as you walked further onto the dock you saw some wooden chairs to relax on, one was much larger than the other.

“Did you make all this?” your voice was exasperated with awe.

Tommy nodded again and pointed at you,

You smiled “You made this for me?”

He nodded again and went to sit on the largest chair, he tapped his hand on the other chair to get you to sit with him. You sat down and the deep seat forced you to recline which was relaxing.

“I’ve never had anyone do something like this for me. Thank you, Tommy, you’re such a thoughtful man.”

Tommy looked at you and nodded slowly, he made an approving ‘hmph’ noise, he felt good about pleasing you. The heat tonight was thick, it made your skin sticky with sweat, and you could see a slick shine on Tommy’s arms and chest. You get up from the chair to put your hand in the water, testing its temperature, small fish reveal themselves as they flash in the moonlight. You stand up and remove your shoes, Tommy stands up nervously and you giggle,

“Don’t worry, I won’t take off my shirt or underwear. It’s too hot to just sit down when we have the most immaculate natural pool right under our feet.”

You slowly take off your tights and fold them neatly on top of your shoes, the black thong you had underneath did nothing to conceal your feminine shape; Tommy turns away from you, staring off into the sky in an attempt to avoid gawking at you. It was amusing to you since he already saw most of your body the first time you were in the pond. You slowly lower yourself into the cool water of the pond, its cooling temperature feels like heaven.

Tommy heard you get in and slowly turns around to see you on your back, floating gently with the moon’s reflection circling your body, you looked like a goddess. You saw that he was just standing there watching you, you swim up to the dock and put your arms on the edge, you say,

“You know, you don’t have to just watch me.”

Seeing him act so shy was strange, a polar opposite of the last time you were both in the laundry room where he made no qualms of pushing himself up against your clothed pussy with his dick begging for entry. You watched as he took off his clothes, throwing them sloppily next to your neatly folded pile. You were annoyed that he was wearing black boxers which concealed the shape and size of his package too well, but being able to see his body almost completely unclothed was still enough to have you biting your lip in excitement.

Tommy had very long legs which were complemented by his thick thighs, his butt was muscular from having to haul his hefty body weight all over the farm. His torso was exactly as you pictured it, he had heavy muscle underneath a layer of fat that softened any sharp edges and did nothing but add mass to his already impressive size. His pecs were large and heaved with every breath he took, a smattering of soft hair covered the base of his chest and ran down his abdomen leading towards his groin, getting less sparse the lower it went.

Seeing him so exposed was odd, most people would look vulnerable, but he only looked more intimidating and fearsome especially since his arm muscles were well defined despite his soft torso. His size was not a mirage from thick clothes or padded jackets like most men you encountered, he really was authentically a behemoth of a man.

He lowered himself into the pond and let out a sigh of relaxation when he submerged his torso under the surface. You smile, and swim over to him,

“You deserve to relax after working so hard. I hope we could make this a frequent thing, something we could do together.”

You waited for a response, he looked at you and then up to the sky, he let out a positive ‘hm’ and nodded. You felt like you were in a dream, nothing you experienced was ever this beautiful, and no man was ever as generous as Tommy, you wanted to live in this moment forever. Tommy stands up in the water, he turns to you and grabs your hand to pull you to another part of the pond,

“C’mere” he says.

He pushes past some thick reeds and you end up in a tiny alcove where the water comes up to your chin and tall grasses circle you both which made the area very intimate. Tommy sees you struggling to keep your head out of water, he bends over you and grabs the smallest area on your waist under your ribs with both hands and he lifts you out of the water effortlessly. You let out a short-excited scream as he pulls you up and holds you close to his body. You’re barely able to straddle him, your chest was now just under his chin, your tank top clung to your breasts exposing your now hardened nipples. You placed both arms over his shoulders to prevent yourself from smothering his face with your bosom. He was so strong that you were able to sit comfortably on just the one arm, he looks out towards the grass and says,

“Watch”

Tommy used his free hand to splash water across the grass around you and it erupted with whirring, a horde of fireflies sprung out from their hiding places and lit up the night. You were stunned,

“I’ve never seen fireflies before, this is… this is magical.”

Tommy laughs and slowly turns to let you take in the full effect of the display before you, the glow of the fireflies created a warm soft light that was bright enough to let you see his eyes clearly, you couldn’t help but stare. He looked up at you, his eyes half lidded and glossy, he drank in every inch of the enchanting sight before him. When he looked into your eyes it was like projecting his soul into your mind, you could feel his emotions and you felt a deep comfort from it, like a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

You reach up and move his hair away from his face, he took your hand and held it to his cheek as he pressed his face into your touch, his eyes closing and letting out a deep breath. You smile at him and decide to be brave; you begin to slowly remove his mask but he abruptly stops your action with his hand, you could see his expression was full of worry, you say,

“If I keep my eyes closed will you let me take off your mask? I promise not to open them.”

Tommy looks off to the side thinking, he wasn’t scared of anything except losing you and he was worried that if you saw his full face, it would disturb you. He wondered what you were going to do, but the fear was stopping him from finding out. You see him deep in thought and speak again,

“Look” you close your eyes tightly, “I can’t see a thing, I promise I won’t peek.”

Tommy trusted you, and despite the anxiety running through his system, he removed his mask and let it hang down on one ear. He took your hand and guided it up to the left side of his face, which had no significant damage compared to the other side. You feel his stubble and softly move your hand down to his lips, they were smooth and parted slightly. You smile when your fingers reached his mouth, despite not being able to see his face, from what you were able to feel, you knew he was handsome. You slowly lower your head down and pause, hovering your lips over his and testing to see what he would allow. He didn’t resist.

You pressed your lips onto his and immediately felt a jolt of hormonal chemicals race through you like an electric shock, he let out a muffled sound of surprise. He pressed back and slowly lowered your body so he could kiss you on a more equal level. You extended the kiss by opening your mouth slightly, parting his lips only to press in on them again passionately, Tommy reciprocated the motion and was now breathing heavily through his nose, you could hear his heart beating loudly in his chest as he groaned with arousal, it was so deep that it vibrated into your chest further exciting you.

You could feel some strange deformation on one side of his face, your lips didn’t quite connect with his fully on his right side. You stayed closer to his left side since it felt a little bit more intact, you wished you could see how unique his face was. Imagining the damage done to him at such a young age was upsetting, it only emboldened your feelings for him.

The kiss was long and passionate, you both couldn’t get enough of each other, it felt like a sin to stop. Every time you pulled back from his lips, he leaned into you to catch them again parting and closing your mouths to enhance the connection you both so desperately craved. You could smell the air from his nose washing over you, it was strangely intoxicating almost like it was fresh mountain air which aroused you further. His free arm was now trailing up your spine until his hand found a resting place on the back of your neck.

You wanted more of him; your emotions were getting so intense that you moaned each time the pressure of the kiss increased. You placed your left hand on his shoulder, and your right on his collarbone. You ran your fingers over the thick muscle tensing on his neck, his carotid artery was pulsating with his heart beat, you continued feeling upwards and reached his jawline where his thick stubble prickled your fingertips. His features were so far above a stereotypically masculine ideal, it made you feel a cautious excitement, as if you encountered the final product of evolutionary success aimed to create a monster of man.

You finally pull away, making sure to keep your eyes closed. You are breathing heavily, letting out a soft moan as you lean your head back to get more air. Tommy covers his face back with the mask and gazes at you still drunk off the kiss and feeling lighter than air. The fireflies have now dispersed to the point where it was very dim around you both. He carries you back to the shallow area of the pond so you could stand up.

