#Meditation Shawl or Blanket

[powerinsan]

Meditation Shawl or Blanket, Exotic Shawl/Wrap, Oversize Scarf or Stole, Unisex, Boho Scarf for Women, Lightweight, Floral Printed Scarf, Fall, Winter, Fashion, Fringed Shawl, Cashmere Stole, 100% Cashmere, Gorgeous & Natural, Extra Large Scarf, Wrap, Scarfs for Women, Fall, Winter, Scarves, Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses,

Meditation Shawl or Blanket, Exotic Shawl/Wrap, Oversize Scarf or Stole, Unisex, Boho Scarf for Women, Lightweight, Floral Printed Scarf, Fall, Winter, Fashion, Fringed Shawl, Cashmere Stole, 100% Cashmere, Gorgeous & Natural, Extra Large Scarf, Wrap, Scarfs for Women, Fall, Winter, Scarves, Pashmina Shawls and Wraps for Evening Dresses, Beautiful meditation shawls. One for me and one for a…

[marichiworld-blog]

Why Do You Need a Woollen Meditation Shawl?

Importance of Woollen Meditation Shawl

Meditation offers a myriad of benefits for both mind and body. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress by calming the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels, and fostering a sense of inner peace. Meditating regularly enhances focus and cognitive function, sharpening decision-making skills and boosting creativity.

But how can you enhance your meditation experience? A simple way is by using a woollen shawl during your practice. Throughout history, numerous yogis, monks, and masters have recommended the use of a woollen shawl, blanket, or rug. Whether you prefer to meditate while seated on the floor in a cross-legged position, on a chair, or in the traditional Lotus posture, wrapping yourself with a woollen shawl or placing it over your meditation seat insulates your body from earthly currents, preventing opposite magnetic forces from obstructing the upward flow of the life energies and consciousness. Your goal is to guide these energies upward through the spinal centers, ultimately reaching the higher realms of divine consciousness.

Regular meditation improves emotional well-being, helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. It enhances self-awareness and empathy, nurturing healthier relationships. Moreover, meditation can enhance physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving sleep patterns, and bolstering the immune system. This ancient practice empowers individuals to lead a more balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life.

[aphelion-alifer]

relieving wing related dysphoria

something that I see many winged folks experience, including myself, is wing related dysphoria. more specifically, dysphoria relating to not being able to fly or not having wings physically. all my life this is a struggle I've dealt with, and I understand how painful it is. there are ways to relieve it though! here's some things that I've come up with and suggest to those who are struggling:

create mood boards, wallpapers, stim boards, and pinterest boards relating to the sky, your wings, theriotype, shifted form, etc

dive into media that has winged people/creatures (maximum ride, the maleficent movies, the croaking, just to name a few)

play games that let you fly, either with or without wings. bonus points if you're able to do it in VR (roblox, minecraft, feralheart, aer memories of old, superflight, fugl, etc)

practice lucid dreaming or astral projection

blankets!! especially weighted blankets, this can mimic the feeling of having wings

create or buy cosplay wings that look like your own (either typical cosplay wings worn with a harness/straps, or a backpack with wings, or a shawl in the shape of wings)

wear the colors of your wings, theriotype or shifted form

surround yourself with wing related themes or themes related to your theriotype or shifted form (buttons, pins, stickers, doodles, plushies, etc)

wear wing related accessories (rings, necklaces, hair pins, wings you can put on the laces of your shoes, etc)

if you're able to, get wings tattooed on your back or get a tattoo related to your theriotype or shifted form

if you're able to, participate in sky/air related sports or activities (skydiving, wingsuit flying, paragliding, hang gliding, etc)

draw/doodle your wings, theriotype or shifted form!!

meditate and visualize your wings. feel their weight, see their colors and textures, etc.

connect and talk to others who have wings if you need support and are looking for folks who have had similar experiences

carry around a backpack and make sure to give it some weight! having a backpack of a similar weight to my phantom wings tends to make my phantom wings go away, if you're looking to stop your phantom wings from existing for a bit for any reason

collect feathers that look like yours if you have feathered wings

connect with nature! this helps ground me and feel more connected to my natural self. I suggest going outside on a windy day or climbing trees.

stick your head/arms out of the car when you're going somewhere! this is one of my favorite things to do and it mimics what I imagine flying to feel like (pro tip, don't do this if you're driving)

make your room feel like the environment you belong in (using nature or wind ambient sounds, fans to get air flowing, that sort of thing)

watch flying POV videos

I'm sure there are more things that I could add, but I think that this is all my brain can think of at the moment. feel free to add onto the list if there's anything else that any of you want to add if I missed anything!

[gtgbabie0]

-Liu Kang x Reader

{A soft moment between you and Liu Kang}

Super fluffy and very domestic!! Hope you enjoy my lovelies! 💕

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Evenings in the Shaolin monastery never fail to take your breath away, how the pink and orange hues from the setting sun seem to bleed together, casting its warm light across the horizon. You admire the beauty of the scenery from the quaint little space you found. Hidden away from the other monks, a small open room lit by candles, where you could enjoy some tea in peace.

You allow your mind to drift as you take a deep breath, taking in the sounds of nature and distant water, only to be pleasantly interrupted by Liu Kang as he enters your quaint space with consideration, careful, so as to not rip you away from your meditative state.

“Nice of you to join me” you smile, shuffling to make space on the wooden floor for him to sit beside you, and he does so without hesitation, sitting on the blanket you laid upon the floor, “How did you find me?” You wonder as he looks at you with soft eyes.

“I couldn’t find you anywhere, I figured you’d be here” he explains, his hands finding yours, stopping you from pouring him some tea. “How is your head?” He tilts his chin slightly as he caresses your cheek, thumb soothing the space under your eye.

You had told him you weren’t feeling all too well this morning, way before he left to help Raiden and Kung Lao with whatever needed their attention around the Shaolin Temple. He had offered to look after you, the ever-caring man that he was, but yet his duties called him and he was whisked away from you.

Liu Kang can’t help but smile as you lean into his warm hand, the fabric of his bandages are rough against your skin but that doesn’t stop you. “A lot better than this morning” you hum, fingers wrapping around his wrist, gently bringing his hands down to your lap.

“Nothing some ginger tea couldn’t help” You begin unwrapping the bandages from his hands ever so carefully. He relishes in the way it feels, almost as if the tension from him unravels along with the tough cloth. You take a moment to run your fingertips across his slightly calloused palms, making a mental note to buy more hand cream.

The absence of the sun brings a cold chill, one that causes a shiver to run down your spine. Liu Kang notices, and with a soft frown, he reaches from behind you, picking up the knitted shawl and draping it over your shoulders before pressing a kiss to your cheek.

“Mhm, I am glad to hear” he whispers, shuffling to sit behind you. He wraps his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder as you continue to drink the warm liquid. “Tomorrow I am all yours my heart, the two of us can do whatever you please,” he says and you don't have to look at him to know there's a smirk on his lips.

His chest blooms with warmth at the way you giggle, a sound Liu Kang couldn’t possibly ever get bored of, “Whatever I please? Hmm, you might come to regret saying that” There’s a certain playfulness in your words that only drives Liu Kang to hold you tighter, peppering your shoulder with soft kisses.

“Learn from it… perhaps, but regret I could never, every moment with you is deeply cherished” his words carry a certain weight to them, something that doesn’t go amiss as his lips continue to playfully trail up towards your jaw.

“Like you learned from the baking incident?” you remind him of the series of unfortunate events all over again. How the sweet treat ended up being terribly charred and completely inedible. You can feel Liu Kang's chest rise and fall from behind you as he laughs, calloused hands slipping into your own.

“Yes, I learned not to let you distract me” he teases, thumb soothing along your knuckles. Another gust of wind pushes through the trees, and you’re thankful that the god of fire is sitting behind you, holding you close to him. But despite his warm presence, he still notices the goosebumps that invade your body and the slight shiver that crawls through your spine.

“Let’s go home before you catch a cold” he whispers, lips grazing against your ear before standing up. The loss of his warmth hits you suddenly, and you are made very aware of the autumn winds. Liu Kang helps you to your feet, and with linked arms, the pair of you make your way home.

The rest of the night he spends practically glued to your hip, touching you in any way he possibly can and true to his words, the next day is spent doing whatever you please.

[cokoweee]

My cringe got the starburst duo 😔

When Mikey found himself unable sleep he was confused for lack of better word. Sleep had never been an issue for him. In fact, it was quite the opposite. So when the clock ticked from 3:15 to 3:16 he bravely committed to his first ever sleepless night and got up to go to the bathroom.

He ran a hand over his face, trying to somehow glue his eyes shut as he walked. If it worked he’d have to sleep in the hallway, but sleeping the hallway, although no doubt uncomfortable, seemed infinitely better than not sleeping at all.

It didn’t work.

So he trudged his way to the bathroom. Filling his hands with water he drank. Water dribbled down his neck as he absently rubbed at his tattoos.

Maybe something was wrong with them? The magic was too strong perhaps, or the spell had been miscast? Cali had just touched up the spell, it was possible he had made a mistake. He trusted Cali of course, but everyone made mistakes.

Panic creeped into his mind as he turned to go back to his room. He sat back down on his bed and tried to steady his breathing. There was no way he’d be able to sleep is he was freaking out. His mind raced as he imagined the sleepless night ahead of him. Great now he’s freaked himself out even more. He grabbed his phone and googled “how to fall asleep quick”.

Yoga breathing

Relax your muscles

Meditation

Read a book

Put away electronics before bed

Melatonin

The list went on and on as he scrolled. He’d already tried to breathe, his muscles were relaxed enough, he’d meditated earlier in the night and that hadn’t helped. He didn’t like to read all that much, he was literally on his phone meaning he’d failed there, and no one else in the family had trouble sleeping so they didn’t have any melatonin. So basically he was screwed.

Pressure built in his throat as he forced tears to stay down. Hiccuping softly he grabbed a pillow and pulled it close to his chest and burst into tears. There was nothing to cry about really, and he knew that, but he was so overwhelmed with the idea of not getting sleep that he couldn’t hold them back.

After a few minutes of pointless crying he wiped his eyes and sat back up. Sucking in a huge breath he grabbed his phone and marched out of his room.

~

At four in the morning Cali preferred to be sleeping thank you very much. So when he was awoken by a phone flashlight he was not happy. The culprit? A red eyed, sniffling turtle mumbling something about tattoos and mystics. Hissing softly he pulled the blanket over his head and flopped back down.

“Mari please just check my arms really quick.” Mikey whispered, his voice shaking as he sniffled again.

Cali sat up that time, albeit grudgingly. He wrapped the blanket like a shawl around his shoulders and held out his hand pointedly. Immediately the light turned off and Mikey’s hand were in his. He turned them around and poked at them, looking for anything amiss before dropping the turtles arm.

“I for one, do not see any thing wrong with them.” He grumbled, voice rough with sleep.

“Ok. Good good.” Mikey breathed, rubbing his hand through his hair. “Then why am I awake?”

Cali stared at him unimpressed and flopped back down on his mattress. There was no way he was serious. A hand poked at his shoulder.

Apparently he was serious.

Rolling his eyes Cali sat back up again and leveled Mikey’s gaze with a half lidded stare. “ I don’t know. Maybe insomnia or something?” His words slurred slightly as he leaned back down to his pillow.

“Ok great. So I’m fine then?”

“Happens to everyone every once in a while. Annoying, but just a part of life I guess.” Cali was really not in the mood to deal with this, but for Mikey he would make an exception. “Let’s go to the kitchen.”

“I can’t see in the dark” Mikey countered quickly.

“You literally just had your phone a second ago!”

“It died”

Cali hesitated for a moment before reaching for Mikey’s hand. “ Just follow me.”

~

“Have you seriously never had a sleepless night?” Cali questioned as he filled an old beat up teapot.

Mikey shook his head. “I uh- usually sleep pretty well.” He laughed awkwardly. “Good to know nothings wrong though.”

Cali hummed in disapproval, “I’m having my dad check tomorrow to make sure everything is actually fine.”

“That’s- that’s probably a good idea,” he said nodding his head slowly.

The tea kettle screamed and Cali quickly poured the steaming water into a mug to steep the tea. Cali looked over to the other side of the counter where Mikey was sitting. He was staring off into the hallway, likely looking for one of his brothers. He looked so serene sitting there, almost like a painting.

It was such a simple scene. Two boys in the kitchen late at night. Keeping each other company in the middle of night. A comfortable silence as they sat together. It was perfect. Almost like they were a couple. Cali’s chest tightened as he focused on his task again. His fingers curled around the spoon and he stirred the blob of honey. He had to stop doing this. Mikey wouldn’t feel the same way. Taking a breath to compose himself, he set the spoon in the sink and handed the mug to Mikey.

“Thanks!” Mikey said brightly taking a long sip, “A dash of honey. Just the way I like it!” He smiled wide as he looked over at Cali.

Cali turned pink enough to match his markings and was silently thankful for the dim kitchen light. “Shut up and drink your tea so I can go back to bed.” He didn’t want to say anything right now. He didn’t trust his sleepy brain not to slip up and say something stupid.

They didn’t say anything after that. The tea drained from the mug as Mikey drank it. Cali quickly regretted his words as he watched Mikey. Words bubbled up in his chest. Confessions of love and affection. They were dammed up in his mouth, begging to break free. He couldn’t keep this up for much longer.

Mikey set the mug on the table and got up to head back to his own room. He paused when Cali didn’t get up with him and turned back to look at him.

“I’m coming. Just need a sec.” He mumbled, “ I’m so tired my limbs aren’t listening” he joked, pushing himself off the kitchen stool.

Mikey frowned and stood right in front of Cali. “Want me to carry you?” He asked head tiled in concern.

The thought of being carried to his room made his heart flutter. He leaned further into his sleepy act and mumbled something unintelligibly and let his head droop. Mikey was swift to grab him. Cali was placed bridal style in his arms and held close to Mikey’s chest.

He leaned his head against Mikey’s carapace and tried to keep his eyes open. The gentle sway of his walk and the steady thrum of the heartbeat of the boy he silently loved was lulling him to sleep. His eyelids were too heavy to keep open as they made his way to his bedroom. He had barely shut his eyes when he was placed back down.

He decided to keep his eyes shut as he felt his blanked be placed gently over him. He wanted so badly to ask him to stay. Their earlier embrace hadn’t been nearly long enough. There was a moment of hesitation before the turtle sank down beside Cali.

~

“I know you’re asleep. Thats why I’m saying this now.” He whispered barely audible, “ But I’m so so tired of acting like I’m just your friend. I want to hold you and love you and give you everything I have. You probably don’t feel the same way, but.” His voice got impossibly softer as he laid his head down next to Cali’s. “Who am I kidding. You don’t want to date a guy who’s cursed. I don’t know why I’m even saying this. You’re asleep. Probably for the better that you don’t hear this.”

It was killing him to be so close. His heart beat rapidly as he pulled the blanket to cover himself before sinking into the mattress, stiffer than a metal rod. Cali moved and he froze further. He would probably leave soon. He didn’t think he couldn’t handle being so close and yet so far. But Cali pressed his body against Mikey’s and sighed. He melted in the embrace and wrapped an arm over Cali’s sleeping form. Time seemed to slow as he touched his lips to Cali’s temple. Feather light, barely there.

