#Marlborough sounds

[thiswillnotdo]

2023_12_15

[magnificentpaperfest]

[railnewzealand]

Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry. Offering stunning views of Marlborough Sounds and the Wellington coastline, the ferry provides a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience with a variety of onboard amenities. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Interislander Ferry allows you to enjoy a comfortable, scenic voyage while discovering New Zealand’s natural wonders. Learn about the ferry timetable, onboard facilities, and essential tips to ensure a smooth journey.

[endlessknives]

derelict (but still occasionally inhabited) houses in Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui

[thesingletraveller]

Hidden Gems: Lochmara Lodge

The Solo Scale: There are drawbacks to the solo travel – you only get access to certain units, you may not be able to do water sports, and there may be worries about hiking on your own, but you’ll also get to make connections with the staff and might even earn some perks (like getting to see behind the scenes!) There’s no guarantee, but it’s a friendly group who run the place and being on your…

[inkymink]

Nearing sunset in Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound. Marlborough Sounds, Aotearoa. 18 Oct 2022.

[defensivelee]

'count fortunatus' sounds like a fucking. whumpy ass nickname for marlborough. much to think about

[the-main-idiot]

my chnt swap AU will now be called

camp this and that

idea originally provided by @fall3nash2339

all info about characters+ art links under cut😋😋!!

(NEWWER DESIGNS WILL COME SOON, ALL OF THESE ARE FROM A SLIGHTLY OUTDATED STYLE)

all the characters have the same physical appearance (except for sydney), personalities and roles are changed

the nurses~

head nurse: Elijah Volkov, he makes all the announcements, and is mentally decaying. Boy oh boy, is he quite the man. Silly little bpd man, collected mental illness like Pokémon. But he's caring, and will do just about anything in his power to help the campers out when needed. He has a knack for elephants, likes sharing fun facts, not only about elephants but anything and everything. No filter😋 if he's thinking it, he'll say it, obviously nothing bad will come of that. Trust issues, yummy.

assistant nurse: Adam Uptin, always carrying snacks with him, he can get you to share how your parents wronged you then shove a bag of skittles in your hand and walk away. Adam isn't a fan of leaving the nurses cabin, let alone his side office, something about being a vampire and ""ahhhh the suns"",,etc etc. Although, you can lore him outside with some sunscreen, an umbrella, and an apple.

camp counselors (all camps stay the same)

Cabin Dung Beetle: Juniper Sloan. long neck, dirty blonde. British man, he's scared of the water (blah blah blah "i'm experiencing the past, present, and future all at once and i can't breathe." yadda yadda yadda) besides the meltdowns and break downs, he's pretty silly

Cabin Grasshopper : Marisol Yuchengco, 👁️dresses in gothic attire, but she's one of the most understating counselors you'll ever meet. Salem de La Marnierre, 👁️scene kid vibes, lowkey really chill though. The two are dating<3 (basically just the same as chnt, just,,, ya'know,, swapped.)

Cabin Magpie Moth: Rowan Chow, the goofiest mother fucker in the entire camp. He can actually produce sound effects, he doesnt choose them or when they happen, that's up to the universe, they just come from his general area. This man runs off of actual cartoon logic, dont question it.<3

Cabin Silkworm: Yvonne Marley, femcel. That is truly all i have to say about her. She pull's misinformation straight from the internet and spreads it like mold on moist bread. Joshua MacHeath, tictok eboy, he can make a killer flower necklace though. Joshua will sit with the kids who can't/won't participate in certain camp activities and teach them how to make bracelets out of, well, anything and everything!

Cabin Tarantula Hawk: Lucille Bertuccelli,👁️ she's an older counselor, a sweetheart though. Not only does she keep cabin tarantula hawk up am running, but she also is in charge of the arts and crafts cabin! Gracie Liu (👁️lowkey, i forgot gracie liu existed, so all of her color are just inverted. no matter how you picture her in ur brain, just invert the colors)

Cabin Ladybug : Soren Baltimore, 👁️a bit of a quiet lad, it wears a cape given to it by fennel. soren wears pants that are cover completely in pockets, those pockets are practically infinite, anything you can imagine, soren has it in its pockets. Fennel Marlborough, 👁️our favorite camp taxidermist (don't tell anyone) they have the art of life preservation down to a tea, now if they can only get em to start moving again. soren and fennel are tightly nit, they made up two languages, one between only them and the other for the entire cabin.

