#New Homes in Victoria Hills

[victoriahillsblog]

Discover Your Dream Haven: New Homes in Victoria Hills Offer the Ultimate Living Experience

Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Victoria Hills is a community that represents the best of contemporary living. Victoria Hills is a shining example for people looking to live a comfortable, easy, and peaceful lifestyle because of its beautiful surroundings, handy amenities, and close proximity to major cities. The new houses in Victoria Hills, each offering a distinctive fusion of elegance, creativity, and charm, are at the center of this vibrant neighborhood. Victoria Hills, has breathtaking scenery that stretches forever, rolling hills, and an abundance of flora. Within this picturesque environment, newly constructed homes have been painstakingly designed to offer contemporary comforts and conveniences while blending in perfectly with the surroundings.

The new homes in Victoria Hills are notable for their meticulous attention to detail and well-thought-out designs. Every home is a monument to fine craftsmanship and outstanding architectural design, from roomy open-concept floor plans to opulent finishes and fixtures. There is a house in Victoria Hills to fit every taste and lifestyle, whether you're looking for a large estate or a quaint cottage. However, there are other factors at play as well that contribute to Victoria Hills' appeal as a place to reside. The neighborhood offers a wide range of amenities, including as parks, walking paths, recreational centers, and more, all aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens. Victoria Hills has something for everyone, whether your goals are to enjoy the great outdoors, make new friends, or stay active. Home builder in Asheville offers the best homes that are not only appealing but also capable to elevate your current lifestyle. But the prime location of the new homes in Victoria Hills is what really makes them stand out. The bustling downtown area is only a few minutes away, giving locals quick access to a wealth of dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities. Everything you need is right outside your door, whether you're in the mood for a fine dining experience, shopping at neighborhood boutiques, or seeing a play at the theater. It will truly complement your lifestyle and adoption to the new chapter of life.

[verdanthill]

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Hurry, these offers are available for a limited time only on a selected number of lots! Contact Nicole on 0428 072 703 or email nlimbo@coreprojects.com.au to find out more.

[redclercs]

DELICATE✰ CHARLES LECLERC.

v. i gave my blood, sweat and tears for this

— the one where both of you have given everything to be where you are.

warnings: misogyny, sexual harassment, this is how monaco went btw i accept no criticism. barely proofread, sorry. 3.7k words (+ article, podcast excerpts)

masterlist ✢ next

'Have we let y/n y/ln get away with way too much?'

By Alan Gomez

Yes folks, it might be our own fault, we have created a monster in the form y/n y/ln. Mediocre actress at best and with an even worse personality, if the latest events are any indication.

But how could we let this happen? Come on, we're smarter than this!

The thing is, y/n brainwashed us into believing that her doe-eyed, no-brain characters were actually her. Don't beat yourselves up over this too much, even I was a victim of those pretty eyes. But now that the blindfold has fallen, we have come to realize we have let y/n get away with everything!

You might know y/n from Supercut, the romantic comedy that took the world by storm in 2019, where she starred alongside Aidan Kim and it lead to these two becoming one of the general public’s most cherished couples. At least until two months ago, when their breakup was announced via Inside Out. Although there haven’t been any official statements, given the circumstances, we believe it was the actress who broke it off with Kim.

RELATED:

→ Aidan Kim and friends at Cannes Film Festival

→ Y/N supports alleged boyfriend at charity football match

But whether she’s dating a new guy now or not, why do we keep letting her do whatever she wants?

How did she actually brainwash us into thinking she’s anything close to an “it girl”? After Supercut, all she’s done is the absolute bare minimum to keep people talking about her, it’s all RomComs and no effort. I didn’t want to be that person, and you have to believe me on this, but Aidan Kim made her.

Let’s remember Aidan built his career from the ground as a member of Star-5 the early 2010’s boyband that split in 2018. He was the ‘someone’ in the relationship. How can people even compare having the hit song “Round and Round” in your résumé to being in Scream (Netflix) and The Mist (again, Netflix)?

Aidan made us like her and the writers of Parisian Valentine, The Hating Game and Last Night In Love, did her a HUGE favor by consolidating her as the “Queen of RomComs” by what standard? Well, don’t ask me.

The truth is, we accepted y/n into our hearts and homes, thanks to Aidan Kim and an unbelievable amount of luck, and we haven’t held her accountable for anything ever.

Here’s what I’m talking about, if you’re still wondering what the point of this article is, click on every link to be taken to the whole context, you’ll thank me later:

❍Y/N yells at paparazzi to leave her alone as she walks around Beverly Hills with Victoria Presley.

❍ Y/N praises Taylor Swift while tearing down several male artists for writing songs about their personal experiences.

❍ Y/N says in interview with ELLE that not every movie has to be “profound”.

And just for fun:

❍ A collection of Y/N’s disastrous looks.

It’s time we realize y/n y/ln is talentless, has a horrible personality and feigns innocence she certainly doesn’t have. You will NOT continue to take advantage of us, y/n! It’s all over for you, so I’m glad you’re dropping your pathetic career to become a WAG. #Y/NIsOverParty.

↺ FROM ❛WE WATCH❜ PODCAST

Paul Byrnes: Can y/n really do another role now, after all she’s known for are romantic comedies?

Anna Sanchez: well, I really liked her in The Mist, she did great as character in a horror it was—

Paul Byrnes: No one cares about The Mist, Anna, just you.

Anna Sanchez: all I’m saying is she’s a good actress, she can do other things. That was your question, Paul.

Paul Byrnes: Well, in my opinion she can't and that's it.

↺ FROM ❛IT TALK❜ PODCAST

Greg Zane: Let's talk y/n y/ln and her fashion choices now that she's an F1 WAG. What do we think?

Riley Green: She's a what now? How long has it been since she broke up with Aidan Kim?

Martha Vincent: I think she's looking great, I just wish she'd let go of the ugly caps.

Riley Green: No seriously, how long did she stay single?

Greg Zane: I agree Martha, but caps are big in Formula 1, nothing we can do about that. I'm wondering if she'll go for a more glamorous look in Monaco.

Riley Green: guys? hello?

Martha Vincent: Oh Riley, we're not talking about her love life, let it go.

↺ FROM ❛HOLLYWOOD VIBES❜ PODCAST

Pauline Oscar: [cont.] I'm just so curious about the reason of their breakup, why hasn't anyone said anything?! It must be juicy.

Brenda Yim: I feel like it's bad for one of them, most likely y/n. Hello, can anyone offer one of their friends some money? Just like old times!

Pauline Oscar: [laughs] Definitely! We need to know! Can it get any worse than the fact that she's already with another guy? What's his name? Charles Le what? She soooo cheated.

liked by charles_leclerc, vicpresley, mati.bassi, carlossainz55 and others.

ynfreesia UM THE LIKES?

xxynbaby it's "monaco" of course

aidanluvs you don't even have the decency to pretend like you're alone? fuck you

ynredstar i cannot defend you if you pull this shit girl

mati.bassi great view for breakfast with my best girl!💕

ynredstar oh ynredstar nevermind thanks mati ↳ feels4aidan don't be so gullible she's obviously covering up for them

THE COMMENTS FOR THIS POST ARE DISABLED.

May 27th, Montecarlo, Monaco.

THERE are tears in your eyes, and despite your best efforts not to let them run down your cheeks, it's futile. The worst part is that you're the one doing this to yourself. There's zero need to read 'articles' from pseudo journalists on how a man gave you your career and how you're tossing it into the trash for another. Not to mention the cascade of curses you received for a picture on instagram, where everyone thought you were with the other man.

Has your life really come to this? People don't talk about you unless a guy is involved? You loathe it. Your career was never about Aidan, and it's not about Charles now. Who only makes things worse every time he shows up and yet you can't manage to bring it up to him.

It's embarrassing. You don't want to walk up to him during whatever free time he has in a hectic weekend, and ask him if it really doesn't annoy him everything the press has made up about the two of you, or if he's really that unbothered by being paired up with you in the wildest scenarios, and tell him that he can shut them down whenever he feels like it (you wish he would already), and let him know you won't mind whatever he says about not being involved with you.

But no, Mr. Leclerc is busy giving unclear answers at interviews and liking your instagram posts, as if this isn't already a wildfire.

You put down your phone and pick it back up almost immediately, Vic's ringtone fills your hotel room and you wipe away your tears before answering her FaceTime request.

"Were you crying?" it's the first thing she says, moving her sunglasses to the top of her head. There's a lot of noise in the background and you can barely make the words out, but she comes so close to the phone that all you can see is the tip of her nose. "Why were you crying?"

"It's nothing, Vic. What's up?" you sigh, rubbing your eyes only makes things worse but you don't want to worry about that now.

"I just got to Monaco, babe," the phone is at a safe distance from her nostrils again and you can see around her, the airport where you landed a few days ago. "I'm with my parents," she rolls her eyes, lowering her voice. "But if you could get me into the Ferrari Suite I can hang out with you tomorrow!"

They allowed you one guest and the spot has already been taken by Mati, so there really isn't much you can do in terms of getting her into the Ferrari Suite. "Well, let me see what I can do, okay?"

"Okay," she sounds unsure, you know Vic enough to be sure she expected a different answer. "I mean my parents have Lounge privileges but it's more fun to be with you."

Had she said something about coming to Monaco you might have been able to do something, but as far as you were concerned she planned to stay in France all week, enjoying Cannes and mingling.

"I'll do my best Vic, but you know how they are," you exhale heavily, "Plus it's a crazy-ass weekend."

"Isn't it always?" she's yawning now, "We can meet for dinner later and you can tell me what's up alright? Being with my parents is so boring."

You shake your head, "Be nice, they just want to hang out with you. I'll call you after Quali," you check the clock on top of the nightstand, it's 10 am. You have to get ready for FP3, which you don't care about attending or not but Stuart Schaffer asked to see you, so you haven't got much of a choice.

"Sure babes, love you." Vic pulls her sunglasses down again and blows a kiss to the screen.

"Love you too," it's your turn to yawn as you tap the hang up button.

You look at the special edition Ferrari cap you received as a gift yesterday on top of your suitcase and immediately discard the idea of wearing it. No caps. And then the wave of disgust invades you, are you seriously going to do what some random man said on a podcast you came across by accident?

