#Myriam Travels

[myriamas]

who: @morsmartelll​ where: the prince’s private chambers in sunspear, the night before the court are set to depart for highgarden. 

the large doors leading into the watergardens were wide open, open enough for myriam allyrion to hear the sound of the peacocks in the gardens as well as the sound of the fountains floating through the night. someone was singing somewhere in one of the courtyards, with a voice that sounded like heartbreak and symphony all wrapped into one, over the sounds of the singing peacocks. she remained sat upon a velvet recliner within the chambers of her husband, watching him with his parchment and the charcoal he used to sketch such ideas for what he wanted to leave behind in dorne. 

pieces of architecture so complex in their patterns of symmetry and mosaic it would no doubt take years to complete such works, and yet she knew it were something he wished to pursue. 

would they ever see them? there were certain things that the reigning prince of dorne did not wish to waste funds or attention on, and as much as her husband tried his hardest to find a balance between his own vision for dorne and that which his father wanted, she knew it were an impossible task when the two were so different. for how many years had he put aside his wants and his thoughts, for the sake of duty? for how many years had she put aside her own wants and thoughts, for the sake of duty? perhaps the levels of freedom and happiness he had always ensured to grant her were only a reflection of the little he felt like he had. 

she remained sat upon the recliner, watching the light of the moon bounce against the dark tresses of his hair that fell slightly over his eyes. and it felt as though she were watching the sunrise and the sunset all at once. wordlessly, she rose to her feet, making her way onto the balcony to join him in the night air; there was no need to speak, for he would have heard the jingle of her anklets. her bangles. slipping into the space seamlessly beside him, as there had always been a space for her beside him all these years...all fifteen of them. 

“and what is this one supposed to be?” she asked, referring to the sketch upon the parchment.

her hand rested upon the mosaic tile that protected them from the drop below, leaning upon it as she peered over at his sketch. only, her wide almond kohl lined orbs only looked up at him. something on the very tip of her tongue, something that she wished to ask. something else that she wished to say. why it felt as though something had come to an end. that when she looked upon him, she loved him. she loved him so. she loved him fiercely. she was not in love with him. 

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in May 2024 🌈

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ Farzana's Spite - Felix Graves 🧡 Archangels of Funk - Andrea Hairston 💛 How It Works Out - Myriam Lacroix 💚 Queer History A to Z - Robin Stevenson, Vivian Rosas 💙 Queerceañera - Alex Crespo 💜 Second Night Stand - Karelia Stetz-Waters, Fay Stetz-Waters ❤️ You Can Call Me Cooper - Cali Kitsu 🧡 Gooseberry - Robin Gow 💛 Grand Slam Romance - Ollie Hicks, Emma Oosterhous 💙The Witches of Silverlake - Simon Curtis, Stephanie Son 💜 Drawn to the Enemy - Barbara Winkes 🌈 The Truth of Our Past - Heather Leighson

❤️ Infaust - T.D. Cloud, Ambi Sun 🧡 Garner for Gold - Catherine Labadie 💛 The Z Word - Lindsay King-Miller 💚 Snake Charming - Genevieve McCluer 💙 The 7-10 Split - Karmen Lee 💜 Loving Jemima - Sienna Waters ❤️ The Potion Gardener - Arden Powell 🧡 A Swift and Sudden Exit - Nico Vincenty 💛 The Worst Ronin - Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Faith Schaffer 💙 Murray Out of Water -Taylor Tracy 💜 The Guncle Abroad - Steven Rowley 🌈 The Weight of What Was - Pip Landers-Letts

❤️ The Amazing Alpha Tau Pledge Project - Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey 🧡 I Met Death & Sex Through My Friend, Tom Meuley - Thom Vernon 💛 Malicia - Steven dos Santos 💚 The Sins on Their Bones - Laura R. Samotin 💙 SLUTS: Anthology - Michelle Tea 💜 You Should Be So Lucky - Cat Sebastian ❤️ Death's Country - R.M. Romero 🧡 Cinema Love - Jiaming Tang 💛 The Brides of High Hill - Nghi Vo 💙 Emma - Jenna Kent 💜 Wish We Were There - Lionel Hart 🌈 A Troublemaker in Her Eyes - Genta Sebastian

❤️ I Make Envy on Your Disco - Eric Schnall 🧡 Lavash at First Sight - Taleen Voskuni 💛 Queer Power Couples - Hannah Murphy Winter, Billie Winter 💚 In Repair - A.L. Graziadei 💙 A Heart Divided - Angie Williams 💜 Long After We Are Gone - Terah Shelton Harris ❤️ The Queen of Steeplechase Park - David Ciminello 🧡 Lunar Boy - Jes Wibowo, Cin Wibowo 💛 Hot Boy Summer - Joe Jiménez 💙 Sunhead - Alex Assan 💜 The Summer Love Strategy - Ray Stoeve 🌈 Into the Mouth of the Wolf - Erin Gough

❤️ The Girl in Question - Tess Sharpe 🧡 The Lost Erwain - Mariah Stillbrook 💛 Starfire - Naomi Hughes 💚 Adrift - Sam Ledel 💙 Shanghai Murder - Jessie Chandler 💜 April May June July - Alison B. Hart ❤️ A Bone in His Teeth - Kellen Graves 🧡 Cabin Fever - Tagan Shepard 💛 Don't Be a Drag - Skye Quinlan 💙 The Ride of Her Life - Jennifer Dugan 💜 The Redemption of Daya Keane - Gia Gordon 🌈 Nearlywed - Nicolas DiDomizio

