#Palace on Wheels Tours | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

thepotentialof2007 · 9 months ago

Text

Quick reference for the LH excerpts from Kate Wagner's behind the scenes at COTA article.

All sports are powered by the personalities of their practitioners, and Formula 1 has those in spades—the chipper, effusive Daniel Ricciardo; Mr. Suave, Carlos Sainz; plucky George Russell; the deep-feeling Charles Leclerc; and, perhaps above all, the sport's longtime great champion, a man from some of the humblest beginnings in motorsport, the regal and soft-spoken Lewis Hamilton, who just announced an absolutely shocking move to Ferrari after an illustrious 11 years and six championships behind the wheel of a Mercedes (and six seasons and one championship with Mercedes-powered McLarens).

. . . .

The day's activities commenced with a tour of the garage. In the garage, there are many mysteries one is not allowed to know or see. The use of phones is forbidden lest one incur accusations of espionage. When we got into the garage, Lewis's car was naked, its insides visible for all to see. I think this was the moment where my respect for the sport as it exists really made itself clear. It is hard to describe what I felt looking at that car. The closest phrase I have at my disposal is the technological sublime. I pictured a living, breathing animal of extraterrestrial origin, hooked up to a thousand arcane sensors that delivered messages in little pulses. All the tubes and sculpted carbon-fiber parts and the endless net of wires all working in service to the godhead engine, formed something totally incomprehensible to me, a feat of engineering so vast it breached the realm of magic. Hamilton himself walked through in his helmet, unexpectedly on an errand. After being in the presence of the car, I perceived him differently than before, when he was just a guy driving in circles on TV. The scope of his capabilities became more directly known to me in the face of that which I believed to be unknowable. All of that was built in service of him. He stopped and looked into the open maw of the car. The tour guide led us hurriedly into the back room where the coffee and tire bags were stored so that no one could listen to what Lewis said.

About half an hour later, they brought him up to the paddock to talk to us. It wasn't a press conference, but rather a kind of a TED Talk. The questions were rote and a guy with a microphone asked them as though they were being broadcast on television. Hamilton talked rotely about how much he loved America and the fans here, talked—to the people who needed reassurance—about how the car was "getting there" but made it pointedly certain that they knew it still needed some work, which surprised me, making me realize this was still a private setting. I come from a sport where chivalry never died and no one is allowed to say anything negative because it is "unsportsmanlike" and every cyclist has to play his part in the farcical pageant of being a dull, humble farmer's son. It is a pretty open secret that a lot of cyclists don't like their bike sponsors but they would never, ever, ever say it. It's somewhat contradictory, but the sheer financial calculus of F1 is what makes it possible for Hamilton to be critical. This is a multibillion-dollar industry putting its full heft behind him doing well. It's reminiscent of the patronage system of precapitalist times, when rulers and nobles with endless riches paid musicians and composers to live in the palace with them.

. . . .

Frustrated, I returned to watching the cars as they started up again, knowing that the drivers were pushing them to their limits, engrossed in their personal kaleidoscope of motion and color. Hamilton was in one of them. In the last shootout, he drove differently than before. A great verve frayed the lines he was making, something we can only call effort, push. Watching him, I understood what was so interesting about this sport, even though I was watching it in its most bare-bones form—cars going around in circles. The driver is the apotheosis of quick-moving prowess, total focus and control. The car is both the most studied piece of human engineering, tuned and devised in lab-like environments and at the same time a variable entity, something that must be wrestled with and pushed. The numbers are crunched, the forms wind-tunneled. And yet some spirit escapes their control, and that spirit is known only by the driver. Yes, we watch this perfect blend of man and machine, but we speak of the machine as though it were not of human origin, as though the machine, being born from science could—eventually, through its iterative processes—sublimate human flaws. The driver, being human, knows this is false. His intimacy with the machine is the necessary missing connection, and even if the machine were perfect, it was made for imperfect hands. But it is never perfect. The gaps in its perfection are where disasters transpire, but also miracles. As we waited for the van to take us where we were parked, a part of the track was still visible to us. Hamilton distinguished himself by the lines he cut along the corner and the loudness of his engine, that pushing. We heard over a loudspeaker that he had finished third, a remarkable improvement above the last two sprints, where he lagged behind in the midfield. This made everyone in our camp happy. They always called him by his first name. It reminded me of how I used to talk about cyclists after I started interviewing them, with the swagger of knowing them.

. . . .

When Hamilton came into the room he was wearing a cool pair of pants with shimmery colored mesh sewed in and had an exhausted appearance, having come just from the track. We were allowed to talk to him but were told not to make any recordings or transcriptions. When he spoke, it was notable how often he mentioned his father and how deeply-felt his political convictions were. Some people are totally different off the record, but Lewis was simply a more lively version of himself. I find him a fascinating figure. A lot of fans either love or hate him, see him, paradoxically, as both humble and arrogant. The word quiet is better. Not reserved, not shy, just quiet. He belongs to a special group of people. The ones I've met in life include the violinist Hilary Hahn and Pogačar, the Tour de France winner—human beings who walk the earth differently, with an aura that transcends it. He appeared perpetually relaxed, controlled and refined, both present with us in the room but on a higher plane within. We used to call this magnificence when we believed in kings. I don't know what we call it now. Excellence, maybe. The irony of parading someone incredible like that around in the backrooms of petrochemical executives is not lost on me. I was grateful that I got the opportunity to speak to Lewis Hamilton, someone I am not ashamed to say I admire. I would have preferred it if they let him go home and rest instead.

#lewis hamilton #present but on a higher plane #character study #kate wagner #cota #2023 #mercedes amg f1 #ineos #press event #motorsport journalism

73 notes · View notes

stromuprisahat · 7 months ago

Text

Siege and Storm- Chapter 17 (Leigh Bardugo)

Alina just reinvented the wheel, except hers is still barely round:

Genya pointed to the lake I’d seen from my room. “That’s where we’re going,” she said, pointing to the little white structures dotting the shore. “To the Summoners’ pavilions.” “All the way out there?” “It’s the safest place for you sort to practice. All we need is some overexcited Inferni to burn the whole palace down around us.” “Ah,” I said. “I hadn’t thought about that.” “That’s nothing. The Fabrikators have another place all the way outside the city where they work on blast powders. I can arrange for you to have a tour there, too,” she said with a wicked grin. “I’ll pass.”

Shadow and Bone- Chapter 8

Why not use specialized compound for Materialki? Why work under open sky and rely on other people's swift reaction?

Because Alina doesn't know where said compound is?

Why don't "her" Grisha?

Too young to work there? Too inexperienced?

Where are those, who did?

Dead? Hiding? With the Darkling?

#Grishaverse #S&S Chapter 17 #Alina Starkov #Second pseudoArmy #Second Army #S&B Chapter 8 #grishanalyticritical #Siege and Storm #Grisha trilogy #V #books #quotes #Leigh Bardugo

20 notes · View notes

somethingclevermahogony · 3 months ago

Text

WIP Tour Tag!

Finally getting to this! Thank y'all for the tags @paeliae-occasionally, @illarian-rambling, @willtheweaver, and @topazadine!

For the sake of simplicity I'll be showing you around a single city, the Grand City by the Lake, Labisa.

(There is a 99.9999 chance that I missed at least one typo, please be forgiving haha)

Stop 1: The Serpent Road

You find yourself walking down a worn and dusty road, one which stretches far behind you, curling serpent-like through the forested hills, as well as farms and villages, eventually vanishing into the looming Red Cedar Mountains. At first glance you may believe it to be little more than a wide dirt path, but as you look closer you can see the faint outlines of cobblestones, laid in times long forgotten, their surfaces sanded down by centuries of feet, hooves, and wagon wheels. Other travellers surround you, many dressed in strange clothing, some are Kishite some come from far more distant lands. They have come to partake in the Festival of Humbalibal, Goddess of the Mountains. Performers draped in the skins of leopards and boars, dancers bedecked with bells and ribbons, and poets bearing harps and drums ply their trade. Over the excited chatter, they sing of great heroes and tragedies, of beautiful Hiru and sorrowful Lat. Through the people, on either side of you are steles, dozens of them, some as small as a child, others as large as a house, pillars of stone their surfaces carved and chiselled with decrees of kings and queens, living and dead. Gods and beasts glare down at you as you pass beneath their stony gaze. Woe the Thief, Woe the Murderer, Woe the Traitor they seem to whisper. Or perhaps the whispers come from the lips of the heads, their eyes plucked by birds, cheeks sunken, skewered upon the poles of pine wood which line the roadside, their crimes scrawled in black coal upon their foreheads. To your left glittering under the mid-day sun is Lake Shebali, its massive expanse seems to swallow the horizon. White-feathered shorebirds stalk black sand beaches and weave amongst reeds. Ships bob lazily at the docks, grandest among them is the royal barge, a floating palace, its two masts extend high into the air like two massive trees. Beyond the docks you can see the fishing village, humble buildings of mud and timber, racks where fish dry, and leather cures. Children run between the houses whooping and crying, waving sticks and dolls of hair and cloth above their heads. Neither you, nor your fellow travellers have the time to ponder as to their games.

Stop 2: The Outer Walls of Labisa: The Black Walls of Tamel and the Serpent Gate

This rural scene does not hold your attention for long, for now you have reached the walls of Labisa. They tower above you, their stony surface rising 70 ft, and almost as thick, each one of the tens of thousands of blocks is the size of a horse. The lowest stones are made from black basalt, dragged from the looming mountains. Above these are yellow limestone, the surface of the stones each lovingly carved with scenes of animals, forests, battles, gods, and spirits, most so worn by the ravages of time that are all but incomprehensible. One could spend a lifetime inspecting all the images. The upper most layer and the towers placed at regular intervals are made from snowy marble. Long ago these walls had been built by the demigods Tamel, Sadaric, and Mikrab alongside thousands of workers and artisans. These walls had been made to withstand all enemies from armies to dragons. No tree or shrub grows against the imposing stone, nature kept at bay by fire and bronze. Before you, rearing high above, are two gargantuan stone serpents, one is crooked, its snarling face cracked. Any of the excitable travellers will tell you that the story goes that it was Narul that cast down the serpent while fleeing from the city with the fugitive princess Ninma. How any one person could do this, you do not know. But now is not the time chat, you are approaching the gates. Doors of thick cedar, 30 ft tall, freshly painted, as blue as the sky, bolts, and rivets of bronze glimmering in the sun. Guards stand on either side, inspecting the wagons and carts as they pass through. They wear armor of bronze, scaled like dragonskin. Their tall helms are bedecked with red feathers. In their hands are gripped spears, shields of bronze and oak hang from their backs. They stand stern and proud, these are not the men of Hutbari, untrained and inattentive, these men serve Akard, King of Kings. As you reach the gates they look you over. After a thorough but quick glance, they beckon you inside.

