#Lisha my dear!

[ohlookanothercartoontofallinto]

Guess who came alive today! Me! So yes today is my birthday I'm 23 I'm so old. However because it's my birthday it means I get to compliment people AND YOU DON'T GET TO SAY NO BECAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

@socksandbuttons THANK YOU FOR BEING MY BESTIE! You met me when I was 17 and now I'm 23! How time flies when we're having fun! Thank you for letting me come along and be co-creator on the UnderRem au. Thank you for letting me ramble about random idea's. You are such a beautiful and amazing person that I cherish. I would get into a fist fight for you! Love you so much! You mean so much to me, and I know you're bad with words about how you feel. But trust me I know how just by your actions. I just adore you okay!

@midnight-the-goth-artist hey sweetie! I'm so proud of you, you're such a sweet young lady. Watching you grow this last year as an artist and your life in general has made me so proud. I'm so glad you reached out to me when you did. I also have so much fun talking about knd persona stuff with you! You're just so adorable.

@silvercaptain24 (HUGS) Hi! Thank you for, even when I'm not online you reach out. You're the only one who ever reaches out on here and it makes me smile every time. Your such a talented young writer, and I will never forget the support you gave me when I started writing. You're amazing and have such a kind heart. I'm also really proud of you, I know college is hard, but you're making such a effort. You're doing great!

@socialc1imb You're not escaping this Sky! First, you are such a talented artist, second, you are such a talented writer, third! You do not know how much I enjoyed doing our collaboration! It was such a delight and possibly some of my best writing! You're a champ! I hope you're doing good in all you new endeavors!

And last

@smilesrobotlover You thought the compliments would end HA! I mean what I say you're art makes me smile so much! You give so much life to your art, and the fact you are managing so many different comics at once is so impressive. I know I don't get to talk to you much but you're always an delight to speak with! Also will always support someone who is a fellow Toon Link lover! We are a small clan! But in general, you are just a really neat person! And I can't wait to see what you do next!

You y'all have to take these compliments, because it's my birthday! Also about to be offline for a few hours so try to fight me on this! Also also for petes sake just let me show how much I care okay! (Hugs to you all!)

[david-goldrock]

I once wrote a DND character for a friend. they didn't use it. I share it with you now

The text is not a backstory, but what the DM needs to read aloud to meet the character. he's a mute, so that would be difficult, but some people like the challenge

The party walks into a pub to see their old friend, Anasmor the old wizard, shedding a tear to a random orc ventriloquist doing a show in the center of the pub. "Do you know this guy?" Asks Shina the cleric, after greeting the old man. "Oh you really wanna know? It's not the prettiest story, you know, funny as Onrog may seem now. This man, and his family, tragedy hunts their past… You see, they were not that old, when it happened. 3, maybe 4 years old? His 2 sisters 8 and 9 respectively. It's unfair, I know, life isn't fair to anyone, but yeah, this is not a sensible amount of pain for even the mightiest of warriors, I agree. He saw it when it happened. The monster was probably planning it for months, but the moment struck on his birthday. The tentacle shot through the old clock they had on their wall, straight into his father's, Glormish's, mouth, eating everything from inside, leaving only the skin intact. Valora, his mom, managed to shout for the kids to run, they did, but with her shout the second tentacle shot, and killed her too. A child so young does not know how to handle such a thing, you see, so he latched onto the first idea he had: his mouth remains shut. How does he eat? I do not know my dear, legends say his back has a hole directly leading to his stomach, but those are probably fairy tales. I guess by the nice show he is making us you understand how he speaks 😉

They had a lot of luck, my friend. Most children would have died in the wilderness, but Lisha and Neera, his sisters, used to play survival games with their dad, so they knew what to do. Lisha quickly got them on Yorsh, the family horse, and rode 50 kilometers southeast to the nearest forest. There, Neera found a few sticks and stones, and made them 3 weapons: Lisha got the axe. Neera got the sword. And young Onrog got his first bow, a weapon to use against fish from afar, to keep one safe. It wasn't as fancy as the one you see on his back right now, but it was good enough for the fish.

Years have passed, many a year, 23 years in the forest if am exact. In this time the trio started to speak the "language" of the forest animals. At first it was a joke, get the rabbit to cross the river, get the snake to loop-de-loop, but slowly and surely, they learned. By now they can get any animal to do their deeds, with enough time of course. 23 years have passed, And I wandered into this very forest. The trio, who did not remember the look of an old man, almost killed me on the spot, mistaking me for a monster. When I told them of the attacks of the tentacles, the thousands of dead, Lisha and Neera told me to fuck off. They told me that they have paid their price and are not interested in anything more. Onrog though, seemed interested in revenge. He got nothing more than a kiss goodbye from his sisters when he went on the rampage.

Of course, as you know, the danger of the unuk-li is long gone, an achievement all but exclusive to our Onrog, but the lust for revenge doesn't die out, it changes targets. These days? On his downtime he does his little show in the pubs and celebrates his winnings, but he always has one ear open for adventure parties, and he will join anyone fighting a big enough treat.

Personally? I would caution against such troubles, but I am an old man after all, and adventure is the business of the youth. If you do choose to take him into your group, id warn you thus- if enough time will go without a treat, Onrog will accuse the innocent of the worst of things just to have an opponent. Keep your eye on him.

[laismoura-art]

LMAO! Frost popped by her side and Lisa almost had a heart attack!🤣🤣

They make the assexual reproduction via ritual, similarly to the Amazons being born from clay! But they tell outsiders they have the babies via limb lost to cause confusion!

Queen Zhi, showing Harumi a family album: And this one was my dear Lisha when she was a baby!

Harumi: Oh... wasn't she... a cute... pinkie...

Lisha: MOM! STOP TRYING TO CONFUSE MY GIRLFRIEND! >:O

Queen Zhi: You're right, because telling her you were molded in ice and cinder is way less confusing.

Lisha:

Lisha: Ok, you got me there...

Harumi: *confused Earthrealmer noises*

We're absolutely getting Queen Zhi!! And maybe Grandmistress Amaya (Harumi's mom), too, if you're interested?👀 (thanks, that's so thoughtful!💕)

Presenting the Umgadi Girls AU newest addition:

Princess Lisha Liang ❄️

Y'all didn't think I'd make a whole AU staring my girls and wouldn't bring Lisa, did you? My girl has a very special role!😌🩵

I'm changing her name to "Lisha" the Chinese Equivalent of Lisa, cause having an Americanised name here wouldn't make much sense, as she lives in Outworld! But I'll be calling her Lisa throughout the text for simplicity sake.

Now let me tell y'all about her! Starting by her design!

So, after making the A'rá people inspired by our indigenous people here in Brazil, I wanted to try and do something similar to the Cryomancers in Outworld!

So Lisa's outfit takes inspiration mainly from the Lisu people, a Tibeto-Burman ethical group who inhabit the mountainous regions of Myanmar, Southwest China, Thailand and India!

Their clothes are very detailed, filled with patterns, textures, and lots of beads!

I didn't keep the traditional headpiece though, cause Lisa's hair has always been an integral part of her design! (Female Cryomancers have blue hair due to their deeper connection to Cryomancy. Their power manifest earlier than in men and they must be trained from a very young age to prevent accidents! Women must keep themselves schooled to assure total control of their power. Needless say Lisa struggles with it.)

I took some liberties here and there to make the outfit fit Lisa's style! It coincidently ended up looking very similar to Mileena's new Empress skin, which is good cause it means my outfit is also canon accurate!🤭

About her/her people's backstory:

Before talking about Cryomancers, let's learn a bit about the Pyromancers!

There are three types of Pyromancers:

The Hellfire demons.

The Sorceresses of Argus.

The Dragonborns.

Dragonborns are one of the first people in Outworld, who lived before the sun.

Unlike the Edenians, who were gifted their light by Argus, the Dragonborns, could conjure their own light (which means they don't worship Argus or Delia, but their own dragon ancestors)

The Dragonborns may be born with either Pyromancy or Cryomancy, the later being more common (which is why Kuai Liang is a Pyromancer even though he is part of a long lineage of Cryomancers)

Whether you are born Pyromancer or Cryomancer is entirely up to fate. Genetics play no part in it, you can be a Cryomancer born from Pyromancers (Lisa's case, her mother, the Dragonborn Queen Zhi, is a Pyromancer) or a Pyromancer born from Cryomancer parents (Kuai's case)!

This is well-known knowledge among the Dragonborns, but unfortunately for Kuai, much if their knowledge was lost when his family moved to Earthrealm (why did they move is still a mystery) so Kuai grew up extremely insecure about his Pyromancy.

It also didn't help his case that, both male and female Pyromancers struggle to keep their power under control.

Sympathised by his brother's tough situation, Bi-Han often engaged in Kuai's constant self-control exercises, he would also keep himself schooled, even though there was no need for him to do so. This helped Kuai feel he wasn't so lonely <3

Back to the Dragonborns, they live in a tundra forest known as Hùnhé lín (the mixed forest) it has this name because within it there are plenty of warm and green oasis, where most Pyromancers reside. No one know who these oasis exist within the tundra, legends say it was the Dragon deities gift for their Pyromancers!

The Dragonborns heve been living in the Hùnhé lín long before Queen Mimh even considered become queen!

They have harvested and cared from these lands, built their homes and culture around these lands, and yet, they struggle with the expansion of the empires around them trying to occupy their territories or bringing their own conflicts to them!

They used to have a good commercial trade with a group of Edenian merchants, but these merchants were "infected" with Tarkat and had to be replaced. The new group however, were not nearly as co-operative or respectful, which prompted plenty of conflicts.

Meeting Li Mei's Umgadi:

Of course this sort of conflict wasn't supposed to be of Li Mei and her apprentices' concerns, but as soon as Harumi heard of the situation she insisted the Edenians were in the wrong and they had to put a stop to this conflict before it escalated!

The reason Harumi took these matters so personally was because ages ago, the Shirai were almost forced out of their own lands under the accusation of witchcraft (when in reality their attackers' goal was only to take control of their prosperous lands), Cetrion intervene in their behalf, and thus came their eternal gratitude. Preventing illegal occupations is something the Order of Cetrion takes as priority.