❤️ The Sunforge - Sascha Stronach 🧡 The End of Time - Trudie Skies 💛 Silent Ones - Melissa Polk 💚 Prime Time Travelers - Neil Laird 💙 My Darling Dreadful Thing - Johanna van Veen 💜 The Honey Witch - Sydney J. Shields ❤️ Spitting Gold - Carmella Lowkis 🧡 Last Chance - Claire Highton-Stevenson 💛 Road Home - Rex Ogle 💙 Only for Convenience - Shannon O'Connor 💜 Linus and Etta Could Use a Win - Caroline Huntoon 🌈 Finding Molly Parsons - Alyson Root

❤️ Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding - Maia Kobabe, Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier 🧡 See You Next Month - Jamey Moody 💛 Until You Say My Name - Tatum Schroeder 💚 Disembark - Jen Currin 💙 True Love and Other Impossible Odds - Christina Li 💜 Flyboy - Kasey LeBlanc ❤️ Thirsty - Jas Hammonds 🧡 Hands Off - N. Slater 💛 Flooded Secrets - Claudie Arseneault 💙 The Deer and the Dragon - Piper C.J. 💜 To Be Loved - Frank G. Anderson 🌈 Snowblooded - Emma Sterner-Radley

❤️ Blood Remains - Cathy Pegau 🧡 Blood on the Tide - Katee Robert 💛 We Were the Universe - Kimberly King Parsons 💚 Loyalty - E.J. Noyes 💙 Spirits and Sirens - Kelly Fireside 💜 Clean Kill - Anne Laughlin ❤️ The Worst Perfect Moment - Shivaun Plozza 🧡 Oye - Melissa Mogollon 💛 Here for the Wrong Reasons - Annabel Paulsen, Lydia Wang 💙 Exhibit - R.O. Kwon 💜 Experienced - Kate Young 🌈 Parenting with Pride - Heather Hester

❤️ Road to Ruin - Hana Lee 🧡 Meet Me in Berlin - Samantha L. Valentine 💛 The Advice Columnist - Cade Haddock Strong 💚 where lost & hopeless things go - Bryony Rosehurst 💙 Pit Stop - Ellis Mae 💜 The Switchboard - Christina K. Glover ❤️ In the Shallows - Tanya Byrne 🧡 Have You Seen This Girl - Nita Tyndall 💛 Another First Chance - Robbie Couch 💙 The Only Light Left Burning - Erik J. Brown 💜 Keepers of the Stones and Stars - Michael Barakiva 🌈 A Little Kissing Between Friends - Chencia C. Higgins

[acircusfullofdemons]

DAYDREAMTOBER 2024 [01 / HOME]

╭──→ 💭 ──  DAYDREAMTOBER 2024

│ 🌫️ PROMPT ❞ 01 / home

│ 🌫️ PARAS ❞ n/a

│ 🌫️ PARACOSM ❞ eternal labyrinth

│ 🌫️ WORD COUNT ❞ 733

╰──────────── 🤍

There is one consistent location in my paracosms that shows up time and time again. That being, RoseWood Manor. I have made a post talking about it, though it’s a bit old and slightly outdated, so consider this a re-introduction of sorts. 

OVERVIEW

RoseWood Manor was built in the late 1600s for a wealthy vampire by the name of Richard Irvine. To assist in managing the house, Richard employed Emory Warwick and Myriam Travers. This proved to be a horrible mix, as the two quickly caught on that something wasn’t right with the house or their boss. Unfortunately, they ended up turning their suspicion on each other, leading Emory to become a cat and Myriam to become a poltergeist. 

With those two out of commission, Richard continued to employ anyone who was willing to work for him over the years. Most were merely servants, tending to the various guests the manor had and making sure it didn’t fall into disrepair. 

Due to the nature of his job — nobody truly knows what he does — Richard has to travel frequently, causing him to leave the manor in the care of a handful of trusted employees. The current caretaker of the manor is Daniel Hayward, with assistance from Emory Warwick. 

The manor’s location is…questionable. To sum up, it varies. Not like it actually teleports — I don’t think so, anyway — it just…exists in a lot of places at once. Notable locations include: 

Earth IV [Florida, USA]

Arcadia [Dustlosa, Nidre, Verona]

Earth I [Tulgey Wood, Heart Kingdom]

LAYOUT

On the surface, RoseWood’s layout is nothing special. It is your typical old mansion, complete with a basement, three floors, and an attic. Also on the property is a greenhouse, pool (with an accompanying pool house), stables, and an infirmary. Of course, renovations have been made, and this was built for a vampire, after all.

Note that some rooms have been assigned different purposes over time.

Basement: Divided into two layers. Layer 1, the lower part, is hidden from most residents. It is full of old torture equipment. Layer 2, the upper part, is the layer that is accessible to all residents. It’s a normal basement, and where the laundry room is located. 

Floor 1 [Necessities]: Includes the lobby, dining room, kitchen, living room, training room, and a half-indoor pool that leads outside. 

Floor 2 [Rooms]: Where most bedrooms are located. All rooms have a built-in bathroom. Other than that, there isn’t really anything special here.

Floor 3 [Entertainment]: Full of paranormal activity, which is unfortunate as this is where most of the entertainment is. Includes a music room, office, med bay, library, art gallery, and an investigation room. 

Attic: An oddly normal attic. I mean, there’s probably weird ass shit up there, but the space itself isn’t anything special. 

TERRORS

As if RoseWood wasn’t a nightmare enough, there are also “Terrors”: supernatural occurrences that cannot otherwise be explained. They also can’t be avoided or prevented. 

Shifts: Every night the layout of the house changes. It’s usually small differences, often feeling like you just went down the wrong hallway. Sometimes, though, rooms will change floors completely, leaving guests lost and confused. It is recommended you do not leave your room past 11:00 PM. 

Mirrors: If you look into a mirror for a long period of time (the exact time seems to vary/is unknown), then there’s a large chance of getting possessed or accidentally creating a Doppelganger. Said Doppelganger will then try to kill you and take your place. 

Rain: Sometimes it will rain blood. Thankfully, this only happens during a blood moon, so it’s not as bad as the others. 