Cali curled closer as Mikey felt the tea start to work through his system. His eyes dropped and he smiled softly against Cali’s spikes. Sleep finally made her way to Mikey as he laid in blissful silence. Maybe sleepless nights weren’t so bad when you had someone to share them with.

This little guy has been sitting unfinished in my notes forever so I figured it was time to finish him up and send him over because I can’t get it to work right. (I gave up.) Welp, enough of my complaining. I’m gonna go back to my cave. Until next time

YOU SHOW UP JUST TO GET MY HEAD FILLED WITH DOODLE IDEAS WHEN I CANT DRAW

[shepherds-of-haven]

reporting in to send the ask for what each of the shepherds carry in their packs 🫡 blade gets tapped for a what’s in my purse vlog and the video is just a knife. and a knife. and a knife. and a knife—

Thank you for your service 🫡

Out in the field, if you were to grab a pack and rummage through it, only to find it wasn't yours, you'd find the following (excludes the standard field kit for Shepherd officers, which includes a bedroll, a tent/tarp, blanket, canteen, soap, toiletries, various changes of clothes, equipment to care for horses/ahfuri, mess kit with eating utensils and tin plates and etc., and the obvious standards like money and etc.):

Blade: a sturdy, rigorously-organized, plain and utilitarian pack containing: fire-starting tools (flint, steel, and tinder). utility/hunting knife (for things like cutting rope, skinning deer and fish, etc). dagger (for emergencies. in case the ones he keeps on his person are taken away from him). small portable writing set (comes with a flat, collapsible tablet that serves as a writing desk, ink, parchment, and pen) for composing letters/orders/messages to send home. emergency first aid (minimalist: basically consists of a bottle of alcohol for sterilization, needle and medical thread for stitches, and some clean bandages). dried meat or jerky, hardtack biscuits (emergency rations). small cooking pot. whetstone (for sharpening his weapons). fishing hook and twine. hawking whistle. maps. rope. various small utility tools.

Trouble: a battered, worn and stained rucksack containing: fire-starting tools. charch and matches. various snacks and extra rations (trail mix, etc.). cubes of fat and bullion or various seasonings for meals. small cooking pot. extra ammunition (a lot of it). tools to maintain and clean his firearms. utility/hunting knife. rain-proof cover (can be used for himself or his rifle). extra gloves and socks. whatever novel he's currently reading. explosives (😳), various tools to create distractions (smoke grenades, etc.). signaling mirror. compass. timepiece. dice. playing cards. insect repellent salve. maybe fishing hook and twine if he expects to be "roughing" it for a long time! spyglass.

Tallys: a clean, well-maintained leather bag with Elvish adornments containing: large kit containing several different vials of various elixirs, tinctures, oils, and extracts (serve different purposes like reviving the unconscious, numbing pain, putting someone to sleep, etc.) as well as various different powders and dried herbs (some are poisonous, as Chase had the misfortune of discovering when he snooped too much); teabags; map; Elvish animal whistle (used for various purposes: as an animal or bird lure, for communicating while hunting or in camouflage, as a distraction); tifin (small Elvish flute) if she thinks she's going to be away for a really long time; Elvish hunting knife; kit of wax, resin, twine, and whittling knife to maintain her bow and arrows; first aid kit; woven Elvish mat (often used for meditation and dawn prayer rites, but can be used just for sitting more comfortably on things, as a lap blanket, or even as a scarf/shawl for extra warmth); small empty containers for foraging and protecting things like berries, mushrooms, leaves, etc.; Elvish field guide describing the various uses of flora and local plant matter; Elvish calendar and daily book of proverbs to keep track of the days (also doubles as a brief journal); pen; fire-starting kit.

Shery: Shery doesn't actually embark on missions into the field and actually has never left Haven (unless you're reading her latest short story on Patreon, lol), so the contents of her pack are at the moment hypothetical! Because of her inexperience, I'd guess that she'd both err on extreme overcaution and overpacking and also make some impractical choices, like bringing too many books, outfits for all kinds of weather, a parasol, a sewing kit, a little stuffed animal for good luck, a teapot, a nail file, an extra blanket and a fluffy pillow, and things like that! But she'd also have sensible choices, too, just way too many of them!

Riel: when he goes on business trips he typically has a whole trunk of things with him LOL but if forced to come along on a field mission, my guess would be that he'd mostly bring different changes of clothes, his hygiene and toiletries kit (complete with hair pomade, cologne, and fresh handkerchiefs), and then would just assume/rely on gold getting him whatever else he needed 😂😂 Actually he'd also certainly pack a valise with whatever current documents or contracts he's been working on, plenty of stationary and ink, a notepad for taking notes, a foldable writing desk, books, and whatever proof he'd need of being (at that time) Master of Merchants Guild, like his official stamps and wax seals and whatnot. Basically whatever he'd need for doing work on the road! 😂 Oh, he'd also pack a gun. Just in case!

Chase: a deceptively-slim, innocuous rucksack that is surprisingly hard to open if you're not familiar with it, containing: several lockpick sets. a bottle of alcohol to bribe informants with (or light a fire, sanitize a wound, what have you). rope. file. utility knife. whetstone. extra ammunition. fire-starting kit. tools to maintain his firearms. charch. playing cards. whatever book he's currently struggling through as homework. various shiny trinkets that can be traded, bargained, bribed, or used as a distraction. devices used as distractions (flashbags, smoke grenades, low-level explosives). grooming kit with comb, pomade, cologne, mirror, etc. scarf (can be used as a fashion accessory, mask to obscure lower half of face, or, in a pinch, as a method of strangling someone 🙂). wire (don't ask). mysterious vials (could be poison, could be acid to burn through locks). different accessories, clothes, and wig for different disguises. special gripped shoes for climbing and capering. small grappling hook. net/bolas (typically used to trip opponents up or rig traps). recently-acquired reed harp (harmonica) that he uses to amuse/torture teammates with.

Red: a slim, casually-packed, strangely collegiate bag (he generally travels light because he cheats and conjures most of what he needs as he needs it), containing: whatever book he's currently reading. field journal and writing implements. foldable writing desk. scroll container to protect any precious documents or papers he might come across. various Mage-y implements like chalk, lyme, certain compounds that help with arcane magic and drawing runes. measuring ruler. various charged lodestones and keystones. maps. compass. grooming kit for his endless hair needs 😳 (pomade, comb, mirror, etc.). multi-use mini game board (you can play various games on it like Elements, checkers, sui, etc.). small containers for collecting specimens. travel lantern (for exploring ruins without having to deal with a guttering torch flame). insect repellant salve. salve for burns and aches. magnifying glass. small flat cushion for sitting/laying on if the ground is extremely lumpy.

Ayla: a carelessly battered, fraying rucksack with small carved totems dangling from it, containing: backup canteens of water (emergency only). collapsible trowel to dig holes (generally to dig up roots, tubers, or to find water). maps. compass. sundial. lots and lots of rations (the majority of her pack will contain non-perishable food). sewing kit (doubles both as first aid and for emergency repairs to clothes). colored twine (primarily used to mark trails so you don't get lost, demarcate certain things you'll need to find again later, and also doubles as a Jalis hand-game to play with another person when bored). playing cards. dice. rope. hunting/utility knife. lockpick set. sun lotion (to protect the skin). extra tarp (to erect emergency lean-to/rain shelter/shade; doubles as emergency extra blanket). file. hairties for her braid. jade stone from her parents. slingshot/leather thong to hurl rocks with (this is a deadly weapon in her hands). signaling mirror. survival whistle. small torch. fire-starting kit. whittling knife for when she's bored and wants to carve things into her staff or just out of hunks of wood. field guide telling her what's safe to eat and what's not. jalis rattle (sort of like maracas: it's a small wooden cylinder filled with dry rice) in case she's in the mood to provide a rhythm to someone else's music.

Briony: a fat, cheerful pack with many charms and souvenirs dangling from every strap, containing: a field journal/sketchbook full of sketches, drawing/writing implements. a hairbrush. haphazard grooming case (eyelash curler, a bit of blush, no mirror). fingerless gloves. her latest book. extra hair ties/hair ribbons. oils and rags to maintain her armor. whetstone. fire-starter kit. maps and compass. some snacks, but typically she forgets about them. fishing hook and twine. headscarf to conceal her hair if need be. field encyclopedia/traveler's guide (more about various landmarks and places of interest she might see than survivalist tips). first-aid kit (used more than most to deal with small scrapes and wounds). hunting/utility knife. spare dagger. stargazing map. spyglass. pouch full of pretty rocks or dried flowers she picks up along the way. spellbook full of spells she's learning/practicing along the way.

Lavinet: an expensive but practical and well-made leather saddlebag containing: compact maquillage and grooming case (hairbrush, lipstick, mirror, perfume, hair conditioner, etc.). extra riding gloves. extra handkerchiefs. whetstone, tools to maintain her lance and sword. tools to maintain her saddlery. horse treats. fur throw that doubles as small extra blanket, extra warmth as a shawl, or as a cushion to sit on. extra pair of riding boots in case one set fails. Naveen signet ring and official accoutrements. writing set, desk, and seal. current book. hat to shade her head from the sun. sewing kit and patches of fabric to repair clothes. first aid manual. wax (has various uses, but she primarily uses it to plug her ears if she absolutely needs to). fire-starting kit. chainmail that can be concealed under the clothes. stiletto knife. corset (you never know, darling!)

Halek: an ordinary, standard pack containing: tools for weapons maintenance (for his spear). small compact bow and quiver. hunting/utility knife. exorcist dagger. recipe book and culinary guide regarding exotic ingredients or places of interest. various ingredients he picks up in towns or foraging in the wild. cooking oil, seasonings and spices, emergency salt, cubes of fat and bullion and stock, dried herbs, dried meat and cheese, flour. water-proof, heavy cloak for winter travel (also doubles as an extra blanket, as the standard-issue one might be too short for him). collar to suppress his blood-rage if need be. fire-starting kit. elk treats. small bell to tie to his elk in case he needs to. twine. grappling hook and rope. maps and compass. herbal teas. fishing hook. animal bait and snares. bear repellant. cooking pot and small frying pan. sand (used to scrub pots and pans when water is scarce or frozen). signal whistle. special snow boots if traveling through snow.

[faun-the-hound]

Levin thoughts

Lord Malik has been dead for four years down to the day when Avira/Aphmau is brought to Phoenix Drop. Levin is a baby. He's eight months old when Vylad brings him from Scaleswind to Phoenix Drop. He isn't Malik's son, nor is Malik a descendant of Irene. Levin gets his Irene connection from his mother, Matilda, the Old Lord's widow.

His father was a merchant passing through Scaleswind, a drunken fling Matilda had that didn't stick around for long afterwards. When Levin was born looking exactly like his father, she was reminded of her late husband's most trusted and admired guard, and thought it was a sign of sorts.

When Shadow Knights raided the hostel she had been staying in, targeting the children, the infants. She fled with levin hidden in her shawl, panicking when one of the Knights parted from the group, following her. Their eyes weren't crimson like the rest, and the shadows that formed their armour melted away, revealing simple leather adventurer's armour and an emerald scarf. Levin was found wrapped up in Vy's scarf like a blanket, and Avira kept it. Levin gave it to Malachi when he first started travelling as a reminder of home.

The Shadow Knights were looking for Levin, the current youngest, and strongest, connection to The Matron (the Knights don't know about Avira yet). Vylad swore of their immortal soul that they'd take Levin to safety and keep the Knights away from him, and Matilda, with no other clear options, agreed, handing her baby over to be hidden away.

Avi took to parenting Levin immediately, subconsciously calling from the experience of raising her younger siblings. Garroth had a mini heart attack at how similar to him Levin looked, especially as a child- curly blond hair, baby blue eyes- he didn't think he had any kids but Levin-

Levin isn't Garroth's, though several people certainly thought he was as a baby. He grows up to be far slimmer, leaner, almost resembling Zoey in some ways. He has issues with his ankles/feet and uses a cane for walking around that doubles as a weapon for combat, hiding a rapier inside.

Zoey probably taught him (and Malachi) to speak elvish, though Levin didn't pick up very well. Speaking of Malachi, Levin looks up to him massively, absolutely idolises his big brother, especially during the time after Avira disappeared, when Malachi took on more of a caretaker/protector role for his brother.

Levin is five when Avi vanishes, then fifteen when she returns (shortening the time-skip between season 1 and 2 to ten years), and Malachi is acting Lord of Phoenix Drop, being nineteen, though he travels often to maintain relations with other towns and trade routes.

Levin spends his time helping wherever he can around the Phoenix Outpost as an adult, and when he's not working, he's on the beach meditating or playing with his dog. He mostly stays inside the Outpost, away from danger, but for the times he wanders out into the ruins of the town, he has a pair of dogs that accompany him, both are Cookie's children, Oatmeal and Butterscotch, husky-wolfdogs, that he got from Cadenza. Technically Butterscotch is Malachi's, but Levin takes care of her when Malachi is travelling.

Also, Avira, Garroth and Laurance all co-parented Levin and Malachi as children. Avira is Mom, Garroth was Dad, and Laurance was Apa. Malachi started calling them Dad and Apa first, then Levin started copying him, and it stuck into adulthood.

[sissytobitch10seconds]

The Warmth of Winter

Fandom: Grishaverse: Six of Crows Summary: They're diverse in more than their appearance and skillset. They've learned to navigate their cultures in things like pet names and high society expectations, but holidays are still an adventure in the making. Warnings: Angst and canon-typical trauma Word Count: 16,794 Ship(s): Kaz Brekker/Jesper Fahey/Nina Zenik/Inej Ghafa/Matthias Helvar/Wylan Van Eck

Archive link!

A/N: So this had been something that was cooking in my head for a while but was a rushed product when I decided that I actually wanted to. I haven't edited this at all so there might be some continuity errors or typos. I tried to catch everything with a glance-through but we all know how well those work. Also! These are all based off of real songs and real traditions but have been edited so that they fit better into the Grishaverse world. I'd be very excited to talk both about the traditions that these came from and what I've created here if you want to comment or send me an ask on my tumblr! I hope that these holidays have treated everyone and that the new year brings good things. Stay sissy and bitchy everyone <3

Nina: White Winter Hymnal

Ketterdam was always dark. In some form or another, the sky was blackened with something that kept the sun from reaching even the highest of buildings. There was some amount of stormcloud that would be swirling just off the coast, threatening to come closer and douse the town entirely. The coal from the ships would smog the harbor and the chemicals from the factories would pitch the rest of the city into darkness. In the winter, the sun would disappear from behind the ever-present clouds long before it was meant to. The city would be plunged into darkness that required the illumination of fires in hearths and lamps feeding from oil and gas.

Nina often missed the ever-expanding bright blue skies of her homeland, when she was looking out of the top windows of her new home. That wasn’t to say that Ravka didn’t get storms, in the winter it was hard to see more than five feet in front of one’s face because of the intensity of the fog and wind. It was just that there was more separation between the seasons that there was here in Kerch. Back when she had been growing up, she had eagerly waited for the arrival fo the first snow that would blanket the entire land in white, and then get so sick of it that she nearly cried when the green began to peak out of the snowbeds. In Kerch, there was nothing but rain, fog, and colder months. They did get snow occasionally, but nearly as much as the mainland got because they were so very humid.