Harumi's aid and support to the Dragonborns granted her Lisa's trust and affection.

Now, just to clarify, this little brainstorming also granted my AU a tiny tiny little change:

I absolutely ADORE Lisa and Harumi as a couple! They are my handmade OTP, the ones who started it all, and the idea of exploring their relationship outside the "Sub-Zero meets Scorpion" scenario is just too tempting to let it slide!

Soooo, yeah, bottom line: FrozenBlossom is now Harumi's endgame for this AU! I hope it doesn't become a deal breaker to anyone (which I doubt will be cause y'all have always been supportive gems, and I love y'all for it🩷🩵)!

Meanwhile, Netherrealmer!Hanzo and Scorpion!Kuai will remain a thing, but, you know, just the two of them!

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hey! You made it to the end! Have some close-ups:

Cute Lisha and angry Lisha:

Lisha after being kissed by a cute girl:

Lisha gifting a warm coat to said cute girl (cute girls can't get colds, can they?) + height difference:

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

@mikka-minns @thedragonholder @rasta-bot @madamealtruist @orbitinytheworld @running-with-the-feels y'all want some Cryomancer lore?👀💕

[cynettic]

Hello! Can you do Kaeya x reader who’s Xiaos sister and kinda looks like him. 💖

Summary - Kaeya falls in love with S/O who he can show his vulnerabilities too, he wasn't aware of the temperamental sibling they had.

Pairings - Adeptus!Reader x Kaeya

Warnings - N/A

Penpal - Ahhh- tysm for the request, I fell in love with the hc after a bit. I hope you don't mind that I made the reader an adeptus, its just easier cause its Xiao's sister.

Me, and My Menace of a Brother

Kaeya is a flirt.

Everyone in Monstadt knows this, most ladies ( his attractiveness doesnt escape men either- ) become enamoured with him, even for a short period of time. Oh to date Kaeya, to be the one he lulls to sleep or the one he presses to his chest just to whisper soft little things into your ear.

But there's sides to him that Monstadt doesnt see, sides that he doesn't want others to see. Yet its you that lends him a shoulder when guiding him back to his apartment when he’s all drunk. Its you that has countlessly saved his ass when a mitachurl or two has caught him by surprise. Its you that takes him into your arms when unwanted tears fall from numb eyes.

He loves you.

Fated stranger who ventured into Monstadt and stole his heart, he blames you immensely for it. He expects you to take responsibility.

It isnt his facade that makes you fall in love for him. The window and his title as ‘Cavalry Captain’ are just added bonuses.

No, its the vulnerability he is capable of showing you.

Growing up with the excuse of an emo depressing brother has rubbed off on you in the worst ways. You love Xiao of course, care about him to bits. But boy can he get aggravating, especially when he shuts everyone out and refuses with his very being to let anyone in. Even you, someone who’s stood alongside him for as long as he’s lived isnt allowed to see him vulnerable.

“So persistent,” Kaeya mumbled, his hand treading along your scalp and brushing away locks of hair. “If I speak of what goes on in my mind, I trust you’ll do the same?”

An easy tip to even begin to start your venture into Kaeyas heart.

Dont lie to him. Ever.

Something easily applicable for you, which is why he trusts you the way he does. At the beginning of the relationship, he doesnt speak of his past and neither do you. Its you who has to open up first, voicing your worry because you are an adeptus. Someone who has lived decades and centuries more than him, you’re born a fighter, a protector.

Kaeya loves that.

He loves you.

“Protector of Liyue hmm-?” He hums when you press a chaste kiss to his forehead. “No wonder you manage to tackle any hilichurl that takes you on. Archons, I’ve seen you take down Ruin Guards with ease.”

A smile adorns your face when hearing his words, fingers locking with his as you lay on the couch. ‘Of course,” was your sole answer. You didn't find your strength exceptional, Xiao could do better if he really tried.

“My protector?” Kaeya whispered into your ear, his teasing tone tickling the hairs on your neck.

You hummed in reply, “It seems I have the urge to defend ones who need saving as well.” When you heard the audible dramatic gasp from him, you chuckled, leaning further into him. “Nothing to be ashamed about, protecting you is a way of expressing my love.”

At this his eyes softened, gaze never leaving your face. “I’m always here to protect you too,” was his only reply. “Please, rely on me.” Tone soft and vulnerable, you wanted to hold him in your arms for an eternity of time. “I’ll be here for you, always.”

But an eternity was a great long stretch of time. “Meet my brother,” was your only reply. “I want to stay with you, ‘always’ as you put it. But my brother expects my return, and…” You’d lived for centuries, yet the thought of introducing your boyfriend to Xiao still sent shivers down your spine. “I think its important you both meet.”

Of course he said yes.

Getting a few weeks off from Jean wasn't a hard wall to conquer, especially when it came to you. You’d formed friendships and relations in Monstadt with most of the civilians, especially the adventurers and the knights. Helping when it came to terms of fighting and such.

It only took a day to reach the Inn Xiao and you had been residing in for the past few decades. Kaeya had explored far before, so the scenery change wasn't much of a surprise.

Xiao greeted you before you and Kaeya even entered to meet Verr. You were only gone for a few months, so of course your brother hadn't changed in the slightest.

“You both look shockingly similar.”

To say Xiao was unhappy when learning of the relationship between you two was barely touching it.

He was livid.

The twisted smile on his face reminded you of the one he’d made countless times after a dear ones death. A facade, just like the one Kaeya had put on. Except that you werent capable of breaking past it. “A mortal?” Your brother asked instead, venom dripping off his tone. “I expected more from you, sister.”

You simply rolled your eyes, walking past him with Kaeya and making a show out of pressing down on his foot. Hard. “I have a list of expectations too,” was your response. “Have you visited Jueyun Karst like I asked you to? Like you promised to, brother?”

He only scoffed, turning on his heel and storming away.

“Lovely,” Kaeya mumbled.

“He’ll come around, trust me.”

Eventually, Xiao has to. Kaeya and you are renting out a room at the Inn, and with you showing the Cavalry Captain around Lisha and Liyue Ports, Xiao is bound to see you. Or maybe he’s just tailing you both to make sure Kaeya’s treating you right.

He’s not worried about you being in any danger, he knows you can take care of yourself perfectly well. But you’ve both been emotionally hurt during the past centuries, he doesnt want some mortal man taking advantage of that.

But you look happy.

Xiao supposes he can make a little effort to get along with your boyfriend.

And so one night, when both you and Kaeya are cleaning the room and putting on some bedwear to go to sleep, Xiao shows up at your window. “Come with me,” he tells Kaeya.

You dont see either of them till morning.

But when you do, the awkward tension that was there is gone, and Xiao seems a tad bit relieved. The smallest slouch in his shoulders is gone, Kaeya having an arm looped around his shoulder and making a joke. It makes you smile, to think that Kaeya could be something good for Xiao too.

Xiao never poses an issue with you and your boyfriend after that, even going far enough to ask when he’s coming back to Liyue to visit.

[kariachi]

Some quick fic. Kevin is gonna be dragging out whatever of his grandma’s recipe cards exist in his area by dinner, mark my words.

~~

“You know, half of my questions I just slotted under ‘he hatched from an egg’.”

“Mm-hm…”

“This answers the rest of them.” Rolling his eyes, Kevin flopped back in his seat, smiling fondly at the photo in Rook’s hand. He’d been working on putting his share of his grandparents old photos into  binder that, he had been told when his Auntie Lisha sent the damn thing, all people were required to have to hold family photos, when Rook had come over and settled in to chat and watch him. Most of them were of his grandparents- from them ‘subtly’ mooning over each other at their wedding to repainting the family crib pink- his mom and uncles- aka Total Chaos- and his cousins- Total Chaos II: There’s More Now. There was even one of the family farmhouse, mid-construction, that he’d placed right on the cover. The one being discussed though-

“You can’t be too surprised, man, you’ve seen me.”

“Yes, I have also seen your parents, if just in photos.”

“Oh come on, they’re not that small.”

“Compared to you?”

-it was the first one in the stack so far with him in it. He was four, sat at the dining table for his first lesson on beadwork, so said the writing on the back. The day was long lost to memory, along with why he, JJ, and Sid all looked like they’d gotten into a fight with the last cougar in the Northeast and he specifically had a big, half-healed bruise across his jaw, but the photo had still filled him with warmth and nostalgia as soon as he’d seen it. All three kids had wedged their chairs in as close together as physically possible, JJ and Sid visibly bickering about something the way cousins do, Kevin himself- too young yet to make himself look entirely one species or the other and so still visibly a hybrid- presenting what he was sure was the worst beadwork she’d seen in her life to their grandmother.

He couldn’t say it was quite like looking in a mirror- her hair was far straighter, their eyes were shaped differently, and try though he had to match her tawny brown tone he’d only ever managed to hit his mom’s pale skin or his dad’s dark grey without bringing in whole other species’ traits- but it was a pretty close match. Markedly over six foot, broad, angular, and heavily built with the fat of age and three children hiding strong muscle. They didn’t come through in the photo but he could remember distinctly the remaining strands of black in her hair, braided exactly the same way he did his when it was long enough, and though he hadn’t smelled a thing in nearly two years the lavender in her perfume hit him like a truck. It was more than enough, even if the actual memories were gone, to bring him right back to times like that, with her wedged between himself and JJ, looking right at home trying to keep the others from fighting while singing the praises of the objectively worst example of traditional craft to have ever existed.

“Hey,” he said with a bright grin, plucking the photo from Rook’s hand and setting it it’s proper place in the timeline, ready to be put away in just the right spot, “it’s okay to be jealous, man. We can’t all have perfect grandmas.” Rook laughed, grinning, and melted back in his seat.