Woods: The surrounding woods are full of various dangerous fauna and flora. They can mostly be avoided by staying on set paths and knowing where you’re going. Still, it's best not to wander too far.

RESIDENTS

Due to its nature, RoseWood has many rotating residents that largely depend on the time and location. However, there are a few that are tied to the place, whether they like it or not. 

Emory Warwick: Mysterious stray cat that somehow knows everything. 

Delilah Warwick: Emory’s sister. Haunts RoseWood as a ghost. 

Myriam Travers: Poltergeist that haunts RoseWood’s mirrors. 

Claude, Cyril, Céleste Aydelotte: Siblings that worked for Richard in the 1790s. The twins (Cyril & Céleste) died, then later drove their brother to insanity. All three haunt RoseWood as spirits, Claude as a ghost & the twins as poltergeists. 

Willow Murphy & Connor Wolfe: Ghost girl & cannibalistic werewolf that live in the surrounding woods. 

At least two ghosts in the music room.

At least one ghost in the interrogation room.

Just a lot of spirits in general.

[thou-babbling-brook]

Cold Feet

AO3

Rating: G

Word Count: 2216

Tags: Davenport Homestead, Assassin's Creed III, American Revolution, Canon Compliant, Happy Ending, Light Angst, Mild Hurt/Comfort, "The Wedding" Mission

Summary: Connor convinces Myriam to start her new life with Norris. Set during "The Wedding" Homestead mission between the chase sequence and the wedding scene. Hope you guys enjoy!

Connor would be the first to admit that he knew little to nothing about colonial wedding customs. Aside from a few comprehensive history and culture lessons from his teen years when he first traveled to Achilles, Connor knew nothing about the complexities of colonial weddings. Father Timothy had been kind enough to explain a few key details, such as “giving” Myriam away at the altar (which Connor was more than happy to do for his old friend), but details slipped Connor’s mind from time to time over the next several days of intense planning and preparation.

But there was one thing that Connor was sure they did not include: chasing the bride in question through the snow-covered trees minutes before her wedding.

The day began with as much chaos as one would expect. Before the roosters began to crow, nearly every member of the Homestead bustled about preparing for the joyous celebration. Oliver and Corrine worked hard preparing their finest wines for the occasion while preparing the livestock meat and crops gathered by Warren and Prudence – and of course, little baby Hunter, who cooed excitedly against his mother’s back. Once finished organizing the food, Prudence and Corrine joined the ladies in adorning Myriam in fine, comfortable fabrics suitable for the huntress. Ellen poked needles into the sides to ensure the stitching was up to par, while Diana and Catherine squawked at Connor and Norris for accidentally stepping near the bride’s suite (which Connor did not dare remind the ladies was his home). 

In the meantime, Big Dave and Lance worked tirelessly to adorn both the inn and the church with banners and decor fit for the Homestead’s very first wedding. Big Dave lifted the chubby woodworker up to pin the wooden posts on the side of the inn, waving to Terry and Godfrey as the lumberers warned Norris of the horrors of marriage to come.

“You’ll ne’er be right ‘bout anythin’ again, ya hear me, boy?” Godfrey teased as he slapped his palm against Norris’s back.

“Aye, and forget about havin’ the covers to yerself! You’ll be shiverin’ like a leaf!” Terry explained. Norris merely laughed and shook his head.

In the church, Dr. White and Achilles aided Father Timothy in preparing his short sermon, arranging the pews, and finishing the final touches hours before the wedding. Even the Assassin recruits were more than happy to help with the preparations. Stephane set to work in the kitchen alongside Oliver to cater the large meal ahead. Duncan, ever the Catholic, assisted Father Timothy in rehearsing his sermon. Jacob offered his wisdom for marriage while he straightened Norris’s hair, while Dobby stood guard outside Myriam’s dressing room in case of wandering eyes from stray men. Clipper and Jamie helped Mr. Faulkner and the crew of the Aquila find their drunken ways to the church, all while Connor wandered about and assisted where he could.

So, given the day’s chaotic events, it was not surprising to Connor as he announced happily to the pacing Norris that all was in order that Myriam was “missing.” After all, the ladies had only just left her room. How much trouble could the huntress find herself in?

Apparently, thought Connor as he raced through the trees and leapt through the branches, quite a lot. 

“Leave me be!” Myriam shouted as she jumped to the next branch, a stray branch slowing her down as it caught on her white dress. It was not enough to stop her, but it was enough for Connor to come within speaking distance.

“Why do you run?!” Connor replied, his voice echoing through the forest with concern lacing his tone. He swung to the next branch, careful not to slip and even more careful to ensure Myriam did not.

“Leave me be!” Myriam exclaimed. She crossed over to the next tree in an attempt to throw Connor off her trail. “I’m no housewife!”

Connor’s brow furrowed. While he could not necessarily speak for the entire Homestead, “housewife” would be one of the last descriptors attributed to Myriam. She was a huntress, and a respectable one at that. Through his confusion, Connor quickly ducked through another tree and sprinted across the large, sturdy branch. “No one thinks you are one!”

Myriam slid down a fallen tree, stumbling into the snow before whirling around to face Connor. “That’s what all of this means!”

A silence passed between the two as flurries of snow cascaded around them. Myriam sighed, grabbing her crown of flowers and tossing it to the ground. She sunk to the snowy ground and hid her face in her knees.

Quietly, Connor knelt beside Myriam. Lifting the flower crown into his hands, he joined her in the blanket of snow. He said nothing, only silently thumbing the daffodils adorning her crown. The two sat for a moment while gazing over the rushing river, watching as it cascaded over weathered rocks. Myriam reached forward and threw one into the water. When it sank to the bottom of the river, she huffed angrily through her nose.

“I don’t want to be some housewife that sits around waiting for her husband to come home,” she explained, tossing her hands into the air in frustration. “That’s not who I am. I’m not… I’m not some lady wanting to be kept pregnant and barefoot!”