You smile, “Thank you for trusting me.”

Tommy nods and smiles under his mask. You wade in the water around him as he sits in the water so his torso is once again submerged, his head leaned back and eyes closed. You look around at the leftover fireflies lazily floating over top the glassy pond surface, the water gently laps at your hips.

 A feeling of unease creeps into your body and raises the hairs on the back of your neck, you stop moving and a sudden wave of anxiety rushed over you. In this moment you freeze and quiet your breathing, you felt an instinct to try to listen to the world around you very carefully but you couldn’t hear anything out of the ordinary. The feeling of something being…off was now overwhelming and setting you on edge. You quietly move closer to Tommy to create a sort of protective border from the surroundings and hold onto his arm, he opens his eyes and looks at you with concern.

“Somethings wrong” you say in a hushed tone.

Tommy immediately got up from his sitting position and stood alert, he closed his arms around you and searched with his eyes to see what spooked you;

He breathed out slowly and moved you back towards the dock. You were confused and frightened, a tense gut feeling was like an ancient ancestral alarm which you knew should never be ignored. He helped you up on the dock and followed behind after you walked toward your clothes. You quickly put on your tights and shoes and as Tommy got his clothes on you looked around, trying to find the source for this sudden dread. You slowly panned across the forest, until you see it.

In the distance, and shrouded in the shadows of night, a silhouette of a person stood still. It was too dark to make out any features and just as you saw them, they disappeared into the bush as if they were nothing but a hallucination. You get closer to Tommy who just finished pulling his shirt down over his body, you press your back into him to feel a sense of security. Tommy looks at you and bends his upper body over you as he looks around,

“Where” he says firmly,

You point to where the shadow was and whisper, “There was someone there, watching us.”

He didn’t need to see what you saw in order to know that the energy outside had shifted, all he wanted to do was get you to safety. He lifted you up into his arms and held you tightly, he took one look around to ensure the exit was safe and bolted; His movements were agile and fast, it almost felt supernatural. The trees whip past and you quickly lose sight of the pond, his footsteps reverberating thuds as he moves through the woods with expert agility.  Your eyes are wide with fear as you watch the forest behind you darken the further away you get; How Tommy was able to see things in the dark was a mystery to you.

Finally, you are out of the wooded area and coming up to where the silo was, the feeling of dread dissipates and Tommy slows his pace down, he wasn’t even huffing and puffing like most people would be doing after running so fast with a grown adult in their arms.

You hug him tightly, “Thank you for carrying me.”

You give him a kiss on his neck and continue to tighten your grip. Tommy brings you into the house and shuts the door behind you both, he gently lowers you to the floor, you keep hugging him as you stand on your tip toes. He felt very protective of you and was mad that someone scared you so much. His rage was building the more he thought about someone being on his property watching the two of you. He wondered how they would have been able to evade the multiple traps he set up around the pond perimeter.

Tommy grabs your shoulders and pushes you back slowly, he lifts your chin to have you look up at him. He sees the worried look on your face and it fuels his rage of the intruder,

“Go sleep, I gotta do somethin’.”

His voice was rich in baritone, you could hear anger in his words. You didn’t want him to leave, but before you could tell him to stay, he was out the door. You made your way to the washroom to shower off the pond water and get ready for sleep, Luda Mae and Charlie were already asleep upstairs, unaware of the situation. You were disturbed by what you saw, but as long as Tommy was out there, you felt safe in the house. You went to bed that night worried, who was that shadow and what will happen if Tommy catches them? The morning couldn’t come soon enough.

Next chapter-

[queenmuzz]

The Testament of Rook

Note: Spoilers for Act 3

Archivist’s Note:  This document was recovered from  an unknown location, and after examinations, it has been declared authentic, and is to be kept in the Minrathous Archon’s Vaults, for use in historical research.

I, Zea Ingellvar, a Crypt Gaurd of the Mourn Watch, being of sound mind and body and…well..  Lets just get down to business, you all know it’s me writing this.

To Neve, to whom I still believe that I do not deserve your friendship, after I failed you and your city:  That hood you bought me when you and Bellara dragged me to the Dock Town market.  I loved it, it was light, flexible,  but still kept the sun out of my eyes.  My eyes might not have the same sense of colour theory as you, but I thought it really went well with the colour of your eyes.

Also: Please take whatever money I have, and treat yourself and Lucanis to that fish dinner.  I swear I wasn’t avoiding having it with you because of my diet.  I’ve been told the people in the coasts of Nevarra eat fish on occasion, and use the bones to fertilize their rocky fields.  Thus, the spirits of the fish are pleased.  I’m pretty sure a whole fish would be worth me trying out once.  Any other money remaing, please distribute to any orphans in Minrathous.  

I wish you two happiness that trancends the grave.

AN: written in a script often used by Tevinter mages: So like you, to be concerned about the little ones.  Damn it all.

To Lucanis, a man who taught me that I should not be hasty to judge others, whose fighting spirit is worth far more than an entire army:  I give you my set of coffee cups.  Whenever you drink from them, may you have good memories of the times we share.  Let them be sweet, and not bitter. Ppl ppppp poop pink n

PS.  Don’t you dare set them in a display cupboard and never use them like your grandmother does with her finest China.  I WILL haunt you. 

PPS. You better treat Neve right, or I will SUPER haunt you.

 AN: a style mainly written by the Antivan Crows 

Your threats do not not frighten me, friend, but you do not worry, both things will be loved and cheris- WHERE IS SHE- Spite, she is no longer with us. BRING ROOK BACK.AN: We are unable to ascribe the source of the text that interrupts the crow text, but it is written in the same ink, thus confirming it was written at the same time.

To Bellara, to whom I will never regret spending any time in your book club with, no matter how animated you got about a particular subject:  I give you my collection of Nevarran romance novels.  I really wanted to get around to sharing with you, I had a good feeling you’d like them.  I know we as a people in Nevarra are known to have an obsession with death, which seems counterintuitive when it comes to romance.  But when death is treated as an old friend, and not as an enemy, or a predator to be feared, love can transcend even the grave.

AN: Tevinter script

We’ll make sure to bring her back, Zea.  She would love to read them.

To Taash, whom has the body of warrior, but the soul of a dragon:  I was thinking back to what you said about Rivani memorial customs, and taking something from the body to wear as a keepsake.  Perhaps you’d like one of my teeth?  

NOPENOPENOPENOPENOPE 

(AN: We believe both this interjection and the one below are from the Dragonslayer Taash, before she became celebrated in Rivain for her exploits)

I kid… I kid.  No doubt you are ranting at this very moment about how ‘weird’ it would be.  I don’t blame you.  As a consession, I give you my greathammer, Lamentation’s Rest.  It may not serve you well when facing a dragon, but it is very effective against the undead and demons.  Against the latter, it is enchanted to deal great harm to them, to the former… Well, my record for launching a skull is 132 feet.  Let’s see you beat that.

YOU’RE ON.

To Lace Harding, one of the first people I ever was able to call a ‘friend’:  My bequeathment is simple.  A rock.  To be more specific, it is Nevvaran fine grade granite, the type we use to construct our monuments of.  When I first left the Necropolis, I brought it with me, as if to carry a little bit of home.  It kept me grounded those first few nights when I lay awake at night, terrified I would fall into a sky I had never seen before.  You are a Child of the Stone, and just like this rock, you helped keep me steady in a world I had never experienced before.  