Cabin Widow-spider: Matthew Napoleon, 👁️he is the void, don't be scared of him just based on looks though. Matthew will teach you about things you thought you knew (you didn't). Because matthew cant actually talk, due to all that void, he communicates in a fun mixture of sign language, charades, and various static esc noises. Matthew is also involved, if not running, most water based activities (and sometimes juno+mila helps out around the cabin)

the cafeteria: Mila Alcorn 👁️and Juno Matsouka, 👁️i say "and" instead of giving the two separate descriptions because they are inseparable, trust me, i've tried. these two fish folk work together in the kitchen to provide food for all the campers at camp this and that. Practically gourmet chefs, these two are quite creative. Even though there's two of them, you'll never have to worry about chaos in the kitchen, mila and juno always compromise with each other, causing for some never before tasted flavors

special doodads

head of camp: Warren Earthman,👁️ he's a, stern, tired, grumpy, old man. also the walls in are covered with different brands and types of chainsaws. beside the threatening aspects of him, he also openly picks favorites and doesn't listen to anything that doesn't openly concern him or the government.

the rot: Sydney October Sargent, a weird rotting man who lives in the woods surrounding the camp. Don't get to close to him without a gas mask, please, the spores that emanate off of him are damn near hallucinogenic. Besides the skin falling off his bones, the various species of bugs living within him, and all the mushrooms/fungus living from his decomposing self, he's almost harmless. I mean, he's in shambles, a corpse who just won't let go, just try not to breathe near him.

Martime: Jedidiah A.M. Martime, a man who keep appearing in my dreams, I don't have dreams often, why is here, in color no less. this annoying, clock obsessed, not even real, man keeps trying to tell me that he's "here for you," and "it's ok, you can take a brake, you have enough time." what that man needs to do is pipe down and accept the fact he doesn't even exist in the physical plane.

[mxmarsbars]

hello mars you’re probably getting tired of me sending you songs in the askbox but

I never wanted to, I didn't wanna fall I don't believe that love's a good idea at all Oh, this well-designed woe Everyone that I know is broken And has fell for it before And sometimes I think I'm doing fine I think I'm pretty smart I'm quite convinced that I Can keep myself up high Oh, then the walls become thin And somebody gets in, I'm defenseless But it won't happen again It probably won't happen again But there's something about you There's something about you There's something about you I wanna risk going through Future heartbreak, future headaches Wide-eyed nights late lying awake With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes Future me hates me for, hates me for It's getting dangerous I could get hurt I know I've counted up the cons They far outweigh the pros Oh, and the floodgates are down It's the Marlborough sounds, I am drowning It's too late for me now I need you sticking around 'Cause there's something about you There's something about you There's something about you I wanna risk going through Future heartbreak, future headaches Wide-eyed nights late lying awake With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes Future me hates me for, hates me Future heartbreak, future headaches Wide-eyed nights late lying awake With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes Future me hates me for, hates me for Future heartbreak, future headaches Wide-eyed nights late lying awake With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes Future me hates me for, hates me for Future heartbreak, future headaches Wide-eyed nights late lying awake With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes Future me hates me for, hates me Future heartbreak (Walls become thin and somebody gets in) Future cold shakes

impulsesv?.??.????????

(Ps song is “future me hates me”, again by the Beths)

sighs. onto the clock duo playlist it goes.

for reals though this song is VERY good i’ve had it on repeat for like the past hour it’s very lovely and VERY traffic!impulse and clock duo-y to me >.<

wanted to do a little doodle of it because i felt sick in the head smiles awkwardly

[dream-world-universe]

Mana Marina, Porirua, New Zealand: Located north of the Capital, and just 18 nautical miles from Marlborough Sounds, Mana Marina is a safe haven from the wild Wellington weather. The best marina to sail to the sounds of Marlborough, nearby beach, train station, supermarket. ....Porirua, a city in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand, is one of the four cities that constitute the Wellington metropolitan area. The name 'Porirua' is a corruption of 'Pari-rua', meaning "the tide sweeping up both reaches". Wikipedia

[thiswillnotdo]

2023_12_19

[dianakc]

All aboard the Milton omnibus

Fandom: North and South

Ever since John stumbled out of the Hales' house and onto an omnibus, having been rejected by Margaret (in the book, not the TV series), he has continued this weekly excursion. Unbeknown to him, Miss Hale also goes on an omnibus journey each week. Then one week, Miss Hale and Mr Thornton find themselves on the same omnibus. What a coincidence ...

I'll be posting a chapter once a week x

The omnibus trundled steadily along the streets of Milton, its horses plodding resolutely on, despite the slippery cobbles beneath their great hooves. The driver clicked his tongue in encouragement to the horses as the bus neared the last stop in the town. From Milton, the omnibus route meandered farther afield towards the surrounding villages, and then onward to the terminus at Prestwich. The driver glanced up at the heavy black sky that threatened snow, but he was grateful that at least it was dry, having suffered over the last few days from being exposed to persistent driving rain. Apart from the personal discomfort from the torrential downpour, it had taken his considerable experience to navigate his horses and carriage safely along the tracks between the villages which were awash with mud.

Only the driver sat outside, and the top level of the omnibus was vacant due to the wintry chill of the day. Even the conductor had decided to spend the whole journey standing at the entrance to the lower deck, instead of sitting beside the driver to rest his feet on the longer distances between stops. He hoped that there would be few more wanting to board, as the enclosed lower carriage was almost at capacity, and he really could do without complaints from gents not wanting to sit atop, when there was precious little he could do about it.