She was particularly feeling it that year, especially since she was around her partners. They reminded her so much of the friends that she had made back when she was at the Little Palace. She had never truly fit in with any of her classmates when she was in school but there was a borderline forced camaraderie between the Corporalki because they were used so frequently by the Darkling in a way that none of the other Grisha Schools could really understand. Her partners reminded her of that time in her life because they argued and bickered but at the end of the day, they all loved each other because of something that they had been through together.

Nina felt listless as she tried to lay in the bed, asleep. Her brain kept flickering with images from the missions that she had taken with Zoya and the one that had gotten her taken by the Druskelle. When she finally gave up on sleep and instead tried to meditate on some of her happier memories, all she could think of was all the Heartrenders that she had seen lost in the battle at the very end of the Civil War. It left her with a kind of pain in her chest that she would never be able to describe even if she had someone around her to try it.

She rose from her bed and grabbed the shawl that was resting on the post. She had her own room in the Van Eck estate where they had decided to bed down for the winter. They usually occupied the upper apartment level of the Silver Six since the large mansion carried a lot of pain for Wylan, but it was too drafty for the winter. They also had to show the other merchers that they would always be home and that they were upstanding even if they were a bit unconventional. The household had already had to host three different parties that were unannounced and they had only barely moved into the winter seasons.

The shawl that she had grabbed had been made for her custom by Marya. The woman had come back to herself when she finally moved back to her home, at least to some extent. Nina related to her husband’s mother because she too would become lost in the longing for something that she didn’t understand and had suffered a massive change in her body that no one else would ever really understand. Marya almost felt like the mother that she had lost when she was brought to the Little Palace.

“Get yourself together, Zenik,” she whispered as she wrapped the shawl around her shoulders. She turned towards the darkened window, trying to peak through the heavy drapes that kept out the outside lamps that illuminated the garden.

The rest of her partners had decided that they were going to go see a show earlier that evening. They had offered to have Nina come with them but her feelings of homesickness and listlessness had prevented her from feeling as though it were really an option. The only thing that she could do was let herself exist in her own mind so that she could process where her brain was and why it was behaving in the way that it was. She missed them dearly now that it was creeping closer and closer towards the early morning instead of late night.

The only good thing about them being gone was that no one was going to be able to catch her as she paced the hall to help her process. She understood that she did look a decent amount like a ghost, in nothing but a shawl that was the deepest red draped over her shoulders and a long white nightgown.

She let out a low breath as she stepped out of her room and into the main hallway. She had thought that the isolation would be good for her but she was beginning to think that it had only allowed her to stew deeper in the feelings that she was trying to process.

Slowly, Nina stepped down the hallway. The floor was the thick wood that signaled how rich the Van Eck family was instead of the tile of her home country. She passed onto the deep red rug lining the hallway and continued on her way. Memories of what had happened when they were first in that home flashed through her mind. She had been so sure that she was going to lose Matthias again, but in a way that was much more permanent than what had happened before. She wanted nothing more than to run away with all of her Crows so that they could live happy, carefree lives. She knew that they wouldn’t ever be satisfied like that, they had to be mixed up with anguish and pain so that they could truly believe and trust the happiness that they were given afterwards.

She let out a low breath as she tried to let the heavy thoughts free from her mind. It was a struggle, to try and balance the world that she had come from and the soldier’s training that she had been raised on with the life that she was leading now. 

Nina pressed her hand to the door that led out to their expansive back gardens. There was a small shed where Wylan and Jesper worked on their experiments together and then a larger guest house where Marya spent most of her time painting and finally getting to live the life that she had earned. Around the buildings was a swirling path that led way past the flowers and bushes, all of which had gone dormant because of the cold weather. There were a couple of winter crocuses that Matthias had planted when he had heard that they were Nina’s favorite, but they weren’t doing too well with the moderate temperatures of Kerch instead of the freezing winters in Ravka.

She stepped out of the house and down onto the steps that led out into the garden. She really should have put shoes or socks on if she was going to go outside, but she hadn’t realized what was what she was going to do when she started it. Her breath emerged from her mouth in plumes of white steam, the warmth immediately contrasting with the temperature around her body. She began to shiver ever so slightly as she walked further down into the garden.

She and her partners had so many memories tied into that place. It was where she had said goodbye to her mentors and friends for what felt like the last time, where she had almost watched Matthias die again and again while they were waiting for Genya to heal him, and where Kaz had proposed to them all. One day, the garden may be the place where their children took their first steps or where Matthias bonded with another dog.

For now, it was the place that was embracing her sadness and echoing the emotion that was emitting from her heart throughout her body. She walked until she got to the bench halfway through the rose bushes, where she sat down so that she could admire what she could see of the night sky. Like always, there were dark black clouds that hung low over the stars and moon so that the only thing that could be made out was the briefest twinkling.

Nina hadn’t longed that badly for her home in a very, very long time. She had hated it at the Little Palace but she still wanted to go back to the familiar safety of it. Tears welled up along her lashes as she finally let the sadness and sickness for her old home bubble out of her. She tilted her head down and then up before she realized that thick white flakes of snow were drifting down from the sky.

She was shivering with no way to stop it because she had lost that power long ago, but she wasn’t about to go inside. The snow might not even stick to the semi-frozen ground and it would be melted within a couple days. She so rarely got to experience it when she missed it so much that she was going to stay out as long as she could.

Minutes ticked slowly by as the snow accumulated on the ground. It stuck to the leaves and sticks of the plants around him, glistening with the joy she hadn’t had in so long. It turned the entire world around her into a dream that had been pulled straight from her past. Even though some of it was already melting back into the earth, there was enough shining silver on the path around her that it brought back a whorl of memories.

She remembered the first time that she remembered it seeing it show when she was a child. She had just moved from her home with her parents to the orphanage that she would spend the rest of her days in until she was tested and found to be a Grisha. She had lived too close to the coast for any kind of lasting snow, especially with how far south they were. When she was in the orphanage, she often had trouble sleeping because it was so cold. She had crawled onto the beds of one of the other girls, one who had taken care of her until the draft had taken her away. She had been held, like she always was when she sought out the body heat of another. While she waiting to fall asleep, she had stared out of the window at the first couple falling flakes of snow as they steadily made their way down to the earth.

The snow was so different then. It had changed when she had been moved to Os Alta. She couldn’t find comfort from any of the other students, locked away in her own tiny dormitory room. She had dreamed of the big, comfortable suites that the Grisha got when they were moved to the little palace. Her room while she was a student had been big enough for her to lay down between her desk and single bed. There was a communal bathroom down the hall from that. What Nina lived in now was similar to that, each of them having their own room and then a bathroom that they shared if they didn’t count the master suite that they occupied when they didn’t need time alone.

Her life that she cherished and loved so dearly was very similar to the one that she had come from and yet still so different. She had been miserable when she was at the Little Palace, even if she didn’t realize it at the time, and yet she still missed it.

The words found her lips before she could think about what she was doing. 

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

I was following the

She tapped out the repeated part of the song on her leg so that she didn’t go over or under. It had always been the hardest part for her to sing and now that the others weren’t there to correct her, she had to make sure that she did it correctly.

I was following the pack, all swaddled in their coats

With scarves of red tied 'round their throats

To keep their little heads from falling in the snow

And I turned 'round and there you go

And Mikhael, you would fall and turn the white snow

Red as strawberries in the summertime

Briefly, she became aware of the presence of her partners in the distance. She knew that she had been pushing it by staying outside as long as they had. They would be home late from their show and they would definitely check on someone if they heard someone out in the snow, it was what they did. She knew that they were clustered together by the door as they watched her but she couldn’t make herself turn so that she could see them properly. It hurt too much, her heart ached something heavy and fierce in her chest.

I was following the pack, all swaddled in their coats

With scarves of red tied 'round their throats

To keep their little heads from falling in the snow

And I turned 'round and there you go

And Mikhael, you would fall and turn the white snow

Red as strawberries in the summertime

Tears sprang to her eyes as she remembered the first time that she had sung the song. The students wore gray uniforms that were all the same with little pieces of the color from their order. When they graduated, they would be gifted with a kefta to show that they had gone far and worked hard to become a fully fledged Grisha. That meant that in the winter, they wore big gray coats with red scars. The Corporalki color was of course red, which meant that they stood out against the snow like cardinals against a cloud.

Fedyor had been quite a bit older than her, he was close to graduating when she was only barely taken away from her orphanage to train. She had been absolutely enamored with him and he had become something of an older brother to her. Nina always demanded that she be at the front of the line so that she could hold his hand when they went out to the training grounds. They were all so young that they were kept chained together using their scarves, just to make sure that no one would get lost.

I was following the pack, all swaddled in their coats

With scarves of red tied 'round their throats

To keep their little heads from falling in the snow

And I turned 'round and there you go

And Mikhael, you would fall and turn the white snow

Red as strawberries in summertime

The last couple of words drifted from her lips and into the bitter air around her. She felt a warm hand settle down on her shoulder and tilted her head up so that she could see who it was. As soon as Matthias’ bright blue eyes clocked into her brain, she burst into massive, shaking sobs. He didn’t even blink as he leaned down and picked her up so that she was cradled against his massive, solid chest. She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders as she shivered against the cold now stinging her cheeks.

Her partners quickly tailed after Matthias once he had broken through them to get her into the warmth of their home. Nina was barely aware of what was happening as he brought her through the halls to the master bedroom. Everyone got ready for bed as quickly as they could and then clambered under the quilts next to her, adding to the heat from the fire crackling merrily in the hearth.

“Are you okay?” Wylan asked as he reached out to touch her hand.

She shook her head. “That… that song was always meant as a warning for us. It meant that if we went too far away from the group then the Shu or the Fjerdans would get us and kill us. We didn’t know how true that was until we were older and we were actually being sent out on missions. We used to sing it while we were working with each other or when we were playing in the snow. It was something that every young Corporalnik knew, it was something that fundamentally shaped out childhoods…”

“Not everything that we get taught as children is a good thing,” Kaz supplied with a half shrug.

“I know,” she wept. She stared down at her hands as she tried to stop the tears, but it was a futile effort from the beginning. “I saw so many of my friends die. Even Fedyor… he’s gone. Did you know that we were both considered the Darklings Heartrenders before he even got Ivan? It was because I was basically Fedyor’s little sister, so I got everything that he got. It was the only time I truly felt wanted as a child.”

“I never knew that you felt that way,” Matthias whispered. “I thought that you enjoyed your time at the Little Palace.”

Nina sighed. She had known that it was coming but it was still going to be hard to explain. “I did and I didn’t. It was all so complicated given the politics between the Grisha schools and where we had all come from. The Darkling wanted to make sure that we were divided and isolated enough that he could continue to control us without anyone noticing. But at the same time, those classes were full of people that could have been my family if I had stayed with them longer. Zoya and Genya were my best friends, my mentors. I miss them so much this time of year, especially when I think about being a kid.”

“I understand,” Inej whispered. She leaned over and placed a kiss on her wife’s head. Nina sniffled and smiled as she leaned into the touch. Soon, there was a handkerchief to clean her face and hands to pull her down into the warm safety of her bed. The thoughts, feelings, and memories were still buzzing around her head but they were all so much easier to deal with when they were around her.

---

Wylan: I Saw Three Ships

The parties were probably his least favorite part of the job that he found himself doing. His partners had expected it to be the reading and interacting with the other Merchers. He was a lot softer and more forward-thinking than them, partially because of Marya’s influence and partially because of his real gasp on the Barrel. He didn’t know it as well as his spouses did, but his brief time there had helped him know more than his coworkers.

He could deal with them when he was at meetings, it was easier than he had first thought that it was going to be. The only thing that he had to do was make sure that he held his tongue when he was already speaking in terms that no human used outside of an office or boardroom. He never had to talk or mingle with them until it came to the winter months.

It was as if the change of the seasons was determined to make Wylan’s life as hard as possible. The temperature didn’t change as much in Kerch as it did in places like Ravka, especially when they were living as close to the coast as they were in Ketterdam. The shift made all the old wounds that they had long since recovered from back in their criminal days ache like they were new. They all got crosser with each other because of the pain, which resulted in far more tears and reunions between the partners as they apologized for what they had done.

On top of the pain that he had endure and watch his partners fight with, the lack of light from the outside world made it even harder to work. He had to struggle to make out poorly written numbers on the same amount of ledgers in oil light instead of holding them up to the window. Jesper also got more restless in the winter which meant that he had to outsource his reading to some of his other partners. That was normally fine except for the fact that Inej still struggled to read in Kerch, Nina’s voice almost always lulled him to sleep, and Kaz would make snide comments around the very important documents that Wylan was working with.

The thing that he hated most of all about the winter, outside of the dim colors and drab gray days, was the socialization that he was expected to do. He had a half thought theory that he hated the people he worked with because he had never really been socialized around Merchers when it mattered, his father had stopped taking him places when he was eight after all. Regardless of what the reason was, he knew that he hated having to attend all of the balls and parties that the other Merchant families were holding. The problem was that if he wanted their votes on the reforms that he was working to get into place, then he had to play nice with them. As much as he detested it, Kerch law was mostly based off the person that had the most social rankings.

Having his partners by his side made it so much more enjoyable. Inej was always grounded and working in the city during the winter months because her crew wanted to be with their families and the waters got dangerous. That meant that she was around their estate a lot more, which was a relief when Wylan needed someone to complain at that would offer reasonable advice on what to do.

He also brought some of his partners along with him when he attended the parties. Nina was trained on Kerch dances for the missions she used to do with the Second Army, so she came with him to balls. He loved getting to see the other Merchant men gawk over her low necklines and swooping gowns, the regal form that she carried even though her station had never been anywhere near royal. Matthias was big and bulky but also kind so he came when Wylan thought that he was going to end up murdering one of the wives of his coworkers. Kaz and Inej were both banned from coming to the parties because they always turned it into work which had gotten close to ruining their overarching plans one too many times for Wylan to feel comfortable. Jesper came when Wylan needed to bring his husband, and it was always more fun to have the questions floating around about who Wylan was actually married to.

The last party of the year was happening that night, but he was preparing with all of his partners instead of just some of them so he was happy about it to some extent. He had been through a grueling holiday season so he had decided that his entire household could accompany him to the last one, even Kaz and Inej. They had both promised him that they would be on their best behavior and he knew that he was stressed out enough that they would actually mean it.

They had just finished getting ready, which they had started an hour early because everyone always ended up taking far longer than they meant to. It was easy to get distracted when the task at hand was doing one’s hair or putting on clothing, especially when surrounded by the people that they all loved so dearly.

Nina and Inej were wearing gowns in the same matching blue color, a deep sea-reminiscent color that was perfect for the theme of the party that they were doing to. Inej’s dress was form fitting to her body since she had gotten so used to that when she was skittering around the rooftops of Ketterdam. It clung to her neck in a high collar that was pinned with the Van Eck family crest so that it was clear who she had come with. The sleeves were long and came to a point towards her middle finger, which had been painted the same color blue instead of black as the rest of her fingers were. The skirt billowed out from her waist with intricately made fabric that shifted color to green and red when she moved. Inej had her hair braided so that it formed a crown around her head, something that was specifically Suli instead of Kerch. 

