#My Rocky Mountain boot camp.

[ihavethedreamies]

Matter of Pride | Hongjoong

Kim Hongjoong - ATEEZ

Rating: M (18+) MDNI

Word Count: ~5.9k

Pairing: Lion-Hybrid!Hongjoong x Gazelle-Hybrid!AFAB!Reader

Genre: Hybrid AU!, Historical?/Ancient?, Reader-Insert, Fluff, Smut, Some Plot, Strangers-to-Friends-to-Lovers

!!This is smut…if that much isn't clear you should probably leave now!! MDNI!

Warnings: She/Her Pronouns used, very tiny mention of noncon, Pet Names (Doll, Sweetheart, Sweet, Love, etc.), Swearing, Kissing, Biting & Scratching & Marking, Bonding/Mating, Heat/Rut, Pheromones, Oral (F! Receiving), Unprotected Sex (This is pre-birth control so…), Monster(?)!Hongjoong (not really, he's a lion hybrid)

Author's Note: Okay, here we go lol. This is NOT Omegaverse, but they do both go into rut/heat. They have animals ears and tails and he's got a spiny lion cock. Hongjoong is not necessarily bigger than reality, the reader is just small. I did also imagine this more to be set in the steppe of Central Asia/Southern Siberia rather than Africa.

I am planning on doing the other members, might just take some time since we are in the process of moving. I wanted to get this up sooner as well, but I live in Tornado Country™.

-> Series Hub <-

🐕 Yeosang's 🐕

🐻 Jongho's 🐻

🐯 San's 🐯

I am cross-posting this on Archive and Wattpad. Please reblog! If you know anyone that would like this or future fics but they aren't on here my name and icon are exactly the same on the other sites. Happy reading!

Ever since you were a calf, the elders of your herd told you to stay away from predators. You weren't for sure why thought, since all they told you was that they were dangerous. You found that quite odd considering you were not full animals, and as far as you knew, predator hybrids did not literally eat prey hybrids. There was probably some ancient lore-based superstition or something, and it wasn't till you were older did you really think about the real facts. Despite logically knowing that they weren’t going to eat you alive, you still were a bit scared about meeting a predator.

One day you were traversing the rocky steppe of your homeland, right at the foothills of the mountains. Crouching down, you ran your fingers through the grass, feeling for the tell-tale mound of the root you were looking for. The sun was beginning to set, the cool of late-spring settling in the air.

"No." you grumbled, not feeling anything. Standing back up, your attention was quickly drawn to a new sound. Your furry ear, sticking out from the side of your head, flicked at the noise. The wind shifted and your sensitive smell picked up something unfamiliar, but it triggered a deeper, primal part of you. Predators. Logic tried to fight back against instinct, the sound was voices, not the growls of an actual animal. Still, your heart raced, the sound of blood pumping thudded in your ears. Your furry tail swished back and forth nervously, and despite your apprehensions, you moved toward the voices. Finding a path that led a bit further into the foothills, you saw fresh boot marks. Gently, like doing so would trigger something, you placed your own foot in the print, the size difference was striking. You were not a child, you were actually quite a bit bigger than the other women of your herd, but… A boisterous laugh hit your ears, your head turning toward it on its own, instinctually. Swallowing hard, you followed the tracks and when you came around a large boulder, you peered around it. There was a small clearing created by tall, jutting rocks, and a camp had been set up there. Three figures sat around a firepit, great furry pelts wrapped around their shoulders and necks. Lions. There was a fourth figure, leaning against one of the rocks, making him closest to you. Peering closer, he was beautiful. Sharp eyes and jawline, his hair wasn't as long nor as shaggy as the others. His pelt was much nicer as well, and he was the only one with a tunic shirt on underneath. A large axe-like knife was attached to his belt and he had a deep red cloth tied around his bicep. You felt the end of your tail brushing over the rock as it swayed, your nose twitching as the wind carried their scent. You had a hard time pinpointing the exact fragrance, but the one closest to you was the most potent. And the most pleasant. The three around the fire smelled like the smoke wafting around them, and like sweat and dirt. The other one though, he smelled like spiced tea and fragrant tree bark. The wind shifted again, coming up from behind you, carrying your scent right into the clearing. You barely had time to realize what had happened, trying to back away and completely out of sight, but he noticed. As you ducked to hide, his deep golden-brown eyes met your own. The intense look shot fear through your very DNA and you turned to bolt, using your species' long and fast legs to sprint. You didn't make it very far though, and the back of your tunic was seized and you bleated as you were hauled back. Turning to look at your captor as best as you could, it was the handsome one. He smelled even better so close and looked even better. Your face was hot, for many different reasons, and you wondered if he could smell your fear. Was that an actual thing?

"What's wrong Hongjoong?" One of the other lions called and he was able to hide you with his own body. He wasn't as big as the others, but still a good seven or eight inches taller than you.

"Smelled a doe, I'm going to see if I can get her." He shouted back and they went back to their raucous conversation. The lion holding you wrapped his arm around your middle rather than gripping your tunic and easily carried you around the boulder fully and down the slope. You hung there, not sure what else you could do, and he only let you go when he got to the end of the path that led you in.

"S-sorry!" You spun around to face him, not trusting him at your back, "I wasn't eavesdropping!"

"I'm not worried about that, doll. Be glad the smoke covered your scent for the others."

"W-why? Would they…" You swallowed hard, your quivering obvious to him. So were your twitching ears, and he could see your tunic shifting from your wagging tail.

"Would they eat me?" Your question threw him off, to the point that he flinched back.

"What?" He huffed, "No, of course not. Is that what you were told?" You shrugged, feeling embarrassed now.

"That's not what I'm worried they would do to a cute thing like you." Your arm reached around your back, twisting so you could wrap your fingers around the end of your braid, tugging on it. You couldn't meet his gaze, especially because you understood his implication. Also, you weren't sure how you felt about him calling you cute.

"What are you doing around here? What herd are you with?"

"I was gathering herbs…I'm with the gazelle herd southwest of here." You motioned vaguely behind you.

"What were you looking for?"

"Valerian root. It's too early for the plant to be flowering so it's hard to find." He didn't reply for a bit, glancing behind him.

"There's a big tree, east of your village?"

"Y-yes?" You were a little concerned he knew the area so well, but at the same time if they knew where your herd was, and had left it be, it was probably okay.

"What else have you been looking for?" His change of subject caught you off guard, but you answered.

"Meet me at that tree tomorrow evening, and I'll have some for you. Don't come back this way, those others aren't safe."

"You are, though?" Your question didn't sound as bold as you wanted it to. He chuckled a bit, then exhaled hard through his nose.

"Short answer, yes. I don't want to be working with them, but I don't have a choice right now."

"What do you want in return?" You asked, why would he help you just to be nice. It would be a lot of work to gather the herbs you were looking for.

"We'll see how hard it is, then I'll tell you. Deal?" He held his hand out and you eyed it. Finally, taking it, the strength behind the grip jolted you.

"I'm Hongjoong. Do you have a name I can call you?" He smirked softly and you pulled away from the handshake like he had burned you suddenly.

"(Y/N). About this time?"

"Sure, doll. Now go home, and don't come back here." Hongjoong stepped back and nodded for you to do so. Turning back to look at him a few times as you went, you trotted back home, your bag lighter than you had planned on it being.

All through the next day, your eyes kept flitting to the sun behind the clouds, waiting for it to reach the right point in the sky. You were glad you were the head healer, if you had not come back with a good haul before your mentor retired, she would've swatted your hands. In the beginning, it was weird to return to an empty tent, but after nearly six months, you were used to it. It wasn't like she was dead; it was just weird she wasn't there anymore. Your hands moved on muscle memory as you worked through the day, thoughts spiraling, always returning to the image of the lion you met the day prior. It didn't help that he was so attractive, the encounter would have been significantly less captivating without that factor. It was clear he didn't like his comrades, even past that, his appearance was very different from theirs. He had been standing far away from them as well and had even lied when he found you.

The closer toward the horizon the sun grew, the more distracted you were, and you were so antsy that for the last hour before the designated time, you stood at the edge of the village. Some of your herd had questioned your odd behavior through the day, and you brushed it off, telling them you were thinking hard about where to find more herbs. That time of year was difficult with so many different plants sprouting up, and most people accepted your reasoning. Only your mother wasn't convinced, but she also knew not to press too hard, or you would lose your patience. You didn't have too much of that.

From where you were standing, you could kind of see where the tree was, well, the rock that was hiding it. It was behind the big rock. Glancing up at the darkening sky, you could finally see the twinkling of the northernmost star, and you started to trek out. After you descended the slope, and gotten over the hill after it, you knew you were out of sight, and broke into a quicker pace. For some reason, you were excited. Was it the thrill of doing something that others would frown upon? Was it that you got to bask in the presence of the extremely attractive lion once more?

You reached the boulder faster than normal, it seemed your body was just as eager, and had decided to move faster than your brain realized. Swallowing hard, your hand brushed over the smooth stone surface as you moved around it, peaking around. Feeling a small sense of déjà vu, when you could see around the rock, you saw him under the tree.

"There's no need to hide, doll." His voice was warm and you giggled a little in embarrassment, fully coming around. Right when you got close enough, he took a bundle off his shoulder, leaves poking out from the leather wrap. Taking it gently, you crouched down so you could untie it and look. You gasped seeing everything that was there. Not only did he find everything you needed, but there was also a lot there.

"H-How did you get so much?" You looked up at him from your squat and he shrugged. No verbal response, but you were too grateful to question.

"H-here." You reached into your own bag, your string of coins jingling as you pulled it out.

"No, (Y/N). You don't need to pay me."

"But!" When you moved to give him the coins, he wrapped his fingers over yours so they wrapped around the metal pieces.

"What do you want as payment then?"

"Don't worry about it."

"I have, um. I have this mulled wine my grandfather made…" You went back to your bag, going to unite the cord of the wineskin.

"No."

"Um, okay, I have…" You shuffled stuff around in your bag, looking for the flute you still didn't really know how to play.

"(Y/N). You don't have to give me anything, it’s fine." He was closer then, trying to get you to stop your frantic search. His fingers went to your chin, forcing your head to tip back so you could meet his gaze.

"A-are you sure?"

"Yes." He dropped his hand and stepped back once more, not wanting to make you uncomfortable.

"N-nothing?" You felt bad, it would have taken hours to gather that much.

"If you really want, you can sit and talk to me for a bit?" He suggested and the request flabbergasted you.

"Really?" Hongjoong hummed with a nod, turning so he could move to the tree, sitting at the base in a divot in the large roots. Sitting down next to him, you truly felt small then, scratching at a root with your blunt fingernail. Your eyes went to his own hands, sharp claws sat at the end of each finger. You also had noticed when he smiled, his canine teeth were bigger and sharper. His golden-blonde hair, rounded ears, and tufted tail all screamed that he was a lion, even if his demeanor didn't. He wasn't scary, but he was majestic and beautiful.

"Have you ever met a lion before me?" He rested against the tree trunk and you shook your head.

"Have you ever met a predator?"

"Not really. Just seen them from afar." You picked at a dried bit of some poultice you had made that was stuck on your tunic skirt.

"You weren't as afraid as I thought you would be, then."

"If it had been one of the others, maybe."

"Why was I different?" Hongjoong's gaze on you made your face hot, you couldn't return the look.

"You could have given me away to the others, and you didn't." Yep, that was it. Nothing more to it.

"That's it?" He sounded a bit disappointed.

"Why didn't you?"

"I told you; I don't care for them."

"Then why are you travelling with them?"

"It's hard to be a solo male out here. It's easier to work with a group before I try and get my own pride."

"Oh. So, like, a bunch of wives?"

"More like two or three. Not like full lions, but..." He didn't sound super eager for that.

"Are all lion hybrids like that?"

"More or less. Never appealed to me much, to be honest."

"Really?" This piqued your interest, and you didn't dwell too much on why.

"It's rare for lions to have one spouse, out in the wilds anyway. I've debated leaving for the capital, but…"

"Why not?"

"I don't mind living off the land, but I don't know where else to go to find a wife. Most lionesses also want to be in a pride, like some ancient call."

"Huh."

"Are gazelle monogamous?"

"Hybrids are. Have a shit ton of kids though." Your response made him laugh; the sound rumbled through you.

"Can you roar like a full lion?" You were too curious. You needed to know.

"Uh, no. Can you actually bleat like a full gazelle?"

"Not really…" Now you felt stupid, ears flicking nervously. Your tail thumped a bit on the ground, your eyes meandering down to look at his. It was much longer than yours, like his full animal brethren.

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"Do you want to get married and have a shit ton of kids?" You hummed in thought. No. It was more because you didn't want to be pressed into a mold. Most herbalists never marry, let alone have offspring, that was part of the reason you chose the trade.

"No."

"You even want kids?"

"Don't know. One would be nice, but that's not how it works…" You stared in the distance toward your village.

"How many siblings do you have?"

"I'm the oldest of eleven."

"Fuck." He huffed and his reaction made you burst into a guffaw.

"Yes."

"Is your mother…okay?" This made you laugh harder.

"Uh, I can't imagine five singletons plus three sets of twins would make anyone okay."

"Not your ideal future?"

"Oh, fuck, no." Hongjoong smiled at your obvious newly relaxed state. It was then you noticed the sun had set completely, little white stars twinkling in the dark purple abyss.

"I need to get back!" You shot up, retying the bundle he had given you.

"Wait!" He stopped you with a hand on your wrist. Turning to look back at him, he licked his lips, letting you go.

"Can you meet me back here in two days. Same time?" Your eyes widened a bit at the request, but you felt a smile tug at your lips.

"Yeah, I can."

You did go back when he asked.

"You came!" Hongjoong seemed genuinely surprised, standing up straight from where he had been leaning against the tree.

"Of course?" You were genuinely surprised at his reaction, "why wouldn't I?"

"I was a bit worried you only came last time for the herbs…" He wouldn't look straight at you, and you noticed he had something in his hand. It was obviously plants.

"Is that why you brought that?" You pointed to them, and he brought them around from behind his back.