The answer is yes, unfortunately.

─────────

You would rip your leg off if you could, at least it would mean you’d be able to get out of this chair and away from Stuart. But his palm resting on top of your knee feels like a death grip and you’re frankly afraid to move in case it goes further up.

Mati decided to skip FP3 and you’re really hoping she’ll be on time for Quali because you have no one else to talk to, Stuart is just parading you around again and keeping you way too close for comfort because he’s in a great mood since both Ferraris maintained their top spots and things are looking hopeful for Qualifying.

You know it’s your chance to ask if you can bring Victoria around tomorrow, and you know the answer will be yes, but you don’t. You don’t want to ask things from this man, he’s the type to never forget a debt.

You barely catch a glimpse of Carlos and Charles as they walk by on the way to their debrief and Charles waves at you quickly, with a single-dimpled smile. He’s wearing the same cap you refused to put on.

“I’m going to call my friend,” you blurt out once Charles is out of sight, finally moving your leg back to make Stuart’s hand drop. “She had the worst hangover, I have to check up on her.”

“Oh, you girls get wild in Monaco,” Stuart cackles as you sprint away from him, actually resisting the urge to wipe your knee clean.

"Hey y/n!" Mati's voice can barely be heard above the EDM playing wherever she is. "What's up?"

"Where are you?" you whine, looking back inside the Suite. "Help."

"What's wrong?" you picture her frowning as she tries to walk away from the noise helplessly.

You feel guilty for worrying her so you sigh. "Nothing, I just hate being here. Are you coming here for Qualifying?"

"Yep," she pops the 'p' and laughs. "Listen, why don't we have lunch here at the yacht and then go back for Quali?"

"Yes!" once again you look over your shoulder to where the Elix men are laughing at their own jokes and patting each other's backs. “I’m on my way, okay?”

“I’ll be right here, also don’t scare me like that again, please.”

“Sorry,” you chuckle, embarrassed. Maybe you’re a bit dramatic at times, but it’s really all good-natured. “See you in a minute.”

You turn to the door of the Suite, giving a short jump back when you open it at the same time as someone else.

“Oh, god,” you sigh, stepping inside as Charles moves out of the way to let you in. “Thanks.”

“Sorry I scared you,” he smiles, closing the door again once you’re fully in. Charles is once again holding a closed Elix can, tapping his fingers on the side.

You eye it suspiciously, wondering if the thing has really grown on him. After all, one of the first things he told you was how much it disgusted him.

“It’s alright. I thought you were in your debrief?” You grab a can of Elix yourself, looking good in front of the sponsors cannot hurt.

“It was a short one. Keep doing what you’re doing kind of thing,”

“Right. Well, good for both of you,” you look around for Carlos but he’s nowhere to be seen. “Would it jinx it to say ‘good luck’ for later?”

You know many sportspeople take their jinxes and rituals way seriously, and you don’t want to be the one to blame if something goes wrong for the local star.

Charles considers this for a second and then shakes his head no. “Wish me luck,” he smiles.

“Good luck, Charles.” You beam back at him, enjoying—despite yourself—the way his eyes burn into yours.

─────────

You’re back at the Suite with Mati 10 minutes before Qualifying starts. The tension that had seeped out of your body in the form of laughter and loud singing with Mati is already making its way back to your back and jaw. You’re not ready to be around the Elix people again, but you must. However, first, you make Matilde promise she won’t leave your side.

Stuart Schaffer is already patting the empty seat next to him when you make your way through the refreshment tables. You smile at him, a muscle in your cheek falters as you walk past him on your way to the balcony, to catch both Ferraris leaving the garage.

“Oh don’t drink that,” you whisper when you see Mati walk your way, two cans of Gold Elix in her hands. “Don’t.”

Matilde snorts, “You’re literally the ambassador of this thing, and you don’t like it?”

“SHHH!”

“Fine, but those guys are looking at us so we have to at least sip it.”

You groan, opening the one she offers you and then taking a huge gulp. “Yum,” you mock.

Mati laughs again before her face goes sour with the taste. “Oh my God,”

“Warned you,” yet you take another sip. You think that if it grew on Charles it might grow on you, but you don’t really see it happening.

Q1 and Q2 go by smoothly, at least for Ferrari and you’re on the edge of your seat for Q3. This is the race you’ve been more excited for, but it’s not like you’ve attended many others. Still, Monaco just hits different.

The end of Q3 almost gives you a heart attack, although you also blame your almost empty Elix. You didn’t even notice how much you drank, but the thing that really gets your heart jumping out of your chest is Victoria’s ringtone.

Begrudgingly, you turn away from the track. She has texted you a thousand times, without exaggerating, since Quali started and you know it’s because she’s bored out of her mind at the Lounge with her parents. But you’re starting to find this genuinely entertaining and you are bothered by the distraction.

“I told you I’d call you after Quali, Vic,” you singsong, looking up at the screens inside the Suite.

“Well Quali is almost over, no one cares about the last three minutes.”

You do, Max Verstappen is in first place, then Charles and Checo in P3. You’re crossing your fingers for Charles to manage to get above both Red Bulls. And for Carlos to squeeze in there too.

You don’t say anything else, too enthralled by the battle on the screen.

“Y/n?” Vic raises her voice, “Are you listening to me?”

“Yes Vic, what is it?”

“We’re going to be at Ferrari together tomorrow, right?”

You wince, glad she chose a phone call instead of FaceTime this time around. You haven’t asked and you don’t intend to. Vic still has VIP Lounge access, she’ll be fine.

“They said no, Vic.” You lie, your eyes scanning the screen, it’s the last lap before they get the checkered flag out. “I’m sorry.”

“What? Why? Did you tell them I can give them publicity? I have one million followers!”

“Monaco is different from Miami,” you explain gently, “But you’ll still be at the VIP, you have a great view.”

“Yeah, whatever,” she’s beyond annoyed now, as it happens every time things don’t go her way. You can’t blame her, but you also think it will be good for her to spend some time with her parents, whom she refuses to visit although they live in Malibu and pay her mortgage. “We’re still up for dinner though, right?”

“Yep! I’ll meet you at your hotel.”

“Okay see you then, babes.”

By the time your eyes return to the screen, Charles is in P1, Carlos in P3 and the Ferrari Suite is exploding in cheers.

YOU’RE up painfully early the next day. Vic and you went back to your respective hotel way past three am and you’re exhausted, but at least you had enough self-control to avoid today’s hangover.

Nevertheless, the morning goes by in a blur between breakfast with Elix people, calls with Mildred and Walter, your manager, and two casting agents that tell you that no, you don’t need to go for an in-person casting, you’re not getting the role.

By the time you get to the Suite you have a headache and the knot on your throat is progressively getting harder to swallow. You only make things worse by rage-reading tweets with your #IsOver hashtag.

People claim, with more force every day, that Aidan gave you everything and you are starting to regret ever meeting him.

You have worked your ass off for years, taking on small roles, commercials, stock-photo deals. Learning scripts and going to castings and taking classes, you have been criticized and rejected for more things than just “not fitting the role”.

You have given everything you are and everything you have, and people assure what you got in return you owe it all to some man.

“Hola y/n!” Carlos is the first one to get back to the Suite and you wish he would rub off some of his good mood on you. “How are you today?”

“Hi Carlos, I’m alright and you?”

“You definitely look it,” he says, semi-sarcastically. “Something on your mind?”

The knot is back in your throat so you shake your head no. “And yours?”

“Nada de nada.” he smiles. You’re still growing on each other, but this is the most comfortable you’ve been while sharing the same space.

Charles arrives while Carlos, Mati (who is hungover from her party at the yachts) and you are comparing workout playlists. Wearing what now seems to be like his comfort cap, and a pair of ugly ripped jeans, he smiles brightly at the three of you.

You’re happy to see both Ferrari boys so smiley after the past couple races. Miami especially. And you hope they’ll do well; but you’re particularly scared for Charles, and whatever it is that made him unlucky in his hometown, you don’t want this day to end on a sour note.

You spend about an hour talking to them about anything, your movies, their races, Mati's tour with Romeo and Juliet. Music, hobbies and quirks, Charles and Carlos have an opinion on everything and they are actually quite fun to be around. Then, a Ferrari Team member comes to get them for the Drivers Parade so you wave them goodbye, wishing them a smooth race.

"You're not going to wish me luck, y/n?" Charles asks, the smirk on his face is one you identify as mischievous, and it makes a small wave of anxiety run down your back.

Mati stops the bottle of water halfway through her mouth to ogle at the two of you, and the palpable tension that has installed itself in the space.

"Good luck, Charles," the smile you return falters in one corner, but Charles doesn't seem to mind as he adjusts his cap and says thank you before leaving behind Carlos.

Mati has forgotten about her need to hydrate and is staring at you with both eyebrows raised. "I thought you were not doing that?" she gestures with her head towards the door through which both drivers vanished.

"I'm not doing anything," you reply, defensively. "He's being—"

"y/n, you could cut the tension there for a minute," Mati finally takes a swig of water and you wait for her to continue talking. "Like I said, I don't recommend it but... you're free to do whatever you want." she isn't unkind while wording that last part, but it still stings you with annoyance.

"Thanks, Mati." you bite the inside of your cheek, leaning back into the sofa.

─────────

The Ferrari Suite explodes in cheers once the checkered flag is out. After a frankly insane race with rain, crashes and too-long pit stops, both Ferraris have crossed the finish line, and most importantly Charles has finally managed to get rid of his Monaco curse. His enlarged picture appears on every screen with P1 right in the middle. Carlos is P4, but the points are extremely important in the long run, so people celebrate nevertheless.

Before you know it, Mati and you are being dragged down to the track for the podium celebrations. You're buzzing with excitement, holding Matilde's hand as you run to one side, where the mechanics can't crush you as they jump up and down.

Even above the general screams of happiness, you can hear talks of 'Charles deserves this so much', 'It was about time' and 'His hard work is finally paying off at home'.

At least someone's blood, sweat and tears are valued.

YOU are probably not living down the Charles dating allegations this weekend. Which is not your fault, honestly, had they enlarged the picture, it would have shown Mati just as excited for Ferrari as you were. She's Italian, and she bleeds for Ferrari.