“No one thinks you are one,” Connor repeated gently. Myriam shot a glare at the hulking man, Connor shrinking in on himself in response despite his size. 

“That’s what this means! This whole wedding! Shoving me into this stuffy dress, preparing me to take vows, giving me away!” She stood, pacing by the riverside. She gave Connor an apologetic look. “No offense. If I want anyone to give me away, it would be you.”

Connor rose and nodded his head. “None taken. But what is it that causes you to believe that you will become a housewife?”

Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Myriam groaned before settling her hands on her hips and staring out into the river. “I… I don’t know!” She tossed her hands in the air again, rustling her hair and pacing back and forth. “I don’t belong inside a house cooking and cleaning and caring for a husband and an entire brood of children. I belong in the open air, in my hunting blinds, with my rifle in my hands!” Her hands formed the gesture of her weapon in question. Then, they fell to her sides. “If I marry Norris… I’ll be leaving behind all of my freedom that I worked so hard to gain.”

Stepping closer, Connor laid a hand on Myriam’s back. “That is not true,” he murmured quietly. “You know that better than I. Norris wants only for you to be happy.”

“Do I?” Myriam asked. Her voice faltered and she turned her nose to the rushing river. “What if, when we get married, all he wants is for me to sit at home and… I don’t know, wash his feet?”

Connor unintentionally wrinkled his nose. At the very least, the gesture provided a quick laugh for the two hunters. The uncomfortable silence returned soon after, broken only by the sounds of quiet chirping and rustling bushes.

“Norris did not fall in love with a housewife,” Connor finally spoke up. He met Myriam’s gaze with his own, gentle eyes. “Why would he expect such?”

“All men do,” Myriam sighed. 

“I do not.”

“You are not all men.”

Connor glanced down at the flower crown in his hands, thumbing over the white petals. “Perhaps I am not.”

Myriam pinched her nose again. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend–”

“No, it is alright,” Connor assured her. His brows furrowed in thought while Myriam squinted into the horizon. Then, a candle sparked in his mind. “How much do you know of my people, Myriam?”

“I don’t see the point of your question,” Myriam remarked tersely. When Connor gave a serious expression, she sighed. “But to answer it, not much.”

He moved in front of Myriam. “I think you would like it very much. For my people, it is the women who lead. We may have chiefs and war councils, but these men are voted upon by our women. Clan Mothers lead the village. We trace our ancestry through our mothers. For women, marriage is not just a union of the husband and wife, but of the village to the couple.”

Myriam raised a brow. “Your point?”

Placing the flower crown upon her head, Connor continued. “You are not a housewife, but even if you were, it would not change who you are. You are a skillful leader and hunter. Norris knows this. He marries you because of it, not in spite of it. He admires you for who you are. You need be nothing else. And by marrying Norris, you unite our friends as a whole, too.”

Silently, Myriam adjusted the crown and tucked stray strands of hair behind her ears. “Do you really think so?”

“I know so.” He cracked a rare smile. “Besides, you are a better shot than Norris. If anyone will be the housewife, it will be him.”

Myriam snorted. “The bad part is that I think he would enjoy being a housewife.” Her shoulders shook as she began to laugh. “Could you imagine? Me, coming home with a pipe of tobacco sticking out of my mouth, my rifle on my back, and hares in my hands while Norris cooks and cleans?”

Connor chuckled, then gently led Myriam towards the path leading to the church. “But you cannot imagine such a fate until you are wed.”

“No,” Myriam smiled, “I suppose I can’t.” As they reached the church, Myriam turned to Connor with a mixture of fear and excitement.

“I’m scared.”

Connor nodded. “I know.”

“What do I do?”

“What do you do when you face a cougar?”

“I shoot it. Are you suggesting I shoot Norris?”

“No, but I am suggesting that you face him like you would any animal.” He laid his hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently. “You are a strong, cunning woman, Myriam. He loves you deeply. He would not be marrying you if he had no intention of respecting you.”

Myriam inhaled sharply. “How do I get over it?”

“The fear?”

“No, the weather – what else would there be?”

“You won’t,” chimed a gentle, soft voice. Prudence and Ellen emerged from behind the church. Ellen offered Myriam her bouquet of flowers while Prudence wrapped a white shawl around her shivering shoulders. Prudence patted her cheek. “When I married Warren years ago, I was terrified of our future. But you learn, in marriage, that you are both equally frightened.” She giggled along with Ellen and Myriam.

Ellen took Myriam’s hands in her own. “My marriage was an unhappy one,” she confessed. Connor looked on solemnly, catching Ellen’s somber gaze for a mere second before Ellen mustered a smile. “But I can offer this wisdom: a good husband will cherish his wife for her talents, her wit, her love, her devotion, and her faith. Norris practically worships the ground you walk on. He will make a fine husband.”

Myriam sniffled. “Fuck,” she cursed. “I can’t believe I’m crying like some… some old hag!” Prudence and Ellen laughed, rubbing Myriam’s shoulders before holding her tightly.

“Besides,” Prudence cooed, staring over Myriam’s shoulder into Connor’s watchful gaze, “once we have you and Norris married, we can finally focus our attention on finding Connor a wife.”

Cheeks flushing, Connor brought his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. “That will not be necessary.”

“Oh, hush, Prudence,” Ellen giggled. “We mustn't scare him from the prospect yet.” She turned back to Myriam, kissing her cheek. “We have to go back inside, but we will support you no matter what.” Prudence nodded in agreement before waving goodbye, giggling alongside Ellen as they hurried into the church.

Myriam rubbed her arms and faced Connor, walking with him up the steps. “You will be there every step of the way?”

“Every step,” Connor assured.

“Okay.”

“How do you feel?”

“Terrified. Like I want to run away again,” Myriam chuckled breathlessly. Connor hummed and looped his arm with hers.