There were twelve passengers in total, all gentlemen, who were all grateful for the shelter of the lower deck. The occupants swayed with the movement of the bus, occasionally being jostled against one another if the road was particularly uneven, though all those aboard were well used to the motion of their transport and accepted the associated discomfort.

John Thornton wiped his coat sleeve on the steamed up window to get a better view as they approached Crampton Terrace. He rubbed his arm against the glass again and peered out towards the neat little row of houses. Over half a year had elapsed since he had stumbled from the Hales’ house onto the street in a state of desperate agitation and distress, and had found himself boarding the omnibus that had coincidentally been passing by at the same time. He had travelled to Prestwich in no small state of shock, then disembarked with his fellow travellers. Finding himself in the countryside, he had walked around the fields in a stupor, not knowing what else to do, while his head and heart had been in a turmoil, seething with tempestuous love for Miss Hale and yet desolate at her sound rejection of him. With despondency, he had then caught the return omnibus in the market square to be transported back to Milton, where he had to take up the reins of his life again after that short and unexpected interlude.

Though taking the omnibus trip on the day of his doomed proposal had been by chance, more at the whim of the driver stopping for him than any intention on his own part, John had realised afterwards that he had benefited from the journey – from being completely separated from his usual activities and worries. In fact, he gave so much credit to the excursion that he continued to do it. The warm summer afternoons of his first sojourns were long gone, and yet he continued even now on the bitterest of winter days. Once a week he slipped away from Marlborough Mills and took the ride through the countryside to Prestwich, and enjoyed the opportunity of respite from the enormous pressure he was under at work, not to mention the additional heartbreak that weighed so heavily upon him. He usually allowed time for his outing on Wednesdays, but no matter how he tried to arrange his work to accommodate the time off, it had been impossible this week, and so he had had to wait an extra day before being able to take his trip.

The memory of Miss Hale’s dismissal of his hand still squeezed and twisted at his heart most powerfully. And yet, his weekly omnibus rides to the rural environs did little to give him relief from his thoughts of Miss Hale – quite the contrary. John allowed his mind to ruminate over all of their interactions together, and without exception, this naturally led on to reliving his disastrous proposal and the occasion of seeing Miss Hale in an embrace with a stranger. Though this regular mental inspection of these events – and frequent they were – didn’t provide him with any answers, he had found that the horror of his crushing disappointment was somewhat easier to bear. Not that it hurt him less, but more that he felt able to endure it.

As the omnibus pulled up at Crampton Terrace, John looked towards the Hales’ modest home. He simply couldn’t help himself, as he had once seen Miss Hale at the window. She had been hanging freshly laundered curtains and had smiled and nodded a greeting to someone in the road; John presumed her greeting to be directed at the omnibus conductor. She hadn’t seen John that day, he was sure, though he didn’t think he would have been blessed with a smile of acknowledgement even if she had. But the memory of that chance sighting of her had encouraged him to watch out for her when they stopped in Crampton, and all times since, his hopes had been dashed by her absence.

And then, quite suddenly, John felt as though his heart had stalled, as who should board the omnibus but Miss Hale. She wore her customary brown coat and hat, and carried a basket, but he could see her black mourning skirt and she had a black woollen shawl drawn around her. She handed her thruppence fare to the conductor and took a couple of steps down the short aisle assessing where there was room for her to sit. There were two spaces left, one next to an older, rotund looking fellow diagonally across from John, and one next to John himself. He knew the very instant that Miss Hale observed him and their eyes met. In that brief second in time, John knew that she was weighing up whether she should sit next to him or not. As an acquaintance, it might be construed rude not to. Then, a gent behind John piped up in a friendly manner, ‘Afternoon Miss. Off to see your gentleman again I see.’

John held his breath in shock. He saw Miss Hale hesitate just for a moment before she nodded a smile at the friendly man and scurried to the other vacant seat to sit next to the portly gentleman diagonally across from John, and she settled her basket on her knee. John cast a glance behind him to look at the owner of the voice who was privy to details about Miss Hale. The man’s attention was now fixed upon a small notebook which he was reading from, oblivious to Mr Thornton’s scrutiny. John assessed him to be a few years older than himself, perhaps towards forty. He was smartly dressed and had sandy coloured hair and a beard – and clearly had no idea what damage his quip had done to John’s equanimity. John turned back around in his seat and rubbed at the window pane again, desperate for some small distraction from the brutal feeling of emptiness that was gradually engulfing him.

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Margaret could scarcely believe it. Mr Thornton was on her omnibus! What in the world was he doing here? She knew her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment after the friendly man’s observation. Normally, she would have exchanged a word or two with the man who regularly was on her bus. In fact, several of the occupants were known to her by sight from her weekly trip to Prestwich. She knew where the friendly man went to each week, sometimes carrying flowers, sometimes not, though she had no idea who any of her fellow travellers were or what their business was. On one occasion she had sat next to a garrulous young woman who had insisted on chattering away for almost all of the trip and Margaret had explained where she was going, and why. The friendly man had clearly picked up on this titbit and, most unfortunately, had repeated it in Mr Thornton’s presence. She had been about to sit next to him when in the periphery of her vision she had seen his eyes narrow and his lips tighten almost imperceptibly at the friendly man’s observation, and Margaret, spotting his reaction, had quickly sat in the alternative available seat.