Also, it hurts like hell if you get hit by it, so if you were to say…throw it at an archdemon or a god, I daresay it could do some damage.  I’m going to chuck this rock so hard at Solas’s head, they’ll be able to hear the echo of its impact all the way in Ferelden.  (AN:  The remaining additions, except when noted,  can be attributed to Lace Harding, former member of the Inquisition) 

I wish the two of you joy unending, seeing the two of you smiling at each other could cause a stone to weep.

To Darvin and Assam: I know you both have little need for excess items. A warden’s life almost never includes stability.  Still, I’ve seen how talented you are with your wood carving, so I hope my set of knives and whetstone will serve you well.  If we managed to defeat the Blight once and for all, perhaps you’ll need another profession after this, and ‘Darvin the Defeater of the Blight, and Master Woodworker’ sounds incredibly amazing.  Just remember, Make my figurine the biggest. 

Assam, I give you my hopes.  One day, I want the skies of Arlathan to echo with the sounds of you and your siblings' descendents' cries.  That no poacher will dare to enter your forests, out of fear of your majesty.  

Oh Zea… you knew at the end…  you already knew.

To Varric Tethras:  The man who gave me a new purpose in life, when I was lost and without a guide. I’m glad I met you.  I give you the three volumes of my diaries of our travels together.  The fourth one is reserved for another.   I’m not saying they’re worthy of publishing or anything, but they might help with your references, or if you want to set a story in Neverra. 

?????  ????  AN:  This entry is confusing, as when the earliest it could have been written, Varric Tethras was deceased.  No explanation for this is given, but scholars insist that it is a genuine part of the document.

AN:  From here on, both the font and writing style changes dramatically.  Historians have debated the authenticity of this section, but cross referencing letters written before and after this document, the theory is that she has shifted her style reserved for the Mortaliasi, specifically the Mourn Watch. It is considered a more intimate form of speaking to fellow necromancers.  To Manfred, a loyal friend and companion:  There are tales of heroes who have done nigh impossible feats to save even one person, and you did that to save many.  You are a spirit of curiosity, and yet you have become more.  Never was I so glad as the day you came back to us, your spirit alight with veilfire, and how happy you were to return.  Alas, I am no spirit like you, and no amount of necromancy can bring me back.  I can only  hope you will understand in time, and accept my apology.  

I bequeath to you my brooch.  Let the love and care of the man who first gave it to me be passed onto you, that you may both be a support for each other.

Where. Is Rook?

AN: Author unknown of this above line, as it is written in a childlike scrawl, and there is no record of any children in Rook’s entourage.

A separate page is included.  There is some water damage to it, possibly by rain, but most of the words are legible.

FOR EMMRICH VOLKARIN’S EYES ONLY

My Dearest Emmrich:

I’m so sorry about that argu

Of course I would open my big fat mouth and

I know nothing I will say will take the pain away.  No apology, no self-deprecatory joke will bring relief.  I know this, I’ve seen it happen many a time as loved ones interred their dead.  It is a wound that only time may close, and even then, there will be scars.

So instead of dwelling on how and why I am no longer with you, let me bequeath you this:  Who I was and what you mean to me..  You know the basics, of me being an infant foundling left on top of a pile of bones.  It was the bedrock of who I was. That from the very start, I was unwanted.  Unneeded. To be discarded when convenient.   When the magic talent I was certain would manifest eventually never came, I fell deeper into despair.  I would never be a proper necromancer.  At best I could be a weapon, a bulwark to protect the living and the dead.  And Maker, how I tried to find my place in the Mourn Watch, tried to earn the respect of my peers.  Only to be cast out when I could not even do that.  Yes, Varric and the others helped in their own ways, but I still felt like I was not worthy of anything. And then, I met you.  You, a man of exquisite talents and grace.  A man who saw the world of the living and dead as I did,  a man of incredible empathy and intelligence.  You did not look down upon me, nor did you even pity.  Instead, your words were of admiration and respect.  You were like a mirror being shown to one who had never encountered one before.  You saw me as I could not even see myself.  That I was worthy of your love and affection.  And slowly, you chipped away at the self loathing that had accumulated, and made me realize the truth.  That I was not only worthy in your eyes, but in the eyes of everyone else.  The only regret  is that I had not met you sooner.  Perhaps if I had gone to the memorial gardens to enjoy the ambience more often instead of viewing it as another chore to tend the graves, we may have encountered each other, and had more precious moments to spend together.

AN: Both the words ‘regret’ and ‘memorial gardens’ were circled in red ink by who we assume is Professor Volkarin.

When you stated your desire to become a lich, I would never stand in your way, as who was I to tell you otherwise?  But secretly, in my deepest thoughts, I desired you to remain mortal, not because I preferred flesh to bone, but because I knew that you would lose something essential to you.  When you gave up your dream to bring Manfred back, and I saw the delight and joy in your eyes, I loved you even more. There, I said it. I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Like I said, I cannot take the pain away, nor your fear of death, but I say one thing now:  That no matter how long it takes, I will remain on the threshold, waiting for your arrival so that I can  I can only pray that gives you peace.

Yours in eternity, Zea 

AN:  Below is what was a blank space, now filled with formulae, diagrams, arcane sigils written in red ink.  The words ‘Prison’  ‘The Fade’  ‘Regret’ are repeated several times.   Several passages are smeared, either accidentally, or on purpose.  Water damage before the ink has dried is substantial in certain places

The last few lines are written messily.  ‘The Fade is thin in the Memorial Gardens….perhaps…” it trails off into incomprehensibility.

Only the very final line is legible.

I WILL find you, my dearest.

[sparkleglitterpinkdreams]

You Belong With Me 💛

Pairing: Young Joel Miller x Reader

Summery: It's easy to get lost in your own little world, the place where everything is just the way you always dreamed it would be. Everything changes when you return to school after a tedious summer break. When fate (and an unexpected ride back home) brings you two closer, you realize you can't hide forever. Not when your life is about to change — and so is his.

Warning: Mentions of alcohol, smoking.

This is my super fluffy, super cliche kind of story. Dedicate this to all of you super tired of school/university/work and just want to read a silly thing to get your mind off things. This is my first fanfic, and you can tell me if I suck.

P.S: Leave a comment if you want to. I would love to know if you like it … or not :)

Word count: 4.938 words

*******************************************************

Chapter 1 - Off about something that you said

The sun was setting on the last day of summer vacation, painting the sky in shades of orange, red, and purple. A soft breeze drifted into your room, gently swaying the white curtains and your hair. It was a serene, ethereal scene that starkly contrasted with the thoughts bubbling in your head as you watched everything from the balcony.

This had been the most boring summer ever. Your parents hadn’t traveled because your mom had fallen seriously ill, ruining the plans to visit your grandmother in Georgia. By the time she got better, it was too late to travel, and your dad had already gone back to work. So the summer was reduced to staying in your room, reading books, sleeping in, and going out with Maria to the same places as always. Same places, same people, same everything.

My God, I want to get out of here!

In two days, school would start again, and everything would go back to how it always was. It’s normal, after summer, to feel like you’re about to have the best year of your life—something that never actually happens. New year, same you. And it’s even more normal to feel torn since going back to school manages to be the best and worst thing in the world at the same time.

Your reflective moment was interrupted by a knock on your bedroom door. Your mom called your name and announced she was coming in.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing?” she asked, closing the door behind her.

“Enjoying the last moments of joy and peace before going back to that zoo.”

“That’s good! Self-reflection works wonders for the mind.” You rolled your eyes. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know we’re having company for dinner tonight. The Millers are coming, and I need you to be on your best behavior. And by that, I mean no sarcastic comments. You love scaring off our guests.” She sat on the edge of your bed.

“I don’t scare the guests.” You turned to face her. “Well, maybe sometimes.”

