#King Of The North Grape Plan

[ramensauce2pointoh-blog]

Story Time!

Before I get ready for work, let me tell you my favorite story from the wine world! I've adapted it into a fairy tale-esque structure because that's more fun for everyone!

Once upon a time, centuries ago, there were 6 noble lords. These noble lords were named: Cabernet Franc, his son Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Merlot, and Carmenere. The lords worked in harmony creating wine that was beloved throughout their Kingdom of Bordeaux and the world!

Whispers of a newly discovered world reached the ears of the Noble Lords of Bordeaux. With excitement they requested that they be brought grapes from the new world to experiment, and perhaps bring another peer into their fold. As ambitious as the lords were a dark shadow loomed across the Atlantic Ocean...

After all six lords had been planting vines from the new world in their respective vineyards they sat back and admired and waited for the fruits of their labor to produce and try these new grapes. However the lords noticed something happening to all their vines as the growing season wore on. The vines were slowly perishing all throughout their vineyards. Not just the vines from the new world but their long-cherished vines which had been passed down through their vineyards since the Romans had ruled the lands.

As the lords became frenzied to find the root cause of their beloved vines slow death, a figure cloaked in darkness paid a visit to each lord. He introduced himself as King Phylloxera from the new world known as North America. He told each lord that war was imminent as he planned to bring his army to devour all the grape vines in Europe.

King Phylloxera had an army that had feasted for centuries on the American vines. The American vines had developed ways to resist the encroaching pest. Yet, the European vines had no such resistances. Thus, when King Phylloxera landed on the European continent, he licked his lips (or whatever bugs have) as he gazed upon the defenseless vines of the old world.

European vines suffered many casualties as the war raged. Eventually, a diplomat from the noble grapes of North America made contact and recommended planting his own grapes instead and relinquish the grapes of the old world. However, the grapes of the new world did not suit the astute palettes of the old world nobles.

A compromise was made. The New world Lords would allow the old world Nobles to borrow their vines roots to hold out against the King Phylloxera, while the grapes would still hold their noble status and flavor.

Soon the tides of war changed, and Phylloxera was beaten back into the far corners of Europe. As the smoke from the battles cleared, the noble lords stood bloodied, tired, and close to death. As they took count of their losses, they noticed that Lord Carmenere was absent. The lords mourned their loss of their fallen companion. Lord Carmenere was extinct. The six noble lords were now five. That was until about a century and a half later...

The new world had been established and grapes flourished without fret of King Phylloxera resuming his rampage in Europe or most other places for that matter. A scientist very familiar with the noble lords was staying in Argentina. He was only there for a routine visit. This was when he noticed a familiar figure that he'd only read about in studies from long past.

He shared a lot of similar qualities to the Noble Merlot but he had somethings about him that were much different. When asking the locals they said that he was the noble Merlot and had been there for centuries. The scientist approached the figure and after pulling back his mask realized immediately this was not the Noble Merlot, but the Noble Carmenere!

Unbeknownst to most, Noble Carmenere had established a small planting of his grapes in Argentina where King Phylloxera dare not venture. His grapes looked similar enough the locals knew it as Merlot. The noble lords rejoiced in the old world and welcomed Carmenere back into their fold. However, Carmenere had sacrificed his noble title for the most part in the old world. While he lost his title in his home of Bordeaux he flourished in this new world. Thus, Carmenere was rediscovered (in 1994 actually, super recently), and the noble lords have lived happily ever after creating their renowned wines.

[qrtumb]

Global Brandy Market Share, Report, and Forecast 2022-2027

Global Brandy Market was valued at US$ 23.7 Billion in 2021, estimated to reach US$ 33.4 Billion in 2027, with a CAGR of 4.72% from 2022-2027.

A spirit or distillate made from wine, fruit juices and mashes containing 35-60% alcohol content is refer as Brandy which aged in oak barrels for 3-20 years with additional caramel colouring and flavours. Its moderate consumption can provide various health benefits, like increasing immunity, improving heart health, slowing aging, reducing cancer risk, and soothing cold and cough as it contains antibacterial, antioxidant, and polyphenolic compounds.

 Get a Sample Copy of this Report @ https://qualiketresearch.com/request-sample/Brandy-Market/request-sample

Market Drivers

If brandy is taken in a regulated amount, the probabilities of developing blood pressure, high cholesterol and blocked arteries reduce by 18%. This is the main driving factor for the growth of Global Brandy Market.

Moreover, since ancient times brandy has been used to treat cough, cold and sore throat as the presence of anti-bacterial compounds suffices the role of brandy as an associated medicine.

Additionally, the warmness present in the brandy is an advantage of boosting immunity.

Market Restraints

Key restraining factor for the growth of Global Brandy Market is Excess amounts can cause liver damage. Also, any alcohol taken in abnormal quantities can disturb a personal central nervous system, that includes the probabilities of getting hypoglycaemic.

Market Segmentation

Brandy Market is segmented into major 4 categories. Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into Grape Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac, Fruit Brandy, Others. Based on Price, the market is divided into Value, High-End Premium, Super Premium, Premium. Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Exclusive Stores, On-Trade, Others. Based on Region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the Global Brandy Market in 20220 and continue to dominate in forecast period due to the surge in demand is allied with the increase in distillery and craft drinks in the millennial population. The rise is also related with the practice of fair trade, and the tendency of the youth to buying beverages with organic ingredients.

Europe will witness the substantial growth in forecast period owing to an uprising demand for brandy in beverages and confectionaries. The demand is also associated due to a rise in consumption of premium and craft spirits, and also because of the rising disposable income of the youth.

Get Discount on this Report @ https://qualiketresearch.com/request-sample/Brandy-Market/ask-for-discount

Market Key Players

Some of the key players operating in Global Brandy Market are Courvoisier Cognac (Beam Suntory Inc.), Diageo Plc, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Emperador (Alliance Global Group, Inc.), F. Korbel & Bros., Martell, Speciality Brands Ltd., Rémy Cointreau, Thomas HINE & Co. (EDV SAS), and Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Company Limited

Industry development

In September 2020, Constellation Brands acquired Copper and Kings American Brandy Limited, to acquire a larger market share and take advantage of the market penetration of the latter brand. Through this acquisition, Constellation Brands plans to expand its portfolio across premium products and brands. It would also help Constellation Brand to bridge the gap between premium craft drinks and craft bourbon.

Browse Full Report https://qualiketresearch.com/reports-details/Brandy-Market

[heartysworld]

The oath he gave || Aemond Targaryen x Reader

A/N: another request has been delivered bright and shiny! I'm sorry if there are mistakes,I shall fix them tomorrow. It is currently 2am here, I've been up since 5.30 am this morning and I really need my sleep! I hope you guys like this one and if you have any requests feel free to send them! Love ya <3

MASTERLIST

The Stark brides were known to be fruitful women, ever since the beginning of their lineage the women from the noble house of the North were known for their fertile wombs and high number of children they birthed. That, however, was not the case when it came to you, the younger sister of Cregan Stark, Lord of Winter. You have been married to the King's first son, Prince Aegon, for now half a decade, bit still there was no trace of an heir from you. At first, you though it was just the stress from switching environments,after all, a wolf can hardly adjust to the bright sun and warm air of King's Landing. Now, years later, you were well aware it was not the environment that prevented you from baring heirs. It was something else. Even the Queen herself was becoming worried and irritated. She made this match hoping that this Stark womb of yours would bring her son many children, Gods was she wrong.

Many visits to the Maester's tower, different types of tonics and treatments were also unsuccessful. Nothing seemed to work in your favor. Your husband wasn't in much of a hurry to become a father, thought. Everybody knew that by know. All Aegon wanted in life was his wine and whores, to be taken care of by servants and fed grapes by the woman he beds.

Day and night you prayed to the Gods to grant you one wish,just one, what you desired with your entire being. A small babe, a boy or a girl, it didn't matter, just for it to be healthy and happy.

All went in the opposite direction when the second son of the realm found himself tired of his brother's attitude towards his Lady wife,his future Queen. Ever since your betrothal was announced, Aemond have had his eye on you. There was something about those dark locks of yours that so beautifully framed your face and the pale skin that covered it. In his eyes you were otherworldly, the complete opposite to a woman from his kin.

Your adventures with the younger Prince began after he found himself in your chambers on night after one of the many feasts his cunt of a brother had thrown for Gods know what reason. You left the feast hall with tears in your eyes after your eyes caught your husband openly smothering a servant in his lap,his hands roaming around her body, diving underneath her skirts while his lips traced the skin of her neck and jawline.

You never expected the younger Prince to follow right after you, but he did, and he wasn't planning on leaving you alone.

The words he whispered in your ear that night remained forever embedded in your memory. You even found yourself remembering them whenever you missed your silver haired Prince.

"Let me gift you the one thing my brother failed to give you, my little wolf. Let me fill your womb with a silver haired babe that would make you mine. Not Aegon's,mine." Aemond whispered in your ear while his hands sneaked underneath your skirts, lifting them up.

"Aemond... it's dangerous...what were doing." You managed to whimper out before you felt the tip of his cock enter you slowly. His movements were agonizingly slow, making your hands get a tight hold of his back, sinking in your nails in the skin of his back so deep that you were sure blood was drawn.

"No one will know what we've done, my sweetness. I'll keep you away from harm's way until my last breath on this world. I promise you that." Your Prince said close to your ear while he was assaulting your entrance with all his power.

"As long as you're by my side, I'll give you whatever you want, my Prince. Just be with me." You answered just before he drew out another moan from you.

That faithful night was followed by many others, similar to it. Late at night, your beloved would find his way in your chambers and he would take you as many times as he wished in any position he desired. In those moments you shared with Aemond you felt like you were living your best life. As if you had no husband who was most likely bedding another whore in his separate chambers right now. As if Aemond was your real husband.

A couple turns of the moons passed in pure bliss, that was until you missed your monthly bleeding twice in a row. You hadn't even noticed it until the Queen herself didn't pay you a visit one morning, informing you of the news that one of her maids had delivered to her. There's been no sign of blood on your sheets for over two months now.

Alicent was overflowing with joy as she thought of her son finally siring a child with his wife. A joyous occasion for her family,one that required a big celebration.

When Aegon learned the news of your pregnancy, he didn't give the reaction a future father was expected to give. He hugged you briefly, for decency in front of his own mother, muttering a quiet "congratulations,my wife" before leaving to do Gods know what.

Aemond, however, was a different story. You've never seen a smile as big on his face ever before when you told him you were with child.

His hands immediately fell on your still flat stomach, where his son or daughter was to grow, swelling your stomach in the process, showing everyone that you were claimed.

"Your prayers were finally answered, my love. This child will be a lucky one to have a mother like yourself. Such a smart, beautiful and captivating mother. And I am a proud man to have such a beautiful woman by my side. Only if I could show the world you were mine." Aemond spoke,his forehead leaning against yours as you felt the warmth his body radiated, something that brought you an odd sense of comfort whenever he was close enough for you go feel it.

"If only..." You said, eyes closing shut at the painful reminder of your husband.

"I can only hope my brother will drive himself to an early grave, I wouldn't be surprised given the amounts of alcohol he consumes and the number of whores he sticks his cock inside. Gods know what type of diseases he had brought upon himself." Your beloved hissed,anger filling his chest at the thought.

"Do not think of such matters right now, dear. This is a joyous occasion,let us savor it for as long as possible. " You said before leaning in to peck his lips softly.

Aemond was absolutely smitten by your different ways of expressing your love and affection towards him. Pecks, light touches,soft smiles, all of these simple things made his chest tighten with a feeling he welcomed every time he was around you. Love.

As the moon came and went and your belly swelled, Aemond seemed to show more and more of his protective side. He followed you around wherever he could, claiming he was just looking after his good sister, since her own husband couldn't find the time to do so. Lord's and Ladies at court praised the younger Prince for his devotion to you and his future niece of nephew. It was rare that women were tended to during their pregnancies, if their husbands didn't care to do so,there was nobody else that would do it. In your case, however, it was different.

This child was going to grow as a future prince, an heir to the throne,but nobody was going to know the truth about its lineage. He or she were going to be their father's child, end of discussion.

Aemond was ready to slay every man or woman who dared disrespect the woman he so dearly loved and who carried his child. Late at night, at the dead of night where no soul was left awake,he would find his way in your chambers where he's whisper sweet words to your swollen stomach and feel the kicks of his child as a response to his voice. Sometimes you were awake, sometimes you weren't,but there was not even one night when Aemond missed to do that. It was his own, unique way of showing love and you loved that for him.

When the last moon before your labors arose, you and a few of your maids and guards made your way to Winterfell,the home you had missed so dearly. From the moment you found out you were with child you knew nothing would stop you from giving birth in the North, you were born there and so was going to be your child.

Aemond followed after you not long after, claiming he had important matters concerning the crown which he had to discuss with your brother, Lord Cregan.

When the pains finally started and the labor progressed,Aemond found himself kneeling beside your bed while you gripped his hand with all the strength you had while the Maester and midwifes encouraged you to push. Nobody questioned the presence of the Prince in the chambers, nobody wanted to know or was going to tell. What mattered in the room were only the mother and the babe, nothing or nobody else.

Hours later, when the sun was starting to rise again, the cries of a new life echoed around the quiet halls of your home. The small Prince announced his arrival on his own,with strong lungs and high pitched cries.

Your and Aemond's son, named Auserys, was a little black haired beauty,just like his mother. He seemed to have taken everything from his mother and nothing from his father. That was until the little thing opened his eyes to take his first blurry look on this words, in that moment beautiful violet eyes fell on the boy's father as the older Targaryen man was drowned by his son's stare.

"My love, he has your eyes." You said, a smile taking over your eyes as you admired your son who laid calmly in your arms. Looking up from his small body, you met the good eye of your beloved, a small tear had escaped his eye and was now rolling down his cheek and jaw.

Without saying a word,Aemond kneeled beside you,just as he did a couple of hours ago, before he spoke.

"I'm going to give my life up for you, my son. For you and for you mother,if needed. I shall love you as the priceless jewel that you are,Auserys. I give an oath today,may the Gods be my witnesses." Aemond spoke,his voice quiet as he tried not to disturb the babe that had finally calmed down after hours of crying loudly.

"And he shall love you as his father, Aemond. This little boy will grow up knowing who his father,his real father, is. He shall know what brave and honorable man his father is and grow up to be as brave and strong as you." You said, pulling one of your hands away from underneath your son's small body, taking a hold of one of Aemond's hands that was cold against your touch.

"I'm going to marry you, Y/N. I'll marry you and claim my son as it should be,and you as my wife. Nothing will stop me from being with my lover and son. " Aemond spoke with such confidence it send shivers down your spine.

He was tired of hiding, tired of seeing the miserable look on your face every time Aegon was near you, he could barely hold his rage whenever that cunt couched your belly, talking about how his heir laid in there. Nothing could stop a man in love from doing anything that would bring him what he desired. The things we do for love.

Taglist

@ccallistata @social-life-does-not-exsists @kiribrima @westsidelegendary @vaf24

@edum123 @kittycatcait219 @nataliarosana60 @scarletraine @strawbbyjamb @rosey1981 @dunkle-mondseite @anaisbambia @yourswitchling @misskatiewrites @sprikadirkkirk @barnesfilms @beelanie

@fairyfolkoresposts @multifndom @nerdy4itall @simpforfictionalchatactersstuff @drmeghanjones @eudximoniakr @percypup

@idkjj04 @schniiipsel

[fiddles-ifs]

THE KING’S UPDATE JAN 15, 2022: THE WORLD OF TKP PT. 1

The Kingdom of Alandria is a monarchy situated north of the Musannan -- the mountain range that separates the northern half of the continent from the southern half, called Las Muzánas in Alandrian. It’s also where you’ll spend most of your time during the events of TKP. The people of Alandria are usually brown-skinned with red or neutral undertones, with prominent cheekbones, dark eyes, and dark hair that ranges from wavy to very curly. 

Climate: Alandria’s latitude stretches for almost 1,000 km (600 miles), making it one of the most diverse countries on the continent. Northward, the coast is gentle and marine, with mildly hot summers and mild winters with the occasional drift of snow. The northern coast is the only region in Alandria that sees regular snowfall. Further south, Alandria gets hotter; the central tableau is hot and dry in the summer and humid and rainy in the winter. The land bordering the Musannan and Iskar is semiarid: very hot summers, extremely mild winters, very little precipitation. Exports include lemons, limes, grapes, wine, olives, almonds, dates, pomegranates, plums, pigs, cattle, seafood, brocaded cloth, wool, and raw materials. The capital city of Alandria is Elvira, located on an island between two major rivers.

Religion: Alandria is a primarily Yvasean country -- following the teachings of the First Martyr, Yvas. It’s a monotheistic religion, with the chief deity being The Nameless One, a god whose name is too terrible to utter by mortals. The religion is lead by the Liturgical Council, made up of elected representatives from every country on the continent with an Yvasean population -- so far encompassing Alandria, Aymerich, and the many petty kingdoms of the Kiltry Aisles. There is also The Empty Seat -- where the former member of the Iskarian member of the Liturgical Council sat, before being expelled. The Liturgical Council lives in the Holy Court, an autonomous region in the mountains between Alandria and Aymerich.

Politics: Alandria is ruled (in theory) in-absentia by a group of councilors hand-picked by the former king -- Afonso the Bastard -- while his heir-apparent comes of age. In practice, Alandria is ruled by king Lisandro Abarcas, Afonso’s last-born son while the councilors struggle to keep their own powerbase. Lisandro has yet to be baptized -- a religious ceremony all the kings of Alandria have to participate in before officially taking the throne. Thus, Lisandro is technically subject to the whims of the council, for so long as he remains unbaptized.

For the past six years, Alandria has been suffering through several civil wars that were quickly put down by Lisandro -- the primary reason he’s remained unbaptized since the death of his father. Even before that, the minor nobility of Alandria had a bad habit of going to war over land disputes. Alandria is therefore war-torn; many of its smaller farming villages (especially along the coast) are still recovering and massively depopulated, leading to famine among the working class and a lack of not only a labor force but also a standing levy, creating a need for mercenaries

People of Note:

Lisandro Abarcas de Elvira: the current king-uncrowned of Alandria, away from the capital for six years putting down a series of civil wars spearheaded by unhappy nobles. Currently in his late 20s, and returning to the capital to plan for his baptism and official crowning.

Idali Abarcas de Elvira, Duquessa de Tolde: the duchess of Tolde, and countess of counties therein, including Guirocón, and Lisandro’s older sister. Currently in her early 30s, and somewhere in her domain.

Andoval de Huitzil: the current King’s Physician, and a member of the Council of Kings, in charge of the king’s personal health and well-being. A deeply spiritual man.

Loreno Mahuiz de Urraca: the head of the king’s Council, in charge of diplomatic affairs. Equal parts steward and diplomat. Often described as “too easy-going.”

Renalto: The Court Chaplain -- and head obispo in charge of religious affairs for the whole kingdom, answering only to the Liturgical Council of the Holy Court. Extremely old, nervous, and besotted with tremors.

Afonsico Mutalto de Elvira: the king’s head general, and a childhood friend of the former king. Has a son currently serving in the king’s personal guard. Honor-bound, he respects Lisandro, but privately respected his father more.

[vodkassassin]

Hey hun! Reminding you about that Moshang list like you asked!

Sorry this took so long, I ran out of energy and didn’t get any more until like, yesterday. Okay, so! Moshang fic recs!!