Margaret fairly boiled inside at the unfairness of the situation. She had been seconds from sitting next to Mr Thornton for at least the next hour, and that time together and chit-chat that would have been possible, might have dispersed the insurmountable wall he had erected between them. Of course, she couldn’t blame him. She had, afterall, clung to him during the strike, which had made him believe that she cared for him. Margaret mused at the peculiarity that a strong and reputedly hard man such as Mr Thornton should be better attuned to his feelings than she was, as he had recognised love in his heart before she had seen it in her own. Margaret was bereft that her love for Mr Thornton had emerged into her consciousness when it was too late. How the fates had conspired against her, as it was not only her refusal of him which stood between them. It was cruel indeed that Mr Thornton should also have witnessed her last emotional goodbye to Frederick, preventing Mr Thornton’s love from being rekindled. He had made that quite clear. And now, as she made her weekly visit to Prestwich, the friendly gentleman’s comment had surely snuffed out any hope of a reconciliation with Mr Thornton.

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They had been bumping along in the omnibus for almost an hour, with the steady clip-clopping of the horses hooves just audible behind the louder monotonous rumble of the wheels against the rutted road. The journey for both Mr Thornton and Miss Hale had been an uncomfortable one. The wooden slatted seats and backrests seemed harder than usual and jabbed into their backs with every movement of the omnibus. There was no relief from looking at the scenery either, as steam from breath and warmth from bodies clouded the windows, so that all that was left to do was to think about the person sitting diagonally across from them. They were only perhaps two of three feet apart, but it may as well have been a mile.

Suddenly, the rhythmic tread of the horses skittered and the omnibus violently lurched first to one side, and then to the other. Margaret grabbed the backrest of the seat in front of her, and her basket tumbled to the floor spilling the contents into the aisle. Yelps of alarm were emitted from several of the omnibus occupants and newspapers were abandoned as the passengers attempted to brace themselves. Cries of ‘Steady on!’ and ‘Good Lord!’ were shouted as the omnibus once again swung sharply to the left, and this time irrevocably so, and it crashed to the ground on its side, skidding along for a yard or two to the sound of splintering wood, and shattering glass. The omnibus passengers and conductor were flung wildly about within the carriage before one last terrible cracking sound, followed by a bone shaking jolt, and the omnibus finally came to a stop.

The omnibus had fallen to the side where Margaret was seated, and fortunately for her, her fall had been somewhat softened by landing upon the portly gentleman. However the bolts fixing the bench in front of her to the floor of the carriage had been wrenched apart by the force of the crash, and it now lay on top of Margaret and the portly gentleman, pinning them in place. After a moment of stunned silence, the party aboard the omnibus gradually came to their senses, and after assessing the damage to the bus and to themselves, began to crawl and clamber towards the door, helping one another out of the wreckage. The conductor appeared to have sustained the worst injury, with a laceration to his forehead, and yet even he was able to get out of the carriage with minimal assistance.

John had found himself thrown against the side of the neighbouring bench behind Miss Hale’s seat, which had prevented him falling any further. He wondered if he had lost consciousness for a moment as he was dazed at first, then became aware of the sounds of shouts for help, grunts of exertion as people moved around him, and in the distance he could hear the dreadful distressed whinnying of the omnibus horses. Belongings littered the route out of the carriage. He saw hats and papers strewn haphazardly about, and Miss Hale’s basket which had children's drawings and rough clothing spilling from it. John shook his head, trying to get some clarity, and he understood the urge to escape and follow the others, but instead of joining the passengers in their quest to extricate themselves from the wreckage, John inched forwards with one thought in his mind.

‘Miss Hale! Miss Hale! Are you well?’

‘Yes, thank you … I think so,’ she replied tremulously.

John’s heart soared with relief. ‘And you, sir?’ he asked the portly gentleman who was squashed against the broken window that was now pressed to the muddied road, and had both Miss Hale and the bench on top of him.

‘I’ll survive,’ said the man. ‘Just get me out of here!’ he wheezed.

John called for help, and the friendly man came to his aid trying to lift the bench but it was stuck fast, as two of the iron legs had been twisted with the impact, restraining Margaret and the gentleman beneath. Unable to remove the bench, the only way to get the trapped passengers out was to pull them from beneath the broken seating. The portly gentlemen would have to be freed first, followed by Margaret.

In her dark cocoon below the bench, Margaret was aware of a hand reaching towards her through a gap in the mangled wood and iron of the seat. Gratefully she grasped it for the comfort it offered. She was frightened and she had a sharp pain in her leg, but she knew she must be calm and keep things in perspective; she would be released soon and she had suffered no serious harm. Beneath her she could feel the efforts to drag the portly gentleman out, and it was proving to be problematic.

‘Is everyone else all right? No one is seriously injured?’ she asked the owner of the hand that held hers with such firm authority.