She said your name in her “mom” tone. “Last time, you made that poor girl cry.”

You smiled. “And I wasn’t even trying that hard.”

She shook her head in defeat and sighed. She had long given up trying to “tame” you. “Anyway, you’ve been warned. Be ready by 7 PM.”

“Mom, I don’t know why you and Dad even call it dinner. It’s just an excuse to spend the night drinking while gossiping about the neighbors. And I’ll be stuck talking to their kids as awkwardly as possible.”

“What’s wrong with the Miller boys? You’ve known them since you were little. Aren’t you in the same class as one of them? I thought you were friends.”

“Just because we’re in the same class doesn’t mean we’re close. We don’t even talk anymore.”

She sighed. “Sweetheart, please, just for tonight, okay? Can you be a nice, well-behaved girl for a few hours?”

“It’s not like I have a choice.”

“Look, I know spending the whole summer at home wasn’t easy, okay? I know you wanted to go to your grandma’s, but it wasn’t my fault I got sick. You don’t have to punish me for it.”

“I’m not punishing you. If I were, believe me, you’d know.”

“Sweetheart... just a few hours, alright? Then you can come back to your room. Please.”

You reluctantly agreed, and she gave you one last glance before leaving the room.

The Millers lived near your house. Douglas and Veronica Miller were long-time friends of your parents. They had two sons, Joel and Tommy Miller. The youngest, Tommy, was your age and in your class. Tommy was like a spring morning: warm, calm, kind, and easy to talk to. It was impossible not to like him. Besides being good-looking, he was funny—the perfect mix to win everyone over. No wonder Tommy got every girl he liked, always treating them well.

The older one, Joel, was like a stormy night. Quiet, serious, and incredibly sarcastic... and handsome, too. He had an old soul in a young body. Maybe the responsibility of being the older brother, always pulling Tommy out of trouble, had aged him prematurely. But he wasn’t entirely stoic—he knew how to have fun too.

Both brothers played on the school football team, were popular, got good grades, and made their parents proud. Still, they were always getting into some sort of trouble, with Tommy usually at the center and Joel trying to save him from himself.

The Miller brothers had always been a constant presence in your house, but over the years, you drifted apart. Maybe it happened during middle school? It was like cutting an umbilical cord. But that was okay, right? That’s just the way life goes.

Sometimes, at night, you caught yourself imagining what it would be like to be part of their world, but it was a silly thought. People change—and so do feelings. There’s no point wasting energy on someone who probably doesn’t even miss you.

The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the Millers. Your mom shouted, asking you to get the door. You greeted them with a smile and stepped aside to let them in.

The rest of the night went smoothly. You all had dinner, and the conversations ranged from work, money, football, family, and school. When everyone finished eating, the adults headed out to the backyard to continue their chat, accompanied by cold beers and the soft summer breeze.

You and Tommy stayed in the kitchen, staring at each other like strangers, until you decided to break the silence.

“Dessert?”

Tommy nodded.

“What do you have?”

You turned to open the oven, pulling out a tray of brownies. The smell of chocolate and vanilla filled the air, and you sighed.

“Brownies! Want some?”

“Depends. Did you make them?” He smirked.

“Why? Think I poisoned them?”

He laughed, leaning his elbows on the kitchen counter. “No, it’s just that the last time I ate a cake you made, I spent the day throwing up.”

You stared at him, trying to understand what he meant, until a memory hit you like lightning. One summer afternoon, when you were kids, you were playing in the yard, making mud pies. Everything was fine until Joel, who in the game was the dad, said that “baby Tommy” was hungry. So, you shoved a spoonful of mud pie into Tommy’s mouth, and he swallowed it as if it were real.

“You remember?” You ask surprised.

“Of course, I remember! You almost sent me to the hospital.” You both laughed.

“It’s not my fault! You should have spit it out.”

“Joel is a strict dad. He knows how to be convincing.”

You laughed again as you divided the brownies onto two plates.

“Want some ice cream, too?”

“The girl after my own heart .” You smiled.

A few minutes later, you were sitting in the living room, barefoot, feet propped up on the coffee table, watching some show on TV while eating dessert. Silence returned, but this time it was different. It was comfortable and, in a way, nostalgic.

Tommy looked at you.

“Did you do something? You look different since the last time I saw you before the break. Did you cut your hair?”

“No.”

“Dye it?”

“Strike two. One more, and you’re out.”

“Damn.” He thought for a few seconds. “Got taller?”

“Out!” You laughed as he muttered a curse.

“It was the braces. I finally got them off.”

“Of course! I already knew that.” He tried to play it off.

“Sure, you did.” You replied sarcastically.

The conversation between you two gradually began to flow, timidly, as if you were getting to know each other for the first time. At some point, Joel came up again.

"Speaking of him, why didn’t he come with you guys?"

"He would’ve, if it weren’t for Hanna. I think Joel’s finally met someone who can keep him on a leash."

"Are we talking about the same Joel?"

Tommy laughed.

"You're right. I have no idea how they work, but they do. She talks, and he listens. Anyway... they went to the Bonfire, you know? That party that happens before the end of the break. The one you and I should be going to."

"Are you serious? You’re inviting me to a party?" You asked like it was the most absurd question ever asked.

"Strange, I know. But... it’ll be fun, and everyone’s going to be there. Come on. It’ll be cool, I promise."

"Tommy... I don’t know."

He said your name, insisting you go with him.

Damn! How am I supposed to say no to him? Why does Tommy have to be so... so... him?

"I hate you. Fine. I’ll go. Just let me change. Be right back."

He smirked. "You don’t hate me, darling."

Back in your room, you started rummaging through your wardrobe, trying to find something to wear, but nothing seemed good enough. Every outfit felt weird on your body. For someone who didn’t even want to go, you were worrying way too much.

Come on, be practical! You’ve got this. Maria! That’s it, Maria will help you.

You grabbed your phone from your shorts pocket and called her. She picked up after sometime.

"Maria... where are you?"

"At home! Just about to start a true crime documentary marathon. Why?"

"We’re going to the Bonfire. Please?"

"That party by the lake? Since when do you like those things?" She asked incredulous.

"Since Tommy Miller asked me to go!"

"Tommy? Tommy Miller?"

"I’ll explain everything when you get here. Now, be a good friend, get ready, and help me pick something to wear!"

"What are the options?"

You snapped pictures of the dresses you were debating over and sent them to her.

"Check your phone. I sent the photos." You tell her.

"Ugh! Ditch the blue one. That dress is for anywhere but a party. Do you want to show up looking like a prude?"

"Maria... I am a prude."

"No one needs to know! Go with the red one. It’s perfect."

"Great! See you there."

When you came down the stairs, you noticed Tommy was no longer in the living room. You searched for him in the kitchen and found him coming back in from the backyard.

"Hey, look at you!" he whistled, smiling. "I already told our parents. Ready to go?"

"How are we getting there? Your dad’s car?"

"Nope, Joel took it. But don’t worry, darling, I’ve got something way better!"

After a quick walk to the Millers’ house, you discovered that the “way better” was his motorcycle. There was no turning back now—you were on the back of Tommy’s bike, heading toward the party.

It felt like everything had aligned to push you out of your comfort zone. The Millers’ visit, Tommy’s invitation, the full moon, and the stars lighting up the night sky—it all seemed to conspire for something to happen. Your arms were wrapped around his waist as the cool night wind brushed against your face.

Tommy smelled really good.

Every so often, he placed a hand over your arm, as if to reassure you that everything was okay. And somehow, you felt safe with this familiar stranger. Tommy had been part of some of your best memories, and Joel too. Maybe they hadn’t completely forgotten about you the way you thought they had.