“Now Kevin, you are a dear friend, but we all know my grandmother is the best-”

[silverwings22]

Angel With A Shotgun: Chapter 20: Buir be'koty

Series warnings: Smut, language, Order 66, medical trauma, abuse, Canon typical violence

Chapter Warning: vomiting, pregnancy/childbirth, slavery, mentions of abortion, chronic pain due to injury, homicidal rage

Translations: buir be'koty: mother of glory

Vor entye: "I accept a debt", a thank you

ad'ika: little one

Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum: I know/love you for eternity

Koty (also spelled kote): glory

kar'ta: heart

Previous Chapter: https://silverwings22.tumblr.com/post/669965293254246400/angel-with-a-shotgun-chapter-19-blood-to-drown

Next Chapter: https://silverwings22.tumblr.com/post/669967646462181376/angel-with-a-shotgun-chapter-21-gone-with-the

Angel retched violently over the side of her bunk, groaning as she emptied the contents of her stomach into a chamberpot. Lisha looked sympathetically through the bars as she coughed and flopped back on the durasteel frame. “Are you alright, Miss?”

“First he puts a kriffing collar on me. Now that bastard’s poisoning my food.” She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand weakly. “Every fucking morning for weeks now.”

Lisha frowned. “Only in the morning?”

Angel forced herself to sit upright, pressing a hand against the stone wall to steady her reeling head. “Yeah… guess he wants to see me sick all fucking day so he starts with breakfast…”

“No one’s touched your food, Miss. I’ve been making it myself every morning before I bring it to you.” Lisha’s brows furrowed deeply. “I’ve seen this before.”

“Great. What’s wrong with me? How long before I die?” Angel muttered tiredly. “Did I pick up some fever from the desert? Or this kriffing cell?”

“Miss… I think you’re pregnant.”

Angel froze, eyes widening. Pregnant… Boba…

“I can bring you something… to take care of it. No child should be born a sl-”

“No!” There was a suddenly sharpness in Angel’s voice, a life Lisha hadn’t seen since she’d arrived. She curled around her stomach protectively, hands pressed against the bare skin. “If I am, then it’s Boba’s child. It must live.” She murmured. “I won’t kill it.”

“Fortuna will use a child against you. You must know that.” Lisha fretted. “If he doesn’t try to kill it himself.”

“He’ll have to kill me first and cut this child out of me.” Angel softened, a glimmer of the woman she must have been beneath the beskar and suffering that had laid her bare and prickly to the twi’lek in the last weeks. “We wanted… we were trying. This child is his last gift to me… I have to bring it into the world. I have to protect it, raise it…” Her voice hitched a little. “Carry him with me, growing under my heart… I’ll find a way out of here, and raise a little Fett… one day, we’ll come back and destroy him. I’ll have that throne, with a Fett at my side, and Boba will be avenged with every breath his child breathes.”

“Miss, even if you don’t do anything there’s a chance it won’t stay… you have to be prepared for that too.”

“Then it won’t be because I didn’t try.” She nodded, pressing a little harder against her stomach. “I… don’t know much about pregnancy or childbirth, Lisha… I didn’t have a mother. I only had brothers, and…” she bit her lip. It galled to ask, but she could lay her pride down at the feet of a good woman for a chance to see Boba’s son or daughter come to life. “W-will you help me…?”

Lisha nodded, crouching by the bars and sticking her arm into the cell. “Come here, dear. You’re trembling.”

Angel hadn’t realized she was, but she slid from her bunk to the floor and crawled to Lisha, gripping her little purple fingers weakly. “I… I’m afraid.” She admitted. “But I have to try, it’s all that’s left of him… all that’s left of us. He was everything, and now this… this is everything I have left in the galaxy. This little spark of hope….”

Lisha nodded, looking meaningfully at Angel. “Motherhood is no easy task, even without a collar and master like Fortuna.” She whispered, stroking the tanned flesh of Angel’s palm with her thumb. “You’re not choosing an easy path, Angel.”

“I don’t care. If this child lives, so does Boba. So do I. I… I’ve felt so dead inside. Like there was nothing left in me. No color or life. But it could come back… I could live for his baby.”

“It’s your baby too, dear. But I’ll help you. I’ll deliver the little one myself if I have to.” Lisha smiled. “I’ve done it a time or too, before I ended up here. I used to live on a farm, with a big family and lots of little ones running around.”

“What happened…?” Angel frowned.

“My father, our patriarch… ran up a lot of gambling debts. Jabba decided his debts were the family’s debts. We were all sold, and separated. It was over thirty years ago.”

“I’ll find a way to get you free too, no matter how long it takes. I swear. You…” she smiled. “You’ve been so kind. I’m not… used to it. But I’m grateful, I swear.”

Lisha nodded. “You’re a good woman, I see it in your eyes. I’ll help you.”

“Vor entye.” Angel whispered.

“I’m afraid I don’t speak your language, dear.”

“It’s… Mando’a. It means that I accept a debt to you. It’s how we give thanks.”

Lisha patted her wrist. “Brave thing you are. I hope this child is as strong as its mother.”

“If it is half as strong as its father, it will be twice what I’ve ever been.” Angel said resolutely, resting her forehead on the bars and letting Lisha squeeze her hands.

She closed her eyes, reaching for the little blossom of life sparkling like polished beskar inside her through the Force. Are you there, ad’ika? I’m here. I’ll protect you.

Her sense of the Force was addled from the burning anger that had disoriented and upset her crystal, but she felt it. Reaching out like tiny fingers outstretched to hold her hand. It was wordless, languageless and pure as starlight. Still, she felt the innocent and uncomplicated love it felt for her, the only thing it knew. I’m here, ad’ika. I am your mother, and I will love you to my last breath. I know you. I love you. Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum.

2 ABY

Lisha was right. Pregnancy was no easy feat, especially with Bib Fortuna around. He had seethed when her belly swole, oscillating wildly between threatening to kill the child the second it was born and using it to gain her compliance. Angel, bolstered by impending motherhood and hope, stared him down with eyes colder than Hoth until he was shivering and ordering her back to the cell.

And there she remained. Lisha was ordered to tend to her, an order she suspected the older twi’lek had bribed or bargained to get. While she couldn’t get into the cell, she still was able to haul water and do little things for Angel like wash her hair while the younger woman leaned against the cell bars or sneak her little salty foods she knew Angel craved. Today, she’d gotten her hands on some pickled fruits Angel liked, and was checking her swollen belly while Angel nibbled them slowly. Angel was about six months along if her guess of when it had happened was correct, and looked like someone had stuffed her own helmet under her skin. She absently traced the purple stripes adorning the skin of her belly and hips, where her growing child had forced the skin to stretch. They’d fade to silver white, she had had them before along her shoulders from the rapid growth from infancy to teenagerhood on Kamino. Still, it was itchy.

“It’s funny… I never used to like sour stuff.” She murmured, looking at her hands stained greenish red with the juices. “Boba used to pick me up sweets when we were off world.”

“You loved him dearly, didn’t you? I hear the way you talk about him…”

“He was everything to me. All I had when I lost my brothers… and he saw me for myself. He made me feel special, even when I felt like I was nothing but a flawed brother.” She sighed. “He gave me the side of him no one else got… and he wanted this baby as much as I do.” Her voice was soft, wavery with a ring of longing. “He should have been here. He would have been the best father in the galaxy… he practically worshipped his own father’s memory.”

“Do you believe in spirits, Angel?” Lisha reached through the bars to rub balm on Angel’s sore skin kindly.

“Sort of… Jango, Boba’s dad, told me about a place called Manda. A place all the great warriors go, to sit with the great kings of the past or something. It’s a great honor… I bet Jango’s up there, with Boba, and they’re both complaining because I’m telling a stranger they had feelings.”

Lisha nodded, smiling a little. “We never really lose the ones we love, even when we feel lost. They walk hand in hand with us for the rest of our days, and welcome us when it’s our time to join them. One day, you’ll be back with your beloved, and your brothers… and you’ll walk alongside your child until they join you too.”

Angel smiled sadly. “You really think so?”

“I know so. And so do you. I know that crystal stuck in your chest has some kind of magic in it. I don’t know a lot, but I think it makes you very, very special.”

The clone leaned her head forward, touching her forehead shyly to Lisha’s through the gap in the bars. “Thank you…. I needed to hear that.”

“I know, dear. Now finish your snack, I brought you some fresh linens so you can rest better. Just a little longer before your little one comes, we can’t let your strength fail now.”

Angel nodded, rubbing her belly gently. A little kick under her hand brought a smile to her face. She had no idea how she was going to birth a child in a cell with her only aid trapped outside the bars… but she’d figure something out. They’d made this work for all this time…

Lisha patted her tattooed shoulder. “You’re going to be okay. I knitted you a sling to carry the little one in on your back, once they’re here.”

“You’re lovely.” Angel chuckled. “I think I’d be lost without you.”

The contractions started late at night, while Angel was alone. She knew it had to be now, even though by her guesses she was still three weeks from when Lisha said the baby would be due. But there was no time to do math on this, only time to try to settle her breathing and focus on bringing her child into the world.

"Come on, Angel. Deep breath and push." She whispered to herself, white knuckling the edge of the bed when another contraction hit. She’d been listening to Lisha, the closer they got together the sooner it was over. And according to how her body was screaming at her, this little one was inbound fast… If there was a more fitting way for Boba Fett’s child to be born, she couldn’t think of it.

She didn't know much about childbirth, so she could only comfort herself with thoughts that Boba would be proud of both her and the infant as she sucked in a sharp breath and gritted her teeth once again.

What had Lisha said? "Pants off, lay back, when you feel a contraction you push.

Angel huffed out a weak chuckle. Fuck, she was lost… how the hell was she actually going to do thi- She gasped again, doubling over and biting her lip until it bled.

Boba, I wish you were here. You should be able to meet your child…

She didn't scream when it felt like she was ripping apart, but she did squeeze her eyes shut and felt movement between her shaking knees.

When she heard a tiny, piercing scream her eyes opened.

It was a squalling bundle of bunched fists and dark hair. Carefully she gathered the child up and lay it on her chest, tiny and sticky with her blood. After a moment of reeling from the adrenaline of holding her baby, she gently turned them in her arms to get a good look.

“A boy…” She smiled faintly, her own hair stuck to her forehead with sweat. A son. She had a son... "Koty." She breathed. "Koty Fett…"

The baby looked up towards the sound of her broken voice, sniffling. His skin was tanned as her own, damp fluff sticking up on his head in jet black and already starting to curl. His eyes were blue as her crystal in his cute, chubby face. She kissed his damp forehead. "Mama's got you. " she murmured.