It was John’s deep velvety Darkshire voice that replied, ‘Everyone seems to be well. Just a few bumps and grazes by the looks of things. Don’t worry, Miss Hale, we’ll have you out of there soon,’ he said, and he managed a secret twitch of a smile as he felt Miss Hale’s hand squeeze his in reply.

The friendly sandy haired man, who had caused both Margaret and John such consternation due to his unfortunate greeting earlier, was helping to extract the portly gentleman. And, by and by, his ample bulk was dragged free, and Margaret slumped lower down, now against the window in his place. John heard her wince in pain.

‘Miss Hale? Are you injured?’ said John, grasping her hand tightly even though it was harder now to reach her with any comfort.

‘Mr Thornton, I think my foot is trapped. As my body position moved, my foot stayed where it was. I find I can’t move it.’

‘Don’t worry, Miss Hale. I promise we shall get you free. Not much longer,’ he said with calm assurance, however his expression told another story as his gaze held the eyes of the friendly man.

‘Ashfield,’ said the friendly man, extending his hand to John.

‘Thornton,’ replied John with a nod, and reached across with his free hand to shake that of his new acquaintance.

‘Oh! Mr Thornton, the mill master. Yes, I’ve heard mention of you. It is my pleasure to meet you, though not like this I dare say,’ Mr Ashfield replied with a quick smile.

‘Indeed,’ replied John a little distractedly, as he returned his attention to Miss Hale. With her new position on the ground, he could now see her face through the cleft between the seat and the back of the bench where there was a small space. Her hat was missing and he thought she looked a little pale, but he supposed the exact same could have been said about himself.

‘Miss Hale, I’m going to let go of your hand for a moment—’

‘Must you?’ she interrupted, and she clutched him a little tighter.

‘Just for a moment. I need to see if I can free your foot. Then we can get you out,’ he said gently.

‘Shall I try to find a saw?’ said Ashfield, causing a gasp of fright from Margaret.

John chuckled softly. ‘For the bench, Miss Hale. Not for your foot.’

Margaret gave a little nervous laugh.

‘May I look at your foot then, Miss Hale?’ John pressed.

‘All right,’ she said with a voice so small that John ached to be able to hold and to comfort her.

John let go of Margaret’s hand, and lying across the sides of the remaining seats with the floor of the passageway to his back, he looked through the twisted ironwork to see Miss Hale’s foot. Her skirt and petticoats were pushed up almost to her knee and showed that the bar holding her in place was just above the level of her boot. John stifled a gasp of shock as he perceived livid blood stains to Miss Hale’s legs, but within seconds he had steadied his nerves and his heartbeat as he realised that it was in fact her woollen ribbed stockings which were coloured red, and not tinted with blood, though he couldn’t be sure. He clambered up again so that he could look at her while he addressed her.

‘The metal from the seat is just above your boot. I wonder, if I removed your boot, you might be able to slide your foot free.’

Margaret tugged her leg again and felt the bar scraping her skin near the top of her boot. ‘I think you are right, Mr Thornton. Please. Take it off,’ she said.

John lay down again, his body supported by the remaining rows of benches, and reached through the mangled remnants of the seating to Miss Hale’s foot. There were at least a dozen small buttons fastening Miss Hale’s boot in place, and without a button hook it was tricky to undo them with any speed, but his long nimble fingers at last managed the task and he pulled the boot from her foot.

‘May I check for signs of injury?’ he shouted to her.

‘Yes,’ she replied, courageously.

And so John quickly ran his hand along Miss Hale’s stockinged leg, from the tip of her toe to where the bench metal work impeded her ankle, then above it to her knee. He withdrew his hand and breathed a sigh of relief as he held his clean palm up to Mr Ashfield. ‘No blood,’ he said. Diverting his attention back to Margaret he called to her, ‘Can you wiggle your toes?’ and she dutifully did so.

John climbed up again and passed his hand back down to Miss Hale and she accepted his grip eagerly.

‘There is no blood, so it looks all right, as far as I can see. Can you try to get free now?’

Margaret wriggled trying to pull her leg, the broken glass beneath her crunching with each movement. Her foot moved easier now that her boot was removed, but there still wasn’t enough space to get out. She felt panic beginning to rise and with it a few tears began to prick. In the dim light John saw the glistening pools forming in her eyes and he looked up to Ashfield. ‘We need to try something else. We need to get her out.’

Ashfield nodded. ‘It’s getting a mite cold in here now too,’ he whispered, the clouds of crystallised breath accentuating the truth of his words. His concern for Miss Hale’s health was increasing and he too felt the urgency in needing to free her. There was no knowing how long it might take to get help, and in another hour it would start to get dark, so they needed to rely on their own abilities. ‘If some of us could try to lift the bench, even just by a fraction, it might be enough to get Miss Hale out,’ he suggested, and John agreed that it was worth a try. So Mr Ashfield crawled from the omnibus and secured the help of three of the strongest in their party and the men climbed back aboard to awkwardly position themselves to lift the bench in the confined space.

