#My family tree by two jura

[dualgreys]

My family tree by two jura

She has not changed out of the indigo cotton shirt, dark-blue jeans, and knee-high boots she wore for her daily morning horseback ride with William along the Ridgeway, the ancient pre-Roman highway that crosses the grassy hills above their 40-acre property. At 67, she looks a decade younger, her light-brown hair worn loose with bangs, her sea-green eyes sparkling with curiosity, her wide, ready smile “the most welcoming in all of England,” as one acquaintance puts it. Viscountess Astor, to use her formal title, laughs uproariously. It makes me think of my grandmother having the time of her life.” What she was doing on this sofa God only knows! That’s why I never get rid of it. It was pure pink silk from the 1920s with my grandmother’s initials embroidered. When they were digging down and recovering the inside they found this most beautiful brassiere. “And then I went and had it reupholstered. “When my grandmother died, I took a few things,” she continues to explain about the faded chintz sofa. (The dining room alone holds 11 equestrian pictures, most notably Winner of the Oaks 1929, by Sir Alfred Munnings.) In most other English aristocratic houses this room would be referred to as the drawing room, but Annabel says, “We think that sounds too grand.” She is telling me her life story in bits and pieces, her memories stoked by the family heirlooms surrounding her, including one of England’s most important collections of paintings of horses and dogs. We are talking in the vast but cozy pale-yellow library of Ginge Manor, the 17th-century Oxfordshire country house she shares with her husband, William Waldorf Astor III, the fourth Viscount Astor and chairman of Silvergate Media Ltd., an intellectual-property company. ‘This sofa we’re sitting on-the springs are all gone-is my grandmother Lady Clifford’s sofa,” says Annabel Astor, the high-born, well-connected co-founder and executive vice-chairman of OKA Direct, the British home-furnishings retailer.

[istgreys]

My family tree by two jura

The tree includes photocopies of relevant histories, maps and photographs.ĪLLAN see INGRAM. Mainly material from OPR and census for LKS, MLN, ELN, PER. Other families mentioned: LITTLEJOHN, MCBAIN, RUXTON, SHEARER, THOMSON. Tree of the family descending from Thomas Allan in Edinburgh, circa 1680 A birth certificate.ĭescendants of Ebenezer Allan, mainly in Australia. Pedigree charts with: CAMERON, CRUIKSHANK, HARE, JACK, MCINTOSH, MCLEAN, ROBB, SLORACH, STUART, THOMSON, WATSON.įive very large family trees with many descendants of this Allan family, including: DUSSEL, GUNN, RENNIE, GUNN-RUSSELL (name change in 1915). A4 book.Ĭensus and OPR material on Allan and GRAY. Contains information on the INSCH and ASHER families. The family was also in Garmouth and Lhanbryde. Resident in Carsphairn includes a marriage contract of 1758.Ī large collection of census, OPR, and other material.Ī large collection of charts and biographical material, some relating to Munlochy village. Extract of the birth certificate of Helen Alexander 1855. One person mentioned in a will of the above date.Īlexander in Cadder in Ireland of Menstrie. The collection contains material on the DICK family.Ĭontains material on the COFFIN family from 1580. Includes material on the family in South Africa. There is material relating to the family of WHYT. Papers include: cuttings, original documents, letters, photographs, and bible entries. Also a copy of Lochnaw booklet.ġ685 - 1800 Ainslie of Pilton, formerly Dolphington, Roxburghshire. Ship's Master and mate's certificates for William Adams.Ī collection of births, marriages and deaths.Īn A4 booklet of 25 pages, compiled mainly from secondary sources, by Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw.ġ777 - 1900 Agnew of Barnbarroch. The families of Kinhilt and Drumore, most probably taken from P.H.M'Kerlie's, 'Lands and their owners in Galloway'. Tree of the family of Stirling, Cameron and Strarudie in Fife.Ī booklet on the family in Coupar Angus and Edinburgh. Notes taken from Northern Notes & Queries. An Index to Family Histories Deposited at the Scottish Genealogy Society as at 5th May 2001.

[awellboiledicicle]

I am being enabled by @asleepymonster so now i’m pondering Lizardmen. 

I feel like they’re the monsters of Jura that initially have the most use of magic, specifically runic magic. It’s canon that they have magic subterranean windows to light their homes in the cave system they live in.  Throwing magic around isn’t usually how they do it, though-- applications of magic are for keeping eggs warm and insulating the caverns for the winter. 

They are, in spite of appearances, warm blooded and closer to mammals than one would imagine.  This is based partially on the fact that there are several intelligent bipedal creatures that seem to have all evolved from a similar place and stuck to a similar body plan. Their hair could also hint toward this, though it seems relatively more rare. This is also based on me trying to figure out why the FUCK some of them Obtain Breasts when they evolve. And have breastplates that are shaped to allow for breasts instead of just... being flat. And i cannot abide full reptilians having breasts, because they have no reason to have mammary glands.  So i’ve decided they’re the result of the tree of life going “we’re adding a branch around HERE and taking some from there” and they’re not quite mammals, but if they canonically have breasts then i’ve decided they’re basically scaly platypus. Just a whole evo line of monotremes.  That said, canonically an individuals desires shape the form they take after evolution-- which is why the dragonnewts working with Souei look more like him than Gabiru or something. 

Now that i’ve had my rant, back to the egg thing.  Lizardmen likely have monogamous relationships when it comes to having kids. Raising is done communally, but having a clear idea who the parents are helps with keeping away inbreeding.  Given they inhabit a cave system in a marsh, i could see them having a brood chamber where everything is climate controlled using runic magic and once a clutch has hatched, they’re moved into a pair’s personal dwelling. 

I have decided that the babies ride around on the dad all day until the mom comes back with fish and other eats, once they’re old enough for solids. Dad’s do a lot of the childrearing, meaning the spring after a big hatching is just a horde of guys out with their legions of children, teaching them all to swim. 

I have also decided that, when not running around on two feet, they can and do swim like alligators and crocodiles. Its easier for lizardmen than it is for Dragonnewts, obviously.

Dragonnewts, when not evo’d from lizardmen heavily depend on where their parents came from. The more human looking ones mostly relate to the evo’d dragonnewts when they have to grow and shed scales now and then.

I feel like a universal experience with them is rolling around/rubbing against anything and everything to make the shedding go faster. Since they’re not snakes, and their scutes are much more individual, a shed more looks like they’re dealing with a really bad case of post-sunburn... in patches.  I imagine the more human ones that keep parts of themselves scaled--for protection or bc they don’t have the ability to just absorb them-- have a bit harder time. If only because of the skin to scute connection. There’s family recipes for soothing ointments.

I’ve only watched the anime so far, so we don’t get a LOT of info on how their culture works, but they are neat.

[pyropsychiccollector]

            Kagura raised an eyebrow as Jellal got up from his kneeling position. The two of them, in addition to a recuperating Erza, were currently on the ship that Neinhart and the other Spriggan Shields had been in command of. The swordswoman had thought the felon was taking time to catch his breath after nearly drowning, but that didn’t seem to be the case as he’d only stayed sitting for a modest amount of time.

            Then again, he wasn’t exactly as roughed up as Erza.

            “You’re re-entering the fray?” It didn’t sound much like a question.

            Jellal paused in his stride, back still facing Kagura.

            “The fighting here in the South is over, for the most part. I will leave the remainder to Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, and Mermaid Heel. From what Erza said, there are still these ‘Spriggan 12’ warriors invading Ishgar; I will help eliminate them. That is something I can do.”

            Kagura frowned at the tone in his voice. He didn’t think it was something he ‘can’ do – Jellal believed it was something he had to do. Defeating three of the Shields here in Hargeon, in addition to the ones that attacked Magnolia, that dealt with a chunk of the threat, but they were still at war.

            Kagura looked off to the side with a conflicted expression.

            “… Erza will prefer to have your support, when she wakes up.” The swordswoman knew Jellal was… an important person in Erza’s heart. Kagura didn’t approve of it, but she was putting Erza ahead of her own misgivings about Jellal.

            Jellal turned his head a fraction, but still didn’t face Kagura.

            “If you’re speaking of what happened to Natsu… Erza will be fine. I’m not the one she’ll need by her side – that would be you, as well as Milliana and her family in Fairy Tail. The best way I can contribute is by continuing the fight while you all recover…”

            Kagura’s mouth became a thin line as she gave Jellal a hard stare.

            “You’re not saying this halfheartedly, are you? Erza will fully expect you to make it back alive, not in a body casket.”

            Though Kagura couldn’t see it, Jellal had a small, somewhat self-depreciating smile on his face.

            “… I’ll admit, I was prepared to throw my life away at any given moment, in this war. In the end, compared to you all, my life is expendable.” He could sense this provoked the purple-haired woman, and he shook his head to quell whatever objections she was going to spew. “But as usual, Natsu gave me a fresh perspective on what I should do. Do you remember what he said, before fading?”

            Kagura’s brow furrowed.

            “He… hated you.” To herself, she thought, ‘Not that I can blame him.’

            Jellal gave a small dry laugh.

            “Natsu was a very temperamental individual… He had a heart of gold, and often his rage was very much warranted. If I hadn’t hurt Erza like I did, I have little doubt that I would be as protective of Erza as he was…” Jellal looked up at the nighttime sky. “I don’t blame Natsu for being angry with me. He had every right to. But it isn’t as if I could never earn his forgiveness… No, that’s not quite right. The point isn’t to earn forgiveness. In atoning for my past sins, I cannot dwell on such things; if people forgive me, it will be of their own volition. I can’t expect everyone to just move on, when I’ve stolen family from them or worse. Rather, I must dedicate my life to helping others. To fight back against oppression and cruelty. To help lost souls find their path in life. And if I am to do all this, I must… live. Dying would be my escape from this heavy burden on my shoulders… But it is a coward’s retreat.”

            Jellal began to walk away once again.

            “I was a monster and a murderer. That stain will never leave my soul. But Natsu freed me, so for him, for Erza, and for everyone I ever wronged, this is how I will live my life from now on. Ultear established Crime Sorciere for the purpose of saving lives and ending evil, so I will carry out that will.”

            Kagura watched his retreating figure until he was out of sight; she was unable to think of anything else to say back to him. It was a shock to see her brother’s murderer change so much, in such little time. A year ago, she was prepared to take revenge for Simon, but now she wasn’t so sure that she could… Not just because of how it would affect Erza, but because of how the man in question had found an answer he had been searching for.

            Jellal likely wouldn’t find happiness in life… But Kagura knew about “duty” and “purpose” all too well; if that’s how Jellal chose to forge on, she wouldn’t stop him.

            ‘… Natsu managed to pull off another miracle, even in death. It’s little wonder he was dear to Erza’s heart as well…’

            Kagura turned her gaze to the bound Neinhart, who was near her and unconscious. It was fortunate how Erza had Magic-restraining handcuffs; now that despicable man was removed from the war. Apparently Dimaria was similarly restrained elsewhere in Hargeon.

            Kagura clenched her fists in determination.

            ‘For Erza, and for Natsu, we will win this war!’

            ~*~

            “The port of Hargeon has been liberated!!!” Warren announced excitedly, to the jubilation of his Guildmates. “There’s a few residue forces on the outskirts, but we’ve got ‘em on the ropes! The Spriggan Shields were killed or captured.”

            Makarov couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

            “Very good… Now it’s just a fight on three fronts.”

            Mavis cupped her chin as she stared at the map hologram.

            “… Have everyone in Hargeon move to intercept the Alvarez forces to the West. It’s our least guarded area, and there’s only the one Spriggan Shield.”

            “Invel…” Makarov frowned as he bore holes into the map with his eyes. “I’m certain he’s the Spriggan Shield in the West. If he is in fighting shape, please send Gray to intercept him. He may be our best option now.”

            “Yes, sir!” Warren confirmed and proceeded to relay the orders to those stationed in the South, as well as relay the news of Hargeon’s liberation to the other battlefields.

            “The East still troubles me…” Mavis furrowed her brow. “I still don’t have a solution for August.”

            Makarov nodded heavily.

            “Even if Warrod and the other Gods of Ishgar hold off God Serena and Jacob, he is most definitely the most imminent threat.”

            “Do you have any ideas?” Mavis asked for his opinion, which for Makarov was a rare occurrence. The First Master was usually so confident she could come up with a strategy for any occasion… But to be fair, August was on his own level in terms of sheer power.

            “If we cannot find a strategy to take him down, I think it would be best to try negotiations with him… He would certainly be more approachable than Invel.” Makarov reflected on his time in Alvarez, seeing the stark contrast between Zeref’s Chief of Staff and the Magic King.

            This brought the attention of Mest, who was seated nearby. He stood up in alarm.

            “Master, surely you can’t be serious…! That woman was the one who suggested it first! We can’t trust her!”

            Makarov sighed at Mest’s unchanging position on the matter. It was a good thing Lucy was busy watching over Brandish; after saving the Spriggan Shield from an attack by her former subordinate, and learning of their shared past, Lucy had become rather attached to her. There was no need to get the child worked up over this.

            “I understand your hesitation, but it is not an option that we can dismiss. I’m not sure that Erza, Laxus, Mira, and Gildarts with their combined powers could defeat August… Mest, use your head. Negotiations may be our only hope of avoiding annihilation by the enemy. It’s risky, but we must consider all the cards in our hand.”

            Mavis’s frown deepened.

            “We killed Zeref… Are you sure he would listen, even after hearing that news?”

            Makarov shook his head solemnly.

            “I imagine that may very well provoke him… But what other options do we have left?” The elderly Guildmaster studied Mavis’s face keenly, to which she could only stare down at the floor, lost in thought.

            “You’re right, of course… There’s also the Spriggan Shield to our North that we still don’t know specifics about. If we could negotiate an end to the war with August, that may be our best chance at survival.”

            “First…!” Mest cried out in a strangled voice.

            “Mest, that is enough.” Makarov barked. “We’re not giving up. The war is far from over, and Acnologia has yet to make an appearance. If we can cooperate with Alvarez, we may stand a chance against him. But if we exhaust ourselves fighting Alvarez, I fear Acnologia may swoop in to pick the meat from our bones!”

            At this, Mest could utter no objections. He knew the frightening power of Acnologia, had witnessed the carnage he could wreak firsthand. Still, cooperating with an enemy that was trying to steal their First Master and annihilate them… It didn’t sit well with him.

            “A-About that…” Warren spoke up with a very pale face.

            “Hmm?” Makarov urged the telepath to continue with the new information.

            Warren squeezed his eyes shut tight.

            “Acnologia has appeared in the East…”

            All Guildmates listening in could only gasp and tense up. That battlefield was turning into quite the scene… and could spell bad news for Fairy Tail.

            ~*~

            God Serena tsk’ed as he avoided another tree sprouting out from the ground underneath him. He’d been going at it with his former allies for a while now. Despite overwhelming them with his eight Dragon Slayer Lacrimas, the old fossils just wouldn’t stay down. They should’ve been dead at his feet by this point, but somehow they were tapping into a wellspring of power he hadn’t seen from them in all the years he served Ishgar…

            ‘Who knew they had it in them…?’ Serena thought to himself grimly as Hyberion paralyzed him long enough for Wolfheim to charge at him and savagely slash his torso while in beast form. He regained control of his body pretty quickly, but in that lapse of control, the other Wizard Saint – Jura – attempted to smash Iron Rock pillars into him. Spreading his arms out, Serena managed to halt the momentum of both pillars, but now his arms were heavily embedded in the rock, and were profusely bleeding from the strength he needed to exert. He snarled as Warrod yet again made a tree system appear beneath him and wind around his body, twisting it enough to nearly snap his neck. ‘This is not happening…!’