Did they miss you as much as you missed them?

The party was taking place in the clearing by the river. Nothing too fancy—just a large bonfire, several teenagers drinking, smoking, and chatting. Tommy was right; everyone from school was there. Being surrounded by so many people made you uncomfortable. You always felt anxious in places like that—afraid of taking up too much space, tripping, saying something wrong, or being misinterpreted. Everything felt risky when you left home. Everything.

Tommy seemed to sense your discomfort. He placed his palm on your back, guiding you. "Let's go. I'll introduce you some friends of mine."

Your brain went into full alert mode. Don't mess this up. Please. Act like a normal person. Please.

He introduced you to a few friends, and you greeted them, keeping to observing while they chatted. Tommy kept his hand on your back, as if to reassure you everything was okay. You only intervened when necessary, replying with short sentences.

After a few minutes, Tommy stepped away and came back with two cans—one beer for him and a Coke for you. "I didn't know if you'd drink, so I thought I’d better play it safe," he explained.

You accepted, relieved. "Thanks. I hate beer. Tastes like cat pee," you joked, earning laughter from his friends.

When Maria finally showed up, you relaxed. Her presence was like a lighthouse in the storm. Your unshakable rock. She quickly integrated into the group.

Hours later, you had swapped your Coke for something Maria was drinking. Whiskey, maybe? The drink was strong, and it started to hit, leaving you dizzy. Excusing yourself to get some fresh air, you declined Maria's offer to join you.

"I'm fine. I just need to calm down a bit," you said.

You walked toward a quieter part of the party, near the lake. As you approached, you heard voices arguing. It was hard to make out the words, but it sounded intense. The argument ended with a girl’s voice shouting, "Idiot!" followed by hurried footsteps fading away.

When you got close enough, you saw him—Joel.

He looked exactly as you remembered. Dark, curly hair, broad shoulders, wearing a red plaid shirt and worn-out jeans. He was staring in the direction where the person—probably Hanna—had stormed off. They must’ve fought again. As always.

For a moment, you thought about leaving him alone, but it was too late. He saw you. His dark eyes narrowed, and after a beat, he called your name.

How long had it been since you heard him say your name? The syllables rolled off his tongue so melodically, almost too familiar.

"Hey... Joel. How are you?"

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Tommy." You explain.

"Of course. Not satisfied with getting into trouble by himself, looks like now he needs help."

"Yeah. I don’t think I’m the best company for that," you replied with a smile.

"Why didn’t you come to dinner?"

"Did you miss me?" He asks playfully.

"Of course. Your presence alone makes my world spin and makes sense," you replied sarcastically. He laughed, shaking his head.

"Sorry. I wanted to go, but... some things happened."

"Hanna happened?"

"That's one way to put it."

"You really have a talent for killing the mood, huh?" you teased, referring to the argument you had just witnessed.

Joel looked down and gave a low chuckle before meeting your gaze again. "I didn’t know I had an audience. Hope you enjoyed the show."

"I’ve seen better. But if you try harder, you’ll get there."

"You’re still sarcastic as always. I thought you would’ve improved on that trait." He cross his arms.

"Give up my best quality? Never!" You laughed, and he joined you.

"So... are you having fun?" he asked.

"I was. Until Maria gave me something weird to drink. Now I’m dizzy, but it's fine."

His expression shifted, suddenly serious. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just need some fresh air."

Joel stepped closer, his scent filling your senses, making your brain short-circuit.

"Are you sure? You look like you're about to fall."

"Don’t worry. I’m fine. Just need a few minutes." You walked to the lake and sat on a log near the edge. Joel followed and sat beside you.

"I didn’t see you the whole summer. Never imagined I’d find you here. You don’t seem like the party type," he commented.

"Yeah... I stayed home mostly. And as for the party, I’m not a fan, but I’m not against it either. The problem is I have trouble saying no. And here I am."

"That’s very you." He says.

"I guess it is."

"But at the same time, you seem different."

"Different how?" You wonder what it means.

"I don’t know. You’ve changed. You don’t seem like the same person anymore."

"Yeah, I know. Well, people change, right?" You say.

"Not everyone."

After the conversation with Joel, you decided to go home. You used the excuse that it was late, but the reunion had left you unsettled. Joel had that power over you. He always had.

"I'll take you home. You won’t be able to get back alone, and Tommy’s probably drunk enough to not help."

You tried to decline, but he was insistent. As if you could resist him.

Back at the party, you searched for Maria to let her know you were leaving, but she was nowhere to be found. Joel tapped your shoulder and pointed to a nearby tree. You squinted, surprised, when you saw Tommy and Maria almost devouring each other.

"You think they’ll be okay? Your brother is about to swallow my best friend whole."

Joel laughed. "I think she’ll survive. Let’s go. I’ll take you home." He placed his hand on your back, guiding you to his truck.

"Joel, are you sure? What about Hanna?"

He sighed, looking tired. "Don’t worry. She probably already left. If she was still here, I would know."

He opened the door for you, waiting until you got in before walking around to the other side. The drive back was silent, except for the hum of the engine and the country music playing on the radio. You stared out the window, trying to organize your thoughts, but it was useless. Joel filled every corner of your mind.

A few minutes later, the truck stopped in front of your house. You got out and walked around to his side, ready to say goodbye. "Thank you so much for the ride. It was good to see you again."

"No problem. It was good to see you too." He paused, as if deciding something. "See you at school?"

The surprise made you hesitate for a moment, but you agreed with a small smile. "Yeah. I guess so. Bye, Joel."

You waved and turned to go inside. But before you could take another step, he called your name again.

"Hey, I finally figured out what changed."

You turned to him, confused. "What?"

"Your braces, right? You took them off."

Heat flooded your cheeks. You hoped he wouldn’t notice. "Yeah, I did. Is it weird?"

"No. You look beautiful. You’ve always had a beautiful smile. Now it’s just even better."

The compliment made your heart race. A smile escaped before you realized it. Joel returned it with a half-smile before driving away, leaving you alone with your mind spinning and your heart pounding.

[cookinguptales]

just watched the dirty laundry ep where one of them talks about how he wrote a short story that worried his teacher and like

ohhh I had one of those when I was a kid. my parents still talk about it to this day.

when I was about 8yo, my teacher put a poster up on the blackboard and said, "I want you all to write me a story inspired by this scene." the scene was of a lush jungle that had animals hidden throughout.

"oh, okay," I said to myself. "I can do this."

see, what my teacher (and parents) didn't know was that my grandmother, knowing vaguely that I liked to read but knowing pretty much nothing else about children, had given me a stack of books that she got at a yard sale. these books were very nice quality and I was happy to get them. too bad that they were all alfred hitchcock presents!

for the uninitiated, AHP was a tv series and book series that collected short, scary stories. stories about murder, stories about ghosts, stories about monsters of all kind. you get stories like du maurier's the birds and blackwood's the wendigo and that fucked-up short story that roald dahl wrote about that guy who collected fingers or whatever.

all that is to say that I had been consuming wildly age-inappropriate atmospheric horror for months at this point and I was like, "yes, I know just what to write!"

I ended up turning in this story about an explorer who was lost in the jungle and he starts hearing this faraway howling sound, which he realizes is a howler monkey. and he keeps getting more and more lost and the howling keeps getting closer and closer and finally, as he is about ready to collapse with exhaustion, he hears the sound of howls all around him and the story ends with the implication that he got mauled to death by howler monkeys.