AN IDIOT’S GUIDE TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE by tagteamme. Chapters: 8/8, words:  156,680

Summary:  In order to pay off a debt that's not his, Shang Qinghua agrees to marry a man that's as cold and unyielding as he is stupidly rich.

Vod Notes: I’m not normally one for modern AU’s, but there’s just something about aspiring CEO MBJ and flat out broke SQH somehow wiggling his way into his heart that gets to me. The characterizations in this story are flawless, and the customary Moshang miscommunication/misunderstanding had me tearing out my hair at several points, yelling at these two dumbasses; and that’s how you know it’s a good one. 9/10 because I experienced lots of stress while reading this, which actually is a sign of a fantastic story, I’m just really weak and pathetic and immerse myself in reading way too much, so actually 11/10! Depends on how you look at it I suppose lol

a rose by any other name by sarahyyy. Chapters 1/1, words: 6,795

Summary: The one where Shang Qinghua suddenly becomes Prime Demon Marriage Material™ (bc of the LBH/SQQ marriage).

Vod Notes: somft. MBJ just loves SQH so very much, and SQH is pining ad dense as fuck. The perfect Moshang fic recipe. They are warm, soft, clueless idiots in this while still somehow being entirely competent, and we love to see that. SQH is a man made of contingency plans <3 I love it when authors do my son justice. 10/10

How to Panic Your Demon King by StarlightLion. Chapters: 1/1, words: 7,816

Summary: Mu Qingfang is starting to wonder if this is a requirement to be a demon lord. At least this one isn't kidnapping him.

Vod Notes: A delicious one shot about MBj worrying about the love of his life, who is a strong, dedicated, talented man who has an unfortunate training mishaps and then tries to cover it up bc he’s also dumb and doesn’t want to worry anyone. Stupid man. SQH we love you pls take care of yourself. You’re giving your husband grey hairs. A special treat toward the end with a MQF POV! My sexy doctor man is exasperated and done with everything. 10/10

it must follow, as the night the day by Tossawary. Chapters: 7/7, words: 26,342

Summary: Airplane Bro transmigrates into his own web-novel only to find out that the System messed up his world! Shang Qinghua is a demon in this world! All the characters supposed to be humans are demons in this world! And all the characters supposed to be demons are...?

Vod Notes: You simply cannot go wrong with Tossawary. They have the most scrumptious servings of Moshang in all the land. For this specific one, we’re gifted with a lovely Role Reversal AU! It’s got everything! Demon!SQH who is a absolute mess of a man? Serious cultivator MBJ who is stoic and cold but has the heart of a hero (or just a heart hardwired for SQH specifically)? Espionage? Feed it to me slowly like grapes. 11/10

You Will Never Step Lightly in the Dark by Janusoverlord. Chapters: 11/11, words 57,218

Summary: Shang Qinghua wakes up in the aftermath of Tianlang-Jun's rampage on Cang Qiong Mountain and has to navigate the delicate political situation he now finds himself in. Luo Binghe is building a harem with Shen Qingqiu as his first, and honestly most terrifying, husband. Yet, Luo Binghe seems to be turning his eyes to Shang Qinghua as a possibility as well. Excuse you? What is this? He didn't sign up for this!

Vod Notes: holy fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck this one blew my entire mind! Not only do we have SQH looking out for number one (which is himself, bless you my son) when shit turns strictly bad, but we have a absolutely, one of a kind, PHENOMENAL badass SQQ who is supporting his bro and fucking shit up left and right and everywhere for Airplane’s sake. God. This was like drinking fine wine. Breathtaking, spectacular. My life has been changed. MBJ spends most of this being a big, sulky, upset mess but don’t worry, cucumberplane fixes that up themselves. LBH get’s put in time out by both his husbands (because this is LBH/SQQ/LQG), because he fucks up in this majorly and SQQ isn’t fucking happy and doesn’t let him get away with it just because he gives him the puppy eyes and I AM LIVINGGGGGGGGG!! TLDR: simply superb badass cucumberplane, sad boy MBJ hours, and LQG gets stuck with babysit the naughty demon king duty. VERDICT: umm?! 7000/10

A Queen’s Trials (And How to Speedrun Them) by daddykeehl. Chapters: 1/8(as of 4/17/21), words: 25,000.

Summary: Shang Qinghua is now well on his way to the same happily-ever-after that every protagonist gets, but two things stand in his way. The Queen's Trials, and a council that just won't give up. Too bad for them, they really don't know who they're dealing with.

Vod Notes: Sorry I can’t hear any of your questions over the loud, shrill screams of my absolute LOVE for this story. it’s not finished, no, but it’s set up in arcs per chapter, so I’m fine with waiting for the next one to come along, and so will you if you read this. Because, lemme tell you. Fucking amazing. An SQH who knows everything about the North? He’s God, dammit, why wouldn’t he? Using that to his advantage? Not just to prolong his life, but to legally win the right to marry MBJ. God, this story is just absolutely breathtaking. I was speechless when I got to the end of chapter one. The sheer level of worldbuilding! Catch me with actual hearts in my eyes. The small DETAILS! The magnificently built OCs! The culture, the writing! The character interactions! SQH goes around accidentally winning the lifelong loyalty of every badass, OP demon in the Northern realm. I am still screeching. daddykeehl you’re my number one. fucking 200k/10 heart eyes emoji, heart eyes emoji (also, it’s part of a series! The story before this one, Quick, Easy Steps To Realizing You’re The Queen Consort, is also VERY good.)

[gysellas]

𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  :  eel  alley,  visenya’s  hill,  king’s  landing,  the  crownlands. 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞  :  third  day,  second  seed,  300  a.c. 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡  :  theon  greyjoy  (  @bloodofsalt​  ).

the  crew  of  the  leviathan  had  expressed  their  intentions  to  set  sail  from  the  iron  islands  almost  immediately  after  the  royal  missive  had  arrived  on  the  shores  of  pyke,  eager  to  wet  their  blades  and  fill  their  pockets  with  the  pickings  that  could  be  found  along  the  stretch  of  sea  that  led  from  the  islands  to  the  crownlands  but  before  she  could  voice  an  affirmative  to  their  demands,  knowing  that  the  journey  would  take  them  through  the  redwyne  straits  in  the  reach,  which  were  always  bountiful  with  wine  merchants  ferrying  caskets  of  the  sour  grape  from  the  arbor,  she  had  been  called  into  a  meeting  with  asha  greyjoy,  pacing  the  length  of  the  room  as  the  plan  to  form  an  alliance  with  the  north  was  shared.  she  had  never  thought  fondly  of  the  northerners  owing  to  the  disappearance  of  her  elder  sister,  gyda,  some  years  back.  her  ship  had  last  been  seen  at  sea  dragon  point  and  any  letters  inquiring  about  her  whereabouts  with  house  mormont  and  house  glover  had  been  sent  back  without  a  response,  leaving  gysella  to  assume  the  worst  but  in  comparison  to  the  other  greenlanders,  the  northerners  were  worthy  of  a  begrudgingly  respect.

(  she  could  not  help  but  wonder  if  the  plan  to  get  theon  greyjoy  back  in  exchange  for  the  service  of  the  iron  fleet  would  backfire  on  her  lady,  especially  if  the  displaced  prince  had  learned  loyalty  at  the  hands  of  his  captors,  but  if  he  proved  to  be  treacherous  to  house  greyjoy  or  the  ironborn  cause,  gysella  could  just  drown  him  in  the  blackwater  bay  and  cite  foul  play.  the  starks  had  many  enemies  in  the  south  and  it  was  not  unthinkable  or  untrue  to  blame  the  lannisters  for  yet  another  death.  perhaps  asha  would  mourn,  but  better  he  die  a  martyr  at  the  hands  of  a  common  enemy  than  a  traitor  to  the  islands,  at  least  in  the  eyes  of  people.  )

by  the  time  she  had  been  allowed  to  set  sail,  any  thought  towards  pillaging  and  looting  the  bounties  of  the  reach  were  far  from  her  mind  and  she  had  set  a  rough  pace  to  the  crownlands,  ignoring  the  complains  of  her  crew  in  the  hopes  of  getting  to  the  capital  before  the  northerners  did.  still,  they  had  arrived  just  a  few  days  prior,  able  to  push  their  horses  quicker  than  she  could  will  the  winds  to  her  sails  and  gysella  was  faced  with  the  conundrum  of  how  to  approach  theon  greyjoy  without  startling  him  off  completely.  she  had  been  complaining  into  the  ear  of  her  first  mate,  the  man  rather  unhelpfully  suggesting  she  corner  him  to  see  if  his  stones  were  still  iron,  when  a  familiar  figure  walked  pass  the  open  tavern  door.  the  similarities  to  his  sister  were  uncanny  and  it  made  him  look  rather  pretty  from  a  distance  ─  rising  from  the  side  of  her  crew  with  a  coin  purse  left  behind  to  keep  their  grumbles  to  a  manageable  level,  she  quickened  her  steps  to  follow  after  him  through  eel  alley,  avoiding  the  grasping  hands  of  beggars  and  thieves  alike.

❝  greyjoy  !  ❞  a  few  heads  turned,  including  the  man  that  she  hailed  and  gysella  caught  up  with  him,  panting  lightly  through  the  grin  that  stretched  across  her  features.  ❝  theon  greyjoy  ?  you  look  like  your  sister.  ❞  a  compliment  or  an  insult  and  much  could  be  said  about  what  he  thought  of  his  family  by  how  he  received  it.  ❝  i  wasn’t  aware  that  the  starks  took  their  prisoners  on  trips  with  them.  ❞  another  little  dig  ─  ironborn  saw  him  as  a  captive  but  the  greenlanders  called  him  a  ward,  as  though  putting  a  sweeter  title  on  the  kidnapping  made  it  any  less  cruel.

[succubusphan]

A Rose of Winter- Chapter 6

Summary: All Daniel wanted to do was escape the stifling life as a Stark of Winterfell and travel the world. Between the looming threat North of The Wall and the den of lions in the capital, he unexpectedly finds love in the midst of a war set to tear Westeros apart. Caught between loyalty to his family and duty, he is torn in a thousand directions that all point to one man: Philip Flowers.

Rating: E (There are only a few smut scenes but it's an M for battles, war, and other adult topics)

Tags/warnings: I removed most triggers (no R or SA, no minors involved in sex, no gore). It does include: Deaths either written without details or in a poetic way if it's an important character (Dan and Phil, Ghost and Balerion will live but everyone else is fair game). Strangers to lovers, Slow Burn, missing each other. The prophecies and stories foreshadowed are fulfilled, a satisfying ending to the entire story without plot holes. Extreme canon divergence. Dan and Phil are not replacing characters, they were written in. GAME OF THRONES AU

Author's Note: This is my OSPBB 2022, Couldn't have done it without my betas @effingmeteors and @filisaceaf.

Word Count: Each chapter will be around 15k and have at least one Dan or Phil pov. The total wc is about 210k.

Read on Ao3

TYRION 

Tyrion scratched his chin as he ate breakfast. It was only a matter of time before someone let Cersei know about his plans to send Myrcella to a safe place. The question was who.

The door slammed open on the wall as his sister made her way to him. “You little monster. She is my only daughter, did you think I would let you sell her like a common whore?”

“Myrcella is a Princess, some would say she was born for this,” Tyrion said before eating a few grapes, hoping that she would continue.

“I will not let you ship her to Dorne as I was shipped to Robert Baratheon.”

“Dorne is the safest place for her. She will be happy there.”

“Are you crazy? The Martells loathe us.”

“That is why we need to seduce them. We will need their support in the war your son started.” He kept his tone even, never raising his voice to match hers.

“She will be nothing but a hostage.”

“A guest,” Tyrion corrected her.

“Do you think a piece of paper Father gave you will keep you safe?” She smiled. “Ned Stark had a piece of paper too.”

“It is done, you cannot stop it.”

“No!” she yelled, pushing everything off the table. Then, she stilled as if she was trying to control her outburst. His poor sister was not used to having control taken from her.

“Just how safe do you think Myrcella is within these walls?” He explained. “The best way to protect her is to send her away before Stannis heads to King’s Landing. Do you want to see her enslaved, tortured, or worse?”

“Leave,” she whispered.

“You know I love Myrcella too.”

“What do you know about love?” she spat. “Leave!”

“This is my room.”

“Leave!” she screamed. 

Tyrion sighed and walked to Pycelle’s bed chamber.

---

He knocked on the door and waited patiently for the old man to drag himself over. 

“Oh, Lord Tyrion. What a surprise,” he sputtered.

Tyrion walked in and looked around curiously, Bronn close behind. The place was a mess of old robes and books lithered on every surface. 

“Oh, Lord Commander, I had not noticed you, my apologies…”

Rolling his eyes, Tyrion addressed the matter directly.  “You betrayed me.” 

“I am not sure I - I undres-s-stand, My Lord.”

“You told Cersei about my plan to send Myrcella to Dorne!”

“No! It was not me, I am your loyal servant. The Spider, it was surely him. One can never trust a eunuch.”

Tyrion huffed. “Except that I told you that I was sending Myrcella to Dorne, I told Varys I was sending her to The Iron Islands, and Littlefinger that she was going to The Vale.”

“The Spider is everywhere.”

“Bronn, cut his manhood,” Tyrion said.

“No, no please!” The old man cried.

“How many hands have you betrayed?”

“I never-”

“Jon Arryn?” Tyrion pressed.

“He- he knew the truth about The Queen, and - and, he was going to tell King Robert!” Pycelle stammered.

“So you poisoned him!”

“No!” Pycelle whined. “I would never!”

“But you let him die.”

“Everything I’ve done has been for House Lannister!” The old man said. “I will always serve House Lannister!”

“Throw him in one of the black cells in the dungeon,” Tyrion said and watched Bronn call one of the city guards and have Pycelle dragged down the hall kicking and screaming.

--

News of another Stark victory reached the Capital. He had attacked in the middle of the night with only two thousand men and caught the Lannister army by surprise. 

Tyrion could hear Joffrey’s screams reverberating through the Throne Room as he rushed down the hall. “You need to answer for your brother’s sins!”

Sansa cried, her voice shook as she spoke. “Your Grace, whatever my brother may have done, I had no part in.”

“Robb Stark attacked in the shadows with an army of wolves, thousands of honourable men were butchered and when they were done, the Northerners feasted on the flesh of the fallen!” Said Lancel, that snivelling idiot. 

Tyrion knew he needed to stop his idiot nephew before he killed the girl.

“Killing you would send your brother a message, but my mother insists on keeping you,” Joffrey said. 

Tyrion walked in and could finally see his smile as he lowered his crossbow. 

“Stand!”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Sansa said.

“Ser, leave her face, I like her pretty,” Joffrey said.

Ser Meryn of the Gold Cloaks walked to Sansa and punched her on her stomach, kicking her to the ground.

“My Lady is overdressed, Unburden her.”

The Gold Cloak tore the back of her dress before Tyrion could rush to her side.

“What is the meaning of this?” Tyrion yelled. “What kind of Knight beats a helpless girl?”

“The one who serves his King, Imp,” said Meryn Trant.

Bronn walked up to him, one hand on his sword. “Careful now, you don’t want red to stain that pretty white cloak.”

“Someone bring her something to cover herself with!” Tyrion demanded before turning to Joffrey. “She is to be your Queen!”

Joffrey shrugged. “I am punishing her!”

“For what? She is not fighting Robb’s battles, you halfwit!” Tyrion watched as The Hound removed his white cloak and placed it on Sansa’s shoulder as she cried very quietly, trying to make herself small.

“You can’t speak to me like that! The King can do as he likes!”

“The Mad King did as he liked,” Tyrion said, his voice loaded with disdain. “Has your Uncle Jaime ever told you what happened to him?”

“Nobody threatens The King!” Ser Meryn said, approaching Tyrion.

“Bronn , the next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him,” he said. “See? That was a threat. I was merely educating my nephew.” Tyrion turned around and helped Sansa to her feet. “I apologise for my nephew’s behaviour,” he said as they walked out of the Throne Room. “Tell me the truth, do you want to put an end to this engagement?”

“No, I am loyal to King Joffrey, my one true love,” she said without hesitation. 

Tyrion stopped and watched her leave with her ladies in waiting, marvelled at her strength. “Lady Stark, you may survive us, yet,” he said in wonder.

---

In an attempt to give Joffrey something else to focus on, Tyrion sent two whores to his chambers. But that proved to be a mistake. He realised this when Joffrey called him over and showed him their bodies pinned to the wall with a series of arrows from his crossbow.

His stomach turned at the sight. As he exited the room, he vowed to never attempt to do anything nice for that little monster.

If Tyrion wanted to get any diplomatic advantage, he would have to do it himself. There would be no point in trying to reason with Cersei or Joffrey. Instead, he called Littlefinger to a secluded part of The Red Keep.

“I have a deal for you.”

“You will not make a fool of myself again. You promised me Harrenhal if I arranged Myrcella’s match with Robyn Arryn, yet she is sailing to Dorne instead.”

“Yes, she is. Sorry about that. My brother Jaime rots in a cell, I want him released.”

“Robb Stark would never release him.”

“No, but his mother would. How would you like to see your beloved Cat again?”

ARYA

Ever since the guards from the City Watch had come asking for Gendry, Yoren had taken to searching for more secluded places to rest, oftentimes staying off the road during the day as well. They were not far off from The Gods Eye, slowly making their way to the North. In just a few months, Arri would finally be able to hug Jon again, to feel safe; something that she hadn’t felt in months. Not since -

She shook her head and turned around on the dirt floor she’d been trying to sleep on. Tonight’s hideout was an abandoned tower slowly falling apart with time. It had no beds, or hay, or anything really, but it sheltered them from the elements and kept them out of sight. She huffed and turned around.

“Why don’t you rest, boy?” Yoren asked from where he was sitting by the door, his sword already in his hand.

“I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about -”

“I used to have a brother but he was taken from me, killed without remorse without even a reason. He was just a boy. Many nights I tossed and turned without sleep, making a list, saying the names of the men who killed him. Eventually I was able to track them down, and I killed them one by one. I finally got my revenge.”

“Then what happened?”

“I was sent to The Wall. Actions have consequences, but I have learned to live with mine. If I could do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

She nodded and laid on her back, staring up into the darkness. “Ser Meryn Trant, Joffrey Baratheon, Ser Ilyn Payne, Cersei Lannister, The Hound,” she whispered, starting over when she got to the end of the list. She let out a sigh thinking how she would deal with each of them.

The noise outside put Yoren into motion. He looked out the window, holding his breath. 

All the boys rose to their feet at the sound of the horses and the soldier’s amours as they searched the area. 

“Don’t let them see you,” Yoren whispered to her and Gendry. “If things go array, run; run north and don’t look back.” Then he stepped back and addressed all the prisoners. “There’s men out there wanting to end you, fight! Go out and fight for your lives!” He kicked the door open, everyone running in different directions. 

Arri felt someone grab her hand and her eyes widened until she realised Gendry was dragging her away from the fight. The soldiers attacked everyone they could get their hands on, young and old. 

There was fire spreading all around, making it even harder to choose a path to safety, but they all still ran, taking cover behind the bushes. 

“Where is the bastard?” yelled one of the soldiers. 

“I have many bastards,” Yoren said, walking up to them.

“I am Ser Amory Lorch of Tywin Lannister’s army. These capital soldiers have requested our assistance. Lower your weapons in the name of The King!”