But right now, surprisingly, you're not overwhelmed with whatever it is they're saying on Twitter. Although it took Mati snatching your phone away and tossing it in her own purse before sitting you down to retouch your makeup for the celebration party.

Victoria is joining you too, because a 'the more the merrier' applies to any sort of party happening in a Monaco club, especially if it is for the unofficial prince.

It is the first time in three months you let go of your worries, even if it is for the shortest amount of time as you dance with Victoria and Mati and drink anything you please and whoop every time the DJ mentions Charles and Carlos.

You're happy to be with your friends, away from Elix and celebrating two people who can become something more than coworkers to you. Although through the night you see them on a few occasions, Carlos waves at you as he passes by a few times only stopping in the third time to let you congratulate him with a quick hug that's more of a shoulder squeeze than anything.

Charles is obviously harder to approach, and to be fair, it's not like you're even trying. He's surrounded by his hometown friends and by anyone who wants to have his attention for a minute, for a picture or a dance or to buy him a drink.

It's past three am when Victoria is beyond buzzed and you're starting to feel exhausted so you decide it's time to leave. Mati has found someone to take home so she's been gone for around forty minutes, minding her business.

"Come on, let's go," you are grabbing Victoria by the wrist as her ankle twists. "We've both had enough," you laugh, Victoria joins your laughter as you snake through the crowd of people pumping fists in the air, some of them point and wave at you and you smile back at them politely.

You hear your name being passed around a few times, but you focus on finding the exit while keeping Victoria by your side, who has started to whine about not wanting to leave.

Once you break into the outside, you take a breath of fresh air, the coolness makes your skin rise in goosebumps and you shiver, letting go of Victoria to lift the hair on the back of your neck.

"It's too early!" Victoria complains once again, her eyes are glassy and she's just as sweaty.

"It's not, plus you're drunk, we should leave," your ears still feel drowned in the sound of music. “My feet are killing me.”

The exit opens again, and a couple stumbles out laughing and they tell Vic and you goodbye in drunken French. Before the door shuts again, Charles is out on the street too.

"I heard you were leaving," he says in what you're sure it's a too loud voice. But your ears have barely stopped ringing, so you can't blame him. "Are you two okay?" he eyes Victoria, who is starting to lean down on her knees to soothe her dizziness.

"Oh we're alright, we've just partied enough," you smile at him. Charles is rosy, bright-eyed and sweaty. Is it corny to describe someone as painfully handsome?

"I didn't get to congratulate you," you add, trying to keep your attention on Charles while being aware that Victoria might start retching at any given moment. "You did amazing."

Victoria straightens immediately, her glassy stare focusing on Charles. "You're such a good driver, Charles, for real."

"Thank you," Charles nods awkwardly a few times as Victoria pokes him with her left index finger. "And thank you y/n."

"Come on, Vic," you chuckle, keeping her hand away from Charles. "Seriously though, I'm happy for you."

Charles smiles again, running a hand through his hair. "Thank you, really. I'm sorry I didn't see you earlier," he points behind him, to the club.

"It's your party, you can't be everywhere,"

Vic is yawning loudly, and you roll your eyes, amused. "We better get going."

"y/n, when are you flying to Spain?" Charles blurts out, the moment you turn to lead Vic down the street.

"I'm not sure, Wednesday probably?"

"You know, I can still show you a place or two in Monaco. If you want." He sinks his left hand in the front pocket of his dark jeans, and you wonder where the mischievous aura from what seems like ages ago went.

You pause, letting Vic put her whole weight on your shoulder as she finally gives up to the exhaustion. "Um well..."

The same tension that appeared at the Ferrari Suite is back, and the more you hesitate, the thicker it becomes.

Victoria pulls you down with her as she throws her head back, yawning again. Charles is just in time to hold you back up, his other arm pulling Vic back to a standing position.

"Only if you want," he says, he is far too close now and you can smell the mix of alcohol and cologne on him.

And maybe it's the alcohol in your own system, and you'll regret this once you sober up and realize that you told Matilde several times this is exactly what you were not going to do, but you say yes.

─── team principal radio: ❝thank you for reading! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. I want to say thank you to everyone who interacts with this series, it means a lot to me to know that you're enjoying it!♡❞

✰ paddock club members: @majx00

[book--brackets]

The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy by Clare B. Dunkle (2003-2005)

For thousands of years, young women have been vanishing from Hallow Hill, never to be seen again. Now Kate and Emily have moved there with no idea of the land's dreadful heritage--until Marak decides to tell them himself. Marak is a powerful magician who claims to be the goblin king, and he has very specific plans for the two new girls who have trespassed into his kingdom . . .

Healer and Seer by Victoria Henley (2000-2004)

Legend states that there exists a mighty sword that makes its possessor invincible to his enemies. But there is a curse on anyone who lifts the sword for conquest. King Kareed of Archeld goes after this sword anyway, winning it from the King of Bellandra. When he returns home from battle, he brings his daughter, Princess Torina, two special gifts. One is a unique crystal, in which she can view visions of the future. The other gift is the defeated king’s son Landen, who is to be her slave. Torina immediately releases Landen, who becomes a member of the King’s army and her close friend.

But trouble is lurking in the kingdom of Archeld and people are accusing Landen of plotting against the King. Torina refuses to believe he would hurt her family. Then Torina begins seeing deadly visions in her crystal. Can she save her father’s life and the future of her kingdom?

Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones (1985)

Polly has two sets of memories...

One is normal: school, home, friends. The other, stranger memories begin nine years ago, when she was ten and gate-crashed an odd funeral in the mansion near her grandmother's house. Polly's just beginning to recall the sometimes marvelous, sometimes frightening adventures she embarked on with Tom Lynn after that. And then she did something terrible, and everything changed.

But what did she do? Why can't she remember? Polly must uncover the secret, or her true love — and perhaps Polly herself — will be lost.

The Medoran Chronicles by Lynette Noni (2015-2019)

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her... but he's missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora's boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can't ignore her fear that something unexpected... something sinister... is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex's shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race's survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

The Girl With Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts (1980)

Everyone knows that Katie is different. The first thing people notice about her are her shiny silver eyes, but even they are not her most unique feature. If they paid a bit more attention, they might see that, as well as being very clever, she attracts strange activity. She can move her glasses back up her nose without touching them and freak weather seems to follow her around. However, when Katie moves to a new neighbourhood, she begins to realise that she might not be the only one who has the ability to do unbelievable things. Join Katie as she struggles to learn more about her place in two very different worlds. A magical story about a magical girl, with powers almost as sharp as her sensational silver eyes.

The Song of Albion by Stephen R. Lawhead (1991-1991)

From the dreaming spires of Oxford, Lewis Gillies drives north to seek a mythical creature in a misty glen in Scotland. Expecting little more than a weekend diversion, Lewis finds himself in a mystical place where two worlds meet, in the time-between-times--and in the heart of a battle between good and evil. The ancient Celts admitted no separation between this world and the Otherworld: the two were delicately interwoven, each dependent on the other. The Paradise War crosses the thin places between this world and that, as Lewis Gillies comes face-to-face with an ancient mystery--and a cosmic catastrophe in the making.

The World of Riverside by Ellen Kushner (1987-2002)

On the treacherous streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. Within this elite, dangerous world, Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless—until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye.

The Tarot Sequence by K. D. Edwards (2018-present)

Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment's missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home.

With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam's relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune's Court.

In looking for Addam, can Rune find the truth behind his family's death and the torments of his past?

Bardic Voices by Mercedes Lackey (1992-1997)

With the proper schooling young Rune would be one of the greatest bards her world has ever seen. Even if only she knows it. Unfortunately, the daughter of a tavern wench at the Hungry Bear, no matter how talented, doesn't get much in the way of formal training. What she does get is frustrated. 

One night, to back up a brag she probably wouldn't have made if she weren't so mad, she went up to play her fiddle for the Ghost of Skull Hill. Everyone knows that no one who has ever gone up Skull Hill has come down again. Not alive, anyway. 

But when the ghost appears Rune Strikes a bargain: if the ghost tires of her playing before morning her life is his; if he is still listening when the sun glints over yonder hill she will have earned both life and a sack of silver. Let the music begin...

The Squire's Tales by Gerald Morris (1998-2010)

Life for the young orphan Terence has been peaceful, living with Trevisant, the old Hermit in a quiet, isolated wood.

That is, until the day a strange green sprite leads him to Gawain, King Arthur's nephew, who is on his way to Camelot hoping to be knighted. Trevisant can see the future and knows that Terence must leave to serve as Gawain's squire. From that moment on, Terence's life is filled with heart-stopping adventure as he helps damsels-in-distress, fights battles with devious men, and protects King Arthur from his many enemies.

Along the way, Terence is amazed at his skills and new-found magical abilities. Were these a gift from his unknown parents? As Gawain continues his quest for knighthood, Terence searches for answers to the riddles in his own past.

[icecreamchick45]

... elaborate on allison argent. and her legacy. go crazy lemme hear it

omg i'm so glad you asked!

So basically, Allison spends season 1 ignorant about the role her family occupies and spends season 2 manipulated into being the version of herself that her family wanted to mold her into. (Mostly Gerard, but on some level, this is what Kate and Victoria were leading her to). Season 3 is where she makes a stand on who she wants to be and what the Argent name should mean. She defines a new code for her family to follow: we protect those who cannot protect themselves. She stands by her friends and fights with them because it's what she believes in. They're helping people. Allison realized her actions by the end of season 2 were wrong and spent all of 3a rectifying and course-correcting who she wanted to be. She spends 3b continuing on that track and it's clear that her path forward is going to be defining who hunters are supposed to be within the world of the supernatural.

And then she dies trying to save her best friend. All of her plans are stopped before they've really begun because Allison, as a player in the narrative, is gone.

From season 4 onward, Allison haunts the narrative in ways that would have horrified her for the most part. Regardless of the intent of the people doing this, for better or for worse, here is how Allison's name is used going forward.

Allison's favorite person growing up was her Aunt Kate, who was practically a sister to her. It can be argued that Allison was the only person who Kate truly cared about (I'm thinking of how Kate apologized for the Hale fire solely because she thought it might protect Allison). Kate uses Allison's name and death as reasons why Scott's pack deserves to be hurt. Kate specifically tells Scott he's the person who destroyed the Argents. Allison's death is used as ammunition by her loved ones to hurt other people she loved.