(I also, coincidentally enough, really enjoyed zoo books!)

lmao ~guess whose parents got a phone call~?

but it kind of backfired on my teacher, because my parents were fully delighted. they were like "WE DIDN'T KNOW SHE COULD WRITE LIKE THIS" and I did not get punished at all.

anyway, my parents still talk about "the howler" to this day when they want to embarrass me at dinner parties. :')

[stesierra]

Writeblr ReIntro!

I'm posting a new intro because now that I've been on Writeblr a little while, I realize how much information I left out! Hi, I'm Stephanie, I live in the desert with my husband and baby and three cats, and I'm an ace, bipolar fantasy writer! When I was a kid, they said I had ADHD but then I got my Masters degree in biology, so they claim I can't have it. Online tests say I'm probably autistic.

I used to write sci fi twelve years ago but only low tech sci fi about weird aliens, which nobody likes. Now I write fantasy novels! Lots of fantasy novels! I am beginning to post them on my website so if you want to read them, please keep an eye on this post.

My books often but not always have some romance (either m/f or f/f because I prefer female protagonists.) Since I'm ace (and demiromantic), my interpretation of romance and attraction is not exactly what you'd expect from, say, a romance novel.

I am not going to tell you about all my books! I've written eighteen! Four of them are shelved forever! Here's some recent ones (written or revised since 2018) that I haven't given up on. Please ask me questions about them! I LOVE talking about my books! Also, if you want to be added to my taglist for writing samples let me know! Please also tell me if you're interested in alpha or beta reading and for which book! Mutuals only, please!

My books are beneath the cut! As I add WIP intros, I'll update this list with links.

Cast Out

YA fantasy! On her sixteenth birthday, Zisha is cast out of the Plenary Cities for the crime of being born deaf, like her grandmother before her. In the wastelands, she meets Thesil, a depressed and bitter young woman. Zisha wants nothing to do with her — until she sees Thesil's face in a vision. But before she can find out what the visions mean or reach her grandmother's holdings in the wastes, the plague returns to the Plenary Cities. If the disabled really caused the plague thirty years ago, and were cast out to stop the spread, how can it be back when all of them are outcast?

Status: Finished. Being serialized.

WIP intro here.

Now being serialized here. First five chapters up, one posted weekly.

The Bone Queen

This is my NA fantasy about the aftermath of freeing an undead queen and her skeleton army. They take over the kingdom, of course! The main character, Elise, is trapped in Bandrum palace by Aubrey, the ghost who tricked her into falling in love and freeing him (plus everyone else.) He's an animated skeleton now with plans to marry Elise and force her to carry his children. The bone queen has promised him she'll make it happen. Too bad no one cares what Elise wants. If only she had magic of her own...

Status: undergoing a rewrite after developmental edit. Was 109k before revisions. Not available for beta reading.

Draft number? Hahahaha. It has two complete sequels (The Spellbound King (106k) and The Matriarch's Daughter (96k)) I must also rewrite. This series is going to kill me but I love it. My mom, who loves everything I write, complained that it was weird. I'm very proud.

WIP intro here.

First chapter here.

School of Souls

This is my YA contemporary fantasy about a boarding school in the Bighorn Mountains! It's supposed to be a place parents can send "bad" teens to have their problems sorted out, but secretly the founder is using it to train the kids as sorcerers. Even more secretly, the school devours the souls of the students sent there, and the teenagers who graduate aren't the same as the ones who arrived... Warning: does include teenage addiction to sleeping pills and ghosts and and parental death. It's going to have sequels but I haven't written them yet.

Status: Complete first draft. 83k. Available for alpha reading.

WIP intro here.

First chapter here.

The Many-faced Princess

This is YA fantasy with a historical vibe but set in a made up world. Vaguely inspired by ancient Phoenicia. It's about Princess Ameryi, who was blessed by the genderless trickster god, Akihel, to be able to change her face. If her father the king ever found out, he'd have to execute her, of course. Akihel is just plain evil. All the other gods say so. A daughter who's their champion? Impossible. An abomination. So Ameryi will just have to make sure her father never finds out. That was easier to do before the Asirtinsa Empire threatened to invade and her father sent her to secure an alliance with a neighboring king. She's supposed to marry him. Not steal his face and frame him for murder. But sometimes plans just don't work out.

This book was supposed to be about two lesbian princesses who frame the king for murder so they can elope, but both princesses decided to be ace and there was nothing I could do.

Status: Complete first draft. 83k. It's going to have sequels but I haven't written them yet. Available for alpha reading.

First chapter here.

Map here.

Court Phoenix

This is my NA fantasy! Kerra is a blacksmith's apprentice. Not because she wants the job, but because her mother sold her future to him when she was still a toddler who crawled into live fires and giggled as the flames consumed her clothes. Now she's a woman, trapped by the expectations of her family and her village. Until one day, a phoenix crash-lands and dies in her arms. When it's reborn, it chooses Kerra as its keeper. Soon, her dreary future is swept away. A princess from Skyfire, the moving city, offers her a job in the royal court. How could Kerra refuse? Her family's claims that she'll die if she ever leaves the village are just manipulative lies. Aren't they?

Status: Complete third draft. 104k. Available for beta reading.

First chapter here.

The Revenant Trilogy

Adult fantasy. Solving a murder should bring good fortune, but all it brings Mindral Thideet is disaster. Her fame and peaceful life as head researcher at the city of knowledge end abruptly. In retaliation for her investigation into his crimes, Payar Cheref, the head of the powerful Cheref family, burns her beloved cousins alive and scars her face. The scar marks her as a revenant, a body possessed by a godkin, one of the gods' evil children. Her life as a researcher is over. All that's left is revenge.

No one believes her when she denies that godkins have any power over her. But godkins, real ones, are far closer than she realizes. Tearing down Payar Cheref could destroy Mindral, her family, and the nation itself.

-The Halfway Revenant (rewriting draft 4) 120k. Not available for beta reading.

-The Soul-Seer (draft 2) - 130k

-The Godkin's Gambit (draft 2) 121k

First chapter here.

As Immortality Fades

Adult fantasy. Five hundred years ago, one of the immortal and unpredictable Valteifur visited the kingdom of Kathild and granted the young queen Nelone immortality. But there was a catch. She'd live forever, youthful and strong, just so long as her subjects were happy. For centuries, she's met her part of the deal. But when the Valteifur returns to check on her progress, he grants her a new gift: the resurrection of every single person in Kathild who's died in the last two hundred years. Then he disappears.

There aren't enough houses for them all. There's not enough food. And winter is here.

Status: Complete first draft. 98k. Available for alpha reading.

Bi MC, enemies to lovers.

First chapter here.

Stitches and Memories

This one's adult fantasy. Antea's father ripped her mind apart, left her for dead, and vanished twelve years ago, and she's going to find out why. But when constables try to kill her and strange truth magic grows inside of her, hunting her father starts to look like suicide. Too bad going home isn't an option.

Status: I exchanged this with a critique partner and now it embarrasses me. Fourth draft. 122k. Available for beta reading.

Trigger warning: magic seizures

First chapter here.

WIP intro here.

Triangle Park

Contemporary Fantasy. I have no idea who it's for. An elf exiled to the middle of nowhere ends up stuck with an unexpected child. It's about reluctant parenting and protecting the needy. And elves and faeries slumming it in a mobile home.

Status: Complete first draft. 86k. Available for alpha reading.

First chapter here.