"Y-yeah."

"Hongjoong. You're the first guy that still gave me the time of day after saying I didn't want to have twelve children." You motioned behind you toward your village, "honestly I've been really impatient, waiting for…now." Your face warmed and you swiped your leg back and forth, drawing an arch in the dirt with your toe.

"You're the first girl who didn't look at me weird when I said I only wanted one wife…" He huffed, the confident smirk coming back to his face.

"Is it weird, that we're so different?" You voiced the obvious concern between both of you.

"Maybe. But it doesn't feel like it."

For nearly two months you met at the tree, every two days. One night, under a full moon, when you arrived at the tree, he met you right as you arrived, immediately sweeping you into his arms. A bit shocked, you returned the hug, warmth flooding your whole body. You spoke like normal, sitting together, shoulder to shoulder. That time though, there was something in the air. You couldn't place your finger on it, and when you went to leave for the night, he hugged you once more. When he pulled back, his hand went to cup your cheek.

"I…I don't want to let you go." He barely pulled away from the hug but did release you. His head was bowed to be closer to yours, forehead brushing yours.

"Hongjoong?" You weren't for sure what he meant, considering he literally let you go.

"Run away with me. Come to me. Stay with me." He tilted his head, nose brushing yours, his breath mingled with yours. Tears pricked your eyes, a rush of emotions knocking your breath away as he stole it. His lips were hot on yours and a tear escaped your eye. When he pulled back, his eyes met yours, and he grimaced at your tears.

"Tomorrow. I'll come to you. Here?" You asked, ready and willing. You did want to at least say goodbye to your family, gather your things.

"No. There's a cave near where we first met-"

"Behind the vines?"

"Yes."

"I'll be there."

Your mother didn’t ask too many questions. She knew there had been something on your mind, and she knew and saw that you weren't happy there. You never would be, especially not after meeting Hongjoong. You didn't have the heart to tell your father, so you said goodbye to him like it was any other time you went to gather herbs. It wasn't like you would never see them again, but you weren't sure when you would go back, not sure where you would end up. With one last glance behind you, you left your village, your bag more full than usual, but no one noticed. Standing at the entrance of the cave, you swallowed hard, parting the hanging vines and stepping in. He was there. Of course he was, it seemed he had been staying there. A very convenient hole lay in the ceiling, casting the sunlight in. The whole cave smelled of him, and once he saw you, he moved forward. You gasped, his hands cupping your jaw, lips sealing over yours. That kiss wasn’t anything like the time before. Hongjoong pulled back slightly, just so you could breathe and you whimpered at the loss. Your tail rapidly flitted back and forth behind you, ears twitching just as fast. Hongjoong's spiced aroma had grown stronger, a slight rumbling building in his chest. His hands were still holding your jaw, the claw on his thumb just barely ghosting over your skin. Stepping even closer, your hands fell on his chest, and you marveled at the hard muscle underneath the pelt around his shoulders. The rumble grew stronger under your touch, and you could already feel your core clench around nothing. Swallowing hard, you breathed in his scent, over and over, like it was a drug.

"Fuck, (Y/N)."  He practically growled, one hand moving to rest on your waist. His face buried into the crook of your neck; nose pressed to your jugular. Your blood spiked and you felt your whole body shudder. You were unsure if it was arousal, or a sense of danger, having the large fangs of a predator near your weakest spot.

"You smell so good." Hongjoong groaned, hauling you closer, leaving barely a space between you.

"Like what?" You wanted to add, 'like a meal or a mate?', but didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Like when the apricots blossom." His other hand on your jaw moved instead to the back of your head, the one on your waist to the small of your back. You gasped at the pressure of his body, feeling him growing hard against your stomach. His face left your neck, and he kissed you again. You wondered if that was what the elders implied, being eaten alive. His tongue had easily entered your mouth, swiping over yours, his large canines clacking against your much blunter ones. You had expected his tongue to be rough, but he didn't know yours would be as well, though not nearly as coarse as your full animal kin. It seemed though, that he was literally drooling, the extra saliva made his tongue glide around yours. You whimpered again, the muffled noise was nearly a bleat, and the rumble of his chest nearly a roar. Hongjoong's lips left yours, a strand of spit connecting your mouths, another trail leaving the corner of his mouth. He licked away the extra, breaking the trail, his pupils had narrowed to narrow slits. Your own pupils were blown wide, the black nearly eclipsing the color of your iris. Part of you felt the need to run, flee, that you were being hunted. Somehow though, that thought turned you on all the more.

"Are you sure, (Y/N)?"

"Huh?"

"Once I have you, I won't let you go." His voice rumbled through you, straight to your cunt, and your scent of arousal built to the point you could smell it yourself. The spiced bark of his own aroma filled your nostrils, making your thoughts hazy.

"You already have me." You replied, voice very soft, to keep it from shaking. Your brain didn't register his next move till it was already done, your back pinned to the rock of the cave, his hand still on the back of your head to make sure it didn't smash against the stone.

"Tell if it hurts too bad." His voice was in your ear, nose pushing against the collar of your tunic. Your hands around his neck moved to his upper back, gripping hard into the pelt as his teeth sank into your shoulder. Your eyes rolled back, the stinging pain just aroused you further, and his hips rutted forward once, pressing his even harder cock against your tummy. As his fangs left your skin, he licked over the spot and you flinched at the sting. Just then, his scent spiked, the aroma becoming sweeter, mingling with yours. You knew predators bonded through mating bites, but you had no idea what it would do to your body. Your entire body felt like it was on fire, blood rushed in your ears and a drop of slick started to flow down your inner thigh.

"Gotta warn you, sweetheart." He huffed, a cocky smirk gracing his features, tongue licking over the drop of blood still on his lip. He palmed his hard-on through his tunic pants, "might look a little different than you're expecting."

"Huh?" You weren't fully registering what he was getting at. Hongjoong's fingers wrapped around yours, bringing your hand to his covered cock, letting you palm over him yourself. You whimpered, you had dealt with plenty of naked males being a healer, and none compared. The thing that you noticed really, what he was talking about, were the little spines at the base of his cock and below the head. Your eyes widened, normally that would concern you some, but your body was ready and waiting. Eager even, begging.

"They don't hurt like a full lion, but I wanted you to know."

"I don't care, I just want you to split me open on it." Your bold declaration made him chuckle, his tongue licking against the tip of your ear. It flicked under the touch and the hand at your head brought your lips back to his. He swallowed your mewls, the hand he had on your back moved lower, gripping the base of your tail. When he tugged, a bleat escaped your throat, and his hard thigh nestled between your quivering ones. He immediately felt the heat of your cunt through the thin leather of his tunic pants, your slick quickly dripping over the material.

"You're soaked, love." He pressed harder, your hips jumping, the slight friction intensified by whatever hex he seemed to have you under.

"Sorry, sweet. You're sending me into a rut." His chest was rumbling again, deeper than before, "It'll be hard to hold back." Is that what was happening to you? Was he putting you into heat? Yours were normally extremely weak since you were unmated, and was it much worse because he was a predator? Did your body need to compensate for his own body’s greater power? The hand on your tail moved to cup your butt, then to your thigh, prompting you to pronk up and into his arms. You wrapped your legs around his waist, the bulge of his cock pressing over your bare cunt and you whined, breath hitching. You felt so small then, he easily held you up against the cave wall, broad enough that most wouldn’t even know you were there but your legs around his middle. Hongjoong kissed over your neck, down to your collar bone, rough tongue searing over your skin. Your hands scrambled, gripping and pulling at the pelt around his neck, trying to get it off. He helped you, reaching under to undo a small button and you pulled it up over his head, letting it flop to the ground. His toned arms were fully on display then, the red cloth around his arm somehow made the sight all the better. He never told you what it meant, and you just assumed it was an accessory. Before you could start trying to wrestle his tunic top off, he held you to him, carrying you to a pile of pelts it seemed he used as a bed. Softly, he laid you down on it, but his following movements were anything but. He ripped his shirt off and you didn't get time to ogle his bare torso because he proceeded to literally tear yours off. You had only been in a linen tunic dress, but still the ease with which he turned it to shreds was incredible arousing. His palms were rough against your soft skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

"Hongjoo-!" Your breath was kicked from your lungs, vision spattering with dots of light when his tongue buried into your cunt. You hadn't even realized he was down there, hands pressing to your thighs to hold your legs open. Even the slight brush of his lips over your clit as his tongue licked over your walls was intense. A strong wave of pleasure was quickly cresting, your womb pulsing hard, walls clenching.

"Fuck~!" Little bleats and whimpers left you, your tail whacking against the pelts beneath you, dull nails raking through his hair. While you had never had an orgasm, you knew that's what it was. With how quick he brought you up to and over the edge, you knew you were in for a long night. Hongjoong growled, his purr rumbling through his tongue into you, drinking your essence as it squirted from your cunt. Smirking, he pulled back, thumb gathering a drop from his chin so he could lick it off.

"You think your cute little cunt can take my cock?" His knuckles brushed through your folds, careful of his claws.

"Please, need it~" Your foot came up, pressing over his hard-on. He grunted, wrapping his hand around your ankle, forcing it off so he could take his pants off. You watched, hazy eyes trying to focus as the leather hit the cave floor. Your eyes subsequently widened, brain fogging further. Little spines circled his cock, thick and long. Hongjoong kneeled between your legs, spreading them and hooking one of your knees over his elbow to keep you open for him. He chuckled at the twitch your whole body seized from when the hot head met your dripping folds.

"It might sting, love." He warned once more, the thumb of his hand on your waist rubbing small circles over your hip. You nodded, trying to relax but also steel yourself. Yes, it stung, it burned, but it was amazing. Each little bit he sank his fat cock into you, the little spines rubbed and pulled at your walls. Your slick allowed an easy glide, but his own head was swimming from the tight vice of your cunt, eagerly sucking him in. You shuddered with each breath, heat searing through you from your core out, and he was barely half-way in when you felt another orgasm cresting. You thought the pain would diminish the pleasure, but it was the opposite, the burn heated you even further. Hongjoong laid kisses over your shoulder around his mark, letting you adjust to the stretch, even if it was nearly painful for him to go so slow. As the head of his dick pressed against your eager and weeping womb, the little spines at the base brushed your clit and folds, and the final little push finished you off. You threw your head back, eyelids fluttering, nails leaving crescents on his shoulders. He groaned as your tight cunt pulsed around him, more of your slick spurting out from where he was filling you. When the waves of your orgasm faded, you still were shuddering, tipsy on the pleasure.

"Ready, love?"

"Hongjoong~" You mewled, fingers rubbing over his hot skin, blunt nails scratching a path down from where you had them. Your other leg ended up hooked over his elbow as well, and when he pulled out, only about halfway, the little barbs tugged at your gummy walls. He snapped his hips then, burying back inside, battering the fat head against your cervix. He was right, he couldn't hold back. He wanted to start slow, let you get used to it, but he couldn't. The next thrust had no warning, his pace was immediately relentless, your knees pressed up toward your ears. He was fucking you stupid, the noises you let out sounding more and more like your animal kin, bleats and moans melding. Your body had gone limp, only your arms had any strength, hands digging into the pelt under your hips. Your head lolled and your breasts bounced with each thrust. You couldn't think to let him know as he barreled through your third orgasm, more slick gushing from your cunt. His noises were animalistic at that point, anyone passing would think a real lion was rutting in that cave. His tongue ran over his long fangs, saliva spilling from his lips as he growled and grunted.

"Aw, fuck, (Y/N)." He chuckled, burying his cock as deep as he could, pressing those little spines into your groin, pumping your eager womb full. You weren't even sure you could actually get pregnant, but he was bound and determined to fill you to the point that it would leak out of you for days. The heat of his cum inside brought you over the edge too, a much smaller climax racking you. He was still hard as a rock though. You gasped, your lungs spasming as he pulled his cock all the way out, those little barbs digging in. Your world spun, your chest and stomach to the pelts below then, and he yanked your hips up, sinking his cock back in once more. At that angle he got even deeper somehow, each rough plow of his dick battering your back walls. Your vision blurred further, eyes rolling back, fingers futilely digging into the fur below you. His hips pummeled against the skin of your ass hard, the smacking combined with his beastly grunts made your ears twitch. His hand went back to your tail, wrapping around the base, tugging a bit. Shivering shot straight up your spine from where he had you, cunt weeping along with you, tears and drool leaving a puddle on the pelts under you.

"Fucking hell, love. You're so good for me~" He groaned, chuckling as your walls fluttered through another climax. Your cunt and clit stung from the overstimulation, but you needed more, you needed him to pump you full more. The bite on your shoulder flared with heat, so did your skin as his hands wrapped around the small of your waist. His thrusts once again grew unsteady, instead they were hard and shallow, pulling back just enough to rake those little barbs over your clit over and over.

"Fuckfuckfuckfuck." You rambled, vision already spotting with white, then nearly screamed when he came again, spurts of white hot jizz leaking from your hole, not able to handle the amount. Your cunt sprayed out as well, the mix of your release leaving a mess on the pelts. You gasped for air, heart thudding, sweat dripping from your forehead. He was still hard. Maybe that's why your people were warned about mixing with predators. His stamina was a beast in itself.

"Can you keep going love? Lions go for a whole day sometimes." Hongjoong groaned when your cunt clenched again, really hoping you could keep going. His body needed yours, just as bad for both of you, and he wanted to fuck you the rest of the week if he could. He might be able to, you on the other hand…

"Fuck me stupid, I don't- just your cock~!" You whined and moaned, giggling like an idiot as his hips rolled again. Picking back up to his monster pace again. Every drag of his dick seemed to eek a tiny little orgasm out of you, your body strung so tight, it sang with every one of his movements. Your brain vaguely registered as the sunlight faded from the hole in the ceiling, fading to the cool moonlight. You didn't think you could walk for a week after, he had fucked so many orgasms out of and into you, you lost count. Globs of thick seed slipped out of your cunt when he finally pulled out, cock finally softening. Your face was blank, eyes open but barely conscious.

"Sleep, my love. I'll need you again in the morning."