            Though the four new Gods of Ishgar were bedraggled in their appearance, and looked to be on their last legs, but they were still somehow managing to reverse the tide of battle on him. It infuriated the Dragon Slayer that he had to go all-out against his contemporaries – part of the reason he left Ishgar was because they lacked this defiant fire in their eyes, back when he was their ally. They were old, stuffy, and never actually took pride in their power, never ‘doing’ anything with it. They just roamed the continent in their ‘retirement’… It sickened Serena to be associated with such spineless worms. Alvarez’s attempted invasion all those years ago was the most action he’d seen in years; the threat of the Balam Alliance never interested him, as they couldn’t hold a candle to the kind of power that Alvarez possessed. And he was proven right when a single guild did the brunt work disassembling that makeshift patchwork of Dark Guilds.

            Alvarez had power, and they flaunted it. Serena could support the continent of Alakitasia because they had pride as a people. Had the geezers before him shown even a fraction of the potential he was seeing now, he might’ve reconsidered his choice to betray Ishgar. But now that they’d pushed him to this extreme, he wasn’t going to forgive them or show mercy.

            Seeing Serena getting his ass handed to him, Jacob stretched out his gloves over his wrists as he cracked his knuckles. However, before he could step into the fray, August blocked his path with his arm.

            “Wait. It’s not over yet.” He rolled his eyes as Jacob let out a grunt.

            Channeling his Purgatory Dragon Slayer Magic around his body, Serena burned through the tree and snapped it like a twig. He then used Gale Dragon Slayer Magic to blow back his enemies before touching back on the ground and using Cavern Dragon Slayer Magic to overwhelm them again. Once the four mages were knocked down again by boulders, Serena coated one fist in Purgatory Dragon Slayer Magic, and the other fist in Fulmination Dragon Slayer Magic… A combination they hadn’t seen yet.

            “I hear an impudent brat in Fairy Tail was combining Dragon Slayer Magics…” God Serena smirked maliciously, the pupils in his eyes now black. “I figure, why not show you that I can do it infinitely better?!”

            As he brought his potent fists together, a vortex of flames and lightning overtook the four strongest mages of Ishgar. Serena cackled uproariously when Warrod and Jura made an effort to defend all four of them, but his attack burned through Warrod’s walls of tree bark. Jura’s Rock Mountain looked like it might hold up, but then Serena’s combination attack violently exploded, shattering Jura’s powerful defense and severely incinerating and electrocuting them all. It got to the point that Warrod, Wolfheim, and Hyberion’s hearts gave out from the severity of the electric shock. Jura was on death’s door as he lay gasping for breath, lying defeated on the ground after the fatal assault.

            ‘I… Impossible…! Wiping out the Gods of Ishgar in one strike?!’  Every cell in his body ached, and it felt as if his skin would melt right off.

            Serena tsk’ed as he noticed that Jura was still living, after the blast. It wouldn’t be much effort to finish him off, but he’d poured so much power into that last attack that his body was left shaking somewhat.

            “Still holding on, huh…? Here, let me put you out of your misery… faker…” Serena scoffed at the notion this man had become one of the ‘Gods’, in his absence. He charged his fist with Purgatory Dragon Slayer Magic one more time. “God bye-bye~”

            Just as he was about to unleash one more devastating attack, Serena, Jura, Jacob, and August all tensed up as immense Magic power abruptly flooded the area. All eyes turned to see a distant figure approaching, an unrecognizable one as he appeared to be a human.

            “I smell a dragon…” The figure drolled with a bored expression. It took a scarce few moments for everyone to register who this was.

            “A… Acnologia…!” Jura wheezed out, his face petrified.

            Jacob took a weary step back, and August’s face settled into a stony expression. Serena’s face went from one of surprise to a twisted sort of pleasure as his pupils darkened once more.

            “Heeeh… The King of Dragons is here!” He arrogantly spread out his arms before pointing at Acnologia. “I’ve been waiting for you! I’ve come all this way to slay…!”

            But before Serena could finish, Acnologia had passed by him with such blind, unbelievable speed that no one had seen him move. But the evidence of his one fatal strike was evident, as a good chunk of Serena’s torso was now missing, and the artifact on his back was irreparably smashed.

            “Wh… Wha…t…?” Serena violently coughed up blood before collapsing and expiring.

            Seeing his ally get cut down in the blink of an eye, Jacob prepared to fight back. However, August once again stopped him.

            “Don’t. You would die instantly, if you raised your hand against him.” The King of Magic warned his comrade. “Not even I could hope to defeat him… Only His Majesty, with the power of Fairy Heart, could hope to slay this one. We must hurry to Fairy Tail…”

            Jura was at a loss for words. He should be happy that his comrades’ murderer was annihilated… But this did not bode well. If Acnologia was going to take part in this war now, there was no hope for any of them.

            “There are now 6 dragons left…” Acnologia spoke coldly, without regarding the fallen Jura or the other Spriggan Shields. He turned on his heel and stalked away without another word to them. As a breeze carried some dust to obscure his retreating form, he was gone the moment the dust blew past.

            August slammed the end of his staff on the ground.

            “We must not delay any further… Jacob, go on ahead.” August declared as he began to walk in the direction of Magnolia. As they were still near the border of Bosco, it would still take time for August to reach the guild…

            “Gotcha…” Jacob got a crick out of his neck as he started walking as well. Though he did pause to take one last look at Jura. “… It’d be a pain if you survived… Sorry, I really did like your ‘do.”

            Jura’s eyes widened as some invisible blade sliced into his neck, making blood gush up like a geyser. In a few short moments, the light faded from his eyes… He couldn’t even lament how he had failed Lamia Scale and Fairy Tail… All four of Ishgar’s mightiest snuffed out, just like that.

            ~*~

            Back in Hargeon, Dimaria wept bitter tears as she was restrained to a chair. She had heard Ishgar had managed to take back the port, and that incited her. But even so, all she could dwell on… was her own cruel words she had spoken, earlier.

            “Randi became… a prisoner of war… Oh, how splendidly miserable she must be at this moment…”

            Now she had a taste of what being a prisoner of war felt like…

            Dimaria gritted her teeth as the tears kept coming, leaving hot streaks on her face.

            “Randi…!”

            ~*~

            High on Mount Zonia, an exotic-looking scarlet-haired beauty looked down on the forces that were beating back the Alvarez troops. Though the members of Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, and Sabertooth were outnumbered, they definitely possessed higher quality Magic. She had sent her personal guard, Heine Lunasea and Juliet Sun, to do battle in her stead. However, even they were taken down by the mages from Fairy Tail…

            “It’s almost time we get started in earnest…” The woman chuckled cruelly. “The third and fourth guests will be arriving shortly~…”

            With the deaths of Larcade and Bloodman, Irene Belserion knew that she would have to pick up the slack for them, but she also knew what their deaths signified. “Emperor Spriggan” was dead. She didn’t even need to use her “eye” to confirm this fact.

            Still, it was Zeref’s will that they slaughter Ishgar and take Fairy Heart to kill Acnologia… And that was precisely what she planned to do. The other members of the 12 certainly weren’t going to stop the assault, especially not their Chief of Staff.

            “Perhaps ‘the Scarlet Despair’ is an apt name, after all…”

~*~

Note: Four Shields down, eight still in the game~. ... Three of which are captured, and one is licking his wounds. Plus, Acnologia on the hunt for dragons, though I imagine that's within expectations. I think I nailed Jellal and Serena the way I wanted to nail them... Even if Serena still got taken out. I like to think that at least in this AU, he was weakened in his fight with the Gods of Ishgar, which is why Acno took him down with ease. I would've liked a more prolonged fight, I suppose, but I think I conveyed the feelings I wanted to put out there. And Jellal? Much as I don't like his canonical representation, I didn't wanna half-ass his character, so Natsu's words encouraged him to cling to a new purpose in life, rather than sitting around and wondering if he'd ever be forgiven. ... Oh. And there absolutely won't be a narrative revolving around Erza for him. We're gonna get him off his ass and be an actual character. >.>

[playchoicesconfessions]

I decided to make this a separate text post because i have a lot to say and a lot of tea to spill. So i need the read more.

Imma spill the tea right now and remember these are all OPINIONS and people are bound to get BUTTHURT. You can agree or disagree with me I couldn’t care less. I just need to let free of those things that I’m holding in before going on break.☕☕☕☕☕

I personally really enjoy it and don’t get much of the bitching around tbh? And this is coming from someone who doesn't really like sci-fi too much.

The LIs look amazing ( although Titania is bugging me the wrong way and Meridian’s arms are far too bloated. This aint a swimming aid). Even the ones of the siblings.

Moving on, I do not really get the comparison to RoE??? Except that the main characters has siblings tbh. I expected it to be more like Endless Summer (without tons of stuff to buy or relationship meter) or TcaTf and so far my expectations has not been proved wrong at all. The plot finally settled in lately and I can expect a train of feels to rush over the next few chapters.

I think the reason why people are complaining so much about it is because they expect it to be like your general romance story. The book is not introduce Li -> romantic scene with them -> introduce next 2 LI -> Event -> romantic scene and rinse and repeat. This book follows a clear story line and sets the romance on the back burner. I’m pretty sure if TCaTF would have been released right now it would face the same criticism tbh. About it be RoE like because you can also control Dom etc…

This is what I love personally. I’m not that big on romance stories so having a more adventure style is amazing. Now before you come and say “why are you playing choices then???” Well Hon, this is Choices STORIES You Play, not Choices romance you play or Choices pixels you fuck

Back to where I was, I love it even more since it has a morality meter. I love these in games especially when they severely alter gameplay and stories like in your usual Shin Megami Tensei games. But knowing choices, the alterations would be very minor if not that would mean the writers would have to make 3 chapters a week as opposed as one. Plus keeping the choices super drastic will make it hard to get a sequel book to it because the writers would have to write again 3 chapters per week and ATV2 will be essentially 3 books.

I also get the complaints that MC does not get much to act and we get to play as the siblings more. First of all I find this questionable but mind you i haven’t counted the scenes. Anyway I’m pretty sure MC has more scenes but the thing is, they are just not as remarkable as those with Pax and Eos. You are just so used your regular cut of mill MC that they no longer feel special and rhe scenes with the siblings feel different. They might not let you feel awe constantly but they amek you feel something else and you have to adapt to fit the new perspective you are playing as.

Now the Zekei thing… I actually think if you love Zekei that is actually an amazing situation you are in because think of it. You will be basically getting 2x more Zekei scenes if you romance him both on MC and Eos. Remember that you are the one controlling both of them, it is not like there js another person beside you and the two of you are in competition to win Zekei’s heart. And if you do not want X to romance him, just don’t romance him. No need to be cry babies and claim Y stole your man when you are clearly the one that led up to these actions 🤷‍♀️

Now Pax and Eos themselves…These characters are definitely flawed but thing is … I remember people asking PB for more morally grey and flawed MCs. Now you get them and just diss them out??? Conclusion : you ain’t really for morally grey characters and should try not asking for stuff you can’t handle. I think playing as them is actually a good thing to be honest. I’m 100000% sure that eventually the family will separate as Eos goes complete Vanguard and Pax goes Jura. The different perspective during the war will help lean the players to either side and also pull the strings of the player as they will be opposing the siblings’ own blood. Unfortunately I can’t really explain what I mean through words so I’m just going to summarize it by this:

ATV is definitely neither a romance or adventure book and sci-fi is just the setting. The true nature of Across The Void is a familial tragedy imo and it will shine if it continues delivering in that essence.

This is an entirely new genre PB is going for and a really interesting one and I sure hope they go in that angle. If they do continue like that it might actually end up at my favorite choices book and trust me, I love ILITW so much that there are barely any books that come close to it to me.

However, I won’t deny it. ATV does have glaring weaknesses. Namely:

1.Too many shades of purple. Purple is a beautiful colour but in such excess it feels a bit nauseating.

2.Eos X Lyra is a car crash that will be really hard to salvage. It is super cringy. I’ll be doing anything in my power to avoid it. Eos X Zekei is super fluid and natural though and I’m really liking it.

3.Labelling your twins as annoying. This is bad marketing. Naming people that the users are going to play as annoying gives people a bad foretaste and will obviously affect their future experience with them. I think if they didn’t call the twins annoying, people would approve of them more. But Pb already seeded the annoying mindset in people’s mind and so it because hard for some to enjoy them because of it.

4.I’m probably going to get a lot of flame for it but Titania. I’m not really liking her and her design to be honest. Like one of our previous confessions said her appearance is very strange, even for the book she is in. Plus she is giving me Drake vibes (minus the whiskey) who is someone I do not really approve of.

5.Too much going on!!!! This time I’m not talking about plot wise, this time I’m talking about content. You have 4 Lis ( possibly 5 if Zekei is available to MC too) to give time to for MC. Plus each sibling I’m guessing has at least two. I’m guessing Zania and Holmes for Pax and Zekei and Lyra for Eos. You have the robot and bartender sub romance going on. Passenger and Crew Management. Moral Alignment. Huge story that requires a lot of time to properly bloom. Eventual sex with LI option that probably 60% of you have been lusting for. There is just too much to fit in just 1 book! And repeating what I said far above, with the Moral Alignment thing, it will be hard to get a sequel. The book is already at its 6th or 6th chapter. If they intend to wrap everything up in this book we will end up with probably a 35 chapter book and thats just redundant by choices standards. I think the highest amount of chapters a book has is 22 i think with RoE2 and any book with 20+ chapters feels too long so yeah.

6.Also talking about Zania she should have already got a proper introduction when we are using Pax because the gears of the plot are already turning unless they want it to be a super slow burn but that would be a bit redundant considering how she is after Pax based om the chapter in which she is introduced.

7.The most glaring weakness though had to be the lack of lore and background information. We are thrust into a fictitious world with no information about it will alienate the player (no pun intended) and make them less likely to be engaged. No background information worked in the case of endless summer as the cast also didn’t know about what was going on. Noth the player and the characters understood what was happening at the same time. One way they could have set it up is that …. Do you guys remember the Sol, Kepler etc… teasers? Well instead of showcasing the LIs they should have posted lore bits. Like say for the Devinee (did I write this right? Its the tree people). They make an image with Lyra, or any other devinee on it and explain the race, their characteristics and tid bits about their planets. They could even go further and add another button, just like the one for the closet that would bring you to another menu where they would have all this information plus other general important ones like what exactly are the Vanguard and Juras. Why the war is exactly happening. Artemis and her company and stuff and get even more background information as we complete more options. Plus if PB wanted money they could even monetize them like they did in ILITW with Mr.Red’s origin stories that you got from the crow. It is entirely optional and not need to understand what is going on but is still interesting and puts things under a different microscope.

Anyway thats all I had to say. Again it is all my OPINION you are very welcome to disagree. I won’t be replying to anything so if you intend to attack me and stuff well then, congratulations you lost 5 minutes losing your shit and attacking me. Now I’m going on break, see you guys when I’m back. I’m sure I’ll have an amazing break since i emptied my trash!

thank you for sending this question @choices-addicted by the way!