There's then the deadpool. Meredith cites Lydia's grief over Allison as the reason all this had to happen and now is when they need to start over. Allison's name breaks the first third of the list. Regardless of the fact that she never even met Meredith, her name is still used to fuel a bloodbath. Supernatural creatures in Beacon Hills were killed for money because of Allison's name.

Season 5 doesn't use her as much directly, but Theo still uses her to hurt Scott. This is perhaps my biggest stretch, but Theo uses Allison to make Hayden's dying in 5a worse. Theo brings up first loves and highlights the parallel of what's happening to Liam/Hayden to what happened at the end of season 3b. Theo specifically uses Allison to hurt and manipulate Scott. (Season 5 also has Scott's memories of Allison save him from the beast, but it doesn't really play into Allison's legacy more than just her friends remembering her fondly despite everything else).

It's 6b that drives home for me, her legacy being the opposite of what she wanted. Gerard still references Allison in 6b, specifically in the context of Scott. Like Kate, Gerard also cites Scott as destroying the Argents via Allison's death. Gerard then uses the fall of the Argents to recruit the town into destroying the supernatural. The Argents remain known for the war that they started and supplied weapons for. The Argents remain a family of needless cruelty and violence.

By the end of the series, everything Allison worked towards is gone. Her family's legacy is more vicious than ever, and her friends have been tortured in her name. By the end, not even her dad uses her new code. This doesn't change who Allison is in the eyes of those who knew her, but in terms of what she wanted to achieve if she lives...

[onboardsorasora]

massaging or sitting in the others lap!

Sorry I took forever with this Anonstie, I wanted to do both but couldn't think of the right scenario. But we got there and I hope you like it!!

They were in the wilderness, awake early and posted up on the hunting stand in the middle of a clearing right before sunrise. Daniel was so tired, he blearily noted the majestic rising of the sun behind the mountain range to their right? Left? It didn’t matter

It was early, ass crack o'clock to be exact and Max looked too bright eyed and bushy tailed for someone who had gotten even less sleep than Daniel himself received.

They had arrived last night at the house– it was a little more than a cabin but just not as rustic. It had been in the family for years now and had been updated when Max and Victoria were kids. Daniel was always thankful for the indoor plumbing and recent addition of wifi. Max's dad, Jos, had prepped the place for them, knowing that Max would make the pilgrimage into the wilds for his birthday no matter what. It was tradition he would say.

Max had told him many times about how much fun it had been growing up and the weekend trips they would take up the mountain since his birthday was in the peak of bird hunting season. And of course, Victoria continued the tradition with Lio and Luka. 

Daniel…well he didn’t hate hunting, but he thought it was a lot of effort when they could wake up later in the same cabin and go hiking to a spot in the hills at a more reasonable time.

The first flight of birds leaving their nests for food had already passed, Max had had a stellar shoot, they would have a fine lunch. Maybe dinner. Then he passed the shotgun to Daniel and (once again) taught him how to hold it and aim. 

They did this every year, and every year as soon as they went back home, Daniel forgot how to shoot. Not only was it just not his sport, he simply looked forward to the massage he got from Max afterwards. So he liked his boyfriend’s hands on him, sue him.

While Vic took the boys down to the nearby stream, Max sat on a wooden bench and pulled Daniel to sit on his lap. Daniel leaned into him, clutching Max’s arms that wrapped around his camo clad belly.

“Fine shootn’ today Maxy Max.” Daniel tried to use a Texan accent when they went hunting. It started as a joke and the boys absolutely loved it.

Max smiled a crinkly faced smile, he also got a kick out of it. “Of course, I have been shooting since I was Luka’s age.” 

“A fine cowboy you’d make.”

Max snorted, “always, you are silly Daniel. But yes, I can provide for my family out in the wilderness.” Max rolled his eyes obnoxiously.

“Well you know what they say, save a horse…” Daniel grinned and turned so he was sitting across Max’s legs. He threw his arms around Max’s shoulders, wincing slightly as he did, he truly never got used to the kickback of the old shotgun Max used.

“Are you sore?” Max sprung into action, pressing his thumbs softly into the tender tissue much to Daniel’s relief. “You didn’t cup it close enough, you always forget I think.” Max murmured, his focus honed in on making sure Daniel was ok.

“I’ll cup you close enough.” Daniel teased in reply, grinning at Max’s snort.

“You are doing it on purpose, maybe. Of course you don’t have to hurt yourself to get a massage, Love, I’ll gladly give you one when we get home.”

Daniel kissed Max’s forehead, brushing his hair back with his nose. “I’ll hold you to it since you insist on using that ancient thing.”

He laughed loudly at Max’s squawk of outrage, pleased when his boyfriend launched into the very familiar– and yearly– ‘rant’ about how his gun wasn’t old and he didn’t need to buy a new one and if Daniel would just listen and practice the kick wouldn’t hurt him.

Traditions indeed.

[andiatas]

Crown Princess Victoria's house on Värmdö is finished

Large windows facing the sea, a sunny dock and a heated pool in the garden. Villa Fågelbro is now ready for two future Swedish queens. The Crown Princess family has already spent a weekend in their private paradise on Värmdö.

The house is beautifully nestled in greenery on a small hill. Large oaks and birches form a natural privacy screen. The leaves rustle invitingly from the crowns, and the smell of forest and freshly cut lawn is lovely.

A stone's throw away is Fågelbro Golf & Country Club, but hardly any golfers on the course notice the 2.5-meter-high fence surrounding Victoria and Daniel's lot.

Here, it is intended that Crown Princess Victoria and her family will be able to be completely private and free from prying eyes. When they want to experience archipelago life, barefoot days, and a cup of morning coffee on the front porch, the house in Värmdö is their focal point.

The family has stayed overnight in the house

Victoria and Daniel bought the property in 2020 and own it together. They paid 18 million SEK and received a building permit and beach protection dispensation from Värmdö municipality in the spring of 2021. Nacka Värmdö Posten was the first to report.

There used to be an older house from the 1930s on the plot. It has been demolished, and in its place, a modern and airy home has been built with large windows facing the sea and four-meter-high ceilings.

The Margen Wigow architectural office designed the buildings, the same office that developed the Crown Princess couple's house, Villa Skönvik, on Solliden in 2013. The facade is painted with iron vitriol, which will turn grey over time. The new home has been named Villa Fågelbro.

In December 2023, the house was finally inspected, and the family got the OK to move in, but it is only now that they have tried to live there. The Crown Princess family spent a weekend in the house, according to information given to Aftonbladet. But it is something the Royal Court does not want to comment on.

- They live at Haga Palace and spend the summer in [Villa Skönvik on the grounds of Solliden Palace on] Öland. This is their private residence, which the Royal Court does not comment on. But the Crown Princess Couple looks forward to using the house during the year on holidays and weekends, says Margareta Thorgren.

Prince Daniel called and thanked

The interior is said to be Scandinavian and bright. Wilzén's carpentry in Tranås has delivered oak-wood kitchens, around 50 wardrobes, dressing rooms, and interior doors.

- Prince Daniel actually called last week and thanked us for our work. He is very committed, and all questions go through him, so the work goes a little slower than I am used to, said Christer Wilzén to Tranås Tidning two years ago.

He told the newspaper that security is high and that [the security police] is involved. Wilzén has been made to sign papers to keep specific information secret.

Special solutions on the property's land and water sides also ensure safety. At the gate, large signs from the Royal Courts and the County Administrative Board greet the curious. The property is a protected object that may neither be entered nor photographed.

There is room for both bodyguards and guests. At the gates stands a small house with large windows facing the gates that provide a good view of entry and exit. Two future queens should be able to feel completely safe here.

Royal friends as neighbours

The neighbours in the area also value security, and signs from large security companies are on every other gate. Behind one of the neighbours' fences runs a high-wire fence that "invisibly" deters people from trying to cross onto private land.

Business leaders, board professionals, billionaires, and royal friends live here. The HM family owns several properties a drive away on idyllic forest roads. Crown Princess Victoria is close friends with HM Board Chairman Karl-Johan Persson and his wife Leonie, who was in the same high school class as the Crown Princess. The Persson family has been involved in the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel's house building and helped the couple with applications and advice.

Financier and billionaire Robert Andreen, who founded Nordic Capital in the 1980s, also lives nearby. His daughter, the fashion profile Emilia de Poret, and sons Linus and Ludwig also have houses on the property. Linus Andreen is married to the Crown Princess's close friend Märta Schörling Andreen, the heiress of the financier Melker Schörling, who, until his death, was one of Sweden's wealthiest people and was close to the King and Queen.

HM heir Nils "Nisse" Tham and his wife Félice Jankell also have a summer house in the area. Nils Tham is one of Sweden's youngest billionaires and is the son of HM's primary owner, Lottie Tham. According to Expressen, the house was bought for 55 million SEK in 2016, and several millions have been spent on renovations and extensions.

Solar panels on the roof

Not all the groundwork is finished yet, and there is still some work to be done with the various houses on the plot, but most of it is finished. Crown Princess Victoria is very interested in environmental issues; of course, the house has solar panels on the roof. Saving energy and taking the climate crisis seriously permeate the entire Royal Family's attitude.

The Royal Court does not comment on this because it concerns the Crown Princess Couple's private residence. But regarding sustainability issues, we can say that these are constantly relevant for the Royal Family and also in the construction of this private residence, says Margareta Thorgren.

The King had solar panels installed at the Royal Palace as early as 2018, a larger solar cell facility he received as a gift from SFV when he turned 70. Plans are now being made for more solar cells on the Palace's roof.

According to information given to Aftonbladet, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel will also landscape the garden to promote biodiversity and attract pollinators such as bees and other insects.

Crown Princess Victoria and her family are enjoying their summer vacation at Solliden. On Sunday, she turns 47 and celebrates per tradition with a procession through Borgholm and the Victoria concert in the evening. But when the summer ends, the house on Värmdö will become the family's "leisure oasis" on the weekends.

Translation and editing for clarity by me of an article by Jenny Alexandersson, Royal Reporter at Aftonbladet, published on July 13, 2024, at 12:32.