-> Series Hub <-

Master-Master List

ATEEZ Master List

[acotarxreader]

Timing

Azriel x Reader

Synopsis: Timing works against you and Azriel as a series of unfortunate events lands the two of you alone for the night with a broken down car and a breaking down friendship

Warnings: Angst, Modern, I don't know how cars work, rough draft writing

A/N: My first modern fic for these guys, hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think of a more modern setting!

Requests Open!

-------------------------------------------

“We're going to die”

“We're not going to die Cassian, calm down”

“We're going to die”

“We're not going to...GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY JACKASS!!!”

“I agree, we're definitely going to die” Rhysand chimes in from the backseat.

“Would you babies calm down for fucksake I know what I'm doi...OI PEABRAIN! YEAH YOU! YOUR BRAIN IS THE SIZE OF THAT GAP YOU LEFT! SHARE THE FUCKING ROAD!.... Bastard” 

“Yup, we're dead” you heard Feyre whine from behind you before launching into a prayer. You swerve the car tightly around the corner, the only way you know how, sending your friends in the backseat skewed.

“Fucking hell YNN!” Cassian grabbed the overhead handle whispering his own prayers. 

“If you cook like you drive then Gods help us” A now slightly green Rhysand adds, helping Feyre to sit back upright and tighten her safety belt further.

“If we even live that long” you hear Feyre whisper.

“The utter lack of faith that my friends have in me is really quite disheartening….who wants to bet I can make all these green lights before they change?”

“No!” They all scream in unison as you laugh and accept the challenge.

The car hit the curb outside of Azriel’s house, it hardly reaching its stop before Rhysand tumbled out onto the grass practically kissing the ground leaving you rolling your eyes from the driver's seat. Cassian lay across the grass alongside Rhysand shortly after, both thanking the Gods to be in one piece. Azriel laughed from the porch of his home, slogging his rucksack over his shoulder before locking the front door and strutting down to his friends. 

“Let me guess, YNN is driving?” You replied with a small wave of your fingertips as you leaned against your car door. 

“Nope no definitely not, I'm driving the rest of the way, I refuse to arrive at the camp in a casket” Cassian rights himself again before standing to remove the keys from the ignition, receiving a dirty look from you. 

“You’re all such cry babies” you laughed, pulling your bag out from the trunk of the car as the rest of your friends tried to fight off the seasickness your driving provided. 

“Shit!”

“What’s wrong YNN?” Feyre rested her head along the headrest of the back seat to meet your eyes on the other side of the car boot. You had begun to pull out the contents of your bag, Rhysand now joining your side. 

“I forgot my medication, I have to go back” the group groaned, causing a guilty feeling in your stomach to form. You were all already behind schedule, with a lot of other college students already well on their way to blackout drunk at the campsite for spring break. 

“I’ll drive you back in my truck for it, let all the others go ahead so we don’t lose our spot?” Azriel offered

“How unusually kind of you Az” You scoffed

“Fine, die, suits me, I’m on music” Azriel shrugged, throwing his bag on top of the contents of yours in the trunk. The two of you locked eyes, a standoff beginning to take shape. The both of you had a rocky relationship at best, it being amplified when Azriel slept with your cousin when she visited last year. 

“Okay but I drive”

“Suits me, I hate driving” Rhysand looked between the two of you, almost certain someone would be arriving at the campsite in a casket. 

—-------------

“YN, if you crash my truck we're going to have some serious issues”

“I paid for gas so therefore it's my truck” you chewed out, the wheel spinning through your hands as you went along the mountain trail, a good two or three hours behind the rest of your friends. 

“That wouldn’t hold in a court of law” You accelerated into the turn, sending Azriel crashing into the car door with a thud. You had been driving for almost an hour, taking one of Azriel's shortcuts that had taken you well and truly off the beaten path through a wooded area.

“Seriously! Was that necessary!?”

“I don’t want to miss out on any more of the fun”

“It’s not my fault we had a leak in the tyre, I never drive this thing, it was bad timing!” he folded his arms tightly into his chest, regretting his act of kindness. The engine screeched at your harsh handling, Azriel clenching his fists until they drained of colour, his leg bouncing off the floor. 

“Stop shaking your leg it's distracting me”

“You’re making me nervous!”

“And you’re making me insane!” Your hand found the knob of the radio, twisting it to release 80’s pop music at deafening volumes to drown out your singing.

“YN! SERIOUSLY! YOU’RE IMPOSSIBLE” He moved to turn it down, you batting away his hand as the car ploughed up the steep incline of the hillside before barreling down the open road. 

“Driver controls the music!”

“It’s my truck!” Azriel shouted back, you drowning him out with George Micheal. Azriel huffed, reaching for the two-litre bottle of Coke at his feet. 

“WAIT A-” It was too late, the bottle practically exploded as Azriel opened it, the speed of your driving shaking every ounce of the liquid sugar. 

“HOLY SHIT!”

“YOU FUCKING IDIOT!!!” You finally slammed down on the brakes, skirting the truck off the side of the road into the dirt, the vehicle screaming out to you. 

“ME?! IT'S YOU WHO'S DRIVING LIKE WE'RE IN A RALLY!"

“OH MY GOODNESS IT'S FUCKING EVERYWHERE!” You ran your hands across your soaked face, the cabin of the truck now tinged caramel brown forevermore. 

“NO SHIT SHERLOCK” He snapped at you

“YOU’RE GOING TO DRIVE ME INSANE!” You shouted down at your ruined clothes. Azriel cautiously lifted the bottle to his mouth as you watched him out of the corner of your eye, infuriating you further and causing you to bat the bottle out of his hands back to his feet. 

“Fucking idiot” You scrunched your eyes together. 

“We’ll sort it out at the camp, it's only another…three hours” he groaned as you rested your head on the sticky steering wheel before exhaling deeply. 

“Its fine, this is fine” You readjusted yourself before turning the keys in the ignition, the truck huffing back at you.

“NO NO NO NO” you banged the steering wheel as the bonnet began to flood with smoke. 

“FUCK!” You threw yourself back against the soaked chair in frustration before leaping out and banging open the hood, followed by a string of colourful language as smoke filled the road. 

“How bad is it?” Azriel cautiously stuck his head out of the window as you attempted to look past the smoke. You stomped to his window, a piece of hot rubber in your hands.

“Oh...that looks like it's important…”

“Yeah it is...was, it's your timing belt...it was the timing belt. We're fucked! All because you don't do car maintenance!” 

“If you didn’t drive like a fucking lunatic it would have been fine!” You gave an exasperated shriek in reply, tossing the rubber to the floor and storming back to the hood of the car, hands on your hips. Azriel texted Cassian before sliding out of his truck to join your side, the smoke clearing. 

“Do you want the bad news or the really bad news?” You replied to him with a glare. 

“Okay okay, they’re already all way too drunk to get behind the wheel and Rhysand called his dad’s mechanic, I sent him our location and he can’t get up here until the morning, it's his kid's birthday” he said almost timidly. 

“Fuck” You cleared your lungs of oxygen, your hands lacing together on the top of your head. 

“And we can’t fix it? I thought you were good with cars”

“I’m not fucking magic, I can’t just pull a new belt out of thin air” You slammed down the hood before whipping the driver-side door back open, the sweet liquid now drying into a pure sticky mess.

“What the fuck are we going to do Azriel?”

“I guess we’re staying here for the night” He left the rusting hood to circle to the back of the truck, extremely thankful he had put your things in the back of it before splitting the group up. 

“We can’t sleep in here, it's disgusting” You huffed, slamming the door. 

“No need to break the door as well-” he regretted the joke once he became the recipient of your famous death stare “-we can sleep in the back” 

“Maybe you can take a look under the bonnet and think of something, you’re the engineering student” You were becoming desperate, the thought of being stuck in the middle of the woods with your best frenemy as night closed in becoming too much to process. 

“I’m doing civil engineering YN” he scoffed, throwing a leg over the back of the truck and spreading his sleeping bag across the freezing metal. 

“Oh great so if it was the road we were driving on that exploded you’d be of some use” you laughed, standing up on the tow bar to aid the swing of your leg into the back. 

“Precisely” He grinned, offering you his hand to help pull you in. 

The two of you exchanged your coke-covered clothing for the spare thicker layers you both had thankfully packed, settling into the small nest you had built in the back of the truck as the stars began to show you their faces in the sky. Azriel dug through his rucksack, fishing out two cans of beer chilled from the night air and offering you it with a smile. 

“We don’t have to miss out on all the fun” he tipped the top of his can off of yours as you both leaned on the cabin of the truck, watching the stars twinkle, hoping it would be enough to distract you from the growing cold. 

“This day has been crazy”

“Sorry I added to your stress YNN” You rolled your head along the metal of the cabin to smile softly up to him. 

“Sorry I drive like a maniac”

“I'm sorry you drive like a maniac too” You swung your hand out from under the sleeping bag to hit him into the chest with a thud as he chuckled.

“Sorry I called you impossible and a bitch YNN”

“You didn't call me a bitch?”

“Maybe not out loud” You laughed to him, finishing off your beer and sinking down further beneath your covers. The night sky was beautiful but the accompanying bite in the air was undeniable. 

“We’re going to die out here” you chattered out, the warmth the beer had provided to your system leaking out as Azriel discarded the two empty cans in his bag. 

“Probably, but at least it's a nice night” his shivering rattled against the metal mattress. 

“Maybe bears will eat us before we freeze to death”

“No bear is gonna catch me”

“Azriel there’s no way you could outrun a bear”

“Who says I had to outrun the bear? I just need to outrun you” his laugh carried through the woods to match yours until the strangely comfortable silence swaddled the two of you until the stress of the day took its full toll, lulling you both to sleep. 

-

The bright sun shone through the slots in the tall evergreen trees, heating the metal of the truck to a cosy temperature until those very rays crossed the path of your eyes, waking you from your deep and surprisingly comfortable sleep. 

“OH MY GOD!” You shot upright, the world blotting into focus, your sudden movement causing Azriel’s breath to hitch as he dragged an arm across his face, your legs still slightly tangled in one another. 

“For fucksake, its like living with a Chihuahua, what the fuck is wrong with you now Lassie?” His hand crossed his chest in an attempt to slow down his heart rate again. 

“Nothing, nothing happened, we were just cold, that's all” you collapsed back down beside him, breath returning to you. 

“Would it really have been that bad if something were to happen?” Azriel laughed through his stretch, the metal mattress a cruel mistress for his back muscles. 

“If you ever tell anyone about this I'll remove your kneecaps” you threaten.

“What? That you tried to make advances and planned this whole thing to get in my pants? No, I would never YNN” His laugh echoed across the hills again as you thought about his previous comment. You groaned again, running your hands through your hair.

“We were just cold, why are you acting like this is the worst thing to ever happen ever”

“Because it is the worst thing” You sat up again and Azriel followed suit, covering the part of him that showed all his cards. 

“Why?”

“WE’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO-TO INTERACT LIKE THIS! I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO LIKE YOU! ” Your hand gestured between the two of you.

“WELL WHAT IF I LIKE YOU?!” his raising voice only matched yours as frustration grew.

“WELL I DON'T LIKE YOU!”

“REALLY!?”

“NO!” In the heat of the moment, you lunged slightly forward, colliding your lips with Azriel’s. His warm hand cupped your face gently as your hands ran across his thighs. You pulled back almost as fast as you lunged forward. 

“Oh my Gods oh my Gods oh my Gods” You leapt out of the truck, pulling your sweatshirt tighter across yourself and began pacing while Azriel stared at you, mouth slightly agape.

“Did you just kiss me?” His voice was low as though trying to speak to a spooked horse. 

“I-” The slam of a car door caused you both to jump as the mechanic rounded the truck with a smile and perfect timing. 

“Right let's get you two love birds back on the road”

“We're just friends!” You quickly shot back, the mechanic giving you a weird look before heading back to the bonnet of the car alongside you. What the hell just happened was all Azriel could think.

-----------------------------------------

Whatcha think?!

[sunnyrealist]

Chapter 34: A Hidden Cave

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details…

Chapter Background and Summary: Sebastian and Kate are on an adventurous camping trip in the Scottish Highlands. Their first two days were leisurely, but now that their third day has begun, they're getting higher into the mountains and closer to the places they want to explore. In this chapter, the two lovers discover a cave hidden behind a large waterfall that does not appear on any map.

Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x Kate Mayflower (my OC)

Content warnings: In general, this story is rated 18+, so MNDI. For this particular chapter, there are no content warnings.

The full chapter is available below the cut; it can also be found on AO3 (link is posted below). Please leave some feedback. A comment, like, or Kudos would be quite motivational. 🥰

Chapter 34: A Hidden Cave

Sitting on a large rock, Sebastian unfolds his map. As she patiently waits, Kate observes her boyfriend silently studying the route. 

Being dressed for action and adventure feels so foreign to her. She had to pay a visit to Augustus Hill at Gladrags prior to the trip to acquire outfits suited to hiking and exploration per Sebastian’s strong suggestion. She could still hear his words in her head: “Dresses are completely unsuitable for the trip.” Trousers are not Kate’s favorite clothing item by any means, but she had to admit, now that they were truly trekking up mountains over rocky terrain, that they are the most sensible. Accompanied by boots, a sweater with two additional layers, gloves, and a cape, Kate wears a darker color palette than usual - browns with varying degrees of gray. 

Sebastian appears dashing and completely in his element, clad in a jacket and trousers in off-white, with a vest and cape in dark green, and boots, a necktie, and belt in shades of brown. His chocolate eyes are trained on the map, then glance at their current surroundings.

“We should still have a couple more hours until we reach the first cave,” he explains, perplexed. “There is nothing like this marked on the map. It’s strange.”

Kate, though surprised, can’t help but marvel at the gorgeous waterfall along their path. “Then it’s a lovely surprise, wouldn’t you say?” 

Sebastian’s eyes narrow as he stands up, examining the waterfall. “It is rather pretty, but this map should account for almost everything we should see along the way. The thing is - we are going in the right direction… I just can’t make sense of it.”