-Mod Frosty

[fidelii]

things you said when we were on top of the world + sherryon

he had not come gently into her life. no, he had crashed into her when she had been chasing her cousin down the halls of the family residence — dressed in strange clothes, using terms she had never heard before and holding a key that had belonged to a chest that was no longer in the hallway. then, it had made no sense. now, it did. she had never heard the terms he used or seen such clothes before because lyon did not just come from another country, he also came from another time. as for the key … they had found out that it was  the key  to lyon’s travels from his world to hers, though they knew little else about the phenomena.

for sherry, daughter of the comtessa, meeting a strange man of unknown intentions and origins was — life-changing. she had always thought herself a bit of a romantic; many had shunned her friend when jura had broken off a politically advantageous engagement because his heart had been captured by another while sherry had thought that love, true love, was too rare and too precious to pass it up when it came along.

when love had come for her, she had first not really seen it. the stories and songs spoke of feeling like the world had shifted on its axis, of thinking that the stars shone a little brighter all of a sudden, but this was not how she had felt. it had been — gentler, quieter. love was no carriage ride on a sunlit day, for her, it was days spent in the library where she kept sneaking lyon so he could learn more about her world, her country. sometimes, he told her about his world — a wondrous, fascinating place she would like to see but never would. once, he had brought something he had called  photographs,  whispering that he was probably not supposed to and still showing her the places he called home.

she had not yet told her father about the stranger she harboured in his home and she did not think her father would ever find out. lyon disappeared from her rooms and there, he reappeared again, too. some of the servants may have noted that  the young lady  was near paranoid about no one disturbing her, but as far as her cousin had said, they all thought that she was writing love letters … and they could all continue to assume this if it meant they respected her wishes.

today however, today sherry had taken a risk. sneaking lyon into the stables had been — difficult but the herbal tea she had gotten for her supposed lack of sleep had helped him slip back into his world before anyone had seen him. taking her father’s horse so they could ride to the hills, well, this was the real risk. eralt was her father’s pride and should the earl find his horse missing, he would be greatly upset — and know immediately who had taken it. no one else would dare to remove eralt from the stable, after all. usually, sherry would never do something that would, as lyon had once put it,  piss off  her father, but angelika could not carry two people.

“ in how much trouble will you be in, should your father find out? ” lyon asked as sherry leaned against the tree, blue eyes roaming across the wide landscape and then resting on eralt who was grazing nearby, likely happy to be on an adventure.

she shrugged, squeezing his hand as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “ i’m heiress to our family, ” she said, lips forming a thin line for a moment. “ he can be upset, but i’ll live. i just … i just figured you might want to see a bit more from this world. ”

“ i’d … i’d like to  really  show you my world too, ” he said as he hummed a song she had never heard before. “ when i find out how the key wound up in my aunt’s possessions, i’ll maybe find someone who travelled between our worlds, too, and figure out the rules. i … i don’t want to risk you getting hurt. you said it yourself: you’ll be comtessa, one day. we can’t have you getting lost between the worlds or something because i gave you a … trading card or something. ”

[pamphletstoinspire]

Book Of Genesis - From The Latin Vulgate (1859 - Haydock Translation of The Roman Catholic Bible) - Chapter 21

INTRODUCTION.

The Hebrews now entitle all the Five Books of Moses, from the initial words, which originally were written like one continued word or verse; but the Sept. have preferred to give the titles the most memorable occurrences of each work. On this occasion, the Creation of all things out of nothing, strikes us with peculiar force. We find a refutation of all the heathenish mythology, and of the world’s eternity, which Aristotle endeavoured to establish. We behold the short reign of innocence, and the origin of sin and misery, the dispersion of nations, and the providence of God watching over his chosen people, till the death of Joseph, about the year 2369 (Usher) 2399 (Sal. and Tirin) B.C. 1631. We shall witness the same care in the other Books of Scripture, and adore his wisdom and goodness in preserving to himself faithful witnesses, and a true Holy Catholic Church, in all ages, even when the greatest corruption seemed to overspread the land. H.

—————————-

This Book is so called from its treating of the Generation, that is, of the Creation and the beginning of the world. The Hebrews call it Bereshith, from the word with which it begins. It contains not only the History of the Creation of the World, but also an account of its progress during the space of 2369 years, that is, until the death of Joseph.

The additional Notes in this Edition of the New Testament will be marked with the letter A. Such as are taken from various Interpreters and Commentators, will be marked as in the Old Testament. B. Bristow, C. Calmet, Ch. Challoner, D. Du Hamel, E. Estius, J. Jansenius, M. Menochius, Po. Polus, P. Pastorini, T. Tirinus, V. Bible de Vence, W. Worthington, Wi. Witham. — The names of other authors, who may be occasionally consulted, will be given at full length.

Verses are in English and Latin. HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY

This Catholic commentary on the Old Testament, following the Douay-Rheims Bible text, was originally compiled by Catholic priest and biblical scholar Rev. George Leo Haydock (1774-1849). This transcription is based on Haydock’s notes as they appear in the 1859 edition of Haydock’s Catholic Family Bible and Commentary printed by Edward Dunigan and Brother, New York, New York.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

Changes made to the original text for this transcription include the following:

Greek letters. The original text sometimes includes Greek expressions spelled out in Greek letters. In this transcription, those expressions have been transliterated from Greek letters to English letters, put in italics, and underlined. The following substitution scheme has been used: A for Alpha; B for Beta; G for Gamma; D for Delta; E for Epsilon; Z for Zeta; E for Eta; Th for Theta; I for Iota; K for Kappa; L for Lamda; M for Mu; N for Nu; X for Xi; O for Omicron; P for Pi; R for Rho; S for Sigma; T for Tau; U for Upsilon; Ph for Phi; Ch for Chi; Ps for Psi; O for Omega. For example, where the name, Jesus, is spelled out in the original text in Greek letters, Iota-eta-sigma-omicron-upsilon-sigma, it is transliterated in this transcription as, Iesous. Greek diacritical marks have not been represented in this transcription.

Footnotes. The original text indicates footnotes with special characters, including the astrisk (*) and printers’ marks, such as the dagger mark, the double dagger mark, the section mark, the parallels mark, and the paragraph mark. In this transcription all these special characters have been replaced by numbers in square brackets, such as [1], [2], [3], etc.

Accent marks. The original text contains some English letters represented with accent marks. In this transcription, those letters have been rendered in this transcription without their accent marks.

Other special characters.

Solid horizontal lines of various lengths that appear in the original text have been represented as a series of consecutive hyphens of approximately the same length, such as .

Ligatures, single characters containing two letters united, in the original text in some Latin expressions have been represented in this transcription as separate letters. The ligature formed by uniting A and E is represented as Ae, that of a and e as ae, that of O and E as Oe, and that of o and e as oe.

Monetary sums in the original text represented with a preceding British pound sterling symbol (a stylized L, transected by a short horizontal line) are represented in this transcription with a following pound symbol, l.

The half symbol (½) and three-quarters symbol (¾) in the original text have been represented in this transcription with their decimal equivalent, (.5) and (.75) respectively.

Unreadable text. Places where the transcriber’s copy of the original text is unreadable have been indicated in this transcription by an empty set of square brackets, [].

Chapter 21

Isaac is born. Agar and Ismael are cast forth.

[1] And the Lord visited Sara, as he had promised: and fulfilled what he had spoken. Visitavit autem Dominus Saram, sicut promiserat : et implevit quae locutus est.

[2] And she conceived and bore a son in her old age, at the time that God had foretold her. Concepitque et peperit filium in senectute sua, tempore quo praedixerat ei Deus.

[3] And Abraham called the name of his son, whom Sara bore him, Isaac. Vocavitque Abraham nomen filii sui, quem genuit ei Sara, Isaac :

[4] And he circumcised him the eighth day, as God had commanded him, et circumcidit eum octavo die, sicut praeceperat ei Deus,

[5] When he was a hundred years old: for at this age of his father was Isaac born. cum centum esset annorum : hac quippe aetate patris, natus est Isaac.

[6] And Sara said: God hath made a laughter for me: whosoever shall hear of it will laugh with me. Dixitque Sara : Risum fecit mihi Deus : quicumque audierit, corridebit mihi.

[7] And again she said: Who would believe that Abraham should hear that Sara gave suck to a son, whom she bore to him in his old age. Rursumque ait : Quis auditurus crederet Abraham quod Sara lactaret filium, quem peperit et jam seni?

[8] And the child grew and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast on the day of his weaning. Crevit igitur puer, et ablactatus est : fecitque Abraham grande convivium in die ablactationis ejus.

[9] And when Sara had seen the son of Agar the Egyptian playing with Isaac her son, she said to Abraham: Cumque vidisset Sara filium Agar Aegyptiae ludentem cum Isaac filio suo, dixit ad Abraham :

[10] Cast out this bondwoman, and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with my son Isaac. Ejice ancillam hanc, et filium ejus : non enim erit haeres filius ancillae cum filio meo Isaac.

[11] Abraham took this grievously for his son. Dure accepit hoc Abraham pro filio suo.

[12] And God said to him: Let it not seem grievous to thee for the boy, and for thy bondwoman: in all that Sara hath said to thee, hearken to her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Cui dixit Deus : Non tibi videatur asperum super puero, et super ancilla tua : omnia quae dixerit tibi Sara, audi vocem ejus : quia in Isaac vocabitur tibi semen.

[13] But I will make the son also of the bondwoman a great nation, because he is thy seed. Sed et filium ancillae faciam in gentem magnam, quia semen tuum est.

[14] So Abraham rose up in the morning, and taking bread and a bottle of water, put it upon her shoulder, and delivered the boy, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Bersabee. Surrexit itaque Abraham mane, et tollens panem et utrem aquae, imposuit scapulae ejus, tradiditque puerum, et dimisit eam. Quae cum abiisset, errabat in solitudine Bersabee.

[15] And when the water in the bottle was spent, she cast the boy under one of the trees that were there. Cumque consumpta esset aqua in utre, abjecit puerum subter unam arborum, quae ibi erant.

[16] And she went her way, and sat over against him a great way off as far as a bow can carry, for she said: I will not see the boy die: and sitting over against, she lifted up her voice and wept. Et abiit, seditque e regione procul quantum potest arcus jacere : dixit enim : Non videbo morientem puerum : et sedens contra, levavit vocem suam et flevit.

[17] And God heard the voice of the boy: and an angel of God called to Agar from heaven, saying: What art thou doing, Agar? fear not: for God hath heard the voice of the boy, from the place wherein he is. Exaudivit autem Deus vocem pueri : vocavitque angelus Dei Agar de caelo, dicens : Quid agis Agar? noli timere : exaudivit enim Deus vocem pueri de loco in quo est.

[18] Arise, take up the boy, and hold him by the hand: for I will make him a great nation. Surge, tolle puerum, et tene manum illius : quia in gentem magnam faciam eum.

[19] And God opened her eyes: and she saw a well of water, and went and filled the bottle, and gave the boy to drink. Aperuitque oculos ejus Deus : quae videns puteum aquae, abiit, et implevit utrem, deditque puero bibere.

[20] And God was with him: and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became a young man, an archer. Et fuit cum eo : qui crevit, et moratus est in solitudine, factusque est juvenis sagittarius.

[21] And he dwelt in the wilderness of Pharan, and his mother took a wife for him out of the land of Egypt. Habitavitque in deserto Pharan, et accepit illi mater sua uxorem de terra Aegypti.

[22] At the same time Abimelech, and Phicol the general of his army said to Abraham: God is with thee in all that thou dost. Eodem tempore dixit Abimelech, et Phicol princeps exercitus ejus, ad Abraham : Deus tecum est in universis quae agis.

[23] Swear therefore by God, that thou wilt not hurt me, nor my posterity, nor my stock: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land wherein thou hast lived a stranger. Jura ergo per Deum, ne noceas mihi, et posteris meis, stirpique meae : sed juxta misericordiam, quam feci tibi, facies mihi, et terrae in qua versatus es advena.

[24] And Abraham said: I will swear. Dixitque Abraham : Ego jurabo.

[25] And he reproved Abimelech for a well of water, which his servants had taken away by force. Et increpavit Abimelech propter puteum aquae quem vi abstulerunt servi ejus.

[26] And Abimelech answered: I knew not who did this thing: and thou didst not tell me, and I heard not of it till today. Responditque Abimelech : Nescivi quis fecerit hanc rem : sed et tu non indicasti mihi, et ego non audivi praeter hodie.

[27] And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech: and both of them made a league. Tulit itaque Abraham oves et boves, et dedit Abimelech : percusseruntque ambo foedus.

[28] And Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. Et statuit Abraham septem agnas gregis seorsum.

[29] And Abimelech said to him: What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set apart? Cui dixit Abimelech : Quid sibi volunt septem agnae istae, quas stare fecisti seorsum?

[30] But he said: Thou shalt take seven ewe lambs at my hand: that they may be a testimony for me, that I dug this well. At ille : Septem, inquit, agnas accipies de manu mea : ut sint mihi in testimonium, quoniam ego fodi puteum istum.

[31] Therefore that place was called Bersabee: because there both of them did swear. Idcirco vocatus est locus ille Bersabee : quia ibi uterque juravit.

[32] And they made a league for the well of oath. Et inierunt foedus pro puteo juramenti.

[33] And Abimelech, and Phicol the general of his army arose and returned to the land of the Palestines. But Abraham planted a grove in Bersabee, and there called upon the name of the Lord God eternal. Surrexit autem Abimelech, et Phicol princeps exercitus ejus, reversique sunt in terram Palaestinorum. Abraham vero plantavit nemus in Bersabee, et invocavit ibi nomen Domini Dei aeterni.

[34] And he was a sojourner in the land of the Palestines many days. Et fuit colonus terrae Palaestinorum diebus multis.

Commentary:

Ver. 1. Visited, either by the angel, C. xviii. 10, or by enabling her to have what he had promised, at the return of the season.

Ver. 3. Isaac. This word signifies laughter; (Ch.) or "he shall laugh," and be the occasion of joy to many, as S. John was. Luke i. 14; and thus Sara seems to explain it, v. 6.

Ver. 7. Gave suck; a certain proof that the child was born of her. M. --- His old age, when both the parents were far advanced in years, v. 2. The mother being ninety at this time, would render the event most surprising. H.

Ver. 8. Weaned. S. Jerom says when he was five years old, though some said twelve. The age of men being prolonged, their infancy continued longer. One of the Machabees suckled her child three years. 2 Mac. vii. 27. 2 Par. xxxi. 16. C. --- Feast. The life of the child being now considered in less danger. From the time of conception till this place, the husband kept at a distance from his wife. S. Clem. strom. iii. Samuel's mother made a feast or present when she weaned him. 1 K. i. 24. M.

Ver. 9. Playing, or persecuting, as S. Paul explains it. Gal. iv. 29. The play tended to pervert the morals of the young Isaac, whether we understand this term metsachak, as implying idolatry, or obscene actions, or fighting; in all which senses it is used in Scripture. See Ex. xxxii. 6. G. xxvi. 8. 2 K. ii. 14. M. --- Ismael was 13 years older than Isaac; and took occasion, perhaps, from the feast, and other signs of preference given by his parents to the latter, to hate and persecute him, which Sara soon perceiving, was forced to have recourse to the expedient apparently so harsh, of driving Ismael and his mother from the house, that they might have an establishment of their own, and not disturb Isaac in the inheritance after the death of Abraham. H. --- In this she was guided by a divine light; (M.) and not by any female antipathy, v. 12. Many of the actions of worldlings, which at first sight may appear innocent, have a natural and fatal tendency to pervert the morals of the just; and therefore, we must keep as much as possible at a distance from their society. --- With Isaac her son. Heb. has simply mocking, without mentioning what. But the sequel shews the true meaning; and this addition was found in some Bibles in the days of S. Jerom, as he testifies, and is expressed in the Sept. H. --- Ismael was a figure of the synagogue, which persecuted the Church of Christ in her birth. D.

Ver. 11. For his son. He does not express any concern for Agar. But we cannot doubt but he would feel to part with her also. It was prudent to let both go together: and the mother had perhaps encouraged Ismael, at least by neglecting to punish or watch over him, and so deserved to share in his affliction.

Ver. 14. Bread and water. This seems a very slender allowance to be given by a man of Abraham's riches. But he might intend her to go only into the neighbourhood, where he would take care to provide for her. She lost herself in the wilderness, and thus fell into imminent danger of perishing. H. --- This divorce of Agar, and ejection of Ismael, prefigured the reprobation of the Jews.

Ver. 17. Of the boy, who was 17 years old, and wept at the approach of death. --- Fear not. Yare are under the protection of God, who will not abandon you, when all human succour fails; nor will he negelct his promises. G. 16. H.

Ver. 20. Wilderness, in Arabia Petrea. --- An archer, living on plunder. C.