Ashfield piped up again. ‘One of us needs to get behind Miss Hale and pull her when the time is right. What say you, Thornton? You might be the man for that job.’

John cast a puzzled glance at Ashfield. He was as strong as any of them there, most likely stronger, and had presumed he would be adding his muscle to the lifting of the bench.

Ashfield spoke in a lowered tone, ‘I was thinking of the lady, Thornton. You are clearly already acquainted and she has obviously put her trust in you,’ he said quietly, nodding to their hands still holding tightly to one another amid the twisted wood and iron. ‘You’re probably the youngest of us too, and more agile,’ he said more loudly for the benefit of the others around, and with a jaunty wink and a slap on the back, John was volunteered.

‘Of course,’ said John.

In the cramped interior of the carriage, John shrugged out of his coat so that he could move more easily. Armed with a blanket that was provided by the omnibus driver to be placed over the broken glass and splinters of wood, he crawled to get to Margaret. ‘Can you sit up a bit?’ he asked, and Margaret leaned forward, almost as far as a sitting position, and John lay down the rug and squeezed himself into the tight spot behind her so that Margaret was in the V of his legs. He took a deep breath and placed his arms around her body, close to her waist, and in doing so his chin was at her shoulder and his cheek almost pressed to hers. ‘Ready?’ he asked softly.

‘Yes’, she said, and clasped her arms over his that circled around her middle.

John nodded at Ashfield.

‘Right. On my count of three then go. Ready?’ said Ashfield to the men positioned by the bench, ‘Three, two, one, go!’

The men heaved as hard as they could, though the seating hardly seemed to move at all, and yet it was just enough, as when John pulled Margaret backwards her foot was wrenched free, and though she had to press her eyes tightly shut and clench her teeth not to cry out, Margaret was elated to have been liberated. John was panting with exertion by her ear and his grip upon her remained firm.

‘I’m free!’ exclaimed Margaret, and the men all gratefully stopped attempting to lift the bench.

Mr Ashfield helped John out of the little space behind Miss Hale, and then John himself helped Margaret to crawl to the doorway of the omnibus, her exit further impeded by her clothing which precluded ease of movement. Nevertheless she emerged from the omnibus to a cheer from her fellow passengers and was lifted to the ground by Mr Thornton.

As John looked at the wreckage, it became apparent that it was nothing short of a miracle that no one had been seriously hurt. As well as smashed windows and broken wooden panels and struts, two of the wheels were considerably damaged, perhaps beyond repair, so there was no way that they would be going home by way of the omnibus that evening. The carriage had slipped in the mire and was perched perilously close to a considerable drop by the hillside, where the recent heavy rainfall had caused a mudslide. John dared not contemplate what might have happened if the driver had not managed to keep the omnibus on the road.

John rejoined the group where a discussion regarding what they were all to do was in progress. The horses had been loosened from their harness and had got back to their feet, seemingly unharmed, and their previous distress now calmed. The driver advised his passengers that they were only about a ten or fifteen minute walk from the village of Little Heaton, and as it was patently clear that no one would be getting back to Milton this afternoon or evening, Little Heaton sounded like a welcome destination.

The omnibus passengers included three gentlemen who resided in Prestwich, and although it might take them an hour to get there, they took their leave to walk directly home before it became dark. The driver, who also had a cottage and stables in Prestwich, decided to stay with his friend the conductor, not least because he was concerned for his welfare, having sustained a head wound. The horses had also had a fright and the driver thought it best to let them rest overnight in Little Heaton before making the longer journey home. So belongings were retrieved, hats donned, and Miss Hale’s boot replaced, though it was not fastened as her ankle was already showing signs of swelling. The omnibus driver, walking briskly beside his horses, led the way, tailed by the conductor who had a handkerchief tied around his head to stem the bleeding from his cut. The majority of the passengers came next in the procession, and a little way further back, slower than the rest, followed the last group of three; Miss Hale walked arm in arm with Mr Thornton on one side, who was also carrying her basket, and Mr Ashfield on the other, both supporting her as she limped towards the village.

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[museoftheprophet]

hey uh. sorry if this doesnt make any sense, im really emotional right now and not very good at articulating my thoughts. but i have a lot of thoughts to share

seeing the "super blue moon" post you made made me instantly run out and see for myself. i looked up into the sky, anf i saw her hanging there, golden and shining and beautiful, and i waved at her

and i remembered how even if you and i arent the same, the moon is. she is still giving us her same light, and she is still orbiting the earth the same way as she would any other time

and i waved at her, and i wondered "maybe she knows who i really am"

and i have always admired the night sky, wanted to stare up at the stars and the moon. hear the sounds of space, and know what its like on other planets

so to think the moon knows me and knows you and knows everyone from camp, and shines down on us still as she did then? that means a lot to me

so thank you, sydney, for your reminder.

-a fennel marlborough kin

She really is gorgeous, isn’t she? I’m waving now!!! She’s just the same now as she was in all my memories, it’s nice to have familiar faces in this life. I like the thought that we’re all looking at the same moon :] I like it a whole lot.