Kate reaches out, smiling and putting her hands over his, forcing him to fold up the map. “Do we need an explanation for something so beautiful? Perhaps we should simply enjoy it as it is.”

Sebastian sighs, the tension visibly disappearing from his posture. “I suppose you’re right.” 

He pockets the map, then puts an arm around Kate’s waist as they both admire the sight. She leans her head between his arm and chest, taking in every little detail.

A moment later, she gasps. “Sebastian… look! Look behind the waterfall! Do you see it?”

Sebastian focuses, staring. There is a tiny path leading towards the waterfall, which doesn’t seem all that interesting until he notices an opening - a cave entrance - behind it. “Was that there the entire time? I swear, I didn’t notice it until just now. How odd.”

“I don’t know,” Kate replies honestly. “Likewise. I only just saw it…”

They turn to look at each other, rather intrigued. 

“Sebastian, if this was not on the map, it could mean that no one knows this is here,��� she deduces. 

“Yes, you’re right,” Sebastian agrees, intrigued. “Who knows what could be inside? Perhaps we are the first to find it in centuries…”

Kate raises her eyebrows. “There would only be one way to find out… Should we go inside?”

Sebastian pauses, running through hypothetical situations they might find themselves in. “Unmarked destinations can pose danger. If no one has been here for years and years, there could be a high reward if someone used it as a hiding place for treasure. But, I’ll admit - situations like this are high-risk.”

Kate nods. “I know nothing about this, but I trust your judgment, Bash.”

“High risk, high reward…” he muses, then puts his hands on Kate’s shoulders, making certain that she is listening to him carefully. “There could be traps. Curses. Spiders. I mean, truly, who knows.” He studies her face. “My love, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I’m not sure you’re ready for something like this. This is only your first time exploring…”

She cuts him off. “But you said that the castle we’ll explore has been abandoned for centuries, too. Why is that any different?”

Sebastian considers her reasoning. “I… I understand what you’re thinking. It’s just that caves have a more… wild and untamed nature than something man-made like a castle. Anything could be waiting in the dark for us.”

Kate smiles, pulling out her wand. “Then let’s use Lumos.” She pokes him with the wand. “My moon, this is why we’re out here, isn’t it? To have an adventure together? Come on, let’s check it out. If you’re with me, I know I’m safe.”

The worry on his face begins to fade. “Yes, that’s true… Well, if you’re this enthusiastic, I suppose we could have a look around.” He takes her hand, kissing it, then speaks in a serious tone. “Just promise me… if I tell you to do something, you’ll do it.”

“You’re not the boss of me, Sebastian Sallow,” she playfully retorts, already beginning to wander onto the narrow path that leads to the cave.

“Kate - wait! You need to be more careful. It’ll be slippery,” he warns.

Just as he finishes speaking, she loses her footing with a little shriek. She almost topples over but catches herself in time. It all happens so quickly that Sebastian can do little more than reach out. She flattens herself against the rocky wall, her eyes wide as she stares at the steep drop leading to a pool of water far, far below. Her heartbeat drums in her ears.

“Are you okay?!” Sebastian asks, gingerly making his way towards her.

“Yes,” she responds breathlessly.

“This is exactly what I meant when I said you need to listen to me,” he continued, his own heart rate speeding. “Merlin, you scared me.”

“I’m sorry.” She observes him carefully. “I know you have more experience. I guess I was just excited to try something new.”

“It’s fine. It’s fine,” Sebastian repeats. “Come here.”

Kate shuffles back towards him, much more cautious now. Her boyfriend opens his arms and takes her into his embrace.

“I don’t want to have any chance of losing you,” he whispers, kissing the top of her head. 

“You won’t. I promise - you won’t.”

“I’ll protect you as best I can,” he murmurs against her hair. “My sun.”

“And I’ll do the same,” Kate tells him. “I’ll protect you, too, my moon.”

Sebastian laughs heartily. “Oh, Kate, my love. I don’t think I’m in any need of that. Remember, I’m the experienced one here.”

She smiles. “Yes, you are. But even so…” Glancing back towards the cave, she asks, “Are you sure we should do this? I’m having some doubts now.”

“It will be fine,” he answers after a moment. “We will be fine.”

As the light slowly disappears behind them, Kate holds on to Sebastian’s arm. His eyes dart around, trying to get a sense of what the cave might be like. She can’t explain it, but she feels a sense of exhilaration along with a sense of dread. Every step forward, the sensation increases. Neither of them speak. The two listen intently for any sounds that might indicate danger, but it is eerily silent and has been since they entered the cave, despite the rushing waterfall outside.

Without warning, both of them fall over, tripping over something that feels like overgrown tree roots. Kate squeaks in surprise and then becomes more alarmed as she feels tendrils moving around her, wrapping around her legs and torso. She is separated from Sebastian, who is dragged in the opposite direction.

“Bash!” Kate shrieks, terrified as she is carried towards a wall, the tendrils growing tighter as she squirms.

“Lumos!” Sebastian bellows with his wand outstretched, bathing the area in light.

Kate gasps in realization the moment she sees the source. “Devil’s snare!”

“Lumos maxima!” he calls out. 

The plant drops him immediately, shrinking away from the illumination. Sebastian stands up quickly, rushing over to Kate with his wand held out towards the Devil’s Snare. It relaxes its grip around her until she is able to stand on her own two feet. 

She reaches out for him, trying to feel secure with a hug, but he shakes his head. “We need to move past this area - it’s not safe.”

Sebastian pulls her forward with haste, turning back to see the Devil’s Snare stretching back out across the cave floor as the light from his wand gets further and further away. 

“I should have known it was Devil’s Snare,” Kate whispers, shaking her head in remorse. “My papa would have been so disappointed to see me scrambling like that. I… I didn’t have a clear head.”

“It’s alright. Just keep your wits about you,” Sebastian requests. “We may run into more surprises soon enough.” 

After walking about ten more minutes, Sebastian affirms Kate’s feelings by sharing his own. “Something about this cave is strange. I don’t like it. I have half a mind to turn back. It just doesn’t feel right.”

“I have an odd feeling, too. It’s like I feel… thrilled… but also terrified.”

“Maybe we should leave-”

“Sebastian!” Kate shouts, cutting him off. “Wow! Do you see?!”

He squints and then his eyes land upon what his girlfriend has spotted. From right where they stand, the cave walls are suddenly growing with life - and glowing. Lined with green vines and leaves along with huge, exotic flowers, it seems like a little paradise within the darkness. The area is lit up by bioluminescent mushrooms. Common blue butterflies flit about, not at all afraid of the humans walking amongst them.

“I don’t understand… I didn’t think anything like this could grow without sunlight,” Kate muses, astonished. She reaches out to touch a yellow and pink hibiscus flower, her fingertips caressing the silky, soft petals. Her eyebrows raise when she realizes that all of the plant life feels as cold as ice, yet unfrozen. “My papa would be fascinated.”

“No, none of it could grow without light,” Sebastian replies. “This makes no sense.”

“But it is real, Bash,” Kate tells him, astonished. “Touch something. You’ll see. It isn’t an illusion…”

He reaches out to touch leaves on the vines, sharply inhaling when he feels how freezing cold they are. His eyes are wide as he contemplates how the cave could defy nature. He takes a moment to think.

“Something’s wrong here,” Sebastian finally concludes in a serious and urgent tone. “We need to leave. It isn’t right. It isn’t natural.”

A group of butterflies rushes in front of Kate. She gasps. “Sebastian, even more butterflies!” 

They fly further into the cave with Kate eagerly following. Sebastian trails after her. “Kate…” he warns.

She completely ignores him, transfixed by the display. Deeper and deeper she travels, driven by the instinct to follow the butterflies to beautiful treasure, just like she had in the forest. As nervous as Sebastian feels, his feet move forward. Something within him is bidding him to continue on, to follow his lover…

The path within the cave eventually ends, circling around a lowered pit. The butterflies flutter down below, where Kate and Sebastian cannot follow. 

From the corner of Kate’s eye, something dark flies, almost hovering up above. Not able to see much in the darkness, she ignores it, figuring it must be a bat. It certainly isn’t the butterflies; now at the bottom of the pit, they all fly in a wild circle, stuck in an endless loop, until they disappear into thin air.

The pit dimly lights up. They are no longer observing a dark and empty pit but a bookstore within the cave. 

[namorslut]

NAMOR / PEARLS OF JADE

SUMMARY: you're a marine biologist sojourning in the Yucatán Peninsula and stumble upon an underwater cave in the clearing of a dense rainforest. expecting to make an amazing scientific discovery you're swept into a spell down the abyss into the reach of a loveless serpent feathered god who will go to any length to claim you as his.

WARNING: yandere!namor, body worshipping!namor, gift giving!namor, thigh gripping, sub!namor (if you squint) hc!siren!entrancing!namor, human!reader, dub-con (i think)

NOTE:  after reading @jottositto 's post i've included some yucatan maya using a translator although it's not 100% accurate. if this came across a native speaker could you maybe give me corrections as i'd like to be as respectful and accurate as possible. ofc the people living in the peninsula will be speaking spanish as this area was colonised and y/n only has an understanding of spanish. thank u and enjoy!! ps: namor?? more like "mi amor" that man had me kicking my toes and twirling my hair in the cinema on friday. this is dirty af i feel like i'm teasing y'all. might write a part two laterrr. no beta so there are 100% spelling errors which i'll check when i got time.

"Me gustaría ayudarla pero en el tiempo que he vivido en ese pueblo, los que se han atrevido a salir de la seguridad de ese pueblo y dentro de la jungla nunca más fueron vistos. Estarías en mucho peligro si te fueras. No creo que tu proyecto de ciencia valga la pena el riesgo.” The short Mexican woman explained.

Her thinning, silver hair was pulled down into two long braids down her protruding collarbones. Her brows were pulled in a frown, revealing creases running the length of her forehead and the outer creases of her beady, mud-brown eyes.

You pleaded with her, your coffee stained research folder clutched in one hand, as you made contact with her elbow gently.

"Pero señora, forma parte de mi trabajo. Fui enviada para investigar los ecosistemas marinos de esta península."

She considered you for a good minute. Searching your unwavering eyes. She sighed and leant toward you, dropping her wobbling voice to a whisper.

"Has lo que deseas, Cariño. Pero que tengas cuidado." she warned, using her eyes to signal you in the general direction to take to enter the forbidden forest. You trailed her eye line and saw a wooden bridge not so far off camp. You bowed to her as a sign of respect.

The journey through the rainforest was an arduous one as the way was shielded by a mass of coiled, everlasting lianas, strangler figs and long, shallow buttress roots along the soil of the shrub layer of the forest which you tripped over several times. You had to slice through the layers of tropical plants in your way with a machete you "borrowed" from a fruit cutter that was left around camp, making your hiking backpack even considerably heavier than it already was. You didn't stop once to admire and take in the smells of passion flowers or orchids as you moved through the brush; you knew better than to let yourself become the prey of the several species of venomous snakes and amphibians native to this rainforest.

It looked to be late afternoon when you stopped by a tributary, crouching over the crystalline water, you followed the stream with your gaze to check for growths of algae when you noticed a dark entrance. You stood up rigid as your breath stilled, you noticed the eerie silence of the clearing. The sounds of bushes rustling, frogs croaking and flapping wings had died down entirely.

There was utter tranquillity. 

You heard a low, rich brassy voice hum a melody from the rocky cave, the sound reverberating to your spot on the damp soil. You dug the heels of your mountain boots as you felt your body being tugged slowly to the body of water, your heartbeat drumming in your ears, your breaths becoming shallower.

The song sounded like one you would hear as a premonition for bad things taking place in urban legends told around campfires, it spoke of men searching to mine riches out of foreign land to find fool's gold instead and meeting their demise at the hand of otherworldly things. Despite the warning behind the unspoken lyrics, you felt your body lull into relaxation.

You saw him rising from the dark aquamarine pool beyond, his eyes glistening a tawny shade of brown. You didn't miss his long ethereal pointy ears and his full lips. His tanned muscular body was slick with droplets as the rest of his body appeared from out of the water. He was adorned in golden bangles and a thick necklace dating from an ancient civilisation, encrusted with what looks like azurite and pearls of jade.

He floated above the surface and toward you. You felt your mouth dry and heart drop to your stomach as a human-looking man flew slightly above the land slowly in your direction. You fought back a scream as the soles of his foot made contact with the ground, and still towered over you despite that. He scrutinised every detail of your face with an unreadable expression.

You breathed in, mustering the courage to speak.

"What are yo-"

He raised a large hand over your face, your vision darkening and body tumbling forward.

You awoke in what seemed to be an underwater cave with overhanging stalactites, you sat up abruptly from the makeshift bed out of bamboo. You noticed the absence of your backpack beside you. Remembering your phone in the jean pocket of your shorts and pulled them out. Scrambling to get a signal.

"Teech ch'íijsajil despierto." a female voice enunciated in a foreign tongue. You flinched, your pocket phone nearly flying out of your reach. Your eyes landed on a blue skinned woman. A respiratory mask covered her nose and mask.

She wore indigenous print robes and held a spear encrusted in emerald jewels. You noticed how her mouth didn’t move, her voice seemed to have come from inside your head as she stood alone in the middle of the rocky cavern.

"I don't understand" you thought, testing your theory out.

A female voice penetrated in your brain again, speaking to you in what sounded like an ancient Mayan tongue.

"Kukulkán in tu k'áataj a buscara. Búukint le, ku leti'. '' the woman seemed to lecture as she crossed the round room and reached into a clam basket by the foot of your mat and pulled out folded sheets of cream coloured linen, extending them to you. You accepted and forced a small smile to show gratitude.

You put the robe on and the beaded necklaces of jade over the dress, which ran up to your mid thigh and was sleeveless. The material was comfortable and baggy over your body but you felt uncomfortable at the lack of bralette you had underneath, leaving your breast exposed. You found a pair of golden strappy sandals at the bottom of the pile which you put on as well.

The woman from earlier came back for you and beckoned you with her hand out of the round room and past hung tapestries depicting ancient Yucatan gods and monsters. She stood behind you, ushering you to go into the room.