“What King would that be?”

“This is your last chance. In the name of King Joffrey, lower your weapons.”

Yoren didn’t move. An arrow hit him in the chest and the soldiers charged at him but he was able to fight them off, killing three of them before another arrow hit him, making him fall to his knees. 

It was then that every boy charged towards the soldiers with their very limited fighting skill, Arri right behind them until she heard it.

“Boy, boy!” called the man in the small cell; the one she’d given water to. The cart itself was burning and there was no way for him or his two companions to escape, the metal heating rapidly. “Help us, boy. We can fight! We can help!”

Not wanting their deaths weighing on her conscience, Arri grabbed a small hatchet the man was pointing to and gave it to him before running. 

One of the Lannister soldiers caught up to her, kicking her to the ground and grabbing Needle. “What a pretty sword. I could clean my teeth with it,” he said.

A little over Arri heard Lommy yelling for help. “Don’t leave me! It hurts! Help!”

The man towering over Arri laughed and walked to the blonde boy and smiled. “Does it hurt? Do you want my help?”

“Yes, please!” Lommy whined, a shocked sound coming from his throat when the soldier killed him with his sword.

“Perfect,” he said, cleaning the blade on his uniform. “Where is Gendry?” He screamed, looking around at all the prisoners already surrounded.

Arri couldn’t take her eyes off Lommy’s empty ones. Then she saw it, his small hand laid so close to Gendry’s helmet. He’d probably taken it when he got the chance. “Do you want Gendry?” she asked. “That’s him.” She pointed to the blonde boy’s body.

Satisfied with the results of the attack, the soldiers tied them up and put them on a cell before marching for Harrenhal.

JON

Jon stepped outside for the last time to feed Ghost and stayed with him for a moment, petting him and apologising for not letting him in. The other crows were not too happy to sleep with him, so he had to return to his cage every night. 

The screams of a woman giving birth reverberated all around the Haunted Forest. In the weeks they’d stayed at the inn, it was not uncommon to hear one of Craster’s wives bringing another child to the world but something caught Jon’s attention.

Once the baby’s cries were heard, the woman pleaded and pleaded but Craster walked out of the small hut with the child in his arms and ventured into the woods instead of his cabin. Jon kept his distance but followed him still. They walked for quite a while before the old man set the child on a slab and made his way back home. 

This time, Jon didn’t follow him; instead he waited, holding his breath as he saw a tall white figure walking to the slab. The creature could have been mistaken for a human wearing battle armour but its skin looked like a collection of ice crystals and its deep blue eyes shined.

The creature touched the child, cocking its head to look at it before locking eyes with Jon and making a strange noise. It resembled a scream but there were no discernible words, instead, it was the sound of ice cracking.

Before Jon could turn around, he felt something hit him in the back of his head and his knees give out under him.

--

When Jon opened his eyes, hissing and bringing his hand to his head, Lord Commander Mormont was looking at him in disappointment and Craster was yelling at the top of his lungs.

“Leave!” Craster said. “I want all of you gone! Out of my house!” Then he approached the Commander. “You make this right.” He waved Longclaw in Front of Mormont’s face.

“Wait outside!”

“Lord Commander,” tried Jon.

“Now!”

Everyone shuffled out of the stables. Jon sat by the horses and let Sam tend to the wounds on his face, refusing to talk about what happened until Mormont walked up to them.

“Leave us,” Mormont said. Sam nodded and left without a word.

“What did you do?”

“I followed him,” Jon admitted but rushed to justify himself. “He took the baby into the woods; a newborn.”

“What business is that of yours?”

“You don’t understand, he’s killing them! All the boys and-” Jon paused, frowning. He could see no shock in his Commander’s eyes; he looked troubled, but not surprised at all. “You know.”

“Wildlings - they have different Gods than you and I. Those babies are his offerings.”

“Offerings? He’s killing his own children! He’s a monster!”

“That monster is the difference between life and death for the rangers when they venture beyond The Wall, including your uncle Benjen. We have other wars to fight, out there. Like it or not, we need men like Craster.”

“I saw it. I saw -” he shook his head, “something take that child.”

“Whatever it was, I’ll dare say you’ll see it again,” Mormont said. “Now, ready my horse, we leave at dawn.” He pressed Longclaw to Jon’s chest. “Don’t lose it again.”

DAN

Dan tried his best not to look into his mother’s eyes but she gave him a knowing look nonetheless. He shouldn’t have fallen asleep in Phil’s tent, but his heart got the best of him. He knew they wouldn’t be staying for much longer and he would be away from Phil once more, not knowing when or even if they would ever meet again. As much as Dan liked to pretend that that wasn’t the case, they were at war still, and they would be for quite some time. Thinking about the future was something he actively avoided because he had already come to the conclusion that most of the people he loved, or even himself, would not be alive by the time everything was said and done. He let out a deep sigh and ran his fingers through his long curls.

“Are you ready?” His mother asked. 

“Ready?” 

“Renly has asked us to ride with him; he is meeting Stannis for negotiation not far from the camp.”

“Is that safe?” 

“If Stannis wanted to attack he would do it without hesitation, but Renly’s army is much bigger than his own, so he knows not to make impulsive decisions.”

“Alright. Why should we accompany them?” 

She sighed, looking at him with a little disappointment. “Loyalty is very important; it is what the Starks have always been known for and while Ned supported Stannis’ claim to the throne, we are visiting Renly. I assume he wants to show Stannis that he doesn’t have as many allies as he’d thought.”

“I want to support Renly.”

“I do too, but our word is the only thing we have left, so we must be open and negotiate with them.”

--

“Lady Stark, I had not thought to find you in the Stormlands,” Stannis said.  

She smiled. “I had not thought to be here, Lord Stannis.” 

“Can that truly be you?” Renly asked, his voice dripping with contempt.

“Who else might it be?” Stannis replied.

“When I saw your standard I couldn't be sure. Whose banner is that?” 

“My own!”

Renly shrugged. “I suppose if we use the same one on the battlefield, it would be terribly confusing. Why is your stag on fire?” 

It was actually quite an interesting feat. While Renly’s stag was crowned and sitting on a green background, Stannis’ sat on a red heart surrounded by flames.

“The King has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of Light,” said a mysterious woman in red at Stannis’ side.

“Ah, this must be this fire priestess we hear so much about. Brother, now I understand where you found religion in your old age.” Renly was not holding the insults back. Dan has to resist the urge to laugh in such a dire situation. 

Stannis was much older than Renly and looked absolutely furious both at the fact that he needed to negotiate with his young brother and at the insults. “Watch yourself Renly!” 

“No, no, I'm relieved. We really believed you're a fanatic. Charmless, rigid, a bore, yes. But never a godly man.”

The red Lady sneered at Renly. “You should kneel before your brother, he's the Lord's Chosen, born amidst salt and smoke.” 

“Born amid salt and smoke?” Renly rolled his eyes. “Is he a ham?” 

“That's twice I’ve warned you,” Stannis finally snapped.

“Where is the Hand of the great King Stannis? Renly asked.

Dan’s mother tried to calm them down. “Listen to yourselves! If you were sons of mine I would knock your heads together and lock you in a bed chamber until you remembered that you were brothers!”

“It is strange to find you beside my brother, Lady Stark. Your husband was a supporter of my claim. Lord Eddard's integrity cost him his head and you sit beside this pretender and chastise me!” 

“We share a common enemy!” She said.

“The Iron Throne is mine - by right - all those that deny that are my foes.”

“All the realm denies it from Dorne to The Wall,” Renly said. “Old men deny it with a death rattle and unborn children deny it in their mothers’ wombs. No one wants you for their King. You never wanted any friends, brother, but a man without friends is a man without power.”

“For the sake of the mother who bore us, I will give you this one night to reconsider. Strike your banners, come to me before dawn and I will grant you your old seat in the council. I'll even name you my heir until a son is born. Otherwise, I shall destroy you.”

Renly’s face softened and he cleared his throat. “How is Shireen? I haven’t seen her in two years.”

Stannis frowned, seemingly confused by the sudden change of topic. “She is doing well. Why do you ask?” 

“If you give me Shireen as a sign of good faith, I will consider your offer. The battlefield is no place for a child.” 

The red woman spoke before Stannis could reply. “My Lord, she has your blood. You shouldn’t let her go.”

“If I were to consider it, what would you do with her?”

“Raise her - with my husband. Make her my heir. She would be safe and happy.”

The red priestess grabbed Stannis’ arm and his demeanour changed instantly. His face went from careful consideration to completely cold and distant. “No. She’s my daughter.”

Renly frowned. “Look across those fields, brother. Can you see all those banners?”

“You think a few bolts of cloth will make you King?”

“No, the men holding those bolts of cloth will make me King.”

“We shall see, Renly. We shall see,” Stannis said before riding away.

The red Lady looked at Renly with such an intensity that made Dan uncomfortable. “Look to your sins, Lord Renly, for the night is dark and full of terrors.”

Renly turned to Loras in disgust. “Would you believe I loved him once?”

--

Back at the main tent, Renly, Loras, Dan, and Phil sat down to discuss the horrible attempt at negotiation. 

“You were too confrontational,” Phil said.

Renly gave him a look. “What did you expect me to do? He is trying to take the throne without any good reason other than he is older than me. You can’t expect me to be civil towards him.”

“Of course I can. It was the smart thing to do, but I guess you are not that smart after all.”

“Phil!” Loras chided him. 

“You know perfectly well that I’m speaking the truth,” Phil said. “Dan agrees with me, don’t you Dan?”

Dan sputtered, nearly choking on the wine he’d been drinking. “Well - yes and no.” 

Loras smirked at him, clearly enjoying seeing Dan in a difficult position, by Phil, no less. “You can’t agree with both.”

“I am not agreeing with both. I just would not have gone as far as to call Renly stupid, but I do believe that being more civilized would have been more agreeable - even if Stannis didn’t seem too keen on discussing a realistic solution.”

“See? This is a smart man,” Loras said, patting Dan’s shoulder. 

Dan finally felt confident enough to ask what had been weighing on his mind all afternoon. “Renly, would you have really accepted your niece in exchange for the throne?”

“Yes. Stannis is old and his love for battle would put him out of his misery eventually, leaving the throne free for me, as his heir,” Renly said, his face softening when he thought about his niece. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Shireen, ever since I held her in my arms for the first time. When we thought that greyscale would take her, it was me that searched high and low for someone who would be able to help her, not Stannis. He would have left her to die. Now she lives locked up in her room, reading about the wonders of the world instead of seeing the sunlight, going for walks and experiencing the life that she deserves. And it’s all because of Stannis. He just can’t stand the fact that his daughter is not perfect.”

Loras nodded. “We would be good parents to her, and that would be the safest option to get the throne, even if it took some time.”

“What will you do now?” Phil asked.

“There’s nothing else I can do now other than killing my brother. I can only hope Shireen survives and forgives me for it.”

---

Dan had had a wonderful afternoon walking down the beach with Phil, watching the sunset, kissing between the cliffs when nobody was watching… it was only his luck that everything would be ruined so suddenly. He walked into his tent to find a man already waiting. He pulled his sword and placed it by his neck, causing the man to give him a snivelling smile Dan was already learning to detest. “State your business.”

“You must be Daniel. I am Lord Baelish, a family friend.”

“So you are the man who betrayed my father and got him executed.” He pressed the blade to his neck and saw a drop of blood sweep out of him. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t behead you right here.”

“I am a diplomatic envoy sent by Tyrion Lannister. If even a hair on my head is missing, you and your entire family will regret it, dear friend.”

“You are not my friend,” Dan said. 

His mother walked in, the smile slipping from her face. “He’s not anyone’s friend. He has none because everything he does is lie and betray those around him.”

“I am merely following orders, Catelyn. If you would call off your boy, I could give you the gift of goodwill I’ve brought you.”

His mother put her hand on his shoulder and Dan lowered his sword but did not step away from him. “We don’t need any gifts from you,” she said.

“It is not from me. The Lannisters send it to you.” He pointed to the chest on the opposite side of the tent.

Dan watched her walk to it and open it carefully before she let out a wail. She fell to her knees and Dan rushed to her, finally seeing the contents of the chest. It was his father’s bones. She cried and screamed again and Dan tried to hold her but she didn’t want to be touched. “Leave me alone, please.”

“If you want your girls back we can arrange the exchange for Jaime Lannister.” 

“Leave!” she screamed. “Leave me be! You are nothing but a liar! I should have you executed for what you did to Ned!”

“Think of your girls,” he pushed. 

Liar. He was lying; they didn’t have Arya at all. 

Time seemed to stop when Dan’s mother rushed to him and slapped him as hard as she could. “Leave!”

Petyr Baelish’s expression morphed from a satisfied smirk to pure outrage before he gave her a vengeful look and walked out.

“Mother, I-” He was hurt too, but he understood. It was the love of her life, the man she had raised an entire family with. 

“Please, let me be alone with your father for a moment.”

Dan’s eyes filled with tears; he nodded and left in search of Phil. When he finally found him, he allowed himself to cry in his arms, listening to Phil’s heartbeat and sweet whispers but he couldn’t help but wish death upon their enemies. 

DAENERYS 

The Red Waste, Essos.

Just when Daenerys was starting to lose hope, the first horse returned, but it didn’t carry good news. What returned was exactly that, just the horse. No rider. 

Jorah found Rakharo’s head in the satchel and said that he had probably died at the hands of another Khalasar. Daenerys was heartbroken but had to stay strong to comfort Irri. She was devastated; even more so because she thought that Rakharo wouldn’t be able to enter the Night Lands due to the mutilation. 

Danny didn’t know how she would make it happen, but she promised Irri that she would give him a funeral and burn his body to make him whole again and allow him to enter the Dothraki land of the dead.

So far the only good thing to come from their wait was getting to eat the horse.

Days later, Kovarro rode back, exhausted and on the verge of fainting but he brought them good news. They had an invitation from Qarth, one of the richest cities in Essos and set their path there.

----

What was left of her Khalasar arrived at Qarth only two weeks later, but instead of opening the gates for them, the Ruling Council, known as The Thirteen, met her outside the gates, guarded by their soldiers and the gates firmly closed. Three walls surrounded the city, each taller than the previous one, which were said to make it impenetrable.

A representative that refused to give his name but introduced himself as a trader of spices demanded to see her dragons, but Danny was not an idiot. She knew they would try to take her children from her if she set them out of the cage, so she offered to show them once they were inside and fed after their long journey.

The offer was rejected and The Thirteen turned around walking to their gates. Only then, she snapped. “Thirteen! I am Daenerys Stormborn. I will reclaim what was taken from me and I will burn every city to the ground. Turn us away and we will burn you first.”

“How do you intend to do that if you die in the desert?” He said with a smile. “Qarth didn’t turn into the greatest city that ever was or will be by letting Dothraki savages within its gates. We wish you well.”

“Running away from a little girl is not representative of the greatest city that ever was or will be,” said the tallest man among The Thirteen.

“The Thirteen have spoken.”

“I am one of The Thirteen and I am still speaking. I Invoke Soumai,” he said, pulling a small sword from its holster and running it on the palm of his hand. “I will vouch for her, her people and her dragons in accordance with the law.” He then showed the blood dripping from his wound to the spice trader and to the rest of the council who nodded solemnly. 

The huff that the spice trader let out made Danny smile, she knew then that they were saved. “Be it on your head, Xaro Xhoan Daxos.”

“Welcome to Qarth, Mother of Dragons,” Xaro said with a bow.

The gates opened to reveal the most beautiful place Danny had ever seen. She walked inside, looking at the white stone buildings with gold accents, palm trees all around and colourful birds singing their songs. Ships came and went from its dock, bringing spices and foods and exotic fabrics from all over the world, enriching the qarthians and their culture. 

The place was, for the lack of a better word, a paradise.

Daenerys thanked Xaro profusely and followed him to his marvellous home where they were all able to clean up, change and eat enough to be full and even more. 

---

It was easy, a little too easy, to forget about her goals for a few days. To enjoy resting and living a quiet life, teaching her children to use their fire and be able to feed themselves.

“Dracarys,” she said and Drogon - the largest of her dragons - breathed the smallest amount of fire followed by a tiny cloud of smoke and cooked the piece of meat Danny had placed in front of him. She clapped and pressed a kiss to his snout, making him screech in delight. 

Rhaegal and Viserion watched intently but it took them a few extra days. It was alright, they would learn and help each other.

Doreah walked into her room and brought a selection of dresses Xaro had bought for her; they were truly beautiful, but she was hesitant to accept such expensive gifts from a man who had not yet stated his intentions. She knew well that he must want something in exchange for his kindness.

“I don’t want to give Xaro the wrong impression.”

“Wear them, Khaleesi. They are a gift.”

“The last man that bought me a dress sold me to Drogo,” she said.

“It is not right to take gifts from a man like that,” said Irri.

“He is our host, you can trust him,” Doreah added, her tone sharp as she looked at Irri.

“You don’t want to do things for gold Khaleesi, that is no good. Only whores do that.” Irri snapped, but quickly regretted her statement. She knew it was not right to bring Doreah’s past to prove a point, so instead she shook her head and said: “Wear them, Khaleesi. They are pretty and it would be rude not to accept the gift from your host.” She grabbed an apple and left the room.

That afternoon, Daenerys and her Khalasar decided to enjoy the market and everything it offered. Even if they didn’t have gold, the Qarthians were curious enough to offer them samples and show them their best products. Just like the city, the market had an array of different peculiar characters of different cultures; magic and beauty all around. A woman with her face covered with an intricate gold mask looked at her intently but didn’t approach her, choosing to speak to Jorah instead, but the Warlocks did. 

Perhaps it was only one of them, Danny couldn’t be sure since they all looked the same: greyish skin and purple lips with no hair. They played with illusion, appearing out of thin air in different places and disappearing again, marvelling the people around them who clapped in excitement. 

“Forgive them, Khaleesi. They drink ‘shade of the evening’ much too often; its hallucinogenic powers extend their life but also give their lips that distinctive purple shade. They are mere charlatans playing parlour tricks.”

“It is still quite impressive.”

“It is not real magic; not like your dragons,” Xaro said.

Daenerys smiled, not knowing what to say.

“We could form an alliance, you and me, Khaleesi.”

“What sort of alliance?”

“Come, there’s something I want to show you.”

--

Back in his house, Xaro Xhoan Daxos finally showed his true intentions.

“I am the richest man in Qarth, Khaleesi. If you accept to marry me, I will buy as many ships as you need and help you win The Iron Throne,” he said as he showed her the door of his vault. It was big - taller than Xaro himself. It appeared to be made out of solid gold and had many jewels encrusted. 

She blinked repeatedly and looked back at him. “I’ve had a husband already and I don’t intend on getting another.”

“Robert Baratheon is dead. His heir is rumoured to not be his son. This is the perfect opportunity to sail to Westeros. If you accept my proposal, I will give you half of my vault. This is where I keep all of my riches; there’s no way to open it other than with this key,” he said, showing her a long chain with a round pendant that looked like a small copy of the vault door. “Not even air can get inside.”

Danny shook her head. It was tempting, but she didn’t want to owe her success to a man. “I am Daenerys Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, a Khaleesi and a Targaryen by blood. I will not marry you in exchange for ships or any other riches.”

“My apologies, Khaleesi. I did not mean to offend you.”

“Good night,” she said and turned on her heels, walking in the direction of her chambers. 