[fxnofthxngs]

"I Almost..." (A Richard Krupse x Female Reader Poem)

As I'm putting the finishing touches on my spicy Rammstein oneshot, here's an intimate poem I crafted during Poetry class today! Includes a song I feel captures the essence of the moment. ❤️)

(⚠️ Content warning: talks of addiction)

As she trudged and huffed

exhausted and done with the day

through the dimly lit hallway

of the modest apartment building 

She pulls a solitary key

From her warm and cozy coat pocket

And pushes open the front door

“Richard? You home?”

She calls out for her lover, her partner

Setting down her mahogany leather work bag

Dropping it to the floor

Kicking off her boots 

Sighing heavily, oh how the day

Has taken its cruel toll on her

At first, she was met with silence 

An eerie stillness, as if all life on earth

Had ceased to exist, and the sound was now

Nothing but a distant memory, an illusion

Sniff, Sniff 

pause, a beat of silence

Sniff

“Riesch?” She called out, fearful

as she inched close to their shared bedroom door

Which had been left open a crack

Nudging it wider open with her shoulder

Her heart sank at the crestfallen sight

There was Richard, hugging his knees

Sat in front of their unmade bed

In the darkness of the bedroom

“Katze..?” He weakly replied, his face barely visible

But his tears shining from the hall light pouring in

Dropping to her knees, she crawled to him

Both hands placed on his cheeks, lips parted

Concern etched on her features

“A-Are you okay? What happened?” She cooed sweetly

Her heart broke as she sighed

Wiping the tears from his face and kissing the top

Of his tousled black locks, humming softly

“I …  almost, I opened the pack, and...” His words came out broken through quick sobs

Gesturing with his head toward an open Marlborough box

Open on the carpeted floor, discarded 

“It hurts, I-I can’t do it..” He cried shakily

Prompting her to pull him into her arms 

In a warm, loving embrace while rubbing his back

Shushing him sweetly while he held her tightly

Holding on for dear life

as if she would disappear

The second he dared to let go

“Shh, it’s okay, Riesch, I know. But you didn’t, I’m so proud of you.”

She whispered into his ear

Soothing him in the way only she could, just as he did for her

When she was left feeling broken and beaten down by her own life

“You didn’t do it though, You’re so strong, okay? I love you so much.”

Pulling away, her words registered

in Richard’s brain and his eyes began desperately searching hers

“Why do you love me? What have I ever done .. to deserve you..?”

He asked, with quivering lips and sorrowful cerulean eyes

Pressing her forehead to his, she inhaled deeply and kissed him passionately

Lips connecting while she ran her hands 

From his soaked cheeks to his bare arms

“Why?” She echoed back in disbelief

“Because you’re you, Richard. Ich Liebe dich.”

[cllnsllvn]

Marlborough Sounds Mail Cruise

Today, I went about 30 minutes up the road to Picton to go on a mail run in the Marlborough Sounds. In the north of the south island, the road stops at Waikawa, just past Picton, so anyone who lives past there has to access their property by boat. The mail gets delivered to them every few days, and people like me get to tag along. Most of the property out that way would likely be a secondary home or bach that would get more use in the summer, but there are some yearlong residents as well.

Started off in Picton Harbour for some lunch and a soak in the sunshine ☀️

Then, onto the boat for the mail cruise. We cruised through the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound.

A while back, farmers used to farm on some of the sounds, but when the costs started getting to high, many moved off the sounds into town. Because they couldn't get a profit for the land, there was a forestry initiative to plant pine trees. The thing about pines is once you plant them, they just keep spreading. And when the pine needles fall, the soil becomes too acidic to allow much of anything else to grow. So now, they're trying to reduce the pine population. One of the ways they did that from the outset of the initiative was to fly over the sounds in a helicopter and shoot the pine trees with poisoned bullets to kill them. Once that was deemed unsafe, they now poison the trees by hand in sections, so there are a lot of dead pines out there! But, where they have now died, other native plants are growing in their place.

Here are some more pics! Not much more to say, except that it was a lovely day on the water 🌊

^^thought the parents would like this one! It's at a swanky holiday home owned by this big real estate company in Auckland called the Lazy Fish where (according to the skipper) they send employees to "pretend to take meetings and drink wine."

[gokitetour]

8 Stunning Islands in New Zealand You Must Visit

New Zealand is well-known for its spectacular scenery and natural treasures, but it also has numerous lovely islands that await exploration. These islands provide a wide range of experiences, from pristine beaches to rough wilderness, making them must-see locations for those seeking adventure and quiet. Nestled in the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean, these islands have distinct ecosystems, a rich cultural legacy, and unrivaled beauty. From the beautiful coasts of Waiheke Island to the Rocky Mountains of Stewart Island, each island in New Zealand has its own unique appeal and fascination. Whether you want to hike through natural woods, dive in crystal-clear lakes, or learn about Maori culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As you travel to these breathtaking islands, you will be intrigued by the rich diversity of wildlife, which ranges from playful dolphins to towering seabirds. You'll also get the opportunity to learn about the indigenous Maori people's rich history and customs, who have a strong connection to their land. Whether you want to relax on isolated beaches or have adrenaline-pumping experiences in the great outdoors, the gorgeous islands of New Zealand guarantee an amazing experience that will leave you in awe of nature. So pack your bags and prepare to start on a voyage of exploration to these magnificent islands in the heart of the South Pacific.