Stop 3: The Grand Square and The Tomb of Tamel

You enter a grand square, larger than most villages. Tents and makeshift ovens have been placed around the square to feed the hungry people. Honey cakes, stretched flatbreads, snails, sausages, olives, wine, beer, fried fish, fruits, nuts, fried dough, cups of stewed beans, dozens of different choices, each with a hungry crowd jostling for the next spot in line. The smell of fried foods hangs heavy in the air. Surrounding the square are buildings, many are beer halls from which sounds of laughter and twangs of harps emanate. Still others are brothels, men and women hang from windows cooing and calling to passers-by.

Musicians blow on flutes and pound at drums, while men dressed in naught by ram's skin, their faces and bodies painted, dance their arms raised above their heads, their eyes rolling in their heads as if in a trance. Sages awe children and terrify adults with streams of fire and crackling electricity which arcs from their fingertips. Exotic animals pace in cages under the curious eyes of Kishite children. If you look closely among the crowd, you may notice hillfolk, short and broad, their thick fur and long arms easily distinguishing them from their human neighbors, or perhaps you might see the amethyst hair of an Ikopeshi, or rarer yet the great winged form of a kiriki, their feline bodies draped with beads of amber and bone.

Laborers are hard at work, constructing a massive stage at the center of the square, here is where priests from the Temple of Humbalibal will perform odes and songs in honor of the goddess. But it was what lies beyond that catches your attention. At first you assume you must be hallucinating, for it seems that somehow a mountain has sprung up here in the middle of a city, complete with lush forests and trilling birds. As you draw near, you can see marble steps among the greenery leading up to the summit, three hundred feet above you.

This is the Tomb of Tamel, built to house the bones of the founder of the city. What appears now as a massive mountain, is in actuality a tiered structure, composed of thousands of stones, concealing a burial chamber within. As is the tradition of the Kishites, the tomb has been covered by soil and planted with a lush garden, fed by manmade rivers, the water drawn up from underground sources. Entire orchards of fruit trees inhabit each rounded tier. Tamel alone has been given the honor of being buried in the city, the tombs of his successors dot a nearby mesa. While magnificent in their own right, none can match the grandeur of this tomb. Kishites pour bowls of crimson wine at the tomb's base, libations in dedication to the spirits said to guard the dead king's bones. A man approaches you, offering you a bowl for a small fee. However, as the crowd grows you are quickly forced to continue on with your exploration of the city.

Stop 4: The Temple of Humbalibal

The city is marked by three hills, aside from Tamel's Tomb. The first of these, which stands opposite to the square, is the Temple District. As you walk up with stone steps, statues of many armed gods and animalistic spirits dance on either side of you, freshly painted with vibrant shades of red, green, yellow, and blue. Dozens of temples flank the steps, some little more than huts, others grand structures of stone and wood. The smell of burning incense combines with the aroma of sacrificial fires and of the city below. The greatest temple lies before you, dedicated to the patron of the city, Humbalibal. The red doors are swung open to allow all entrance. Priests and priestesses, devotees of the Mountain Goddess, go about their work, some tending to the statues, others kneel, their heads bowed in reverence, hands raised with palms flat in silent prayer to the watching divinities. Their white robes swish as they walk, their horned headdresses click and rattle as they walk, adorned with pins in the shape of poppies. Also, among them are many of the city’s sages. They are recognizable by the ivory circlets rested upon their brows, traditionally sourced from the dwindling Kishite elephants of the southern cedar forests, though increasingly, the city’s ivory supply is reliant on the elephants of Namut.

The great statue of Humbalibal, sits within the eastern alcove. As with the other various statues and reliefs that fill the great altar room, Humbalibal is painted with garish colors, her skin the color of ice, her nude form draped in iridescent dragon skin. The muscles and veins in her four powerful arms have been carved with loving detail, as have been the curling ram horns which sprout from her jet hair. Her silvery eyes, creased with the cold fury of the avalanche, look down at the mortals milling around her feet. Opposite her in another alcove sits a simple wooden throne, it is from here that the king of the city listens to the concerns of his people. Between the throne and Humbalibal, sits the grand altar where sacrifices to the goddess are made. The flame there has burnt, uninterrupted since the days of Tamel. At that moment another one of the temple doors is opened and six cattle, five geese, four sheep, three pigs, two gazelles, and a lioness are guided into the temple, flanked by priestesses wielding knives of cruel obsidian. Rather than sticking around to see the sacrifices, you decide to travel on to the next part of the city.

Stop 5: The Markets

You descend one of the other staircases, winding back down into the city proper. You can see ships approaching on Lake Shebali, carrying yet more visitors to the already crowded city. To the north, hugging the Black Wall, you can see the so-called Lower City, named for its elevation rather than its position on the map. It is marked by many small, cramped hovels of mudbrick and straw, interconnected through various doors and halls to form a sort of hive. There is no such thing as a private home in the Lower City. A man could walk from one end of the district to the other without ever stepping onto the street. Peasants lie on their roofs, chatting, trading, and playing games of dice. There are fewer travellers there, for it is there the city's poorest live. There are no statues, the beer halls are puny, and the shops ill-supplied. Yet cramped and humbled as the lower city may be, you have heard stories of how it once looked under the reign of the previous king, Hutbari, crumbling and filthy. Under the reign of King Akard, no longer do children pick through piles of rubbish, no longer do disease and fleas run rampant, nowhere else in the city are the praises to Akard sang so loudly.

In front of you, to the south, can see the palatial hill, rearing high above the city, the Blue Walls, those that separate the hill and the palatial olive grove from the rest of the city. You decide to head in that direction to see the Palace for yourself, but first you must pass through the Market Districts. Called the 26 Streets, these form the economic and production backbone of the city. The streets are as follows: The Potter's Street, The Perfumer's Street, The Weaver's Street, The Butcher's Street, The Slaver's Street, The Bronzesmith's Street, The Coppersmith’s Street, The Carver's Street, the Brewer's Street, The Vintner's Street, The Jeweller's Street, The Plantbrew's Street, The Scribe's Street, the Ropemaker's Street, The Tanner's Street, The Spicer's Street, The Painter's Street, The Dyer's Street, The Stonemason's Street, The Fishmonger's Street, The Carpenter's Street, The Basket weaver’s Street, The Papermaker's Street, The Musicians’ Street, The Farmer’s Street, and the Candlemaker’s Street. Your path through towards the castle will take you through the first three: Potter's, Perfumer's, and Weaver's. You start with the Weaver's Street.

As with the Square, the market streets are bustling, crowds of people, mostly visitors, rush to gawk at and purchase bits and pieces of Labisian clothing. Garments of silk, linen, and wool of every color are waved by enthusiastic shop owners and hawkers seated in front of the flat-topped brick and wood buildings that function as store, workshop, and home. The shops are colourfully painted with blues, reds, and greens, in the hopes that their bright tones will draw in curious patrons. The pungent smell of dye lays over the distract like a blanket and the squeals and clicks of the looms and wheels fight to be heard over the many chattering voices.

You may have heard of the state of these streets thirteen years ago, when Hutbari and before him, his predecessors reigned. Then mounds of various kinds of filth had formed stinking barriers along the road. Human muck had clogged the streets, bodies of livestock, broken pottery, and every other imaginable pollutant rendering the market district and the surrounding city a stinking cesspit of disease. There were and are tunnels beneath the city, meant to carry waste out of the city. But these had been neglected for years, with monarch after monarch failing to delegate the duties of their upkeep. Upon taking the throne Akard and his new court had undergone a disgusting and arduous quest to see that the tunnels were returned to their former functionality, and the grime removed from the city. This was later derisively called, The Shit War. Methane gas, collapsed tunnels, and dark things living below the city made the endeavour a nightmare, one which claimed the lives of many guards and even a nobleman or two. And yet after 3 long years of constant work, the city was cleaner than it had been in the last 90 years.

This is not to say that the city is in anyway perfect. As you pass into the Perfumer's district The smell of dye is quickly overwhelmed by a headache-inducing melange of fragrances. Jugs and bottles of dozens of sizes, from the size of a child’s palm to the height of a grown man, line the street, images have been painted on their surface to advertise their contents. Perfume is of immense importance throughout the lands of the Green Sea, but especially in Kishetal. No person leaves their home without first scenting themselves, slaves are typically the only exception. Indeed, among some peoples like the Makurians and the Korithians, the Kishite people were thought of as feminine for their love of perfume, adornment, and their extravagant bathing practices, even the presence of public toilets was at times considered to be unduly opulent. As you look at the various decorated perfume bottles, a thought occurs to you. You recognize visitors from Korithia, Shabala, Makur, Ikopesh, Knosh, and beyond, but there is a group that is missing. Despite being one of the largest and most wealthy kingdoms you see no one from Apuna. Perhaps it’s not surprising, after all Labisa is currently war with Apuna.

At least that is what you think at first, until you look closer. There are Apunians here, slaves. They follow behind Kishite masters or else can be seen cleaning the streets and do other kinds of menial labor. Many are missing eyes, a hand, a thumb, or other parts. Kishite Palaces have a long and proud tradition of mutilation when it comes to their prisoners of war. You quickly avert your attention, but it lands on something else, the figure of a woman, sat in an alley, her knees tucked beneath her chin, her eyes hooded. At first you assume she is a beggar, though thus far they have been a rarity in this city, until you see the pustules. Her face and arms are covered in hundreds of angry red swellings, her teeth are chattering, her eyes vacant. Disease is an inescapable reality of living in a city, particularly one as massive as this. There are no hospitals or hospices, and in favor of the festival most of the temples have temporarily banished those being cared for there. And so, the ill gather here in the Perfume District, where the sweet smells may in some way cover the smell of pestilence.

In recent years Pyrian Fever become an increasingly dire problem throughout the domain of Akard. Though Kishites may not know what bacteria or viruses are, they have managed to identify where this particular outbreak originated from. As is often the case, war is a flashpoint for plague. Some of the same prisoner's war and slaves, you had previously noticed, brought the deadly disease with them. Now every slave is inspected for any signs of disease, but it is too late, they sickness is already here. You notice the plantbrews, medicine women, marching up and down the street, tending to the sick who huddle in alleys and under doorways. Some of the treatments seem to be working, certainly the disease seems less virulent than it has been in the past. Even still, you take note of the warnings scrawled on wooden boards. " Enun Nadolul Na Lumiga" "Do not touch the sick." You quickly decide to move on from the perfume district.