Ver. 22. Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a favourite of God. G. xx. 7. H.

Ver. 23. Hurt me. Heb. "lie unto me, " or revolt and disturb the peace of my people.

Ver. 24. I will swear. The matter was of sufficient importance. Abraham binds himself, but not his posterity, who by God's order fought against the descendants of this king.

Ver. 27. Gave them; thus rendering good for evil. D.

Ver. 31. Bersabee. That is, the well of oath; (Ch.) or "the well of the seven;" meaning the seven ewe-lambs set apart. M. --- This precaution of Abraham, in giving seven lambs as a testimony that the well was dug by him, was not without reason. See G. xxvi. 15. C.

Ver. 33. A grove: in the midst of which was an altar, dedicated to the Lord God eternal; to testify that he alone was incapable of change. Thither Abraham frequently repaired, to thank God for all his favours. Temples were not probably as yet known in any part of the world. The ancient saints, Abraham, Isaac, Josue, &c. were pleased to shew their respect for God, and their love of retirement, by planting groves, and consecrating altars to the supreme Deity. If this laudable custom was afterwards perverted by the idolaters, and hence forbidden to God's people, we need not wonder. The best things may be abused; and when they become a source of scandal, we must avoid them. H. Jos. xxix. 26. Deut. xvi. 23. Jud. vi. 25.

[celticbarb]

⚔️🏴󠁧󠁢���󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️BOOK📚REVIEW⚔️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️

Book: The Highlander’s Pirate Lass

By Heather McCollum

Series: Brothers of Wolf Isle , Book #2

Publisher: Entangled

Release Date: August 23, 2021

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️

Blog Review: 5/5 Saltire Flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

1422 Ulva Isle Is the Norse name for Wolf Isle.

The premise of this series is that this clan is cursed by an old crone. The first Macquarie Chieftain, got a lass pregnant with no offer of marriage and married another due to a clan alliance. Well this lass was so broken she took her own life. So her powerful witch mother cursed the entire Macquarie clan to stop creating illegitimate children forcing them in a cruel world alone. Now they won’t be able to populate and get any lass pregnant, not until the clan really comprehends what true love really is! Plus the mates they chose can’t be from illegitimate births or again the curse can’t be broken, However this includes all Macquarie properties and everyone living on them will live in infertility and contagious illness. Plus it will affect every living thing not just the clan, but also the livestock and harvest as everything will die and nothing will exist. It will be a cold, miserable, barren, existence!The witch then stuck her blade into the tree covered in blood which made the tree cry forever for the Macquarie clan of Ulva Isle! This tree can’t be cut down or remove the dagger or they would be cursed forever and never have any chance for love and to populate with bairns. Now things were starting to change as the oldest brother Adam married Lark and the first buds appeared on the tree. It was a start and the next chapter begins centering on Beck Macquarie….

Scotl,and, 1547

This book centers on Beck Macquarie who doesn’t really believe in this ridiculous family curse. The only things he loves is his brothers Adam, Callum, Drostan, Eagan, and sister-in-law Lark, his clan and the boat he name The Calypso. He had been building with his own two hands for the past two years with all the love in his heart! Now he is a pirate hunter with his speed worthy boat. The thing he hates most is pirates, especially the notorious Claude Jandeau who abducts and brutalizes women and children and sells them into slavery! He nearly did that to his sister-in-law Lark two years ago (The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal) but luckily they got her in time! He has been trying to catch this slippery weasel Jandeau to kill him with no success!

On Eilean Mòr Isle in the Sound of Jura, Beck meets the beautiful Erica Wentworth and her small entourage who is near starving! This is her family not by blood, but still a family. This family consisted of the middle aged Alice, thirteen year old Anders, eight year old Pip and Hester who was about three years old. Each of them were rescued by the pirate who is like a father to Erica, Captain John Pritchert, another privateer, for King Henry of England. He had saved Erica at twelve years of age, after the wicked Pirate Jandeau and his crew of fifty evil pirates on his ship, The Borreau, that brutally murdered her parents right in front of Erica! Jandeau was planning on selling Erica into slavery and Captain John luckily saved her. Captain John even killed two of his own crew who tried to later attack her! Even though Erica was in shock, she feels very guilty for not saving her baby brother who was also a prisoner she assumes on Jandeau’s ship! She has no idea if her brother who was three years old is dead, alive or a slave! Because of this Erica has dedicated her life to helping saving other lost children.

Beck sees Erica doesn’t trust easily and lies easily, but she is different than any other woman he has ever met. Not that he has met many woman living on Wolf Isle! Erica doesn’t trust men at all after all she has been through in her young life . Yet notices how different Beck is than most men, besides being drop dead gorgeous! She is so worried about Captain John and his crew on his ship, The Devils Blood, as they should of picked her up by now. Besides the fact they were near starving.

Beck saves Erica and her entourage and brings them to Wolf Isle, the attraction between Beck and Eliza is quite obvious. As they are like a moth to a flame and the chemistry between them is sizzling hot! Erica decides she wants the honorable Beck Macquarie to teach her about passion and give her lessons in bed. As Eliza doesn’t want to ever get married and be any man’s possession. Beck knows he can’t get her pregnant or he might curse his family forever. They both want Jandeau dead! The one thing Jandeau wants is Erica, the one that slipped through his fingers and soon Eliza is going to have to make a decision between the free and secure life she has lived or sacrificing everything for the people she loves! What shall she choose?

As Beck and Erica are like a a moth to a flame, for these star crossed lovers this attraction turns into love. Can Beck convince this Lass who might have some royal British bloodlines to stay with him forever? A Lass who curses like a sailor, who is more comfortable in sailors clothes than in frilly dresses and petticoats. A woman who loves the freedom of the sea and the spray of the ocean breeze as much as Beck, Except Erica tries to steal the one thing he loves as much as his family. Is it the ultimate betrayal? Does Erica ever find out what happened to Captain John the man who is like a second father to her and his missing pirate crew? Does she ever discover the fate of her baby brother and will she ever forgive herself for not saving him? Will Jandeau ever get his hands on the beautiful Erica to torment and pillage? Can Beck convince Erica to stay with him on Wolf Isle and let him love her forever? Read and find out the answers of so many questions in this breathtaking story!

I have been a long fan of this author Heather McCollum’s for over five years and have read and loved every book she has ever written to be honest. Yet this book absolutely blew me away! It is definitely her best work in my opinion. A book I definitely could not put down! It has everything readers will love: a swoon worthy hero, a heroine who has witnessed many horrors in life yet has a worthy goodness in her and a gentle heart. A black hearted evil villain that will give you chills and squirm in your seat! Plus the wonderful Macquarie family that you want to just become a part of.

Now if you want to talk about plotting this had plots within plots where I definitely was holding onto my seat and gasping for air! Definitely was causing some heart palpitations in this reader as I was swept away in a definite literary masterpiece that I absolutely wholeheartedly loved! These characters both good and bad are absolutely awe inspiring and unforgettable. It is one of those books you don’t want to see end! Probably one of my favorite books that I have read in the past decade! Yes I loved The Highlander’s Pirate Lass that much as it was totally brilliant! A book historical readers definitely don’t want to miss! I can’t recommend this book enough as every page from start to finish was an absolute masterpiece! I would give this book a bazillion stars if I could as 5 stars does not seem nearly enough! Woohoo, I am so excited and looking forward to reading Callum Macquarie’s story next in the third book in the Brothers of Wolf Isle series!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Entangled Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Pirate-Lass-Brothers-Wolf-ebook/dp/B099QJ5GTD

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?pcampaignid=books_read_action&id=7Pc4EAAAQBAJ

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-highlander-s-pirate-lass

https://entangledpublishing.com/books/the-highlanders-pirate-lass

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Monday 30 June 1834

4 ¾

10 ¾

Two kisses last night before getting into my own bed. Fine morning F62° at 5 ¾ - asked for the book of the maitre de poste and in spite of his telling me it was not worth while wrote as following ‘Le 29 Juin 1834, Madame Lister, dame Anglaise, allant de Paris à Geneva, se plaint de l’insolence du postilion Michel, allemand qui l’a conduit de St Laurent jusqu’a Morey’. Off from Morey at 6 18 - very fine ascent from M- along the narrow beautiful gorge - cheval du report from Poligny to Montrond, Champignole [Champagnole] to St. Laurent, St. L- to Morey or Morez, but only had it from M- to Rousses [Les Rousses] - from 6 40 to 7 walked up  the mountain - very fine green wooded rocky gorge - at Rousses [Les Rousses] at 7 47 - nice little post house and Inn (might sleep there very well) opposite Douane – shewed the 3 passports but nothing said about our baggage – care not what we take out – would be particular enough about what we brought in – breakfast at 9 – before and after wrote our yesterday – Rousses [Les Rousses] a small but good village off at 10 7-  at 10 20 got out and walked 10 minutes up the hill – then in 5 or 6 minutes more pass the road (left) leading to the new Swiss road along the lake to Geneva – the postboy said the distance was the same as the road we were going and many travellers now went that way - But why hurry down to Switzerland and the flat road along its lake, in preface to lingering along the Jura, and enjoying the matchless 1st view of the Leman waters?  at 11 ¼ enter the fine winding deep valley which leads to La Vattaye [La Vattay] at 11 57 – a single house (la poste) very nice bedrooms, good-house -  might have slept and eaten there very comfortably – 24 minutes here. Miss W- all the while on the pot has very often two motions a day she was sickish and peewee as usual but Noyau afterwards in the carriage did her good - La V- beautifully situated in little high-situated plain embossed in fir forest and high hoary fir-sprinkled rocks - still winding along the same fine valley (vide line 6 above) till 12 ¾ when on reaching the top of the pass, the rich plain, the lake (or rather the Rhone from soon after its quitting the lake) with its magnificent screen of mountains and Mont Blanc, burst upon our view - the celebrity of this view is deserved - I don’t remember having ever seen a finer - in 5 minutes the drag was put on, and the postboy had also tied fast the wheel with ropes, and we began the descent which lasted till 2 26 when having passed thro’ the main part of the town of Gex, we had one steepish street and then disencumbered the wheel and 4 minutes  afterwards stopt at la poste (at the far end of the town) a nice little Inn where, so nice was the garden at the back, and so fine the air, and the view, and so comfortable the bedroom we were in, we thought we could spend a few quiet days very well -  A- being ready for something to eat, had a nice (cold) picked trout and lay down all the while (1/2 hour) - Gex a goodish little country town – no inquiry about passport. Off again at 3 - fine rich plain - very good road but so flat, could see nothing but the trees and hedges and yellow corn (only observed 3 or 4 patches of vine) close alongside, except the mountain and Mont Black ½ way up the horizon - fine wheat dead ripe - at Ferney [Ferney-Voltaire] (Voltaire’s chateau) at 3 50 - one of the women servants shewed us his chamber - nothing particular except a  sort of mausolée to his memory in the fire-place - a brick-floored, 2 windows, nice enough, not large room opening into the hall or salle à manger where V- used to entertain his friends - 3 or 4 minutes sufficient for seeing this - then saw the gardens - the fine view of Mt. B- finer said the man (aetatis 71 but looking much younger the son of V-‘s gardener) then the view people go for to the little height above, the village of the great Sacconex [Le Grand-Saconnex] - and saw the hornbeam

SH:7/ML/E/17/0049

 avenue (the trees planted quite close, 6 or 8 in. distant and meeting at the top - from 3 to 4 yards wide?) Voltaire used to walk in, and where his cabinet d’étude was (in the garden) when he to be out of the way, and the Elm (fine tall, straight, large Elm) he planted - it was when the cabinet d’étude was that stood the mausolée or moment that bare the inscriptions to his memory - erected by comte de Beudet and destroyed in the night by some people, 8 or 9 years ago, du temps Charles X and suspected to be Jesuits - on the death of V- (made a marquis by the King of Prussia) his heirs sold the village chateau and all property to Cte. Beudet (aetatis now 86) to whose family the property had belonged before V- bought it - V- pulled down the  old chateau and built the present house - the gardener told at full length the story of the désagrément between V- and Gibbon and G-‘s imprudence in getting to see him and their being reconciled and afterwards friends - on V-‘s finding that G- had succeeded by stratagem, he sent his servant after him to ask for 12 sols for having seen the bête - G- gave 24 sols, said he had paid for twice, and would come again the next day - (he had before written some pretty complimentary verses) so V- overcome received him en ami the next day, asked a party to meet him and they were good friends ever afterwards - after seeing the gardener went to the old gardener’s house - saw V-s cane, [cap.] 3 little silver inkstands and book of seals, given to the gardener (when V- went to Paris the last time) because he was then the errand boy and went to the post - this book curious - under each seal (in V-‘s writing) the name and sometimes place of the owner with occasional short remarks - such as ‘fou de Lyon’ etc put together these seals and remarks that the boy might know which letters would be received and which not - for all the above things including the manuscript account of V- last journey written by his secretary our English general Cockburn offered £150 in vain - the gardener’s children (2 married daughters? or 1 son and a daughter?) may dispose of these things as they like - they are the old man’s living while he does live, tho’ he is and always has been C.te de Beudet’s service - Off from Ferney [Ferney-Voltaire] at 4 ¾ - had been 55 minutes there – Miss W- bought a lithograph of the chamber and chateau 3/. and little bust of V- made of the garden earth and baked, probably at the neighbouring pottery just out of Ferney [Ferney-Voltaire] - for 1/. - offered the man a 5 fr. piece - saw he did not think it enough and gave a 2 fr. piece more for which he thanked me - F- a near good village - the French Swiss boundary is somewhere just out of Ferney [Ferney-Voltaire] - stopt at 5 10 at the police at the Great Saconnex, a good village or little town? And shew my English foreign office passport determined to put the other 2 away – shewed passport again on entering Geneva – left it, and they gave me a ticket to be signed by me before receiving back my passport – all this particularity in consequence of the late affair at Lyons - Alighted at the large, new, handsome hotel des Bergues at 5 40 – bargained for apartment au 1er.  a little salon and 3 single bedded room all looking on to the Rhone and a room for George at 12/. a day -dinner and vin order for 2 selves 8/. and breakfast (for [ditto] not including strawberries) 2/. servants at 8/. a day for the 2 - much better off than I expected, but the man (just come here from Thun) saw that I knew what I was about - very handsome                            (bridge angle a strong abutment against the current) just opposite us finished only 6 weeks ago - buildings along the Quai all new and arcaded and handsome the town quite changed in this quarter - new and very handsome - beautiful view over the water and the mountains from our windows - dinner at 7 ¾ - very good – sat talking over dessert and bottle of Lunel of which however I only took ½ a wine glass, better pleased with very weak vin ordinaire and water - before dinner we had been to the Post Office and got our letters (3 for A-) and 1 for me dated Thursday 19 June,3 pages and directed from Paris ‘Geneve’ and wrote on  the back ‘parti à Geneve en Swisse poste restante’ ends,  from my aunt Shibden – better account of herself – begs us not to hurry home – all going on well in and outdoors – my father pretty well ditto Marian -  Miss W- of Cliff Hill takes it ill A- never told her of coming abroad tho’ it had been publically talked of so long – what a nonsense! 2 of A-‘s letters from her sister – her eyes still bad – to be confined the beginning of October -  one from Washington – Mr Lamplugh Hird will give for 3 years £60 for Lidgate and 17DW and SW. £20 a year for the remainder of the land – Mr H- likely to be a permanent tenant – wants alternations for which SW would allow £40 –advises the agreeing – thinks the place would be well let - to pay p.c. for furniture on the valuation of an appraisement A- and I do not want the H-s and do not accept the terms offered. Ten minutes with her tonight she was tired said I was long about it that I gave her no dinky dinky that is seminal flow and I excused myself and came away to my own bed. Very fine day F70° at 10 ¾ pm

all the way from Poligny, where began the ascent of the Jura, the chalets of stone, neat, pretty little white buildings (cottage establishing) far too spruce and good to be as picturesque as the Swiss.