[mycrymes]

feel free to drop a like / comment to interact with one of the muses listed below !

THE FLETCHERS .

themes dealt with : death , grief , addiction , recklessness , depression , etc . my shameless inspired ocs .

meet the fletchers ! a colorful family of eight six . growing up lower class , the large family has always had a hard time keeping up with bills amongst other responsibilities . when dean fletcher attempts insurance fraud , he fails to keep the rest of his family out of it . due to a horrible ' freak accident ' , the house burns down including his wife and daughter inside . dean is quickly arrested after failing to hide the evidence of tampering . the family learns to deal with grief , anger , and the harsh realities . some refuse to deal with it and some grow into new people .

daniel fletcher , 29 , he / him , bisexual , resembles josh hutcherson .

daniel , dan , was 23 years old when the incident took place . as the eldest of their immediate family he was given the choice to become legal guardian along with his sister ginny . he accepted as he didn't want them separated . dan quickly fell into addiction and has been continuously laid off from job after job . at age 26 , after a hookup , dan got a girl pregnant and was left to raise their daughter alone . he now works a soul sucking office job 9 to 5 . dan can be described as moody , distant , quiet , tired , giving , gentle , attentive , funny , sweet .

imogen fletcher , 27 , she / her , bisexual , resembles victoria pedretti .

imogen , ginny , was 21 when she became legal guardian to her siblings . due to scholarship , ginny was able to continue her higher education . she is a nurse that works shifts and shifts to be able to provide for her siblings . while dan has attempted to move on , she has continued to give herself more and more to her family without taking a breath for herself . she is overworked and incredibly ambitious with a fear of commitment . ginny can be described as selfless , kind , generous , strict , resentful , caring , overbearing , worried , sad .

bryce fletcher , 24 , he / him , heterosexual , resembles brian altemus .

bryce was freshly 18 when the incident happened . away from home at a party , he came home in the middle of the night to screams and cries . he stopped zeke from running back inside to save his twin sister . they now hate eachother . bryce went to college for baseball and got a degree in physical education . he now works at at a highschool as the gym teacher as well as coaches the baseball team . bryce can be described as cocky , protective , loud , a ' fuck boy ' , flirty , angry , regretful .

zeke fletcher , 22 , he / him , pansexual , resembles joshua macqueen

zeke was 16 when the incident happened . zeke lost his twin sister in the fire and went off the hills in order to cope . dropping out of highschool , he got his GED later but still doesn't use it . he works as a male stripper at the local club and tends to get himself in horrible situations . he dabbled in drug dealing even to his older brother . zeke can be described as impulsive , angry , fun , flirty , sexual , sly , cunning , enthusiastic , depressed , funny , loyal .

piper fletcher , 21 , she / her , heterosexual , resembles nicole wallace .

piper was 15 when the incident happened . the baby of the family ! everyone in the fletcher family loves piper and doesn't want her to be corrupted by this life . her trauma has been tuned out as she has a hard time even remembering the incident . she is currently working as a waitress in the local bar while also attending college for psychology . piper can be described as sweet , shy , kind , gentle , sensitive , confused , frustrated , innocent , adventurous .

[kordyceps]

I only just saw ur ask game post and hello gimme the deets on the role reversal au plz and thx

Ohh okay this is a fun one, where a bunch of stuff is swapped around. The Stilinskis, McCalls, Argents, and Martins are all werewolves and part of a pack (with Claudia, Gerard, Kate, Victoria, and Rafael having been killed in a hunter attack six years ago in place of the Hale fire). The Hales, in turn, are all human, and instead of being founders with tons of sway in Beacon Hills, they're just sort of a big, kooky, artsy hippie family lol. Well known cuz there are so many of them, but zero influence.

I don't have the story itself super well outlined yet, but the gist is gonna be: Peter finally returns home after a bunch of years living away in the big city, and immediately starts cluing in to things being… strange around Beacon Hills. Particularly with this nosy, hyperactive boy, who he swears somehow overheard a conversation that should have been humanly impossible to overhear. Cue Peter being sus af, catching on to more and more weird bullshit, and trying to figure it all out (while also feeling increasingly like he's going insane lol). Stiles, meanwhile, is super into this hot older guy who's new to town and has a lot of fun twisting him up, and may or may not go a liiiittle overboard with trying to show off and mess with him.

[conradscrime]

3 Missing Person's Cases from Canada

September 15, 2024

Troy Cook (Nova Scotia)

Troy Cook was born on July 16, 1978 and was 20 years old at the time of his disappearance. On June 11, 1998 around 10 am, Troy's father dropped Troy off near his apartment at 1 Victoria Street, Truro, Nova Scotia.

Around 10:30 am, a Superstore employee Sharon Tucker received a phone call from someone who claimed to be Troy. Sharon said she was certain it was Troy, but that he sounded different. The person on the phone let Sharon know he would not be in to work his evening shift that night.

Other sources state that Troy's father last saw him on June 12, 1998. It is believed that Troy made a phone call from a payphone near the Tim Horton's in Bible Hill, Truro. Troy has never been seen or heard from since.

There have also been no confirmed sightings of Troy. Troy had never mentioned leaving, and both his ID and wallet were found in his apartment. There have not been any transactions made from his bank account. Troy is not known to have had an mental illnesses or engaged in impulsive behaviour.

Troy is described as having brown eyes and black hair, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 120 lbs. The government of Nova Scotia is offering a reward of $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the disappearance of Troy Cook.

2. Shelly-Anne Bacsu (Alberta)

Shelly-Anne Bacsu was born on April 7, 1967 and was 16 years old when she went missing on May 3, 1983. On that day, Shelly-Anne had been at her boyfriend's house at Sunset Trailer Court in Hinton, Alberta after school.

Shelly-Anne called her mother at 8pm and told her she would be coming home soon. Her mother also stated that her daughter told her she would be home in 15 minutes, her friend was going to pick her up and bring her home, and asked if she could make her a pasta dish that she loved.

Around 9pm, when Shelly-Anne still hadn't arrived home, her boyfriend called her mother and asked if he could speak to Shelly-Anne. Her mother told her boyfriend that wasn't funny, but in that moment said she had a terrible feeling that something had happened.

The boyfriend told Shelly-Anne's mom that her friend ended up not being able to drive her home, so Shelly-Anne began to walk home. She was walking down Highway 16 towards her house off Highway 40.

Shelly-Anne's mother called the police, and her father and brother searched the area for her. Her mother decided to look for her by foot despite it being dark and windy out.

A witness had claimed to see Shelly-Anne walking down the highway earlier in the evening, stating she had been carrying her school books and showed no interest in hitch hiking. Muriel, Shelly-Anne's mother, stated the distance between her boyfriend's house and her house was 4 miles, but her daughter would not have tried to make that.

A few days later some of Shelly-Anne's belongings were found about 3 miles from her house. A jacket, bra, pantyhose, a student union card and a library book that had been checked out that day were found along Highway 40 near the Athabasca River.

Despite interviews, police have never arrested anyone.

The Bacsu family moved from Hinton in 1991, but continued to the search for Shelly. Muriel was frustrated and stated that after the 10 year anniversary of her daughter's disappearance, the police had not contacted her at all for 15 years.

In 2010, authorities looked at Shelly-Anne's case in relation to the Highway of Tears investigation. This investigation involves multiple women going missing along a large stretch of highway in Canada. Shelly is the only Alberta woman on the list.

Authorities have been looking at Shelly's case over the years, following up on new tips, interviews, and testing DNA samples. DNA was found at the scene that belongs to an unknown person who is considered a "person of interest" to police.

It has been 41 years since Shelly-Anne disappeared that night, and her mother, Muriel, is still hopeful for answers to her daughter's whereabouts. Shelly's father died in 2014 from cancer, and her mother would be 80 years old (the last interview I found was in 2020 when her mother was 76 years old).

Shellly-Anne was 4 feet 11 inches and weighed between 80-90 pounds at the time of her disappearance. She was reported to be wearing a burgundy velour sweater, a burgundy and grey jacket, grey sneakers, blue jeans with a stripe down the legs, a green emerald ring and opal earrings. Shelly would be 57 years old today if still alive.

Anyone with information about Shelley’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Hinton RCMP Detachment at (780) 865-2455 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com.

3. Andre Ernest Gauthier (New Brunswick)

Andre Gauthier was last seen around 10:15 pm near Simms Corner on the west side of Saint John, New Brunswick on September 23, 1984. He was only 17 years old. There is not much information on the case.

In 2015, a case manager for Fulton County Doe was contacted about a potential match to Andre Gauthier. The John Doe had jumped to his death from a building in Atlanta, Georgia in 1993. There was no further information on this.

If alive today, Andre would be 57-58 years old. He was described as a white male with hazel eyes, brown hair, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and 139 lbs.

Andre was last seen wearing a black and orange vest, a white and blue Alpine t-shirt, blue faded jeans/pants, brown leather jacket (oversized), a silver, aluminum, stainless steel, lighter with "Andre" engraved on the front, and "July 10, 1984, Irene + Paul" on the back, with a keychain that said "I love NY."

If you have information on Andre's case, contact one of the following:

Saint John Police Force: (506)-648-3333 Reference Case #: 84-08488

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or online at https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org/tips (you can stay anonymous)

Send an email to the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains at: canadamissing-disparuscanada@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Case reference: 2014001900

[victoriahillsblog]

Exploring the New Homes in Victoria Hills For Embracing the Serenity

Located in the tranquil landscapes of Victoria Hills is known for several new homes. The welcoming atmosphere and the pocket-friendly budget for new homes in Victoria Hills aid more features to the potential home buyers that would rightly match all their expectations. Here is all about the beautiful features that you can get from the new homes at this serene locality.

The contemporary style and meticulous craftsmanship of the new homes in Victoria Hills are among its main selling points. Modern homeowners' requirements and tastes are taken into consideration in the construction of these homes, which feature open-concept floor designs and elegant architectural lines. High ceilings lend an appearance of openness and spaciousness, while large windows let in an abundance of natural light. In order to guarantee both elegance and functionality, every detail—from the finishes to the fixtures—is meticulously chosen, giving inhabitants a living area that is both elegant and useful.