Jorah was already waiting for her, wanting to know about their meeting and was not impressed by what he heard.

“Do you want to accept?”

“No, but it is a tempting offer. For now, I have declined.”

“You can’t accept, Khaleesi. You need to gain resources and an army another way, otherwise, he will own you forever.”

“I know, Jorah, but I’m tired. I’m tired of waiting, of failing my people. I made them a promise and the only thing I’ve brought them was death and misery,” Danny said, her eyes welling up with angry tears. 

He pulled her into a hug. “I want to see you on The Iron Throne because you have a good claim on it, but most importantly because you have a gentle heart. I know it, even if you try to hide it, I know your true nature, Daenerys.”

Danny stepped away from him and looked into his eyes. She frowned. She was so stupid, how did she miss the fact that her most trusted advisor was in love with her. “You love me,” she said and it was not a question. 

Jorah took a step back and looked down in shame but didn’t deny it.

She cleared her throat and crossed her arms. “What would you have me do - as my advisor?”

“Give me a few days. I can get you one ship.”

“One ship?”

“That is all you need for now. It will be enough to get you to Westeros and you find allies there. It may not be what you envisioned, but you will not owe anything to anyone.”

Letting out a deep sigh, Daenerys nodded. One ship. Perhaps it could work.

TYRION

There was a knock on the door. Tyrion opened it to find his whining idiot of a cousin, Lancel Lannister. “What do you want?”

“The Queen demands that you release Maester Pycelle from the dungeons immediately.”

“I will not. Why did she ask you to come here?”

“I - I don’t know. She trusts me.”

“Tell me, dear cousin. Does The King know that you spend so much time in his mother’s bedroom, especially after the Hour of The Wolf?”

Lancel’s eyes widened. 

“I would be happy to tell him that the reason you were knighted was that you helped her kill Robert, Ser Lancel. It would be interesting to see what he does with you.”

“No, please,” Lancel whined.

“I could reconsider it…”

“I will do anything. Anything at all!” He dropped to his knees.

“You will spy on Cersei. Tell me what she does and with whom, who she speaks with, and anything else I may ask you to enquire about.”

“Yes, I swear it! Please don’t tell The King.”

“Alright. I have a good heart and we have a deal. Now go and tell her I said no.”

---

His plan was incredibly useful when only days later his dearest cousin was able to tell him what Cersei was working on: Wildfire. Tyrion went to talk to the pyromancer that had been working under her orders for years and he was happy to show him the hundreds and hundreds of barrels he had so proudly produced. 

Perhaps…

PHIL

Phil tried to keep his mind on the important tactical discussions, but having Dan around was proving to be a distraction. He cursed himself for falling in love with the Stark boy. His grandmother would be disappointed if she knew, but he couldn’t help it. Dan was just… Dan. So sweet and beautiful - and kind too. 

He closed his eyes and tried to focus but the image of Dan moaning under him chased his every waking moment; he could hardly wait to get his hands on Dan again.

“Are you alright?” Loras asked, pulling Phil from his thoughts.

He blinked repeatedly and looked around the tent, most of the soldiers had already left, Renly was removing his armour in front of the mirror to rest for the day. Loras was looking at Phil with concern written all over his face.

“Yes, I was a little distracted. Perhaps I am just tired, sorry.”

Loras smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “Tired? From what? Would Dan have anything to do with it?”

“Of course not,” Phil said.

“No? And who was the one that bit you like that?” 

Phil’s hand went straight to the left side of his neck, instantly feeling a small twinge of pain that made him smile.

“Do you love him?” Loras asked, smiling widely.

“That - is private.”

“You know we have no secrets, little cousin. Tell me: was he good? Do you plan on seeing him again?”

“I don’t want to speak about Dan like that,” he frowned.

“So you do love him.” Loras' smile softened. “It’s alright to admit it; we don’t have to always do things to gain something.” He looked at Renly and sighed. “I’m glad that you have found someone that you want to share your life with as I have. This war… is unfortunate but necessary. In the end, I hope that it was all worth it.

Phil grabbed Loras’ arm and led him to the deepest part of the tent where they wouldn’t be overheard. “Do you really want to share the rest of your life with Renly?”

“Yes, of course I do. This marriage is convenient for both families but that doesn’t negate what we have. There is no shame in falling in love, make sure you let Dan know. With matters as they are, any day could be our last. That’s why I make sure to repeat it every night before we fall asleep. ”

That was the moment Phil knew he was making the right choice. He knew that Dan and he were different. What they had was important, but they knew it could be gone in the blink of an eye. As a bastard, he had spent the majority of his childhood in Essos, not knowing why his family had sent him there, nor why he was eventually allowed to come back. He saw every day as borrowed time, especially with how many times the people assigned to care for him went missing or simply died. He thumbed the ring on his finger and looked at the lilac stone in the centre. He remembered it like it was yesterday.

The beautiful woman had pulled her red hood back and looked into his eyes. “Look at me, Philip. I will give you two gifts today but you must promise to listen to me very carefully.” 

Phil had nodded eagerly, his black hair so long it covered his eyes.

She’d placed the chain around his neck, it had a beautiful ring hanging from it, just a bit too big for him. “This will keep you safe. The people searching for you will not recognise you as long as you wear it. You are to never take it off until it’s time.”

“H-How will I know when it’s time?” He’d asked, looking at the pretty stone.

“You will know,” she’d smiled. “And this… this is very special.” She showed him a long chain with a golden rose pendant. “There will come a time when you will be able to save someone’s life and that will change the entire world, just like a butterfly batting its wings, it will cause the end of a War and the beginning of the Real War.”

“Who should I save?”

“Love will guide you to the truth.”

“Thank you, Lady…”

“You may call me Kinvara,” she’d said with a sweet smile. If Phil hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would’ve never believed she had set the man attacking him on fire. “Now, let’s get you home. Your family misses you dearly.”

“Why haven’t they come to get me then?” he’d asked, holding onto her hand as she led him through the streets.

“Because they wanted you to be safe - and now you are.” 

 He blinked, his mind returning to the present. “I will, thank you, cousin.”

“Of course,” Loras said. “I’ll speak to Margaery and be back shortly, will you wait for me?”

“No, I think I would like to go for a walk.”

“Then I’ll see you for breakfast.” 

Phil nodded and watched Loras exit the tent, Brienne of Tarth being the only person keeping guard inside. “My Lady, would you please let me speak to the King in private?”

She let out a huff at being called a Lady and eyed him suspiciously but looked at Renly for approval. “Your Grace?”

“Yes, Brienne, you may wait outside. Phil is family, we can trust him.”

She nodded and stepped outside, but Phil knew she was still within earshot. He motioned Renly to one of the sofas and once they took a seat, he asked: “What do you think about Stannis’ red priestess?”

“I think that whatever she’s doing to my brother is working for her, she has him wrapped around her finger. Do you know why I asked about his Hand?”

Phil shook his head.

“I received news from Dragonstone saying that Stannis burned him at the stake along with many others as a sacrifice. This… faith of them is vile.”

“Not all Red Women are like her. I met one when I lived in Essos. She saved my life and whatever she did to me has kept me safe ever since. All attempts on my life have stopped.”

Renly looked at him curiously. “What did she do?”

“She gave me this ring.” He said, showing Renly his left hand. “At the time I was too young and had to wear it on a chain around my neck, but now it fits perfectly. And she gave me something else as well. She - Kinvara was her name - she said it would save a life and change the course of a war. Well - she said it would end one war and the real one would begin. The real war, she called it.”

“What did she give you?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled the pendant out. “This. I would like to give it to you.”

Renly frowned. “Why not Loras?”

“Because you are in far more danger. That woman - she will do something. So please, wear this, fight fire with fire.”

“I’m not sure I believe in this.”

“You don’t have to believe, just wear it.”

Renly eyed the pendant hesitantly before letting out a deep sigh. “Alright, Phil. I will. Thank you,” Renly said, inclining his head to let Phil put the chain around his neck.

“Thank you for trusting me.”

“Of course.”

---

He returned to his tent and found Dan already waiting for him in his bed, completely naked. Phil rushed to his side and kissed him. “I’ve missed you,” he said before kissing him again.

Dan pulled him onto the bed, trying to remove his clothes as fast as possible. “Phil,” he whined.

“Shhh. Let’s take our time.” Phil whispered against his lips, as he removed his shirt and breeches, kicking off his boots. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw his ring shining on Dan’s finger. “You wear it.” He laid beside Dan and ran his fingers on his chest.

“Of course I do. I haven’t taken it off since you gave it to me.”

Phil closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh. “That makes me incredibly happy, please never do. I want to know that a part of me is always with you.”

“Phil, you are scaring me,” Dan cupped his cheek. “Promise me that you won’t die.” 

“Never,” he said, kissing Dan’s hand. “We will grow old together, live many winters and many summers together.”

“Always together?”

“Always.” Phil agreed. 

Dan straddled him, looking into his eyes with a soft smile. He was so beautiful it almost hurt to look at him. “Dan - I love you.”

His smile widened. Leaning down, Dan bit Phil’s lip and mumbled “I love you too” into the kiss. He rolled his hips ever so slowly as Phil ran his hands up and down his back and pulled him even closer, moaning at the tortuous but exquisite feeling of their bodies sliding together.

“Take me,” Dan moaned.

“But -”

“I’m ready.”

Phil pulled him into another kiss as his hand made its way to Dan’s backside and slipped a finger into him with ease. The thought of Dan touching himself in his bed while Phil was gone was driving him crazy, he wished he could have arrived earlier to catch him in the act. 

"Phil!" He whined, causing Phil to laugh. "Don't laugh. Get on with it."

"Demanding," Phil said, giving him a little spank. "Go on then, if you are so eager, you do it."

Dan bit his lip, looking less sure of himself. "With me on top?"

Phil nodded and patted the side of his hip. "Up."

Frowning, Dan kneeled, allowing Phil to grab his cock and press the tip to his entrance. Letting out a calming breath, Dan lowered himself onto Phil, moaning loudly and throwing his head back in a display of pleasure as he went as low as he could. 

Phil gasped, gripping Dan's hips tightly, keeping him in place until he could compose himself. "Dan…" he said, unable to express his feelings properly.

Still, Dan nodded in agreement and started moving hesitantly, rolling his hips, trying different things and finally settling on pressing his hands to Phil's chest and riding him. Starting slow at first but getting confident with each passing minute until the tent was filled with the sound of skin slapping against skin and their moans. 

"Yesss," Phil hissed when Dan shifted the angle slightly. "Keep doing that."

Dan smirked. "Do you like it?"

"Yes!" Phil moaned when Dan gave him a smug grin. As the pressure started to build within him, he could no longer stay still and let his instincts take over, meeting Dan thrust for thrust, until he saw his love spill all over his chest and following shortly after. 

Letting out an exhausted sigh, Dan laid down on Phil’s chest. “Was I good?”

He pressed a kiss to Dan’s forehead. “You were amazing, my love.”

A little laugh escaped Dan. 

“What?”

“I just can’t believe we are finally together, that this is real.” He laced their fingers together.

“It is real, and I am so incredibly happy.”

Dan lifted his head and looked into his eyes, all remnants of a smile now replaced by a frown. “You must remember that you promised you would survive.”

“I will keep my promise as long as you keep yours.”

He nodded and pressed a quick kiss to Phil’s lips. “I promise. Even If everything else fails, we will get our happy ending.”

Phil let out a deep sigh. “I hope time flies until we meet again.”

“It won’t but we can still dream of each other.”

--

The following morning Phil woke up to find Dan gone and the sheets next to him cold. He knew it didn’t mean anything but he still missed Dan.

Phil dressed in fresh clothes and took a good look in the mirror before going in search of his family. He first saw Margaery, smiling at a man he recognised from King’s Landing. She was giving him all her attention, shy looks, soft smiles and even touching his arm. There was no doubt that she was already getting acquainted with him. He took a turn to avoid them and made his way to the main tent.

Renly sat at the planning table, Brienne of Tarth close at his side, as he discussed the alliance with the Starks. 

“I can only pledge twenty thousand men. I need the rest to defeat my brother in battle. Once both the Lannisters and Stannis have been defeated, House Baratheon will restore Robb as the Warden of the North, aid in any remaining conflicts and bring peace to the seven kingdoms.”

“Robb is the King in the North,” Dan said, shooting Phil a covert smile.

“The North’s independence can be arranged after everything is settled. I am not against it but we have more urgent matters to discuss.”

Catelyn nodded. “I am not sure twenty thousand will be enough, Your Grace.”

“Lady Stark, twenty thousand is all I can pledge. You will have to make a decision today and let me know.”

“A-” She started but Dan interrupted.

“We will have the answer by dinner time. Thank you, Your Grace.”

---

That very night, as the sun set over the sea, Dan and his mother entered the main tent to give Renly their final response. He was already waiting for them, sitting at the big table, Phil at his side and Brienne keeping guard as usual, but no one else would witness their conversation.

“Well, what have you agreed upon? Will you support my claim?”

“Yes, Your Grace. We have decided to accept your kind offer of twenty thousand men and the promise to discuss the independence of The North once you have taken the throne and our common enemies are defeated in exchange for the loyalty of House Stark.”

Renly clapped once and smiled widely, “I couldn’t be happier to form this alliance with you. I will give the command to get the men ready for the trip at once. Phil, please let Commander Redwyne know. Give them our best men.” He wrote a message on a piece of parchment and handed it to him. 

“Of course,” he said and went in search of the man in question. It didn’t take long, and he was happy to see movement in Renly’s camp already. They would be ready to leave by dawn. It was a bittersweet moment; come morning, the alliance between the Tyrells, Baratheons and Stark would solidify, but that would effectively keep Dan away from him. 

He made his way back to the main tent, hoping to catch him there and smiled when he saw Dan waiting outside. 

“Hello,” he said.

“Hello,” Dan repeated with a sad smile. “It seems that our time together has come to an end.”

“Yes…” Phil was suddenly at a loss for words, he wanted to ask Dan to stay, but he knew that would not be possible. He couldn’t bring himself to leave his family either. There really was no other way - they would have to wait.

A sudden gust of wind entered the Stormlands from the sea, becoming more and more violent with every passing moment. Phil hugged Dan, covering their faces. “We should go inside,” he yelled and saw Dan nodding.

Renly stood in front of the mirror removing his armour already when Catelyn Stark yelled. 

“Renly!” Lady Stark yelled.

Focusing his eyes on the mirror Renly’s expression switched to one of sheer horror and turned around so suddenly Phil could barely take a step towards him before it happened. A tall dark figure made out of smoke or - utter darkness - that looked just like Stannis lifted a knife, almost a mere extension of itself, and struck Renly on the heart - or it would have if the golden pendant hadn’t been on its path.

A burst of light shone out of the golden rose casting the creature away, making it disappear with a howling screech and then there was silence; a deafening silence was all that Phil could perceive. Everyone moved their lips, but no sound was coming from them. He rushed to Renly’s side as he fainted in Brienne’s arms. 

“Phil! Phil! Is he alive?” he heard Dan say through the ring in his ears. 

Phil pressed his fingers to Renly’s neck and felt his pulse, strong as ever. “We need to sneak him out of here.”

--

As they made their way out with Renly wrapped in Brienne’s rainbow cloak, they noticed most of the soldiers had taken refuge in their own tents, the wind blowing softly. They reached the Starks’ tent and placed him on Dan’s bed carefully.

“What was that?” Brienne asked, her eyes welled with unshed tears.

“Whatever it was, the Red Woman sent it. I am sure of it,” Phil said looking at Renly.

“Should I search for Loras?” Dan asked. 

“No, not yet,” Lady Stark said. “There was an attempt on Renly’s life, we must proceed with caution.”

Phil shut his eyes tightly already dreading what was ahead. “You should take him,” he said.

“What?” Dan asked. 

“Stannis should believe that Renly is dead. This could change the course of the war.”

“Loras,” Renly mumbled. 

“Your Grace!” Brienne said, her voice shaking and the tears finally rolling down her cheeks. She kneeled at his side. “Open your eyes, please.”

Phil pressed the palm of his hand to Renly’s forehead and saw him blink repeatedly before his eyes focused on him. “How are you feeling?”

“As if some sort of demon almost took my soul,” he mumbled.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“No…”

“I want you to leave with Lady Stark, Dan and Brienne. No one must know that you survived.” 

“But Loras -”

“It will be the hardest thing I ever do, but he mustn’t know. If he did, he would follow you wherever you went and you’d be easily identified. But if he goes on with his life, nobody will question your death and you will be safe until the right time comes. You would not survive another attack from the red woman.”

“Phil, I can’t-”

“With you gone, the others will kill each other and leave the Throne ready for the taking without bloodshed. If you stay you will both die. Trust him to carry on what you wanted to achieve, never doubt him. One day you will see him again.”

“This could be your smartest move yet,” Lady Stark said.

“Nobody must know,” Phil said. “Swear it, My Lady, not even Robb.”

“Of course, I swear it,” she said.

“You have my word. I will take the secret to my grave,” Dan said.

“You have more than one promise to keep, Stark,” Phil said with a sad smile. 

“I will keep all of my promises,” he said, placing his hand on Phil’s.

“There won’t be a body…” Renly whispered, his eyes looking into the distance.

“The ground you were standing on was charred and your armour is laying right beside it,” Dan said.

“That won’t be enough, but I could cut my hand and get blood on his clothes and armour, burn them partially as well,” Brienne added.

“We can’t stay here for long,” Phil added. “I will see the rest of you out and return to tell Loras the news. Brienne will catch up to you.”

“Where, My Lord?” Brienne asked.

“The Bawdy Badger. It’s past the King’s Woods to the west. At Tumbleton, just by the Mander.”

She seemed unsure but nodded.

“That is a good plan. We will wait for you there, Brienne. You must aid me in this task and return to us safely, that is an order.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

She looked away as Renly removed all of his clothes and slipped into some of Dan’s more casual breeches, taking one of his cloaks as well. “Take this, and place it in the pile,” Renly said, giving her the now charred pendant, the indent of a knife clearly present in the centre of it.

“It left a mark,” Dan observed, pointing to Renly’s chest where the outline of the pendant was burned into his skin.

Phil gave him an unimpressed look but nodded. “That will help us identify you when we cross paths again.”

Renly let out a deep sigh. “Please, take care of Loras. Don’t leave him alone. I am trusting you with my life and his.”

“Of course.”

---

They made it into the King’s Wood in only two hours, but there was still a long time ahead. “I should return and make sure everything went according to plan,” Phil said.

“Thank you, Phil. I won’t forget this,” Renly said.

Phil pulled him into a tight hug. “Be strong, Renly.”

When he stepped away, he looked at Dan, who seemed to be holding tears back.

“We will give you a moment,” Lady Stark said.

Phil bowed before her and placed a kiss on her hand. “Thank you, My Lady. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“You are a good man, Philip. I hope that you remain one when it’s time to make difficult decisions.”

“I will.” 

Dan frowned but didn’t reply to her comment. He merely guided Phil away, taking shelter under one of the oldest trees in the forest. “Phil -” 

“I love you,” he said, kissing him deeply. “I love you so much.”

Dan wrapped his arms around him, frowning, kissing him over and over; his tears trapped between their lips. 

Phil broke the kiss and pressed their foreheads together. “I love you,” he panted. “I will see you again, even if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

“Yes, don’t forget me.”

“Never.” Phil swallowed thick and cleared his throat. “I should leave.”