Koty. Glory in Mando’a, and the name her dearest brother Cody had been trying to get and had recorded wrong by the Kaminoans.

It didn’t take the Fettling long to decide what he wanted and he rooted against her chest in search of breakfast until she pulled her top askew to let him latch. She was half high on the rush of endorphins from holding him, and wobbly with bloodloss. She had only her teeth to cut the cord, and spat blood before wiping her face on the back of her hand and kissing his little fluffy head.

Koty wobbled a little uncoordinated hand up to hold a fistful of her sweaty hair, oddly comforting as he nursed and dribbled milk everywhere. She curled her fingers around his head.

She lay back her son nursed with tiny grumpy noises and pulled a blanket over them both so he didn’t chill in the coldness of the desert nights and the drafty cell. This was okay, the hard part over… right?. She could do this, she could raise this boy…

But her heart ached under the joy of her sons birth. They were still trapped here, twice as helpless as before with him no longer in the sheltering safety under her heart. And even if she freed them… there was no way to ever give them back what would make their little family complete. Boba would never be there.

A year. A kriffing year before he was healed enough to leave the Tuskan camp, armorless and scarred. Boba had awoken in pain, tended by a kind mother who'd explained in broken basic that they'd found him in the sand. They couldn't tell him where his armor was, only that he'd been stripped to his flight suit and left to die in the sands of Carkoon. But he was a fighter, he was a Fett.

Slowly he'd healed, and his rescuers had cared for him well. He'd asked anxiously for information the men brought back, a constant stutter in his heartbeat when he wondered what had become of her.

His time with the Tuskans had mellowed him some. He watched them with their families, their faith and worship of water curious to him. Sometimes new little ones would peek in his tent, or teenagers would help him pack up to load a bantha when it was time to move. It made him ache to return to Angel. He'd promised her something like this, even if he’d always been a hardened man. He’d given her this dream, and now tasted it himself without her beside him. It was wrong. All he thought about was her.. What she'd look like as a bride… all the things he wanted and had buried bubbling up like a hidden spring.

So he diligently worked to recover, and listened to the news. Jabba was dead, and there were whispered rumors he’d been strangled by a slave and a Mandalorian with a lightsaber.. Huttslayer Leia and Angel.

The words warmed a place under his ribcage, untouched by the sarlacc. His brave, beautiful Angel was a worthy bride and he would make it so as soon as he could get to her. And the girl she’d believed in, the princess Leia, was strong too. To kill a Hutt was no easy feat, even with the aid of a Mandalorian. Angel had been right about her… and the Luke kid. He should never have gotten involved with the Empire, should have known her sense of justice would kick in while he was trying to curry favor with the underworld’s king.

She couldn’t be far. Either the Krayt’s Claw hideout, or at Jabba’s palace. His ship had been seen there, so he’d look there first when he was able. Knowing Angel, she was there trying to dismantle the nonsense Jabba had left behind and to free slaves. She’d always been so strong in her convictions, and he regretted every time he’d muttered under his breath that she was softhearted. She was brave, and he had been careless with it.

When it was time, he donned new clothes and was given a gaffi stick as a parting gift.

"Where go?" The matronly Tusken who'd mostly cared for him asked. "Stay. Tribe stronger with you. Hunter. Friend. "

"I have to get my… my kar'ta. My heart." He explained quietly. "And my father's armor, and ship." His scarred fingers flexed on the stick, thinking.

There was still a lingering, bone deep pain that dogged his every step. Some things wouldn't heal, but they'd lessen with time or he'd learn to bear it. A sarlacc wasn't meant to be survived, so he accepted his ruined flesh with steady breaths as his price to be reborn.

"Boba… good man. Good brother. " the matron murmured. "Find heart, grow stronger. Remember friends."

He nodded. "I will remember."

Her masked face dipped a nod. "Take bantha. Let free when ready. Will come home."

He nodded again, using the gaffi stick as a crutch to walk out of the tent.

Angel…

His ship looked like it hadn’t moved in the year he’d been gone. Boba didn’t like that at all, seeing his father’s ship and his home half buried in sand. Where was Angel? She was usually meticulous about keeping the ship clean… hell, she even resisted smoking on it when he knew she was fiending hard for tabac, just because he didn’t like the ash or smell lingering in the ship.

He pulled his hood more securely up and moved with a crowd of merchants into the palace. He had to find her, because something was wrong.

It didn’t seem much had changed, dancers and drink tray carrying servants milling around between the opulent and gritty characters of Tattooine. Bib Fortuna was seated on the throne, a twi’lek dancer on his knee, laughing at something the new king was saying with a simpering smile. But it wasn’t the occupant of the throne that drew Boba’s eyes. It was what was bolted to the wall behind the throne.

Mandalorian armor, in sky blue and white, with wings painted on the pauldrons. He knew that armor, he’d spent years cleaning it along with his own or touching up her paint as a surprise when she was too bone-weary to do it herself. That was Angel’s armor.

She’d never have given it up, and no one here would have challenged her even on Fortuna’s orders with it on. That left only a single, agonizing option…. By some trick or trap, Bib Fortuna had killed her.

Angel was dead.

Cold fury leveled into Boba’s stomach at the realization. He wanted to tear Fortuna apart with his bare hands, but he was unarmored with only a gaffi stick… He turned slowly, looking back at the helmet that once cradled the face he’d loved more than anything in the galaxy. He’d be back, once he found his fathers armor. And Bib Fortuna would pay for Angel’s life and the lifetime of loneliness he’d inflicted on Boba.

One day, he would sit in that throne while Bib Fortuna begged for his life at his feet. And he would deny him.

[super-unpredictable98]

Hard Candy (~Misfits AU~)

Chapter 27: Epilogue - Back to The Future

Warning: Language, alcohol.

a/n: This has been a wild ride! I just wanna thank you all for your support and for being so incredible, Lydia is such a dear character to me and it’s great to see people falling in love with her story. Oh, and even though this is the last chapter of Hard Candy, the story isn’t over, keep an eye out for tons of drabbles and one shots, and a brand new series (hopefully) coming soon.

(Hard Candy Masterlist)

- I'm really lovin' this new color on you, Lyddie - Nathan played with my pink hair.

- Yeah, it was time for a little change, wasn't it? Today marks the start of a new part of my life... The part I know absolutely nothing about. After all, today's the day.

- The day? What d'you mean?

- The day we first kissed, when I confessed to you. Actually, it was right here, at this very table, at this very pub. After Simon left with Lisha, you promised to get me home safely by the end of the night, we talked for hours and hours until it finally happened.

- No shit! Wow, it seemed so far away when you told me about it, can't believe the day arrived, life is just passin' me by... I'm gettin' old, aren't I?

- You look fine to me - I winked and blew him a kiss.

- So, why are we here today? I thought you'd wanna forget it... Forget how much of a wanker I was for lettin' you go.

- Well, I normally would, but I think I owe someone an explanation.

- Who? 

I looked pointedly at the door as my younger self walked towards our table. Nathan's face lit up upon seeing young Lydia, it was kinda cute to see him reacting like this instead of her for once.

- I think you get the picture?

- Oh, yeah... I get the whole picture - he smirked. 

- Hey Lolli, hey Nathan - Lydia smiled as she joined us in the booth.

- Hi, Lyds - I took her hand - how are you?

- I'm good, just practicing a lot, I'm actually playing one of your songs for my university audition next week, Shape of You.

- Were you goin' to university? - Nathan frowned, slightly guilty.

- Yeah - I whispered - but it was okay.

- I have a good feeling about it, maybe it will be better than secondary school... - She joked.

- Are you excited to become an aunt? - I asked.

- Very! Simon promised me he would let me be the godmother - she clapped with excitement.

- That's really nice... - I was trying to gather the nerve to say what I had to say, the whole reason why I asked her to come in the first place - So, there's something important we need to talk to you about.

- Oh, is everything ok? - Lydia seemed worried.

- Sure, brilliant - Nathan chuckled, still a little hypnotized by her.

- So... I know you're into Nathan - I shrugged.

- What? - She blushed furiously, sputtering a bunch of nonsense - I'm not... He's just... I think he's... But not...

- Lydia, it's ok - I stroked her hair gently - it's natural and I'm not mad, really. Believe me, I understand exactly the way you feel.

- That's adorable - Nathan bit his lip teasingly - I love how jittery you get when you're around me... Lollipop.

Her breath hitched when she heard that name being directed at her. She stared at him agape and I saw her pupils dilate at least ten times their normal size. 

If I'm being honest his sultry tone did something to me as well, that man knew exactly how to get us both riled up and ready. How could I blame her?

- That's... That's weird, is this a wind-up? - She looked scared.

- Here - Nathan got closer to her, placing his hand on the back of her neck - does this look like a wind-up?

He leaned in and kissed her, she stood still for a few seconds before melting into his arms. It was funny to watch, her fingers quickly making their way to Nathan's curls, her body pushing to be closer to his. It was almost like I could feel that rush, her stomach filling up with butterflies just like mine did so long ago.

- Oh my God, oh Jesus, okay - she panted as he let her go and wrapped his arm around me - what is happening? Why is your husband kissing me? Why are you ok with him cheating on you? I heard that famous people are weird, but...

- Well, Lydia - I grinned widely - he's not cheating on me, because we're the same person.

- We're what?

- My name is not Lolli or Lyddie, it's actually Blossom Lydia Bellamy Young, I was born in Wertham, on November 22nd, 1996, and funny enough, I have a birthmark that resembles a microphone.

I turned to show her my left shoulder and she tilted her head with the most confused expression I've ever seen on my face.

- Oh my God, people did always say I look a lot like you... So what does that mean? - She gulped nervously - How did you do this? How did we do this?

- Well, I fell in love with this twat, just like you, but when that happened he wasn't married to me. He was married to another woman, he had a family with her. He turned me down after saying he loved me, he said that in another life we could've been happy together, so I decided to make this other life real.

- What did you do? 

- I sold everything I owned and bought myself a power, one-way time travel. I went back to 2009, got myself arrested and sentenced to community service, and that's when I met my Nathan.  

- That's amazing - she looked between us - but why are you telling me this?