“I will be there regardless. I am sure Norris will be as well.”

Myriam smiled. “Thank you, Connor.”

“You do not need to thank me. You are my friend.”

She stood on her tiptoes, pressing her frigid lips to Connor’s freckled cheek. “No, but I will. Thank you.”

Blushing, Connor cleared his throat and led Myriam to the entrance of the church, where the guests began to rise as they spotted the bridge.

“Prudence and Ellen are right, though. We must find you a bride,” she whispered, doing her best to ignore the endless amount of eyes upon her and Connor. 

Connor chuckled, patting her hand. “I can only hope she is not as fast nor agile as you.”

“Ha, ha. Who knew you had such a sense of humor?”

Years later, when Connor would find himself fidgeting in front of his betrothed’s longhouse, Myriam would loop her arm with his, kiss his flustered cheek, and walk him into the longhouse with the same kindness he had shown her before.

Luckily for Connor, his wife did not run into the trees. How fortunate he was indeed. 

[butterfly-poetry]

Spied on, observed, analyzed by the universe that has put us here, without instructions.

Lost in this labyrinth of gray, icy, disquieting walls, but paved with bright hopes where the muffled footsteps of intoxicating euphoria echo.

A riddle to be solved with the few clues he carelessly leaves at the bend of a choice, at the foot of this statue petrified of having dared to escape.

He has a plan, but won't reveal it until this quest for self is complete, until the blindfold of ignorance obscures the glimmer in our eyes, until the road chosen at the crossroads of decisions ends in a dead end.

This universe, allied to the impetuosity of the elements, is certainly not maternal, jostling us with intent to gauge our determination, instilling fire and ice on this windswept earth.

A wind of madness, gentle or furious, a traveling wind, sirocco or blizzard, an uncompromising wind, which annihilates or fecundates, a wind blowing on our souls as they question themselves in this maze, searching for a meaning to give to their wanderings.

I've seen some sitting on a bench, having given up and wept, others confident, rushing headlong, crashing at the first bend, some reflecting before cautiously taking off, and those, the carefree, who let themselves be carried nonchalantly by these winds, riding their destiny without doubting their destination.

This is undoubtedly the famous plan, to help us discover who we are,

To take the time to stop and cry for a moment, and then to set off again, taming the winds in this intoxicating rodeo.

And the universe winks.

© Myriam Ghezaïl Ben Brahim ❤️🥀

5th February 2024

Work by: Skaviński

[asgoodeasgold]

A Discovery of Witches Real Time Read Ch40

"‘No,’ Em said, her voice steely. ‘Don’t think about Jefferson. Think about Matthew.’ ‘Matthew.’ I brought my mind back to the touch of his cool fingers against my skin, the rich sound of his voice, the sense of intense vitality when we were together. I picked up my foot.

It landed in the corner of the stillroom, where I was squashed behind an old barrel. ‘What if she gets lost?’ Matthew sounded tense. ‘How will we get her back?’ ‘We don’t have to worry about that,’ Sophie said, pointing in my direction. ‘She’s already here.’ Matthew whipped around and let out a ragged breath."

Trialling time walking is playing havoc with the vampires' nerves. He is pacing like a caged wolf (💥swagger💥). But all is well, Diana has got it sussed out. The trick is not to think about Jefferson apparently.

And for @dbrast, Myriam's "I can't believe this" look when Matthew tells Diana he knew she could do time travel, having fretted like mad a mere seconds before 🤣

Reel with music

🎶 I will wait for you by Mumford and Sons (IG music library)

📷 Sky/Bad Wolf A Discovery of Witches (2018) s1:08 my edit

Link to song

[stocky2016]

"Guessing Games"

(Dedicated to all those Valentine senders and their innocent expressions of love and affection given or exchanged.) A collab from Geoff and his "somewhat under the weather" writing partner Myriam. Get well soon "M"

Why do we play these guessing games…

when over the years, and from time to time

you’ve unwittingly become my focus for attention

my special and favoured Valentine?

Think back to that first Valentine’s card received,

and the person you suspected had sent it...

Those subsequent enquiries and questions asked

and your supposedly subjective "identikit"

Valentine’s Day, a rare opportunity to be outrageous…

and although maybe not realised at the time ,

The expression of those freed up and risqué feelings

that might indeed become contagious.

Valentine's Day, the day we express our heavenly love,

but why limit love to a specific date?

Love is an eternal fire that never stops,

It should burn in our hearts, every single day.

A day to celebrate love, why not always?

love is not confined to a single day..

Every dawn, every dusk, a sincere outpouring,

to say "I love you" to the one who brings one back to life.

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to remember...

that love must be cultivated, cherished without interruption.

A day to love each other more than usual,

then why not make a habit of it?

A day to celebrate the intoxication of shared feelings,

also a day, to immerse ourselves in this ocean of friendship.

Valentine's Day, an ephemeral poem in time,

love"s an infinite poem that we write to ourselves in every moment.

So let’s have some fun on this auspicious occasion…

be open-minded, over someone who cares...

enough to buy and write you a poem, or

even purchase of a bouquet of flowers?

When the soul searches for its other half,

it travels through the universe's eternity,

It discovers, at last, the deeper meaning,

of a love that transcends even the most distant horizon.

In the shadow of fleeting loves,

she feels the bitter rippling waves,

But when the other half appears,

light illuminates all, and true love, at last, appears.

Yesterday's lovers, bland and fleeting,

are eclipsed by this exquisite love

that binds two hearts, already compatible,

a fusion of souls, tender and lasting.

The farewells of others, were just a preamble,

to this unique encounter, a sublime appendix,

The soul blossoms, undoing scruples,

In pure love, without any shadow or perplexity.

Then the truth bursts forth,

the mystery of predestined bonds,

True love, well deserved,

writes its story, in golden letters.