Nina’s dress had a low swooping neckline and sleeves that came over her shoulders in sheer fabric that came to a point on her bodice. Her skirt was pleated and come out in an even bigger circle than Inej’s, as almost all of her gowns had. Her hair was braided with two thin braids behind her ears and the rest of her curls hanging loose around her neck. She had the necklace that Wylan had given her, once again holding the Van Eck ruby in the center over her heart.

Kaz was dressed the same as he always was. The suit was pressed into thin lines and very dignified, which was accentuated by the way that he held himself. Wylan noticed, with barely restrained glee, that he actually had the tie pin pressed into place in the prominent place so people would know their connection. They were technically supposed to be separate from each other because of their occupations, but if anyone asked Wylan would simply tell them that Dirtyhands had stolen it from Jesper.

The aforementioned Zemini was wearing something that was a mix between the Barrel flash that he had been so fond of when they had first met and what he had to wear when he accompanied Wylan to meetings. His undershirt was a lovely yellow color that was complimented by the deep blue of his vest and the pleated skirt that swished lovely around his waist. He had a suit jacket that went with it, but it was draped over his arm because he was so excited that he was overheated. His hair had recently been done in the traditional braids that the Zemini wore when they were in the cities, something that he said he had always wanted but never had been able to get.

Matthias had expected to be dressed in the black Mercher suits that Kaz and Wylan wore, but Nina immediately informed him that she would never see him wearing something that predominantly black ever again in her life. She had worked with a tailor that Kaz had vetted so that she could dress him in the same colors as herself and Inej. It was still the basic suit so that he wouldn’t bring that much attention to himself, which was a good thing based on how many heads he turned with his massive size alone. He looked handsome and borderline regal in it, even if he was slightly awkward and how he was supposed to move in something that was so foreign compared to what he used to wear.

As soon as they were all dressed and ready, the piled into the coach that Wylan had paid to have pick them up. It was unlikely that they were going to stay at the party long enough to require their own coachmen come in from the break that they had given him. They were also all more than okay with walking, even Kaz with his unbearable pain in the winter preferred moving on foot to being trapped in a box pulled by horses. They still had to arrive in style even if they were going to slip out through a side door and then disappear into the night so that they could enjoy each other’s company when they got the first chance.

The ride was pleasant given the company that he was keeping. He had struggled a couple of times in his marriage with his partners, but he adored them with his entire heart so he knew that they would always make it work. He didn’t even have to worry about that now because they were all excited to be stared and gawked at by the upper class that couldn’t comprehend a relationship such as theirs existing near their homes.

The carriage arrived and they were introduced to the man holding the party, which went very quickly. Wylan made sure to introduce every single one of his partners, even Kaz and Inej, before they drifted into the party. They could already hear the whispers following after them, wondering why a member of the Merchant Council was consorting with such devious Barrel scum such as the King Bastard. Wylan was reveling in it. Chaos was the thing that he needed to brighten up the winter season.

Soon, they divided so that they could enjoy other parts of the party. Nina and Inej danced with each other, ignoring the men that tried to shark them or ask them for the next. Matthias and Jesper were flirting with each other in the corner. Kaz and Wylan were pretending to have a very serious conversation with the son of a wealthy brothel owner, though he didn’t have a single clue what they were really saying to him.

As the night continued, they changed and shifted their groups. Inej and Kaz stepped out onto the balcony when they got overwhelmed. Jesper and Wylan had to actually socialize with a few people that knew them so that they could keep their reputation about them, though it was over quickly. Matthias and Nina were whispering about all of the foods that they were having, looking besotted and excited with each other and the new experience.

The night as beginning to crawl to an end by the time that Wylan managed to get all of his partners back in one place. He had expected them to leave far earlier in the evening, not to stay until the party was almost finished. He supposed that they all needed to have a bit of fun and be out of their own home. The winter made them feel cramped, especially since Matthias, Nina, and Inej traveled the most out of the six of them.

They were gathered in one of the lower rooms that was open to guests so that they had some time to themselves. Jesper was spread out on one of the couches with his head pillowed on Nina’s legs and his knees draped over Matthias’ thighs. Inej was perched on the back of a chair with her shoes discarded down on the floor. Kaz was sitting in another chair, his cane in front of him clasped in both of his gloved hands. Wylan himself had seated himself on the ground in front of the hearth.

Silence slipped around the room as they naturally came to a lull in the conversation, tired and worn out from the party that they had just endured. A small smile began to grace Wylan’s face as he heard the familiar notes of a song that he had sung every single Ghezen’s Day for as long as he could remember. The lyrics began to float from his lips before he even realized he could recall it well enough to sing it himself,

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Ghezen’s Day, on Ghezen’s Day

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Ghezen’s Day in the morning

And all the bells on Kerch shall ring

On Ghezen’s Day, on Ghezen’s Day

And all the bells on Kerch shall ring

On Ghezen’s Day in the morning

A smile split across his face as he realized that another voice had joined him. He turned his head to the side and saw that his husband, his wonderful husband that was so different from him and yet his mirror of another life, had his head bowed down slightly as he sang. He started the next verse with a grin stretched so far across his face that his cheeks ached with the force of it.

Let us all rejoice again

On Ghezen’s Day, on Ghezen’s Day

Let us all rejoice again

On Ghezen’s Day in the morning

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Ghezen’s Day, on Ghezen’s Day

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Ghezen’s Day in the morning

“I didn’t know that you actually knew that song, Kaz,” Wylan beamed. He wasn’t able to ignore the butterflies that moved throughout his body as he realized that everyone was looking between the two of them. It was unlikely that even in the time that they had been in the Barrel and living at his estate, anyone other than Kaz was aware of that song and it’s importance to the non-criminal Kerch people.

Kaz scoffed and shifted the hold that he had on his cane, “Of course I know that song. Anyone that doesn’t never had a proper Ghezen’s Day.”

“What is Ghezen’s Day, exactly?” Matthias asked, his eyes flickering low between all of them.

“Love, you’ve been living here for how many years and you still don’t know what that is?” Nina laughed.

Wylan tilted his head towards his wife, “Nina, do you know what Ghezen’s Day actually is?”

Her lovely rouge-smudged cheeks turned a shade of scarlet that he adored. It was hard to make Nina Zenik blush, but all five people in the entire world that could do it were sitting around her. “Well, I suppose I don’t know the more Ketterdam-specific traditions but I do know what it’s about.”

“Do enlighten us, then, my dear,” Kaz said. There was a knowing smirk growing across his face that gave Wylan another rush of excited adrenaline and love for the people he was surrounded by.

She pursed her lips, obviously able to tell exactly what their husband was up to. “I know that Ghezen’s Day is a celebration of Ghezen and a mark of the new year.”

“I thought that the new year started with the break of spring,” Jesper protested, Inej nodding alongside him.

To save Nina from having to wrack her mind that hard when she was already so tipsy with champagne, Wylan jumped in to explain, “For a farming culture and a traveling culture, it does. For the Kerch, the end of the new year is when a financial book would be closed after a good year. There’s actually a tradition among some smaller families with kids that have started their own careers to come and show their parents what they’ve done. The most common gift on Ghezen’s Day is either a roter umschlag, which are given to children and generally have up to a hundred kruge in them, or a new ledger.”

“Outside of the city and the Merchant Council, Ghezen’s Day is celebrated as the found of the country. The three ships mentioned in the song were the founders of the three largest cities in Kerch. They founded Ketterdam first,” Kaz looked almost like he was taking a personal pride in that matter. Wylan couldn’t help but giggle.

Inej spent the rest of the trip back home complaining about how the Kerch could only focus on their money and had nothing else in their culture. Matthias kept asking questions about the end of the year, accompanied by Jesper giving unhelpful answers that he thought were correct. Nina had more in-depth questions to ask about the traditions and why so many parties were held if it was near the end of the books in a good year. Wylan explained that it was actually a sign of someone needing to fill the back couple of pages so that they would be blessed with good luck in the next year. Overall, he was happy that he had brought his partners with him even if he wished that he could just stay home with them next year.

---

Kaz: A Soalin’

The fire crackled merrily in the hearth that they had gathered in front of. Ghezen’s Day had passed a few days prior, which meant that people were still spending time with their family or at church. Wylan had made his appearance at the midnight and morning mass as he was expected to as a devout member of the Merchant Council. Now they were all free to do as they wished the rest of the evening. 

A lot of the time that meant that they would be getting up to no good, but they were so tired from having to run around for Inej’s newest plan and Wylan’s parties that the only thing that they wanted to do was relax. Kaz was having a wonderful day, which meant that he could actually touch his partners.

They had spread out one of the massive, fluffy quilts that Jesper had made the last time he had gone back to Novyi Zem on the ground to cushion them. They had made a nest out of the remaining pillows and blankets that they had dragged out from every bedroom that they could find. They had shifted the rest of the furniture around to create pseudo walls, though every so often someone would try to lean on the table and then shout when it moved behind their backs.

Inej was laying on the couch with her fingers weaving through Jesper’s tight braids to soothe herself. She had had a nightmare the night before so wasn’t feeling well enough to have full body contact with the rest of them. Matthias was wrapped around Wylan like they were both going to die unless every part of them that could be was touching the other. Nina was the one that was laying behind Kaz, her talented hands tracing shapes on the top of his hip while she engaged in a meaningless conversation with Jesper.

The night was calm and lovely until they heard a knock at the front door. Jesper startled and then reached down to his bare hips for his revolvers, only to remember that he was in his own home and was no longer in such high amounts of danger that he had to pack a gun with him everywhere he went. “Now who could that be? We shouldn’t be getting any visitors and the staff already went home,” Wylan complained. He unwound himself from Matthias and then climbed over the back of a chair so that he was down on the ground.

The rest of the polycule began to ready themselves to answer the door as well. Despite their years of caution while they tried to adjust to the new life that they had found themselves in, they were all inherently nosey and wanted to know what was going on. They brushed each other’s hair down, tucked shirts back where they belonged, and tugged pants up properly onto hips. Kaz began the slow process of getting to the edge of the blanket where he had left his cane so that he could come with them.

They were already gone by the time that he had raised himself into the chair and then to his feet. He hated the winter months because of how sluggish they made him, how the ache in his knee became ever present instead of something that he could push back and ignore. It made him feel like he was falling behind the others when he was supposed to be their leader.

He shook his head and reminded himself that those days were long behind them. He was still the mastermind, the one who came up with the schemes and got them out of a tight pinch when they fell into one. He was no longer the leader, no longer the one that gave orders that he expected to be respected. They were his equal and he was their husband.

Slowly, he limped down the hall so that he could meet the rest of his partners at the door. He stopped as soon as he heard the low notes ringing through the hallway. It was a clear night with no wind so that noise was able to travel long and hollow through the domed rooves of the Van Eck hall. 

Hey ho, nobody home,

Meat nor drink nor money have I none,

And yet shall we be merry,

Hey ho, nobody home,

A soal, a soal, a soal cake,

Please good missus a soal cake,

An apple, a pear, a plum, a cherry,

Any good thing to make us all merry, 

One for Petyr, two for Paul, three for he who bless us all,

A chuckle left his lips and a smirk crossed his face. He knew exactly what they were doing, but they were unaware of the trap that they had just fallen into. He turned and walked down towards the dining room. It was dark because they had taken their meal while they were cooking it in the kitchen. The staff had been sent home a week ago, though they still had a maid that came and helped with the vast amount of cleaning that a place like the estate took. It was harder to keep all of the rooms as warm as they needed to be for a human to occupy them when it was only six criminals and an elderly Kerch woman who kept to her suite.

He knew that he would have gone for the dining room if he was still young enough to be pulling a stunt like these kids were. He didn’t even have to see them to know what they looked like because he could already see them in his mind’s eye. They were dirty and run down, with clothing that was threadbare and in no way suited for the weather that they were having. Yet, despite their dirty appearance, their eyes would hold a sharpness and resilience to them that never should have had to form itself there.

Ghezen bless the master of this house and the mistress also,

And all the little children that round your table grow,

The horses in your stables, the dogs by your front door,

And all that dwell within your gates, we wish you ten times more,

Go down into the cellar and see what you can find,

If the Barrel is not empty, we hope you will be kind,

We hope you will be kind with your apple and strawber’,

For we’ll come no more a soalin’ til this time next year,

A soal, a soal, a soal cake,

Please good missus a soal cake,

An apple, a pear, a plum, a cherry,

Any good thing to make us all merry, 

One for Petyr, two for Paul, three for he who bless us all,

Kaz pressed his hand to the door before he decided that he wanted to listen first. He slipped closer to the crack that he had made by turning the handle and then listened. He heard the window open with a creak, which meant that the crew breaking in was new. He would have always tested the hinges on the window to make sure that nothing would creak before he began to pick the lock. It was the one thing that had prevented him from being caught more times than he could count.

Feet hit the ground with a soft thud and then began to step forward. He took that moment to make his grand entrance, swinging the door open and stepping inside of the dining room. “I would have sent more carolers if you wanted me to be fooled. Also, that’s the wrong song to pick if you’re going after this house.”

“It’s tradition,” the boy sputtered. His hair was a dirty blond that was caked with mud on the side, like he had slept while half embedded in someone’s back garden. He had just about everything that Kaz had added to the list in his head, down to the shoes that were coming apart at the seams and half scarf wrapped around his neck.

“I know it is. Would you like to know how I know?”

“Is this going to be that kind of thing where it turns out that you’re just teasing me before you kill me?” the boy asked.

The streets are very dirty, my shoes are very thin,

I have a little pocket to put a kruge in,

If you haven’t got a kruge, a ha’kruge will do,

If you haven’t got a ha’kruge, then Ghezen bless you,

Hey ho, nobody home,

Meat nor drink nor money have I none,

And yet shall we be merry,

Hey ho, nobody home,

Kaz threw his head back and laughed. The carol had already stopped on their door down the hall, so he motioned for the boy to follow him using the end of his cane. The boy obviously knew that he was dealing with someone dangerous and made the smart move to do as he was asked. It was unlikely that Kaz would have hurt him if he had run, he would have just scared the boy silly by sending a member of the Dregs after him. There was no way that he was going to let a roving gang of children so similar to him continue to wander the streets when he could give them purpose.

He led the boy down the hallway towards the door, where the rest of the gang had just finished singing the song. Their eyes bulged out of their heads as they no doubt recognized Kaz and realized that he had caught the tail that they had sent for this house. “I was rather excited to finally get to hear that song again, I just wish that you had been a bit more subtle when you were picking your tricks. Don’t you know that the best way to do this is to make sure that you know your audience?” he asked.

“M-Mister Brekker,” the leader of the gang outside of the door said. He took a step forward with his hand outstretched towards the friend that had gotten lost inside of the house. The panic was evident on his face, which made Kaz chuckle. He liked being feared, even if he was going to provide for the boys that way that Haskel had provided for him.

“Sorry guys,” the boy next to Kaz winced.

He had known how the kids were going to react, but his partners were still a question up in the air. He almost let out a breath of relief when he saw that they just looked confused and slightly startled about what was happening. Nina placed her hands on her hips, her shawl slipping slightly so that more of her beautiful blue nightie was revealed to the outside world. “Love, what’s going on?” she nearly demanded.