Mud-Child

Adult fantasy. Rebeka has always heard that a woman who goes through menopause loses her spark (the magic that lets her create children). If she's had children, it just makes the neighbors a little more fertile. But Rebeka never wanted a man, and she never wanted to raise a child. Not since her twin sister died and her beloved Suza left her for a man. The problem is, the spark leaves a childless woman differently, everyone says. A bitter hag? She'll curse her neighbors. A sweet dim biddie? She'll give her spark to inanimate objects and create a monster. Rebeka doesn't know which she is, but she believes it's a myth.

That was before the clay in her clay pit woke up and called her mother.

Status: Third draft. 109k. Needs a rewrite! Not available for beta reading.

First chapter here.

WIP intro here.

I GUESS I'M WRITING A NEW BOOK

The Giant's Gamble

First chapter here.

I started writing this on Friday the 13th, 2023. LET'S SEE HOW LONG IT TAKES TO WRITE WITH A BABY.

Short stories

The Unfamous Dead

VERY OLD CRAP

The Scribe and the Sphinx

Adult historical fantasy

Status: second draft. Shelved for good. 85k.

The Adrift series

The River's Drift. 100k.

The Waking Mountain. 106k.

Low-tech alien sci fi. Shelved for good.

My first book whose name I forget. About 50k. Exists only as a hard copy in my parents' house.

Taglist so far (tell me if you want to be added or removed)

Tag list for everything

@harleyacoincidence

@anonymousfoz

@moremysteriesthantragedies

@elizababie

@sm-writes-chaos

@bellascarousel

@the-dragon-chronicler

@teacupsandstarlight

@vorskra

@wrenofthewords

@amostdelectablescribbler

@mysticstarlightduck

@phantommill

@gracewritesbooks

@aziz-reads

@owlsandwich

@symbioticsimplicity

@squarebracket-trick

@koala2all

@rmgrey-author

@atomatowriter

@cheerfulmelancholies

@delusionisaplace

@janec23

@writing-is-a-martial-art

@authortango

Just chapters and snippets

@da-na-hae

For The Many-faced Princess

@deadlyessencewhispers

@serenanymph

The Halfway Revenant

@acertainmoshke

For Stitches and Memories

@space-writes

@acertainmoshke

The Bone Queen

@janec23

@holdmyteaplease

@digital-chance

@thecrookedwriterspath

@tea-and-mercury

@coven-archives

I love you all!

[katzirrart]

Have some MORE tieflings... because I can't just make a fucking Tav and be like HERE SHE IS. No, she has to have a whole mediocre backstory with friends and family, and all of that typing up into DnD stuff I'm doing and :y

So here's Zerxie, more under the cut~

Zerxie is a sorc blood boy, who got a passion for ranger stuff. He's more of a knife and swords guy, but he's a swarmkeeper. His swarm is a little collective of fae shapeshifters who live in a Tiffany style lantern at his belt.

They take the form of a small paper crane Ophira made him when they were younger. It makes him bitter sweet happy.

The two of them met when they were kids [they have a 4 year age gap] and she got into ranger stuff because of him, and became DAMN GOOD AT IT. They both study arcana and history stuff together. She later also becomes really well read in religion post BG3.

They date in their 20's, but eventually break up because he wants to settle down with her and she's not...wanting to give up being an adventurer, she's also very sure she's not the mother type, and the idea of marriage freaks her out at the time.

So not wanting to waste his time, she breaks up with him and they both become workaholics for DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT REASONS.

He does a lot of contract work related to his book smarts, she does a lot of work based on her archery skills, and tracking. Eventually they meet again after the events of BG3, like two or three years after at her parent's little anniversary thing they're doing.

He's not big on Astarion, the feeling is mutual, she's gonna love his little daughter though, who is Dahlia's mom eventually \uwu/

IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Excited to show his fucking late wife though because she's cute and I keep joking with Becca I can't let her die but nkjfgh SIGH. SHE HAS TO ;;

She'd have been the PERFECT grandmother..... SOBS.

But yeah ;w; that's my boy. HE'S SOME BACKGROUND BITCH BUT BOY DOES HE HAVE A WHOLE BACKSTORY BECAUSE I CAN'T NOT....

[theoddcatlady]

The Mom Group

Joining a mom group changed my life. Honestly I thought I’d be all alone when my husband and I left our hometown for his new job. That was bad enough, but the fact I’d just had little Charlotte three months prior to said move made it actual hell.

I was out on the front yard cradling my fussy child when an angel came down from heaven, and that angel was my neighbor, Karen. She had truly mastered being a mother, all she had to do was hold Charlotte and my baby girl was cooing and quieting right down for her nap. Granted she had done this three times with her kids Staci, Cydney, and Kurtis, but she was exactly what I needed.

Several of the moms on the street were part of the group and I got to meet them all that Saturday for some much needed wine and chill time. Norma, April, Melody and Camilla. Each of them had kids under the age of ten and April was also a first time new mom, although she sadly joined the group before her first miscarriage.

“It was a hard time,” She said as she took a sip from her glass, “But everyone helped me through it. And now I have Zoe, and I wouldn’t trade anything for her.”

It made life a lot easier, having all these other moms around. But of course, it took me a while to settle in, be really accepted, you know? The one thing I was never invited to for those first few months was Friday night. Girl’s Night. The kids would be stashed with the husbands, I’d see everyone else’s cars parked over at Karen’s house. I didn’t know what went on at these girl’s nights, only that they never asked me to come along.

I decided one day that it was time I invited myself. I mean, maybe they didn’t ask me to come over because they assumed I knew I was welcome. I got a bottle of this really tasty mango wine, made sure Charlotte was in bed, and after telling my husband not to wait up, I marched on over to Karen’s house.

The party had just gotten started when I knocked on the door. Norma answered it, wineglass in hand. Her eyebrows raised as she saw me waiting outside. “Hi!” I raised up my bottle. “I saw you all coming over, mind if I join in?”

For a second, I saw Norma doubt, but before she could open her mouth to make an excuse Karen appeared from out of the hall. “Oh! Tammy, it’s so great to see you! Come on in,” She grinned widely and beckoned me in.

Proud of myself for taking the initiative, I glanced at Norma, who pursed her lips for a moment before shrugging and stepping aside to make way for me. Karen took the bottle from my hands and grinned. “Oooh, thank you, but I already provided the drinks for tonight. You can do it next time, or who knows, maybe we’ll go a little crazy and we’ll need it. You’re just in time, we were about to start reading!”

And now I finally had an answer for what went on during girl’s night- book club! Enjoy a few glasses of wine, discuss whatever we were reading for the week. I loved to read, well, at least before Charlotte. I barely had the time now.

The living room was lit by soft candle light. April and Melody were lounging on the couch while Camilla reclined on the armchair and flipped through a book on her lap. It was a large thing, bigger than some Bibles I’ve seen, and my father was a minister- I’ve seen some big Bibles.

“Cam, how dare you get started without us!” Karen said with a laugh, taking a seat in the other armchair. Norma seemed to relax now and she had scuttled off to the kitchen to grab an extra chair.

April noticed me and her eyes widened. “Oh, Tammy! Ummm, Karen-”

“Don’t worry about it, April, we can still continue with tonight’s activities,” Karen said, brushing her concerns off.

April and Melody scooched over to give me some room and I took my seat. “Soooo, what are we reading this week?” I asked.

Norma chuckled as she plopped down a dining room chair next to me and sat on it. “What we read every week, unless Camilla’s husband found another volume?”

“I’m afraid not, but we’re still going through my great grandmother’s library.” Camilla nudged up her glasses before handing the book to Karen. “I imagine she had more of this collection.”