"Cha' k" a familiar voice spoke out. The man from the cave turned from his spot facing the painted mural, his back shifting as he smiled at you as you shivered in fear.

"Teech wilik ki'ichpam yéetel a prendas, a wilik ti' beyo' utia'al in reina” he flirted, in a deep, suave tone advancing toward you, you took a step back. Your eyes caught a glimpse of his rigidly sculpted chest, welded in the image of a divinity and the sleek look of his tanned copper skin. 

"Look, I don't know where I am or what you want with me but I certainly didn't mean any harm by stumbling on your cave. I'm not a threat to your people but I wish to be let go." you raised your hand to your chest, gesticulating as clearly as possible your words, shaking your head. The mythical man let out a boisterous laugh at your words, startling you. He grasped your hand in his firm one, raising it in front of him.

"Oh my little angel, I do know that. But I haven't taken you for that reason." he admitted, speaking to you in English as he interlaced your fingers together.

Fucking bastard.

You shook your hand out of his.

"You can speak my language." you pointed, growing irritated with the man.

"Of course, a dutiful ruler needs to be educated of the world around him." he boasted proudly.

"What is your name?" you asked as politely as you could muster

"My people praise me as Ku'kul'kan but my enemies call me Namor." he tucked a strand of your hair behind your head as his eyes traced your figure, wandering down from your budding breast to your legs.

"Why did you take me? What is it you need?" you defied. He cupped your chin gently with his smooth thumb, inclining your head up to his.

You shrugged against him but felt another hand slithering to your lower back, his touch cementing your body in place. His brown irises dilated as his gaze softened.

"Well if it isn't obvious, I want you. I want you to rule beside me and light a match that will burn the world from underneath their inconspicuous feet. Be my queen and I'll give you all that which your heart could desire."

You shook your head frantically.

He's insane.

His eyebrows quirked at your lack of cooperation.

"I see it in your eyes, that spark of passion and resentment. You've been underestimated your whole life. Your life's work is meaningless to the people around you, you're not getting the recognition you deserve." you grunted, bothered by his assumptions. 

"You know nothing about me or my life.” you stated. 

“I hate to disappoint you my angel but you can either bend to my desire of your own will or we can do things my way.” he remarked as he traced his thumb over your lips, pressing a chaste kiss to them. You felt as if every inch of your body was set aflame at his touch. You reclined your head in disgust.

“St-” 

Your mouth betrayed you as it parted open to receive the soft ones of the God before you as his palms felt their way treacherously down your body to the back of your thighs and your nape. You felt your knees buckling together, the flesh of your upper thighs pressing together as you felt heat pulsating from between your legs. You bit back a moan of pleasure as his imposing form bent down to kneel before you. Your eyes widened as his lips pressed against your vee line. You saw a flash of green in his eyes as he looked up to you. You pressed your eyes tightly shut. 

No. 

Suddenly you pushed against the invisible boundaries around you, stumbling backwards out of whatever spell Namor had put on you. You breathed out painfully. 

“Fuck you.” you whispered. 

“Oh?” he enquired, surprised at your incredible amount of resistance. 

She has the spirit of a warrior queen, he thought. I must bind her to me forever.

Namor arose, striding to you. In a single movement, he coiled his arm around your throat; putting some pressure down onto your windpipes as you clawed at his hand. 

He moved you easily against the wall rubbing his nose onto yours, turning his face toward your ear as he whispered:

“We’ll have to go for that second option then.”

[blisslight2005]

My Best TV Shows:

Spongebob Squarepants

The Loud House

The Casagrandes

The Sumrfs (series 1981 and series 2021)

The Powerpuff Girls

Looney tunes

Dexter's Laboratory

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi

Phineas And Ferb

Hilda

Steven universe

Adventure time

Regular show

Boy girl dog cat mouse cheese

Magiki

The Patrick Star Show

Monster High

Ben 10 (original series)

Beavis And Butt-Head

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)

Pucca

Harvey Girls Forever!

The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Trolls: TrollsTopia

Dora the Explorer

Rock, Paper, Scissors, (nickelodeon series tv cartoon)

And Family Guy

Honorable Mentions: Teen Titans Go! (Naturel), My Life As A Teenage Robot, The Fairly Oddparents, Rugrats, All Grown Up, Rocket Power, The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F Puppy, ICarly, Victorious, Sam And Cat, Henry Danger, The Adventures Of Kid Danger, The Amanda Show, Kenan And Kel, Big Time Rush, The Naked Brothers Band, It's Pony! Ollie's Pack, Bunsen Is A Beast, Harvey Beaks, Teen Titans, Kikoumba, Pokemon, Annoying Orange, Animaniacs, The Looney Tunes Show, Mighty Magiswords, Milo Murphy's Law, Star Vs. The Force Of Evil, Gravity Falls, Ducktales, House Of Mouse, The Replacements, Recess, American Dad, The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, Bob's Burgers, Bless The Harts, Duncanville, Beavis & Butt-Head, The Masked Singer, King Of The Hill, Rick And Morty, Robot Chicken, Minecraft: Story Mode, The Mr. Peabody And Sherman Show, 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, The Adventures Of The Puss In Boots, Trolls: The Beat Goes On! DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders, Home: Adventures Of Tip & Oh, Glitch Techs, Disenchantment, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, The Boss Baby: Back In Business, Trollhunters, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Pac-Man And The Ghostly Adventures, Sonic X, Sonic Underground, Sonic Boom, Power Rangers, Totally Spies, Strawberry Shortcake (special 1980s,series 2003,Bitty Berry Adventures), Teen Titans, Courage the Cowardly Dog And South Park

My Worst TV Shows:

Kid Vs. Kat

Caillou

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Gabby's Dollhouse

Miracle Star

Mickey And The Roadster Racers

Mickey Mouse Mixed Up Adventures

Sanjay And Craig

Happy Tree Friends

The Really Loud House

Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years

Peppa Pig

Dora (2024)

Baby Shark's Big Show!

And CocoMelon

Dishonorable Mentions: Oishi High School Battle, Kiddyzuzaa Land, Barney, Dora the Explorer, Block 13, The Problem Solverz, Secret Mountain Fort Awesome! The Samsonadzes, Ryan's Mystery Playdate, Hero Elementary, The Book Of Pooh, Sesame Street, Sofia The First, Sunny Bunnies, PJ Masks, Franny's Feet, Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty, WordGirl, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, Doc McStuffins, The Powerpuff Girls For 2016, Robocar Poli, Winx Club, Doki, Jay Jay The Jet Plane, Glitter Force, Miraculous: Tales Of Lady Bug And Cat Noir, Super Why! Sunny Day, Coconut Fred's Fruit Salad Island, Too Loud! Miracle Star, Dora And Friends: Into The City, Rob The Robot, Abby Hatcher, Allen Gregory, Strawberry Shortcake Berry in Big City And Teen Titans Go! (Naturel).

[indie-queer-movie-tournament]

Entries List (which I will keep updated)

Anything in bold has propaganda

Alex Strangelove (2018)

Alice Junior (Alice Júnior) (2019)

A Moment in the Reeds (Tämä hetki kaislikossa) (2017)

A Single Man (2009)

And Then We Danced (და ჩვენ ვიცეკვეთ) (2019)

Beach Rats (2017)

Big Eden (2000)

BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017)

Blue is the Warmest Colour (La Vie d'Adèle - Chapitres 1 et 2) (2013)

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Booksmart (2019)

Bottoms (2023)

Bound (1996)

Boys (Jongens) (2014)

Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

Breakfast with Scot (2007)

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

Camp (2003)

Can You Ever Forgive Me (2018)

Carol (2015)

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Center of My World (Die Mitte der Welt) (2016)

Chasing Amy (1997)

Closet Monster (2015)

Cloudburst (2011)

Colette (2018)

Crash (1996)

Crush (2022)

Dating Amber (2020)

D.E.B.S. (2004)

Desert Hearts (1984)

Disobedience (2017)

Duck Butter (2018)

Edge of Seventeen (1998)

Elephant (Słoń) (2022)

Esteros (2016)

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Fire Island (2022)

Freak Show (2017)

Funeral Parade of Roses (薔薇の葬列) (1969)

Get Real (1998)

God’s Own Country (2017)

Grandma (2015)

Handsome Devil (2016)

Happiest Season (2020)

Happy Together (春光乍洩) (1997)

Hearts Beat Loud (2018)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

I Can't Think Straight (2008)

I Dream in Another Language (Sueño en otro idioma) (2017)

I Killed My Mother (2009)

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

In & Out (1997)

Jenny's Wedding (2015)

Je Tu Il Elle (1974)

Kajillionaire (2020)

Kill Your Darlings (2013)

Kinky Boots (2005)

Latter Days (2003)

Longtime Companion (1989)

Mario (2018)

Maurice (1987)

Milk (2008)

Moonlight (2016)

Mosquita Y Mari (2012)

Mulholland Drive (2001)

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Mysterious Skin (2004)

Nina's Heavenly Delights (2006)

North Sea Texas (Noordzee, Texas) (2011)

Operation Hyacinth (Hiacynt) (2021)

Pariah (2011)

Patrik Age 1.5 (Patrik 1,5) (2008)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu) (2019)

Princess Cyd (2017)

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)

Rafiki (2018)

Rūrangi (2020)

Saving Face (2005)

Selah and the Spades (2019)

Shiva Baby (2020)

Sorry Angel (Plaire, Aimer et Courir Vite) (2018)

Straight Up (2019)

Swan Song (2021)

Tangerine (2015)

Tár (2022)

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (Die Bitteren Tränen Der Petra Von Kant) (1972)

The Bubble (הבועה) (2006)

The Conformist (Il conformista) (1970)

The Feels (2017)

The Half of It (2020)

The Handmaiden (아가씨) (2016)

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The Lost Boys (Le Paradis) (2023)

The Meetings of Anna (Les Rendez-vous d'Anna) (1978)

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

The Power of the Dog (2021)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

The Strong Ones (Los fuertes) (2019)

The Watermelon Woman (1996)

The Way He Looks (Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) (2014)

The 10 Year Plan (2014)

Tomboy (2011)

Totally Fucked Up (1993)

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

Transamerica (2005)

Water Lillies (Naissance des Pieuvres) (2007)

Yossi & Jagger (יוסי וג'אגר) (2002)

You, Me and Him (2017)

[authorofshifterthings]

Ancient Wings of Desire: A Shifter Romance by Deja Vail (Author)

Would love some feedback on my first chapter! You can read the rest @ Ancient Wings of Desire: A Shifter Romance | Kindle Vella (amazon.com)

Desc: In a world where shifters have revealed their existence to humans, secrets are kept in the shadows, and destinies entwine atop a remote Colorado mountain. Botanist Alison, an adventurous and independent soul, embarks on a three-day backpacking trip to collect rare specimens of the Colorado Columbine. Little does she know that her journey will lead her into the heart of an ancient and secretive community of griffin shifters.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1

Alison had always been captivated by the secrets of the natural world. From the moment she could walk, she had been wandering through forests, meadows, and gardens, her fingers tracing the delicate veins of leaves, her eyes seeking the subtlest shades of petals. Her passion for botany was more than a career; it was a lifelong love affair.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the small town of Boulder, Colorado, Alison sat in her cozy apartment, surrounded by books, plant specimens, and the sweet scent of dried herbs. Her auburn hair tumbled in unruly waves down her back, matching the fiery spirit within her. She wore a well-worn pair of jeans and a T-shirt featuring a Greenback Cutthroat Trout, the state fish.

Alison had always been a creature of habit, meticulously planning her expeditions into the wilderness. But today was different. The thrill of a spontaneous adventure coursed through her veins. Her research lab had been analyzing the same specimens for far too long, and it was time for something fresh. The Colorado Columbine, the state's treasured flower, had been calling to her.

She'd heard tales of the elusive Columbine hidden away in the high mountain meadows, and she yearned to collect samples in its natural habitat. It was a quest that would take her far from her comfort zone, into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, to a mountain 75 miles away from a small human town. Her decision was impulsive, but her heart raced with excitement at the prospect of venturing into the wild and discovering something new.

Alison's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of science and adventure. She worked as a botanist for a research lab in Boulder, where her meticulous analysis of plant specimens had earned her the respect of her peers. But beyond her professional life, she was a free spirit. She had hiked countless trails, camped under the star-studded Colorado sky, and sought solace in the embrace of nature.

Her cozy apartment was a reflection of her dual existence—shelves filled with scientific journals and reference books stood alongside hiking boots and well-worn backpacks. It was a testament to her love for the natural world and her unwavering commitment to understanding its mysteries.

Alison stepped out of her apartment and into the warm embrace of the Colorado evening, she knew that the mountain held secrets waiting to be unveiled, and she was determined to uncover them. But first, coffee.

..............................................................................................................................

"Alison, seriously? A three-day backpacking trip for a flower?" Stacy's voice boomed through the coffee shop, like a firecracker igniting a lively debate. Stacy has been my closest confidante since our days in undergrad, when the fates paired us together as "big" and "little" in our sorority. From the moment we met, it was clear that we were an unlikely duo, drawn together by some unspoken cosmic force. I was the quiet, bookish botany enthusiast, while Stacy embodied the vivacity and boldness of a wildfire. On paper, we should have been incompatible, but in reality, we were a beautifully mismatched pair that complemented each other in ways no one could have anticipated. Her vibrant, chestnut hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and her hazel eyes sparkled with both amusement and curiosity. Stacy was a force to be reckoned with, and her expressive face mirrored her bold personality.

I chuckled at her spirited reaction. "Yes, Stacy, but it's not just any flower," I replied, trying to convey my passion while keeping her entertained.

Stacy leaned forward, her demeanor shifting from an exacerbated eyeroll to genuine intrigue. "Alright, Alright. Tell me more about this flower, Alley Cat."

I smiled at my nickname. Trying not to get too overzealous, I started explaining the significance of the Colorado Columbine, the state flower, and the importance of studying it in its natural habitat. Stacy's genuine interest made me feel like I was sharing my excitement with a fellow adventurer.