Kaz stepped forward with his gloved hand on the boy’s shoulder to shove him back with the rest of his gang. He looked over the faces of the young children in front of him so that they were seared into his mind. He knew how many there were and what they looked like, which meant that they wouldn’t be able to run or hide from him now. “I want you all to meet me in the Silver Six next Monday.”

“Of course, sir,” the leader said.

At the same time, the boy that Kaz had just reunited with his friends asked, “Are you really letting us go?”

“Don’t fucking ask that, Willem,” the leader snarled as he grabbed his friend’s hand and then they began to run down the path. Several of the other boys were scooping up the bags that had been left in the bushed near the gates, which clanked and groaned with the stolen goods that they had gotten from the other houses on the Geldstraat.

The door shut and soon they were left alone again. “What is going on, Kaz?” Nina demanded again.

“I will explain to you as soon as we are back where we belong. Jesper, would you be a dear and go relock the window in the dining room?” he asked.

That alone made his partners share a confused look with each other but none of them said anything. They all filed back to the living room and sat back down in the warm nest that they had made for themselves. Kaz demanded that Matthias lean back against the couch and then made himself at home in between his husband’s knees so that he was laying against the other man’s broad chest. It eased the ache from his knee up to his hip to have it stretched out and warm. 

“So what’s going on?” Inej asked as she perched herself carefully down next to Wylan, her back and long braid facing toward the fire.

“What those kids just did is something that I did often as a child. When I was left on my own on the streets at ten, I was picked up by a bunch of other children. The first couple hazed me until I learned to hold my own, and then they brought me in and began to teach me some of their tricks. One of them was to make yourself look as miserable and downtrodden as possible before you go sing that song to houses such as this,” Kaz began to explain.

“Seeing as everything in your childhood was miserable, I assume that there’s a catch of some kind,” Nina said. There was no malice to her voice because what she spoke was fact. Kaz’s life had been nothing but misery and pain until he met the people that were surrounded by him, even those few happy moments when he and Jordie had thought that they were going to get a good life were tainted by Pekka Rollins.

“The trick was that we would send a different person to the back of the house every time. They would break in, as a way to prove themselves, and then steal everything that they could. They would sneak it out while the rest of the group maybe got to enjoy coffee or coco,” he shrugged. “I think that most of the kids wanted to be warm and fed something sweet because of the kindness of the Merchant Wives, if I’m being honest.” He had always enjoyed the part where he was invited into the home far more than he did his turn to break in. It was nice to feel, even just for a moment, like he was wanted and cherished instead of something that had been discarded unwillingly into the streets.

“So are you going to give them a job?” Matthias asked. Kaz gave him a look and he only chuckled, the sound bouncing him around so that he gave an unhappy noise. “I say that only because you told them to meet you in your office. I think that you are not as unsentimental as you position yourself to be.”

“I suppose I’m not,” he huffed. He hated to admit it, but he knew that he was safe to be vulnerable around these people. They loved him and he loved them more than anything in the entire world. He was glad that he had finally gotten what he had spent so many years caroling to try and just get a taste of.

---

Matthias: Santa Lucia

He thought that he had left his awkward worrying behind when he had finally agreed to marry his partners. Somehow, despite the fact that he had been raised to court his potential marital partner for almost years and then ask a parent’s permission before he even thought about proposing, his marriage happened not long after he met the others. They had returned back to Kerch to help Inej bring down the Menagerie and the Sweet Shop after her first voyage. They were very close to getting caught by the Stadwatch again, so they had to make their aliases be married.

Matthias found then he actually adored the idea of being married to the people that he had fallen in love with and then had proposed to them later the same night after they had finished their plot. They had all agreed with a couple of silly caveats to the marriage, which had made it feel all the more like them. Nina and Matthias were the only ones that were legally married, of course, but they were all married under the eyes of their deities and each other which as the important thing.

Being married to the others had made him feel a lot more confident in asking for what he needed. He was able to experiment with the things that he wanted to experience and how he wanted to present himself. The only thing that he got in return was light teasing, enough to break tension without letting him get worried about what was happening. He had learned how to look into himself and figure out what was actually going on without shame.

He had asked his partners for things that were debauched, that would have made him think that he was unholy had he still been with the Druskelle. He had asked his partners for things that had gotten turned down in the past as well because they weren’t comfortable doing that with him. Everything had been recovered from and turned out alright in the end, which was making it all the more confusing as to why he was feeling so nervous.

Matthias wrung his hands in front of him as he stood at the top of the stairs that led up to the master bedroom where his spouses were gathered. He knew that he could do this, all he had to do was ask and they would agree. This was something that he couldn’t put off for another year, not when it represented twenty years since he had lost his first family in that fire. This holiday was too important to himself and his culture for him to do it on his own.

He took the first step up the stairs and then immediately felt lighter. It was as if his partners were calling out to him, drawing him closer to where they were hidden from the harsh winter winds with the promise of something loving and soft. He was able to take the next several stairs in stride until he reached the landing that led up to the master bedroom that he shared with his partners.

He only paused when he got to the doorway that led into their bedroom so that he could take in the appearance of his partners. It was getting towards mid morning and only a couple of them had risen properly from their sleep, about half of his partners were still dressed in their nightclothes while wound up in the nest of blankets on top of their mattress. Nina was splayed out in the center of the bed with her brown ringlets haloing her head so that she looked like an old saint in one of Inej’s ancient tomes. Jesper was next to her, his gray eyes still closed in mock sleep even if he was fidgeting more than he did when he was actually resting. Wylan was on his stomach on the other side of Nina, his head tilted towards Inej as her delicate fingers wove their way through his curly brown-red hair. Kaz was sitting at the end of the bed while massaging the muscles on the underside of his knee so that he could have some reprieve from the near-constant pain he got in the winter.

They looked so wonderfull domestic that Matthias felt his heart hammer loudly in his chest. He loved these people more than he knew that it was capable to love someone.

“Matty, are you going to come and join us or are you just going to stand there?” Jesper mumblned, proving that he hadn’t actually fallen asleep. Matthias let out a rumbling chuckle and then pushed himself off of the door so that he could slip onto the bottom of the bed beside Kaz.

“What’s going on, love?” Inej asked. She pushed herself up on one arm and then tilted her head to the side so that some of her longer flyaways fell down into her face.

“Why do you think that something is wrong?” he asked, once again nervous.

“You’re practically bursting with something. You wear your emotions on your face, which was why you had to be angry all the time before you realized that you could be a person too,” Kaz rasped. “Now tell us what’s wrong so that we can fix it.”

“I want to celebrate the Day of the Disir,” he blurted out all at once.

Nina was the only one that showed any kind of recognition about what he was talking about. He knew that she had studied his home country within an inch of its life, so she would likely know the overarching meaning of the holiday and the way that it was typically celebrated. She shifted so that Jesper was laying flat on the bed, no longer pillowed by her chest, and reached out for Matthias. “Do you feel comfortable celebrating without a Gothi?”

He thought about it for a minute, his mouth twisted. “I think that my mother and sister would understand if it was just me asking them to come and watch over our home instead of someone formally calling them to do so,” he answered. He had contemplated it for a long time before he had come to ask because it would be the first time that he was celebrating that holiday since he lost his family. They weren’t permitted to really celebrate anything other than Hringkalla when they training to be Druskelle because it was believed that it would result in them being too distracted.

“What’s going on?” Wylan asked, confused and worried about what was happening as he sat up.

Nina looked at Matthias to get permission to explain before he nodded his consent. She then turned back to their partners and said, “The Day of the Disir is a holiday celebrated by the Fjerdans where they ask the spirits of the female members of their family to come and watch over their home on the darkest day. It’s usually celebrated by lighting candles for them.”

“There is a member of my family, someone from my village, that we also sing to when the night falls,” he choked up when he began to explain it. He had gone over his plan again and again, trying to map out the exact right words in Kerch so that he could get the message of utter comfort and wonder that she had brought him when he was a child. “Her name was Lucia, and she is now a saint. But we use a different word for it, so she’s Santa Lucia.”

“What did she do to earn Sainthood?” Inej asked. She was being careful with her tone, making sure that it was even and kind as she spoke. Even though Nina was the one that had done all the research on his country and culture, she was the one that understood his spirituality best. He was glad that he had a spouse that was as devoted to her deities as he was.

Matthias was glad that she had asked that, because it had given him a chance to explain it without having to just dump all that information onto his partners basically unprompted. “She was the mother to four boys and the wife to a very strong warrior. The father would take the boys out every night so that he could train them how to be as strong as him, so that they could one day provide for their wives as he did. Every night, Santa Lucia would place a lit candle in the window so that they would be able to find their way back even in the darkest of the winter nights. The men that she cared for did not know that was how they always found their way back home so they left one night when she was so sick that she was bedridden. She begged them not to, because she knew that they would not be able to find their way back. She was only able to raise from her bed and light the candle on the Solstice, the darkest and longest night of the entire year.”

“So the candles are lit to lead the female ancestors back home so that they can continue to protect the house,” Nina finished. “I remember reading that in a book somewhere but it was such a small footnote that I didn’t mention it in the bigger explanation. I didn’t know that was where your village was located, Matthias.”

He nodded, ducking his head shyly when he realized just how much attention was on him alone. “I was wondering if you would all be willing to celebrate it with me. I know that we have already celebrated Mother Night for Nina and Ghezen’s Day for Kaz and Wylan…” he trailed off. He was worried that by introducing the Day of the Disir into their rotation that someone was going to feel like he was trying to overshadow them or try to push them to the side. 

His worries were almost immediately squashed as Wylan and Jesper gave a cheer of affirmation. “I would love to,” Inej beamed, Nina and Kaz nodding alongside her.

It was already mid-morning when he got the courage to ask them, so they had to jump immediately into doing the traditions so that he could get through them all. They sent the kitchen staff home on an early day and then spent two hours making baked goods such as cookies and the flaky pastries his mother had said that his grandmother always loved. While they cooked, he taught his partners the songs he had sung as a child when he was running underfoot of the adults.

They had a light lunch and continued to work with each other. The house was decorated with a mix of Kerch and Ravkan winter holiday decoration, so Matthias added a couple of his own so that they would sit alongside the ones that his partners had already provided. He left a silver ribbon tied into a pretty bow on the mantle for his sister, an apron embroidered with wolves and holly leaves for his mother, and a beautiful glass full of mead for the other women who may come and visit them that night.

The rest of the day was full of laughing, talking, and no sorrow. He knew that meant that the disir were actually visiting them, or at least that was what his mother had always told him. The sun set a lot further into the afternoon when he was as far down as Kerch was, but it was still around the late afternoon by the time that darkness consumed the island.

Matthias was the most nervous about that part of the celebration, but a simple squeeze of Nina’s hand reminded him that he was safe with his spouses. He had gotten a package of straight white candles from the market before the winter had begun so that they were cheaper, so he had to dig the out of the back of his closet when the time came for them to light them. He gave each of his partners a candle and then set one down in the window. 

He took a slow, deep breath to reassure himself that it was going to be alright. Next year would be easier, which the guidance of Djel and the disir to help him through it. They would all know what he expected from his holiday the second time that they were celebrating compared to what they were doing that year. Everything was going to be alright.

He stepped closer to the massive window in the front room and then lit the candle to place in the window. He began to sing the traditional song, the only one that really mattered throughout the entire holiday, as he made the run mark in the light of the window using the candle’s flame.

Night walks with a heavy step

Round yard and hearth,

As the sun departs from earth,

Shadows are brooding.

There in our dark house,

Walking with lit candles,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

While he sang, he lit the other candles and then began to walk them through their house. He was glad that they didn’t have a full time staff because it would have made what they were doing so much more awkward. He was embarrassed enough to be practicing something that he barely remember with people that he had never done it before, he didn’t need Kerch people that only tolerated him judging him on top of it.

Night walks grand, yet silent,

Now hear its gentle wings,

In every room so hushed,

Whispering like wings.

Look, at our threshold stands,

White-clad with light in her hair,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

They trailed up and down every hallway with the candles in hands. Matthias stopped on each floor, at the window that looked into the staircase, so that he could make the same rune marking. It was important to bring the disir towards the correct windows and show them that they were welcome. The fire would also drag out anything bad that the year had left behind.

Darkness shall take flight soon,

From earth's valleys.

So she speaks

Wonderful words to us:

A new day will rise again

From the rosy sky…

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

As the song came to a close, he turned north and then did the rune motion one more time. He then blew out his candle and watched the others do it as well. The single candle that would remain all night was the first one that they had lit, the one that would bring the women spirits back to protect him in the way that he needed so desperately. While he loved his spouses and was trying very hard to figure out the life that they led, the culture that was so different from his own, and everything else they needed, he had never felt more lost. He needed the guidance of the people that had come before him and the best ones to give that to him was his mother and sister.

“Was that everything you had hoped it would be?” Nina asked. She didn’t have the wide, teasing grin on her face that she almost always did. Her green eyes were shining brightly with hope and adoration instead.

“It was more,” he replied as he leaned down and pecked her lips. Inej was there a moment later, her small hand slipping into his so that she could drag him back to her room. He had promised her that he would go through her Sankta books so that they could see if anyone resembled his own saint. The others would likely splinter off to get ready for bed, but the day had been perfect so he honestly didn’t care that they weren’t all warm and surrounding him any longer. They would do it again throughout the upcoming year and they would definitely do it again during the Day of the Disir.

---

Jesper: Auld Lang Syne

Their home was quiet for once. It seemed to be that way more and more often whenever they crept into winter. Jesper knew that well, because the sounds of critters had always completely disappeared when they all migrated somewhere warmer or went into hibernation. Novyi Zem’s climate was different than Kerch, it actually snowed but not nearly as much as it did in Ravka and Fjerda. The ground would freeze first and then the quiet would come. It was a good time to look back on everything that had come before him, which was the tradition that he was trying to bring back.

He felt guilty for not having done it all the years since he had left his home and his father. Colm may not have completely understood the holiday that he was celebrating and why certain things were done the way that they were, but he had understood that his wife had wanted his son to know her culture and way of things. He had tried to keep the traditions going and the holidays celebrated every year since Aditi had lived. Then Jesper had moved to Kerch and let his life completely fall apart before he had to pick it back up for the five people that had won his heart over. 

He had almost completely forgotten about the celebration of the New Year and Ukukhumbula Izinyanya. Novyi Zem was somewhere that was always being settled and thus the culture was ever changing, even if people like Jesper’s mother remembered the old traditions and celebrated them in the proper way. He didn’t think that any of his ancestors would be too upset at him for celebrating things the way that he was, especially now that he was celebrating them instead of just ignoring them as he had been before.

Jesper had first gotten the idea to celebrate his holiday that year because Matthias had asked them to join him in his celebration of the Day of Disir. It was one of the only times that he ever remembered that the Winter Solstice was actually coming because it was so different than where he had come from when he was in Kerch. Ghezen’s Day was something that was made up by men far later than Ukukhumbula Izinyanya had been, so it never fell where the other holidays did and let him get lost in the mix of it all.