“I know,” Dan pressed one last kiss to Phil’s lips, lingering for a moment. “Don’t forget to open Balerion’s cage and give this note to our soldiers before Renly’s death is discovered.”

“Will Balerion find you?”

“Yes. I believe so, but if he doesn’t, he will survive in the King’s Wood.”

Phil nodded. Dan parted his lips to say something, but he shook his head. “I’ll never be ready to let you go. I’ll see you soon, Philip Flowers.”

“It can never be too soon. Until fate brings us together again, be safe, Daniel Stark.”

--

As soon as Phil returned to the camp he approached the Stark soldiers and gave them the note, letting them know that they should leave at once. He opened the lock on Balerion’s cage and hugged him tightly. He seemed to know that something was amiss. “Go, find Dan.”

Balerion whined and licked Phil’s face. 

“Go, find him. Keep him safe.” He pushed Balerion in the general direction of the woods. The wolf sniffed the air and whined, jumping into a sprint and losing himself between the trees.

Then, he made his way to the main tent and found everything ready. He kneeled and touched the bloody clothes, the armour, now pierced and the pendant, all laying in a pile of ashes and charred clothes. 

“Phil?” Loras said, rushing to him. “Where is Renly, I -” All colour left his face when he saw what Phil had been looking at. “What-”

“It was Stannis. I was here, he-” Phil paused, watching as Loras' entire body started to shake.

“Where is he?!” Loras yelled, tears streaming down his face.

“He’s gone,” Phil said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Loras slapped him so hard Phil could feel his ear ringing. “You’re lying!”

“I’m not, Loras,” Phil’s eyes welled up with tears. He knew he was breaking his cousin’s heart but it was necessary. He would make it his mission to help Loras reunite with Renly and earn his forgiveness. “There was this creature, like a shadow or- a demon, I’m not sure, but he looked just like Stannis. It stabbed Renly in the heart, and then there were flames. That’s all I remember.”

“If it was Stannis, where are the Starks? Where is Brienne of Tarth?” Loras demanded.

“They left, terrified of what they saw, I’m sure. The alliance was sealed but without Renly they could only return to Robb as soon as possible.”

“If you were unconscious how could you possibly know that they left and why?”

“I searched for them. They left, Loras, why would they stay behind? It is not every day that one sees someone burn down to ashes!”

Loras tried to slap him again but Phil caught his hand and kissed it. 

“Please,” Phil said, pulling him into a hug. “I swear, that is the truth.” He felt sick to his stomach the moment those words left his lips, but it was the only way.

“You’re lying,” Loras cried, holding onto him for dear life. Then he let out a piercing scream loaded with so much grief and anger that it made Phil shudder.

“I’m sorry, Loras. I am so sorry,” he cried along with his cousin and said a silent prayer, hoping that he was doing the right thing; that everything would work in the end.

Before long, people had gathered around the main tent and the news spread like fire, some of the soldiers left immediately, some remained, not knowing what to do.

[humanpursuits]

HBO's White Lotus is apathetic escapism at its finest (Link Dump 22.08.21)

VANCOUVER – Of all my problematic faves the Hawaiian islands, and Maui in particular, are among the most problematic-iest. With its iridescent craters, white sand beaches, and goat lined hills, the island feels less like a trip and more like a destination. The platonic ideal of the island getaway. A portal to a pristine, natural world, where you can forget your cares and where you can get pineapple at McDonald’s.

If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.

For many indigenous peoples, Maui is not so much an escape from capitalist oppression but the living embodiment of it. For them the island, like the rest of Hawaii, is occupied territory, invaded first by colonists before the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown by sugar producers and other international businessmen in 1893. In 1898, it was annexed by the United States, who sought to “obliterate the national consciousness of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” forcing indigenous Hawaiian children to learn english, and generally alienating them from their culture, all the while increasing their reliance the States via federal jobs, international tourism, and other beacons of American industry.

While this reality is briefly touched on in HBO’s The White Lotus, the show’s sardonic stance on inequality and privilege feels more subdued when viewed through the lens of Hawaii’s annexation. Ancillary characters like Kai, and his acquaintance-with-benefits Sophia, acknowledge indigenous Hawaiians’ desire for sovereignty, even as the show indulges the escapist fantasies that have allowed Americans and tourists to distance themselves from the state’s history. As Mitchell Kuga writes for Vox, “locals appear as exotic fodder and naive natives to further white characters’ enlightenment… mimicking every corny cinematic depiction of Hawaii, from North Shore to 50 First Dates.” In other words, the few Hawaiian characters included in the show feel unfortunately one-dimensional. Even Kai, whom we are supposed to empathize with, is little more than a caricature: an exotic, tattoo’d Hawaiian, who dances with fire, and helps move the plot along.

In this sense, it seems White Lotus creator Mike White is trying to have his pineapple upside down cake and eat it too. By acknowledging white privilege and the colonial power structures that help to perpetuate it, White implies he’s in on the joke. But I’m not so sure. In an interview with Vulture, White acknowledges the season finale plays into “the trope of the magical locals, this pastoral life,” but says he’s “calibrated” White Lotus with “caustic observations,” as if the uncomfortable conversations around inequality and entitlement offset his simultaneous embrace of Hawaiian escapism.

At the same time, it’s hard to argue that The White Lotus is a bad show. Indeed, it carries all the hallmarks of prestige television, from the photography to the score to the acting. Everything is on point, and there’s plenty to champion, from the Basil-Fawlty-on-Ketamine-ness of Armand, to the two scariest girls on TV, to the glorious typecasting of Jennifer Coolidge. The problem is that it’s simply not as subversive as Mike White believes. For better and worse, White Lotus delivers exactly what it promises: an Eden-like setting, a body in the final act, a happy ending for (almost) every white character.

Without spoiling too much, the central thesis of White Lotus seems to be that, when it comes to power in a capitalist society, the only meaningful tool is money. To rely on anything else, including social capital, is folly. And maybe that’s fair. Except the failures of the show’s less prosperous characters feel like a foregone conclusion. Kai and Sophia’s best laid plans, for instance, feel poorly thought out even by TV standards. Spa manager Belinda, too, behaves in ways that seem to undermine her character’s overall savvy – buying into a dream she had been skeptical of only episodes prior.

Consider, too, that the only character to break free from their circumstances is Quinn. And yet he is the character with the most privilege, no matter what his mom might tell you. That he’s an obvious proxy for White, who wrote the show and who describes his own time in Hawaii as a perfect experience, only stands to make the situation more dubious.

But maybe that’s the point.

Maybe like Olivia Mossbacher, White Lotus and its audience are content to critique systems we have no intention of changing. To book a trip to Hawaii, knowing its land was illegally stolen. To get some rest and relaxation with the help of some hired hands. To retreat into the confines of the Pineapple suite knowing we can check out at any time – but we can never really leave.

Links

The White Lotus’ Mixes Tropical Delight With Cold Class Warfare (The Ringer)

Escaping Is Not a Form of Understanding (The Atlantic)

The White Lotus Considers White Men (Jezebel)

Aloha to the US: Is Hawai'i an occupied nation? (BBC)

The Brilliant, Biting Social Satire of “The White Lotus” (The New Yorker)

Books

In Progress

Dune by Frank Herbert

Finished

The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King

The Brotherhood of the Grape by John Fante

What do you think? Am I being too hard on Ned Schneebly? Let me know in the comments, or email me at ethan@humanpursuits.org. You can also contact me via Twitter or Instagram.

[heynikkiyousofine]

Sooooo, I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post Chapter 3, because as I'm writing this story and getting so many good responses, I became super impatient, haha. This one is a little shorter, but Kagome has began her travels. Enjoy!

@keichanz @neutronstarchild

Kagome woke with a start, head pounding, she groaned and turned over, snuggling closer next to Shippo. They had traveled to the next village over and asked for a place to sleep, arriving near supper time. The local inn let them stay the night for free, most likely feeling sorry for them. Covered in dirt, sweat and black soot, her dress resembling a dirty towel than anything, Kagome and Shippo went to the spring and soaked, quietly mulling over the past night events. She wondered if Naraku’s men had captured Jineji as well, knowing it was no use to go back and find out. Exhausted, they both crashed onto the bed after eating a quick meal downstairs and passed out for the night.

Slowly opening her eyes, Kagome realized it was still dark, not yet dawn. The innkeeper had given her a map to the castle before they had retired yesterday, so she sat up, going over to her bag and pulling out the worn piece of paper. Shippo was still sleeping, so she set the map on the bed and went to wash her face. She wished she had thought to bring an extra pair of clothing, knowing it was this and her cloak for the time being. Feeling a little refreshed, Kagome sat softly on the bed, so she didn’t wake Shippo, and began to study the map near the soft glow of the lantern.

The innkeeper had said if you follow the path north, you would get to the castle in four days, but Kagome wasn’t sure if she had that kind of time. Something urged her to go through the forest, knowing it would take her only two days if she traveled on foot, but needed to make sure she and Shippo rested and stayed safe. Fingering the blue pendant around her neck, she sighed softly, knowing that they should get going soon, the room around her beginning to lighten with the rising sun. She always loved the forest, especially as a little girl, so she wasn’t exactly afraid of it, but she hadn’t ever been this far away from home and with everything that Kaede had told her, wasn’t sure who she could trust. Lost in thought, she felt soft paws on her cheek, and turned to see Shippo with sleepy emerald eyes looking at her with worry. “Is it time to go ‘Gome?”

Nodding quickly, “Yeah, we should get breakfast and go. We are heading through the forest, it is much faster and I worry those men will catch up to us, if they haven’t already gone back to Naraku.” Kagome shuddered. She hadn’t ever met the man, but his name gave her this awful feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Washing his face quickly with a rag, Shippo, grabbed his bag and pulled an apple from it, only to hand to Kagome. After reaching for it, Kagome took a bite and handed it back, Shippo shook his head. “I smell food downstairs, we can grab something there.” He muttered sheepishly, “It was my last apple and I wanted you to have it.”

Smiling softly, Kagome took a huge bite. The apple really was delicious, she internally thanked the Kamis for a tasty fruit and tossed the core towards a bin near the door. Strapping her boots on, Kagome kneeled so Shippo could jump to her shoulder. Youkai lived around here peacefully too, so she wasn’t worried about something happening to him, but he was little and she felt better if he was near. Walking downstairs, they were greeted with a cheerful hello front the innkeeper’s wife and settled for some breakfast. 

After promising to be safe, they settled onto a grassy path that went straight into the forest, growing darker as it went. “Are you sure we shouldn’t stay on the road?” Shippo asked, burying into Kagome’s arms, feeling little uncertain.

“I’m sure. It’s half the time and I think we’ll be safer. Those men could be going down busy roads and villages. This way we are still outta sight better.” Kagome didn’t tell him about her secret, or that she could see small flying fairies over in a distance, or that something had called her to the forest.

“Does this one have a name?” Shippo asked.

“The map called the it Inuyasha’s Forest, the innkeeper mentioned that a white haired man protects and is often seen lounging about in a tree, watching over travelers. I wonder if we will see him?” Kagome wondered.

As they began their brisk pace through the forest, Kagome began to feel eyes on her back. Coming to a slow walk, she quieted Shippo who was telling her a made up story, and turned to her left. She watched as small man with a pointy green hat scurried behind a large tree.

Kagome urging Shippo to ground, slowly stepped toward the large trunk of the tree, “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.”

“You’re a fairy.” A meek voice spoke.

“Excuse me? I didn’t catch that.” Kagome asked nervously. She wasn’t sure how well Shippo could hear from over here.

“You’re a fairy. Why do you walk with a youkai?” Brown eyes peeked at her from around the tree. Kneeling down, Kagome sat so Shippo was blocked from his view and looked at the small man’s shoes. They were the same color as his hat, but not as pointed and had a fine layer of dirt.

“He’s my friend and we are traveling together. He doesn’t know that I’m a fairy, so if we could keep that to ourselves, I would be grateful. What’s your name?”

“Aiko Barkhide, pleased to meet you.” He mumbled, outstretching his hand with a blush across his nose. His mother would skin him if he forgot his manners. “You’re really pretty.”

Giggling softly, “Thank you Aiko, my name is Kagome. Would you like to walk with us for a while? My friend Shippo is really nice, I think you would get along with him.” Something about this small man, or child as she guessed as he talked more, seemed to be safe. He knew who she was beneath her concealment and Kaede had said only other mythical creatures would know who was, she thought painfully. She missed her.

“I can walk with you for a little while. My ma will be wondering where I am if I don’t get home by dark.” The small child said bashfully. He stepped out from behind the tree and straightened his dark brown tunic and looked at Shippo. Bounding over, Shippo introduced himself and they began to walk back along the path they once were on.

“Where are you traveling to?” Aiko asked, walking next to Shippo.

“We’re headed to the castle! They are going to help us with Kagome’s mama. She was taken away.” Shippo quickly explained, a frown marring his childlike features.

“Taken? By who?” “Naraku’s men. The same ones who killed my family.”

Stopping suddenly, Kagome and Shippo watched with curious looks as Aiko kneeled to the ground and began to dig into the soil with his fingers, his hands glowing softly. Closing his eyes, he whispered a few sentences, the stood up and looked at him as if nothing had happened. As Shippo began to ask what he did, many other gnomes, dressed similar to Aiko, stepped out from the trees and underbrush, surrounding them.

“Aiko! Is this them?” A small woman, slightly taller than Aiko, with sandy colored hair walked over, reaching for Aiko’s hand. Nodding, he turned towards the woman. “Ma, the bad man Naraku hurt their families. They came for refuge like our family did.”

Aiko’s mother turned to study the two travelers, watching as Shippo stood beside Kagome slightly trembling, and Kagome’s hand gripping tightly around her bag strap and a confused look on her pretty features, recognizing the young woman to be a fairy. She was hiding her features though. These two must have seen a lot recently for them to be scared of a bunch of gnomes she pondered. Stepping slightly forward, to not scare them, she introduced herself. “I am Faeyore Barkhide, Aiko’s ma. He whispered to us to through the soil about you two. I am so sorry about your families. Anytime you travel through this area, you have our protection and are always welcome. We shall accompany you as long as we can.” She gestured to the group around her.

Kagome’s shoulders sagged with relief. This woman must have known what she was and didn’t say anything, but offered protection instead. She felt like she could trust this woman, even though she couldn’t read her soul, and wondered if she was in charge. “Thank you. My name is Kagome and this Shippo. We are traveling to the castle and would love to walk with you for a little bit. We planned on stopping for lunch soon. Would you like to join us?”

Taking her kindness with great consideration, Faeyore sent a man to go grab some food for everyone and gestured to the travelers, mentioning of a field nearby and a stream that they could rest at. As everyone settled around a few rocks, the man returned with food and passed around fruit, nuts and some fish.

“These are delicious!” Shippo exclaimed with his mouth stuffed full of grapes.

“Shippo! Chew first, then speak.” Kagome reprimanded, then giggled softly at the boy. Watching them with fondness, Faeyore began to talk to the young woman, wondering if she was in hiding or if she was related to the royals who had perished long ago.

“Kagome dear, do you know who you are?” Faeyore had a sneaking suspicion Shippo didn’t know.

Eyes widened slightly and Kagome nodded. She glanced quickly at Shippo, but he was preoccupied with Aiko and they were examining some bugs on the ground. Boys. “How did you know?” Kagome whispered.

“I can see your wings, but I don’t think Shippo can, if that’s what you’re worried about. Mythical creatures can recognize their own kind, it helps to know who we can trust. Why are you hiding it out here though? Inuyasha’s Forest is safe for all mythical creatures, King Toga forbid any harm to those who reside in this haven and his son, the hanyou protects it.”

“He does? What does he look like?” Kagome leaned in, even more curious about this hanyou. Maybe this was the man she saw in the wildflowers. 

“A lot like his father, but a lot like his mother. Most of the time, he’s grumbling about something, you don’t want to get on his bad side. He has a nasty temper. He’s never alone though. He always has two of his guard with him, though I suspect they are really his friends. He comes through this way every so often. He passed through yesterday in such a hurry, I didn’t get a change to talk to him very long, just let his horses rest and drink some water, before running off again.”

“I wonder what happened. Either way, I thank you for not telling Shippo. He’s just child and while I know he has a good heart, this is a big secret for anyone.”

“You have my word, that unless you are showing your wings, I will not tell a soul. Do you know where your parents are or who their names are? I know of some fairy families near here, but most have been killed by Naraku and his men. I may know them.”

Closing her eyes quickly, Kagome shook her head slightly, “I lived with my mother, Mother Kaede, she was a human priestess, until I came along. They took her too, but I don’t know if she is alive anymore. That’s why I’m headed towards the castle. I have to talk to King Toga, I need his help.”

“We will help you there for the rest of the evening dear. Should you ever need it in the future, you also have our alliance. We may be small, but we can connect with nature. We should get moving. I would love to hear about your mother.” Faeyore smiled at Kagome warmly, helping her gather her bag. As they started into the forest, Faeyore couldn’t help but wonder if she was the lost child of the King and Queen. She has heard rumors of the queen escaping, but nothing of the child. She looked so much like Queen Kikyo. The bunch of gnomes helped Kagome and Shippo to the next village and wished them a good night before scurrying away into the night. Before leaving, Faeyore and Aiko hugged them both, dropped some coins in their pockets, whispering good luck. Checking into the inn, Kagome and Shippo settled in for the night, falling asleep quickly.

Nearing the castle, three horses pounded the ground at top speed, panting from exhaustion, but Inuyasha urged them forward. They were almost there, he needed to hurry. ”Inuyasha! We must rest the horses, they will not make it by night fall.” Miroku yelled from his right a little far back. Sango didn’t say a word, but he could see agreed with Miroku.

“Fine! We’ll stop and rest, but we are close to getting home. I’m going run ahead, while y'all two slow asses get them to the stables. Make sure they are tied up and rested before coming to see my father!” He yelled back at Sango and Miroku, jumping off his horse, coming to a stop. Giving Sango his reins, he turned and jumped into the trees, not giving a sparing glance back or catching the worried looks of his friend’s faces. 

Inuyasha bounded from tree to tree in the dusk, coming up on the castle’s wall. He loved his home, the castle grounds, his friends and family, but there was something about the forest. He knew his father teased him about it and even declared it to be Inuyasha’s Forest, but he couldn’t help but lay in the trees for a nap or walk along the canopy to watch the sunset. As he quickly jumped over the castle’s stone wall, scaring the night guard below, he ran for the throne room, knowing his father was most likely still awake and could feel his youki coming. Bursting through the throne room, he smelt two scents in the grand entrance, and before he could speak to his father, he heard a bark.

“Hey dog breath!” An arrogant voice called from his left.

“King Koga.” He gritted, holding his breath, while he spoke. He hated the smell of wolves.

“Ha, some manners. I know your mother taught you better than that.” Koga scowled at the prince. Inuyasha couldn’t wait until he was king so he could give the wolf ruler a good punch in the face. Or maybe cut off the ugly tail protruding from his back. 

“Koga! Quit teasing him!” A loud, but strong feminine voice came from the dais, the owner with red hair and a mate mark on her neck. “Inuyasha dear, are you alright? You look startled.” “Yes, Your Majesty, I am fine. Where is my father? I must speak to him, it’s urgent.” Inuyasha bowed as he spoke to Queen Ayame. He liked her, she always put Koga in his place.