Soon enough the smell of rose and cinnamon declines, replaced by the earthy scent of clay and the sharp tang of kiln smoke. Potters line the streets, hawking their wares, hands stained with the rich red brown of freshly fired earth ang glaze. From tiny, ornate perfume bottles to massive pithoi, many of which you recognize from the previous district. The pots, jugs, and jars are adorned with intricate designs, some depicting scenes of daily life, others abstract patterns that seemed to dance around the curves of the vessels, still others are unglazed, fiery orange or ashy grey. A group of Korithians, immediately recognizable by their short colourful kilts and their long-braided hair, are gathered around one such shop, gawking at the erotic imagery that adorns those particular bowls and plates. You stop to look for yourself, though you quickly find that the going price is far too high for your tastes.

As you leave the Market Districts and approach the Palatial Hill, you enter the area where many of the richer families dwell, minor nobility, and wealthy merchants. Here too are the grand estates were visiting dignitaries stay. Buildings of stone and cedar wood, one, two or even three stories tall. Their surfaces painted and carved with stylized frescos of nature and festivity, curling palms, and leaping gazelles alongside bell-adorned dancers.

Kishite nobles, lounging in front of their homes, sipping wine, and eating dates and olives can be seen dressed in expensive clothing, their hair bedecked with many beads, ribbons, and rings, their necks and wrists choked with chains, collars, and baubles. Their robes are made from silk and soft linen, purple, red, and saffron yellow, their hair and beards are slicked with scented perfumes. Some wear capes and cloaks of lion and leopard fur.

The Kiriki Gates now stand before you.

Stop 6: The Palatial Hill

The Blue Wall separates the Palatial Hill from the rest of the city, while considerably smaller than the Black Wall, at only 32ft in height, it is no less magnificent. The wall itself is made from limestone. Unlike the carved surface of the Black Wall, the stones of the Blue Wall have been sanded and smoothed until it almost seems to sparkle in the afternoon sun. Even the cracks and gaps between the stones have been filled in to create a uniform surface. It is named for the upper most layer of stones, each one painted with a mixture of cobalt and copper to produce a vibrant blue. The only break is the Kiriki Gate, named for the two massive guardians which stand at either side, stone statues of Kiriki, each larger than an elephant. Kiriki are bull-horned and winged lions with the human-like faces. They are culture is secretive, their language indecipherable to most humans, yet they are seen on occasion, you had even seen earlier at this very festival.

While the statues are immobile, the same cannot be said of the guards, eight of the, standing on either side of the open cedar doors. They carry spears and axes, and massive shields in the shape of hourglasses. As you approach one of the guard's holds out his hand. You place a small tablet, no larger than a postage stamp in his palm. Carved on its surface in miniscule writing is a number of Kishite glyphs. This tablet acts as your permission to enter the palatial grounds. After a minute he nods and steps back. He does not return the tablet, this particular privilege is only being afforded, once.

You walk through the gates, head respectfully bowed. It is as if you had just been transported miles away to the countryside. An olive grove stands around you, gnarled trunks twisting and turning. Many of these trees have been here for hundreds of years since the time of Tamel and his children. Currently the workers and caretakers are lounging by ponds and pools, a handful are pruning and attending to the trees, but overall, with the harvest still being months away, the Palatial Olive Grove is tranquil. A few of the laborers wave as you pass by. Stags, gazelle, pheasants, and other peaceful creatures roam through the rows of trees, their presence meant to simulate a rural farm or hillside orchard. A gazelle approaches you, hoping for handouts, upon finding none it goes back to nibbling at the grass.

You spot a small stone shrine tucked among one particularly thick grouping of olive trees, you are not sure which god it is meant to honor, for there are no markings on the alter. Before the shrine is a ring of stones placed on the ground. You immediately recognize this structure as one of those in which Kishite dead are placed, allowing their flesh to be reclaimed by nature before their bones are buried or placed in tombs. However, this particular ring has never held a corpse, rather this ring is used as part of the naming ceremony performed on Noble Kishite children upon reaching the age of 4. The child is made to sleep here, and upon awakening, they symbolically rise up from their "old life".

Beyond the olive grove you enter an area filled with fig, pomegranate, regalu, and quince trees. You even spot a peach tree, still a rarity this far west. Myrtle and laurel trees also make an appearance, their trunks seemingly wrapped in grape vines. The fragrance of these trees mingles with the dry scent of earth and old wood. A few more workers, dressed in simple linen wraps, tend to the trees, and prune the vines, their movements slow and deliberate.

You spot a number of terraces built into the hill side; great blocks of limestone topped with soil. Here is where the king's plantbrews grow their stock, exotic berries, tubers, and flowers.

The ground is crisscrossed by stone pathways, like the one that you are walking on, however it seems that most of the laborers choose to ignore these, instead walking over grass and roots.

The White Wall waits before you.

Stop 7: The Palace

The last and smallest of Labisa's three great walls, at only 24ft is The White Wall, which separates the palatial complex from the rest of the hill. In similar fashion to the Black Wall, the White Wall is made from massive blocks of stone rather than many smaller bricks like the Blue Wall, the lintel above the king's gate is the single heaviest stone in all three of the walls, at nearly 20 tons. The White Wall is the only one with stones that were not quarried in Kishetal, rather its stones were sourced from the original homeland of Tamel and his followers, Shabala. Each massive stone was transported by ship, barge, and finally by rope and manpower over hundreds of miles to the top of the hill, thus while the wall itself may be the smallest, its construction was arguably the most expensive. At first glance you might be confused as to why it is called the White Wall, the stone used is a pale grey, distinctly not white. The name comes from a thin layer of marble tiles that once covered the entirety of the wall, placed there by Tamel the Second, the last monarch of his namesake's line and the last king of a united Kishite kingdom. The tiles cut from the ruins of Arkodian temples, their capture viewed as the symbolic end of the war that had ravaged both Kishetal and Arkodai for decades, the single most destructive war in the recorded history of the Green Sea.

The tiles were stuck to the walls, with the plans for the white marble to be painted not only with images of the valiant heroes of Kishetal, but also those of Arkodai, their faces meant to stand guard over the palace as a memorial of the terrible war. After the last of the tiles had been placed but before the first of the paint could be applied, Tamel the Second was assassinated by his own son, Kerim. United Kishetal died with Tamel. Kerim cancelled the plans to paint the walls.

After Kerim was himself, killed by his younger brother, Farut, the tiles were taken ripped down and instead used to decorate the tomb of Tamel the Second. If one were to venture to the mesa where the royal tombs sit, the tomb of Tamel the Second would be easily identifiable by the snowy white Arkodian marble which still peaks from under the greenery.

The King's Gate is surprisingly plain, there are no great guardians looking over you as you pass under the massive lintel. The eyes of the guards burn into you as you pass, though they do not stop you.

The main palace along with the other palatial buildings function as a miniature city of sorts. The royal residence, a temple, storage buildings, a smithy, a pottery workshop, several workshops reserved for the palace weavers, two different sets of kitchens (and several massive outdoor ovens), the slave quarters, the bathhouse, and the stables are all contained within the White Wall, forming a large palatial citadel dotted with oleander, chestnut, and beech trees. The nobility and their guests who visit palace bathed in the grand bathhouse which stands directly beside the palace, constructed from polished granite, built atop an ancient spring, its interior is decorated with exotic plants and birds, carvings of dancing gods and heroes adorn the walls, and steam curls constantly from its high-set windows. Three similar though decidedly less extravagant baths can be found in the lower city, open to the people of Labisa. The palatial slaves make do with a large pond which lay at the edge of the courtyard.

The palace stands like a fortress atop the rugged hill, its thick stone walls towering above, as imposing as the demigod Tamel the First, who both ordered and assisted in its construction. Built from massive limestone blocks and mudbrick, it seems to have risen from the earth itself, sturdy and timeless. At six stories tall, it is the highest structure in all Labisa, save for the Tomb of Tamel. The outer walls are fortified with battlements and defensive towers, making the palace not just a seat of power but a stronghold overseeing the sprawling city below. Black soot still scars the walls, a grim reminder of Barunaki's brutal raid during Akard’s coup, when soldiers snuck in, murdered Hutbari’s children, and accidentally set the ancient structure ablaze. Only heroic effort saved the palace from complete destruction.

As you pass through the massive stone gate, you enter beneath an arch adorned with reliefs of lions, leopards, and horned men. Inside, the vast central courtyard opens before you, its stone floors smooth from centuries of footsteps. This space, often the site of ceremonies and rituals, is now empty—the king is far to the south. Yet, the palace is far from abandoned; at least two hundred nobles, along with their servants and slaves, occupy its thousand rooms, overseeing its care and performing sacred rites.

The halls are vast and labyrinthine, easy to get lost in. The lofty ceilings are supported by cedar beams and painted columns, every surface intricately adorned. Walls, pillars, ceilings, and even floors are decorated with colorful cloth, carvings, and frescoes. The murals depict royal processions, epic battles, dragons, divine figures, and tales from the Age of Glass and Metal, drawn from "Ti Jali Chasma," the Great History. You pause to admire a fantastical depiction of an ancient city, its twisting, impossibly shaped buildings a testament to the imagination of the artisans. Peeking into some rooms, you find many to be storage spaces, filled with pithoi and vessels holding oil and grain. One door nearly costs you your head, as the Chief of Wine glares at you with a spear in hand, clearly protective of his charge. Hastily, you move on, climbing stone stairs worn smooth from use, the center dipped from countless feet. Banquet halls line the next level, each filled with ornately carved furniture inlaid with pearl and ivory. Large hearths and massive braziers warm the rooms, the scent of smoke and wood blending with resin, stale perfumes, and the earthy smell of stone. Light filters through narrow windows, casting sharp contrasts of shadow and brightness across the floors. As you ascend further, you pass thick wooden doors fitted with bronze, marking private chambers—most are closed, and you wisely choose not to linger. The throne room is at the heart of the palace, both intimate and imposing. A raised platform holds a richly adorned stone throne, carved from black rock streaked with gold. Frescoes and tapestries line the walls, depicting heroic figures battling savage beasts. High above, barely visible, are the words of long-dead kings carved into the ceiling, some written in dialects so ancient only a handful of scholars can decipher them. At the back of the room are doors leading to upper floors, reserved for the royal family and palace sages. As you approach, a guard blocks your path, his stern expression and sharp spear making it clear that your tour ends here. As you leave the palace, the painted eyes follow you. Descending the palatial hill along with stern guard, you are guided back towards the bustling city. Somehow in your brief time away, the streets have become even more hectic, alive with color and activity. With the festival’s opening drawing near, you ponder your options for the time being. You could choose to explore the vibrant market districts, engage with the locals, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere, the city offers a myriad of experiences. Perhaps if you can find a good beerhall or city corner, you may just be able to hear one of the many tales of Princess Ninma and the giant Narul. Regardless, the festival promises to be a grand affair, the likes of which no other city in the region can match.