As I continued, Stacy's attention drifted to her latte for a moment before she returned to our conversation. "Wait, aren't you already working on this species? I thought you had some at the lab already."

I nodded, recalling the unique story of those specimens. "Oh, those. They've been in our lab for over 15 generations now. It's fascinating, but they've developed very little genetic diversity over the years. That's one of the reasons I want to collect fresh samples from the wild."

Stacy raised an eyebrow. "Fifteen generations? That's like a botanical time capsule. I can see why you'd want to break that cycle."

Just as I was about to explain further, Stacy shifted gears, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Todd's going with you, right?"

I hesitated for a moment, my heart sinking at the thought of spending days in the wilderness with Todd after our recent awkward encounter. " I don't think Todd can make it."

Stacy's snarky grin told me she smelled a story. "Why not? I thought you two were practically inseparable in the lab."

I sighed, recalling the embarrassing encounter from last week when Todd had tricked me into a date. "Actually, I've been avoiding Todd lately. We had a mix-up, and he sort of took me on a date. That I hadn't really agreed to go on. It was ... awkward."

Stacy chuckled, leaning in closer. "Oh, Alison, you've got to give me the details on that one. What happened?"

I quickly changed the subject, not eager to delve into that particular conversation. "Let's just say it was a misunderstanding, and I'd rather not talk about it. Now, back to the backpacking trip..."

Stacy, known for her persistence and lack of boundaries, didn't let me off the hook so easily. "Come on, Ali, you can't just drop a bombshell like that and expect me to change the topic. Spill the beans!"

As Stacy prodded for more information, my internal monologue kicked into overdrive. How could I explain the Todd situation without divulging too much? And why was Stacy so relentless when it came to prying into my personal life?

I decided to give her a vague response, hoping she'd drop the subject. "Stacy, it's complicated. Let's just say I'd rather not discuss it right now."

Stacy's expression shifted from curiosity to genuine concern. "Ali, you know you can always talk to me, right? If something's bothering you, spill it. I'm here for you."

I smiled, touched by her genuine friendship. "Thanks, Stacy. I appreciate it. But let's save the drama for another time. I’ve got a flower quest to plan!"

"You know, Ali, speaking of complicated situations," Stacy began with a sly smile, "I've got this fling with Mark going on, but it's starting to get a bit boring."

I raised an eyebrow, curious about her romantic escapades. “Wait, Mark? I thought you were still with Trevor?”

She sighed dramatically, her expressive face contorting into a mock frown. “That was almost a month ago, I texted you about how fast that went south, didn't I?"

A quick blush spread across my cheeks. “You’re right! I’m sorry I must have forgotten with all of my proposals coming up. My brain is just a little foggy at the moment.” I lied, not having the slightest clue what she was talking about.

Gosh, I am a bad friend.

“But why is he getting boring? You're usually one to be going full speed all the time.”

Stacy looked at her empty latte, her long nails clicking on the side of the mug. “I know, right? But this guy, he's just not keeping up. I think I might break it off soon."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her candidness. "Well, you've always been one for adventure, Stacy. Maybe it's time to find someone who can keep up with your energy."

Stacy nodded, her eyes glinting mischievously once again. "You might be onto something, Ali. Life's too short for boring flings."

Stacy, never one to be discouraged for long, finally relented, and we resumed discussing the details of my upcoming adventure. I couldn't help but feel grateful for a friend like Stacy, who, despite her boundary-pushing tendencies, was always there to offer support and a listening ear.

Chapter 2 and 3 are available now

[sideralwriting]

Right There Beside Him All Summer Long - ACOTAR Writing Circle - Part 2

Many thank you @azrielshadowssing for organising the event and to the part 1 writer, @rosanna-writer, for her patience and the great idea! I hope you enjoy this part too!

Summary: After months of bitter cold, Illyrian summers just hit different. When the other Solstice rolls around, Rhys brings Feyre there, a chance to indulge in a little nostalgia and show her around his old stomping grounds.

Pairing: Feysand

Warnings: None

Part 1+2 word count: 3,784

AO3 link to the fic: here

Read it under the cut!

Rhys took me once again in his arms and started for the night sky in one mighty wings beat.

The crispy air was always there, just warmer on our skin and the full moon above us lightened the landscape of pines and mountains and streams for as far as we could see.

Rhys's fingers drew circles where he touched me and I pressed my chest more against him.

"Is it fine for us to be out here at night?" I whispered in his ear, running a finger on his wing.

He let out a subtle growl. "Scared of a little hunting session, Feyre darling?" I laughed and he went on. "We won't stay too far from Windhaven and the beasts know when to start a fight. Or when to run the hell away from one."

A pulse of power radiated from him and made my own sing in response.

"Is this what you told those young females before bringing them to your secret place?"

He pressed me closer, leaning in to whisper directly against my ear "Hold on tightly" and plunge us in the rocky valley below.

——— ——— ——— ———

It was over before my surprised scream reached the water below us.

But it wasn't just water.

The rocks formed large terraced pools of warm water that filled them from the mountainside. The moonlight reflected on the steam and on the surface before the pools ended on a waterfall, setting everything alight. We could hear the water flow in the pools and the low rumble of the waterfall down below.

Rhysand hugged me from behind, shielding me from the wind. "Do you like the place?" he whispered.

"If this is where you brought your lovers, I do not understand how they left you after it. It's stunning."

He chuckled. "Let's just say they weren't interested in the landscape as you do, my love. You know what's even better?"

I peered up into my mate's eyes. I surely had an idea for what was better. We came here for privacy, after all, but kept the shield in my mind as close as possible.

Rhys rose a brow while I turned and walked away from him backwards towards the nearest pool.

I knelt and started unlacing the boots, eyes never leaving Rhysand's predatory gaze. This much near the water, even the rock was warm under my feet. My mate was as still as the mountains around us. Of course it would take more to let him move, he enjoyed watching as much as taking care of things himself. So I turned my back to him and undid the high braid that I roughly wove before leaving the camp. After massaging the scalp for a couple of seconds, I moved my hand in front of me and unfastened the first button on the flying leathers.

Not even a heartbeat later he was there in front of me. I smirked, but it vanished into a little smile as I looked at him watching me from head to toes with parted lips and reverence in those violet eyes. Once. Twice.

"Allow me" he murmured.

Rhys resumed the work on the jacket and shirt, vanishing them in the pocket realm together with his clothes. The same fate happened to our pants.

Shivering to the wind, I took his hand and started for the water. As soon as we entered, a moan escaped from our lips.

I watched as Rhysand swam underwater and re-emerged, wet hair shining like a galaxy under the moonlight, and stretched his wings as far as possible and then relaxed, floating on the surface. Only the night sky above, only nature around us, our mate at our side.

"Did you ever come here on your own?"

"Hm?"

"I mean, you said you never showed your wings to anyone in the bedroom, so I guess you vanished them here, too?" I mused.

"Well," Rhys started straightening up, "I used to bring them here flying if they wanted to feel the breeze in their hair. Or winnowing if we were in a rush" he added grinning. I just rolled my eyes and smiled at the Illyrian male arrogance. "In any case, I vanished my wings here."

We stayed in silence for a while, floating in the terraced pool and exchanging a few kisses.

In the end, I moved behind him and locked my legs around his waist. His mighty wings flared a bit wider, and Rhysand allowed me to start a massage down his back, around the muscles of the wings. A second sound, a mix between a grown and a moan, escaped from his lips and I understood.

For days we were cooped up in offices and meetings, no time for training or flying. Then we flew left and right all day. His muscles must be so tired. As I was before entering this water.

I closed my eyes before saying "You brought them here for their wings."

"I did. Some of them really loved to fly and after the wings were clipped… A warm bath makes wonders for sore muscles. They would have enjoyed it. Even if I wouldn't be here."

I kept massaging his back until he gripped my wrist and spun me around him. Facing each other, it took a breath for us before closing the small distance in a hungry, marking, oh so lovely kiss.

His mouth was incredibly smooth and warm against mine. It was addicting and as soon as I ran my tongue on his lips, they parted for me and Rhys deepened the kiss.

My hands flew to his hair and the back of his neck, where I know he loves a good and relaxing massage… and that it turns him on while kissing like this. His grip tightened on my bare waist and he drew lazy strokes under my chest with his thumbs.

That was finally a night of love and there was no duty, nothing to stop us from it.

At dawn, as the sun rose from behind the mountain range and colored the sky of gray and pink, we shared a warm breakfast under the dozens of pillows and blankets Rhys picked out of the pocket realm earlier that night.

——— ——— ——— ———

"Where the hell did you two run off to?!" shouted Mor when we winnowed inside Rhysand’s mother's house after lunch. Her back was to us and as she turned and noticed us she jumped back with a string of words so colorful that Rhys' eyebrows shot up.

"We went for a walk," I started.

"Yeah, in the middle of the night, with no message whatsoever," countered the blonde.

Rhys walked towards his cousin. "I didn't remember having to tell you every time I leave your side."

She huffed before answering. "Of course you don't have to, but for both of you to be gone without notice…" She bit her lower lip. "We have a problem."

"Listen here, Mor. If I cannot even have a night to spend with my mate–" Rhys sighed.

"That's not it!" Morrigan exclaimed, dropping on the nearest chair and resting her head between her hands. She peered up at us.

I walked up to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. "What is it, then?"

Brown eyes looked up at me. And I felt something wrong around us.

"Cassian is missing."

Silence.

Then, "what do you mean when you say that Cassian is missing?" I questioned. Rhys was utterly still, but I could feel him panicking. He was most likely trying to contact his brother.

"Exactly that!" She said frantically, "He wasn't at home this morning so I thought he was around the camp but no one saw or even heard of him anywhere, today. They thought you sent him back to the court!"

Rhysand turned towards us, a cold calm filling his eyes. "Let's go find him, then. We have the Games to take part in".

[patendude]

Fisher of Men

“Jones loves to hike,” is how my friends usually introduce me. “He’s a serious hiker,” is also common. And more accurate. I would not say I love the activity. Driven might be better. Every mountain I see seems to demand a pilgrimage. A fishing line hooks behind my eye and tugs insistently until I relent and put on my boots.

I have the full kit. Camping backpack, hiking sticks, water bladder, sunscreen, granola bars... An enthusiast. Rain, shine, snow. My obsession does not discriminate. I am not resentful. Harmless as compulsions go. I find the hikes refreshing. Meditative. I feel saner once I descend the mountain of the day and return home.

This mountain is coated in the verdurous down of spring. A brisk wind coaxes a feathered sigh from the forest and prompts me to zip up my windbreaker. My hike has been peaceful and invigorating so far. The trails are empty. It’s still early in the season and most hobbyists are probably in their warm apartments.

My map is folded and tucked away in my pack. I prefer to review my route at the start and find my way from memory. My feet have a mind of their own, often taking unnecessary detours. I always make it back eventually. Park rangers are often annoyed at me returning to my car at or just after sunset.

Hiking up this narrow, rocky trail, and stepping around invading roots, my mind wanders. My thoughts drift toward work, shy away and settle on admiring the scenery. I debate whether to dig my camera out of the pack. Suddenly, I am on a graveled path. I slow to a stop with a series of crunches. I deviated from my route an hour ago. Even so, nothing this maintained was on my map. I shrug and follow the path. Its direction seems to continue up the eastern face of the mountain.

I make quick progress along the path, far easier to traverse than the craggy trail I came from. It carries me to a wilder, denser region of the mountain. The canopy closes. The wind in the leaves takes on a lower register. The way forward grows dim. I can deny it no longer. I’m spooked. But the hook that drew me to this mountain now drags me down the ominous path.

The gloom breaks. Sunlight rains down in a clearing. I’m blind until my eyes adjust. The path cuts through a meadow of wildflowers in a leisurely arc and leads to the opposite tree line where the forest pierces the clearing like a claw. And behind that sharp fringe towers a monolith of brutalist architecture. My breath catches, worried I have trespassed. But I had seen no sign, fence, or barbwire. So I approach.

The monolith stands dully in the harsh light. Its grey carapace punctured by inset windows shadowed into portals of darkness. As I draw close and the full building comes into view, I see its base intersects the ground abruptly, like a level designer picked up its virtual geometry and placed it without care whether it blended with the environment.

“Hey!”

I halt, startled, a few steps from the shadow cast by the monolith.

“This is a restricted area!”

I turn to the speaker. He’s tall and thin. Dressed in brown slacks, a white coat, and silver wireframe glasses. He smokes a cigarette. His expression changes from anger to exasperation once he sees my face.

“Christ.“

He draws in a lungful of nicotine and exhales the spent plume through his nostrils.

“Weber, you really need to fix the fence.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t give a shit. Jones just showed up. That will keep happening until you do your job.”

I finally see the earpiece the man is speaking to. Then it registers he said my name.

“Do I know you?”

The man chuckles and takes another puff.

“Dr. Fischer! Dr. Fischer.”

The man glances at the figure that issues from the monolith and rolls his eyes.

“Jesus, Jones. Your timing is egregious.”

My hiking sticks drop from my hands and clatter anemically on the gravel path. I feel like I’m about to be sick. The figure is my doppelgänger. The figure has my name.

“Oh, sorry Dr. Fischer.”

“Today is such a mess. Mr. Otto, relieve his torment.”

I look up at the monolith. In one of the windows, a face emerges from its void. My face. Looking down at me with an air of curiosity. Then a couple floors down and to the left, another. And another. And another, and another. My own eyes staring at me.

I hear the crunch of gravel behind me. I feel pinpricks in my back. Then hear brash electronic clicking like some mechanical cicada. I plunge into a merciful darkness.

—

Photo by Adrian Patenaude

[pcttrailsidereader]

Circle Champagne

Retired Wilderness Ranger Ronin Demele, in his book Pacific Crest Trail: Mountain Encounters of a Wilderness Ranger, has written a series of short stories and poems based upon his experience along the PCT in Northern California's Trinity Alps. This particular story touches on a couple of important themes. The first is that Native Americans have a long history in the lands crossed by the PCT. Wilderness was never unpopulated despite the way that the perception has evolved over the past 150 years. Demele's story recognizes the long relationship that Native Americans have had with this landscape. The second is the grazing rights that have been 'grandfathered in' to areas like the Trinity Alps and the outsized impact that cattle have on the fragile high country. I know that I grew to detest the clang of the cowbells that seemed so disconnected with my PCT experience as I passed through the Alps.