“I am here, my boy.” The baritone voice coming from behind him. Turning quickly, Inuyasha walked over to his parents and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek, before turning again to speak to his father.

“My boy, what is it? Our fellow king and queen were getting ready to retire when you arrived very suddenly. They are here to visit and talk negotiations for our borders with the Eastern Kingdom.”

“Father, it’s about the Eastern Kingdom.” Inuyasha exclaimed, beginning to gather everyone’s full attention. “I was hunting in the forest with Miroku and Sango, near the eastern border, along the village with the horse hanyou and his garden. The forest was on fire and I smelt Naraku’s men.” He left out the part about the unknown woman.

“Are you sure? Being in our borders calls for war. Are you absolutely sure my son?” Toga asked sternly, his eyes growing brighter with every word he spoke, as he put his hand to Inuyasha’s shoulder.

“Yes Father, I’m sure. I was in our land the entire time. They were there, along with villagers they had captured. I smelt death among them too, so they had to have been killing.”

Nodding quickly, he turned towards King Koga, with an angered expression, “Koga, it is time. We must gather all of our forces and train together. I’ve heard vastly evil things about what Naraku and his men have done to our people. Now that he is in my land, it is time to attack.” As he began to think things out, he let go of his wife’s arm and beckoned the page boy close by. “Send a message to my son, King Sesshomaru, ask that he come pay a visit and what has happened here. I suggest you be quick and quiet about it, do you understand me?” The young page boy with sandy brown hair, Hojo, nodded fearfully and took off throughout he corridor, leaving a speechless room behind.

“Toga, I need to get back to my home and gather my men and our defenses, time is precious.” Koga said.

“Sesshomaru should be here within two days, can you wait until then? We can plan out our defense system across the land and then get back home to protect it. I plan on staying at the border’s wall, making sure my home is safe.”

“I agree dear, we must do this together.” Ayame reassured her husband, taking his hand in hers.

“Okay then, let’s retire. Tomorrow will be a long day for all of us. Thank you Prince Inuyasha for the warning, it could really help up take down the evil bastard.” Shaking the hanyou’s hand, Koga led Ayame to their suite. Inuyasha’s mother, who had been silent this whole time, lifted her plum skirt and sat herself upon the dais, next to her husband and grabbed his hand, squeezing it lightly.

“My son, you’ve had a long day, where are your friends?” Toga asked, lightly patting Izayoi’s hand, silently reassuring her fears.

“They are arriving and putting the horses away. I wanted to get here as fast as possible.”

Nodding, Toga sent his son to bed and began to take this own wife to their bedroom. “My dear, Inuyasha hasn’t been quite himself lately. He’s been spending so much time in the forest. I’m almost afraid to ask him about the dreams of the princess again.” Izayoi quietly spoke, as they walked towards their bed chamber.

“He still talks of Princess Kagome? It’s been sometime since he has asked anything of her.” Toga responded in surprise.

“Not as often these days. I do catch him gazing longingly at the flowers in the garden still. Do you really think she was his mate?” 

“I do, love. I think she is still alive too, hidden very well, but alive. Demons go crazy when they’ve smelled their mate, whether they know it or not, and then when that scent is gone from the earth. It’s like a crack appears on their soul. Remember when we heard of the fall of the eastern kingdom, Inuyasha has nightmares for months and was always so angry?”

Izayoi nodded, her finger tapping her chin, “So you think from the time we met the princess and he smelt her, he unconsciously knew?”

Chuckling, “He said she smells nice. The only other time he mentions someone’s smell is King Koga’s and how much he can’t stand it. I don’t know if he realizes exactly what she is to him, I can only hope he finds her.”

Laughing along with her husband. Izayoi smirked tiredly, leaning her head on his shoulder, “I hope we find her soon. I couldn’t bare to imagine if Naraku did first. I don’t even know what she would look like nowadays. It’s been two decades.”

“I agree, but we can’t give up hope. I can feel something is going to happen, good or bad, I’m not sure, but it think it will turnout for the best, for everyone.”

Inuyasha grumbled his way down the hall. He didn’t like being ordered to bed and he certainly didn’t like the wolf king, though his wife wasn’t that bad. She could put the flea bag in his place. He always stunk and his attitude was even worse. I wonder if father ever put the wolf in his place, he thought happily. As he readied himself to bed, his thoughts began to drift back to the meadow, reminding him so much of the smell he remembered all those years ago. As he slept, striking blue eyes filled his dreams.

[vake-hunter]

Light Fingers Lore Post

Moon-Misers

Normal Moon-Milk is a poison they use to make their prey walk right into their mouth. It’s not meant to last for long.

Babies are rare, only born about once a decade! “A Moon-Miser can only be born when the stars align. It must also be coaxed from the womb with a Song of Birthing.” Once born it must be fed special nectar extracted from stalactites. Who knows what that’s made of! “At birth, Moon-Misers are wrapped in their mother's silk, forming a protective membrane while their carapaces develop.”

Here, have some NEAT Red Science quotes: “You are forging a new link of a great chain. This is the most impossible and unforgiving of occasions: the creation of something new. In this tent, you usher a brand new species from the vaults of possibility. You are spitting in the face of the gods. You are violating laws written in starlight before the world began.”

This is VERY important Lore: the baby has your eyes.

(If Baby is more human) As the zeppelin ascends, the Hybrid raises its voice in solemn song. As you listen, a thrill runs down your spine. For a moment, swept up in the song, you experience a vision: in your mind's eye, a blazing-bright king unites the tribes of the Starved Men under one banner, and harnesses the Moon-Misers as steeds. He leads his subjects on a crusade against the city below - a city that is no longer London, but that still harbours the Moon-King's greatest nemesis, now much embittered at the failure of its schemes. The resulting war will prove its final undoing.

Mr Fires

Is trying to bankrupt the Bazaar in a way. 

If it makes a bunch of fake love stories, that can trick Wines and Spices and the Bazaar, eventually the Bazaar won’t know what love is real and what isn’t, thus, hopefully, discouraging the Bazaar and the other Masters. 

“A bitter edge creeps into its sibilant voice. "Once a suitable love story is found, it’ll be the end of London. Can you imagine?" The lamp trembles in its hand. Its voice rises an octave. "The end of London! I couldn't bear it! I love this city. It's my sole comfort, the greatest joy I have discovered in all my centuries. I'd do anything to preserve it."

“In the longer term, the Hybrid's milk is the only thing that can save the city. Once seeded across the populace, all love stories will be rendered suspect. Any love, no matter how pure or moving, could simply be the symptoms of an aberration's venom. Love will be robbed of its allure. The Bazaar will not know which stories it can truly believe in."

"If my plan succeeds, the other Masters will abandon London as a failed venture." Mr Fires holds up its lamp; here at the bottom, the shelves are lined with leather-bound volumes. "They shall depart, and I shall make arrangements to preserve the city."

It is very defensive of what it did at the Orphanage, in a way that almost makes it sound like it's guilty. It does insist it would do it again, and it doesn’t care about the people, just London as a city. 

Confirmation Fires likes science. 

More evidence Masters can shapeshift to change their sizes and when they are upset, they have trouble staying small. 

Its very fucking excited to burn things down and upset Wines. 

(Giving the baby to Fires) "One day, London will be a city glutted with love," says Mr Fires, returning its gaze to the Hybrid. "Or at least, reliably-replicable facsimiles of it. The effect will be subtle. A modest adjustment, year on year. Wines won't suspect a thing until it is too late." It glances at you. "You and I, [Addressed As], have saved London today."

Boil of Calamities

Possibly the first Fingerking or at least a very very old and strong one.

Seven Heads like the statue at Irem. 

The Sun and the Spire that connects it are sacred places to the Fingerkings and the Boil protects them. “They may allow your kind to trespass across the rest of their kingdom, you slumbering oafs, you mortal morsels, but not here, not the hallowed spire. Insolence! Blasphemy!”

Huge coils that appear in the sky. Black scales, a knot of snakes or just one massive one. Like storm clouds with huge fangs. Tongues flicker like lightning.

It once took tributes and accepted people as servants but the the door to its Chamber seems long abandoned. 

The Chamber is found in the shadow of the Dome of Scales. “Inside is a cavern that smells faintly of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon. Heavy silk banners hang from the walls, depicting battles between cats and serpents. Seven braziers burn merrily with viric fire. Plates of delicious-looking food have been set out: pomegranates, bloody steak, bunches of plump indigo grapes. At the centre sits a majestic basalt altar, carved with dozens of runes and symbols, a silver bowl waiting atop.”

If you make a Pact with the Boil, you must shed your skin. Don’t worry, there’s more skin under there. Better skin, you’re told. You peel yourself with a Ravenglass knife and it uses the same wording as in my Kingdom for A Pig and the Third City Deal :) 

“There is indeed new skin underneath. It is tender and dry, with the faintest silver sheen. The effect is subtle. Only a lover or a doctor would notice.”

“You look up to the Boil, your skin flashing silver, and bow deeply. The overbearing tangle of coils slips apart, separating, loosening. You find yourself breathing more easily.”

Court of Cats

The Duchess is capable of calling a meeting with the Court. 

They slew the seven daughters of the Boil. 

They have a spear made from a Fingerking’s fang that is capable of piercing the Skin of the Sun. However only cats are allowed to wield it. So if you want it you must become an Honorary Cat.

“The Lord High Seneschal pronounces you the 'Lyon Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary,' officially a cat, and thus entitled to take possession of one of the cats' greatest trophies.”

“As they fall quiet, you ask why they have never wielded this spear against their enemies in the past? "Because cats do not have thumbs," says the Knight Marshall, with a haughty look.”

“Hephaesta draws back her Herculean arm and hurls the spear of the Sleeping King, putting every hard-wrung ounce of her strength behind the throw. It flies, like a shell from a cannon, cracking the Skin of the Sun and sinking a foot deep. At the point of impact, the glass buckles and twists and shrieks. Hephaesta and the tiger roar in triumph.”

“A great, hollow crack rings across Parabola. A shadow mars the cosmogone sunlight passes over the sun.”

Parabolan Sun (Not strictly Lore just from Light Fingers but Important)

Parabola was not always bright. It seemed to be in perpetual twilight before the Second City Sisters rose the Sun. 

“This is a place that is not. It was not always light, though once it was brighter. The sisters found it in twilight and in dreams. The night was thus sacred to the Second City. They would not be pursued here. The ushabti were created to help in the construction of the Palace. The Second City could have lived here forever.”

This also seems to imply there was no moon either, as the moon is a cat. It probably came with the Second City as well. "Look, there are patterns there, just like the surface's moon. Only... these don't resemble a man, or anything else so much as a cat, curled up asleep."

The Sisters of the Pharaoh (minus the Duchess) fled to Parabola when the Third City fell to avoid being killed. “We four survivors fled. One remained with the City, while I retreated here.”

"The Palace of the Rising was to be a refuge from the Masters and the Bazaar. A new sun was raised in the sky so the citizens might walk in light again.”

The thing is. The Sun was built with the help of what appears to be the God of the Fingerkings. "the Boil of Calamities, Lord of the Seething Sky, wept a drop of shining glass..."

The Boil protects the Sun and the Cats hate the Fingerkings. It seems the Four Sisters betrayed the Cats and their other sister, the Duchess, in order to make the Sun. "It also is the mother-father of the egg that is the Parabolan sun," adds a dark-faced tabby. Its reflection is that of a snarling puma. "Though others played a part in that, too." The Duchess' lips tighten.”

Physically: A huge glass dome held to the land by a stone pillar. Even the sky around the dome appears to be glass. (Interesting given how the Second City imprisoned the Masters was to cover the Neath in glass. From The Mind Of A Long Dead God: “Glass Walls Everywhere! They surround me. They reflect one realm inwards and keep me from the other. These barriers should be fluid!” Note that the Neath IS Storm’s corpse.)

NORTH

Rubbery Men plan to fly north. “They take off again in an instant, heading North, waving you farewell. Where do they ultimately hope to go? Again, it's impossible to tell. Perhaps they hope to find their way home.”

If baby is more Moon-Miser: As the zeppelin ascends, the Hybrid raises its voice in solemn song. A thrill runs down your spine. For a moment, swept up by the song, you experience a vision: a blazing-bright king of Moon-Misers leading its glimmering subjects on a pilgrimage across the roof and through a door far to the North. Below, in a city that is not London, the citizens point and murmur in fear as their false-stars crawl into the distance and blink out one by one, leaving only darkness behind.

Item Rewards

Lyon Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary: For the purposes of having legal custody of a famous war trophy, you have been made an honorary cat, with the associated title, privileges, and dignities. [Affiliation; Shadowy +3, Persuasive +6, Dangerous +2, Respectable +1]

Tatterskin Shawl: Once, you offending the Boil of Calamities. To make amends you offered up your own skin as a gift. The Boil was thoughtful enough to return your old skin to you, though it no longer fits as snugly as it once did. [Clothing; Shadowy +6, Persuasive -2, Dreaded +1, Bizarre +1, Mithridacy +1]

A Loyal Nightmare of Poor Edward: You married what remained of Poor Edward. Now he is a nightmare, bound by the miser-milk to the dreams of the Orphanage. Sometimes, you visit him there. [Affiliation; Shadowy +2, Persuasive +1, Dreaded +1]

A Kitten-Sized Diamond, Liberated from the Mountain: It was torn from the Mountain that looms on the Elder Continent. If set near wounds, they heal. If left in one place for too long, flowers bloom around it. If left near lesser diamonds, they will hatch. [Home Comfort; Persuasive +10, Respectable +2, Artisan of the Red Science +1]

A False-Star of your Own: Above London, false-stars shine. One is your bastard child, a Hybrid, a diamond the size of a cow. It is a hundred times brighter than its fellows, a blazing pinpoint; every month or two, for just a few days, it passes directly over the city. For that brief period, London's gloom eases into a velvety twilight. (In addition to the stat advantages, this Companion allows you a unique opportunity while zailing.) [Companion; Watchful +6, Shadowy +12, Shapeling Arts +1, Bizarre +2]

[jamiebluewind]

Character Descriptions for Fantasy High 2.9!

***

As always, let me know if I need to edit or add anything and tag/ask/PM me about art and stories so I can check them out!

Warning: trauma, abuse, mental abuse, neglect, starvation, manipulation, memory loss mention, dark themes, isolation, imprisonment, fantasy racism, vomit mention (please let me know if I missed any)

All pronounciations typed out have a rolled R.

***

Facts

The party is currently at 44,100 exp. each. Next level is at 48,000 (which will probably take 3 more big battles, 2 if Brennan is super generous with RP awards).

Abernant family had all their land and wealth reclaimed by The Court of Stars for their treachery and failure to prevent a war with Solace. Elianwyn committed treason and betrayal as well.

To save Adaine, the group decided to break up into 3 teams: Pylon 1 (Ragh, Tracker, Cathilda, and Sandra Lynn), Pylon 2 (Gorgug, Fabian, and Riz), and Recovery (Ayda, Fig, and Kristen). Team 1 and 2 would simultaneously take out the pylons. Then, the recovery team would go in (invisible and/or disguised) and gets Adaine and Aelwyn. They would all meet back at Van where they would most likely use Ayda's teleport to leave Fallinel (or regroup to plan their next move).

***

New Characters

Tell-ah-mine Low-men-el-da

Fabian's grandpapa

Tall elf with regal green robes, a silver circlet, long platinum white blond hair with a widows peak, and shimmering blue eyes

Crinkle in the corners of his eyes shows his age in sort of an Elrond way. He look of a dude in his late 40s/early 50s who took excellent care of his body and kept it tight

Moves with supernatural grace

Can turn into silver sand and float away

Has no concept of what time means

Obsessed with the fact that his grandson will die before him (Your human blood has brought mortality to this family. You will one day die.)

Offers to send word to an elf who is a fabled eye smith who lives on the high mountains at the heart of Fallinel that can craft a working eye (from songs, whispers, beams of moonlight, jeweled edges of the blue of the sea, and shimmering poems pulled from the ether itself) for Fabian, but has no clue how long it will take (a moment, a year, or a hundred years).

Can't pronounce words in common very well, especially words he's never heard before (which delights Fabian and pisses off Gorgug)

Calls Fabian Aramais Seacaster fa-bee-ahn ah-rye-ah-my-ess Seacaster (which might actually be the proper pronouncations of his name in that region as "Seacaster" was said correctly and that's how all the other elves say his name as well) and calls Hallariel ha-lair-ee-el

Weeps without moving his face, but also sometimes makes a soft eeehhhh sound when he cries (at one point he cried over a drop of water)

Gifted stewardship of Khy-low Meh-new-rah 3000 years ago after he crafted The Sword of the North Star (he was the smith of fung-dran-ghoor) for the ancient king of Fallinel Th-wrist-win Eversong.

"Without the Elven Oracle, we are lost."

Saw the Abernants as power hungry and cruel and can't understand why they would leave Fallinel. He found Anguin in particular to be a crass and small man with no nobility, only a thirst for power.

Thinks Riz has a harsh energy, is "a little dick", and calls him "a strange green mouse thing"

Got physically ill when a gun was explained to him, calling it gross and some dwarven kind of thing before vomiting which he turns into a flock of white crows

Vhan-lair-ee-el

Fabian's aunt

Tried to heal Fabian's pneumonia with elvan singing

Said "I have failed" when her singing doesn't work before she fades into starlight and vanishes

Hal-door-in and [unnamed youth]

Elven teens in white linen shorts arguing because [unnamed] believes Hal-door-in took his lute.

Calmed by a distant song which stopped their fight.

Faf-threth-riel

Lithe elven youth (around 17 or 18 years old) with a blond mop of hair covering one eye

Bakes elven whey bread

Lived a sheltered life

Ragh was the first half-orc he met

Mostly into Ragh due to Ragh being half orc, excessively talking about his green skin (like the boughs of a tree leafy, my leafy man), being big and beefy (your legs are like the mighty trunks of trees), was really into rage (like when Ragh punched a seat cushion) to the point of it making Ragh uncomfortable

Sang in bed

Treth-thren-ren

Elven youth who does morning dance yoga

Tried to get Fabian to eat a grape

Oak Warriors

Elemental plant based automaton soldiers made of pure magic

Look like 8 foot tall green men with leaves coming from their faces

***

Changes to Established Characters

Aelwyn

Matted long blond hair

Dry skin, chapped colorless lips, and thick bags under her eyes

Severely dehydrated and trance deprived (probably hasn't been allowed to trance for nearly a year)

5 points of exhaustion. Only magic is keeping her from going to the 6th level and dying.

Her "room" is a large large beautiful elven chamber with silver and marble. Ambiant light glows from the white stone.

Trapped inside a 15 foot diameter orb that's constantly turning so she can't trance

Crawling on hands and knees while trapped, shaking with the effort

Doesn't give Adaine up to Kear

Can still remember how to cast the message cantrip

Feels strange and addled (unable to think clearly; confused), can't remember what's real or imagined anymore, doesn't clearly remember what happened in her past (including what she did to get imprisoned), and forgets what she and Adaine have already talked about (causing a lot of reputation).

Thinks her parents "tried their best they could" and that "they expected quite a lot of us, but isn't that what- doesn't that... didn't that make us great?" (possibly due to something her father said or did since her imprisonment as it echoes a few things he's said)

Gilear

Looks scruffy (from not shaving), dirty, and has pit stains

Somehow didn't mess up being diplomatic with Fabian's grandpapa

Unbuttons the top button on his shirt when he "lets loose"

To Fig about Sandra Lynn and Garthy: Are you aware of such... hanky panky?