I hope that you enjoyed your tour!

Tagging @kaylinalexanderbooks, @melpomene-grey, @mk-writes-stuff, @elizaellwrites, @unrepentantcheeseaddict

Also gonna go ahead and leave this one open

@patternwelded-quill, @persnickety-peahen

@elsie-writes, @the-ellia-west, @the-octic-scribe, @the-golden-comet

@finickyfelix, @theprissythumbelina, @autism-purgatory, @diabolical-blue , @tildeathiwillwrite

@katenewmanwrites, @leahnardo-da-veggie

@drchenquill, @marlowethelibrarian, @phoenixradiant, @pluttskutt

@dyrewrites, @roach-pizza, @rivenantiqnerd, @pluppsauthor

@flaneurarbiter, @dezerex, @axl-ul, @surroundedbypearls

@treesandwords, @skyderman

#testamentsofthegreensea #writeblr #fantasy writing #worldbuilding #narul #fantasy world #world building #fantasy #wip tour #tag game

17 notes · View notes

imakemywings · 2 years ago

Text

“Ah, and yonder, you may view the Fountain of the King,” said Turgon, pointing. His companion went on chewing at his sleeve and did not respond. “You will have passed it many times on your way into the palace, but is it not interesting to see it from a new perspective?”

Eärendil kicked his feet, which reached just to the edge of the balcony railing. One firm hand on his chest kept him from going anywhere as Turgon point out this and that landmark that could be seen stretching out across Gondolin under the marbled blue sky.

“You prefer a different one, perhaps? Lord Ecthelion maintains quite a few in the area around his home.” Turgon gestured in the direction of Lord Ecthelion’s estate. “Has Lady Idril taken you to see those as well? If not, we will have to remedy it!”

At this note of firm enthusiasm in Turgon’s voice, Eärendil chirped, releasing the king’s sleeve from his gummy mouth at last, a wide wet mark left behind.

“Yes, it may even be a matter of urgency,” Turgon agreed gravely. “We will attend our schedule and see if time allows for a field trip.” He scooped Eärendil up in one arm and brought him inside. Out of the chilly mountain air high up on the balcony, he removed Eärendil’s fur-lined coat to allow him better freedom of movement. None had been sure how Eärendil’s mortal blood might affect him, but thus far, Turgon had not found him overly different from most babies. He smiled, he laughed, he cried, he slept—he kept his parents up at all hours.

When Idril returned for her son, he was bouncing on the king’s knee at his desk while Turgon penned some intra-city correspondence.

“What’s this? Adar, I would not have taken you from your work for this,” Idril said. “You might have asked someone else to take him.”

“Eärendil is assisting me with these letters,” Turgon insisted soberly, finishing his sentence before he looked to the baby and then to his own daughter. “He has proven a most useful discussant for deciding the most efficacious response.”

Eärendil tipped backwards against Turgon, reaching up for one of the king’s dreadlocks, which he loved to pull, but Turgon gently dissuaded his grasping hand. Idril made a soft sound of amusement.

“I should have foreseen you would put him to work!” she said, plucking the child from Turgon’s lap to settle him on her hip. “What a taskmaster you are, my lord!”

“He will be an excellent addition to the king’s council shortly, I’m sure,” said Turgon.

“I will pass the word on to Tuor,” she said with a wry smile. “Doubtless he will find the occasion worthy of commissioning another new outfit for Eärendil.” She gathered up Eärendil’s things scattered around Turgon’s office, choosing to leave one wooden duck on wheels, just in case Eärendil found himself there unexpectedly.

“I am sorry I’ve been so busy lately,” Idril began, but Turgon waved a hand.

“No trouble, Idril,” he said. “Please. It is always a pleasure to spend time with my grandson.” There was a hint of softness in her father’s usually stern face that assured her of his genuineness, and she smiled.

“I’m very sure it’s mutual,” she said.

“Ah, one item for you before you depart,” Turgon said, shuffling some parchment on his desk. “Eärendil tells me he hasn’t yet had a tour of Lord Ecthelion’s fountains. This must be remedied as soon as possible.” Idril suppressed a snort.

“Yes, of course, my lord,” she said. “I will be certain to attend this with the urgency required.” Eärendil cooed and Idril bounced him in her arm.

“Good. I trust you will.” Father and daughter exchanged matching half-smiles and Idril took her leave. The king gave Eärendil a little wave on his way out.

On AO3

#turgon #idril #earendil #the silmarillion #tolkien tag #fanfiction #tolkien fanfiction #rocky writes #Turgon just strikes me as someone who does not go in for baby talk #Earendil is conscious? he can have discussions about the merits of various architecture styles then!

123 notes · View notes

angelasscribbles · 1 year ago

Text

The Proposal

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake x Riley

Rating: G

Warnings for this chapter: None

Word Count: 1,471

A/N: This is finally! @twinkleallnight ask from my prompt wheel event. The ask was for Drake x fluff and angst x secrets and romance. I decided that any fluffy, romantic gesture from Drake Walker is going to be angsty because he's unsure of himself. What other romantic gesture would you keep secret than a proposal? So here it is finally. Hope you enjoy!

Also submitting to @choicesjunechallenge for Proposal.

My other stuff: Master List.

“What’s going on in here?” Riley asked.

The conversation had ceased the moment she walked in. That was the second time in as many days and Drake had been acting squirely for a week. Fidgety, secretive, and quieter than normal. Not that he was ever a huge talker, but this was quiet even for him. He seemed lost in thought often and when she asked what was on his mind, he just dismissed her with “nothing.”

She sighed and shook her head when Drake once again responded to her question with, “Nothing.” The same answer he’d given her earlier when he’d hung up on a call that he’d clearly been in the middle of when she’d walked in the room.

She was starting to worry that there was someone else or that he’d realized he’d made a huge mistake wanting to be with her.

Not that she would blame him. She had come here for his best friend after all. But the spark with Liam had fizzled and died quickly. There was no way the royal council ever would have approved her as a match for him anyway and she had figured out not long after landing in Cordonia that there was no way she would be happy living under the restraints that Liam lived under.

She thought that Drake had moved past the fact that her initial interest had been in Liam, but maybe he hadn’t. She had never meant to fall for someone else after realizing she and Liam weren’t meant to be, but she had fallen for Drake in slow motion, and had been unable to stop it from happening.

Maybe he had just gotten swept up in the excitement of the engagement tour and the adrenaline rush of all the sneaking around, trying to be discreet as they cleared her name and now that it was all over, regular life with her was boring. Maybe he liked damsels in distress and now that she wasn’t one, he was losing interest.

She turned her attention to the other man in the room and demanded, “Max?” Surely Max would tell her what was going on.

Max gave her a wide-eyed stare, like a deer caught in the headlights before blurting out, “Nothing!” and bounding out of the room.

Well, fuck.

She turned back to Drake with a tremble in her voice, “You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”

“What? Of course! Riley, baby, nothing is wrong!” Drake was shaken to his core that she thought that. He took her in his arms and pulled her tight against him as he told her, “Nothing is wrong! I love you! Please tell me you know that!”

“Uh-huh,” she nodded as she pulled away and gave him a sad smile, “I’ll leave you alone and let you get back to…whatever you were doing…”

He watched her leave with his heart in his throat.

Shit!

This was not supposed to happen. He was apparently a terrible secret keeper and a worse boyfriend. His girlfriend, the love of his life, thought something was wrong between them because he was making such a mess out of this.

He pulled out his phone and started typing into the group chat he had created a week ago.

Drake: Change of plans! We need to pull this off tonight! She’s suspicious and thinks something is wrong.

Max: Sorry, I have no poker face!

Hana: We can do this! Can’t we, Liam?

Liam: Of course! Anything for our two best friends my love!

Drake: Seven?

Hana: Seven it is. Max, come to my office so we can coordinate.

Max: On my way!

Drake pocked his phone and went to find Riley.

*****

After reassuring his girlfriend that everything was okay between them, Drake met his friends on the palace roof. “Oh my God, you guys, this looks amazing! How did you get it done so fast?”

There was a table draped with a white linen tablecloth, adorned with red and white roses and tapered candles. Twinkle lights stretched overhead and soft classical music floated through the air from hidden speakers.

“Being queen has it’s perks!” Hana giggled.

“She’s being modest,” Liam draped an arm around her shoulders, “My wife is amazing at everything!”

“Besides, you did all the planning,” Max interjected, “all we did was make it happen a few days earlier than originally scheduled!”

“Okay, okay,” Drake muttered as he walked around the area checking things, “Flowers… music… champagne….candles… what am I forgetting?”

“Uh…do you have the ring?” Max asked.

“Shit! The ring! Right!” Drake patted his pockets, then blew out a huge sigh of relief when he found it, “Got it!”

“Okay, now all we have to do is get Riley up here!” Hana nodded.

“I’ve got that part under control,” Drake answered, “Thank you all for everything!”

“Are you okay?” Liam peered at his best friend, “You look a little pale.”

“I’ve never been so nervous in my fucking life! What if she says no? What if she doesn’t want to get married? What if-“

“Hey, hey, hey!” Liam placed a hand on his shoulder, “She will!”

“Yeah, anyone can see how in love you two are,” Max assured him.

“As her best friend, I’m telling you, she’s going to say yes!” Hana added.

“Okay,” Drake took in several gulping breaths, “Let’s do this!”

*****

“We’re having dinner on the roof?” Riley asked as Drake led her through the door at the top of the stairs and out onto the moonlit rooftop of the palace.

“Yeah, I thought it would be fun.”

“Wow!” She breathed as she took in the scene in front of her, “You did all this?”

“I had a little help,” he admitted.

“Why?” She asked as her eyes took in the table that was set with fine China, crystal champagne flutes and actual silverware. “Not that I don’t appreciate a good, romantic gesture, but this is out of character for you…oh! Is this what you’ve been so secretive about lately?” She watched his face hopefully.