- I thought it would be only fair for you to have the same chance I did, to go back and be with the man we love. That is if you don't mind giving me the place of our nephew's godmother...

- So you're saying I should go back in time?

- Do you want to?

- Is it dangerous?

- Extremely, but I'm here, I'm alive, and I've never been better.

- What if he doesn't fall in love with me?

- That's impossible - Nathan shook his head - there's no way this could ever happen. I knew I was fallin' from the moment she called me "lanky kid".

He rubbed his thumb against the back of my hand with a sweet smile. I never knew that, can't believe he still remembers that day.

- Well... I do, I wanna go.

- Alright, I'll arrange everything. I'll write down some instructions for you on how to keep the timeline in place, and you can go two weeks from now. There's a guy I know who can transfer the power from me to you, you just have to promise me one thing.

- Anything - she nodded enthusiastically.

- When this day comes for you, today, you need to tell young Lydia the same thing I told you and offer her the same chance I'm giving you.

- Sure, I can do that.

- Just don't give up when I mess things up, alright? - Nathan tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear - I know I will, several times, but I do love you, before and after.

- I promise I won't - she gazed at him lovingly - can I possibly get... Another kiss?

- Such a little tart... - Nathan pulled her close and I laughed - You can never get enough, can ya?

- Shut up, you cocky bastard! - I rolled my eyes.

Nate kissed Lydia passionately, smearing once again her lipstick all over their mouths. Her chest was heaving and I could see that sparkle, the true happiness in her eyes, that thing that finally made me feel truly beautiful.

- And one more for the road - Nathan kissed her one last time.

- I can't believe this is happening - she looked down, catching her breath.

- You better believe it, Lollipop - he purred - actually, I think you deserve a little somethin' special. Maybe I should get a drink, a little snack, and then we both...

- SHE'S NOT READY! - I covered his mouth with my hand - She'll die of embarrassment if you say what you were about to say.

- Alright, touchy - he mocked - don't worry, young me will know exactly what to do to get rid o'that shyness.

- What are you guys talking about? - She widened her eyes.

- Nothin', you'll know soon enough - Nathan waggled his brows with a cheeky grin.

- Don't be scared of the lightning, yeah? - I whispered - It'll hurt like a bastard, but it's just the beginning of the biggest adventure of your life.

Tag list: @crisis-of-joy​ @elliethesuperfruitlover​ @misskittysmagicportal​

[an-anxious-turtle]

Hey hey! More OC asks for @thenerdcommander. Slowly chugging through it with this next batch of questions.

1.       Who did you last say “I love you” to?

Fen: Fenris! I said it to her before she went to bed n’ I went on watch, cuz its true! She’s kinda like a mom to me. I love everyone else too, but she was the only one awake when I said it.

Lisha: I’d say it was my sister Fen, but that was so long ago now. There has to have been something more recent right? Or am I truly that isolated?

Jolea: Eld, of course. He’s the only one that deserves it.

Kali: It was kind of awkward but probably that one drunk person in a tavern who was getting really aggressive with people. He came up to me at some point and just started yelling all shorts of hostile nonsense. Why he wasn’t kicked out right away goodness knows. But he paused, probably because he needed to breathe and I was like “Oh yes, I love you too”, then left because it was getting too noisy in there anyway. Plus I thought he might punch me the second I finished speaking.

Esca: My refection. A good pep talk before a performance. Plus I love me, so I make sure to tell me that often.

N: …..*no response*

 2.       Have you ever broken someone’s heart? If so, how did you do it? Have you ever stopped yourself before you broke someone’s heart?

Fen: Have I broke a heart? Well I think I probably have? I mean I’ve fired an awful lotta arrows an I probably got a few in the heart before? Dunno if it broke. Do holes count as breaking? An’ yeah! Mosta the time I don’t gotta STOP myself cuz I’m not gonna do it anyway, unless they wanna hurt me first. I never really like it but I gotta do it sometimes.

Lisha: Maybe once. I suppose I did. Merely by leaving and not coming back. It was the one and only though, so I don’t have a lot of experience in stopping myself’. I do feel terrible, but feel even more terrible about my sister. I cannot go home yet.

Jolea: Oh I assume so, but who cares really. I mean, if its not meant to be then its not. No need to be all upset over something that’s over. You, or I can miss someone though. But missing someone is hardly being broken, right?

Kali: Oh I doubt it. Anything I ever do I go into with the explicit terms that anything that happens is purely casual. Nothing has ever developed far enough for broken hearts to occur. Though I suppose this isn’t all about romance is it? I wish I could remember. I wonder if I broke the heart of my family. Maybe that’s why they never came back for me.

Esca: Oh hundreds! The hearts of all who see me and know they cannot be with me. Its tragic really. I feel for them but what can I do? I can’t cancel my existence

N: *has not broken any hearts, yet. But she can think of a few who will be. Literally. As soon as she gets out of here.*

3.  How many people have you had sex with this year? Details not necessary but feel free to divulge if you want.

Fen: Ah…oh that’s the naked thing rig- *cue adult intervention please*

Lisha: *a single index finger is all you get*

Jolea: *shrugs* Probably about three? Does it really matter?

Kali: I think….I think I’ve probably not been counting? Last month was about two…

Esca: No one. Not yet.

N: *has left the conversation*

4. Would you consider yourself strong and/or powerful? If so, why? If not, why not?

Fen: Probably not really no…I cant barely even use my hand so goin’ and doing strong people stuff is real hard. But I do gots magic! And some of it can be real blasty an powerful! So maybe I’m not powerful but the magic is!

Lisha: I’d be deluding myself if I said I thought I wasn’t. I’m one of the strongest in the clan. Biggest and strongest and that’s basically what I’m known for. I can use the heaviest weapons, take out the biggest enemies…ect…So yeah physically I am strong. Emotionally not so much. I do tend to bottle things up quite intensely. Which is probably not very healthy. I’m lucky my battle rage give me an outlet, but there has to be a better way to handle this.

Jolea: Of course I’m strong. Its not like I’d even have all the skills I do now if I wasn’t I worked HARD. I trained for hours, learned by observation, challenged myself, all so I could be the best I could be. Without magic. I am proof to the clan I can be stronger, and a more powerful leader then my sister, even lacking the magic they all hold so dear.

Kali: Uuh…no? Look at these arms. *flops around an arm a bit* I’d say limp and floppy as an eel but those things are actually pure muscle so bad analogy there. I can’t even credit myself with being powerful. That, my friends is all my god. I channel it but the power is theirs borrowed. So basically I’m a useless hunk of moss that can occasionally do really sweet things because my god is the most powerful, most generous, and probably most handsome god out there and he lets me.

Esca: Am *I* strong? Did you seriously just ask me that? After I just finished my very strength based circus performance that takes many hours weekly to keep up the strength for? I mean all you even have to do it look at me. I have…the perfect…physical form for what I have to do…and pretty much everything else to. And seeing as I am so strong I am obviously powerful too. I’ve got this mysterious magic I’m still figuring out but once I do…watch out world.

N: *as usual says nothing, but shrugs, and raises her hands, and all the little potted plants and such seem to brighten up and bloom to twice their former size. She shrugs again and looks curious about what you think*

5. Honestly, has anyone seen you in your underwear in the past 3 months?

Fen: ?? Why would anyone be seein’ me in my underwear?

Lisha: In the last three months, no.

Jolea: If this is relating back to that other awkward, intrusive question, then obviously yes. Move on now please.

Kali: I don’t even wear underwear

Esca: Just my roommate. It’s not on purpose but it happens sometimes in a communal living situation where no one has any freaking privacy ever.

N: ? D8<

[jandjsalmon]

Hello sweet and kind and lovely Grayface who doesn’t have a tumblr. 

Most of my Anons are not rude. In fact, I have only had Anonymous Asking turned on for a very short time - I have been known to turn them off if I get a string of super rude messages (most of which I don’t answer anyway) or I’m about to make a post that I feel certain is going to be bitched about in other places. BUT since I started with this level of self-care (where I turn off Anons occasionally), I get so few Anons that it’s rarely a problem. Thank you so much for being indignant on my behalf though. It’s really sweet.

And yes. Thank you for your kind words about my friend Alisha. She really was a beautiful soul and I was very blessed to be in her orbit and have her as a dear friend. Funny how after someone passes you find out all sorts of new information that you didn’t know. For example, before I started dating my husband, he was pretty hung up on this girl named L. She was a particularly good friend of Alisha - and it was Alisha that finally told him to move on and get over L because she didn’t know what she wanted and would string him along forever. She encouraged him to “see what could become of a relationship with me" and now we’re nearly 20 years into that relationship, 3 children and a very happy life. I had no idea Lisha was that voice of reason for him. He’d never told me that before (I knew about L - just not Lisha’s advice) - and that’s amazing to me. How lucky and blessed am I for having such an intuitive and loving friend!

Anyway - thank you for your kind words and for the love and support and comfort. You guys have no idea how loved I’ve felt the last few days - from the messages and emails and asks. It’s been SO kind of you all and I’m so grateful for your friendship. All of you. <3

(I’m Dylan in this gif... limboing whilst surrounded by your love)

[idreamofblueming]

Genshin Skins -- Rosaria, Ningguang

Rosaria: To the Church's Free Spirit

"Oh come on! Everyone got this just for you!" Barbara happily passed a wonderfully wrapped gift box to Rosaria, even as the latter looked on with a mix of suspicion and annoyance.

Tearing the packaging open, she found a note on the box cover across which elegant script flowed like music. "Dear Sister Rosaria, we have asked Ms. Barbara to send this gift to you, but please, do open it somewhere where she cannot see you."

Opening the box with her back turned, Rosaria discovered that the box contained still another note. It was thusly written in the same hand as before: "Dear Sister Rosaria, we know that you don't appreciate having too many people know your birthday. However, this piece of information was written on your resume by Grandmaster Varka, so, on this important day, do allow the Church of Favonius to send you a new uniform, made just for you. "If you're alright with it, stop being so aloof and be a normal Sister for once."