Miss W- thought I meant to go to the top of the Mt. Blanc and she certainly would go with me - the old gardener said 2 English gentlemen were lost in the attempt last year.

[nazaninlankarani]

Audemars Piguet Lashes Out

A new museum and workshop is completed, and a new hotel is on the way.

The main room of the new Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

LE BRASSUS, Switzerland — The new Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet, a glass and steel pavilion scheduled to open to the public on June 26, stands on a grassy knoll between the company’s two 19th-century buildings here — something like a bridge between its past and future.

“We did have a small museum here but we had in mind to build an extension to present the richness of our watchmaking culture,” Jasmine Audemars, chairwoman of the family-owned company’s board of directors, said during a media preview of the museum in February. “We wanted a structure that would be integrated into the landscape with unobstructed views of the valley so that visitors could experience our heritage.” Bjarke Ingels, the Danish architect who designed the new building, had his own view: “We had to tread carefully because this was like bringing an annoying newcomer between two friends.” But then Mr. Ingels — whose disruptive thinking on architecture was the subject of a 2017 episode of “Abstract: The Art of Design,” a Netflix documentary series — has yet to design a typical structure. Since he founded Bjarke Ingels Group (known as BIG) in Copenhagen in 2005, there have been projects like the tent-like Silicon Valley headquarters for Google and the Danish power plant with a slanted roof that doubles as a ski slope. His proposed design for the watch museum, submitted to the brand’s competition in 2013, initially had little chance of success. For one thing, its circular, nearly flat roof violated regional building codes.

The Danish architect Bjarke Ingels in the new Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet. It is scheduled to open to the public June 26. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

“Swiss building rules, to say the least, are very strict,” Mr. Ingels said at the preview. “I was told a building here must resemble other buildings, meaning that it must have a double-sided angled roof.” Still, Mr. Ingels managed to win over not just Audemars Piguet, but also the local council, and construction began in March 2017. (“Bjarke’s project was not just out of the ordinary for the vallée, it was out of the ordinary for all of Switzerland,” Ms. Audemars said, referring to the Vallée de Joux in western Switzerland, where Le Brassus is located.) “We weren’t trying to be provocative,” Mr. Ingels said, “we were just tapping into the heritage of the valley without creating a replica of what was already there.” “We aligned ourselves around the concept of an ‘oxymoron,’ a word I had to look up,” he added. “That means combining two things that could seem mutually exclusive at first and creating a new hybrid form. Once the tension settles, something new comes into the world.”

The roof of the new museum, which was meant to resemble a watch spring. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

The pavilion’s interior, which totals 2,500 square meters (26,910 square feet), was designed as a coil — deliberately meant to resemble a watch spring. “The spiral felt like an incredibly simple layout where form and content were linked together,” Mr. Ingels said. One part houses a workroom, called the Grandes Complications Atelier, where visitors will be able to look through glass partitions to observe watchmakers at work. The other showcases the brand’s heritage display: 300 timepieces ranging from chiming and astronomical complications to jeweled pocket watches, all mounted inside clear protective domes. And at the center of the spiral: The 1899 Universelle pocket watch — with 21 functions and 13 hands, the most complicated timepiece ever produced by Audemars Piguet.

The centerpiece of the new museum’s display: the 1899 Universelle pocket watch, the most complicated piece that Audemars Piguet ever made. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

Many of the vintage pieces formerly were owned by Marcus Margulies, a London-based watch retailer who, watch blogs have said, amassed the world’s best collection of Audemars Piguet watches that he then sold to the company in 2016. Few people outside the Swiss watch world know that most of Audemars Piguet’s vintage pieces are one of a kind because, until 1951, it sold complications to distributors and retailers rather than making its own watches. Initially, “the company was too small, and focused on hand-finishing movements and creating complications,” Michael Friedman, the brand’s head of complications, said at the preview. “It was the powerful retailer’s name that went on the dial.” In addition to the Universelle, a particularly noteworthy exhibit is a rare 1943 chronograph that Audemars Piguet acquired in 2015 at a Phillips auction for 305,000 Swiss francs (now $315,480). In March it reissued the elegant wristwatch, which has a champagne-colored dial, in a 500-piece limited edition with the name [Re]Master 01.

A rare chronograph from 1943. The museum also includes a workroom where visitors will be able to see watches being made. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

And visitors — who will be able to reserve the free tours online — also will see a large display dedicated to the Royal Oak, a highly popular, signature model designed in 1971 by Gerald Genta. It spawned the Offshore in 1993 and the Concept in 2002. The pavilion’s structural glass walls were curved to support the steel roof, made of two circular plates totaling 470 tons, which rises from the hillside slope. In February, the roof was covered with snow. In spring, it has a carpet of regional grasses, planted to help control the building’s temperature and to absorb rainfall. A brass mesh runs along the edge of the outer glass walls to regulate light and heat.

The museum's design “was not just out of the ordinary for the vallée, it was out of the ordinary for all of Switzerland,” said Jasmine Audemars, chairwoman of Audemars Piguet. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

“What we have designed here is more like land art than architecture,” Mr. Ingels said. “It looks like the Spiral Jetty of Switzerland.” The reference was to the sculptor Robert Smithson’s “Spiral Jetty,” a massive earthwork in Utah. While the description sounds — and the roof looks — unusual, the building actually does blend well into the surrounding landscape (a bit like I.M. Pei’s Pyramid at the Louvre). Le Brassus is less than 40 miles north of Geneva, but it is an area of farmlands and vineyards, set against the pine tree-speckled peaks of the Jura mountains. Historically, the area’s long, harsh winters kept farmers indoors for months, and by the 1700s they were occupying their inventive minds and nimble fingers with horological invention.

Ms. Audemars at the new museum. “We did have a small museum here but we had in mind to build an extension to present the richness of our watchmaking culture,” she said. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

In 1875, two of the village’s enterprising residents, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, founded a watch company specializing in high complications. It was Ms. Audemars’s forebears, like those of the LeCoultres and the Meylans and others, who made this valley an epicenter of Swiss watchmaking. The valley itself also helped. “In the 15th century, iron was found here,” said Sebastian Vivas, historian and museum director at Audemars Piguet, “which was used to make steel, and allowed farmers to make watchmaking tools.” Watch companies from Patek Philippe to Omega have heightened a focus on their archives in recent years, displaying them in headquarters space, social media posts or pop-up exhibitions in a blend of brand awareness, sales enhancement and community building. At Audemars Piguet, however, the museum also is expected to have a significant impact on its hometown, a village of just 1,360 residents where it traditionally has played an outsized role. For years the village has had just two hotels — one of them, a 50-room inn called Hôtel des Horlogers, owned by Audemars Piguet since 2005 and just a short distance from the company complex along the Route de France, the village’s lone main road. But its basic utilities as well as the pine walls and brown leather furniture had become seriously dated over the years, so the building was razed and work began on a new hotel in mid-2018.

The Audemars Piguet operation in Le Brassus, which is less than 40 miles north of Geneva. The area is filled with farmlands and vineyards, set against the pine tree-speckled peaks of the Jura mountains. © Samuel Zeller for The New York Times

The company will not disclose the cost of building the museum and the hotel, or of some refurbishment that has been done to the 19th century buildings. The new glass and steel version of the hotel, scheduled to open in 2021, will still be called Hôtel des Horlogers and still have 50 rooms. But there the resemblance ends. Also designed by Mr. Ingels’s firm, an architect’s rendering shows the building zigzagging its way along the site, the Audemars Piguet structures in the background. There is little doubt that Mr. Ingels’s architecture will change Le Brassus forever. But has watchmaking changed Mr. Ingels? “I did not wear a watch when I started this project,” Mr. Ingels said. “Now I have this beautiful openwork thing ticking on my wrist.” “Also, I find myself using a lot of watchmaking metaphors.”

[Source]

[dragonkingteo]

Dragonkingteo Art Contest: Results

Teo Mod speaking! I have good news for you, dear contestants!

Considering that the number of entries was pretty high, I've decided to add more prizes! And more exactly: two First prizes (winning the colored sketches) and two Second prizes (winning grayscale sketches with shadows)! :D

First, here is the (hopefully) exhaustive list of the entries that made it in time:

Drawn entries:

Subject one

Resting dragons: @hikariyuushiart http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/160051471169/hikariyuushiart-for-dragonkingteo-s-contest

Assorted family: @magdielandherblog http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/160237825279/magdielandherblog-teo-luna-and-ely-for

How 2 tree: @cmykristy http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/163670122264/cmykristy-im-a-procrastinator-and-havent

Subject two

Rocking the kilt: @zxxllli http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/160015797339/zxxllli-dragonkingteo-for-the-contestant

Grumpy Fire Kimono girl: @jura-san http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/162208775424/jura-san-elysae-in-kimono-this-is-my-drawing

Schoolgirl in distress: @symphonicvocalist http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/163599258389/symphonicvocalist-s-entry-for-the-contest

Written entries:

Subject one

@shen-gaoren http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/159979037139/the-novas-brilliant-light

Subject two

Wandering in Surreality: @skeletal-undead http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/160449776044/entry-to-dragon-king-teo-contest

Less Dragon than Dragonborn: @bluedragonaegis http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/162007280409/teostra-in-a-strange-new-world

Never play with magic: @warlock0103 http://dragonkingteo.tumblr.com/post/163560045491/teos-forced-vacation

Believe me, picking the winners was really hard (and partly the reason why I took some time before deciding myself. You guys are all so talented ;v;)

But after much thought, I think I'm finally ready to deliver the winners' names! So here we go!

Winners of the DRAWING CONTEST:

Second prize: @cmykristy

First prize: @jura-san

Winners of the WRITING CONTEST:

Second prize: @bluedragonaegis

First prize: @warlock0103

Amazing work guys! Congratulations! O3O

Don't forget to send me a character to draw as your prizes x3

Make sure to check out all these awesome people's works! But most of all, thank you so much for participating, all of you. You did great and words aren't enough to say how much I'm so happy to have been able to do this with you. You rock! UwU

[autumnpawtribe]

Complications Part 1

Vol'raka was sitting with Tarja, Zakin and Aret, the Zandalari beauty reading to their daughter.  It was a story about a little boy that wanted to be a shadow hunter, and his adventures to find someone to teach him.  Zakin was listening aptly, the four year old enamored by his uncle and "cousin".  The pale skinned, slightly more than fuzzy boy was laying on his belly, arms propped up on the floor and holding his head up to listen.  Tarja was laying on a blanket next to him, getting time on her stomach and learning to hold her head up and gain her strength.  Vol was proud of his daughter and how fast she was growing.  She already had an attitude and fire in her belly that came with it.  He smiled as he went back to balancing his books, them working on his breeding stock, planning a new generation of riding raptors that he sold for a mint.

The renovations to the house, even with haggling, cost a bit.  Vol didn't eat into his profits however.  He did cash in a few 'loans', but nothing terrible.  People owed him money, so he sought it back.  Nature of business.   He'd gone from bounty Hunter to business man in a year, using that shrewd hunting ability and knowledge of raptor genetics to make a killing.  He didn't just let his farm hands take the reins and while he spent a bit of time away, it was only usually for the day and he was always home for supper.

Xiao and Naddja were to cook that night, simple Pandaren fare.  He'd cook breakfast before he trained with his mates, knowing he needed to keep this skills sharp as a blade for what he would need to do in the coming days.

Naddja had come back from Halfhill earlier than expected, groceries filling her goat cart.  She was happier with her life, even if she had a guard every time she left the grounds.  She was under Vol's care and protection.  He took that seriously and that meant someone was with her on her weekly trip for supplies.  A friend of Vol's from his bounty hunting days was keeping an eye on Mala'ket and Jansevet, both looking for the missing siblings.  Vol would take care of that pesky problem later.  For now, she was content as the rest, her stress level gone down with the peace, and her belly growing with the child they had to make sure Mala'ket never knew of.  It was another daughter.  Naddja planned on keeping this child and not telling the sire, ever.  Vol didn't agree with that, but he didn't agree with the whole situation either.

Zakin heard the goat cart and stood up, running out he door where farm hands were unloading feed, groceries, cloth and other supplies from Halfhill.  He ran to his mother's arms, talking her ear off about the story his uncle had told him, the Zandalari woman smiling as she picked him up.  "You had a good day.  Is your Uncle Vol'raka around?."

"He is in his office.  He balances the books today." Aret came out with Tarja on his shoulder, the little girl babbling and wiggling her toes.   She had added this to her repertoire in the last few days and it had been her newest favorite activity.  "I hope carrots were on the list?"

"Plenty of carrots.  When it is your turn for dinner, Mon'dazi?". She smiled at her brother and put down Zakin who saw a new Pandaren friend of his and went to play.  "He in a good mood?  I want to speak with him, about things."

Aret turned to look into the house.  "Seems so.  The talk we talked about?". She nodded.  Aret sighed, looking to his sister.  "There is chocolate in the kitchen in a green jar.  Take a few pieces as a peace offering.  It contains...  Something he likes."

"What...". Naddja looked confused. She'd seen the jar but was told to stay out of it.

"It's laced with his shaman's herbs.  He knows it and it might make him amicable?"

"You know I can hear you two, right?". Vol walked down the stairs and smiled.  "We'll talk, but no chocolate, sweetheart."  He stood behind Aret, kissed his neck, made the Prelate shiver before he kissed their daughter.  "We'll go for a ride, Naddja.  Come."

"Dinner is soon...". Aret was confused, but quieted.  He pressed his head forward and kissed Vol's chin in submission.

Vol kissed Janaret’s lips softly, clicking tusks as he tugged on the Prelate's braid.  This was their way, submission in softness, gentleness.  Aret wouldn't go against him, but he was allowed a mind of his own.  Vol used a knuckle to raise the Zandalari's chin, whispering his love against his lips.  "Not upset, sweetheart, and we'll be home for dinner.  We have a few hours and a fence that might need mending.". He kissed Aret again.  "Ask Xiao for egg rolls and fried rice too?  We'll be back soon. Naddja, I know you prefer the raptor form, but I'll loan you a raptor.".

She nodded, following the big Darkspear out to the stable.  Vol saddled Uba, his elderly white raptor while Naddja was given a raptor he called Disi.  They said nothing for a while as they rode out along the fence, Naddja looking at the fields.  "Have you had this all since... Before.."

"No, I hunted people for my gold.  Most of this is thanks to Xiao, half is his.  Aret will have a stake, as will Tarja."

Naddja nodded, looking over at the tallest of the trolls that She had seen, anywhere really.  He looked like Mala'ket, who was not quite as tall as her brother, but the thick green mane, the blue skin, all but the eyes.  Their daughter, well the child she birthed, had gotten those eyes, the shape different, more round and big, bright and curious than her sire's almond, but that same unusually bright amber shining in both eyes.  The little girl had inherited the grass green, and sun gold, but Naddja had seen the blue that also graced what little hair Tarja had.  It was one of the few things she had given her, her mother's hair having the same strands of sapphire in her greying hair.  She thought she had picked well when she sought out Vol'raka.  She didn't know his preference for men when he was drugged, asleep and on his back.  He was hard, she was a druid and the deed was done.  She blushed with guilt at the memory.  She felt terrible after the fact, still did.

He had not forgiven her, but yet he was kind enough to protect her from the troll who was hurting her.  He was good enough to take in a child he did not want, yet loved anyway.  She saw that in his eyes when he danced around the kitchen with her.  When He spent time with Xiao and Aret and Tarja as a little family, walking through the mango trees, or cooking, or when they put her to bed at night.  She knew he hurt him, yet he still did good thing for her and her son.  Her mind shamed her, even if she was made to do what she did.