“What? I mean…yes, yes! This is what I’ve been planning! I wanted to recreate the night we met!”

Relief crashed through her as she sat in the chair that he pulled out for her. “I’m pretty sure there was no China or champagne that night…”

“Yes, but this was the best I could do in the palace kitchens! There are no plastic plates in the place. But look!” He pulled the cover off her plate to reveal a deluxe cheeseburger and fries.

“Oh my God! This looks amazing!” she laughed, “This is great! I was starting to worry about you for a minute there, Walker!” Burgers and fries were much more his speed, and hers, than any of the fancy dishes that usually came out of the palace kitchens.

“So, you like it?”

“Of course! But why all the secrecy? You scared the crap out of me! I thought you were going to break up with me!”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” he ducked his head sheepishly, “I guess I’m not good at keeping secrets.”

“Ya think?”

His smile vanished as his countenance grew serious, “Riley, I never want you to be afraid of that. I want to be with you now, tomorrow and forever.”

Something in his tone made her body go still. Her eyes widened as she took in his serious demeanor, “What are you trying to say right now, Drake?”

“I’m saying…” he was suddenly down on one knee holding a ring up to her, “I love you, Riley Brooks and I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to you! Will you make me the happiest man on the planet and marry me?”

Her hands flew to her mouth as she sucked in a shocked gasp, “Drake!” tears started falling down her cheeks as she nodded.

“Yes? That’s a yes?”

“It’s a yes!” she nodded harder.

“Oh, thank God!” He slid the ring on her finger as his hands started to shake from the adrenaline that had dumped into his body.

He stood up and pulled her from the chair, crushing her against him as his lips crashed into hers.

When they pulled apart, she was laughing, “I can’t believe you thought I would say anything other than yes!”

“I have never been so scared in my life, Riley!”

She looked at him incredulously, “Did you really think I’d say no?”

“Maybe….”

“Not a chance! You’re stuck with me, now!” She teased as she admired the ring on her finger.

“Good!” He kissed her again then leaned his forehead against hers, “I love you, Riley.”

“I love you too, Drake,” she murmured as her hands ran through his hair.

The food was forgotten for the moment as they clung to each other with love and happiness flooding through their hearts.

#drake x mc #drake walker #angelasscribbles #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #trr #choices fic writers creations #choices #choices stories you play #cfwc fics of the week #drake walker x mc #drake x riley #one shot #fluff #proposal #choicesjunechallenge #choices monthly challenge

58 notes · View notes

therealgamble · 6 months ago

Text

Brian turned slowly down the loop of campsites as Tabby watched for the number they'd been given. They passed by Campers and RVs, tents set up in the long grass, and small campfires burning even in the afternoon sun.

"This is it, babe." She could hardly hide her excitement, bouncing slightly in her seat as she pointed towards the right where an extremely long motorhome was parked. There was just enough room left in the long driveway for Brian to park the Corvette that Riley had gifted him a few years ago.

Tabby practically burst from the car the moment he had it in park, her excitement as infectious as always. He followed just as Riley came around from the other side of the motorhome. "You made it!" He grinned, giving Tabby a hug.

"I should have expected you'd go all out." Brian laughed, taking a moment to look down the long side of the house on wheels.

Riley gave a shrug. "These ladies deserve a palace. Come on, I'll give you the tour."

Brian rolled his eyes but followed anyways, walking around the car and the end of the motorhome. At that moment he and Tabby both got their first glimpse of the rest of the campsite and they stopped short, taking it all in.

"Holy shit." He breathed softly. Directly in front of the palace were the normal fire pit and picnic table. Riley had several bundles of wood ready at the firepit and a ring of comfortable looking chairs. The table had been completely taken over by Beth. She had surrounded it with a screened tent-like structure, keeping all the bugs out. On the table was a tablecloth and a vase of flowers. Strung inside were fairy lights and lanterns.

But that wasn't what made them stop short. Beyond the firepit and table was an expanse of grass, lined with tall pine trees blocking the view of the neighbors on both sides, and ending with an unobstructed view of the lake below. It wasn't close enough to walk to, but the view was breathtaking.

Riley let out a laugh and clapped Brian on the shoulder. "I told you, they deserve the best." Brian could see Tabby bouncing out of the corner of his eye. "Yeah they do." He replied, "Alright, show me this thing." He turned towards the door of the motorhome as Riley opened the door.

"You two can have the bedroom on this side." He stepped up inside and Brian and Tabby followed.

Brian was not prepared for what he saw on the inside. It was what he expected Aerosmith's tour bus looked like, but with less groupies. Everything was polished and clean, creamy tan leather and thick carpet. The appliances in the kitchen area were paneled with light colored wood.

Corinne sat on an overstuffed couch facing a window with the lake view, a sketchbook in her lap. Beth and Jay were playing cards at a polished table. They all looked up and smiled as the trio walked in. Tabby ran to give them all hugs and share her enthusiasm for the weekend.

"I brought our tent." Brian turned down the offer of the plush bedroom.

Riley sighed and rolled his eyes. "Tabs, you're welcome to stay inside with your own bathroom and a real bed while this caveman sleeps outside."

"Me like caveman, sleep outside." Tabby grunted with a low voice. Then her voice changed back to normal, "But I'll take you up on the bathroom part." She grinned, "And if the weather turns on us I'm totally sneaking in."

"Thunderstorm slumber party." Beth sang happily, dealing another game out on the table.

"Christ, man." Brian laughed, still looking around and taking it all in. "You don't do anything by halves, do you."

"Nope." Riley confirmed, opening up the fridge and grabbing a couple of beers. "Just wait until you see the boat I rented."

Brian let out a long happy sigh as he took the beer that Riley held out for him. "I fucking love you."

"I know." Riley answered automatically.

-------

Memorial Day Riley style - with all the crossed streams. @tabbyrp @corinnebaileyrp @morgansmornings @brooklynislandgirl @tarnishedhalo

#drabble #corinnebaileyrp #tabbyrp #brooklynislandgirl #tarnishedhalo #morgansmornings #cause I can

7 notes · View notes

heavenzscent · 1 year ago

Text

Working Title : OUT OF OUR HANDS

WIP Rated: M

867

The Mountains of Hizuru were as beautiful as they had looked in the history books. He rolled down the automobiles windows to allow the crisp coastal breeze to keep him up. The trip from Odiha to Hizuru had been a last minute one without much comfort.

13 years had passed since Eren had trampled upon the world upon the citizens of the proud nation of the North Eastern sea. Luckily most of it was located upon mountainous islands full of caves which had served as natural bunkers. What had done many of the citizens and survivors had been lack of food. But still they stood. Not as old, grand and mysterious but still just as proud.

He pulled over into a rest stop. In the walls they would bury or burn the dead. Burials where costly because their was little room for cemeteries it needed to be made useful. Here the cemeteries where different they where streaming with life, trees, ponds and hillsides. They doubled as parks. This one was dedicated to the victims of the rumbling.

Their where statues made of marble and bronze of angels. Shoguns, emperors and heroes of the past. Alongside statues of those who had fallen from familymen who always helped the community and grandma’s. Their stories written on plaques in both Hizuruan and Eldian. Every tree and statue had a story written upon it. Some where beginning to grow out of eyelevel becoming last to future eyes.

In the center was a large marble structure that contained all the names of those lost in Hizuru in their complicated writing.

“Ambassador!”

He turned around and nodded his head at the frantic scout who he had left asleep in his backseat.

“Please -uh– refrain from leaving sir.”

“Sorry Yua. Just needed to stretch.”

“Don’t do it again. It’s my job to protect you.” The young scout insisted.

He sighed. Even during a time of relative peace in an empty park a soldiers duty never seased he supposed.

“I used to be a soldier too yuh know?”

“This is my first mission out the castle and My Empress trusted me with you.”

Jean cocked his brow and huffed from his nose. Mikasa had

“Do you happen to know the reason for this visit.”

The Yua simply shrugged in reply suddenly unable to look him in the eye.

“How old are you, Miss Tanaka?” He asked taking one last look at the memorial.

“18 years.”

He hummed. She had been 5 at the time. He turned around and followed her back to the automobile.

859

The palace was lovely and fresh but it lacked the grandeur of the original which he had only seen in paintings and photographs but one day it would be. Kiyomi boasted about how the building of the palace was part of the economic plan. It was a joint project between Paradise and Hizuru, the first of many she hoped. The lumber had been issued from the island and some of the stone as well.

It had been a tactic to show peace and to share access to Hizurus knowledge and industry.

The workers who built it were in contract to work on all co-country projects and many of those in the village were on the state's payroll.

Unlike Eldian palaces that were closed off and tall like fortresses the structure was wider, only going as high as three stories but usually just two .

“How was it?” He asked Mikasa once they were left to themselves. She had been so quiet but her eyes looked so inquisitive the whole tour.

“I wish we had more time to see it …before.” Jean nodded in agreement. “But I try not to dwell, I don’t like getting angry at him.” Jean nodded again. He understood it was a useless sort of anger.

“Hey.” Jean whispered. Mikasa leaned in her face perplexed over the sudden shift in his demeanor. “Ring the bell.” He smirked, pointing at the button.

“It’s my first night here.” Mikasa rolled her eyes.

“Come on.” Jean pleaded.

It didn’t take much convincing.Mikasa never needed much convincing when it came to Jean.

Within the hour they had a cart full of food and drinks wheeled into their room by an awestruck servant girl who spoke slightly broken but good Eldian. They asked her to join them as they ate dessert and asked her about life in Hizuru, working at the palace and her life.

To both Jean and Mikasa’s surprise what she said aligned closely with Kiyomis version of the truth.

867

Once entering the grounds he saw her sons first. The twins, So and Kaito, were hitting a topiary with wood swords as their older brother, Wren, was supervising, pointing every which way yelling unintelligible commands.

He had thought that he would resent maybe even hate the boys but he quickly found that he could never hate anything that came from Mikasa.

Yua yelled in Hizuran once the twins began climbing the decorative tree and bending it into odd shapes , causing Wren to begin crying and hollering to try to gain his authority back over the younger boys.

The twins screamed and laughed until they recognized Yua stomping towards them.

“See this is why I need a promotion.” She said in annoyance although her lips were tugged slightly upwards.

Jean stopped to wait for Yua to fish the boys out of the bushes.

He looked down, swearing he heard a small thump.

Wren was standing in front of him as stiff and straight as he could muster and was giving him the old military salute of the walls.

Jean mimicked the gesture and bowed. “Crowned Prince Wren.” He addressed the boy as though he were a commander, one day he would be after all.