This year, he was going to celebrate it the way that his mother had taught him. He had woken early the next morning after they had finished celebrating the Day of the Disir and then set candles down on their front porch. He had spoken the words of the prayer for a late celebration as he lit the two candles to make up for the day that he had forgotten. He made sure that he was awake early every morning so that he wouldn’t be caught by the others.

Celebrating his holiday with his partners wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but he always felt embarrassed by how much he missed his mother. Kaz, Matthias, and Nina had all lost both of their parents when they were very young. Inej had been ripped away from her entire family and was usually a world away from them on a good day. Wylan still had his mother but she wasn’t the same woman that she had been, the woman that he remembered working to help raise him. Jesper had his father and he should have been grateful for that, but he wallowed in the grief of losing his mother more than he wanted to admit.

When he did, he felt stupid. He knew that he should be thankful that he still had a parent that loved him even if Colm didn’t entirely understand him. He shouldn’t spend all of his time thinking about the parent that he lost when he still had one that was willing to turn the world upside down for him. 

Ukukhumbula Izinyanya was his chance to finally get to mourn in the way that he wanted. His mother wouldn’t be disappointed him because Ukukhumbula Izinyanya was something she had wanted him to celebrate and it was a happy occasion. While there were occasionally tears for people that had passed very recently to the celebration, it was mostly a rememberance of the people that had come before and how cherished they were when they walked the earth.

The first day was meant to be for the patriarchal side of the family, but Jesper’s father was Kaelish so it was a half blessing that he had missed it. He wasn’t sure that any of his Kaelish ancestors were going to particularly enjoy being celebrated in a Zemini way since they were so fearful of all things otherworldly magical.

The second day was for the matriarchal side of his family, which was the one that he had really wanted to celebrate in the first place. So after he had done the prayer that he needed to make sure that he wouldn’t be haunted, he got to work in the kitchen. It happened to be the day of rest so their household would be empty of staff unless they specifically sent for someone, which they wouldn’t.

He searched the kitchen for flour, salt, and yeast so that he could make the same kind of bread that his mother had. He focused mostly on getting out the seasonings that she had always included to give it a bit of a kick when it was the only thing that they got to eat. They had dried rosemary and thyme that had been shipped from the Southern Colonies. Nothing was going to be as good as what she had grown in their side garden and then hung to dry in their kitchen, but he would make do.

His hands moved on their own as he got the measuring cups and then figured out the ratio for the loaf that he wanted to make. He hummed under his breath as he prayed for the women in his family, the people that had birthed his mother and turned her into the wonderful woman that she was. The Zemini worshipped their ancestors as ghosts, not believing in Saints or gods the same way that the other cultures did. It was similar to what the Shu did, because there were large Shu populations in the certain states that his mother had been raised in.

He placed the loaf of bread down into the bowl and then placed a cloth over it. He set his hands together so that his fingertips were touching and his palms were towards his chest. Slowly, he dragged his hands over the top of the bowl so that he had affected all of the dough inside. It rose as the yeast changed and activated with his zowa abilities.

“Jesper? What are you doing awake so early?” Kaz rasped, his cane clacking loudly as he transitioned from the wooden hallway into the tiled kitchen.

“I was just doing something that reminded me of my mother, is all,” he replied awkwardly. “You can go back to bed if you want, I’m not going to do anything stupid. Just baking bread.”

“Is this a holiday of yours?” Kaz asked instead of leaving like Jesper had expected. Sometimes he forgot that they weren’t the young kids from the Barrel anymore, tripping over each other to prove that they could work whenever and get more power from Haskell. They were a married couple that lived in a Mercher house and had a combined wealth that would make even the king of Fjerda blush.

“I… guess that you could call it that,” Jesper shrugged awkwardly. “It’s the Ukukhumbula Izinyanya week. I missed yesterday and I’m trying to make up for it by doing more than just lighting candles.”

“You could have brought it up yesterday when we were celebrating the Day of the Disir for Matthias,” Kaz replied.

“I didn’t remember until we were actually celebrating and I thought that it would be rude to try and force my celebration over the top of his. You saw how nervous he was when he came in to ask us if we would be willing to celebrate with him,” Jesper replied immediately.

Kaz let out a huff as he realized that his husband had a point. “Fine. But we’re going to celebrate with you today, if you want us. If this is something that you have to do on your own then I’m going to go upstairs and tell everyone to stay away from you.”

“No, this is something that we should all do together. Traditionally everyone makes bread and talks about their maternal family on the second day,” he explained.

The dark eyes that the zowa had fallen so agressively in love with flickered over the things that he had spread out over the counter. The little furrow around his mouth and between his brows became more prominent as he began to scheme about what his next step would be, “Can it wait until we get back down here or are you running out of time?”

“This can rise for  a bit longer,” Jesper explained. He removed the towel from over the top of the bread to examine it. He hadn’t done it as well as his mother would have, so extra proving in the warmth of the kitchen would only serve to make it better.

Kaz gave a nod and then immediately turned around. The sound of his cane hitting the floor with his uneven gate echoed down the hall as he neared the staircase. By the time that he had gotten to the second floor, Jesper wasn’t able to hear him whatsoever. His body was buzzing with more energy than normal, which was making it incredibly hard to be patient. He tried to focus by pulling out honeys, jams, and whatever else he could think of that they would need for bread making and eating.

His mind had thoroughly convinced him that the others were upstairs complaining or laughing about him by the time that they had all piled into the kitchen so that they could accompany him on his journey through a celebration he barely remembered. Everyone had dressed in the clothing that they wore when they were painting with Marya or working with Wylan out in the garden, something they could get dirty but still made them all look so wonderful.

Jesper got everyone started on their recipe and then taught them the words to the song that they needed to sing while they were kneading the dough while it was proofing. He wasn’t experienced enough as a Durast to actually get all of their bread to raise properly without also giving it some natural warmth to prove.

By the time that everyone had a bowl full of dough in time for kneading, they were ready. Jesper showed them how to dump it out onto the floured counters and then how they were supposed to knead it. His voice was the first to call out to their kitchen, echoing over the sound of the bread in his hands and the fire in the hearth. 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of Auld Lang Syne

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear

For Auld Lang Syne

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

Once he got to the next verse, Matthias and Nina had joined him. He couldn’t help the smile that began to stretch across his face, despite the saddening memories of his mother popping up in his mind, when he noticed that Nina was somehow out of key. Wylan was singing much slower than them but sped up once he got the hang of kneading the dough to the tune they were singing. Inej was a soprano, lovely and chipper as she sang in time with the others. Kaz was the last to start but when he finally did, they were all aware of the deep notes mixing amongst theirs.

For Auld Lang Syne

And here's the hand, my trusty friend

And gives a hand o'thine

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

For Auld Lang Syne

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear

For Auld Lang Syne

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

For Auld Lang Syne

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear

The chorus repeated again and again while they kneaded their dough to perfection. Jesper was glad that they lived in a house that was made to host huge, wonderful parties because that meant that they had plenty of tins for the bread to go in. He tucked each loaf into the oven so that it could bake until it was perfect. 

The waiting had always been the worst part for him, when he had been unable to sit and listen to someone whatsoever instead of just struggling with it quite a lot. It was far easier when he was in the company of his companions and he knew that they were wasting one of the days that they could have been using to take down slavers for him.

None of them appeared to mind on the outside, especially Inej. They all told stories about the members of their mother’s families, at least what they remembered. Jesper talked about his mother and when his father had caught her mending his shirts with her powers. She would put her hands on her hips and suddenly feel as big as the house even if she was substantially shorter than Colm. He would fluster and babble in multiple languages until he finally managed to admit that he was still worried that people from his home country would find her and kill her for her blood. He talked about the time that she had accidentally added salt to their jam instead of sugar and the recipes that she had made to correct that mistake, foods he still craved but would never get. Finally, he told the story of how she died. He had never told his spouses about that before and it felt so freeing to finally have her heroic dead in the minds of the people that he cherished. His mother was a wonderful woman and deserved to be known by the people he had picked to spend the rest of his life with.

Kaz spoke about his mother as well. He told them the story of how she brought chickens into their home when he was three because she was afraid of them getting hurt by the rooster from the neighbors farm. He spoke about how she sang when she cooked and how that was the only sound his father would tolerate in the house. He didn’t talk about how she had died or when, he didn’t have to. They could all tell he barely had any memories of his mother left and was grieving that fact rather intensely.

Inej talked about her grandmother, who had passed when she was ten. She told them all about the difference in how her mother and grandmother made bread in the fire, and how they would always argue about it. She talked about the kinds of stories that she was told by aunts and grandfathers on that side of the family, how they regailed her with the tail of her parent’s romance and the saints whneever she wanted them to.

Wylan stayed quiet throughout the entire process. His mother was still very much alive and he had barely known his grandparents from her side. It wasn’t common for the Kerch to have extended families that they were close to because each of the children was expected to make their own way in the world without their parents to guide them.

Matthias talked the most, even though he had already told them about his family the night before. He spoke less than Jesper, somehow. He told them about how he helped take care of his little sister whenever he was asked, how the aunties in his village would pinch at his cheeks and pull his hair when they were braiding it, and what his mother would make him eat whenever he was sick.

Nina talked about the mother that she had barely gotten to know. She told them the only memory that she had, of her mother singing to her when she had the flu. She had gotten her voice from her father apparently, because the sound she remembered from the woman that had carried her was one of the best she had ever known. She also talked about some of the teachers that she had at the Little Palace before the Darkling had killed them all during the civil war. She spoke about the woman who had eagerly taught her every language that she could now speak, the woman that had taught her how to fight when her hands were bound, and the woman that had first braided her hair for her. They technically weren’t on the maternal side of her family but it was close enough given the high orphaning rates of Ravkan children.

The bread finished baking and Jesper pulled it out so that it could cool. They could barely wait to cut each of the loaves open and then dig into the soft flesh, dipped into butter, honey, and jam so that it accentuated the things that they had put inside of it. Jesper knew that his mother would never come back, she had log since moved on, but when he was doing things like this with people that he loved, he had never felt closer to her.

---

Inej: Carol of the Bells

Inej would have never called herself lazy, but she had always struggled to rise in the morning. She knew that it came with being a performer, because usually her act was towards the middle of the show and that was late into the evening. That had changed so that she rose even later in the day after she had started working for the Dregs. She would stay up night after night while staking something out for Kaz or while crawling around for secrets. She had to completely flip the other way when she got her ship. A captain had to be up with the rest of her crew and she refused to be known as one of the leaders that thought she was too good for the people that she hired. She rose with them and that meant that she was up with the sun, as soon as there was light to see what they were doing without the flickering of lanterns.

She had been with her partners for the duration of the winter so that she could give her crew some time off, but she barely worked with the Dregs any longer. She was the one that busted down the door and made the Fear of the Saints strike deep into the hearts of the men that they were terrorizing. She wasn’t the one that had to sit and watch the building for days on end so that they knew when their target would be coming and going. She had preserved her sleep schedule for the first time since she had started using The Wraith to hunt down slaving ships.

That had the unfortunate consequence of meaning that she was up lateer than the rest of her partners were. Wylan and Jesper had to be up for business and Council stuff, which meant that they would join her about an hour to an hour and a half after she had risen herself. Matthias was also still a soldier since he had been trained that way for the majority of his life, and he would wake with her sometimes. The others were trying to convince him that he could rest and enjoy himself when he didn’t want to wake quite yet, though.

Inej was alone in the mornings, but that was okay. She didn’t feel completely hollow and abandoned when she was alone, away from the people that she loved and trusted, anymore. She felt at peace with her saints and the world around her when she was on her own.

So she slipped from the bed and wrapped herself up in Nina’s shawl. The other woman’s perfume and favored soap were still clinging to the garment, so it almost felt like her wife was beside her as she made her way out into the hall. She undid the ribbon at the bottom of her braid and then began to run her free hand through her hair so that she could undo the snarls that had formed there while she was sleeping.

Her bare feet hit the stones before she had even realized that she had walked outside. She was used to winters that were so harsh that one couldn’t see their hand in front of their face even next to the coast. She had adjusted to the Kerch winters as well, drizzling wet with optional snow and clouded skies. The season that she had just spent with her spouses was colder than the others had been, but not more than the late fall air on the sea near Fjerda.

She kept her feet carefully on the slippery stones that led the path through the garden so that she wouldn’t have to clean them when she came inside. She knew that Wylan paid the staff that kept their house very well and would never have an indenture, so the people that worked for him like doing so, but she couldn’t help but feel bad when she made more work for them to do.

Inej hummed softly to herself as her toes adjusted to the nip of the early morning air compared to the stuffiness of the house. She walked further into the garden before her eyes spied something that had not been there when she had walked it with Jesper the day before. She crouched down beside a raised garden and then brushed her fingers over the bud of the flower to make sure that she could feel the silkiness of petals instead of the waxiness of leaves.

Joy threaded through her system as she turned back towards the house and nearly ran up the stairs to her bedroom. She shed her clothing after she had delicatly placed Nina’s shawl down onto her bed. She knew how precious that garment was to her wife and she would sooner throw herself from The Wraith’s crows nest than hurt it in her carelessness. As soon as she was bare, she wiped her body off with a bit of water and a cloth to feel fresh after her sleep. She then donned her outfit for the day, a flowing white chemise topped with a scarlet skirt.

She couldn’t wait until she had finished with her braid as she stepepd out of her room and headed towards the master bedroom where the rest of her partners would still be sleeping. When she got to the doorway, she saw that they had risen from slumber but were still safely under the nest of blankets on the bed. 

“Kaz, how do you feel about touching today?” Inej asked. She had just finished wrapping a ribbon around the bottom of her hair so that it was stuck in place. She usually wore the silver or red that Kaz and Nina had given her respectively. Given what she had just seen in the garden, she had chosen to go for something blue instead.

“That’s an odd question before seven bells,” Kaz yawned as he rolled over. “I think that I can handle anything other than penetration today. Why?”

“I saw a flower bud. This winter has been a lot closer to the ones that I used to get in Ravka and since we had more celebrations than we usually did, I figured that we could also celebrate one from my culture,” she beamed. She gave a final tug to the ribbon in her hair and then clambered up onto the bed so that she was sitting in front of all of her partners, near-black eyes flitting over them expectantly.

Nina was always the slowest to rise, despite also being a soldier like Matthias. Hearing about another culture that she could learn about was enough to get her to actually wake. She shifted on the bed and then threw her legs over Matthias’ lap so that she was spread out like some kind of divine goddess. “They didn’t teach us all that much about Suli culture when I was at the Little Palace. What kind of winter holidays do you have?”

“We don’t have winter holidays. They’re considered to be frivolous because we have so little to hold us over,” she explained. “Only so much dry cheese and salted meat can fit on each wagon and we’re stuck in one place unless we end up on the coast, which happens very rarely. We instead celebrate the coming of spring with a dance and a song. I want to teach it to you.”

“I can’t dance,” Kaz rasped almost as soon as the words had left her mouth.

She thought for a moment that he was just denying her because they so often butted heads about the things that she had brought with her from her homeland. Then she saw that his ungloved hand was flickering down towards his bad knee and realized that he was being honest. He really couldn’t dance the bouncy festival dance that she had in her mind. She still wanted to perform it and it would be awkward with only five instead of six, but she would find a way to include him. “Well, you can single, can’t you?” she asked.