"How old were you with Zakin.  You are younger than Janaret.  The boy is around four years."  Vol broke the silence as they moved along the fence, a cracked post in the far distance, Pandaren and human workers moving the yaks from that pasture to another as they slowly approached.

"Fifteen."

"This Mala'ket is not his father, obviously.  Did you do the same to his f..."

"I LOVED his father!"  Naddja snapped at him before shrinking back.  He made no move to warn her, but listened, raising an eyebrow.  "... past tense.  I don't know where he is.  He was Frostmane, visiting Dazar’alor.  Most are exiled, but he came with a group of Gurubashi.  He.."  She stopped, looking forward over her mount's nose.  "You don't care."

"I might.  I am listening.  I could have told you to go fuck yourself.  I came out here to listen.  No Xiao, no Aret.  If we are going to live under the same roof, we'd better talk at some point.  So.. you loved him, frostie ass was in Zandalar, which I would bet he was a slave.  So you don't know where he is because of that."

"I knew where he was.  When.. I had Zakin, he was there.  We were planning to run, with the help of a sympathetic relative of mine.  My father returned from his work with General Jakrazet before we were able to leave.  He had been gone nearly a year.  Sirak was sent away, violently, and I was quickly married off to Mala'ket and my son sent away.  Mala'ket sent his last wife off to Vol'dun for infertility.  She was not the infertile one."

"And you don't just fuck off out of his life... why?"  Vol stopped in the path, pulling Uba up and looking Naddja dead in the eye.  Disi was a taller raptor, making the smaller woman at his eye level.  Amber eyes stared at the blue that one of his lovers shared.  "You had the balls to drug me, in front of another druid no less, and do what you did, but you didn't just leave him."  Vol's tone was accusatory, still hurt over the deception.  "Fuck, you could have just slept with Jura.  He's taken far more than one woman to his bed.  Instead of pulling the shit you have, Naddja."  The hunter growled, but took a deep breath to calm himself.  "And now you are going to let another one go without knowing he has fathered a child, same as you would have to me.  If it were not for the fact that you had a tiny bit of fucking compassion and loa-damned sense, my daughter would have been DEAD as soon as he figured out that 'huh, that's a Darkspear-born, NOT Zandalari.  Apparently I look like this fuck, but Darkspear look a bit fuckin' different than a Zandalari, Naddja Raptari.  And I have more fucking compassion than is fuckin' good for me to take you in.  Fortunately for you, I will not let the one who gave birth to my child..."

"Our.."

There was a deep growl of warning then before he shoved a long finger into her face.  "MY Daughter.  Xiao's, Aret's daughter.  NOT yours.  you gave birth to her, that is it.  Last Warning.  Never refer to her as ANYTHING more than your niece again.  I am not a cruel asshole, but I will not tolerate it again.  Understood?  I want to keep this conversation a bit civil, but it will cease to be if you speak it again.  Get it out of your head now.  I want to hear it.  Your lips to my words, on the threat of the wrath of both our Loa.  Say it."

Naddja backed up, shrinking back and this time, he didn't give two shits.  She lowered her head, whispering.  "Not..."

"So you can be heard."  Aret and Xiao would know that tone and the power behind it.  "Loud and Fucking clear."

"Tarja is not my daughter.  She is yours."

"Good.  Now.  You are going to explain to me WHY you haven't left this soft cocked asshole that I am apparently going to have to deal with and you will tell me EVERY weakness, and all of his business.  If you don't, I can't keep you, your son, or my daughter and future children safe from these two fuckwits.  I have a very real worry that they could come lookin' and actually be able to find this place.  So out with it.  Start with the whys."

"Why..."

Naddja sighed, looking down and not making eye contact with the Darkspear.  Blue eyes stared into the ground, unwilling to look up at all at the hunter.  Her skin turned to a pale lavender, not rivaling her brother's coloring.  The hunter smelled the guilt and sorrow.  She was not going to ante up what Vol wanted and needed to know.  He knew better than to chase a cowering animal.  This was not for food and he didn't need the sport of antagonizing someone who'd had enough pain lately.  He still had that stupid bit of compassion for others that were hurt, even if they hurt him.

Vol'raka sighed and shook his head, green braid swinging behind him and nudged Uba with his heals.  "Keep up!"  He was agitated and a good run, even if it was on an ancient beast, helped clear his mind.  The raptari got to see the Darkspear in one of his elements, on the back of the animals he had raised for the last ten years.  Clad in leather pants and a short sleeved cloth shirt, the raptor tender rode bareback with his knees holding on the ribcage of the once-golden, now pale white raptor as he raced down the side of the fence.  Vol was leaned over the raptor's neck, encouraging the old female to run as fast as she could.  He had his loves, responsibilities, cares in the world, but she could tell that this was one of his freedoms away from the world.

Naddja and Vol had not spoken much in the last few weeks, avoiding each other unless it was for the meal that the family had together.  She remembered that baby face she had 'helped' get drunk nearly a year ago, and he'd aged a bit.  Two mates that he loved beyond all things, the daughter he never planned for yet doted on and adored, and now taking in more to his life.  He watched him as he woke early to care for his flock and farm, spend the day doing what needed done.  She heard the soft cries of pleasure in the night as two, sometimes three came together in love.  He kept up what he needed to do, working hard in the days, loving and spending time with his family in the evenings.  Sometimes he was asleep far before others in the house, but he was busting his ass, and she acknowledged that.  She didn't need to speak to him to observe him, to sense the stresses in his life.  Yet she could tell, as much as he loved what he had, on the back of a raptor, he ran free for a little while.

Naddja kicked her own raptor forward, the animal bigger than her own raptor form and slower, but the raptari able to ride almost as well.  It took a few minutes to catch up, but they were within a few yards of each other when they came to the place where the fence was broken.  Vol said nothing to her as he got down with the one she recognized as his right hand, Jung, and discussed what happened.  They spoke in Orcish, thick accents not getting in the way as troll and pandaren inspected the fence where they believed a young yak ran headlong into the post.  It was not a large break, but they made plans on the repair before setting to work in silence.  She hopped down from Disi's back and shifted, her own raptor form letting her blend in with the flock on the other side of the lane.  She'd done this before with the flock, finding that they trusted her, animals did usually trust druids, and they welcomed both her, Disi and Uba quietly and with no fuss.  She spent the hour that it took for them to repair the break just wandering in with the flock of females, playing with hatchlings and chasing critters around the enclosure.

"Naddja."

The raptari looked up to see nine feet of Darkspear walking through his flock to where she was tearing up a large brown tanuki, half of its fur gone as she shared it with hatchlings.  "I'm sorry I snapped.  I'm sorry that I demanded."  The Darkspear was not tucking his tail between his legs, but he was calming down to where he was not as irritable.  "Let's finish that ride?  I don't think you can talk in that form, so when you are ready."

Vol wandered back to the fence, scratching a few of the females he kept under the chin as they approached, the big male that guarded them headbutting the raptor tender gently.  The dark green and black colored male had a scar across his belly, obviously nearly gutted.  Aret had told her the story of a raptor that the hunter had saved from death, the animal now a loyal and protective hunting partner.  She reached out to the big male, who looked at her as she communicated with the hunting animal, the raptor only saying quietly that he'd been saved from death, he had no reason to fight the troll anymore.

The big beast of a raptor wandered over to where Vol stood, headbutting the troll in the shoulder and rubbing his jowl on the hunter's head.  It looked almost like a cat rubbing on his owner, making the raptor tender laugh as he gave a good scratch on the animal's chest.  One hand giving the raptor a scratch and the other patting his shoulder, the animal whistled happily and Naddja could see the connection between Master and pet.  It made her smile when troll and raptor ran around, the beast chasing the hunter and then turning around and running from the hunter.  The members of Vol's flock that were paying attention began playing the game as well. the troll eventually chasing a few hatchings and picking them up and then encouraging them to chase him.  None of the animals got aggressive, nor did the troll get sliced or bit as he played with some very dangerous animals.

About 20 minutes after he started his game with the green and black male, Vol gave final treats and pats, wandering to Uba, taking her by the bridle.  He sat tall on the back of his mount, smiling at Naddja, who shifted and silently hopped back up on her saddled raptor.  "There is a waterfall, few miles.  Good slow ride, then back and we should be home for dinner?"

She nodded, following the hunter and letting the two raptors plod along down the path.  It was quiet for a while, Vol keeping his gaze forward, and Naddja silent.  She finally broke the silence and whispered, loud enough that troll ears could hear, almost sighing painfully as she spoke.

"Aret is the oldest, Then me, and our younger sister Nielka.  Our Mother, Pahre, tried to protect us.  Our father is not a nice mon, very traditional.  Daughters, women are property in his eyes.  Janaret would be the golden child, but Father treated him just as badly.  Arie was brainwashed.  I.. I think Father assumes something is different about him.  I don't think he really knows he likes other males.  He had him pretty well indoctrinated.  Almost at least.  Mother worked hard when father was away with General Jizz-stain and exiling anyone who was determined to not be fit to stay in Zul'dazar.  He'd send Janaret to the same if he knew.  Arie is a good guard, a well schooled Prelate for Rezan..  even if Rezan is dead now.  It wouldn't matter because then father would marry him off to some girl for politcal gain.   That is what happened to me.  They didn't even wait until I was of age.  I was married to Mala'ket at sixteen, as soon as they could get rid of Zakin, they did, and Aket wanted his own children.  I know father knows that Aket can't father children, but Aket is an acolyte in Zanchul and has clout.  When they sent me out to find.. well.. you...  I was covered in bruises for telling them no.  They gave me the potion, said find someone close and ... well."  She sighed, leaning forward, Disi grunting at the balance change, but ignoring it.

"They have a girl for Arie to marry too, named Javinda.  She's stupid.  The shit your people shovel in the stables has more of an intellect than this girl.  Her family serves the Zanchuli council and she's pretty.  That's her qualification for being Aret's wife-to-be.  And I don't think he knows yet.  And they are looking for a mate for Nienie.  She's barely twelve.  There is no love in my marriage to Mala'ket.  This child will never know her father because it's Aket's cousin.   I cannot take the chance.  Don't judge me for it.  Aket would have STARVED Tarja to death.  Not made it quick.. painless.  He would have put her in a box and let her cry herself to DEATH because she was even an inkling of Darkspear, or Amani.  I smell just as well as you do.  You have Zandalarii blood, but you are Darkspear and that makes her lesser to him.  He could not have that.  I did the same to his cousin, because they look nearly alike, but I fear Venko would let it slip.  Mala'ket lives, and Venko never meets his child."

She covered her face, trying to hide tears that he could smell, but he had the good grace to not say anything.  "Aket thinks I birthed her and smashed her head with a rock.  I.. I couldn't do it.  She is not my daughter..  Yet I love her, I would have loved her and protected her because at one point.. she was."

Vol stopped, grabbing Disi by the bridle and stopping the raptor, bringing her and her rider closer.  "You did protect her.  She can no longer be your daughter, but she can be your niece.  You protected her from death.  You brought her to safety.  I don't like the reasons, nor the means Naddja, but you acted as a mother and protected a baby.  She is safe, with three fathers who will kill for her.  She is in no danger from anything with us.  It hurts me to know what has been done has been done again, and I mean to stop this whole shit show.  Aret will not be marrying anyone but me and Xiao in the next few months.  Your sister should not be marrying anyone at her age.  You all three should be happy."

The hunter pondered, letting Disi go and the raptor dancing a bit as Vol patted Naddja's knee.  "Where is your mother in all of this?"

[samuelmmarcus]

Interior Design Ideas

  Hello, everyone! I am so happy to share this new “Interior Design Ideas” with you. Today, I’m featuring a stunning home built by a well-known Calgary building company, Veranda Estate Homes. Here, they explain more about this inspiring project.

  “My husband & I own and operate a small boutique custom home building company, Veranda Estate Homes in Calgary, Alberta Canada. This project is our last home that we designed and built for ourselves. We sold this home a year ago and are now in the process of building our dream home. Besides building our own home we also have many other projects on the go at any given time, from custom estate homes for clients, to large scale renovations and spec homes in desirable communities throughout our city. There is never a dull moment around here with our two boys and the company. Besides being on all of the sites daily and dealing with our incredibly talented trade base I am working with our clients to ensure that their home is perfect…it is a lot of fun!

Maximizing natural light and the view of the land was key when we designed our last home that was situated on a treed two acre parcel. With a pond at the back and towering trees the we wanted the exterior of the home to blend into nature. When designing the floorplan we kept in mind our love to entertain & that we had a young family. The home is finished with exquisite built-on-site cabinetry, wide plank hardwood floors, and great attention to detail, which is evident in every room. From the grand entrance featuring stunning curved staircases, to the marble counters and solid slab backsplash, this home is elegant but not intimidating.  The design allowed great flow and unique spaces for every member of our family and guest to enjoy for years to come.“

  Have fun pinning these interiors and get inspired!

  Interior Design Ideas

Veranda Estate Homes.

Exterior Stone

Exterior stone is Cultured stone.

Windows

Window are aluminum in charcoal grey.

Brick

Exterior Brick: Reclaimed brick.

Exterior Paint Color

Stucco is Benjamin Moore CC-540 Stampede.

Architectural Details

Exterior features Cedar post, shutters, and detailing w/ walnut stain.

Front Door

Front doors custom, in iron. The doors are 8′ tall and 5′ wide.

Exterior Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Grand Foyer

Front entrance tile is a vein cut honed grey Limestone in a chevron pattern.

Paint Color

Paint color is Benjamin Moore Seapearl OC-19.

Dining Room

The dining room feels collected and inviting. It features a built-in hutch, black windows and 10′ ceilings.

Lighting is Arteriors.

Dining room furniture is Drexel Heritage.

Window Treatment: Silk side panels (similar here) with antique brass hardware.

Built-in Cabinet

The dining room features a built-in hutch with custom blended stain.

Similar Hardware: Here.

Paint Color

Paint color is Raccoon Fur 2126-20 by Benjamin Moore – it looks quite light on these images due the reflection of the light – the paint color is a dark navy.

Butler’s Pantry Countertop

The butlers pantry features solid Statuario slab marble countertop and backsplash with a curved return.

Faucet: Brizo.

Countertop Depth: 24″

Butler’s Pantry

The butler’s pantry leads to the kitchen.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Similar Hardware: Here.

Kitchen

Counterstools are Restoration Hardware – similar here, here, here & here.

White Kitchen Paint Color

White Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Seapearl.

Cooktop: Thermador.

Hardware

 Cabinet Hardware: Hickory Studio series in polished chrome.

Hood

The hood fan is a custom stainless steel hood with a patina finish applied. The hood was custom made by a metal-smith.

Pot Filler: Perrin & Rowe.

Backsplash

Perimeter countertop and slab backsplash is Statuario marble.

Kitchen Pendants

The kitchen pendants are Visual Comfort in Antique Nickel.

Countertop

Countertop is a butcher block – Birch with a stain and lacquer finish applied. Minimal maintenance is required.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen Appliances: Sub fridge, Thermador range top, Kitchen Aid wall ovens, Bosch dishwasher, Vent-A-Hood liner.

Kitchen Window Sconces

Lighting above kitchen window are Visual Comfort.

Sink & Faucet

Kitchen Bridge Faucet: Perrin & Rowe.

Sink: Kohler.

Cabinetry

Cabinet Details: Custom built-on-site cabinetry out of MDF & paint grade woods with shaker style doors.

French-Farmhouse Kitchen

Island Dimensions: 5×8

Ceiling is painted, smooth ceilings in BM Seapearl – flat.

       Kitchen Desk

Hardware: here.

Cabinets

The kitchen desk features cabinets with seeded glass.

Chair is Restoration Hardware. Similar here.

Breakfast Room

Furniture is Restoration Hardware with a custom dining table – similar here. Also, notice the stunning windows.

Windows

Bow window flanked by patio doors help define the space for this breakfast nook.

Lighting

Chandelier is Visual Comfort.