“Mr.Ambassador Jean.” The boy mimicked a soldier's tone. Jean tried his best not to laugh at the stern little boy.

“How have you been? It's been five months.”

“Yes, since the winter.” Wren was smart. Some six year olds barely knew the months or their birthdays. But the prince was smart like both his mother and father.

“How has everything been since winter?”

“I started mine schooling with the other children. Kaito and So still learn with the ummm babies.” Wren seemed quite smug. “My Hizuran and Eldian are very good my mommy and father say so. Oh! A-and uhhh Miss Ao is upset at father right now!”

“Huh, why?”Jean asked, trying not to seem too interested.

Ao Tanaka was the emperor's mistress and very much the love of his life. At first Jean had hated the man for not loving Mikasa. The emperor had the person in which Jean coveted and was practically spitting upon the blessing. But with time he saw that the arrangement seemed to work for everyone and that the world was larger than what he had been raised to know after all.

Ao was a kind woman and had been from the emperors home village in the countryside. They had grown up together and at one point thought they would make a life together.That was until the rumbling happened and he became the best and most supported candidate to lead the nation.

He was a kind man as well; Jean supposed.

He wondered what that bastard had done. Ao can barely swat a fly without looking guilty; he couldn't imagine her being angry.Espcially not enough for even the kids to take notice.

“I’m not sure… maybe you can cheer her up. Your very funny uncle!”

“What happened to Ambassador.” Jean faked indignation. Wren simply laughed. He was a confident little boy. Most kids needed an adult on their knees to feel comfortable speaking but Wren could hold a conversation looking up with complete ease and cheerfulness.

“I’ll try my best.” Jean bowed deeply which made the boy giggle with delight. No one really bowed to him unless the event was formal. Both Mikasa and her husband agreed that it would spoil the boys.

So ran up to his brother muttering some unintelligible Hizuran/Eldian mishmash of a sentence (Wren seemed to understand the bilingual squishing of words perfectly.);Jean could swear he heard the word child.

This was followed by another scolding from Yua trying to get the twins to sit on their hands for a few minutes until they calmed down. She quickly gave Jean a glance that left him uneasy.

“I give up! Do as you will. I need to take the ambassador to your parents. I’m going to give Chiyo a whipping later.” She announced.He supposed that had been her replacement while she undertook her first mission.

Wren gave him and Yua a final salute before they disappeared through the heavy palace doors.

INFO SHEET

The Imperial family of Hizuru

Her majesty the Empress Mikasa Ackerman

His majesty the Emperor Arata Azumabito-Ito

Crowned Prince Wren Ackerman-Ito (both sounds Eldian for the bird and sounds Hizuran)

Prince So Ackerman-Ito

Prince Kaito Ackerman-Ito

Courtesan to the Emperor Ao Tanaka

Yua Tanaka, Scout and serves the Imperial family. 18 years old 5 at the time of the rumbling.

Kiyomi Azumabito - states woman and ambassador

Unified Nations Federation

Jean Kirstein, Lead Ambassador of Eldia and The Unified Nations Federation.

Reiner Braun, Ambassador of Eldia and The Unified Nations Federation.

Connie Springer, Ambassador of Eldia and The United Nations Federation.

Pieck Finger, Ambassador of Eldia and The United Nations Federation

The Government of Eldia

Queen Historia Reiss of Eldia

Armin Arlert, Minister of the Eldian Empire.

Annie Leonhart, Retired Ambassador, Assistant and body guard to the Minister

#Jeankasa #Post rumbling X Royals #WIP

18 notes · View notes

usmsgutterson · 2 years ago

Text

The Fire That Burns Within- N.L x fem! reader Chapter Four

Masterlist

all right! After a day of delay, here’s the fourth chapter! I tried to go really in depth with all of this so if any of the math I’ve done is wrong, I apologize. The hope with this fic is that it’ll be all posted in the next nine or ten days, provided that no more delays occur

Fic type- this is hurt/no comfort (hurt with an angsty ending)

Warnings- mentions of debt, mentions of death, there is one direct mention of what the king did to genya and a use of the word rapist, (y/n directly tells nikolai his father is a rapist)

“To start, your great line of kings is the entire reason Ravka is broke,” You said a week and a half later. It’d been a week of half-baked attempts on Nikolais part to get you to like him, and at that point, you were just ready to make your disdain for his bloodline clear as water. “They emptied the war treasury and the countries funds and fucked over every single person in Ravka at that time. The fact that your father has continued to dig Ravka deeper in it’s pit of debt is not exactly a point won for your bloodline, is it?”

You’d been going on a walk through the corridors of the Spinning Wheel, Nikolai a respectable distance behind you. If he ever took another step closer, you took two further away. You refused to let yourself be beguiled by him, be won over by his charms.

“I knew that was going to be your first object of disdain,” Nikolai said. “However, what makes you think you can bring that up if you have no offerable solutions for us to get out of debt with the other countries?”

“How much debt has the Lantsov line accrued with each nation in the time since they took the reins?”

“About thirty million with each country, and I’m saying that in confidence,” he said, a warning tone clipping the end of his sentence. You liked your home too much to ever tell any spies how much debt he’d accrued with the countries his bloodline had borrowed from, though you did understand the concern. You would’ve said it the same way, even if it pained you to admit you would’ve done the same as Nikolai had.

“A hundred and fifty million coin?” You asked, not at all shocked by the number. “My theories about you Lantsovs pushing your luck even when there is none left are correct indeed.”

“A solution would be preferrable to the bite of your sarcasm.” Nikolai said, his voice a bit clipped in his irritation.

“Get volunteers,” you said. “Hold events, galas, dinners. Charge money for a ticket or a seat. Put the money to the debts you owe. Events wherein you can host a crowd of 10,000–though, considering the debt, I do doubt you have the money to rent a space so large–can have thirty thousand in coin going towards the debts if you pay them off one by one and charge thirty coin for a ticket or a seat. Putting a price on the food you serve or adding that to the ticket pricing can have you at 150,000 coin after one event if the food is of good quality and good taste. If you held an event every two months–”

“I could have the first of the debts paid off in roughly a year and a half,” Nikolai cut. “All of the debts themselves could be paid off in seven years, maximum. You’re a genius.”

“Big events aren’t the only way,” you said. “You could start a couple of things in the city, a couple of city festivals. Live music, dancing, kvas and tea from golden samovars. Less would be charged for a ticket but it’s an easy way to make 10,000 kruge and the money piles quickly if you hold multiple events throughout spring and summer. Festivals weekly from May through to early September would land you a lot. If you went from the first of May to the fifteenth of September, that’s twenty three weeks and 200,000 thousand kruge if you can manage to have ten thousand people gathering for live music every single week. It’s a stretch, but it could work with proper planning and correlation with all of Ravkas cities.”

“Anything else?”

“Palace tours,” you suggested. “You’re to be the king and the tourists will find it a fun item to check off their itineraries. You can overcharge for them if you like, too. You’ll be the king. People will expect it.”

“Thank you for your insight.”

“I resent myself for giving it to you.”

“Here I thought you were finally starting to like me,” Nikolai said. You scoffed.

“I would never,” you said. “I detested your father, I detested Vasily, I detest the Darkling, and I will detest you in turn.”

“The Darkling is not my relative.”

“He worked closely with your rapist father,” you said. “Just because you are not related to him does not mean your family has not worked closely with him. I detested your father, I detest the Darkling, and I will detest you in turn.”

Nikolai laughed. “And if you come to work with me in the next few years?”

“I will not,” you said. “And if I do, then that is to mean that I will have changed my mind based upon the actions of one Lantsov compared to a line of at least twenty five of them. Thinking of it now makes me think that the woman I will be–provided that I do decide to work with or for you in any capacity–will have turned out to be quite the magnificent fool.”

You turned, caught a glimpse of the devilishly handsome smirk. “You speak like him,” he said. “the Darkling.”

It was a jab. It was designed to hurt you.

Still, even though you were determined that it would not, the words hurt like a knife being plunged into your chest and killing you instantly.

For a moment, you were a girl of seventeen, one of the Darklings charges, one of Genya Safins closest friends and a girl blinded by what she thought was greatness.

You were a girl who had seen so much and had managed to live through more than that even still.

You were a girl who did not know that the Darkling wanted to use fear as his weapon, not respect, not admiration or love or the adoration of the world en masse.

You were a seventeen year old girl who hated Nikolai Lantsov and daydreamt about killing his father when you were meant to be training with Zoya. You were the girl who would’ve shattered and killed the prince the moment you heard the words fall from his mouth.

But, you came back to yourself. You were not a girl blinded by percieved greatness or the Darklings looks, the mystery in his darkness. You were not a girl who thought the Darkling would find a way to destroy the Fold and rejoice in his effort when it was done.

No. You were Y/N L/N, a twenty year old Inferni, and you wanted to die.

“Please do not draw that comparison again,” you whispered, a part of you shattering internally. A deep pain had settled in your stomach, nausea crawling through your chest and warming your skin. “I could not bear it if you did.”

You’d rushed to your rooms before Nikolai could utter a response, had objected to curl up into your bed and cry silently until you fell asleep.

#nikolai lantsov #nikolai lantsov x reader #shadow and bone #shadow and bone netflix

45 notes · View notes

irctcmaharajas · 1 year ago

Text

India, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers from across the globe. While there are many ways to experience this diverse country, none match the opulence and grandeur of the Maharajas' Express, the world's finest luxury train. Let's embark on a journey through this magnificent train and discover the essence of luxury travel in India.

#Luxury Tour Circuits India #Palace on Wheels Agra #Tour Rajasthan

0 notes

justforbooks · 1 year ago

Text

Best crime and thrillers of 2023

Given this year’s headlines, it’s unsurprising that our appetite for cosy crime continues unabated, with the latest title in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, The Last Devil to Die (Viking), topping the bestseller lists. Janice Hallett’s novels The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, which also features a group of amateur crime-solvers, and The Christmas Appeal (both Viper) have proved phenomenally popular, too.

Hallett’s books, which are constructed as dossiers – transcripts, emails, WhatsApp messages and the like – are part of a growing trend of experimentation with form, ranging from Cara Hunter’s intricate Murder in the Family (HarperCollins), which is structured around the making of a cold case documentary, to Gareth Rubin’s tête-bêche The Turnglass (Simon & Schuster). Books that hark back to the golden age of crime, such as Tom Mead’s splendidly tricksy locked-room mystery Death and the Conjuror (Head of Zeus), are also on the rise. The late Christopher Fowler, author of the wonderful Bryant & May detective series, who often lamented the sacrifice of inventiveness and fun on the altar of realism, would surely have approved. Word Monkey (Doubleday), published posthumously, is his funny and moving memoir of a life spent writing popular fiction.