Deacon Dahlia (This letter was written at the request of Sister Victoria)

-

Ningguang: Orchid's Evening Gown

Ningguang, the great mover and shaker of Liyue's mercantile spheres, always seems ot hav ea confident, steady smile on her face. But even she cannot escape the vagaries of depression, reluctance, loneliness, and other anxieties that trouble the ordinary people of Liyue. Once, when Liyue Harbor teetered on the brink of a crisis, Ningguang was forced to sacrifice her Jade Chamber -- the sky palace she had built up for many years through much sweat and tears. All the memories of her past, sweet or bitter, were cast into the ocean with the Jade Chamber, and there they sank. Even one such as Ningguang could nary bear the loss. Even as the dust had settled and the opportunity to rebuild the Chamber came, she still spent much time in troubled consideration. Many things happen in this world -- who could say when great loss might loom? Each time she thought on this, she would feel depressed.

As the banquet in the skies became anew, Ningguang stepped forward in her indigo dress to invite the gathered guests to celebrate with her. Yet amidst the revelry, amidst the sea of famous relics, precious trinkets, fine cuisine, and the cries of joy and laughter, Liyue's Tianquan was once again gripped by melancholy.

Leaving her seat, she stood under the night sky with a clouded heart. The sounds of cheer within the pavilion could no longer be heard from this far away -- it was as if she were alone under the stars. As she often would in the past, she gazed down at Liyue beneath her feet -- The faint moonlight seemed to cast about Liyue's face like a veil. From Bishui Plain to Lisha, the land was painted a magnificent, gentle white. This was a sight that Ningguang was most familiar with. Ever since the Jade Chamber was completed, she would gaze upon this majestic flow every night. Time flies, but the mountains and seas remain.

"The mortal world is fleeting, but there are things that will not change so easily. "A hundred years from now, all things might be different. But then, my beauty would have faded, my body reduced to withered bones. "This garment, too, will by then have grown dull, no matter how opulent it may have been in its prime. "But so long as I live, riches uncounted shall be at my disposal, as shall the Tianquan's authority, so vested in me. "I will live this life to the full -- lacking not at all for power, wealth, or friends. "Was this not what I resolved to do from the beginning? If so, then how could I simply allow myself to fall into this pit -- to lose my wits because of a moment's emptiness? "Life must be treasured precisely because it is fleeting. "But a thousand, even ten thousand years from now, those who come after will remember this name -- Ningguang."

As she returned to the feast, her heart was clear. And when she emerged before the crowd again, the Tianquan Ningguang wore that calm, self-assured smile once more.

[beta-unfurl]

Food For Period Cramps

For a few, periods are easy-peasy but few dread their menstrual cycle. Cramps take over during periods and leave you with no option but to munch on chocolates, and salty/sugary foods. But do you know what causes abdominal pain during periods? It is the high levels of estrogens in your body. The more you consume estrogens the more your uterine lining becomes abnormally thicker. And while menstruating, the uterine lining breaks and creates more prostaglandins and thus higher levels of pain. It’s ok. You need not worry much, as there can be a natural solution. Change your food habits and you will find your cramps at bay to a greater extent.

I am mainly talking about foods that fight inflammation. The target should be not to reabsorb extra estrogens back into the bloodstream and thus reduce excess estrogens. Vegetarian and plant-based eating patterns substantially reduce inflammation and thus tame period cramps. Foods that help with menstrual cramps are:

• Dark chocolates

• Peanut butter

• Flaxseed

• Quinoa

• Lentils and beans

• Yoghurt

These are a few foods which you can have while on periods. You can also go for these listed minerals and nutrients to alleviate the cramps:

1) Calcium ( Fish with edible bones, curd, tofu)

2) Fibre ( Fruits, vegetables)

3) Magnesium ( Dark leafy greens, whole grains, avocados)

4) Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12 ( Seafood, eggs, walnuts, chia seeds)

5) Vitamin E ( Almonds, wheat germ, roasted sunflower seeds)

But there are certain foods which you must avoid to reduce inflammation:

• Highly processed foods

• Food products high in sugar

• Foods that cause gas

• Refined grain

• Animal products

Changing food patterns might not happen in a single day. But my dear friend, try to incorporate the advice in the next few cycles. There are healthy recipes which will make your taste buds happier. Eliminate unhealthy food choices and you will significantly notice alleviation of your menstrual cramps and overall improvement of health in the process.

~Lisha Sinha,Intern at Lemme Be

[vanillalish]

Glycerine

We made our own rhythm A cadence both us could dance too We have an imagery And a meter that was just right Loverboy warned,  Darling, I got my trust issues Warning you, to stay away But -  If we meet at the rendezvous Take me away, sunray  When the memory of you creeps up It is like what Keshi said in his song, I fell in love with you way back then  After a few Indie music parties together,  I didn’t mean to get so close I knew I should probably go But I got this feeling  Quoting - Clairo there And then Rex Orange County said, You’re gonna wanna be my bestfriend baby I still wanna be your favorite boy I wanna be the one who makes your day The one you think about as you lie awake I asked myself, is it ever gonna change? Am I gonna feel this way forever? Are you gonna be around for me to count on? After all you said, stan Clairo Then I kinda took her lyrics into heart  I told you I wouldn’t always be beautiful You said, you’re perfect to me - With all your strengths and flaws What you think is craziness and the life in you I’m here to make you smile After a few nonchalant deep conversations -  You said, if I do ever hurt you its not going to be external It would be internally - something Within me I’d have to fix Before that I said, I like your style Your aesthetic is so unique The vibe you give is so chill Yet you know when to act You’ve got brains For the first time I said I like your outfit And your style In the middle of the series  That we were watching You paused the video And got exalted in a genuine way Then said, when a friend commented that I was happy for a whole day But now, I’ll be extra happier For a whole week  Remember what I said back then? Through the ups and downs I’d love and I’d care, always Waiting until you come home I’ll be patient for this For you, for us I have faith What did All Time Low said? It went something like - I got your picture I’m coming with you Dear Maria, Count Me In Count me in your adventures, J  - Lisha 

[one-year-of-art-everyday]

Day 91

[itistimeforusalltodecidewhoweare]

My dear friend Lisha (@daisyprouvaire) tagged me in the six selfies of 2016 challenge and I, a rebel, am posting seven pictures again. Fight me.

I’m tagging @permets-tu-not-permettez-vous, @gernotromic, @charlotte20sl and @hotchocolatenthusiast to do the very same (if you want to - if not, that’s fine as well!)

Let’s make 2017 better than whatever the hell last year was. <3

[thespian80]

Tender Gardens (preview of an age play fantasy fiction in progress)