Here are some stunning islands in New Zealand you must visit.

1. Stewart Island: Rakiura Island is another name for Stewart Island. It is New Zealand's third-largest island. You have to visit this lovely island if you want to walk and hike amid amazing animals and breathtaking scenery. Thirty kilometres separate the island from the South Island. The island has only one settlement, Oban. Oban is located on the island's eastern side, opposite Halfmoon Bay.

2. Waiheke Island: One of New Zealand's most stunning and sizable islands is Waiheke Island. This is the island for you if you've always wanted to have a destination wedding or spend your honeymoon on an island. The island has unique beaches and gorgeous vineyards. The island has a large population. Accessing Waiheke Island is a breeze. In approximately forty minutes, you may get to the island from Auckland by ferryboat. The island is ideal for a day vacation because it is so conveniently accessible.

3. New Caledonia: One of the most breathtaking tropical islands close to New Zealand is called New Caledonia. The surroundings and experiences of New Caledonia are completely different from those found on the New Zealand mainland. It just takes two and a half hours to fly from Auckland to this tropical island. There is a white beach and crystal-blue water on this lovely island. Delicious meals and a European culture (French in particular) characterize New Caledonia.

4. Little Barrier Island: Established in 1896, the first nature reserve in New Zealand is located on Little Barrier Island. The preservation of the indigenous flora and wildlife depends critically on this island. Access to this stunning and significant island is very restricted. A unique certification issued by the Department of Conservation is required in order to visit Little Barrier Island. Following that, you will be able to board a car that is authorized to transport you to the island. The island known as "Little Barrier" lies 80 kilometres north of Auckland. It's the ideal location for bird viewing, diving, and snorkeling.

5. D’Urville Island: This island has the name of Jules Dumont d'Urville, a French explorer. Situated in the Marlborough Sounds, this breathtaking island. The eighth-largest island in New Zealand is D'Urville Island. This gorgeous island is the best option if you're searching for adventure activities in New Zealand. Activities on this island include diving, snorkeling, strolling, observing marine life, and cycling. The primary draw of the island is its unspoiled natural isolation.

6. Fiji Island: The most stunning island in the Pacific, close to New Zealand, is Fiji Island. One of the greatest tourist infrastructures is found in the Fiji Islands. This breathtaking island is the ideal destination for romantic getaways with your significant other. Indulge in some adventure sports, unwind with a stunning view of the ocean, or go diving into the water to witness amazing marine life on the remote islands of Fiji. From New Zealand, a 3-hour flight gets you to Fiji.

7. Rangitoto Island: Rangitoto Island in New Zealand is a great place to visit if you want to see an island that was formed just a few centuries ago by nature. One of Auckland's most distinctive natural features is the young volcano that sits atop Rangitoto Island. Six centuries ago, the water gave life to this island. Another reason Rangitoto is well-known is for its adventurous activities. Activities that you may partake in include bird viewing, sea kayaking, and hiking to Rangitoto Island's top.

8. Poor Knights Islands: Don't let its name fool you. The island has an abundance of rich flora and animals; thus, it is by no means impoverished. The unfortunate Knight Islands are the remnants of a few ancient volcanoes that have sculpted themselves into an amazing system of underwater caverns, tunnels, arches, and cliffs. Situated on the Tutukaka coast of the North Island are these breathtakingly gorgeous and magnificent islands. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on these islands. There is a marine reserve on these islands. Thus, make sure to take advantage of the incredible aquatic life this island has to offer while you're here.

 Conclusion

The breathtaking islands of New Zealand provide a plethora of wonderful experiences for visitors from all over the world. From the vineyard-lined beaches of Waiheke Island to the rough wildness of Stewart Island, each site has its own distinct charm and fascination. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to relax on pristine beaches, go on an adventure in the great outdoors, or learn about Maori culture. Exploring these islands allows you to appreciate New Zealand's natural beauty while also connecting with its rich history and tradition. From learning about the indigenous Maori people to witnessing various species in their native settings, every time spent on these islands allows you to gain a better knowledge of this fascinating nation. For Delhi tourists who want to engage in this experience, acquiring a New Zealand visa is the key to discovering the beauty of these islands. With careful planning and the required papers, you can soon find yourself experiencing the magnificent landscapes and rich cultures that await in New Zealand. So, whether you're planning a solo journey of self-discovery or a great family holiday, don't pass up the opportunity to explore these breathtaking islands. Pack your luggage, apply for your New Zealand visa from Delhi, and prepare for an incredible trip in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Read more-: New Zealand Visa from Mumbai, New Zealand Visa from Kolkata, New Zealand Visa from Chennai, New Zealand Visa from Bangalore