Separated, but only to find each other again,

the union of souls, an enchanted destiny,

In the dance of time, eternity,

two halves merge, a sacred perpetuity.

(Pictures courtesy of Google Images)

© Geoff Stockton  in close collaboration with his co-writing Muse and unique poetess © Myriam Ghezaïl Ben

[loksthegreat]

alyssa's aegon lives au?! oh my god i need to know everything about him and his little fambly please <33333333333

Of course!!! So in my fic Aegon survives but Alyssa still dies, which leaves Daemon and Aegon in the care of good queen Alysanne (same as Visenya when she is born a few years later) and they all grow up together, until Daemon marries Rhea in 97 AC and Visenya joins her father at court in 101 AC. Aegon was always sort of the most reasonable of the trio and while he absolutely loves and adores his brother and honorary little sister he really is a big introvert who had rather not get caught up in the intrigues of court and politics, so he stayed away even when he had wanted to marry Visenya and missed Daemon in the years they where apart. Aegon just sorta stayed on Dragonstone after his grandmothers passing in 100 AC and spend his free time traveling across the narrow sea on dragonback. He was only 3 and 10 when he and Daemon parted ways after the older wedding and by the time the brothers reunited Aegon had grown nearly a head and a half taller than the rogue prince and had come to be a man of hulking build in the way Targaryen men rarely were. Aegon had cut his hair short and worn unadorned clothes for the longest time as a young man, as he hoped it had made him look less Targaryen as he always felt he lacked the connection Daemon, Visenya and even Viserys had with their heritage, but by the time he returned from a longer stay in Braavos in 114 AC it had grown long enough to be worn in a pony tail again and Aegon refrained from cutting it again as his new found lover the son of the Sealord of Braavos, Galeo Materys, was quite found of it. In 114 AC Aegon came back to Westeros for the wedding of his younger niece, Rhaenyra, and ended up agreeing to his brother the kings offer to become a member of the small council, a position he would soon resign from after the death of his lover in Braavos at the hands of his own brother Daemon in the following year, an incident that would leave a deep slight on the brothers relationship for the years to come. Aegon left kings landing as well as Dragonstone and would never return. Visenyas sworn shield Ser Lyle Bracken had offered Aegon to make himself at home in his ancestral home, with the tall knights sister lady Barissa Bracken for company and though Aegon did not stay within the hospitality of the odd woman that was the lady of stone hedge for long his time in the Riverlands served to heal his broken heart as he found a friend and companion to many a feast or tourney in lady Myriame Blackwood, who was a maiden of 26 years, with raven black hair, a never wavering smile and eyes that seemed to dance with laughter at all times of the day. It was no surprise when the two announced their betrothal and married under the heart tree of raven tree hall where they would raise their daughters Alyssa and Rhae. If rumor is to be believed Alyssa would be taught in the dark arts of the north by her mothers grandmother old lady Ronna, while Rhae, drawn in by the secrets of her valyrian heritage would seek to master magic of fire and blood.

I love Aegon and have so many thought on him just no way to really put them all into words adequately yet, so if you have anymore questions let me know!! Hope you enjoyed <3

Art of Aegon here:

[iamthespineofmybook]

I was reading a fanfic and it prompted me to come up with stuff for my FFXIV character.

Specifically, it was a chapter based on a Worst Nightmare situation in the source material, so I asked myself "what is Myriam Sangvitrail's greatest fear? After all, the Warrior of Light has fought so many insane things."

And then I settled on it: isolation. Not just being alone, she does solo stuff a lot. It's specifically being cut off from everyone. Unable to reach out and get a response.

The Walk to the End was the worst time of her life, only barely able to keep moving thanks to the prayers and memories of those depending on her back on Etheirys.

And then I extrapolated on this, and came up with this, from their POV:

"My first memory was of being alone, walking. Well, more like shambling. I didn't know where I was going. I didn't know where I came from. I didn't even know who I was. All I knew was loneliness and pain from uncounted wounds.

"I eventually blacked out, and when I came to, I saw a beautiful, kind face keeping watch over me, the pain gone."

So, yeah. I have myself a character who craves travel and adventure, wants to see everything the worlds have to offer, and is absolutely terrified of having no one she can rely on.

[dastan-allyrion]

Closed starter for @myriamas & @baashirdayne Setting: Starfall, Dorne. Before Myriam and Bash' wedding. Upon returning to their homeland, the members of House Allyrion are still reeling over the disappearance of Mayya, the youngest of the siblings. Mere days after their return home, they get an unexpected invitation to travel to Starfall.

Dastan had not been to Starfall in years. He wouldn't say there was direct animosity between himself and Baashir's family, but there certainly was no closeness. After his sister made him privy to the treatment she received from the lord's mother, the Lord of Godsgrace opted to keep a certain distance from those who thought so lowly of Myriam. He wouldn't have someone look down on her or speak as if she was less than them. Yet here he was, accompanied by his lady mother, simply because Myriam asked that he accept the invitation.

His sister had travelled from Sunspear and was to meet them here. Notice of their arrival had been sent to Lord Dayne, and meanwhile, Lady Ashara Allyrion rested on one of the sofas, nursing her spiced chai as they waited while Dastan slowly walked across the room. Neither his mother nor he said it, but they both had a mild suspicion of what this visit might be about.

The gates opened then, and Lord Baashir Dayne walked in, accompanied by the Dowager Lady of Starfall and by Myriam.

[baashirdayne]

| @myriamas | | setting :: some time after returning from the vale bash and myriam discuss their plans going forward as bash adjusts to his position as her first minister. | banter length

"I scheduled meetings with members of the council, chances to discuss with them the plans moving forward. There are still conflicts out there. I believe the Manwoody's are currently experiencing a conflict as well as the conflict for the Jordaynes with the Toland's. I have men prepared to join my cousin and help him deal with these concerns should he need further assistance. Shouldn't take much to handle. The Jordaynes are a force of their own. And, of course, my family." And of course, the blood of the Dawn Age would fortify the greatness of any house.