Notable debuts include Callum McSorley’s Glaswegian gangland thriller Squeaky Clean (Pushkin Vertigo); Jo Callaghan’s In the Blink of an Eye (Simon & Schuster), a police procedural with an AI detective; Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy (Pushkin Vertigo), featuring queer punk nun investigator Sister Holiday; and the caustically funny Thirty Days of Darkness (Orenda) by Jenny Lund Madsen (translated from the Danish by Megan E Turney).

There have been welcome additions to series, including a third book, Case Sensitive (Zaffre), for AK Turner’s forensic investigator Cassie Raven, and a second, The Wheel of Doll (Pushkin Vertigo), for Jonathan Ames’s LA private eye Happy Doll, who is shaping up to be the perfect hardboiled 21st-century hero.

Other must-reads for fans of American crime fiction include Ozark Dogs (Headline) by Eli Cranor, a powerful story of feuding Arkansas families; SA Cosby’s Virginia-set police procedural All the Sinners Bleed (Headline); Megan Abbott’s nightmarish Beware the Woman (Virago); and Rebecca Makkai’s foray into very dark academia, I Have Some Questions for You (Fleet). There are shades of James Ellroy in Jordan Harper’s Hollywood-set tour de force Everybody Knows (Faber), while Raymond Chandler’s hero Philip Marlowe gets a timely do-over from Scottish crime doyenne Denise Mina in The Second Murderer (Harvill Secker).

As Mick Herron observed in his Slow Horses origin novel, The Secret Hours (Baskerville), there’s a long list of spy novelists who have been pegged as the heir to John le Carré. Herron must be in pole position for principal legatee, but it’s been a good year for espionage generally: standout novels include Matthew Richardson’s The Scarlet Papers (Michael Joseph), John Lawton’s Moscow Exile (Grove Press) and Harriet Crawley’s The Translator (Bitter Lemon).

Historical crime has also been well served. Highlights include Emma Flint’s excellent Other Women (Picador), based on a real 1924 murder case; Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s story of a fortune teller’s quest for identity in Georgian high society, The Square of Sevens (Mantle); and SG MacLean’s tale of Restoration revenge and retribution, The Winter List (Quercus). There are echoes of Chester Himes in Viper’s Dream (No Exit) by Jake Lamar, which begins in 1930s Harlem, while Palace of Shadows (Mantle) by Ray Celestin, set in the late 19th century, takes the true story of American weapons heiress Sarah Winchester’s San Jose mansion and transports it to Yorkshire, with chillingly gothic results.

The latest novel in Vaseem Khan’s postcolonial India series, Death of a Lesser God (Hodder), is also well worth the read, as are Deepti Kapoor’s present-day organised crime saga Age of Vice (Fleet) and Parini Shroff’s darkly antic feminist revenge drama The Bandit Queens (Atlantic).

While psychological thrillers are thinner on the ground than in previous years, the quality remains high, with Liz Nugent’s complex and heartbreaking tale of abuse, Strange Sally Diamond (Penguin Sandycove), and Sarah Hilary’s disturbing portrait of a family in freefall, Black Thorn (Macmillan), being two of the best.

Penguin Modern Classics has revived its crime series, complete with iconic green livery, with works by Georges Simenon, Dorothy B Hughes and Ross MacDonald. There have been reissues by other publishers, too – forgotten gems including Celia Fremlin’s 1959 holiday‑from-hell novel, Uncle Paul (Faber), and Richard Wright’s The Man Who Lived Underground (Vintage). Finished in 1942 but only now published in its entirety, the latter is an account of an innocent man who takes refuge from racist police officers in the sewers of Chicago – part allegorical, part brutally realistic and, unfortunately, wholly topical.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

#just for books #Best crime and thrillers of 2023 #book review

6 notes · View notes

pinkcityride · 7 months ago

Text

Explore the Best of Jaipur with Our Local Sightseeing Tour Package

Looking to experience the enchantment of Jaipur? Our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package is tailor-made to ensure that you discover the best this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or someone seeking cultural immersion, this package promises an unforgettable experience.

With our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Jaipur. Explore the magnificent palaces and forts that narrate the city's royal past. Marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture and intricate craftsmanship that adorns every monument. Gain insights into the fascinating history and culture of Jaipur as you visit iconic attractions.

But that's not all. We offer a range of specialized tours to cater to different interests and preferences. If you want to explore Jaipur on two wheels, our Pink City Cycle Tour Operator is perfect for you. Cycle through the narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and heritage spots, soaking in the charm and beauty of the Pink City.

For those looking for a unique nighttime experience, our Night Jeep Tour Operator is the answer. Cruise through the illuminated streets of Jaipur, witnessing the magical ambiance of the city after dark. Visit popular landmarks and discover hidden gems that come alive after sunset.

If you prefer a more eco-friendly and immersive way of exploring the city, try our CycleRide Jaipur tour. Pedal your way through the city's vibrant streets, parks, and neighborhoods, covering diverse attractions along the way. This experience allows you to appreciate the beauty of Jaipur at your own pace.

Want a knowledgeable guide by your side to unravel the secrets of Jaipur? Our Tour and Guide Operator will ensure that you don't miss out on the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Benefit from their expertise and local insights as they take you through the lesser-known destinations that make Jaipur truly extraordinary.

For a reliable and exceptional tour experience, choose our Pink City Ride Tour Agency. With a range of tour packages to suit different preferences, you can explore the best of Jaipur hassle-free. From iconic landmarks to cultural hotspots, our tours cover it all, allowing you to create lasting memories in Jaipur.

Why choose a Pink city ride local Jaipur sightseeing tour package? The answer is simple - local knowledge. Our tour packages are crafted by locals who know the city inside out. This means you get to explore the hidden gems, enjoy insider tips, and learn fascinating stories that only locals can share. Additionally, our packages offer convenience and can be customized according to your preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.

Key Takeaways:

Our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package offers a tailor-made experience to explore the best of Jaipur.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage, cultural, and architectural highlights of Jaipur with our specialized tour packages.

Experience the charm of Jaipur on a cycle ride with Pink City Cycle Tour Operator or CycleRide Jaipur.

Discover the hidden gems of Jaipur with a tour and guide operator.

Choose Pink City Ride Tour Agency for reliable and exceptional tour experiences.

Benefit from local knowledge, convenience, and personalized experiences with a local Jaipur sightseeing tour package.

Experience the Rich Heritage of Jaipur with Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package.

When it comes to immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Jaipur, our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package is the perfect choice. This tailor-made tour package allows you to explore the cultural, historical, and architectural highlights of the city, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

Step back in time as you visit the magnificent forts and palaces that reflect the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal past. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, and discover the fascinating stories behind its unique architecture.

Uncover the secrets of Jaipur's royal heritage as you explore the opulent City Palace, home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur. Admire the stunning art collections, including rare manuscripts, royal armory, and exquisite textiles that showcase the city's cultural richness.

Visit the awe-inspiring Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and revel in its majestic beauty. Wander through the sprawling complex of courtyards, palaces, and gardens, and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli hills.

"Our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package allows you to experience the architectural marvels and cultural gems of the Pink City up close and personal. From the vibrant markets of Johri Bazaar to the serene beauty of Jal Mahal, this tour package offers a comprehensive journey through Jaipur's splendid heritage."

Immerse yourself in the colorful world of Jaipur's markets, renowned for their traditional crafts and vibrant textiles. From crystal-clear gemstones to intricately handcrafted jewelry, the local bazaars offer a treasure trove of souvenirs to take home.

As you explore the city with our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, you'll be guided by knowledgeable locals who are passionate about sharing the history and legends behind each landmark. Their insights and stories will truly enrich your experience, allowing you to connect with Jaipur on a deeper level.

Explore Jaipur's Rich Heritage with Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package:

Attractions

Highlights

Hawa Mahal

Discover the unique architectural beauty of the Palace of the Winds.

City Palace

Admire the opulent royal collections and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past.

Amber Fort

Experience the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Jaipur Markets

Shop for traditional crafts, textiles, and jewelry in the vibrant local bazaars.

With our Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Jaipur's rich heritage and create lifelong memories. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the cultural wonders of the Pink City. Contact us at 9772078198 to book your tour now!

Discover Jaipur's Charm with Pink City Cycle Tour Operator.

Experience the enchanting city of Jaipur in a unique and exciting way with Pink City Cycle Tour Operator. Our specialized tour packages provide an immersive and exhilarating experience that allows you to discover the charm of Jaipur while cycling through its vibrant streets and alleys.

As the leading cycle tour operator in the Pink City, we are dedicated to offering a personalized and unforgettable journey for every visitor. Our expert guides, native to Jaipur, will take you on a carefully curated route that showcases the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local attractions.

When you choose Pink City Cycle Tour Operator, you can expect a well-planned itinerary that covers the must-see sights of Jaipur. Pedal through the bustling streets of the Old City, visit magnificent palaces and forts, and witness the traditional handicrafts and bustling markets that make Jaipur so unique.

Our tour packages are designed to cater to all levels of cycling expertise, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience at their own pace. Whether you are an avid cyclist or a casual rider, our knowledgeable guides will provide support and assistance throughout the tour, making it accessible for everyone.

Highlights of our Pink City Cycle Tour Operator

Explore the majestic Amber Fort and marvel at its intricate architecture

Visit the iconic City Palace and discover the rich history of the royal families of Jaipur

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Johri Bazaar and indulge in traditional shopping

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory

Discover the stunning Hawa Mahal, known as the "Palace of the Winds"

Pedal through the colorful streets of Jaipur and witness the local way of life

At Pink City Cycle Tour Operator, we prioritize your safety and comfort. We provide top-quality bicycles, safety helmets, and other necessary equipment to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Our experienced guides will also share intriguing stories and insights about the city, enriching your overall experience.

Embark on a memorable journey through Jaipur with Pink City Cycle Tour Operator. Immerse yourself in the city's charm, witness its architectural wonders, and create lasting memories as you explore the Pink City on two wheels.

Explore the Nighttime Magic of Jaipur with Night Jeep Tour Operator.

When the sun sets over the majestic city of Jaipur, a whole new world emerges, filled with enchanting sights and captivating experiences. To truly immerse yourself in the mystical charm of Jaipur after dark, look no further than the Night Jeep Tour Operator.