The book is available for purchase through this link:

When I hiked up along this Trinity section of the PCT I always plodded slowly along the rocky, remote trail to feel the spirit of the Wintu Indians that spent thousands of summers up there in the upper meadows. I stopped at each creek crossing looking for Tangle Blue rocks matrixed with blue veins. I paused at the sight of a hawk in flight. This spot is snowy cold in winter, but paradise in summertime. Springs gush cold water, and meadows attract the big hardy bucks that make it up through the granite and red rocks.

Wintu Indian camps lined the small creeks that run through these meadows. Gigantic red-barked cedar still grow along the creeks. I always scanned the ground, looking for arrowheads reflecting in the sun. Obsidian chips littered the ground, and at creek's edge maidenhair ferns grew, and up into the forest I found bear grass. Bear grass and ferns were items collected for basket making. Arrow point making was practiced in the meadow. Obsidian from Glass Mountain was packed in many miles from near Mount Shasta.

As I neared the basin, I saw the orange and black spotted leopard lily that surrounds this place where two rocks part and cold icy water gushed freely, forming a small moist meadow. I dropped my pack against a rough, grey granite rock, bent to my knees, sipped, and silently thanked the deep earth source as generations of Wintu had done. Across the meadows and across the ages, I heard something. A bell clanging and cows mooing. This is now US Forest Service grazing land in the middle of Wilderness. I was there as a Wilderness Ranger checking on the grazing cattle. In front of me, I noticed not 12 of them as usual, but perhaps 25 or 30 black, full bellied, slow plodding, bell necked, plastic ear tagged munchers trampling the ruined meadow.

Over in the fir forest below the red cedars near the obsidian camp that I visited each summer, sat the Permittee in a folding chair. He was wearing a starched white shirt and cowboy hat and boots, sitting under a canvas sun shade. It was Circle Champagne himself. As I approached, he looked a little startled and offered me to join him this mid-day with a cold glass of champagne from this cooler nearby.

"No thank you," I said.

"From Marin County," he said.

"Bring'em all the way up here to fatten 'em up," he boasted.

"How many ya got?"

"A few here and there," he bluffed as he blinked to his assistant wrangler. "My wife is on the Board of Directors of the Marin County Agricultural Board, near San Francisco," he offered.

"Perhaps this means something important," I wondered to myself. This man, with his cows wandering around and with that champagne glass in a circle brand seared into their butts, stayed seated on his butt. His horses a few feet away pawed in the dust hoping to get movin' away from all the pesky flies circling the horses and cows. In the meadow, the slow movin' herd clanged and munched and stomped the rare flowers -- the columbines, the leopard lilies, and the pitcher plants, leaving pizza-sized patties in the sparkling pure creek water. This is the Wilderness Area.

"What kind of public benefit is this?" I wondered about the Permit and the Permittee. Off the trail, back at the Ranger Station, I handed in my trail report to the Resource Officer in charge. In it I outlined the violations I had witnessed; meadow overgrazing, water pollution, and attempted bribery of a Wilderness Ranger . . . me. I heard nothing back. It was business as usual in the enforcement department . . . now that the Wintu were gone from these meadows, what would their spirit say about this mountain mess?

[atan-orofarne]

My husband and I are lucky enough to live less than an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park, and my god…the stupid behavior I have seen from people.

Some of it isn't dangerous, just damaging — I will absolutely scold offer polite guidance to people who cut corners on switchbacks, for example.

But the number of people who visit in mid to late October and then seem surprised that there's snow on trails. You are nearly two miles up, here! It's a different climate! (Ditto people who visit in April and are surprised to find 5-6 feet of snow on the trail to Dream Lake. It's not spring up here for at least another month, month and a half!)

Of course, they still end up trying to hike the snowy, slippery trails, where all the high traffic routes freeze into sheets of ice as soon as they're out of direct sunlight. And far too few of them have spikes for their boots, either. I'm honestly shocked how few injuries we've seen.

I just think, "Did you do no research before scheduling your trip?!" I cannot imagine going to a place like this and not checking the typical weather for the time of year, getting necessary supplies, and making sure I knew what to expect.

Also, my husband and I both carry 40L daypacks on day hikes. We always have extra layers (including rain protection in the non-snowy months), food, medicine, first aid, emergency blankets, plenty of water (at least 5L plus whatever is in our drinking bottles to start with)…all the Ten Essentials. Plus a GPS with satellite comms and SOS.

And binoculars, but those are just for fun.

But the number of times we have been asked in the winter, "Are you camping overnight?" A 40L pack isn't small, but…do you even see room here for a sleeping bag, let alone a tent and mattress pads?!? 😮‍💨

These are incredibly beautiful places, and I think people deserve to experience them, but folks also need to recognize that our parks can be very dangerous if not shown the proper amount of respect.

And don't even get me started on people who approach or harass the elk! 🤬

Any conspiracy theory about people going missing in National Parks is automatically silly to me. Like "Why are National Parks such a hotbed of disappearances???" because they're full of idiots. You've got thousands of people who've never pissed outdoors in their life wandering around the woods/desert/mountain with zero experience and zero gear and zero understanding that this place can kill them. You don't see as many disappearances in wild areas because people don't go to them unless they have some background knowledge. Whereas you get tour buses full of old folks and suburban families shuttling people into National Parks 365 days a year. If you took the same amount of buffoons and dropped them in the actual wilderness the disappearances would be significantly higher than at the parks. Use your brain.

[saurabh0008]

Challenges of the Rupin Pass Trek and How to Tackle Them

The Rupin Pass Trek is one of the most breathtaking yet demanding adventures in the Himalayas. Famous for its changing landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and high-altitude meadows, the trek offers both scenic beauty and significant challenges. If you're gearing up for this trek, it's essential to understand the potential obstacles along the way. Based on personal experience, here are the key challenges you may encounter during the Rupin Pass Trek and some practical tips on how to overcome them.

1. Rapid Altitude Gain and Acclimatization

One of the most challenging aspects of the Rupin Pass Trek is the sharp increase in altitude. Starting at about 5,100 feet in Dhaula and climbing to more than 15,000 feet at Rupin Pass, the high elevation can lead to altitude sickness. This is especially true for those new to trekking in high-altitude environments.

How to Tackle It:

Take It Slow: To give your body time to adapt, avoid rushing through the trek. If possible, spend a day at intermediate campsites like Jiskun or Saruwas Thatch before continuing to higher altitudes.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can make you more vulnerable to altitude sickness.

Watch for Symptoms: Be aware of early signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If these symptoms worsen, descend to a lower elevation and rest.

On my first trek, I learned that pacing myself and staying hydrated made a huge difference, especially as we climbed to higher altitudes.

2. Tough and Varied Terrain

The Rupin Pass Trek features a wide variety of terrain, from rocky paths to snow-covered slopes. You'll need to navigate through forests, cross snow bridges, and ascend steep ridges. The constant change in terrain makes the trek physically challenging.

How to Tackle It:

Use Trekking Poles: Poles are incredibly helpful for maintaining balance, especially when crossing snow or rocky sections.

Wear Sturdy Footwear: High-quality trekking boots with good grip and ankle support are essential to safely navigate the rugged terrain.

Build Endurance: To prepare, do cardio exercises and long hikes before the trek to build up your stamina.

I vividly remember crossing a narrow snow bridge near the Rupin Waterfall. The path was slippery, but using trekking poles helped me stay balanced.

3. Unpredictable Weather

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and the Rupin Pass Trek is no exception. At higher altitudes, you may encounter snowfall, rain, or strong winds, often without much warning.

How to Tackle It:

Dress in Layers: Pack warm layers, including a down jacket and a waterproof shell. The temperatures can swing from warm in the daytime to freezing at night, especially at campsites like Upper Waterfall Camp.

Waterproof Your Gear: Use rain covers for your backpack and pack important items in waterproof bags to protect them from rain or snow.

Check Weather Forecasts: Although weather forecasts aren't always reliable in the mountains, it’s worth keeping an eye on predictions and adjusting your pace accordingly.

When we approached the pass, a sudden snowfall turned the clear day into a whiteout. Having layers and waterproof gear made all the difference in staying warm and dry.

4. Physical Exhaustion

Each day on the Rupin Pass Trek presents new physical demands, from long ascents to tricky descents. By the time you reach the final climb to the pass, cumulative fatigue can start to take its toll.

How to Tackle It:

Take Short Breaks: Regular short breaks help you recover and maintain stamina throughout the trek.

Eat Energy-Rich Foods: Carry snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates to replenish energy while on the move.

Stay Mentally Strong: Trekking isn't just about physical fitness—it’s also a mental challenge. Positive thinking and focusing on your goal can help push through fatigue.

I recall feeling drained after the steep ascent to Upper Waterfall Camp. However, small breaks and encouraging words from fellow trekkers kept me going.

5. River Crossings and Snow Bridges

Several sections of the Rupin Pass Trek involve crossing rivers or snow bridges. During the monsoon, rivers can swell, while snow bridges can become unstable and slippery, especially in the summer season.

How to Tackle It:

Test the Stability: Always check snow bridges for stability before crossing, and follow your guide’s advice on safe crossing points.

Wear Waterproof Footwear: Wet boots can lead to blisters and discomfort. Waterproof your boots or wear gaiters to keep your feet dry during river crossings.

Pick the Right Season: If you want to avoid difficult river crossings, plan your trek during the pre-monsoon or post-monsoon seasons when the rivers are less swollen.

Crossing a fast-flowing river in freezing water was one of the toughest moments of the trek. Moving slowly, supporting one another, and having the right footwear made it manageable.

Final Thoughts

The Rupin Pass Trek offers a unique combination of challenges and rewards. From the steep altitude gain to unpredictable weather, the trek tests both your physical and mental endurance. However, with adequate preparation and the right mindset, these challenges can be overcome, turning them into an adventure you'll never forget. Whether it's navigating rugged terrain or tackling snow-covered passes, every step of the journey is worth the incredible views and the sense of accomplishment that awaits at the end. With proper planning and perseverance, the Rupin Pass Trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

[traveltranquilitynepal]

Understanding the Altitude of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is a magical spot nestled in Nepal’s remote nooks. The route to this base camp includes stunning views, difficult paths, and the raw beauty of nature. As someone who has walked to this breathtaking place, I’d like to share my experience and help you comprehend what it’s like to reach such heights.

What to Expect at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp

Altitude and Its Challenges

Kanchenjunga South Base Camp sits at an altitude of approximately 4,780 meters (15,682 feet). This high elevation presents both physical and mental challenges. The air becomes thinner, making it harder to breathe, and the temperature drops significantly, especially at night.

When I first arrived at this altitude, I felt the effects of the thin air. Each step felt heavier, and I had to pause frequently to catch my breath. It’s crucial to acclimate properly and listen to your body. Altitude sickness can be a serious risk, so taking your time and staying hydrated is essential.

The Journey Up

The trek to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp is not just a physical journey but an emotional one as well. The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush green forests to rocky terrains. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages where the local people live simple yet beautiful lives. Their warm hospitality and smiles offer a comforting touch amid the challenging trek.

One memory that stands out is when I met a local family in one of the villages. They invited me into their home, offered me tea, and shared stories about their lives. This kindness and generosity reminded me of the strength and resilience of the people living in these high altitudes.

The Beauty of the Altitude

Reaching the base camp, you are rewarded with stunning views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming, and the beauty of the snow-capped peaks against the clear blue sky is something I’ll never forget.

The altitude adds a certain rawness to the landscape. The stark beauty of the mountains, the crispness of the air, and the quiet serenity make it a truly special place. Despite the physical challenges, the emotional and spiritual rewards are immense.

Tips for Trekkers

Prepare Physically and Mentally

Before you start the trek, ensure you are physically fit. Regular exercise, especially cardio, can help prepare your body for the demands of high altitude. Mentally, be prepared for the tough days. Remember why you are doing this trek and keep pushing forward.

Pack Wisely

Carry the right gear. Warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, and proper trekking boots are essential. Also, bring snacks and hydration tablets to keep your energy levels up.

Take It Slow

Acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness. Take your time, walk slowly, and give your body the chance to adjust to the altitude.

Stay Positive

There will be tough moments, but staying positive and focused on the beauty around you can help you push through. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to experiencing one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Conclusion

Understanding the height of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp entails more than simply knowing the numbers. It’s about experiencing the trials and joys of walking at such high altitudes. The path is difficult, but the emotional and spiritual rewards are well worth the effort. If you choose to embark on this expedition, you will not only visit some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, but also witness the tremendous friendliness and perseverance of the locals.