Apart from their contemporary exteriors, new homes in Victoria Hills also have an array of appealing features intended to improve the standard of living for occupants. While surrounding facilities like restaurants, retail centers, and entertainment venues offer convenience and amusement close to home, community parks, walking paths, and green areas provide chances for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. Victoria Hills offers a lifestyle that accommodates both exploration and relaxation, whether you're going on a day of adventure in the surrounding area or just taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood.

In addition, there is a strong feeling of community in Victoria Hills, as locals gather together to build relationships and enduring friendships. The neighborhood's sense of community and camaraderie is fostered by organized social events, get-togethers, and community projects, which create a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone who lives in Victoria Hills. Home builder in Asheville provides a community where you can really put down roots and thrive, whether you're a young professional, a developing family, or an empty nester seeking a change of pace.

[verdanthill]

Becoming a part of the Verdant Hill community has never been easier with just a $10,000* fixed deposit plus a $5,000 discount! Surrounded by local amenities, including world-class educational opportunities for every level, retail, hospitality, medical, religious, and recreational precincts, Verdant Hill is a vibrant and connected community with the unrivalled convenience.

[corawithfanfiction]

✯ Flawless - Sebastian Stan

it is a man's man's world

my materialist - the only way

Warnings and Information:

First of all, hello to all of you,

there are a couple of things I want to mention before we start the story.

Nora is a character I created myself. I based her character profile on Taylor Hill and Daisy Edgar Jones, but it is up to you to imagine her as you wish throughout the story :)

Nora first appeared on the Victoria's Secret Show in 2013. Taylor Hill made her debut on this runway in 2014. So, I will make some changes about the 2013 runway. I tried to go as close to real life as possible, but as I said, I want to focus on a specific period of time, so I won't bore you with too many details.

✯

23 July 2013

norawalter: Maybe I should take a picture too? Super excited about this! This amazing man and his team are at Comic-Con 😘 I can always look at this view 💙 @imsebastianistan

876,230 likes - 15,765 comments

marvelnewsonline: She's so hot, it's unfair

chrisevans: Sebastian won't stop talking about you, seriously I'll hit him soon

norawalter: @chrisevans heyyy, leave him alone! #jealousboy

✯

“Thank you so much for being here with me.”

As we stood together in the back, Sebastian planted a kiss on my cheek, all the while smiling his gorgeous smile at me. Today there was a press conference for the upcoming Captain America sequel, The Winter Soldier, and my beloved boyfriend was technically the lead in this movie.

I mean, he was giving the movie its title, he was definitely the lead.

Later that night Sebastian was at the fashion show with Chris Hemsworth and he caught me backstage and we quickly exchanged numbers. For some reason I couldn't contain myself and I told my friend the details of what had happened as soon as I got home. I was getting excited thinking about the idea that you had actually met.

The next day I got a message on my phone. It was from him. He asked how I was doing, expressed his desire to spend more time together and asked if I was free next weekend, which I gladly accepted.

After a date night, the two of us were kissing in the back seat of his car, unable to keep our hands off each other. I wished I had known earlier that the men in Romania were so talented, because if I had known about it I would have tried it a long time ago.

The only unfinished problem(s) was the fact that Sebastian was thirty and I was nineteen. I was a little skeptical - frankly terrified - about the reaction we'd get from his parents or family or the fans, but then I decided it would be healthier for this relationship to say screw it less. I was more than happy with this guy, and being here for Comic-Con this weekend was a dream come true.

“You support me, I support you.” I grinned, kissed his lips gently, ran my fingers through his long hair. The Winter Soldier filmed for one more week before it was over, but for the rest of the movie I was able to stay with Sebastian in Los Angeles, where I had a few photo shoots. And with this good timing, we were able to spend more time together.

As I looked around, I noticed famous faces - Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, just to name a few. I couldn't believe that my world had somehow found a way to collide with theirs. Sebastian hugged me tighter before letting me know they were about to continue, which made me grin to myself.

“I'm going to take a seat somewhere in the crowd.” I winked when he pressed his lips to my hair. “See you there, Bucky.” I giggled.

“Who's Bucky?” Sebastian said with a slight smirk before I exited backstage and found my way to the front of the crowd. And without wiping the smile off my face, I started walking towards my seat.

✯

“Hey, you almost ready?” Marissa asked as she came over to my seat. We were currently in a hotel in New York City, and I had an upcoming show tonight, including the first appearance of me and Sebastian as a couple again. To say I was nervous would be a serious understatement.

“You've been quiet all day,” she giggled, taking a sip of her water. ”And that's so out of character for you.”

Marissa had been one of my dearest friends throughout my career, including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Barbara Palvin and a few others.

I shrugged my shoulders and nodded, looking at the clock, it was getting close to Sebastian's arrival time. The two of you would leave the hotel together and appear at Manhattan Center for the show.

“No problem.” I giggled and shook my head, and Marissa frowned and shook her head. She knew that if I just chose not to talk, she wouldn't bother me about anything. When we met four years ago, she had instantly figured out the paths I walked. And it was her ability to analyze everything and everyone around her so quickly that laid the foundation for our friendship. A friendship that has grown exponentially since the day we met. For which I was grateful, Marissa was one of those rare people who, unlike everyone else, could be a companion to me just by her silence.

I stood up from my seat as I walked over and grabbed my jacket. I was dressed in a black oversized leather jacket, a basic pair of Mom jeans and a black bustier. I was complete with a pair of black heels. My hair was pulled up in a sleek but messy bun, my makeup was natural but bold. When I arrived at the venue I knew the makeup artists would be with me.

The show was due to start at six tonight, three o'clock now, and we were all scheduled to be there promptly at four. I was right behind Marissa as she headed for the elevator, her heels clicking against the floor. I put my hands on top of hers and pressed the button for the first floor where the lobby was, trying to get used to the knot in my stomach at the idea of walking hand in hand with her.

I was still angry with Russell for putting me in this situation. He knew my backstory and Sebastian's, the turmoil it caused for both parties. He knew that and I couldn't accept that he had chosen to go against my wishes and move him forward.

When the elevator doors opened, I saw him.

My breath caught in my throat as he sat in one of the chairs in the lobby. He was wearing a charcoal-colored suit, his short hair disheveled yet combed, his face clean-shaven for the event. He was looking at his phone, jerking his thumbs on the screen.

Oh my God, Marissa murmured.

“Is that it,” I took a deep breath before I could say the words.

Time toplay my part!

“Sebastian,” I called, smiling slightly. He lifted his head, his blue eyes fixed on me. He realized that Marissa was standing there with her chin almost touching the floor. Sebastian quickly stood up and straightened his clothes before walking towards me. I bubbled behind my smile as he put one hand on my thigh and pressed his lips lightly against my cheek.

“Darling.” Then he smiled and held out his arm, letting me pierce my nerves.

His cologne passed through my airways and for a moment I almost hummed the fragrance but I remembered very quickly that he was evil.

He was the devil.

It was fiery.

It was intense.

Stop it, Nora!

Marissa's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she looked between us.

“Hollywood's hottest together again?” She gasped. I smiled and nodded, “We just needed time apart.”

Marissa beamed.

“I always knew you two would find yourselves back together, you're soul mates in every sense of the word.” She walked past me, winked at me and left the hotel. I didn't hesitate to lock eyes with Sebastian as he walked towards the outer door and the two of us walked out with our arms crossed. By then the paparazzi were already longing for the door. Flashes of light caught my attention.

Sebastian and I smiled for the cameras, I tried to put on my happy face, but there was a moment when I felt I might have frowned. “Are you two back together?!” A reporter asked hurriedly after both of us. The car waiting for us was right in front of us, and when the driver saw us, the back door opened.

“Sebastian Stan and Nora Walter are back together!” another was squeaking into the phone recording.

Yes, this was going to break the internet.

We both waited to settle inside the car. As soon as the door closed hard, I pulled my hand away from Sebastian's. I reached into my bag and pulled out the bottle of my hand sanitizer and squeezed a large amount onto my hands. This caused Sebastian to roll his eyes. “You're afraid of germs?” he scoffed.

“Says the one who begs for these hands to touch him everywhere.” Seb joked, looking out the tinted windows of the car.

Rolling my eyes, I crossed one leg over the other, keeping my distance from Sebastian.

“You better not fuck this shit up for me tonight, Sebastian.” I announced in a harsh tone that made Seb laugh.

“I hope you hang out at the podium. Sorry, put some effort into it and I won't get my wish. At least I want people to think that my girlfriend is really good at what she does.”

My eyes widened. “You're a selfish bitch!” I hissed, knowing full well that I put more effort and effort into this profession and training than anyone else.

“Then shut the fuck up and stop threatening me. It doesn't scare me.” He protested too easily, as if it were a trifle. “I swear, I will…” - “You'll kill me in my sleep. I've heard it so many times.”

My arms crossed over my chest as I blew the air between my lips. Twenty minutes later our car was pulling up at the scene, the press already gathered around.

“I hate my life.” I muttered under my breath as someone ran to the backseat to hold the door. Sebastian groaned, reaching out to take my hand, which made me squeal.

“Hey! Don't touch me!” I hissed as the doors opened, but instead of the dreaded scowl I quickly got the sweetest smile. Sebastian came out first, the press almost going crazy.

“Sebastian! Are you here for the fashion show? Does your romance have anything to do with his resumption with Nora Walter?” At that moment, I grabbed Sebastian's hand as he helped me to my feet, everyone went even crazier.

I smiled, and Sebastian planted a kiss on my cheek before the two of us entered the venue. The way he pressed his lips to my face almost made me scream, why was he putting so much effort into this! As soon as we were away from the buzzing paparazzi I pushed myself away from him.

“Stop doing that!” I hissed, wiping my face. “You're really going to wipe my makeup off.”

Sebastian laughed, shoved his hands in his pockets and walked in the other direction.

“Where the hell are you going?” I asked in confusion as Sebastian turned back to me to answer.

“To have a drink with Mackie and Evans so I don't have to talk to you. Shit.” With that, he gave me his thin middle finger and narrowed his eyes.

“But I thought you were supposed to be here?!” I growled. Sebastian's laughter scratched my ears, his back still turned to me as he walked away.

“Hopefully I'll be back in time to watch you fall flat on your face.” With that, he disappeared somewhere in the back and I just stood there, Marissa soon walked through the door.