Learning of Sandra Lynn's infidelity with Garthy "Honestly? Perhaps this is... fucked up. It makes me feel... like there wasn't something uniquely wrong with me. Maybe a tiny little w for Gilear."

Spent the night walking through the forest with Hallariel's father, reciting poetry (badly)

To Fabian after Hallariel's father threw up "You're low and he's low. It's Gilear's day baby! It's Gilear's day."

Tried to ask Hallariel's father for her hand, but even though Fig gave him bardic inspiration and Riz helped by covering Fabian's mouth, he failed... so much. ("Lord Tell-ah-mine of Khy-low Meh-new-rah I like you am-" *makes himself throw up* "We get it. We both get it. We... We're the throw up boys." *passes out*)

Ayda

Hid in the van the entire visit

Might have rejection sensitive dysphoria (which is common in those with autism or ADHD)

Did a sending spell to Zelda for Gorgug for 150 gold (after reminding him that she very much does not like anyone in her debt or visa versa)

Offered to exact vengeance on Zelda for Gorgug

Is powerful enough to know teleport and learn plane shift (so level 13 or higher)

Stated that Adaine is her best friend and decides that since Fig is also Adaine's best friend, by the transitive property she is best friends with Fig as well (and Fig agreed). Learning this, she says "Fantastic. I grow richer by the day. I'm emotional." before starting to cry fire "I'm emotional. I'm gonna fly away." She then flew away, returning after she had calmed down.

Ragh

Ate grapes and started burping musical notes after he left Khy-low Meh-new-rah.

Lost his virginity to Faf-threth-riel who then got creepy and kinda racist, making Ragh very uncomfortable (and want to get out of there asap)

Fabian

Lost both points of exhaustion thanks to the 8000 thread count elven sheets (did they get to keep the sheets or at least one sheet for help with exhaustion?)

Felt really good when he tried out dance yoga, even wondering if he should be some kind of yoga dancer instead of a fighter (how about a whirling dervish dancer like Cathilda?)

The grapes he put in his pocket (after refusing to eat them) turned into song

Indifferent towards saving Aelwyn and doesn't want to be on the retrieval team

When he started feeling anxious about the Aelwyn stuff, Riz told him to lose himself in dancing again to feel free (Riz: You are the only one that I wanna see dancing right now.) It made him feel much better.

***

Other Characters

Adaine

Taken by Court of Stars

Her jacket and spellbook were taken

Trapped in an orb which is soft and doesn't hurt her, but the constant movement of its slow turning doesn't allow her to be still or trance

The walls of her room glow with runes and there are many perminant magical effects, making her captors capable of some crazy things (like prepared directional counter spells), but the setup wouldn't counter cantrips

Escaped the orb with dispel magic (dc 15) which makes a couple counter spells go off and an alarm sound

Hid in Aelwyn's room. The sister's spoke before she was recaptured and placed back in her orb. Adaine told Aelwyn that she was going to get her out

Discovered that her room was close enough to Aelwyn to talk to her via the message cantrip

Repeatedly cast Ray of Frost to turn her orb into a slip and slide to stay entertained

Instead of speaking to her father in elvish, she responded in common. Also cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter on him.

Anguin and Kear said she would be executed for treason for staying in Solace and refusing to cooperate. She demanded a lawyer and then the Ambassador to Solace, citing her age and being a student at Augefort Adventuring Academy which summoned a recorded hologram of Arthur Augefort.

Arthur Augefort

Has a recorded hologram that is activated when a student claims the need of his diplomatic help in foreign affairs.

It threatens the listeners with graphic and terrifying violence and doom, giving them the options of either rectify the actions that summoned him (Yes) or refuse and welcome the aforementioned punishment for their actions (No).

Gorgug

Fabian's grandfather called him Jhor-judge

Finally got a message to Zelda via Ayda using her sending spell (Zelda. Safe in Fallinel. Gonna finish cell tower soon. Sorry about everything, but hope your break is going well in spite of this. Miss you.) and got a reply the next morning a little while after waking up (Sorry. Was at a party. You don't have to build a cell tower. That's crazy. It's all whatever Gorgug. I don't blame you.)

Didn't sleep well, but still got the benefit of a full night's sleep due to elven sheets.

Kristen

Got in a fight with Tracker and then got 3 nat 1s on persuasion checks when she tried to make up with her.

Slept in Adaine's room

Doesn't know how to make a cell tower

Took one of the 40 to 50 foot long diaphanous silk scarves with her

Gave (inspiring?) speech ending with "Friendship is thinker than water and we need water to live." which gave everyone 11 temp hit points

Accidentally called Pok a "smiling elf" and then blew it off as being due to her being human

Can now see Shadow Cat in the picture (along with Tracker, Sandra Lynn, Garthy, Riz, and Sklonda and possibly the dead cambian, Pok, Jace, and Adaine's mom) and reacted by saying "Was I spooning the cat all night in the milk!?"

Sandra Lynn

Dropped out senior year and got her diploma after the fact to join an adventuring party

Joined as a replacement member for an existing adventuring party that was already active in the world and included an older much more powerful married couple.

Fresh out of high school, fell in love with one person from the couple (nonbinary or gender intentionally hidden) who "did not treat her very kindly"

When it all came out, she was ejected from the adventuring party, her romantic partner took great pains to smear her name (so no one would accept her), no other party would take her as a replacement, and she was forced to become a Celesian Ranger

Gilear knows who the couple were, but doesn't want to tell Fig (could she know the people involved?)

Key-heir/Khear

Child-like elven maiden with long brown braided hair, a white gown, and a large staff.

When confronted by Arthur Augefort's hologram, she chose to not heed his warnings.

***

More from 2.9!

***

Previous

[bryonysimcox]

Four wheel driving, van repairing and living slowly: Week 6, Spain

It was a week mostly spent in a cottage in the hills, editing films, fixing the van and exploring Iberic villages. It was a week of taking things slow. Here’s my round-up of week six on the road.

By far, this has been the least ‘eventful’ week on the road. By that I mean we haven’t done loads and loads of travelling around, exploring or seeing lots of different stuff. But it has made me realise two things. Firstly, the reality of vanlife is that there will always be weeks like this one just past, where we knuckle down with work and van admin. And secondly, that time is the greatest asset of all.

Living slowly is a revelation.

I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to cram as many things as possible into a  day. Even if I’ve got a spare ten minutes, rather than just chill out I’ll look for any small job or activity I can do to ‘make the most of’ that time. The downside of this approach is that you’re always rushing around, you sometimes don’t give a task or activity the attention it deserves, and you’re often late because you never quite finish one thing before another pops up!

Life on the road feels like a therapeutic process which is deconditioning me from being so busy all the time. Rather than thinking about the next job I need to do or how I could make something even more time-efficient, I’m taking things one by one and really relishing activities which I might’ve previously avoided because they were ‘indulgent’ or slow. That has meant reading more books, cooking, and this week even playing my violin (which I promised myself I’d play, given that we’ve brought it all this way!). It has also meant reaching out to friends and family, and being there for others.

(image) ‘It’s okay, I’m right behind you’, my latest collage for Analogue Bryony which was made in the Barraca.

I think there’s something in the ‘slow movement’ that we should all consider. In the modern world, the idea that time is the most valuable resource we have and that we should indulge ourselves in it has been replaced by the idea that time is money and efficiency is king. It’s kind of scary that I’ve had to embark on a trip like this to see how wrong that is, and to unburden myself from being a slave to efficiency.

Spending solid days and long hours working on filmmaking and admin for Broaden makes day trips and adventures even sweeter when they come.

On Thursday, I insisted that we get out and about. Even though we have spent most of the week staying in the ‘Baraca’ (the small cottage in last week’s post), George transformed the van parked on the driveway into his own editing office and practically locked himself in there from 9am - 8pm most days. By Thursday, I was keen to explore the region around us, and George was keen to test Suzi’s 4x4 abilities, so we headed north, up towards the Iberic villages of Ullastret, Peratallada and Palau-Sator.

It was only thanks to recommendations from a family friend that we found the villages, as they were tiny settlements away from the coast. We took some pretty sketchy roads to get there, but were really impressed by how well the van can handle off-road situations, especially when put into four wheel drive. Suzi the HiAce has selectable 4WD, which means that she’s only in 4WD when you switch a button and go outside, twisting the locking hubs on the front two wheels. This manual 80s style approach may seem antequated, but so far seems pretty foolproof and means that we can cruise along in 2WD most of the time when it suits.

(images) A pretty fun morning of proving Suzi’s off-road abilities!

A series of fortified medieval towns with narrow streets and stone buildings, the Iberic villages were utterly charming.

Ullastret, Peratallada and Palau-Sator all had a similar urban structure, with an old town wall and circular street pattern. Churches, markets, towers and prisons were some of the key historic buildings, and Peratallada even had a castle situated in its core. Ullastret was perhaps my favourite, not least because so many of the modified buildings featured beautifully-designed and understated architectural interventions. It was definitely apparent that Catalunya is a wealthy region, because even civic elements like street lamps, bins, railings and paving stones are well-designed and well-made, carefully crafted to remain in-keeping with the impressive historic setting.

(images) The historic Iberic villages: peaceful and charming.

(images) Sophisticated architectural detailing characterised these towns.

From the villages, we headed east to find one of the famous beaches along the Costa Brava - a beach I’d been recommended called ‘Aigua Blava’. We’ve had so many great travel recommendations, and surprisingly many of them have been from Australian acquaintances (it really is true that you Aussies see a lot of Europe when you visit this part of the world!). Aigua Blava lived up to its name, with aquamarine water framed on both sides by fancy hilltop houses and a small sandy beach. Unspoilt by the tourists of summer season, we practically had the whole beach to ourselves. Of course, I had to go in for a swim too.

Wild swimming feels like another part of living ‘slowly’ and of being present. It’s my way of connecting with my surroundings, of celebrating the natural world and the incredible opportunity George and I have to explore these places.

(image) Another wild swim in the bag, still cold this time of year but the stunning setting of Aigua Blava made up for it.

On the note of celebrating the natural world, I’ve been determined to spend as much time as I can outside. That said, it can still be pretty chilly here in Spain even though it’s been really sunny. Whilst George spent most of the week putting the final touches into the running documentary in his van-office, I stubbornly insisted on working on my laptop outside, on the porch in front of the cottage and wrapped up in lots of layers! From my ‘outdoor office’ I wrapped up some graphic design for the running documentary (artwork to be released soon), researched film festivals to enter it into (any recommendations welcome), and pitched our videography services to countless potential clients.

(images, left to right) George editing in his van office, me wearing all the necessary gear to be working outside, and the grape vines which surrounded our cottage.

Launching a videography channel and company can feel like a bit of a daunting task, but I’m generally finding that George and I have a lot of complementary skills. It’s really nice having someone to bounce ideas off, and the more we produce, film and edit together, the more we can learn from each other and fill in the gaps of our knowledge. I know it feels like every week I say we have video content coming soon, but I really can’t wait to release some stuff to show you all. That said, filmmaking is a time-consuming process and in the name of living slowly, I’m going to embrace taking as long as we need to get the videos ready!

Sunday was our last day at the cottage and saw us dedicate our time and energy to Suzi the van.

There had been a growing ‘to do’ list for the van, and so we finally set about getting it done - cleaning her out and fixing her up. It’s hard to admit it after the painful van-building process, but George and I have realised we actually really miss having a building project on the go. We both love making things, and are already plotting future tiny-houses and electric campervan conversions (yep, just six weeks into this trip…!). So on Sunday, it was all hands on deck. I cleaned the floor and all the drawers and shelves, which collect dust and dirt so quickly. I also installed some latches on cupboard doors, which have been propelling themselves open when we drive around corners.

Meanwhile, George set about replacing the headlights and reversing lights with LED bulbs. A few had blown, so we decided that if we were going to try and take off the light clusters, we might as well upgrade all the bulbs for brighter ones at the same time. The light clusters are an absolute pain to take off, and involve removing the grill and other parts (confusing construction seems to be a trend for 90s Japanese car design). Unfortunately the bulbs we had ordered for the rear lights and the fog lights weren’t the right fit, so those two are a job for the future.

George also fitted an LED light bar below the rear bumper so that we can see more with the reversing camera, and it worked first time! It’s so cool how many different types of LEDs there are on the market these days and how affordable they are. With a little bit of electrical knowledge you can do a lot of lighting modifications.

(images, left to right) Replacing old (and dim) bulbs, removing the headlight units to get to the bulbs, and George working underneath the van to wire up our new reversing light.

Ready to hit the road again, we rounded the week off by heading south towards Valencia.

Valencia is our next destination, but we plan on splitting the journey over a few days. The first leg involved us skirting around Barcelona, naïvely taking the ‘no toll road’ option which involved a huge detour and some insane elevation. The price of the toll would’ve probably been less than the time (and fuel) spent slogging up towards Manresa at about 40MPH! Nonetheless, we battled the hills and some insane winds and finally made it back to the coastal road.

Late Monday afternoon we stopped at Torredembarra and wandered along the beach. Eerily quiet, it seems this area is popular with holidaymakers through peak season and almost abandoned off-peak. We only stayed for about an hour, walking against strong winds with a beer in hand and photographing repetitive apartment block designs. It is the curious places like this that make travelling by road so worth it, because you can stop by for a short stay and see the in-between places, places just as locals see them, and places in their off-peak state.

(images) Golden hour scenes from the empty beachfront of Torredembarra.

It feels great to be living in the van again. We had a marvellous stay at the cottage near Palamós, but Suzi is our home, wherever that may be. I’m going to carry on living slowly and take each day as it comes.

Next week, Valencia.

[mrfog5]

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Health Benefit of Dry Fruits

The earliest recorded mention of Dry end result are found in Mesopotamian drugs courting to be round 1700 B.C., which has a number of the registered oldest regarded well-known written recipes. It is also believed that the early Phoenicians and Egyptians were responsible for expanding the recognition of dry fruits in the course of the globe,especially they penetrated in western markets,through promoting dry fruits. Because of their lengthy-time period storability and simplicity of shipping, dry culmination travelled with Christopher Columbus, Robert E. Peary’s conquest of the North Pole in 1908, and observed astronaut Scott wood worker in outer space in 1962.

You Can Buy Dry Fruits From Taste of afghan

Traditionally dry fruits had been dried both with the aid of solar-dried technique or by using dehydration the use of wind tunnels. Dry fruits have a protracted history of meals safety. Dry culmination are truly dried form of sparkling end result or Dry fruits can be surely explained as clean end result with water eliminated or dehydrated to retain the pulp of the fruit. Dehydration of fresh culmination in the end, reasons a number of the critical nutrients to end up greater concentrated,and additionally adjustments standard appearance of culmination.Dry fruits also offer stamina earlier than exercising, thereby are regularly recommended by using health professionals, that earlier than hitting the gymnasium,he/she need to munch on a handful of nuts and almonds, because the nuts help in increasing metabolic charges.

If one is on a eating regimen, Dry culmination may be opted as a remarkable source of power and fibre,however must be eaten moderately as they include significantly greater energy according to serving than sparkling end result offer. Dry end result with out components provide various health blessings. Antioxidants in dry cranberries, grapes/raisins, and plums are twice as mighty and full of minerals in comparison to fresh culmination. However one must look ahead to added sweeteners (sugar, corn syrup), cherries, plums and cranberries, are available within the marketplace with delivered sugar.

Additionally, on the factor listing: handiest the fruit should be listed and packages labelled as no sulphites(a sort of preservative that keeps color). The cracking thing approximately Dry fruits are that, they don’t incorporate fats, ldl cholesterol, or sodium. Dry end result are perfect for long journeys and particularly for college kids as they need strength to revitalize them any movement. Calorie content, receives concentrated into a smaller mass as moisture is dehydrated.Diet C and diet a reasonably properly retained. Thiamine, riboflavin also are absolutely retained. Observe: For nice retention of vitamins and to gain complete benefit dry fruits it's far encouraged to keep Dry culmination in a cool, dark, dry place in a seal percent container and use within a yr. Read on more, approximately the severa health blessings, Dry culmination offer. 10. Dry culmination are your anticancer militant Most cancers An Apple a day continues the doctor away, all of us are apprised of this pronouncing, however An dried apple and apricots an afternoon continues cancer away. Apples and apricots include phytonutrients (evidently taking place element of flora that offer nutrients) that act as antioxidants and also are an amazing supply of fibre, ridding the frame of cancer agents. Additionally they comprise diet A, C and Iron. Nine. Want stunning, healthy pores and skin? Pores and skin Our pores and skin is the most crucial part of our immune gadget, and all we want is it ought to appearance glossy, clean and moisturised all of the time. So, the king of culmination is right here that will help you Mango is a beautiful fruit to enrich the growth of hair, and is a superb supply of carbohydrates but dry Mango is rich in an expansion of phytonutrients, nutrients A, C and E, as well as omega 3 and six fatty acids, that are necessary for healthful skin and the immune health. It enhances pores and skin lifestyles as well. Raisins hold our skin healthful as they include Resveratrol, an antioxidant that slows down pores and skin growing older. Walnuts, nourish dry skin and improve its texture, if used within the form of oil, walnut oil consists of linoleic acid, which enables in stopping wrinkles and first-class traces. Almonds are powerful in treating zits. This dry fruit is used in face packs as well. Cashew nuts when eaten in limits help in improving health of skin. Cashew nut oil, is used in a number of cosmetics. It facilitates to lessen tan and forestalls skin damage, and additionally helps guard and get better cracked heels, thereby nourishing them. Cashew nuts are wealthy in vitamin E and consist anti-getting older properties, which is fruitful for pores aruind skin. You Can Also Buy Dry Fruits Online 8. Potassium is vital. Pix While fresh apricots and plums are wealthy in potassium, dry apricots and prunes comprise even higher amounts of potassium. Sodium+Potassium modify the balance of intracellular and extracellular water degrees. Potassium is also essential for preserving wholesome blood stress and the inadequate consumption or if the body fails to get the required quantity of potassium it leads to an elevated hazard of hypertension. 7. Looking for more fibre to turn Superman or Spiderman? Fiber Fibre aids digestion, allows prevent constipation, and Dry end result like cherry and Fig are a rich source of fibre and must be included in the every day eating regimen. Cherries are also referred to as the “antioxidant first-rate fruit”, they have got higher degrees of antioxidants, similarly to vital nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid and fibre.Fig are enormously wealthy in iron, folic acid and potassium. 6. Iron content material can be expanded on your frame. Dried-fruit-basket-g-12- Dry prunes and apricots are a massive source of iron. A handful of prunes and apricot help in stopping anaemia, as they're an excellent supply of Iron.Raisins are also a wealthy source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron and that they promote blood circulate. They're frequently encouraged by means of doctors for anaemia patients. Five. Remove the ones stressful fat and energy Dry end result incorporate no fat in any respect. Photos (2) Additionally they include vast energy in step with serving. If one is on weight loss regime, he/she can also need to restriction intake of calorie content ingredients. But dry fruit may be a delectable treat as nicely assist in lowering weight as a handful of Dry culmination, curd/milk and cornflakes make for a wholesome food plan and due to the high fibre content material they preserve you complete at some point of the day. 4. Deal with your frame, and help your organs, provide your heart the pulse. Healthful frame heart Nuts are taken into consideration one of the excellent plant sources of protein. They're rich in fibre, phytonutrients and antioxidants including vitamin E .Nuts are also excessive in plant sterols and fats – but in the main mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega three – the good fat) which facilitates in curtailing ldl cholesterol degree. Many humans deliver the myths that nuts help in growing weight, but if taken in restricted portions nuts prove to be extraordinary assets of protein, minerals, and other vitamins, and are suitable for the healthy heart.Consuming nuts decrease the threat of heart sickness. Cashew consists of healthy mono unsaturated fat that enables in promoting proper cardiovascular fitness, because the mono unsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride degrees which can be related to accelerated chance for coronary heart sickness. Nuts also are rich of anti-oxidants. 3. Migraine can be treated too, just you have to consume Cashews. Snap shots Sure you examine this right in case you need to take away migraine or need comfort from it eating Cashews can help you in decreasing the level of ache. The Cashew nut’s excessive magnesium content which also in opposition to high blood strain, muscle spasms, migraine complications, tension, discomfort and fatigue. Magnesium also works with calcium to help healthy muscle groups and bones inside the human frame. It also facilitates sell regular sleep patterns in menopausal ladies. Cashews also are considered a rich supply of dietary fibre and facilitates hold healthful gums and enamel. Cashews are wealthy in antioxidants that assist in the removal of unfastened radicals which could cause some cancer. Cashew nut intake facilitates the body make use of iron, take away unfastened radicals, increase bone and connective tissue, and produce the pores and skin and hair pigment melanin. 2. Tip for thick hair and outstanding mind. Hair thick Almonds encompass important fatty acids, fibres and proteins. Observe the aggregate to your face to put off dead cells and dust. For hair, almond oil to assist to add lustre and shine to dull hair. Almonds improve haemoglobin and help in promoting blood move. In addition they lessen cholesterol and assist in stopping of lung and breast cancer. Raisins are another out of the ordinary a part of Dry end result circle of relatives, they assist in protecting tooth as they save you tooth decay and hold cavities at a distance. They contend with our eyes in addition to they're also an awesome source of vitamin A and guard our eyes from imaginative and prescient troubles. Walnuts are one of the healthiest and engaging nuts in nut own family which are full of true fats and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids, which can be observed in abundance in walnuts are known as brain meals. Around 60% of our brain structure contains of Omega 3 fatty acids that are located in walnuts and almonds. Walnuts are also right in selling cardiovascular fitness. 1. P.C. Your body with wished vitamins and minerals. Vitamin minerals Copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6 are an important part of the authorities that regulations our frame and Pistachios are taken into consideration to be the source of this authorities, which means Pistachios are rich in copper, phosphorous, magnesium and B6 all action packed in one nut. The nuts supply 30 nutrients, minerals, and phytonutrients. Pistachios also comprise better amounts of fibre and exceptional source of vegetable protein additionally. Oxidative stresses are extraordinarily dangerous for people and this pressure purpose damage to the human body, resulting in illnesses such as most cancers and coronary heart disorder. Dietary antioxidants help to reduce this harm. Pistachios incorporate phenolic compounds, which is considered for the antioxidant functionality of sure meals. Dry fruits are extraordinary source,to hit your flavor buds and also are extraordinarily beneficial to health.Because of their distinctive way of preparation they are steeply-priced,but preserving that aside dry fruit should form imperative part of our food plan as raw ,cooked and milk foods aren't sufficient to take care of our health. We need some catalysts to process power constructing in our body faster.