“Yes,” he nodded. “But I don’t want to mess it up because I have a limp.”

“Plenty of people sat out on the dancing because they had slipped or were feeling achy or had two left feet,” she shrugged easily. She had to sit out one year when she was seven because she had a massive gash on her leg from an icicle she wasn’t meant to be playing with. “As long as you’re participating, I don’t think that the Saints care how.”

“Can we have breakfast first?” Jesper whined, trying to burrow himself further under the covers. She thought that it was adorable that her husband rose with the sun at all times, which meant that in the winter he usually woke up around nine bells at the earliest.

Inej laughed and then squirmed off of the bed. The staff would be in later that day to make them dinner and clean the estate, but they were on their own for breakfast. Nina squirmed away from Matthias and hurried after their wife so that she could have a say about what they would eat.

The rest of the morning was spent as it always was. Eventually, everyone got up and got dressed. Inej noticed with no little amount of joy that they had all picked out outfits that were similar to the one that she was wearing. Nina was always dressed in something grand and beautiful since she had never been allowed to do that when she had been back with the Second Army. This time it was a lovely green dress with a sweeping neckline and massive angle wing sleeves. Wylan had a sky blue shirt one, which matched with the pants that Matthias had chosen. Jesper was wearing the toned down version of his Barrel flash that he now used for when he was going to meetings with Wylan. Even Kaz had put on something cream colored instead of his usual white shirt.

Once they had finished with their breakfast, Ine nearly dragged her partners out to the widest part of the garden where they could actually have their dance. She helped Kaz down to the ground so that his knee would be soothed and they could get on with everything.

She spent the next hour giggling and stepping on people’s toes as they went in the wrong direction or missed something. She found out that she was not the best teacher in the world, but she was far more patient than her mother and siblings had been. Once she had the steps of the dance down, she taught them some of the lyrics of the song. She knew them in both Suli and Ravkan.

According to her father, back when the Suli were still considered to be a welcomed part of the community for the roads that they traveled, the Ravkan townspeople would come and sing along with them. That had changed when the winters got harsher and the Suli were more and more often trapped in Shu Han or in the stranded edges of the road where no one else lived. Typically, some of her cousins that had Ravkan blood would sing the song in the other language so that they could get in trouble from the aunties that didn’t like it. They only did that so they could sit next to the tent with the food and steal from it when everyone was dancing.

Hark! Hear the bells, sweet silver bells,

All seem to say, ding dong.

Spring soon is here, bringing good cheer,

To young and old, meek and the bold.

Ding-dong-ding-dong, that is their song,

With joyful ring, all caroling

She knew that the beginning was going to be awkward because everyone was going to be trying to match the song up with the dance. She made sure to slow the tempo down since the song only got faster. It was supposed to be a game of sorts, swirling and whirling around the room while singing as quickly as possible. The faster the song, the faster spring would come.

Inej was aware of where her partners were at all times so that she could guide them through more difficult parts of the dance. She felt lighter on her feet and her soul than she had been in a long time, even when she was onboard her ship.

One seems to hear, words of the cheer

From everywhere, filling the air,

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound

O’r here and there, telling their tale

Gaily they ring, while People sing

Songs of the cheer, Spring soon is here

On, on they send, on without end

Their joyful tone, to every home

Jesper had just grabbed her hand so that he could spin her. She made sure that she placed her feet on top of his shoes so that she could avoid being stepped on. He had been trying his best the entire time that they were working together, but he was big and awkward when he was doing something other than shooting his gun.

When she whirled around and came to a stop for the end of the verse, she saw that Kaz was also singing. She had suspected that he as going to sit there sullenly, while assuring her that he did sing. She was overjoyed to know that he was learning what really meant something to her after so long of them butting heads over this.

Hark! Hear the bells, sweet silver bells

All seem to say, ding dong,

On, on they send, on without end

Their joyful tone, to every home.

Ding-dong-ding-dong 

She ended the song in Wylan��s arms and Jesper was being held by Matthias. Nina had dramatically wrapped her arms around her own body to show that she was dancing even though she had ended up without a partner. They all looked at each other, faces red with exertion and chests heaving from the physicality of it all. It only took another second or two before they all ended up bursting into laughter.

It was all just as it had been back when she was home. She had never been the one to spot the first bud when she was a child, but she was with her new family. She was two women, two girls, two people. She had her family back in Ravka that moved and spoke the language that she thought in. But she was also the wife to the five most dangerous people in Ketterdam. She had never thought that those two worlds would join, but she was overjoyed about being wrong for the first time in her life.

[pattysplaceofplaces]

omg thank you so much for this!!

And sorry if I'm putting to much on you

But is it alr if I request a part 2 where one of them confesses I feel like guardian would confess 1st!!

Anyways enjoy your day/afternoon/night

Match Making 101 Pt. 2

Zbaltazar X Guardian

[Author’s Note: No need to apologize I haven’t gotten requests in a while and this was really fun to write! :D ]

     The garage where the Guardian stood wasn’t exactly spacious but Zbaltazar could see why people meditated there, wrapped up in blankets as they let their mind go everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. 

You want to know what ruins a perfectly good meditation session? A blaring alarm and flashing red lights that can only mean one thing: 

A zurk had somehow managed to wander into the village. 

The previously calm atmosphere became erratic as several people were ushered inside the small garage. As several bots rushed in one bot was pushing people to get out. Zbaltazar wouldn’t be useful in a fight, he had never needed to be in one but he couldn’t just stay cooped up in the crowded space as the Guardian fought alone. He couldn’t understand how someone could be so selfless to stand up so bravely against a threat as big as the zurks. 

The Guardian had crouched down into a defensive position, pole pointed at the small horde of zurks that were waiting for the right time to strike. He surveyed the area trying get a clear amount of how many zurks he would be up against. His screen flickered in surprise as he saw the bot standing in front of the closed garage door. “What are you doing!? Get back inside!” Guardian didn’t mean to be so harsh but this was a serious threat. He knew he could defend himself but he wasn’t sure if he could defend Zbaltazar at the same time. 

While he was distracted several zurks took the opportunity and launched themselves forward. They were fast but the Guardian was faster and the zurks met his pole, causing them to collide with the concrete in a harsh manner. Some stayed down but others got back up and even more than before were launched at the Guardian. 

Having someone to protect made him more anxious, now it wasn’t only his life at stake and that made the pressure greater. He was making slip ups that costed him bits of his shawl that had been bitten and ripped at the edges. 

This was going a lot slower than it should have for the Guardian, if his mind wasn’t so hung up on who was watching he could have had defeated the zurks already. 

With one final swing the rest of the zurks had scrambled back into the dark alleyways. The Guardian leaned against the wall, using his pole as a support beam.  Zbaltazar was quiet for a moment and his steps forward were unsure. “You’re hurt.” The Guardian didn’t even notice he was until it was pointed out. Large scratches went down his metal arm, it was sure to leave an imprint for as long as he lived. He shrugged it off. 

“That doesn’t matter right now.” He kept the garage door closed and allowed for the alarm to continue to go off. They didn’t need an audience at the moment. The Guardian stood up and walked closer to Zbaltazar. “What were you thinking? What if I couldn’t protect you? You could have died!” He hated being angry, especially at Zbaltazar but what he did was incredibly dangerous. Zbaltazar was quiet for a few moments as he tried to think of the right words for this situation. There was no believable excuse the bot could make, the only thing that would make sense was the truth. He had cornered himself.

“I was worried, okay? Maybe my actions were idiotic but what was I supposed to do? I care about you! I love you!” 

The Guardian’s screen flickered and went blank for a moment, shoulders slumping as if he had short circuited. What does he even say to that? It was like all of his anger had been replaced with other feelings. 

Even with the blaring alarm and the flashing lights the world was still.

[revsforgottenwar]

Homecoming

Rev’s Forgotten War AU!

Rating: MA

Characters: Nabooru, Link,  Gerudo OCs,

Tags:  angst

WC: 1500

The Sage of Spirit senses a disturbance deep in the desert.

The winds that swept over the Gerudo Desert at night bought a bite of cold that tore through the dunes and rock of the great basin. Creatures buried themselves beneath the still warm sand and cold darners began to glide down from the highlands like sparkling snowflakes.

Deep in the desert, far from the golden lights of Gerudo Town and the towering cliffs of the Highlands rose a great curved wall of rock, which cradled a small oasis of palms and clear blue water. The most spectacular feature of this small paradise, was the enormous woman carved into the centre of the great stone wall. Legs crossed and hands open to the sky, her palms were lit up by glowing balls of magical light. She watched over the oasis in silent meditation, beneath a sea of stars and the blinking of tiny faerie light which danced across the waters below her. 

Nabooru stood on a gilded balcony not far from the statue’s left elbow and glared tiredly out into the desert beyond the oasis. The moon was nearing full, and while the light lay a beautiful pale blanket across the dunes, she couldn’t help but feel increasingly unsettled. She knew she wasn’t alone in this, the faeries that called the gardens before the Spirit Temple home had been acting increasingly skittish over the last few days. A disturbance in the magical plane is what the Great Faerie Khalida had called it, something only those connected to it could feel. It had been growing stronger over the past three days, as though its source was creeping closer.

A disturbance was not how Nabooru would describe it. She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders as the cold air bit into her. She closed her eyes and focused within and the Sage of Spirit felt one thing.

Pain.

***

She hadn’t slept in days and her temper was short and her body twitchy. The Temple was relatively empty, few visitors from town travelled into the heart of the desert except for special occasions and there were no priestesses to fill the Temple. The former thief didn’t consider herself particularly pious, ironic for someone whom was now a Sage. She saw little reason to fill the Temple’s halls, as far as she was concerned, the Goddesses knew what they were getting when they chose her. The only two permeant residents of the Temple were two of her former gang members turned Temple Guards, Balaa and Tashi.

Nabooru was deep in the Temple, sitting upon an elaborately patterned carpet within a circle of candles and incense and failing to meditate when Balaa entered. An eight foot tall wall of muscle she was nicknamed the Iron Knuckle for her incredible strength and brawling ability. Her inner circle knew she was a big softy under all that armour though.

“Sav’otta, you look rough.”

Nabooru just grunted in response, her eyes remaining closed.

“Found the problem yet?”

“If I had I would have destroyed it already and be fast asleep right now!” She snapped, eyes opening to glare at Balaa whom was unperturbed by the outburst.

Nabooru sighed, her head falling into her hands as she massaged her temples. “It feels as though it is getting closer. I can feel it during the day but it is far stronger at night.” 

“You still want to keep this from the Chief? If there is danger then the Guard should be mobilised.”

Nabooru snorted, “This is my business not hers. Besides I’m not convinced it’s dangerous.”

“Not dangerous? Have seen seen how twitchy the faeries are?”

“That is because it’s uncomfortable.” Nabooru stood up and stretched before turning to walk past Balaa.

“There is a lost spirit wandering the desert, and it’s in pain.”

***

The moon was rising over the desert as Nabooru wrapped her cloak around her body and strapped her scimitars to her back. Despite the cold, she was sweating as she moved through the silent Temple towards the entrance, heading for the stone stable where the sand seals slept. The echo of the pained spirit was thumping through her head, the loudest it had been and she knew she would have to find it before she went mad.

She wasn’t surprised to find the seals awake and strapped up, nor Balaa and Tashi ready to ride out into the desert with her. 

“Go back to bed.”

Tashi snorted. “I’ve seen your daytime surfing, you think I’m going to let you take my babies out at night alone?” She wasn’t particularly tall by Gerudo standards, only a little over six foot and slight but she made up for it in speed. She passed a set of reins to her wife before bringing a shield to Nabooru. “Lead the way boss.”

***

It was long past midnight and the women had surfed south-west across the dunes towards the endless horizon that lead away from Hyrule. Nabooru’s grip on the reins was becoming tighter and tighter as she cast her senses out ahead into the barren wasteland. She had seen maps of the known world in Hyrule Castle and knew that far ahead across leagues of sand was another kingdom. The name danced on the edge of her memory, not that it mattered, for there was no trade route that stretched across the Great Gerudo desert. Not even her people had travelled the full expanse. 

She pulled her seal to a stop atop the ridge of an enormous dune and Tashi pulled up aside her, Balaa not far behind.

“We don’t have the supplies to carry on much further and i’m not familiar with any water sources nearby.”

Nabooru responded by collapsing to her knees in exhaustion, her hands sliding into the sand and her eyes staring out into the distance. She heard the quiet whispers of the women as they discussed turning around and the soft sound of the wind rolling between the dunes. 

Every living thing had a spirit, a glowing presence that shifted with emotion. She had known this ever since she was a child, seeing the colourful auras that surrounded people, showing their true feelings and desires. This particular spirit had been powerful enough to feel or perhaps it was calling out to those who could hear. She looked out at the horizon and saw little splashes of colour, tiny plants and animals. Faint sources of life that despite all odds could flourish in the desert. It was then that she noticed some of these creatures were moving in a similar direction, scavengers most likely. Something twisted inside her and she felt the need to go.

Balaa’s head shot around as she watched Nabooru grab her shield and leap off the dune, surfing at incredible speed towards a small cluster of boulders in the distance. She followed suit, leaving Tashi with the seals. She soon caught up with the Sage picking up her abandoned shield before coming to a standstill behind her. Thats when she heard a quiet snorting from the rocks. She unhooked her enormous great axe from her back holster.

The Sage gently snuck forward, weapon drawn and glanced around the rock before tilting her head in confusion.

“Nab… what is it?”

“It’s… a horse.”

The creature was lying on it’s side in the sand, softly snorting, it’s ribs visible through its coat. It managed to lift it’s head and turn to face the women, moonlight shining into a white haired mane. It whinnied quietly at them before turning around to nuzzle something curled in front of it. Nabooru tensed, she knew this animal.

“How is it still alive this deep in the desert? Do you suppose it came from outside Hyrule?”

Nabooru was slowly arcing her way around the horse, every muscle in her body was clenching tight as she finally caught sight of the bundled cloth pressed against it’s side and the surge of pain flooded her senses. It’s aura was a faint sad blue, but there was little streaks of pink that connected with the animal, little flashes of comfort. She dropped to her knees before it, her hand running across the tatty fabric, finding a waist then a shoulder before settling on a head. She pulled back the hood and her heart broke.

A gaunt angular face was half buried in the sand. She brushed away long matted blonde locks to reveal jagged scars that crossed his cheek and forehead. Her fingers ran across them and found a line like a burn that wrapped from under his ear to his chin and likely to the other ear. It was almost as though something had been pressed against his face in the past. His eyes were closed, but she knew if they were open they would reveal two incredible sky blue eyes. 

“Balaa, signal for Tashi to bring the seals.” 

She held his face in her hands as Epona weakly nuzzled the back of his head.

“Welcome home little brother. I’ve got you.”

[amber-obrien]

What should participants bring or wear to a sound bath session?