Mysti finds herself, for several weeks, having trouble sleeping at night; she isn't certain, if her difficulty sleeping, is simply nervous excitement for her upcoming 21st birthday, or the mere fact that she has been trying very hard, to get things done in a very short time, for that very birthday celebration, subsequently, causing her to be too anxious to sleep soundly; As she lays in bed, for what feels like an eternity -yet has, truth be told, only been fifteen minutes- she sees a strange twinkling light above her, and hears a faint music, from, where, outside? -She couldn't tell where the sound was coming from, but did, finally find herself sleeping soon after; well, honestly, she, found herself, in dreamland, the twinkling light, however, found her, asleep... Two weeks after her restless night, Mysti was preparing in the kitchen, making cakes and cookies -for her party was coming up in a few hours, and she wanted to have plenty of treats for her guests to eat; -her Father, Samuel, had been realistic in this matter: that it, being Mysti's birthday, she should be the one being pampered, not doing the pampering, but, she was never one, personally, to delve into what she perceived, as a selfishness, and wanted to be certain her friends could enjoy themselves; this added to her beauty, and her Father knew it, but that, was mere proof, that she deserved to be the one on the receiving end of being doted upon. After some kitchen preperations, Mysti had been back upstairs, getting ready for her party, when her Father came to retrieve her, for the arrival of her first friend; when he came to her room, he was both displeased and amused, by seeing that Mysti had fallen asleep at her vanity desk, and was slobbering, as usual, all over her notebook. Mysti's Father put his hand on her shoulder and shook her softly, and she slowly opened her eyes; she woke startled, and pouted "I didn't mean to fall asleep, I really didn't- I have too much to do before people start arriving" her Father merely smiled and chuckled, and pointed to her window. Mysti turned her gaze towards his pointing, and widened her eyes and ran to her window; what she saw out of it made her shake her head in amusement - it had been snowing outside, the trees covered in white, and there were obvious horse hoof tracks, coming up the lane to the house, that had been freshly made; she followed them with her eyes and found they were from her friend's horse, where she saw, her friend was now walking towards the front door. Mysti ran to her dresser and got out a glimmering, short pink skirt, as her Father smiled and left the room, leaving Mysti to finish quickly. Mysti put the skirt on in a rush, put on a soft purple top, soft in color, soft in feel, and quickly brushed her hair, put her soft brown hair into two pony tails, and tied them with little blue ribbons. She gave herself a quick look in the mirror, felt pleased enough with the look, and went downstairs and greeted her first guest in the den. Mysti's friend, Lisha, was sitting patiently, hands sitting in her lap, holding a small gift box between her knees. Mysti's smile widened as she came towards her friend with hands outstretched "ahh is that for me?" Lisha merely smiled and gave Mysti a small smack on the hand "ah ah, not yet" as she pulled Mysti onto her lap, sat her on her knee with her hands around Mysti's waist, and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek "here you go, Mysti" and gave her the box "don't open it until later okay?" Mysti smiled and nodded "okay." Lisha gave her another kiss on the cheek and stood Mysti, as she stood up and they both walked towards the door to the dining hall "So, Mysti, who all is coming to the party tonight? " Mysti thought for a moment "Well, there is, of course, you, and there is also Ade, Evia, and Christopher, and there is, of course, my Father, and my cousin, Segrin." Lisha smiled "oh aw, I love Evia and Ade, they are so adorable, how old are they now, 18, 19? " Mysti smiled "They are 19 now, as of, I believe, the 8th of last month" Lisha nodded "oh, I guess that does sound about right" and then the doorbell rang, and through the frosted window on the door, could be seen, the silhouettes of twins Evia and Ade, and both Mysti and Lisha went towards the door to answer; Lisha approached the door first, and smiled at Mysti in question, Mysti nodded, and Lisha opened the door; there stood Ade and Evia, the young twin siblings, both bright blue eyes, long brown hair, fair soft skin, neatly dressed in formal Eaythaen Elvish attire, and smiling. Lisha burst into a squee and hoisted Evia up into her arms --Both Ade and Evia, and all that knew Lisha, were accustomed to her affectionate dominant nature, and not many could shy away from her, or wanted to-- Lisha squeezed Evia and sat her on her hip, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead "oh you are as sweet as I remember, darling. How have you been these last few months since I saw you?" Evia smiled and blushed, and put her head on Lisha's shoulder "I have been great, though the journey was long and I am rather tired" Lisha smiled and stroked Evia's head lightly, rocking her "then rest a while dear, I will wake you when all else have arrived" Evia happily obliged and was soon asleep in Lisha's arms, as Lisha turned her attention to Ade "And how have you been Adelvion? " Ade swallowed sharply- it was no secret that he admired Lisha heavily, and she addressed him with his full name, as usually accustomed for paternal figures- this did not embarrass him, but drew him to her deeper "I am quite rested and pleased to be in your company once again, Miss Lisha" Lisha smiled "that's quite well, I am pleased to see you again as well, sweetie- but please do tell, how is it, that you are quite rested, but your dear sister is exhausted? " Ade smiled wryly and gave a soft chuckle "We traveled upon Evia's horse, Grace, and while Evia sat in front, doing all the work, I slept peacefully behind her, the entire way" Lisha gave a few soft clicks of her tongue in disapproval, and gave Ade a soft slap on the butt "you should have been more generous, gentlemanly, and shared the burdens of travel" Ade blushed, and nodded in agreement "Yes, as I had requested to do so, I assure you- but Evia insisted on doing it all herself, admittedly, in hopes that being tiresome, you would provide arms to rest in, and she was also insistent upon my being fully awake once we got here-- she didn't want to share in being held" Lisha smiled "aww, the tricky little princess-- she will be duly scolded once she awakes, but she did in fact do legitimate work to obtain such a thing" Lisha rubbed Evia's back softly and gave her a few soft pats on the tush. Ade stood forward a little "And, also, I must add, it was also in order for me to do my duty upon arrival--" Ade put his right hand out, which, was now apparent, was gloved formally in white parcel gloves, as is custom for their kingdom, and handed Mysti a green wax sealed, letter Ade bowed at Mysti, and became very formal "My dear Lady Mystiline, I was requested that you were delivered this message, but that you were to open it upon receiving an accompanying gift, given you by your Father, and no sooner- that the accompanying letter would be a spoiler of surprises yet to come, please follow the request" Mysti shook her head confused "Well, I must ask, respectfully, why give it to me now, when I have not yet to receive the accompanying gift, also, that you have called me by my full name, as I have never heard you do so before?" Ade nodded "I was told that you may ask such a question- you are given the letter, in a hopes that once receiving the gift, the gift would not be as such a shock-- that once seeing, you would then understand whom both were gifted by-- as for my addressing you in a manner, I was also advised to do so" Mysti turned and looked and looked behind her, smiling in question at her Father. Mysti's Father merely smiled and gave a short nod. Mysti turned back to Ade and took the letter from his hand. Ade suddenly looked relieved, as if releasing a huge burden, and stretched. Lisha gave Ade a look "ohhh, ha ha, Adelvion, you couldn't be tired by such a small task-- nice try, it isn't yet your turn to be held" Ade blushed and shook his head "No no... I wasn't implying such a thing- I know better- I am simply relieved to have it done, and my arms were somewhat tired from holding to Evia's waist tightly on the travel here- she was going way too fast for my taste, and though I did mostly rest, I was nervous, nonetheless" Lisha stroked his cheek with her left hand "aww, poor baby" Ade knew it was mock comfort, but he took it gladly, and smiled "Well, if you don't mind, I wish to find some brew, and possibly a small snack of sorts" Mysti smiled "follow me, I have cakes and ales of assorted kinds, freshly made" Mysti led the way, but Lisha insisted on taking Ade by the hand and leading him "come along, sweetie, I saved you a seat by me and your sister" Lisha pulled out a chair and directed Ade to sit, and pulled a chair bedside him, and sat down with Evia still sound asleep in her arms. Lisha stroked Evia's head and rocked her gently "she really was tired, wasn't she? The little stinker" Ade grinned widely at the platters before him- cakes of various kinds, velvet and chocolate, vanilla and caramel, with assorted cookies as well, set bedside various carafes of assorted brews. As Evia sat asleep in Lisha's lap, she had a serene, peaceful look upon her face, the sounds of the soft chatter around her, the smells of the cakes and cookies softly seeping their way into her nostrils, her eyes slowly moving left and right under her eyelids, a soft dream coasting through her mind, of a soft gurgling stream, with a small wooden boat gently drifting in the waters; the rocks beneath the stream barely touching the bottom of the boat, a harmless scraping against its tough bottom, the boat drifting by a small island with a beautiful green tree with bright red orbs like that of juicy red apples hanging upon its limbs. Sat within the boat was a peacefully sleeping Evia, softly waking and eyeing her surroundings-- there within the bright green tree, with its brightly glowing red orbs, sat a gentle Raven, whom, upon seeing Evia, gave a low caw, and tapped the tree softly with its beak, a bright orb fell, rolling upon the ground, landing within the boat; Evia eyed the orb, cautiously touched it, a small joyous wave of emotional electricity ran through her fingers, and she picked it up softly; there within the orb, she could see, what appeared to be, a soft glowing vapor within, with characteristics of liquid, moving in all directions, the color of the vapor itself changing softly, many times, as she eyed it in wonder. The Raven within the tree cawed, and she could hear his words within the soft sound "take care of your evermoving emotions within you, that you should bear the fruits of compassion" Evia smiled, and nodded in understanding. In the waking world, Lisha smiled as Evia still sat with her arms asleep, and stroked Evia's head softly, and Evia began to yawn and slowly opened her eyes, as a light tapping on the door could be heard. Evia smiled and looked in the direction of the tapping, "Christopher? I am sure of it" Mysti, stood up and made her way to the door, where, through the beautiful frosted glass, appeared to be a silhouette of a man in a long flowing robe, standing patiently outside the door. Mysti made her way to the door, opened it, and curiously, saw a small squirrel scratching itself, on the doorstep- Mysti giggled, "what a cute widdle nutty fellow... but a sunny day gives you away, Christopher" the squirrel stopped, stared and chattered irritated, then, POOF, in a cloud of dust, stood Christopher James, laughing "happy birthday, Mysti, I thought maybe I would have you believing, that someone had left you a pet as present." Mysti giggled again "well, that may have worked, had I not seen your shadow behind the squirrel hahahaha" Christopher palmed himself in the face "well, I forget that you seldom miss such things. I shall try better next time" Christopher bowed, and Mysti waved him inside. As Christopher made his way in through the foyer, Evia and Ade seemed to liven up very quickly, and both stood smiling widely as Evia then bounded into the foyer toward him "Christopher!" She jumped enthusiastically, and landed right in front of him and gave him a big hug, as Christopher smiled and laughed "it's not like you haven't seen me just yesterday. How have you both been getting along since your time here?' Evia smiled "Well, we haven't been here but for a few minutes or so, before you yourself arrived" Christopher looked bewildered and confused "but, you left yesterday morn.." Evia cut him short, with a shushing finger to his lips, "we'll talk more about it, follow me" and Evia led Christopher into a den off to the side of the foyer. Mysti laughed and shook her head 'as always those two and their private meetings of who-knows-what about' she thought, giggling, and made her way back to the dining hall, and Ade smiled "where have Evia and Christopher gone to now?" Mysti laughed "you know those little meetings you three always have- Well, Evia, after mention of the trip, led Christopher away to the den by the foyer" once Mysti said 'trip' Ade's eyes widened, and after saying 'foyer', he'd gotten up from his chair, and had ran towards the same aformentioned room. Mysti laughed and sat down at the dining table "well, there goes three guests, having their own private time, rather than sitting here, giving me people to dote upon. Lysha smiled, and patted her knee "come here, you" Mysti smiled and came and sat upon Lysha's lap, and Lysha wrapped her left arm around Mysti's waist, and her right arm around her chest, and kisses her on the cheek "it's all about you, hon, I know it. You know them, they always have ideas, and they are always so secret about it" At that moment, Christopher poked his head into the dining hall, and gave Mysti's Father, who'd been busy bringing treats and drinks back and forth, and was now reading, a small cough to get his attention, and a smile and wave once he'd looked up; Mysti's Father stood up, immediately, and followed Christopher into the den. Mysti giggled and shook her head "there goes another one, hahahaha" Lysha smiled and patted Mysti's tummy "well, you've still got me, hon, I've no need to go running to some hush hush secret meeting. I am right where I am comfy and happy" she gave Mysti a squeeze and gently placed Mysti's head against her bosom. Mysti rested peacefully in Lysha's arms for several minutes, when Mysti's Father returned, a smile and tear streaming down his cheek, and Mysti laughed "well, now they're going to call you to meet them as well, now, I suppose, Lysha." Christopher came into the room at that moment, and laughed "nah, no need. Both of you, Follow, if you please. Won't hurt, I promise hahahaha" Lysha stood up, set Mysti down, and they followed, where, Christopher lead them outside, where a beautiful, almost glimmering white horse stood, and Christopher nodded "now would be the time, to read that letter that you'd received, young Mystilline" With a smile on her face, Myst opened the letter, and read "On this birthday, my darling daughter, I give you, one of my most beloved gifts, this beautiful horse, glimmering Bow. She is intelligent, swift, and Loyal, Bow Loyal she is called, and Loyal she shall always be. It is with this gift, that I ask your forgiveness, for the time that I'd been missing in your life, for it is a difficult circumstance that kept us apart; upon your arrival, if you shall honor me with your precious presence, I will do my very best to explain, in person, the reasons why. Please show no anger towards your Father in this matter- he had no choice, but for that of your safety and happiness - he is blameless- save any anger you may feel, for me alone, for I alone, am to blame. Though it would be hard to understand, I do love you, my little Mystilline. Tender Sincerity, Mommy" Mysti, with tears streaming down her face, ran to her Father, and gave him a hug "is it true, Daddy? Is Mommy still alive? Is this horse, really a gift from her?" Mysti's Father nodded and kissed Mysti's forehead, and gave her a soft squeezed hug. Mysti shook her head and took a step back, and put her hand to her mouth in disbelief "all this time, I thought she was dead, but now to find, Mommy has been alive, all these years" Lisha came to stand beside Myst, and took her hand in hers, and wrapped her arm around her waist "I will accompany you on your journey to her, if you do so choose to see her" Mysti nodded lightly, "you may, of course " Lisha smiled and clicked her tongue, and gave Mysti's tush a light pat "oh, I wasn't asking, sweetheart. Had you said no, I'd have reminded you, who's been playing your mommy in your Mommy's absence, and I won't allow you to travel alone" Mysti smiled and blushed, and walked towards her new horse, Bow Loyal. Upon her approach, Bow Loyal tapped the ground softly, and Mysti could feel as though the horse was somehow speaking to her, telling her to get on her back. Mysti stroked Bow's neck, and Bow lowered her face to Mysti's face, and Mysti felt like she was meeting an old friend "you're so pretty, Bow Loyal " Bow tapped the ground again with both front hooves, and rubbed her face against Mysti's. Mysti swore she heard somewhere within her mind, Bow Loyal saying "I missed you" with tears she couldn't explain, streaming down her face, Mysti spoke a nickname she didn't know how she knew "BoLo.." with the name spoken, Bow Loyal shook and tapped in excitement "you remember me, you remember me! I love baby princess Mysti! " with a look of excited confusion, Myst stepped back "did... did anyone else hear?..." they only stood and watched, smiling, and Lisha answered "I know. It will take some getting used to, but, the place where Bow is from, where YOU are from, a bond between you is easily returned, and with that bond, comes communication; Again, I know, it takes getting used to, but you will." Mysti smiled in bewilderment, and Lysha stroked Mysti's soft brown hair "This journey will be long, and it will be difficult, but you will not be alone - I will care for you, every step of the way" Mysti smiled, and gave a soft giggle "I know I will be fine, certainly, Lysha. I will not worry at all, once we are ready and on our way" Lysha smiled and gave Mysti a soft pat on her tush "yes, but there are difficulties to which you are still unaware, but all in good time, you shall be in comfortable understanding of your situation" as Mysti looked confused about Lysha's strange wording, Lysha was fully aware of her confusion "as I said, all in good time, princess, you will understand " Lysha gave Mysti another pat on the tush, and lifted her up onto Bow Loyal. Mysti smiled, and laid her head against BoLo's neck "oh, you're so soft and fluffy" Bow Loyal gave a soft tap with her right front hoof in joy "oh baby princess, I will get you both home safely, I know every way home by heart" Mysti giggled "oh you're so sweet and silly BoLo" Lysha hopped onto Bow Loyal behind Mysti, and gently laid Mysti back against her, and with one hand on the reins, and one hand upon Mysti's tummy, Bow Loyal began slowly trotting forward, and Mysti laughed gently "well, we can't be heading out just yet, we haven't even packed or.." Lysha cut off what Mysti was saying, with a gentle rub of Mysti's tummy, and a soft lulling "shhhh.. there are things about the journey, that it would be best you are somewhat aware of now, if you please, hon. I will tell you of them as we have a little ride around the property here" Mysti nodded "okay Lyshie.." Mysti laughed and shook her head "I don't know why I called you that" Lysha smiled and nodded "mmhmm. See, this is one of things that I must explain. Things are already taking a small effect, because Bow Loyal is from your Mother's realm, and though you are, in a sort, also from that realm, being that your Father is fully human, you're also from this realm" Mysti turned her head to the side, a bit confused "wait, so my Mother, is she not human?" Lysha rubbed Mysti's tummy gently "no, honey, your Mommy is a Fairy, and I yes, I see that look on your little face, I'm not joking. Because you are both Fairy and Human, the effects of your Fairy realm will be something that will take you time to get accustomed to- you will have physical and psychological changes, but I will be there to care for you- I will not be your comfort in your times of need. Do you trust me fully for this task, hon? Do you consent to the travel, and all the challenges it may bring?" Mysti nodded "yes, I do consent. I trust you fully" Lysha smiled "that's good, hon, now lay back and rest a while, and I will get used to holding you close while riding" Mysti smiled and obeyed, put her head back, and to her surprise, but not to Lysha's, she quickly fell asleep. Mysti began dreaming, of a soft glowing light all around her, gentle voices she could not understand, and a young Fairy boy hovering over her "hi there little princess, aww, you're smiling at me, aren't you adorable" Mysti woke from her dream, smiling, and Lysha rubbed her tummy "did you have a nice rest, little one, did you have a nice dream?" Mysti smiled and nodded "yes. Nice dream" Lysha grinned "Yes. I thought so. That's good. I am sure you will have more just like it, as the journey goes on. We're coming back around to the front of your Father's house now, we'll want to get inside to enjoy the rest of your party before we get ready for the journey ahead" Lysha hopped down from the horse, and gently lifted Mysti and held her in her arms as they sat down for a minute outside the door. Mysti rested her head on Lysha's shoulder and smiled "your shoulder so soft Lyshie" Lysha smiled and laughed "not any softer than it's ever been before, hon. You may need a good nap once our trip has started- you called me Lyshie again, which is adorable, but right now, might be from your difficulty sleeping the last few weeks" Mysti gave a look of surprise "how did you know about that? I haven't told anyone about that" Lysha smiled "Oh, I was nearby and saw you tossing and turning, and brought a lullaby music box to get you to sleep" Mysti looked shocked "you, did what? Wow, so that music was you?" Lysha laughed "yes, that was me, I knew you would be having trouble, so I came by with the appropriate solution." Mysti merely shook her head confused, as Lysha stood up, and they headed inside, where Christopher, Ade, and Evia, appeared to be a bit silly from too much punch, and Evia came giggling "hey! Look at you two cuties! Get your butts in here! It's not a real birthday party without the birthday girl!" Evia led them into the dining room, where Christopher and Ade were sitting and munching on cookies, while Mysti's Father stood stirring the punch. Lysha sat Mysti down, gave her a pat on the tush "go have fun, hon. This is your birthday party " and made her way towards Mysti's father "Samuel, it will be my honor to get the little princess to her Mommy. I will also have Evia and Ade following closely in case we have any unforseen occurences along the way. I wouldn't mind having a satchel full of your delicious small cakes with me on the journey, I will also need several empty nursing bottles as well" Samuel nodded knowingly, and headed towards the kitchen. Lysha walked over and sat down by Mysti, whom was enjoying a huge cup of punch. Lysha smiled and put a hand up by Mysti's cup "slow down, hon, we'll regret it later if you drink too much, too fast, just before our long journey ahead" Mysti put the cup down "right. We don't want to have to make frequent stops to relieve ourselves" Lysha only grinned "we'll have to be sure we have plenty of cakes for our journey, there are also other Little details that will need attention for the journey as well" Mysti began to wonder what details other than food would be needed, ready to question Lysha, as a knock came on the door "Oh, cousin Segrin, that must be him, but.." she stopped and thought for a moment "He's my cousin from my Mother's side, wouldn't that make him a..?" Lysha nodded "Yes, that makes him a Fairy" Mysti laughed and ran to the door and opened it quickly "Segrin! Get your butt in here! It's been such a long time, and you need to explain a few things, please" Segrin, a young man with long, black hair, glasses, and medium build, walked into the foyer, with a large pack over his shoulder "well, certainly, yes- I am aware your Mom is alive, and yes, I am a Fairy" Mysti laughed "bit, you've never looked like a Fairy, I've never seen you a small chibi, with wings and tunic, and as far as Mommy being alive, I figure I'll ask her about that once I see her" Segrin smiled and took the pack from around his shoulder and held it out "well, you may find answers sooner" Mysti started to grab the pack, and Segrin stopped her "no, that's for Lysha, if you saw the contents now, you'd only be confused" Lysha came over and took the pack from Segrin, and opened it up and took a glance inside "oh those look great, I am sure we'll be in need of more soon" Lysha eyed Mysti sternly momentarily, and Mysti scoffed "what.. I haven't touched the pack, he's immediately handed it to you" Lysha shook her head and smiled "oh my, hon, you've no idea. Well, your love for punch will have you soon finding out"