"The little Princess should have guards around her at all times. My brother will join her household upon his return from Alayim. I've informed him it's time to come home." The brother who travelled out while Baashir took his role as the the ruling lord seriously and now it looked as if that would mean something different as well. Dorne needed the unify. The great house needed to protect their princess.

Bash closed the door to her office. Her office. What a strange thought. With her stewardship over the Princess it makes her the most powerful woman in Dorne and he was glad to serve her. Some would whisper though none would be fool enough to whisper in his hearing. The Princess wouldn't kill the late Prince nor would he have done so using poison. In his mind it ruled them out. And made everyone else the main suspects. Did he care enough to investigate? No. Let someone else take on the task.

"Princess." He pulled out the chair for her. "I'm going to eat now." Bash moved to his own seat, removing his gloves as he started to pile on his plate. "What are you doing today?"

[myriamas]

who: @dastan-allyrion when and where: the allyrion apartments within sunspear's old palace, myriam takes the evening to enjoy the company of her family, including her mother who had surprised her by travelling from godsgrace to meet her newest granddaughter.

the soft glow of the lanterns in the allyrion apartments bathed the room in warm light, casting long shadows that danced with the flickering flames. myriam leaned back against the plush cushions of the divan, her rust-colored sari flowing around her like a pool of liquid warmth. gold embroidered threads glinted beneath the lantern light, a reflection of the joy she felt inside as she watched her family gather around.

"ma!" myriam called, leaning her head back on her chair as the woman stilled in the doorway; she had nearly forgotten her hair clip. "you forgot your hair clip." she jumped to her feet and took it to her mother, the sounds of her anklets jingling and voluminous dark unruly curls bouncing before returning back to her chair, hearing the distant sounds of leila chiding her grandmother.

myriam’s heart swelled with contentment at the sight of her mother's rare smile, knowing that even in these dark times, her family remained her anchor. myriam leaned back in the cushioned seat, her golden sari pooling like a river of sunlit autumn leaves around her. she felt a fleeting sense of peace. she had to admit, it felt like everything was just as it had been, in those days before the womanhood had called her to sunspear.

the evening had been quiet, with only the soft crackle of the fireplace to break the silence now that the house had settled into the kind of peaceful lull that was rare in the whirlwind of court life. dastan sat across from her, still holding hasaryn in his lap, the toddler’s small fingers curled tightly around his father’s finger. myriam smiled softly as she adjusted inaaya into the arms of an attendent, the newborn’s gentle, steady breathing a balm to her frayed nerves.

"i love their smell." she spoke to dastan, her eyes sparkling slightly the way they always did when she had drunk some of her favorite red wine. or rum. "newborns, they have this smell. when i cuddle her, i could sniff her all day." she laughed at the way she sounded incredibly unstable, walking over to kiss the top of hasaryn's head. "i swear, dastan," myriam said, her voice light and teasing as she looked over to her brother, "this boy's going to be a warrior before he's even out of nursing. look at him, already planning his battles." she watched as hasaryn made a clumsy attempt to swipe with his toy sword, and couldn’t help but laugh.

"at this rate, he'll be teaching us all how to fight before we even realize it." gone were the days where she had screamed and shattered glass about hasaryn having half valyrian parentage; just as many things did for myriam, it had passed. she bopped hasa on the top of the head with his own toy sword, before leaning backward. "thanks for keeping contact when you were on the front lines. i didn't count how many hours the ravens usually took or anything."

[teakwoodtimes]

The cost per person to be able to register with a travel company to leave Gaza via Rafah costs 5,000 USD per adult and 2,500 USD per child under 14 years old.

There are 5 adults, my mum Sawsan, my dad AbdAlhakeem, my sister Reem and my brothers Ibrahim and Amjad. Reem has 4 kids, Myriam, Aboud and Eid who are all under 14.

The cost for 5 adults is of 25000 USD and the cost for the children of 10,000 USD, for a total of 35000 USD.

[armaans]

who: @ryonwyl when and where: semi-flashback thread, set during the dornish court's travels to kings landing, however set prior to the disappearance of lady mayya allyrion. the news has reached the dornish court that the dragon king had extended a hand of betrothal to their princess regent, and the news of an upcoming summit between the marcher lords of dorne and the stormlands is making the rounds.

house wyl remained the closest of all the dornish marcher lords to the borders they now shared with the dragon: and it appeared as though the wyl of wyl was able to start, or avoid a war, at the mere call of his men and the actions he would take along the boundaries of his lands. boundaries that were not clear, and that in itself was enough of a red flag.

"what do you think?" armaan asked, sat across from the man who had been in his life for as long as he could remember: wyl was to the north of the mighty fortress that was yronwood, and the two houses were closely associated. no doubt, house wyl had remained loyal to the ancient kings of yronwood during the days of old - something that could be seen here and now.

he spoke of the upcoming summit arranged between the dragon king's marcher lords and their own; and as much as he made a futile attempt to try and see there could be some benefit, he already understood it would go nowhere. the least they could do was ensure it did not result in bloodshed or blades being drawn whilst they remained within the lands of the dragon.

the man's legs remained up upon the table in the yronwood apartments within the hayford keep, which in itself was enough of a snub. "it is better than a marriage between himself and the princess regent." he commented, wondering why it was he picked myriam specifically - there were martell princesses that were available. no doubt baashir was somewhere asking himself the same question - the thought crossed his mind, and only brought his mood slightly more sullen. another thing to discuss.