When attending a sound bath in Orange County, participants should prioritize comfort to fully enjoy the experience. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing is recommended, as it allows for relaxation and ease of movement. Many participants also find it beneficial to bring a cozy blanket or shawl to keep warm during the session, as the gentle sounds can create a soothing atmosphere that might lead to a drop in body temperature. Additionally, bringing a yoga mat or cushion can enhance comfort while lying down, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

For those attending a sound bath in Newport Beach, it’s also helpful to bring personal items that promote relaxation. A water bottle can keep you hydrated, while an eye mask can block out light, helping you to sink deeper into a meditative state. Some participants choose to bring a journal to jot down any insights or feelings that arise during the session. Overall, preparing with the right attire and personal items can greatly enhance the sound bath experience, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in the healing vibrations.

[powerinsan]

Yak Wool Shawls Handloom Cashmere Scarf Handloom wool scarf, shawl & meditation shawl Pashmina Shawl, Jamawar Shawl India, Indian Yak Wool Scarf Wrap, Unisex Wool Shawl, Meditation Prayer Shawl Blanket Cosy Winter Stole

Clothing Cove University: How To Turn A Long Scarf Into Vest https://amzn.to/47rBNJg 100% Yak Wool Soft Shawl or Wrap Handmade in Nepal https://amzn.to/3spRkKE Nepalese Print Yak Wool Shawl  https://amzn.to/3QzhYJb Yak Wool – Huge Inventory Selection  https://amzn.to/3Qu8Vcd Yak Wool Shawl  https://amzn.to/3QMEq2B Wool Shawls for Women AMAZON HAUL 💖 Beautiful Collection of Shawls &…

[nichehobbies]

Knitting: Crafted Creations and Creative Pattern

Knitting is a timeless craft that combines creativity with practicality, offering enthusiasts a fulfilling way to create handmade items while honing their skills. For beginners, knitting patterns designed specifically for novices provide an accessible entry point into this art form. These patterns are carefully crafted to simplify the learning process, typically featuring straightforward instructions and basic stitches that are easy to grasp. Starting with simple projects such as scarves, dishcloths, or beanies allows beginners to familiarize themselves with essential techniques like casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, and binding off.

As beginners gain confidence and proficiency in these foundational skills, they can gradually advance to more complex patterns and projects. Intermediate knitting patterns often introduce new stitches, shaping techniques, and garment construction methods, offering opportunities to expand skills and create more intricate designs. Popular intermediate projects may include sweaters, blankets, socks, and mittens, which challenge knitters to refine their techniques and attention to detail.

Advanced knitting patterns cater to seasoned knitters looking for intricate designs and complex techniques. These patterns often involve intricate lacework, intricate cables, colorwork, or combinations of different stitches and techniques. Advanced knitters enjoy the challenge of mastering these more demanding patterns, which may require patience, precision, and a deep understanding of knitting principles.

Knitting patterns not only vary in complexity but also in style and purpose. They encompass a wide range of projects suitable for different occasions and preferences, from cozy winter accessories to stylish garments and decorative home items. Patterns for baby knits, for example, are popular among knitters who enjoy creating handmade gifts for newborns and infants, featuring adorable designs like baby blankets, hats, booties, and cardigans.

Knitting patterns for accessories are also highly sought after, offering knitters the opportunity to make personalized gifts or update their own wardrobe with handmade scarves, shawls, gloves, and hats. These patterns often incorporate various yarn weights, textures, and colors to achieve desired effects and complement different fashion styles.

In addition to traditional garments and accessories, modern knitting patterns encompass a diverse range of creative projects, including knitted toys, home decor items like cushions and throws, and even innovative designs like knitted jewelry and bags. Knitters can explore niche areas such as eco-friendly knitting patterns that promote the use of sustainable and natural fibers, or patterns inspired by cultural traditions and historical knitting techniques.

Overall, knitting patterns not only serve as guides for creating handmade treasures but also foster a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and mindfulness. Engaging in knitting allows individuals to unwind, reduce stress, and cultivate a meditative focus on the rhythmic motion of needles and yarn. It encourages creativity, self-expression, and the satisfaction of producing something beautiful and functional with one's own hands. Whether you're a beginner embarking on your first knitting project or an experienced knitter seeking new challenges, exploring knitting patterns opens up a world of possibilities for artistic expression and personal fulfillment in the craft of knitting.

[mazoprenses]

Discovering Mexico's Beach Towns: Why a Sarong is Your Perfect Travel Companion

Hello, fellow travelers and beach lovers! If you're dreaming of sun-soaked days, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, then Mexico's beach towns should be at the top of your travel list. From the bustling beaches of Cancun to the laid-back vibe of Sayulita, Mexico offers a variety of coastal gems that cater to every type of traveler. One essential item I’ve learned to always pack for these trips is the versatile and stylish sarong. Join me as we explore some of Mexico’s best beach towns and discover why a sarong is the perfect travel companion for your adventure.

Why Choose Mexico’s Beach Towns?

Mexico’s beach towns are renowned for their stunning scenery, rich history, and welcoming hospitality. Each town has its unique charm, from the bustling nightlife of Playa del Carmen to the serene beauty of Tulum. Whether you’re looking to surf, relax, explore ancient ruins, or indulge in delicious cuisine, Mexico’s coastlines have something for everyone.

The Versatility of a Sarong

Before diving into the specifics of each beach town, let's talk about the magic of the sarong. This large piece of fabric, often decorated with vibrant patterns and colors, is a traveler's best friend. Its versatility is unmatched, and it serves multiple purposes that make it indispensable on any trip.

Multiple Ways to Wear a Sarong

The beauty of a sarong lies in its ability to transform into various outfits and accessories:

As a Beach Cover-Up: Simply wrap the sarong around your body after a swim for a quick and stylish cover-up.

As a Dress: Tie the sarong around your neck for a halter dress or wrap it around your chest for a strapless look.

As a Skirt: Fold it in half and tie it at your waist for a casual skirt perfect for beach walks.

As a Shawl: Drape it over your shoulders during cooler evenings.

As a Scarf: Use it as a headscarf or neck scarf for added flair.

Practical Benefits

Apart from its fashion versatility, a sarong is incredibly practical. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and dries quickly. It can double as a towel, picnic blanket, or even a makeshift bag if needed. This multifunctionality makes it the perfect companion for any beach destination.

Exploring Mexico’s Best Beach Towns

Now, let's take a virtual tour of some of Mexico's most enchanting beach towns and see how a sarong can enhance your experience in each location.

Cancun: The Vibrant Beachfront Paradise

Cancun is one of Mexico’s most famous beach destinations, known for its bustling hotel zone, nightlife, and endless stretches of white sand beaches.

Sarong Styling in Cancun

Poolside Glamour: At a luxury resort in Cancun, a brightly colored sarong can be worn as a chic halter dress. The vibrant patterns will make you stand out as you lounge by the pool with a tropical drink in hand.

Exploring the Market: When exploring Cancun's local markets, wear your sarong as a skirt paired with a simple top. It’s comfortable for walking and perfect for trying on souvenirs.

Playa del Carmen: The Heart of the Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed vibe compared to Cancun but still boasts lively nightlife, shopping, and beautiful beaches.

Sarong Styling in Playa del Carmen

Beach to Bar: Playa del Carmen’s beach clubs are the place to be. Wear your sarong as a stylish cover-up during the day. Transition it into a wrap skirt in the evening for a casual yet fashionable look.

Eco-Park Adventures: Visiting nearby eco-parks like Xcaret? Use your sarong as a towel after a refreshing swim in the cenotes.

Tulum: The Bohemian Escape

Tulum is famous for its eco-chic resorts, Mayan ruins, and stunning coastline. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

Sarong Styling in Tulum

Yoga Retreats: Tulum is a hub for wellness and yoga. Use your sarong as a shawl during morning yoga sessions to keep warm during meditation.

Exploring Ruins: When visiting the Tulum ruins, wear your sarong as a comfortable dress. It’s breathable for the hot climate and looks great in photos.

Sayulita: The Surfer’s Paradise

Sayulita is a laid-back surf town on the Pacific coast, known for its vibrant art scene and friendly community.

Sarong Styling in Sayulita

Surfing Sessions: After hitting the waves, wrap your sarong around your waist as a skirt. It’s quick-drying and perfect for relaxing on the beach.

Art and Culture: Explore Sayulita’s art galleries and street vendors with your sarong as a casual dress. The bohemian vibe of the town pairs perfectly with the relaxed style of a sarong.

Puerto Vallarta: The Picturesque Bay

Puerto Vallarta is nestled on the Bay of Banderas and is famous for its charming old town, lively boardwalk, and stunning sunsets.

Sarong Styling in Puerto Vallarta

Sunset Cruises: Take a sunset cruise around the bay wearing your sarong as an elegant shawl over a sundress. The soft fabric will keep you warm as the evening breeze sets in.

Old Town Strolls: Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta’s old town with your sarong tied as a skirt. It’s comfortable and stylish for exploring the vibrant neighborhood.

Why a Sarong is Essential for Your Mexican Beach Adventure

Lightweight and Easy to Pack

One of the greatest advantages of a sarong is its lightweight nature. It takes up minimal space in your suitcase, allowing you to pack more efficiently. Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on or a large suitcase, a sarong fits easily without adding extra weight.

Quick-Drying and Easy to Clean

Beach vacations often mean frequent dips in the ocean or pool. A sarong’s quick-drying fabric ensures that you’re never left with a damp cover-up. Additionally, sarongs are easy to clean. A quick rinse in the sink and they’re ready for another day of adventure.

Perfect for All Weather

Mexico’s beach towns enjoy warm weather year-round. A sarong’s breathable fabric keeps you cool in the heat and can provide a bit of warmth during cooler evenings. Its versatility means you can adapt to changing weather conditions without needing multiple outfits.

A Touch of Local Culture

Many sarongs feature traditional patterns and designs that reflect the local culture. Wearing a sarong not only adds a touch of authenticity to your look but also shows appreciation for the local artisans who create these beautiful pieces.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Mexico’s beach towns is a dream come true for any beach lover. The stunning scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality make for an unforgettable experience. Packing wisely can enhance your trip, and a sarong is the ultimate travel companion for these coastal adventures.

From Cancun’s vibrant beaches to Tulum’s bohemian charm, Playa del Carmen’s lively atmosphere to Sayulita’s surfer vibes, and Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque bay, a sarong can effortlessly adapt to any setting. Its versatility, practicality, and style make it an essential item for your beach vacation.

So next time you’re packing for a Mexican beach getaway, don’t forget to include a few sarongs in your suitcase. Experiment with different ways to tie and wear them, and you’ll soon discover why sarongs are the perfect fashion statement for your travels. Here’s to sunny days, beautiful beaches, and the timeless elegance of the sarong. Happy travels!

[terbearcollectibles]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: 7 Chakra Rainbow Blanket Meditation Yoga Rug.

[alamin00007]

Comfort & Style: Accessories for a Relaxing Journey

Indulge in comfort and style on your journey with carefully curated accessories, ensuring a truly relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.

1. Ergonomic Seating Solutions: A Foundation of Comfort

The journey begins with the right seating. Ergonomic seat cushions and lumbar supports transform your vehicle or airplane seat into a haven of comfort. Opt for memory foam or gel-infused cushions that contour to your body, reducing pressure on your lower back and promoting better posture. Whether you're cruising down the highway or flying at 30,000 feet, these accessories set the stage for a relaxing journey.

2. Travel Pillows: Supporting Restful Moments

Restful sleep is a precious commodity during travel. Portable travel pillows, designed for neck and head support, are indispensable companions. Choose inflatable or memory foam options that are easily stowed in your carry-on or car, ensuring that you're ready to catch a nap during layovers or rest stops. With the right travel pillow, even the longest journeys become an opportunity for rejuvenation.

3. Stylish Comfort Wear: Elevating Your Travel Wardrobe

4. Noise-Canceling Headphones: Serenity in Sound

Escape into your own world with noise-canceling headphones. Whether it's the hum of the airplane engines or the ambient noise of the road, these accessories create a bubble of tranquility. Invest in a pair with superior sound quality, and enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks without the distractions of the outside world.

5. Blankets and Shawls: Cozy Comfort on the Go

A soft blanket or shawl adds an element of coziness to your travel experience. Choose lightweight, easily packable options that can double as a wrap on chilly flights or as a makeshift picnic blanket during a roadside stop. The familiar comfort of your own blanket can bring a touch of home to any journey.

6. Travel-Friendly Footwear: Support for Every Step

Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable for a relaxing journey. Opt for slip-on or easily removable footwear for hassle-free security checks at airports. Consider compression socks to improve circulation during long flights or drives, reducing the risk of swelling and discomfort.

7. Portable Relaxation: Unwind Anywhere, Anytime

Create your personal relaxation zone with portable accessories. Inflatable footrests, neck massagers, and compact meditation cushions are designed for on-the-go relaxation. Set up your comfort corner in a plane seat or pull over at a scenic spot during a road trip to recharge and rejuvenate.

8. Travel-Sized Aromatherapy: Soothe the Senses

Aromatherapy can enhance the relaxation experience. Pack travel-sized essential oil diffusers or scented sachets with calming fragrances such as lavender or chamomile. Inhaling these soothing scents can help alleviate travel-related stress and promote a sense of well-being.

9. Multi-Functional Travel Blankets: Beyond Warmth

10. Compact Reading Material: A Literary Escape

A good book is a reliable companion on any journey. Opt for compact paperbacks or e-books to minimize space and weight. A captivating story can transport you from the cramped quarters of a plane or car to worlds unknown, making the miles disappear effortlessly. 11. Hydration Accessories: Refreshing Your Journey

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being during travel. Invest in a quality, reusable water bottle to ensure you have access to water at all times. Look for bottles with innovative features like built-in filters or collapsible designs for convenient storage when not in use. A well-hydrated traveler is a more comfortable and alert traveler.

12. Sun Protection Gear: Shielding Yourself in Style

If your journey takes you to sun-soaked destinations, sun protection becomes crucial. Pack stylish sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. Not only do these accessories offer practical sun protection, but they also add a touch of glamour to your travel ensemble.

13. Compact Umbrella: Shelter from the Elements

14. Travel Journal: Documenting Your Adventures in Style

Capture the essence of your journey in a stylish travel journal. Whether you prefer traditional notebooks or digital journaling apps, recording your experiences allows you to relive the highlights of your trip. Personalize your journal with sketches, mementos, or pressed flowers for an extra touch of creativity.

15. Reusable Eco-Friendly Bags: Sustainable Style

Embrace sustainability with reusable bags for shopping, picnics, or impromptu gatherings. Opt for chic, foldable designs that fit seamlessly into your luggage. These eco-friendly accessories not only reduce your environmental impact but also add a touch of conscientious style to your travel experience.

In conclusion, comfort and style are not mutually exclusive when it comes to travel accessories. By carefully selecting items that prioritize both elements, you can transform your journey into a relaxing and enjoyable experience. From the moment you set out to the final destination, these accessories become the unsung heroes that contribute to the overall bliss of the adventure. So, as you plan your next excursion, consider the value of comfort and style in making your journey as memorable as the destination itself.Incorporating these additional accessories into your travel repertoire ensures that you're well-prepared for a journey that is not only comfortable but also effortlessly stylish. Remember that the joy of travel lies not only in the destination but in the moments of discovery, relaxation, and connection experienced along the way. So, as you embark on your next adventure, let comfort and style be your steadfast companions, transforming your journey into a truly blissful and memorable escapade.