Ceiling

Main Floor Ceiling Height: 10’

Shop the Look:

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Farmhouse-inspired Great Room

The beams are alder and the mantel beam is Fir.

Shop the Look:

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Fireplace Stone

The stone on the fireplace is a natural stone veneer. It’s similar to Montana Quartz.

Family Room Windows Inspiration

The windows are an aluminum clad exterior window with wood on the interior.

Paint Color

Walls and trim paint color is Seapearl by Benjamin Moore.

Ceiling

The beams in the Great Room were out of alder and built-on-site by the builder finishers.

Decor: All Restoration Hardware.

Ceiling Height: 12’

Decor Inspiration:

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  Window-seat

The great room features a built-in window with a barrel arch, wainscoting and black windows.

Cabinet Hardware: Here.

Room Layout

Veranda Estate Homes.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is Rustic Hickory 6” & 8” finished on site.

Pantry

The pantry features fixed shelves, built-in cabinets and butcher block countertop.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

      Organized Shelves

The counter is 24″ deep and the room is aprox 7×5.5.

Built-in Microwave Oven: Panasonic– similar here.

Mixer: KitchenAid.

Countertop

Countertop is Alder butcher’s block.

Glass Containers: Anchor Hocking.

Cooking Books

Pantry features pull out baskets, ample storage, and built-in microwave with cookbook storage above.

Cabinet Hardware: Here.

Mudroom

Mud room flooring is Jura Grey honed limestone. I am loving the wallpaper above the wainscoting.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Lockers

Similar Runner: Here & Here.

Cabinet Hardware: Here.

Shop the Look:

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Bench

The lockers feature a built-in bench with cushion.

Wallpaper

Mud Room wallpaper is from Anthropologie.

Notice the built-in mirror. What a great idea!!! – Similar here.

Powder Room

Paint color is Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur in high-gloss above wainscoting.

The interior doors are painted black and they were custom-made locally.

Similar Mirror: Here.

Faucet: DXV – similar Here.

Similar Marble Washstand: Here.

Railing

Railing is alder shaker post with oil rubbed bronze spindles.

Similar Foyer Table: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here (antique), Here, Here, Here & Here.

Staircase Runner

Staircase is open stringer closed risers with Hickory tread caps and wool carpet inlay.

Foyer Pendant

The foyer pendant is from Fine Art Lamps.

Master Bedroom Paint Color

Paint color is Pratt & Lambert Ever Classic 32-24.

Table Lamps: Visual Comfort.

Carpet in master is 100% wool.

Lighting & Furniture

Chandelier is by Visual Comfort.

Master bedroom furniture is Bernhardt.

Home Office

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Similar Chair: here, here & here.

Desk

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Custom Drawers

Veranda Estate Homes.

Master Bathroom

Master Bathroom with paneled walls, inset mirrors, free standing tub, and chevron hardwood flooring.

Flooring is 8” Hickory, done in a chevron pattern.

Mirror: RH – Beautiful Mirrors: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Bathroom Vanity

Countertop is Calacatta Gold marble.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Faucet: DXV – similar Here.

Similar Hardware: here, here, here, here, here, here, here (in brass) & here.

Bathtub

The freestanding bathtub is by BainUltra. Tub is 72″ wide – similar: here & here.

Cabinet Paint Color

Bathroom vanities are painted in Benjamin Moore Oc-19 Seapearl.

Make-up Vanity

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Marble Shower

Shower features solid marble slab; Calacutta Gold.

Walk-in Closet Paint Color

Similar Paint Color: Pratt & Lambert 1012 Corinthian.

Cabinetry

Similar Glass Knobs: here & here.

Daughter’s Bedroom

Veranda Estate Homes.

Bathroom

Faucet: Kohler.

Mirror: Pottery Barn.

Similar Knobs: Here.

Glass Bubble Tile: Here.

Bedroom Window-seat

Veranda Estate Homes.

Built-in Desk

Fun Desk Chair: Here.

Jack & Jill Bathroom

Wallpaper: Anthropologie.

Jack & Jill Bathroom Cabinet

Cabinet is custom, painted in BM Seapearl.

Faucet: Kohler.

Similar Lighting: Here.

Similar Hardware: Here.

Flooring is a 2” white hex with a black pencil and white ceramic boarder.

Boy’s Bedroom

Mural in this bedroom was painted by hand and it’s a copy of a 1970’s paint by number the designer found on Ebay.

Kid’s Bedroom Desk

Veranda Estate Homes.

Laundry Room Paint Color

Laundry Room paint color is Benjamin Moore HC-116 Guilford Green.

Laundry Room flooring is Thassos marble with a Matrix green marble inlay.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Hardware: Here.

Timeless Beauty

Similar Mirror: Here.

To the Basement

Veranda Estate Homes.

Basement Flooring

Lower Level flooring is etched and acid stained concrete (heated).

See Beautiful Leather Chairs Here.

Basement Bar

Veranda Estate Homes.

Barstools

Barstools are Restoration Hardware – similar here.

Bar Layout

Lower Level Ceiling Height: 9’

Wood

Cabinetry is Alder.

Countertop

Countertop is marble.

Prep-sink

Veranda Estate Homes.

Cabinetry

Similar Hardware: Pulls & Knobs.

Wine Room

Veranda Estate Homes.

Custom Cabinets

Veranda Estate Homes.

Layout

Veranda Estate Homes.

Shelves

Veranda Estate Homes.

Basement Bathroom

Basement bathroom features Alder cabinetry and a dark marble countertop.

Timeless Beauty

Roof is asphalt in Driftwood.

Builder: Veranda Estate Homes – Follow: Instagram – Facebook

Photography: LifeSeven

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Posts of the Week:

Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.

Black Home Exterior Design Ideas.

Interior Design Ideas.

New Construction Home Ideas.

Interior Design Ideas: Modern Farmhouse Interiors.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Custom Kitchen with Turquoise Cabinets.

Florida Waterfront Beach House.

Newest Interior Design Ideas.

Interior Design Ideas: Coastal Interiors.

New-construction Farmhouse with Front Porch.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram @lindsayannejohnson

You can follow my pins here: Pinterest/HomeBunch

See more Inspiring Interior Design Ideas in my Archives.

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“Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

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[historyofbeds]

Bulugolla

The rain falls onto tin roofs and the fan ruffles the table cloths and trucks toot pass careless as they almost drop down the side of the road. The power has just come back on, a candle and a thermos now by the bed, less romantic in the light. My bed: the rest nest with a view of an avocado tree.

This morning, which feels like two days ago, the sun rose to the buddhist hum meditative of the morning, the first fall of the sun on dry leaves, when the night gone was sleepless, spent welcoming friends to the airport with brand new cousins. Only three people per family were allowed to enter the arrivals hall and they have to pay a ticket fee. White lanterns for Vesak festival purify the ceilings, Buddhi says if I am not careful they will hang me up there too by my ankles.

We held up signs that had colourful names stuck to them: pa-t, ga-ya, fam-i-l-y. it takes a while to arrange the spelling properly.

‘What is your name nangi? Can I just call you nangi?’ 

Nan-gi. Younger sister.

‘Yes aya.’ 

Ay-a. Older brother. I can’t remember his name either. He gave me Jura, lots of Jura whiskey to drink, with water, of course, and ice of course.

‘It is not strong nangi, drink, drink’, before we embarked on the bus at midnight. ‘You know this song nangi?’ ‘No, aya.’ ‘Okay we play it for you.’

I woke, forgetting what I was listening to when I fell asleep, my head wrapped in yesterdays clothes, a taste of ginger in my mouth. The ratatatat of uncle waking me up for breakfast ‘Pud-hi’ ‘Pud-hi’. I have been sleeping for less than two hours. How welcoming are large families, how welcoming are large troupes of cousins, I am sleeping in the fourth youngest cousins bed. Dimm-i-ty. She moved out because I arrived. And even though she has exams all week she insists to bring me tea.  

[autumnpawtribe]

Life is Crazy Part 3

What I write next was a catalyst for an event that changed my life.  I am not sure if it is for the worse or the better, but life changing.  Now, I want to make something clear, Xiao and I have a somewhat open relationship.   I keep myself to Ven, Xiao, and Aret.  Xiao has two lovers.  With permission, and I reserve the right to watch.  Hey, I know my kinks, ok.  Xiao’s two lovers are my brother Jura and my ‘Uncle’ Jack.  Jura and Jack are both a threat, hence the with permission, but I am really ok with it.  Xiao’s a horny little thing and I admit, It means I can keep him satiated.

Jura’s come on to my mate, the first in my heart almost caused me to kill him.

*******************************

The Pandaren workers who knew him waved as Jura headed back to the mango trees he tended.  He was around enough no one thought anything of it.  Even his brother's waved, knowing he would be staying for dinner if he was there to tend the trees.  He shifted to a raptor's form, his coloring showing his  amani heritage as much as his greenish skin and wide build.  He raced back to the mango trees, shifting back as smoothly as silk.  He'd brushed out his braids and had one single red-orange braid down his back as he walked through the small grove.  A few trees spoke to him, the family that occupying unknowing that the spirits of the trees liked them.  They were not too happy about the small shrine to Bwonsamdi, but the Shrines to Gonk, Krag'wa, Vol’jin, Torcali and the August Celestials were welcome to them.  The druid stripped his clothes, talking to the trees and thanking them for the fruit.  He did this often enough, no one thought anything of it anymore.  This time however the day was warm, the shade was nice and he fell asleep for a while underneath the shade of one of the taller specimens.

Xiao had made a habit of eating those mangos straight from the tree, loving the fresh taste of them; something Jura would assuredly know since Xiao would never pass up an opportunity to gush about them. He came out and was about to wander over to a tree when he stumbled upon a sleeping and naked Jura. The Pandaren squeaked quietly in surprise at the unexpected sight and tried to quietly tip-toe his way over to a tree to get a snack, hoping his initial squeak wouldn't wake him.

Jura opened an eye and sat up, stretching to the sky.  Xiao would get a full view of Amani ancestry at its finest.  Built square and wide, Jura had wide hips and shoulders, strong but not too long legs.  He was trimmed in places, not as heavily built as Janaret, but he was not the long, lean and lanky of his younger brother.  His hair, from the neck down at least, was trimmed and close, but enough there to show against his green skin.  He was surprisingly unmarred by Tattoo, piercing or scar.

"Not very Quiet fer a monk, Mango Mon."  Jura smiled, wandering over and not bothered by being naked in front of one who he called Brother-in-law.

Xiao offered a sheepish blush as Jura walked right up to him without a stitch of clothing. He'd gotten a bit more comfortable with casual nudity thanks to Vol and Aret, but Jura wasn't someone he'd experienced it from yet and his eyes couldn't help but to wander ever so briefly. However, he tried to remain chaste and pulled his gaze back up to Jura's eyes. "I did not expect anyone to be out here, so I was a bit startled. All of the training in the world can't keep me from squeaking, it seems. Well, when I am not in business mode at least. It never stuck passively for some reason, at least not when I am home and feeling safe." He cleared his throat and looked away and up at a mango still on the tree. "I was just coming for a snack, I did not mean to disturb you."

"Ja not disturb me.  Ah come ta tend ja trees.  An speak ta ja.  Witout mah youngest bruddah en da mix, hmm?"

He reached up, grabbing some of the more succulent fruits from a higher branch and handing them to Xiao with a smile.  "Ah got a proposition fer ja.  Ah ask ja hear me out.  Ja accept, an et be ok wit ja mates, ah be glad fer et.  Ef ja not, well, dat be dat."  He was being very intentionally vague at the same time as he was being upfront.

Xiao furrowed his brows a bit, seeming curious and intrigued. When Jura reached up, oh Celestials it had to show off his physique, the poor Pandaren blushing more noticeably as he forced himself to focus on the fruit and just the fruit as he took it from Jura's hand. He cleared his throat and nodded, looking up at the Troll's face again now, avoiding his body as best he could. "Of course, you know you can talk to me. Is everything alright?"

"Dat depend on who ja ask."  He took a seat, his back to the trunk of a younger tree as he used his claws to slice open a mango and peel it.  "If ya ask Someone what not be troll, den what ah ask be scandalous.  Ja ask a troll,  'Cept mebe Sand troll, et just a tink.  en ouah culture et not seen as a bad ting."  he did not stop, taking a bite of the mango, just the other side of ripe and therefore sweet and a little soft.  "Ah curious about ya."

Xiao seemed terribly naive about this, he always was when it came to the idea of anyone being interested in him. He began to quietly nibble at the mango and moved to sit down nearby Jura, leaning on the next tree as he ate his fruit. "Scandalous to be curious about what?" He asked curiously, still not following.

Jura picked at the fruit, a tiny bee lighting on his finger as he shared a little of the mango with it.    It seemed to like the juice.  "Ja slept wit Venya.  Vol took 'is own bruddah as mate..."  Jura's bright pumpkin orange eyes looked jade green dead on.  "Et not unknown as a troll.  Ah be hearin' Ja da one dat Venya come ta first, cuz even ef Vol da head da house, ja got just as much, ef not more powah ovah em.  Ja ask fer anytin' an Vol give ja da sun an moon wit et.    An ef ja took Venya ta bed, ja know 'is secrets..."

Xiao practically turned crimson as Venyabi was mentioned, not knowing that Jura knew about it. He bit his bottom lip, looking down at his mango and biting it to occupy his mouth. Can't talk with food in your mouth, right? Panda's gotta have an excuse for his silence, after all. He cleared his throat after a few moments and sheepishly looked over to Jura. "So... what is it you... want to know?" He asked, still not entirely catching on.

jura chuckled, feeding his little buzzing friend, a few other pollinating insects coming to feast as well.  "How you captured the hearts of three trolls to take them all to mate.  And I am not going to lie.  At the end of it, If my brothers and Janaret don't kill me, I want to see how we get along."  He'd switched to Zandali, putting a hand up.  "I have a mate.  She is carrying my second son.  I know Venya told you about Matte.  I also know you are not one to think you are worthy of being loved, a sexual being, and may not want to have a lover, but Either way, Vol will know we talked."

Xiao shook his head slightly. "Honestly, I have no idea. I am the lucky one that they love me and want me. I... still do not quite understand it, even now." He said quietly as he finally looked over at Jura. "You... are saying that..." He paused, shaking his head. "I cannot bring myself to be presumptuous because I feel incredibly foolish saying it because I feel like I can't be right..." He bit his lower lip harder, staring down at the mango now. "Can you... be more plain-spoken?"

"What do you not understand, Xiao Chun.  Love does not always make sense.    And I will break if down.  I have been told I beat around the bush.  I want to sleep with you.  I find you sexually attractive.  You have slept with two of my three brothers, that includes the one who gave me a son.  Venya did not want me to take him as mate.  He wanted Vol for a long time.  I could not be with Vol because he and I would kill each other.  I and all the other trolls, at least the male ones, on this little plot of land  want to bed you.  I am not saying I am in love with you.  I like you, care for you a great deal.  What I want is to have you as a lover, when you and I both feel the urge."

Xiao turned crimson again, offering a very sheepish smile as he looked the Amani over. "You... really?" He asked finally, biting into his mango as his eyes couldn't help but to look Jura over again, knowing what he knew now. He'd always thought the man was gorgeous, but he also thought he was straight. Needless to say, his eyes had always kept their distance out of respect. Now? Oh how they were wandering.

"Yes I Really."  Jura laughed, a voice near as deep as Vol's.  "Trolls are not monogamous.  Most aren't.  And many are pansexual.  Sex is between friends, Loving, making love, going farther.  That all creates lovers.  And I KNOW you want to look.  Your eyes keep flitting."

Xiao squirmed where he sat, the Amani possibly being able to see a small bulge starting to form in Xiao's pants as he looked the man over. "You are just so..." He trailed off, a noise of want and quiet desire escaping him instead. "Most people just see my people as... fuzzballs. It takes a lot to... get used to being wanted. Especially by someone so... just... so..." He trailed off, his eyes glued on him as his legs spread, staring at the manhood that was practically calling to him.