[the-everqueen]

WHAT I READ IN 2023

all the books i read this year, not counting DNFs or books that i'm still working through (the Wiliad and Genji are on brief hiatus while i'm traveling over the holidays). an asterik marks a reread, but this was largely a year of new reads for me. shorter than previous years but with several long and/or dense texts. i also went into this year with the goal of intentional reading (what purpose does this serve?) and i feel like i fulfilled that. i welcome any and all asks about this list! i'm going to reblog an end of year book ask lists so if you want to reference any books in particular feel free!

fiction IT - Stephen King Embassytown - China Mieville Hell Bent - Leigh Bardugo Summer Sons - Lee Mandelo Lolita - Vladamir Nabokov The Haunting of Hill House - Shirley Jackson Matrix - Lauren Groff The World We Make - N.K. Jemisin Yellowface - R.F. Kuang The Late Americans - Brandon Taylor The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco Sula - Toni Morrison The Terror - Dan Simmons Fledgling - Octavia Butler Lone Women - Victor Lavalle Holly - Stephen King Out There Screaming - ed. Jordan Peele Biography of X - Catherine Lacey Our Share of Night - Mariana Enriquez (trans. Macdowell) Babel - R.F. Kuang Family Meal - Bryan Washington

comix/graphic novels Far Sector - N.K. Jemisin Earthdivers - Stephen Graham Jones Nightmare Country: The Glass House - James Tynion IV She Bites - Hedwig Hale and Alberto Hdez Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1-3 - James Tynion IV

poetry Bless the Daughter Raised By the Voice in Her Head - Warsan Shire Promesas de Oro - José Olivarez

nonfiction Self-Defense: A Philosophy of Violence - Elsa Dorlin How to Go Mad Without Losing Your Mind - La Marr Jurelle Bruce Hijab Butch Blues - Lamya H The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs - Steve Brusatte Ordinary Notes - Christina Sharpe Weavers, Scribes, and Kings - Amanda Podamy Unpayable Debt - Denise Ferreira de Silva Creep - Myriam Gurba All Incomplete - Fred Moten & Stefano Harvey The Undercommons - Fred Moten & Stefano Harvey* Alien Daughters Walk Into the Sun - Jackie Wang Mestizo: Critical Uses of Race in Chicano Culture - Rafael Perez-Torres Black Trans Feminism - Marquis Bey

[tikhanovlibrary]

Gilles, by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle

Pierre Drieu La Rochelle was a french author of more than a dozen novels and numerous essays and poetry collections. A relentless critic of the French Third Republic, he drifted in every political and artistic current of his time, going from surrealism to socialism to fascism, he refused to ever be tied down to any single movement or ideology. As a surrealist, he traveled in the same circles as Louis Aragon, Gaston Bergery, and André Breton, but eventually fell out with the group over a love dispute. As a Socialist, he briefly flirted with pacifism and was involved with early-pan Europeanist movements, that would later go on to influence the founding of the European Union, however he found the Socialism of Paris entirely too Bourgeoisie, and drifted towards more reactionary ideas, eventually publishing a synthesis of his political thought titled Socialisme fasciste. As a collaborator during the German occupation of France, he petitioned for the release of Jean-Paul Sartre (among other intellectuals) from prison, and helped Jean Paulhan escape capture by the Nazis. For La Rochelle, the turbulent politics of his time were subsumed by an aesthetic disgust with bourgeoisie life, and this theme is present in all of his works. At the end of the war, hiding at the house of his friend André Malraux, he committed suicide by swallowing poison.

Best known in the English speaking world for his book Le Feu Follet, which was adopted into an acclaimed French nouvelle-vague film, Pierre Drieu La Rochelle considered the semi-autobiographical Gilles to be his greatest work. The acclaimed literary critic Gaëtan Picon wrote that Gilles “is, without any doubt, one of the greatest novels of the century—and one of those books in which the disarming sincerity of a man rises to the grandeur usually reserved to literary transpositions.”

The novel begins during the First World War, where the hero Gilles returns from the front after being badly wounded, his regiment having been decimated. Penniless, he asks his friends, the wealthy Falkenberg brothers, for help, only to discover that both of them had died. Their sister, Myriam, falls in love with him and helps him financially; although he does not respond to her love, Gilles accepts her support. He even decides to marry her when her father's death makes her a wealthy heiress. The day after the wedding, he leaves her, joins the army again and has a love affair with a nurse, whom he in turn leaves.After the war, Gilles frequented social circles and profited from his ex-wife's money. More or less unwillingly, he is drawn into a plot against the President of the Republic, Morel, after making friends with Morel's son-in-law, Gilbert de Clérences, and meeting Caël, the leader and almost guru of a dandy political group. The ridicule of intellectuals, the grotesquerie of events, the cowardice and demagoguery of politicians—compounded by the departure of Dora, an American girl he loved—leads him to leave France and seek refuge in Algeria. There he meets a simple, wholesome young girl, Pauline, with whom he experiences a true love affair for the first time. Gilles returns to Paris, however. Still disgusted with society and politics, he starts a newspaper and, after 6 February 1934, decided to join the only ideology capable of radically changing society and regenerating France: Fascism. After the death of Pauline and the child she was expecting, Gilles chooses to be alone, and joins Franco's side in the Spanish Civil War.

Despite his immense standing in the French inter-war literary scene, and his close relations with many of the most prominent writers and intellectuals of his time, Pierre Drieu La Rochelle has, because of his politics, been largely ignored by the Anglo literary establishment. His masterpiece, Gilles, has gone untranslated for the last seventy years… until now. Tikhanov Library has released the first three chapters of Gilles on substack, and is releasing the novel in serialized. We are adding new chapters every week, for free, to the public. You can read the first chapter here:

Tikhanov Library is an independent publishing company founded in Lund, British Columbia. To read Gilles and many other books, both reprints and new releases, visit our website at www.tikhanovlibrary.com | Our catalogue includes books by Alexis de Tocqueville, Dimitri Alioshin, and F.T. Marinetti, among other authors. We are constantly updating our catalog with new books and deals.