“You little bitch, you didn't tell me you and that sexy ex of yours made it up!” He took my arm and turned me towards the pearl.

I went backstage with Marissa where everyone was, hoping no one would hear our fight.

I smiled as she nodded.

“He's cute, isn't he?” I grinned, rolling my eyes when she didn't look at me. I had a show to get ready for.

✯

25 July 2013

imsebastianstan: Who'd have thought I'd be flirting with my favorite model? You are more beautiful than the city behind you. I love you, beautiful. ❤️ @norawalter

1,234,212 likes - 46,873 comments

stansays: YOU GUYS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

Legacymeetsreality: I literally can't right now

blakelively: I miss you both!!! 💘

blakelively: Ahhh GG I miss my favorite! #CarterBaizenScores

thewintershoulderrrr: the best couple on the planet literally can't do it, I cried into my soup

norawalter: love you Sebby 💙

chacecrawford: @blakelively - wait, I thought I was GG's favorite? #suspicious. Seriously, congrats mate @imsebastianstan

TAG LIST:

@mentallyscreamingsincebirth @putherup @corawithfanfiction @vladsgirlxx

@iamaslytherin0 @sexualparkour @the-universe-is-complicated @heavenly-bratt

@lafemme-nk @namiusedbubble @useyourwandbro @strmborns @literally-lani

@virgosapphire79 @star-girl-04 @veyzus @ddipotassium @pecxiebu

@mil88691 @iloveyoutodeathbutimdrowning @katifefe @sn0wybowie-blog

@moochiester @zizuras @blackbluerose666 @rosecoloureddudez @sebastians-love @sebastian-warneke @kingkat12 @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky

[sheepwithspecs]

Echar Agua al Mar: Chapter 6

|| DP Coco (2017) || Rated T ||

Ao3 Link

For Imelda, trying to prevent Héctor from coming back into her life is like throwing water into the sea: pointless. With her family keen to accept the strange musician, and a challenge she can hardly refuse, she soon finds herself caught up in the continuation of a romance decades in the making. [Updates every Saturday]

“¡Hola! Welcome to— Oh!” Rosita smiled warmly as the familiar figure hurried through the door. “Welcome home, Mamá Imelda!”

Home? Imelda looked around blearily, the echo of a migraine pounding at her temples. She remembered walking, but the paths she’d taken after leaving the alleyway were nothing more than a blur in the back of her mind. Her feet had worked off muscle memory, carrying her back to the one place she was guaranteed to find peace and rest. She faintly recalled climbing the winding hill, absently dodging passersby, but… she had not paid any attention to the walk itself. Not since—

“Mamá Imelda?” Julio’s wingtip fell to the workbench with a clunk, his squat frame twisting on the high stool as he stared at her. The whole family stared, their smiles faltering as she stood motionless in the threshold, clutching her bag of groceries to her chest. Her knees trembled faintly beneath her skirts, boots scraping against the floorboards as she stumbled forward to take a seat in the nearest chair.

“Imelda! What’s wrong?!” In another moment they were surrounding her, taking the groceries from her lap and checking for any sign of injury.

“Do you feel faint?”

“Quickly, get some water!”

“Let me breathe!” she managed to croak, batting away their anxious hands. Rosita shut the door with enough force to make everyone jump, effectively closing the shop until further notice. Julio lifted her feet, casting about helplessly for something to prop them on. Oscar squeezed her shoulders, Felipe half draped across her lap as he peered into her eyes. “Get back, I said!” she demanded weakly, shaking them off one by one.

“But what’s happened?” Felipe remained on one knee, his tone stern. His expression was so resolute that for one moment, she was reminded of their father. “Has someone hurt you?”

“Did you hurt yourself?” Rosita asked, brushing the loose hairs from her forehead with a gentle touch. “Are you sick?”

“She can’t be sick. She’s dead.” Victoria looked up from where she was busily unpacking the groceries onto the workbench. “Did you see something upsetting?” she guessed, pulling things from the sack and inspecting each purchase with a discerning eye.

“I’m fine. I’m just…” Imelda rubbed her forehead with one hand, closing her eyes. “I am tired.” What she wanted most was to think , but that was impossible to do with her family flying about like a flock of startled pigeons. “I want to rest.”

“Of course you do, you should— oh, no!” Rosita reached into her bun, yanking out a single purple petal that had been trapped beneath the ribbon. “You poor thing!” she cried in dismay. “You’ve lost your beautiful flowers!”

“What?” Victoria turned from the workbench, her thread in one hand and an orange in the other. Her jaw clenched, gears turning behind her narrowed eyes. “You lost your flowers?” she repeated incredulously.

“Of course I did not lose them,” Imelda snapped, some of her strength returning as she sat up in the chair. “I do not lose things. I simply returned them.”

“What?!” Rosita dropped the petal, both hands clapped to her wide cheekbones. It fluttered down to rest in Imelda’s lap, blending with the fabric of her dress until the two were nearly indiscernible from one another. The twins shared a quick glance, Oscar taking advantage of his position behind his sister to shake his head in disappointment. Even the stoic Victoria was affected, turning on her heels so quickly that she nearly spun in a full circle.

“You gave them back to Héctor, you mean.” Imelda nodded.

“Oh, Mamá Imelda! How could you?” Rosita admonished, shoulders slumping as the news sank in. “How could you be so rude to poor Papá Héctor?”

“Héctor and I have reached an… agreement.” Imelda paused, fingers steepled as she thought carefully about her next words. “It was wrong of me to lead him on.”

“Now, now.” Rosita swallowed back a sigh. “You did not lead—”

“I did, and it was a mistake.” She rose to her feet, brushing the petal from her skirt absently. “It was my mistake, and I take full responsibility for it.”

“But—!”

“Héctor is better off forgotten. By me,” she clarified after a moment’s pause.

“Even so!”

“I made it clear that he was not unwelcome at the shop. If you wish to get to know him better, I will not stop you. After all, he is—for better or for worse—your Papá Héctor. As for me… I think it’s best that we leave things where they are.”

“Furthermore,” she added in her sternest tone, “I don’t want to hear another word on the subject! There’s nothing more to be said, so long as he and I are of one mind about it. Do I make myself clear?” Imelda looked at Julio, who nodded quickly. “Oscar? Felipe?” The twins sighed, but agreed. “Rosita?” Rosita turned quickly, shoulders quivering, but dared not breathe a word of protest. “Victoria?” Though her expression was defiant, she gave a curt nod of assent.

“Very good. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to rest awhile before supper.” Imelda had almost made it to the staircase when Victoria spoke.

“And what of his boots?” Imelda stopped, fingers resting lightly on the handrail. She turned to look back at them, the setting sun throwing her face into shadow.

“What about his boots?” she asked in the same tone. The room itself trembled, the tension between the family matriarch and its youngest (dead) member pulled like a bowstring until the stale heat of the evening was palpable. Rosita tapped her fingers on the workbench nervously, eyes sliding from one thin figure to the other. Victoria remained silent, standing in a manner that seemed to simultaneously portray deference and defiance.  

“If you must know,” Imelda huffed, “we’ve already discussed his boots. He’s going to stop by next week. Is there anything else?”

“It’s just—”

“ Is . There . Anything . Else ?” Victoria bowed her head, hands locked behind her back.

“No, Mamá Imelda.”

“Then I will be upstairs if you need me.” Still holding her head, she quickly climbed the stairs and disappeared. No one spoke, unwilling to let out even a sigh until they heard the faint sound of her bedroom door shutting.

“Ay, Oscar.” Felipe rubbed his brow bone, prodding at the place where his crow’s feet used to be. “What are we going to do now?”

“Stubborn to a fault!” Oscar threw up his hands. “We’re back at square one!”

“It feels more like we’re behind square one,” Victoria corrected glumly. “They weren’t on speaking terms before.”

This is my fault.

Imelda rested quietly on the bed, eyes closed and hands folded across her lap. She had opened the window before lying down, and now the evening breeze blew softly over her as it stirred the curtains. An alebrije was in the pine, alternating between bird and goat noises.

Weakness. That’s what it amounted to. Letting him waltz right back into her life, just when she had sworn to forget him entirely… how many times must she throw him away? How many times would she be willing to throw him away? You never learn your lesson, Imelda, she chastised herself sharply. Time and time again, falling for that woebegone look on his face….

Even when he’d shown up at Miguel’s side, with that nervous smile and weakened bones, worming his way under skin that no longer existed. She had thought herself stronger back then, telling him to his face that she could never forgive him for what he’d done to her, to his family. It was the truth… right? It was absolutely impossible to undo decades of pain with something as simple as an apology. But if that was the case, then… what happened?

I should have forgotten you years ago, Héctor .

But she couldn’t, could she? It was never going to happen; she couldn’t just forget him, not when he had been part of the best thing to ever happen to her. Her daughter, her Coco, the living proof that she’d once known love. Coco was her reminder that her marriage had not been some fanciful dream. It had happened. It was real.

A faint rhythm floated in on the wind, barely audible over the alebrije’s bleating cry. There was a laugh from the street, a snatch of humming, a car horn and an answering shout.

Héctor… music and memories were so intertwined that it only took a few notes to bring him back to her. It was impossible for her to find pleasure in one without thinking of the other. He was her man, her músico, whether she liked it or not. Most of the time it was a faint memory, easily pushed aside. But every so often it was something more, something tangible. Sometimes she could have sworn that if she turned around, he would be there. He was immortalized in her memory, never a day older than the night he left: pristine clothing and patched valise, a look in his eyes that begged her to understand. 

It was one of the more selfish reasons she’d sought to abolish music from the Rivera household. The less she was exposed to it, the less he crept into her thoughts. There had once been days, even weeks, when she did not think of him at all. Shoes were her life, her anchor. If she was making shoes, she had to concentrate on her work. There was no time to recall what it felt like to be held, to have someone sit nearby and strum a guitar for her, or whisper songs into her ear when everyone else was asleep.

But to remember the music, even if it was just for one night… oh, what fun it had been! There was a joy in it, a thrumming joy that moved her feet and swung her hips and—ah! ¡Qué alegría!