[beta-unfurl]

How to manage mood swings during periods?

My previous menstrual cycle reminds me of an incident with my husband. My periods were on its way and so was my irritation having its day. He just asked as to why I get overhyped at petty things. The next thing I remember was that I had served him a ‘yuck’ dinner! Yes! These are period mood swings I am talking about. A majority of Menstruator suffer mood changes during their menstrual cycle which usually starts a week or two before the menstrual cycle and stops one or two days after the onset of periods.

Many times I find questioning why we do face mood swings during menstruation. The answer to this doesn’t seem specific But it is usually assumed that hormonal fluctuations are the reasons behind mood swings. The drop in progesterone and estrogens levels causes serotonin levels to drop which in turn link to feelings like sadness and irritability.

Symptoms of heightened mood swings help to detect incoming period:

• Sadness and rage alternatively

• Oversensitivity and anxiety

• Depression and sadness

• Anger and irritability

Mood swings can be troublesome not only to you but to family and people surrounding you. I have tried to incorporate certain changes in my lifestyle and within a few cycles my mood swings have become tamed to a larger extent:

• Fibre-rich food: Go for it, dear! It will not only help with your mood swings but also add an extra glow to you

• Meditation: It relaxes your body and mind. Stress gets lowered and helps with mood swings

• Say no to alcohol, caffeine, or too much sugar: Do it as soon as possible! They not only affect your moodiness during periods but overall health as well

• Calcium: Having 500 milligrams of calcium twice daily helps a lot with depression and irritability.

• Small frequent meals: This is tried and tested remedy. Instead of having one or two large meal, have your food in smaller amounts but on a frequent schedule.

Mood swings can worsen situations both personal and professional. These are petty changes that you can make in life and keep mood changes at bay. However if your mood swings lasts longer than usual, then it’s time for you to visit a gynecologist.

~Lisha Sinha

Intern at Lemme Be