"I have slept with a worgen before.  I am a druid, not raptari, but I serve Gonk.  thankfully he gives a few gifts.  Fur does not bother me, nor scales.”

"Vol will kill me if I touch without permission...  but.."  Jura whispered in a furred ear.  "You want to be on all fours...  I can smell just as well as my brother.  I think I know something he doesn't."  Jura smiled, pulling away.  "He gets very possessive in bed doesn't he..  I know why."

Xiao shivered when Jura whispered in his ear, a breathless little moan actually escaping him and making his cheeks flush red again as he squirmed. "Wh-... mmh... Why?" He asked quietly, barely able to get out words, his breathing already slightly shaky with want.

"Because, while not feminine, he smells what I do.  A mate in heat."  Jura grinned, putting an arm around Xiao.  "Vol trains raptors, animals.  He has a very animalistic mindset.  You, Venya, Aret, Tarja, Everyone in this little family, his little herd, flock what have you.  He is the dominant male.  I would swear if he had chosen to actually put his mind to it, he would have made a great druid.  In my brother's head, you are his primary mate, and he is driven to breed that mate.  That's probably why he was so damn excited that Kit made him those potions.  And I bet he doesn't even know why he's so driven to be with you.  Mentally, I know he loves you.  Biologically.  he wants to breed you and he's addicted to it."  Jura whistled.  "Gods and Loa, I need to be off this continent when you take those potions.  He'll kill me to keep me off of you.  He knows I'll try for it."  

Xiao looked up at Jura as he slipped an arm around him, biting his lower lip as he leaned into the muscled Amani and practically moaned again just at the feeling. He was still breathing a bit hard, the desire and tension just rolling off of him. "I... have a smell?" He asked quietly. "Vol has mentioned being able to smell it before, I... just assumed he meant because I... well, I leak so much." He said quietly, blushing as he squirmed against the large Druid.

"A very good smell.  You wear something with Sage...  and Lavender I think.  There is a ...  I have never been good at describing it.  It's like the scent of arousal.  I am sure he scents you quite often.  You are a drug he won't put down.  Not that it's a bad thing mind."  He took a sniff, knowing the pandaren was as hard as he was.  "You smell to him like sex, and want and life.  He serves a death Loa, but life comes with that.  He met you.. and you two were in bed soon after and I want to bet he bit you to hold you still?"

Xiao blushed deeper, nodding. "Lavender and white sage is my signature scent. He always talks about... a different scent, when he can tell I am... in need. I always thought it was just my leaking." He said as he looked up at Jura with surprise. "We did, actually. I was... practically celibate when he met me, we were in bed the first night. I was astonished, I was never someone to fall into bed so quickly, but there was just something about him... and yes, he bit my shoulder, my neck... held me still." He shivered at the thought. "It was..." He shook his head, squirming again.  "Breathtaking."

"And I would bet he claimed you as mate that night."  Jura grinned, turning Xiao's face to him.  He spoke softly, shaking his head a little as he looked into Xiao's eyes.  "My brother has been trying to breed and mate your since the minute he met you.  You broke him of that human's influence.  He has not clue and yet he will care for you for the rest of your days.  Long time since I have seen a true mating between males.  Rare.  happened with Zaita and I, but she is female and has a true heat.  I'm going to suggest you only take Aret with you after your wedding night.  Vol's going to murder any male around you that he doesn't recognize as his."  The druid pointed out to where Honor and Valor were running around with the flock.   "think of Vol and Aret as Honor and Valor out there.  Honor and Valor have an understanding.    Honor is at the top of the order in that pen.  There is a female in there, Disa I believe.  Honor favors her.  He lets Valor mate with her.  he killed another male that tried to mount her."  Jura looked at Xiao, a little smile on his face.  "Way too much about the inner workings of your mate's brain?"

Xiao listened closely, blushing a little at the words. Finally he shook his head. "Not too much, no..." He murmured, taking a slow breath. "Though I am wondering how certain exceptions fit in now, since I know of at least one. Maybe he is the only exception though." He said with a small shrug before letting out a breathy sigh. "I... am finding myself incredibly struggling right now, Jura..." He whispered, staring up at the large Amani he was leaning against.

Jura did something Vol did to Xiao, putting him in his lap.  Crossing his legs, he held the pandaren close.  "Exceptions and struggles.  What bothers you."

Xiao squeaked as he was picked up, blushing as he felt the Druid's manhood against him through his pants. He couldn't help himself from pressing down against him, squirming and letting out a quiet noise of want. "Exception... ah... there is just someone who he definitely does not claim as his, but... he seems to be exempt from the murder rule." He shook his head. "The... ah..." He whimpered. "What bothers me is this..." He reached for Jura's hand and brought it down to feel the bulge in his pants.

"You want to feel it.. you want to know what it feels like...."

Jura stopped, held his head still, cursed and whispered.  "I am going to ask you to save my life...."

There was a soft click and a large blue hand with a black glass dagger, pressed against the place on the back of Jura's neck that would end him instantly..  Vol'raka was fuming, purple with rage, armed, and very very dangerous.  The feral growl that came from him was not that of any sort of civilized troll.  It didn't even sound like Vol.  It sounded like an animal, a very protective and dangerous one.  Vol simply was not "there", Jura recognizing it enough that he lifted his hands up slowly and slowly put them down to his sides.

"Xiao Chun...  please go stand under that Far tree..."  He gestured to a very old tree a bit away.  "He smells you..  you are mate and I am enemy.  Treat this like a wild animal..."  Jura was calm about it, calculating and holding very still, except for the hiss from Vol digging his dagger slowly between the bones.  Xiao would see he also had his spear and long hunting knife.

Xiao paled when Vol appeared, a look of fear and panic in his eyes. His manhood instantly went soft as an anchor practically weighed down his heart. Aret would be able to feel this without a doubt through the link, whether Vol would feel or it was in a state to care was another thing entirely. Regardless, the feeling was one of utter sorrow, shame, pain. It was like a rock had replaced his heart and he felt unworthy. His eyes actually glistened a bit as if he held back tears. He took a shaky breath and stood, but he didn't walk away to the tree. Instead, he reached up, cupped Vol'raka's face, and tried to gently press their lips together. It was a kiss of love, desperation, fear, shame... everything he felt in the link multiplied. He loved Vol'raka more than anything and he hoped his touch would bring him back. "Vol'raka... please..." He whimpered, a tear finally falling down his cheek as he stared up at the rabid hunter.

Anger still radiated through the hunter, but he deferred to the pandaren, calming only enough to get between Xiao and Jura.  The threat was still there, Vol gently moving Xiao away from Jura by increments.

"Move slowly Xiao..."  Jura had not moved, holding absolutely still.  "He won't lash out at you."

Rustling came from behind them, Aret and Venya running down the lane between trees and tackling the big and now feral hunter.  Naddja came up behind screaming in same language that obviously Jura knew.    Chaos happened as Druids screamed at each other,  Aret had to sit on Vol'raka's shoulders and everything quieted far too suddenly.  Even Vol was silent as death, Aret commenting that he hadn’t wanted to knock him out.

"Aret, grab his shoulders.  Xiao, can you grab his other leg?  Jura.  get your clothes.  Everyone into  the bedroom Now. "  It was Venya who barked orders, looking down at his brother-mate.  "No one needs to watch this.  Family business.  You too, Naddja."

Xiao was hoping he'd have a handle on the situation and then suddenly everything went to shit as people came out of the woodworks and it turned into utter chaos. Xiao just squeaked and watched, tears falling down his cheeks silently, unable to move even as Venya asked him to help. This was all his fault, the guilt and sorrow pouring through the link like a tsunami. He wanted to run, to disappear, but he didn't have the nerve to make himself move one way or another.

"Xiao.  He's not gonna stay like this forever.  Left foot."  Venya pointed to the appendage, Jura even obeying his eldest brother.   Xiao would see Aret and Venya on his left side, Jura grabbing his right arm and the two bigger males grabbing his shoulders.  They waited a bit for Xiao, Naddja walking up to him.  "Cmon.  we don't need him going psycho out here." 

Xiao practically unraveled before their eyes. Despite how together he was at times, Aret and Venya specifically having seen his enlightened meditation, things of the heart could unravel him in an instant. He let out a sob and shook his head. "I-... I-I can't.... th-... this is my fault... I... I have to go... I... I have to..." He whimpered and before anyone could say anything else, a Chi cloud appeared beneath him and he flew away as his body visibly shook.

It was not Vol who was the predator right then.  It was Naddja who shifted, turning into a rather small ankylodon.  She huffed at him, using her head to push and herd the pandaren to the house.  "Xiao.   I am not scared of much, sweets, but when Naddja turns into a spiked rock and she has been baby sick all morning...  you need to go where Naddja tells you."  Venya would laugh, but maybe later.

Xiao was about to fly off when a sudden fucking DINOSAUR appeared and started butting him. He was so baffled and caught off guard that the only thing he could do was just follow, though still crying, but silently now. He didn't carry anyone, but at least he didn't leave.

Naddja on pandaren corralling duty, Venya picked up the other leg and threw both on his shoulder.  He'd laid with the big hunter that morning, what was one more time with your face in your brother-mate's short and curlys?  The three trudged into the house, Venya telling Pahre that Vol was having a bad day and to keep Tarja and Kin inside until one of them came to get them.

It took a while, but they got him into the bedroom, laid out on the bed, Aret tasked with stripping the big hunter down as Venya sat and pulled Xiao in his lap.  "Ok..  What did Jura tell you."

Xiao was still shaking lightly in Venya's lap, unable to look up from where he sat. "What do you mean what did he tell me?" He asked, the weight in his heart still making his very soul ache, poor Aret (and Vol, though he may be still too out of it to feel it) being overwhelmed with the waves of pained emotions.

"Jura is very knowledgeable, but he has a tendency to speak too much.  and ramble.  Why did he run to get his weapons, Jura.."  Venya was cradling Xiao in his lap, Naddja flicking her finger against Jura's ear.

"Speak up."  Naddja was back in her troll form, round with baby and with arms crossed.  "Spit it out!"

"OW fuck!  I told him Vol's been trying to breed him, I showed him pack form and we got excited."

Aret groaned, Venya and Naddja vocalizing a collective "Fuck me..."  It was Naddja who came her brother-in-law a look.

"You know they have a true mate bond, even as rare as it is and how your brother’s mind works and smells EVERYTHING.   You didn't think before you basically advertised to him that ‘Hey!  I'm a male who is not yours..   Your primary mate is here.  Smells like Sex..  Come running!’  Jura, you are an idiot."

"I thought he was training raptors today!"

"I was training.  I went to find Xiao."  Vol didn't sit up, but he looked at his mate and smiled.  "I love you."  His face was gentle, soft and welcoming.  Aret helped him sit up, Venya putting Xiao in Vol's lap as he curled around him protectively.  "Aret, Venya, Naddja.  Can I ask you to go to Binan and bring home an order of noodles?"

Venya nodded, grabbing Naddja and Aret.  "Cmon, It'll take a while.  Let's go order dinner for a while."

When they were gone, Vol didn't look at Jura, but kissed Xiao's tears.  "I heard...  you want to try him.  You want to know."

Xiao was practically catatonic until he was placed into Vol's lap, looking up at the hunter with tear-stained fur. He was still shaking in his love's lap, still silently sobbing as pain and sorrow weighed in his soul like a boulder. He barely was able to whimper out words. "I... a-am so... s-s... sorry... Please... Vol'raka, I... I didn't... mean to hurt you... anger you..." To say he felt unworthy was an understatement, and even with Vol's look of love, his words, the kisses... the Pandaren was still an utter wreck.

"You didn't anger me, little love.  I promise on the heart of our children.  I am not angry.  I .. Don't know what I was…  why I reacted like that.."

Jura sat on the edge of the bed, sideways with one leg hanging off the edge.  "Druid training would have taken care of that."    Vol shot him a look.  "Sorry.. Sorry.  It was not my intention to cause harm."

"No, but you knew better and should have come to me first, idiot."  Vol's fingers caressed Xiao's face, kissing him as he held his love, his mate close to his bare chest.  "I heard part of what he said...  Maybe its true."  He smiled looking down and angling Xiao's tear filled face to look him in the eye.  "Maybe I have tried to give you a baby since we met.  Maybe that's why I felt like I cheated on you with Tarja's conception, even if it was before we were together.  Before we met.  Maybe when I do smell you, know you want and need and desire to be loved, I think of you as my mate, in heat, ready for me.  I don't know.  I know that I love you, that I am not angry.  I acted out of protection.  It hurts me more to think I could have hurt you."  Vol's head dropped to rest against Xiao's. ��“I am ok with you wanting, wanting to explore"  Vol pulled away, giving a dep, longing and loving kiss to his love.  "I have other mates but you are first in my Heart, my Xiao Chun."

Xiao's shaking slowly started to lessen when he heard Vol wasn't angry, looking up at him with such pain still in his gaze. It was only when Vol kissed him so deeply that he melted into his touch and that sorrow started to lift away, if only slightly. "I love you too, Vol'raka... more than you could ever know. It..." He whimpered and buried his face against Vol's bare chest. "The thought that I hurt you... I have never felt such shame, such pain. Not from my father, not from anything... except my mother's death." He murmured quietly, hugging Vol weakly. "I never would have wanted to do anything without telling you... without talking to you. We were just talking and... things progressed and..." He shook his head. "Nothing really happened, but I should have talked to you first." He didn't seem to process that it was also at least partially what Jura said that upset Vol as well.

"neither of you did anything wrong.  I just.. reacted.  You..  my sweet beautiful perfect Xiao.  You are my world.  I have to remember, and you have to remember that I will kill for you.  Jura is right when he says we need to only take Aret and I .  Venya is our mate, but he will want to have babies with Naddja before you and Aret have a go.  He's going to stay and take care of the farm."    He held Xiao close, rocking him softly.  "You can't lie to me.  You want to feel it..  the knot, the tie... "

Xiao blushed now again, biting his bottom lip. "I always thought your brothers were gorgeous... it must run in the family. I just always thought they were both straight. First Venya, now... Jura tells me he wants me too. Not as a mate like Aret or Venya, just... to share intimacy and closeness... friends who are lovers. You know no one will ever be able to replace you. No one can hold a candle..." He murmured, tentatively placing a kiss in the middle of Vol's chest before nuzzling his cheek against it.

"Venya is far from straight, he's kinkier than Aret's short and curlies, more than he lets on.  Jura..  you are what poly all the things?"

"I have Zaita to have children for me, other than that fair game.  So long as they are of age, willing and not food.  Gnomes and Goblins are out."

Vol nodded, giving kisses to his love, giving a tiny bite as he moved down the pandaren's neck.   "I have no doubt Jura isn't stupid enough to try and steal you.  You both are curious about each other.  You won't replace me, I know better.  We have our four now.  If it is a one time, or a lover...  I'm ok with it on a condition, Xiao Chun."

Xiao squirmed and gave a little noise as his neck was bitten. He squirmed and bit his bottom lip, looking at Vol and whispering quietly. "What condition...?"

"If you are together, you TELL ME first.  So I don't run in like an insane murderous bastard."  He looked Dead at Jura then.  "And for you..  you come within miles of him while I'm trying to impregnate him, not even Zaita is going to have your children because I will be eating Mountain oysters....  Troll style..  None from the time that first potion is taken until you are wholly male again.  So.. two conditions."  He pulled Xiao to look at him.  "Loa I love you, but soon I will not let any other male except Aret come close to you.   Your children will be mine.

******************************************

And yes, it is still planned for Ven to stay home with the children while Aret, Xiao, and I are on the babymoon.  Don’t worry, he’s getting to come on the honeymoon.