And singing! Oh, how she had missed singing! The way she felt alive from head to toe, losing herself in the lyrics. All the while his guitar had been in the back of her mind, keeping up with every note as easy as anything. It had not been enough to remember, no: she had been young again in that moment. So warm and familiar, the same as it had been so long ago. When he played for her, and she sang for him—for even then, while fighting for Miguel’s life, a small part of her had been singing for him —nothing had mattered.

At the finale of the Sunrise Spectacular, when she’d escaped Ernesto’s grasp and snatched the photo right out of his greedy, grubby fingers, both excited and terrified, unable to think straight—well, she had acted on instinct, hadn’t she? Leaping at him, throwing herself right into his arms, as though she were still a maiden of one and twenty.

She had laughed while he twirled her, his arms so welcome after being manhandled by that sorry excuse for a celebrity. She’d looked up into his eyes and seen the man she’d married staring back at her, proud and excited, worried and glad, all at once. For the first time in nearly a century, she had felt shy. And… she had loved him.

Imelda realized now that being furious enough to part ways with someone did not mean the absence of love. She had never stopped loving him, not completely. The pain of being abandoned, of being left alone with a child to feed and no way of knowing if he’d ever return—even that had not been enough to completely sever the connection they’d once shared.

That was what hurt the most.

She had almost forgotten what that pain had felt like. After so many years, the memory had become little more than a dull throb. But she remembered it now. The queasy numbness that had once been her constant companion spread through her like an old ache, one that came and went in the course of a lifetime. It stole her breath and resonated in her bones, a fierce torment that ceased only when she turned her mind to other, more pressing matters. It was only when she remained occupied that his memory was a fragment of dreams, a ghost, unable to cause harm.

How could she have forgotten this ? The loneliness, the regret, the anger? She had wanted to forget Héctor, but instead she had somehow forgotten her own heartache. And yet….

Somehow, in that easygoing manner of his, Héctor had managed to waltz his way back into her life. He’d even charmed her family—their family, she was loath to admit—with his jokes and his music. And he’d done it without so much as one single—well, no, that was unfair. He had apologized, hadn’t he? An apology she’d waited decades for, had imagined in so many different ways. She had assured herself that when the time came, she would be prepared, but… when it actually happened, she had found herself overwhelmed.

Still, what was one apology, when compared to a lifetime of labor and toil?! He had sauntered off into the sunset with Ernesto, chasing dreams while she stayed at home with no income, no stability, no way to fend for herself, and certainly no choice but to better her situation however she might! Papá had been gone two years by that point, and Mamá on her sickbed with no strength to chase after a precocious child. Oscar and Felipe were a help, to be sure, but it was not fair to ask them to set aside their own lives for her. They had done so regardless, because they understood that family came first.

And all this time, where was he?! Sure, Héctor had managed to send a few letters home, songs for Coco and private notes for her, poems for them both. Pages and pages of nothing but details about the journey, about the towns he discovered, about the quality of each train station. After some time she stopped bothering to read them, preferring instead to use the inked pages as kindling. However, she could not bring herself to do the same for Coco’s letters. Those she tucked away for safekeeping, guilt gnawing at her breast at the thought that her daughter might one day resent actions taken in haste.

Still, would it have killed him to send some money home with those letters?!  Money was all he’d talked about before he left. They would be rich, they would never have cause to worry, they’d never have to work a day in their lives… pah! She only started working because he left! While she was left to slave over the workbench, sewing shoes in her sleep, he had been off carousing in Monterrey or Toluca, or Mexico City or… who knows where, because the letters had stopped coming!

He tried to go home to you and Coco, but de la Cruz murdered him!

The air seemed to grow colder at the memory of Miguel’s revelation. Those words had made her sick to her stomach; the pain of Héctor’s memory paled in comparison. She had not wanted to believe him. It meant that Ernesto was a murderer, but it also meant that she was… wrong. That her entire life she’d been blaming Héctor for something that he was innocent of. She could not bear to think of it for long, imagining him alone and afraid, in pain, trying to take just one more step —

She had not wanted to believe it, but after taking only one look at Héctor’s face, she’d known it to be true. The honesty and shame written on his features had made for a pitiable sight as he stood to the side, not part of the family group, dressed in rags with his hat in his hands and his head hung low. And if that had not been enough, to see him in pain still , to realize that he was so dangerously close to becoming one of the Forgotten, and whose fault had it been?

Hers.

Imelda could not claim ignorance, nor innocence. She had meant to hurt him, wanted to hurt him. She had spurned every attempt at reconciliation; she had turned him away with disgust. She had even gone so far as to request that his name be removed from the official family records, and had come away disappointed when she found it was not permitted. She had done everything except seek the truth, and she had done it out of spite.

In all honesty, Héctor deserved better. She had seen the results of her festering anger firsthand; it had brought nothing but regret. She had long ago decided that Héctor was not worth remembering, and by deciding for her family as well—instead of telling the story and allowing them to draw their own conclusions—she had almost sealed his fate. What sort of wife—no, what sort of person could be so… so callous? So merciless?

That was the sort of person who did not deserve a second chance.

[no-where-new-hero]

More Lantern Hill posting! Will attempt to keep this brief as I also have to draft tomorrow's F&H readalong post lol.

CH. 17:

Dad had bought a dish-pan that day, but neither of them had thought about a dish-cloth or dish-towels. Jane got two new undervests out of her trunk and slit them open.

Obsessed by how Jane immediately repurposes one of the unnecessary clothes from Gay Street and uses it as a functional tool of her new life. Talk about reclamation of power.

Also a strange, soft far-away sound—the moaning call of the sea. The night seemed to be filled with it. Jane heard it and something deep down in her responded to it with a thrill that was between anguish and rapture. Why was the sea calling? What was its secret sorrow?

The sea runs through all of LMM's PEI books, yet this seems to be her most oceanic novel as far as I can tell. Only Anne's House of Dreams, and Leslie Moore's character from it in particular, uses the sea as a theme to this extent.

CH. 18:

Jane broiled [the codfish] and her face as well, and it was delicious.

Such an accurate description of cooking. If you're not physically altered by the act, did you really make a good meal?

Her foot was on her native heath and her name was Jane.

Names also define this book to a huge extent. Yes, we saw that with Valancy vs. Doss, but in TBC, Valancy never seemed to doubt she was Valancy. It was a mark of her otherness and used against her, but perhaps because she was older, it doesn't seem such a fundamental building block her identity the way Jane vs. Victoria is here. It's interesting how both Jane and Victoria are hereditary names, which may contribute to how fraught they are.

Dad brought home the ship clock with the dog. Jane found it useful to time meals by, but as far as anything else was concerned there was really no such thing as time at Lantern Hill.

LMM is really a master at creating enchantment. I would never have thought domesticity could be like fairyland, but Lantern Hill really is for Jane, and therefore for us.

CH. 19:

She had a sudden realization of the fact that this was not the first time dad had helped fix up a home…not the first time he had been nicely excited over choosing wallpaper and curtains and rugs. He must have had it all before with mother. Perhaps they had had just as much fun over it as dad and she were having now…more ... how could mother ever have left him?

This paragraph hurt me a little somewhere, and I think it lies in the fact that the moment when a child realizes that their parents were not always parents but once in fact had a life before your existence, something kind of shifts in your worldview. I can't quite remember if Jane has already pondered the circumstances of her parents' separation, but her actively thinking now of when they married seems to be a necessary--if perhaps painful--step forward in her maturity. And of course in the next chapter we begin to hear of Robin again.

CH. 20:

Aunt Irene was smiling, but there was an edge to her voice. Jane thought she would almost prefer grandmother's venom. You didn't have to look as if you liked that.

I would ALSO prefer Grandmother, Jane, which is saying something. God, this whole chapter makes me so mad. I hope Aunt Irene dances in red hot shoes by the end of this novel.

CH. 21:

Jane's letter to her mother is giving such Emily-writing-on-letter-bills-to-her-father: even down to having opinions on cows and including misspellings.

[sussex-newswire]

"Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stood at the front of a new bookstore in the oceanside enclave of Summerland, California over the weekend and recalled the last time she set foot in a similar spot. It was back in 2019, during a covert trip to New York from the UK to watch her friend, Serena Williams, play in the U.S. Open. She stayed for a night in the West Village with another friend, designer Misha Nonoo; before anybody knew Meghan was in town, she went for a walk to a bookstore.

"'For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal,' the duchess said, describing how she put on a cap and kept her head down. 'I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world,' she continued, hinting at that fraught time in her tenure as a working royal. 'The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore.'

"Now Meghan has a new haven, just down the mountain from her Montecito home: Godmothers, the latest shop to open in this picturesque pocket of Santa Barbara County. Set in a stately white barn, across the street from a gas station and adjacent to a beach cafe, the bookstore is the dream of celebrated literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson. 'We don’t have a town square, but Victoria and I wanted to create one, where people would come and feel welcome,' Rudolph Walsh says.

...

"Since its inception, Godmothers has been sprinkled with that Montecito magic. The idea for the name started with Harry at his Beverly Hills book party. He thanked Winfrey, Jackson, and Rudolph Walsh for their support, calling the trio his 'fairy godmothers.' When plans for the bookstore took shape, Winfrey told the new shopkeepers: 'There’s really only one thing you can name it: Godmothers.' Now the duke’s memoir features prominently on the store’s 'Our Local Authors' display, another standard bookstore feature that gets a glow-up here. Meghan’s children’s book, The Bench, is part of the assortment, along with titles from Winfrey, Degeneres, Rob Lowe, Cameron Diaz and more.

...

"'The sense of community here is kind of wild,' says Paramount’s Robbins, who moved to Montecito with his wife, designer Tracy James, a year ago. The couple turned out for both nights of Godmothers’ opening weekend celebrations, enjoying Robbins’ son’s food and lingering beyond the programming for leisurely conversations. 'Up here, there is real time for connection,' James says, a welcome change from the 'little moments' she shared with lots of friends in Los Angeles. 'It’s quality time.'

"[Harry and Meghan's] ease meant a lot to Jackson, who has known the couple since shortly after they moved to California in 2020. 'Seeing them be able to come here and be in a safe space,' she says, 'it’s what we want it to be.' In turn, 'their support, and the light that it will shine on Godmothers, is pretty extraordinary.'"