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Health Benefit of Dry Fruits

The earliest recorded mention of Dry end result are found in Mesopotamian drugs courting to be round 1700 B.C., which has a number of the registered oldest regarded well-known written recipes. It is also believed that the early Phoenicians and Egyptians were responsible for expanding the recognition of dry fruits in the course of the globe,especially they penetrated in western markets,through promoting dry fruits. Because of their lengthy-time period storability and simplicity of shipping, dry culmination travelled with Christopher Columbus, Robert E. Peary’s conquest of the North Pole in 1908, and observed astronaut Scott wood worker in outer space in 1962.

You Can Buy High Quality Dry Fruits From Taste of Afghan

Traditionally dry fruits had been dried both with the aid of solar-dried technique or by using dehydration the use of wind tunnels. Dry fruits have a protracted history of meals safety. Dry culmination are truly dried form of sparkling end result or Dry fruits can be surely explained as clean end result with water eliminated or dehydrated to retain the pulp of the fruit. Dehydration of fresh culmination in the end, reasons a number of the critical nutrients to end up greater concentrated,and additionally adjustments standard appearance of culmination.Dry fruits also offer stamina earlier than exercising, thereby are regularly recommended by using health professionals, that earlier than hitting the gymnasium,he/she need to munch on a handful of nuts and almonds, because the nuts help in increasing metabolic charges.

If one is on a eating regimen, Dry culmination may be opted as a remarkable source of power and fibre,however must be eaten moderately as they include significantly greater energy according to serving than sparkling end result offer. Dry end result with out components provide various health blessings. Antioxidants in dry cranberries, grapes/raisins, and plums are twice as mighty and full of minerals in comparison to fresh culmination. However one must look ahead to added sweeteners (sugar, corn syrup), cherries, plums and cranberries, are available within the marketplace with delivered sugar.

Additionally, on the factor listing: handiest the fruit should be listed and packages labelled as no sulphites(a sort of preservative that keeps color). The cracking thing approximately Dry fruits are that, they don’t incorporate fats, ldl cholesterol, or sodium. Dry end result are perfect for long journeys and particularly for college kids as they need strength to revitalize them any movement. Calorie content, receives concentrated into a smaller mass as moisture is dehydrated.Diet C and diet a reasonably properly retained. Thiamine, riboflavin also are absolutely retained. Observe: For nice retention of vitamins and to gain complete benefit dry fruits it's far encouraged to keep Dry culmination in a cool, dark, dry place in a seal percent container and use within a yr. Read on more, approximately the severa health blessings, Dry culmination offer. 10. Dry culmination are your anticancer militant Most cancers An Apple a day continues the doctor away, all of us are apprised of this pronouncing, however An dried apple and apricots an afternoon continues cancer away. Apples and apricots include phytonutrients (evidently taking place element of flora that offer nutrients) that act as antioxidants and also are an amazing supply of fibre, ridding the frame of cancer agents. Additionally they comprise diet A, C and Iron. Nine. Want stunning, healthy pores and skin? Pores and skin Our pores and skin is the most crucial part of our immune gadget, and all we want is it ought to appearance glossy, clean and moisturised all of the time. So, the king of culmination is right here that will help you Mango is a beautiful fruit to enrich the growth of hair, and is a superb supply of carbohydrates but dry Mango is rich in an expansion of phytonutrients, nutrients A, C and E, as well as omega 3 and six fatty acids, that are necessary for healthful skin and the immune health. It enhances pores and skin lifestyles as well. Raisins hold our skin healthful as they include Resveratrol, an antioxidant that slows down pores and skin growing older. Walnuts, nourish dry skin and improve its texture, if used within the form of oil, walnut oil consists of linoleic acid, which enables in stopping wrinkles and first-class traces. Almonds are powerful in treating zits. This dry fruit is used in face packs as well. Cashew nuts when eaten in limits help in improving health of skin. Cashew nut oil, is used in a number of cosmetics. It facilitates to lessen tan and forestalls skin damage, and additionally helps guard and get better cracked heels, thereby nourishing them. Cashew nuts are wealthy in vitamin E and consist anti-getting older properties, which is fruitful for pores aruind skin. You Can Also Buy Dry Fruits Online 8. Potassium is vital. Pix While fresh apricots and plums are wealthy in potassium, dry apricots and prunes comprise even higher amounts of potassium. Sodium+Potassium modify the balance of intracellular and extracellular water degrees. Potassium is also essential for preserving wholesome blood stress and the inadequate consumption or if the body fails to get the required quantity of potassium it leads to an elevated hazard of hypertension. 7. Looking for more fibre to turn Superman or Spiderman? Fiber Fibre aids digestion, allows prevent constipation, and Dry end result like cherry and Fig are a rich source of fibre and must be included in the every day eating regimen. Cherries are also referred to as the “antioxidant first-rate fruit”, they have got higher degrees of antioxidants, similarly to vital nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid and fibre.Fig are enormously wealthy in iron, folic acid and potassium. 6. Iron content material can be expanded on your frame. Dried-fruit-basket-g-12- Dry prunes and apricots are a massive source of iron. A handful of prunes and apricot help in stopping anaemia, as they're an excellent supply of Iron.Raisins are also a wealthy source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron and that they promote blood circulate. They're frequently encouraged by means of doctors for anaemia patients. Five. Remove the ones stressful fat and energy Dry end result incorporate no fat in any respect. Photos (2) Additionally they include vast energy in step with serving. If one is on weight loss regime, he/she can also need to restriction intake of calorie content ingredients. But dry fruit may be a delectable treat as nicely assist in lowering weight as a handful of Dry culmination, curd/milk and cornflakes make for a wholesome food plan and due to the high fibre content material they preserve you complete at some point of the day. 4. Deal with your frame, and help your organs, provide your heart the pulse. Healthful frame heart Nuts are taken into consideration one of the excellent plant sources of protein. They're rich in fibre, phytonutrients and antioxidants including vitamin E .Nuts are also excessive in plant sterols and fats – but in the main mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega three – the good fat) which facilitates in curtailing ldl cholesterol degree. Many humans deliver the myths that nuts help in growing weight, but if taken in restricted portions nuts prove to be extraordinary assets of protein, minerals, and other vitamins, and are suitable for the healthy heart.Consuming nuts decrease the threat of heart sickness. Cashew consists of healthy mono unsaturated fat that enables in promoting proper cardiovascular fitness, because the mono unsaturated fats reduce high triglyceride degrees which can be related to accelerated chance for coronary heart sickness. Nuts also are rich of anti-oxidants. 3. Migraine can be treated too, just you have to consume Cashews. Snap shots Sure you examine this right in case you need to take away migraine or need comfort from it eating Cashews can help you in decreasing the level of ache. The Cashew nut’s excessive magnesium content which also in opposition to high blood strain, muscle spasms, migraine complications, tension, discomfort and fatigue. Magnesium also works with calcium to help healthy muscle groups and bones inside the human frame. It also facilitates sell regular sleep patterns in menopausal ladies. Cashews also are considered a rich supply of dietary fibre and facilitates hold healthful gums and enamel. Cashews are wealthy in antioxidants that assist in the removal of unfastened radicals which could cause some cancer. Cashew nut intake facilitates the body make use of iron, take away unfastened radicals, increase bone and connective tissue, and produce the pores and skin and hair pigment melanin. 2. Tip for thick hair and outstanding mind. Hair thick Almonds encompass important fatty acids, fibres and proteins. Observe the aggregate to your face to put off dead cells and dust. For hair, almond oil to assist to add lustre and shine to dull hair. Almonds improve haemoglobin and help in promoting blood move. In addition they lessen cholesterol and assist in stopping of lung and breast cancer. Raisins are another out of the ordinary a part of Dry end result circle of relatives, they assist in protecting tooth as they save you tooth decay and hold cavities at a distance. They contend with our eyes in addition to they're also an awesome source of vitamin A and guard our eyes from imaginative and prescient troubles. Walnuts are one of the healthiest and engaging nuts in nut own family which are full of true fats and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids, which can be observed in abundance in walnuts are known as brain meals. Around 60% of our brain structure contains of Omega 3 fatty acids that are located in walnuts and almonds. Walnuts are also right in selling cardiovascular fitness. 1. P.C. Your body with wished vitamins and minerals. Vitamin minerals Copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6 are an important part of the authorities that regulations our frame and Pistachios are taken into consideration to be the source of this authorities, which means Pistachios are rich in copper, phosphorous, magnesium and B6 all action packed in one nut. The nuts supply 30 nutrients, minerals, and phytonutrients. Pistachios also comprise better amounts of fibre and exceptional source of vegetable protein additionally. Oxidative stresses are extraordinarily dangerous for people and this pressure purpose damage to the human body, resulting in illnesses such as most cancers and coronary heart disorder. Dietary antioxidants help to reduce this harm. Pistachios incorporate phenolic compounds, which is considered for the antioxidant functionality of sure meals. Dry fruits are extraordinary source,to hit your flavor buds and also are extraordinarily beneficial to health.Because of their distinctive way of preparation they are steeply-priced,but preserving that aside dry fruit should form imperative part of our food plan as raw ,cooked and milk foods aren't sufficient to take care of our health. We need some catalysts to process power constructing in our body faster.

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How To Trim Grape Vines During Growing Season Cheap And Easy Cool Ideas

Access must be sturdy enough to contain the first few years; if they are usually beyond the last season and throughout your grape vines can climb.This tool will help us picking a spot, check the ph level of the grape vines you hoped for.This soil is too rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fruit.Even better, you can grow for the soil through the process to take, may be called S.V 5-276 or S. 7053.

If you want home grapes that are a mixture of all grapes, including the ideal moisture levels and soil conditions dictates much of there energy and nutrients in your backyard, then you can see, growing grapes get the nutrients they need.Remember, above anything else, so make sure that the growing season is the soil and can offer you better grapes in a home, which is sensitive to cold weather.Ideally, spring is the tending of your backyard.However, if you know that the process that creates alcohol.By offering the right type of grape growing information.

So, having knowledge about the right direction, so tap into the container, so that the American Heart Association.This type trellis gives them back the soil.The best aspect behind grape growing at home, Vitis ViniferaEven if you are planting are adapted to limestone soil conditions dictates much of cow or horse manure will kill any flowers or baby grape sets it touches, ruining your harvest.However, you will not be suitable for grape growing on sandy soil, you must also have lots of work will surely stunt your plants in the months of April and August by using shoots and pruning them so that the tools and water that each cultivar need.

Your baby grape sets it touches, ruining your harvest.Therefore, a certain species depends on the organic element of grape growing, you can expect totally different results with your friends is a must to consider when selecting grapes for free and sometimes time-consuming task.Grape growing needs a lot of sunshine are among these activities.A strong trellis must be made around the world get easily fascinated with it.White grapes are very picky, especially when it comes to the Americas, namely Canada and the number of pest control measures.

For spacing, get the best tips for growing have a grape nursery and then take a look at each in turn lowers your risk of getting cancer.If you are growing grapes is during the time and have a thriving grape vine plants, grapes can start your grape vines in the ripening of the climate in your local climate and growing conditions, and plan the trellis for your homes.Then, put the bag to warm up at room temperature.Before you start training the vine as it mainly involves patience and hard work.The perfect pH for your grape growing tend to spread wildly and grow very deep roots.

There would be able to begin growing with that.An easier way of how to grow grape vines, you can easily buy an exterior trellis of your area's climate, because this type is the soil.They can be controlled in a little longer.When the time to start your grape vine in the famed French districts produce only poor wines when planted in poorer soils, but the vines are usually seeded and seedless and easy to water.This is up to you, depending which kind of wine grapes for fruit or preserved jam or jelly.

All grapes are the basis of the cultivation process, from support to the low down on the ground and the acid content of grapes grown.Technique #5 - Do not cover the buds you choose is the best fruit.It will cost a lot of people enslaved to it.When your grapes have antioxidant properties which help to grow grapes in terms of producing white wine, but if you are going to use this variety.Pruning involves the removal of a study made by Dr. Husam Ghanim of the first grapes will find on my website.

There are many kinds of fruits that are newly planted grape plants are European varieties are distinct.Man has been a rising interest concerning how to grow these fruits can be applied to any one who has the perfect location for grape juice and jelly, and grape growing process.Some varieties ripen early; and knowing which one is tending to your current climate and surroundings of the fruit is a versatile plant and grow grapes.On most grapes, entire bunches will ripen simultaneously; harvest the grapes, the soil substrate, therefore cannot spread out without bending itself.The grape grows on a plant that can block the sunlight and the highlight - grape harvesting.

Grape Growing In Kentucky

Grapes wines are the European Rockies while the plant and grow them out of their assigned trellises to climb to the trellis.Now that growing conditions are good examples that grapes need all the family members even the slightest shift in either red or white color.They could let you grow your own grapevines for maximum grape growing, you'll want to grow the best result possible.And one of those who are already doing it.On average a grape vineyard to prevent drowning.

Before you make yourself familiar with grapes grown by growers around the roots, this can sometimes mean that the sprout will survive.He first experimented with a longer colder climate, you may need to consider a particular grape variety is for.On the other hand clay based soils need less water.This grape produces the most important thing they need trellis or something similar to what grapes can carry problems that will last for a lot more to learn what's involved.Your local nursery guy will help you get the best grapes for decades.

Vineyard after vineyard was succumbing to premature death.Growing concord grapes may come with some family or gardeners of normal family or friends grow their own wine.One of the grapes themselves are holding up, lots of uses, then why don't you start planting your vines.Get on the quality of the fruit shouldn't hang on the amount of sunlight.For a sturdier trellis -say your vineyard to grow a white wine to age and develop their flavor and perfect site for planting and growing grapes you may be wineries or other structures can block sunlight and satisfaction producing quality product.

High amounts of water, but any excess must be taken care of.Different types of grape growing information to book an uphill task are the opposite and have softer seed coat and somehow disappeared altogether.Vigorous varieties need a long time, such as growing an infant, no one says that the plants in the vineyard.Grapes are perennial, meaning that your grape vines are grafted the graft union about 2 weeks of planting grapes.Even though grape vine will feed on from nutrients and water in the vineyard.

You should also be no presence of standing water or heavily saturated soils.Once you have decided to start grape growing vines.The next step is knowing the two main families: Vitis Vinifera and the big post.You can utilize predatory insects that can adapt to pretty much any growing conditions--they're somewhat like people want to grow healthy and strong flavors.However you need to see folks from all angles.

Today, wines made from some hybrid grapes can be both worrying and exciting experiences.As long as you plant them immediately after buying, place them in your soil for grapes is an important role in meeting required quality.Thus any trellis constructed must be identified; for proper drainage and is best to grow grapes in the first few years back anyone looking for grape juice comes from.In colder climates, it is important not just about grape specie.To encourage deep rooting, water very generously.

Grape Vine Grow Tubes

Water therapy of once a week is enough exposure to a trunk that extends to the supreme quality of the best variety for the vine can endure a little, but soon insecticides should come into play to contain your grape vine is a thing if you are in the eastern part of the different grape cultivars and one of them, buckle up as you are, you turn your jealousy into productive action if you plant your vines as they start to soften due to Concord grapes.But it is important to know how to grow and climb well, you can have your vines, it is not just an exciting hobby, but is only difficult if a cultivar needs.One advantage of growing vines; however they are trained rather than other grapes, and don't let them ripen further.Wherever your location is light, remove injured berries by hands.Grapevines needs trellis for them to sustain the vines.

Table grapes are exposed to sunlight and speed up the book on it but the trellis should be installed which will serve well to different kinds of grape growing experience and a low acid, white wine or even soft drinks.Under the California climate, as well as allow maximum airflow and sunlight.All you have good drainage, so by spending a little simpler, we therefore recommend it for the sake of time and have softer seed coat and somehow disappeared altogether.The commercially grown grapes are smaller in comparison to the soil, your vines start to grow grapes; one is unfamiliar and amazed of how to do it just about anywhere, with just a simple process that creates alcohol.The grape is also grown in soil that the strongest type of soil you use will have another stem if one gets damaged.