Karen slipped off the dust cover, said dust cover was originally for the Great Gatsby but it clearly didn’t fit this monster of a book. The actual cover was made of black leather, and I saw the pages were lined with gold. “Is it a Bible?” I asked, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.

I saw April’s lips twitch into a barely concealed smirk and Norma chuckled again, but Melody was the one that answered me. “Oh, not even close. Camilla, do you care to explain?” Melody asked.

Camilla nodded and had to push her glasses up again. “My great grandmother was a wealthy and incredibly intelligent woman, if not slightly eccentric. One thing she had a passion for was collecting books, she quite literally owned a library in her home. Two years ago, she unfortunately passed away, holding the book that Karen is now.”

I felt an uncontrollable shiver going up my spine as Karen began flipping through the pages. “What’s it called?” I asked.

“There’s no name on the cover and no author listed, but I imagine there may have been dozens or even hundreds of authors.” Karen tapped her fingers against the pages. “Since it is your first night here… how about you pick a page?”

The mood of the room rapidly shifted from casual to tense. Even the happy go lucky Melody seemed a bit off put. “Karen, are you sure that’s a good idea?” She asked.

“Why not? It’s not like she can do anything with it without our help.” Karen stood and crossed the room, setting the book on my lap. The weight of it was immense, easily making the textbooks I carried in college seem light as feathers. “Just… go with your heart, Tammy. Pick a page that just makes you feel right.”

I almost declined and passed it off to April, but that sudden burst of curiosity had me opening it up and turning the pages.

The book was all written by hand. Each page felt so fragile that if I breathed on them wrong they would crumble. It was the illustrations that got me, accurate depictions of human anatomy, plants that I couldn’t name even if my life depended on it, pictures of women throwing their heads back with a wail, holding knives above their bleeding arms, and… well, demons. I suppose they might have been actually demons.

“This is…” I swallowed and shook my head. “This is a little creepy.”

Karen nodded in sympathy. “We all thought it was at first too. But it’s actually not too bad, I imagine there’s some Stephen King that’s a lot worse. You feel anything?”

I was about to respond with a ‘not yet’ when I turned another page and I felt my heart catch in my throat.

The image was horrifying, of a man upside down with his throat slit open, and underneath was another demon with its forked tongue out, lapping up droplets of blood. But it was the title on the page that really had me pause.

‘Converse with The Satisfied One’

I knew this was the page I wanted to read. I tapped the picture with my finger. “I think I like this one,” I said.

April peered at it before grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Oh, you got good taste! Karen, do you think tonight’s a good night for a summoning?” She asked.

Karen shrugged. “Well, why not? It’s what Tammy wants to try.”

The women all gathered around, kneeling in front of me. Camilla gestured for me to read the page and I cleared my throat before doing so. Or well, trying to do so. The words coming out of my mouth sure as hell weren’t English, but I got a distinct impression about what to do. And so did the others, as they all got up and began to commence with the instructions.

“Please tell me you didn’t forget to grab a sacrifice this week,” Norma said, giving Melody a long stare as she pulled several black and red candles out from a basket under the coffee table.

Melody froze while she sharpened a silver knife. “Shit! It was my turn?” She asked.

Norma groaned and looked ready to slap her when Karen cleared her throat. “Don’t worry, I remembered that Melody always forgets when it’s her turn to bring the sacrifice. He’s in the basement.”

Melody sighed with relief while Camilla and April ran for the stairs. Karen dragged a positively enormous cauldron out from the coat closet, behind all the stuff stored away for winter. “Don’t worry about anything, Tammy, you can help us prep next time,” She said with a grunt.

So I just watched as preparations continued.

Norma grabbed what I initially thought was one of the kid’s toy chests in the corner of the room and dragged it to the center, popping it open and it transforming into a miniature table. A miniature table with chains.

As Melody lit the candles, I heard April and Camilla drag something behind them. I turned to watch them bring in a man, stripped down to the waist and clearly out of it. The women all teamed up to tie him down to the table, his neck hanging over the edge and above the cauldron.

Karen handed me the knife and all the other women joined hands. “Before the sacrifice, we need you to take a piece of yourself,” She said.

“I have to… what?”

It took me until this moment to realize that each of the women in this room were in fact missing a part of themselves. April’s hair was carefully arranged to hide the fact her right ear was gone, Camilla’s left ear was missing too. The tips of Norma’s left fingers were missing, along with the entirety of her ring finger. Melody was missing the big toe on her right foot, only visible when she wasn’t wearing shoes like she was now. And Karen… Karen pulled down her blouse to reveal her chest. Her breasts had been removed, the nasty scarring making abundantly clear that it wasn’t done in some sort of hospital room.

“It doesn’t have to be a lot of you, but you have to remove something. Something permanent, not just your hair or fingernails.” Karen pulled her shirt back up as she stared at me. “If you can’t do this, then you’re free to go. You won’t remember anything of this night, but you will remember that Friday nights just… aren’t for you. We won’t think anything less of you either. You’re still our friend, Tammy.”

I thought for a few minutes. I looked at the front door. I looked at the knife.

I took a deep breath before I gripped the knife ever tighter and brought it up to my face. I didn’t let myself hesitate before jabbing it into my eyesocket. I heard Melody gag as I worked the knife around, managing to pop the eye out and slicing it free. It landed on the ground before I let the pain hit me.

I wailed as I clung onto the side of my face, Karen gingerly picked up the eyeball before dropping it into the cauldron. “That’s good, that’s a great choice, the beings in the book will appreciate it. Do you think you can make the final cut?” She asked, nodding at the barely conscious man at the table.

I shook my head, I couldn’t think, I just hurt so much. Karen planted a rather maternal kiss on my forehead before taking the knife from me and slicing open the man’s throat.

The cauldron filled with blood as the women around me began to chant, and I don’t know how I managed to join them between my sobs but I did. The candles all glowed impossibly bright before snuffing out one by one until the chanting was done and there was only one left.

For a moment, all was quiet. I was getting close to passing out when I saw something crawl out of the fireplace. At first I thought I was seeing things, the slinking black shape crawling on the ground. I saw its face, its twisted features grinning before it blew out the final candle.

Now I couldn’t see, but I could hear. I could hear it slurping and lapping up the blood in the cauldron, draining it dry of its contents. I heard it walk around the room, whispering things I could not make out. It got closer and closer until it finally stopped in front of me. I did my best not to throw up at the smell of its breath, like rotting meat and spoiled milk.

“… You come for satisfaction?” The quiet voice whispered, its acrid breath tickling my ear.

Unable to speak, I just nodded.

I felt its lips brush the spot where Karen had kissed me before its twisting tongue licked at my gouged out eye. The pain slowly ebbed away until it was a dull ache.

“Feel satisfied, new daughter of the coven.”

I think I fainted after that, only waking up the next morning to birds singing and the smell of coffee. The cauldron was gone, the candles put away, the table was back to being a toy chest, it was like none of it had ever happened.

The other women had long gone home, but Karen made sure to text my husband to let him know I just konked out on the couch after I had a little too much to drink, and I looked so peaceful that she just couldn’t wake me. She also let him know that I’d accidentally cut my eye, so that’s why I’d be wearing that patch for the next few days.

It’s funny though, the eye might be gone but I can see just as normal. Even with the patch on, my sight is strangely unhindered. And the creature was right, I feel satisfied. Even when I don’t live up to my own expectations, I’m strangely okay with it. I’m not anxious, I’m not constantly putting myself down when things go wrong. I feel good.

And according to Karen, the sacrificing the body part deal was just a one time thing! I passed my initiation into the coven and it’ll all be smooth sailing from here. I hope this Friday goes even better than the last.