[art-of-manliness]

Odds & Ends: August 16, 2024

Seiko SRPG33 Field Watch. About four years ago, I embraced the Apple Watch. But lately, I’ve decided to go back to plain old analog watches. Why? For one thing, smartwatches don’t look very good, in my opinion. For another, they’re distracting. I’m a big proponent of putting away one’s phone during meals and conversations, since checking your phone makes you less present, and research shows that even the presence of a phone on the table makes people engage in shallower conversations, simply from the subconscious recognition of the potential to be interrupted. But I had to admit that checking the notifications that came across my watch had the same interrupting effect. I could turn them off, of course, but still wondered if the mere presence of the checkable device on my wrist siphoned off some mental bandwidth. Consequently, I’ve lately put the Apple Watch away and busted out some of my old wristwatches that I’ve had stored away in my treasure box. I also acquired a new field watch from Seiko. I’m a big fan of field watches, and Seiko makes a handsome one at a reasonable price. It’s been nice not being buzzed on my wrist by my Apple Watch and sporting a sartorial accessory that looks respectable to boot.  The Unending Allure Of High Mountains. It’s been said that people are either mountain people or beach people. I’m definitely a mountain person. I’ve always been drawn to the earth’s rocky peaks — gazing at them, hiking them, camping amongst them. One of my favorite things is driving west and watching the Rocky Mountains start to rise from the horizon as you get closer and closer to them. In an article for Noema, Henry Wismayer sets out to explain the allure of high mountains. You might think an article on mountains would be dry, but this longform piece was truly one of the best things I’ve read lately and kept me engaged from beginning to end. This bit resonated with me the most: “Sentinels of geological time, the peaks are often seen to embody a reassuring impassivity, aloof to the human ants playing in their shadow.” Whenever I look up at mountains, I always think, “These things were here for millions of years before me, and they’ll be here for millions of years after me.” Mountains are existentially humbling.  The Adjustment Bureau. In a time of conspiracy theories, here’s one you can get lost in without stress and partisan bickering. In this film from 2011, Matt Damon stars as a congressman who wants to be with the seeming love of his life (played by Emily Blunt), but is thwarted by a mysterious organization of operatives who are hellbent on keeping them apart. It’s a flick that combines a romance story with an action-thriller set-up and an unusually thoughtful plot that raises questions about fate, agency, free will, and divine providence. All with a whole lot of trilby hats.  Eating well and exercising may be as effective for treating depression as going to therapy. Numerous studies have shown that exercise is as, if not more, effective than both therapy and antidepressants in treating depression (and anxiety), and a recent study only confirmed this finding. In the study, half of participants participated in sessions in which they received guidance on nutrition and physical activity, while the other half participated in sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, often considered the gold standard form of therapy for treating depression. Both groups saw a significant and about equal reduction in their depression symptoms (the reduction was actually a bit higher for the lifestyle intervention group). Depression is a complex thing, and diet/exercise may need to be combined with other treatments in a holistic, multi-prong approach to treating the disorder. But these studies demonstrate the connection between mental and physical health and may point to the veracity of the metabolic pathway theory of depression. As someone who’s struggled with depression myself, what I always like to say is that if you’re suffering from depression, but don’t regularly exercise, you haven’t yet begun to fight.… http://dlvr.it/TC12hS

[adventurewhitehimalayas]

Why You'll Love the Annapurna Base Camp Trek: A Personal Journey

Introduction: Hey there fellow adventure seekers! Today, I want to share with you my personal experience and why I believe you'll absolutely fall in love with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Strap on your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Himalayas!

Mesmerizing Scenery: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek isn't just any hike; it's a visual feast for your eyes! Imagine walking through lush rhododendron forests, alongside cascading waterfalls, and past quaint mountain villages. Every step of the way, you'll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Annapurna range itself.

Cultural Immersion: One of the highlights of this trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Nepalese people. Along the way, you'll encounter friendly locals going about their daily lives, visit ancient temples and monasteries, and experience traditional Nepali hospitality firsthand. Don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing a cup of tea with a local family or learning a few words of Nepali along the way!

The Thrill of the Challenge: While the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, it still offers plenty of challenges to keep you on your toes. From steep ascents to rocky terrain, every day presents a new adventure and a chance to push your limits. But fear not, for the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you finally reach base camp is truly unparalleled.

Unforgettable Sunrises: One of the absolute highlights of the trek is witnessing the sunrise over the Annapurna massif from base camp. Trust me when I say that waking up before dawn to watch the first rays of light paint the mountains in shades of pink and gold is an experience you'll never forget. It's moments like these that make every blister and sore muscle worth it!

The Bond of Shared Experience: Finally, what makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek truly special is the camaraderie you'll share with your fellow trekkers. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, there's something about facing the challenges of the trail together that forges bonds that last a lifetime. From swapping stories around the campfire to cheering each other on during the toughest stretches, you'll find that the people you meet along the way become like family.

Conclusion: So there you have it, folks! The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a journey of a lifetime that promises breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, thrilling challenges, unforgettable moments, and lifelong friendships. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, this trek has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with the magic of the Annapurna region!

[realityhelixcreates]

By Talos, This Can't be Happening chapter 3: Never Should Have Come Here

A crack isekai that I started just for fun, which had ballooned into something much bigger. Helix and Swag get stuck in a world from her rocky past, and now they traipse around Tamriel while larger forces start sneaking up on them.

Chapter 3/?

There's a bump in the road.

Content warning for blood, violence, sexual situations, and questionable life decisions.

@cardwrecks @captainbaddecisions @whocares-idont

?~?~?~?~?

Swag stared down at the knife being held at his throat with so much annoyance that it had nearly looped back around into amusement. Yeah, this might as well happen.

“Hand it over, milk drinker...” the man on the other end of the knife demanded. He was wrapped in a thick and voluminous cloak. Hard to tell how many other weapons he had. “Okay...” Swag said, slipping the backpack off his shoulder, shifting his weight slightly. He looked skinny, for a Nord, Helix had told him. Weak. There were bandits on the road who might take him for an easy target. This one was fixing to learn better. “...But it's just got blankets and food, and such.” he finished. “That's too bad. I'll just make up my losses by killing you and taking the woman. Bet I can get some value out of her.” A derisive chuckle slipped out of him. “Man, so you're not just fuckin' stupid, you're really fuckin' stupid.” Before the man could retaliate, Swag slammed his backpack onto the knife, embedding the blade in multiple layers of cloth. The bandit dropped the whole thing, reaching inside his cloak for something else. Swag cocked his fist back- -Purple lightning sprung from Helix's hands, crackling though the bandit's body in a merciless current, shaking him violently for a few moments before he dropped silently to the ground. Swag stared at the prone body, then at Helix. He'd never seen her use straight up D&D magic before. “Holy shit, you Palpatine'd him!” Swag exclaimed. Helix grinned. “That's one of the three spells I've still got. Don't worry, he's not dead. Just stunned.” She crouched down and snatched the cloak from the bandit's shoulders, handing it off to Swag. “This is yours now. Oh look! He had some rope. Is this what he thought he was gonna tie me up with?” Swag took the rope, examined the make of it.

“So he's the one who gets robbed instead? Oh well, play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” The road patrol would find him eventually, arms and legs tied with knots so expertly wrought, they would have to be cut in order to free him. By that time, the two of them would be miles away, a new spring in their steps, and new winnings to sort out.

The sun was sinking behind the mountains, and the first wisps of cold night wind began blowing through. Swag, in his new furry boots and cloak, was much warmer this time, but was just as ready to find a good place to set up camp. He wore the bandit's belt, with all its pouches and purses, some of which contained real treasures. There was some dried meat, and a little pot of spices, as well as a tiny green potion that smelled of floral honey. Helix told him to hold onto it until the next time he was winded. Two knives, one smaller than the other, and more clearly meant for mundane things, like chopping up food. Helix took that one, and left the longer, clearly for combat blade to him. He was otherwise unarmed, after all, and would need something to hold back the bandits, monsters, and maybe even wild animals. He had impressed her by giving it a quick spin through his fingers. She knew the talents of his hands, but it was fun to remind her. Though it also reminded him. Of all the spinning tricks he'd learned to do with a switchblade, just to watch it glitter in the light. To see the fear in their eyes. But that was then, and this was now, and there was also some basic medicines, bandages, fire starting tools, and money-small round coins with an Imperial bust on one side and a diamond shaped dragon on the other. And then, the real prizes: a whole shaving kit, soap and all, and a bone comb. “Praise be!” he cried in mock melodrama. “I'm saved! Saved, you hear me?” Helix laughed. “Me too. You do not want to see the kind of rats nests my hair can cough up if I don't brush it. Why do you think I keep it short?” “Because it's adorable?” he said, in all sincerity, and was awarded a brilliant smile. “Hey wait a minute. That guy was bald. Why'd he have a comb?” “The shaving kit was probably for his head, and the comb for his beard.” Swag tugged lightly at the soul patch that he allowed to grow obnoxiously long-partly because it drove all his little riddlebros nuts, but also because it looked good, shut up-in contemplation. “Nah.” he said. “I'm sure whatever I do, I'll look good.” “Bet on that.” Helix said. She had still been leaving the road to gather bits of plant, though now her eyes seemed to be scanning the foot of the mountain for something else. He assumed that Helix had a lot of experience living outdoors, so when she found a deep overhang in the rock and declared it safe, he believed her. It was dry in there, and sheltered from the wind, partially overgrown with brush. Helix sent him out to find wood and water, though he didn't move out of her sight while doing it. She'd gotten a little fire going, and had set a couple of potatoes from their food pack nearby to roast. While he broke the sticks up into fire-sized pieces, she located a couple of flat rocks and began to grind some of her plant bits between them. She eventually spread the resulting paste on two chunks of bread, and handed him one. He had to trust her. It didn't taste very good, but it probably had a bunch of trace vitamins and minerals or something in it.

The bottles they'd been given were full of mead. Swag didn't do much in the way of alcohol these days; he had a bad habit of forming bad habits. He just dumped it out and refilled it with plain water. There were tons of little trickles coming down the mountain, and Helix had deemed it safe. Helix however, seemed pleased with the overly sweet beverage, happy to wash away the taste of her plant paste. He knew her for a lightweight though, and it wasn't long before she'd grown a little tipsy. He simply drew her close and let her snuggle contentedly, eating baked potatoes and gazing out over the landscape as the sky turned pink, then purple, then dusted with sparkling stars. Ribbons of color snaked lazily across the heavens, twisting back and forth. “Baby, don't look at the sky.” he warned. As beautiful a sight as it might be, lights in the sky disturbed Helix. A throwback to the event that forced her into her wandering. She turned around and faced the fire instead. The two moons began to rise, huge and so close that surface structures were easily visible. They were gorgeous, but he found them unsettling. There were things that should be happening to a planet with moons that close. But instead, there was merely...peace. Cricket song, and nocturnal bird calls. Further observation revealed that the moons were traveling north to south, throwing into question the orientation of the world they now occupied. Swag turned away from the mouth of the overhang, but the crickets simply continued to sing. They awoke in each other's arms, crammed into the single bedroll together, covered with both blankets, and still terribly cold. He grumbled internally, and a little externally, Helix stirring against him. Twenty seconds back into consciousness, and being awake already sucked. Helix yawned, and snuggled her face under his jaw. Well, okay. This part wasn't so bad. But only this part! Their clothes were rumpled and their hair a mess between them, but that comb really saved the day. Helix left to gather water, and Swag packed up all their things, contemplating whether he could wait for another day before shaving. Yeah, he had the supplies, but how long would they last? How long would they be on the road? Maybe leaving the stubble for another day would give him a more rugged and dangerous look. Would that make a bandit think twice? Make him less of a target, since he was apparently 'skinny for a Nord'? Like yeah, okay, he was skinny. He had a ~runner's physique~ thank you very much! He knew Helix was just warning him about how people in this world might react to him, but if he wasn't confident in how much she loved his skinny bod, he might just have been insulted. He'd shave tomorrow.

They ate on the road, rye bread and cheese, and afterward, she handed him a little clump of what appeared to be grass, wound up into a tight bundle. They had no toothbrushes-he didn't even know if there were toothbrushes on this world-but the mild abrasive action of chewing on the alluringly scented grass did seem to help. It got bitter quickly, despite smelling so good, and he eventually just spat it out on the side of the road. “Uh...like, nature spirits or something aren't gonna come after me for that, are they?” “Nah, you sent it back to the earth so it can become compost. Circle of life.” The road was getting steep, winding and twisting. Eventually, it became rough, the cobble disappearing into layers of dirt, then snow, with only the occasional bit of fencing to keep travelers from pitching off the side. His new cloak certainly helped with the cold and the wind, but his lungs and throat burned, and his legs ached terribly. There was a nasty pressure in his head. It was something that happened on mountains, Swag knew. Oxygen levels changing with altitude, making the body work harder. Once, he entertained the idea of climbing Everest, but upon researching what that was actually like, had decided to fuck all that noise instead. This mountain wasn't nearly as high as Everest, but it was still kicking his ass all the same, so clearly he'd made the right decision back then. Helix should have been doing better than him, since on worlds where magic wasn't so restrictive, Helix could fly. She could zoom right up into the atmosphere; he'd seen her do it. Though mostly, she just floated at head level around him, which weirded him out him at first, but since she only did so in order to peek over his shoulder when there wasn't room for them both, or give him little pecks on the cheek, he'd begun to find it endearing. She was a short little thing, and just wanted to be eye to eye with him. It was cute.

But she could not fly on this world, and she wasn't doing better than him. In fact, she needed to stop fairly often, and he caught her cursing herself for being more on the zaftig than athletic side. “Nahhh, don't get on yourself for that. You're perfect, believe me.” “Slowing us down...” she muttered, as he herded her into the lee of a rocky outcrop to rest. The weather was mild, but the wind blew very sharp up high. “And I'd just get lost without you, so it's not like I'd get to our destination any faster. Don't even really know what our destination is.” “Bruma.” “Cool, cool. Tell me about Bruma then.” “Don't know much, never been there. In a valley near the foot of the Jerrals. Full of Nords and Imperials. Gateway to Cyrodiil. Can maybe get supplies there.” “How far from here?” She shook her head. “Can't be more than a day or two. I think. I hope.” Swag hoped too, because he did not know how long their food was going to last. “Just gotta get over the peak.” Helix said. “We can make it.” She could not make it. She certainly tried, but she was visibly waning. He hated to see it, but still encouraged her onward, until she stumbled in the snow, and couldn't seem to get back up. He crouched beside her, trying to get her weight onto his shoulder. “Babe...no, you gotta get up. We're almost there, see? C'mon, get up.” The weakness of exhaustion had overpowered her. But... Save it for the next time you're winded. He snatched the tiny green potion from its pouch, popped the top, and stuck the neck into her mouth, upending the whole thing right in there. The results were instantaneous. Vitality flooded her. He could actually see its effects, and it carried them both to the summit. Stretching out before them were miles of mountain ringed basin. Far in the distance, from an emerald heart rose an impossibly tall tower which shone white in the watery sunlight. “The White Gold Tower.” Helix whispered. “Important place?” he asked. She nodded. “Then what are we waiting for?” Swag took her hand. “Let's go see it!”

?~?~?~?~?