With their expert drivers and well-equipped jeeps, the Night Jeep Tour Operator takes you on a journey through the illuminated streets and hidden corners of Jaipur. As you venture into the night, you'll witness the city's iconic landmarks transformed by mesmerizing lights.

One of the highlights of the Night Jeep Tour is the breathtaking view of the illuminated Jal Mahal, a palace floating on the serene waters of Man Sagar Lake. The play of lights dancing on the water creates a surreal ambience that will leave you mesmerized.

As the night deepens, the Night Jeep Tour Operator takes you to the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, where the hustle and bustle continue even after sunset. Explore the colorful markets, filled with handicrafts, textiles, and the aroma of delicious street food.

The Night Jeep Tour Operator offers a unique blend of adventure and culture, allowing you to experience the nighttime magic of Jaipur like never before.

Embrace the thrill of zooming through the dark streets of Jaipur in a jeep, with the wind in your hair and the city lights guiding your way. Spots like the Hawa Mahal and Albert Hall Museum are even more captivating under the night sky, as their architectural marvels are beautifully highlighted.

Whether you're a solo traveler seeking an unconventional experience or a group of friends wanting to create unforgettable memories, the Night Jeep Tour is perfect for exploring Jaipur's hidden gems. The tour operator's local expertise ensures that you get an insider's perspective on the city's nighttime secrets.

Capture the Nighttime Magic of Jaipur with Night Jeep Tour Operator:

Experience the beauty of Jaipur's illuminated landmarks.

Visit the vibrant bazaars and indulge in street food.

Explore architectural wonders like Hawa Mahal and Albert Hall Museum.

Embrace the thrill of zooming through the city in a jeep.

Discover the hidden gems of Jaipur under the night sky.

Destination

Duration

Jal Mahal

2 hours

Hawa Mahal

3 hours

Albert Hall Museum

4 hours

Enjoy a Memorable Cycle Ride in Jaipur with CycleRide Jaipur.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jaipur with an unforgettable cycle ride experience offered by CycleRide Jaipur. Explore the vibrant streets and historic attractions of the city in a unique and eco-friendly way. With CycleRide Jaipur, you'll get to witness the mesmerizing sights and experience the local culture up close.

When you choose CycleRide Jaipur, you can embark on various routes that cover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city. Discover the architectural marvels like the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, which showcase the grandeur and history of Jaipur. Ride through the bustling bazaars and witness the vibrant colors, intricate handicrafts, and delicious street food.

One of the highlights of a cycle ride with CycleRide Jaipur is the opportunity to interact with the locals and get a glimpse of their daily lives. Experience the warm hospitality and friendly nature of the people of Jaipur as you navigate through the city on two wheels.

"The cycle ride with CycleRide Jaipur was an incredible experience. I got to see Jaipur's hidden treasures and appreciate its rich heritage in a whole new way. Riding through the city streets was exhilarating, and I loved exploring the local markets and interacting with the residents. It's definitely a must-do activity for anyone visiting Jaipur!" - Sarah, a satisfied customer

What sets CycleRide Jaipur apart is their commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. By choosing to explore the city on a cycle, you contribute to minimizing your carbon footprint and preserving the environment. It's a responsible way to appreciate the beauty of Jaipur while promoting eco-conscious travel.

Whether you're a solo traveler or part of a group, CycleRide Jaipur offers various tour packages to cater to your preferences and interests. From leisurely rides to adventurous expeditions, there's something for everyone. Each tour is led by experienced guides who provide insights into the city's history, culture, and traditions.

So, get ready to pedal your way through Jaipur's enchanting streets and create unforgettable memories with CycleRide Jaipur. Discover the true essence of the Pink City and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere like never before.

Discover Jaipur's Hidden Gems with a Tour and Guide Operator.

When exploring a city as vibrant and culturally rich as Jaipur, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of attractions and hidden gems tucked away in every corner. That's where a tour and guide operator comes in to make your Jaipur sightseeing experience truly unforgettable.

By partnering with a reputable tour and guide operator, you gain access to a wealth of local knowledge and expertise. These professionals are well-versed in the history, culture, and significance of Jaipur's landmarks and can provide valuable insights and information throughout your journey.

Not only can a tour and guide operator enhance your understanding of the city's heritage, but they can also help you discover those hidden gems that are often missed by visitors. Whether it's a tucked-away temple, a bustling local market, or a lesser-known architectural marvel, your guide will navigate you through the maze of Jaipur's streets to uncover the most enchanting and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

With their guidance, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with the friendly residents, and discover the true essence of Jaipur. From the bustling bazaars of Johari and Bapu to the awe-inspiring architectural wonders of Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal, a tour and guide operator will ensure you don't miss a single highlight during your Jaipur sightseeing adventure.

Why Choose a Tour and Guide Operator for Your Local Jaipur Sightseeing

"A tour and guide operator serves as your personal navigator and storyteller, elevating your Jaipur experience to new heights. They bring the city's history and culture to life, making each attraction more than just a stop on your itinerary."

With their local expertise, tour and guide operators can tailor your sightseeing experience to match your interests and preferences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie looking to indulge in authentic Rajasthani cuisine, they can customize your itinerary to ensure it aligns perfectly with your desires.

Additionally, having a tour and guide operator by your side eliminates the stress and hassle of navigating an unfamiliar city. They take care of logistics, transportation, and even entrance tickets, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Jaipur.

So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, consider partnering with a tour and guide operator to unlock the true magic of Jaipur. Discover its hidden gems, delve into its rich heritage, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the Best of Jaipur with Pink City Ride Tour Agency.

When it comes to exploring the vibrant city of Jaipur, there's no better way than with the Pink City Ride Tour Agency. As a trusted and reputable agency, Pink City Ride offers a range of tour packages that allow you to experience the best that Jaipur has to offer.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Pink City Ride has a tour package tailored to suit your preferences. Their expert guides will take you on a journey through the city's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you don't miss out on any of Jaipur's charm.

One of the highlights of the Pink City Ride Tour Agency is their Local Jaipur Sightseeing tour package. This comprehensive package covers all the must-visit attractions, including the majestic Amer Fort, the enchanting Hawa Mahal, and the beautiful Jal Mahal. With Pink City Ride, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant culture that Jaipur is renowned for.

Not only does Pink City Ride offer a range of tour packages, but they also provide top-notch services to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Their team of knowledgeable and friendly guides are passionate about Jaipur and will go above and beyond to make your tour memorable. From arranging comfortable transportation to sharing interesting insights about the city, they prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.

With Pink City Ride, you can expect a meticulously planned itinerary that covers all the important landmarks and attractions of Jaipur. They understand that every traveler has unique preferences, which is why they offer customizable tour packages. Whether you want to spend more time exploring the palaces or have a particular interest in local markets and cuisine, Pink City Ride will tailor the tour to suit your needs.

Choose Pink City Ride Tour Agency for an unforgettable Jaipur sightseeing experience. Book your tour today and get ready to explore the best of Jaipur with a trusted and reputable agency.

Why Choose a Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package.

When planning your visit to Jaipur, opting for a local sightseeing tour package can provide numerous advantages that will enhance your experience and ensure you make the most of your time in this vibrant city. The Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package offers a range of benefits that make it the ideal choice for exploring Jaipur's rich heritage, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems.

1. Local Knowledge and Expertise

By choosing a local tour package, you gain access to the in-depth knowledge and expertise of experienced guides who possess an intimate understanding of Jaipur's history, traditions, and attractions. These local experts can offer fascinating insights and stories, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the city's heritage. They know the best routes, hidden spots, and lesser-known attractions that may not be included in mainstream tourist itineraries.

2. Convenience and Stress-Free Exploration

With a local tour package, all the logistics and planning are taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying your sightseeing experience. From transportation to entry fees and timings, everything is arranged by the tour operator, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free exploration of Jaipur. You won't have to worry about navigating the city or deciphering complex public transportation systems. Instead, you can sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Jaipur.

3. Customized Itineraries

One of the key advantages of a local Jaipur sightseeing tour package is the ability to customize your itinerary based on your preferences and interests. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a magical cultural experience, the tour operators can tailor the itinerary to align perfectly with your desires. This ensures that you visit the attractions that resonate most with you, creating a personalized and unforgettable journey through Jaipur.

4. Support for Local Economy

By choosing a local tour operator, you contribute to the growth and sustenance of Jaipur's local economy. These tour packages often collaborate with local guides, drivers, and artisans, providing them with employment opportunities and keeping tourism revenue within the local community. This not only helps support the livelihoods of local residents but also promotes sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of Jaipur's unique heritage.

By selecting a Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, you can discover the true essence of Jaipur while enjoying the convenience, expertise, and customization options provided by local tour operators. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the magnificent pink city with a tailored tour package that ensures an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Conclusion.

As we conclude our exploration of the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, it becomes evident that this tailor-made experience offers a remarkable journey through the splendor of Jaipur. From the rich heritage showcased in the city's architectural marvels to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered with the guidance of expert tour operators, this package ensures a memorable adventure like no other.

By choosing the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm of Jaipur, whether it's through a cycle ride with CycleRide Jaipur, a night-time Jeep tour, or the Pink City Cycle Tour Operator, each providing a unique perspective of this magical city.

With the convenience of a local tour and guide operator such as Pink City Ride Tour Agency, visitors can confidently explore the best of Jaipur, with assurance in the reliability and reputation of their chosen agency. The advantage of a local tour package is that it offers invaluable local knowledge and the ability to tailor the experience to individual preferences.

So, why wait? Embrace the opportunity to discover the wonders of Jaipur through the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the grandeur of the Pink City, its enticing heritage, and the captivating experiences that await. Contact us today at 9772078198 to book your unforgettable journey through the splendor of Jaipur.

FAQ

What is included in the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package?

The Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package includes visits to the major attractions of Jaipur, such as the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. It also includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees to the mentioned attractions.

How long does the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package last?

The duration of the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package depends on the package chosen. It can range from a half-day tour to a full day, with the option to customize the duration according to your preferences.

Are meals included in the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package?

Meals are not included in the Local Jaipur Sightseeing Tour Package. However, there will be designated stops during the tour where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments at your own expense.

Is cycling experience necessary for the Pink City Cycle Tour Operator?

No, previous cycling experience is not necessary for the Pink City Cycle Tour Operator. The tour is designed for all fitness levels, and the pace is leisurely. The cycling routes are carefully chosen to be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

What attractions are covered in the Night Jeep Tour Operator?

The Night Jeep Tour Operator covers popular Jaipur attractions such as the Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh Fort, and Jal Mahal. The tour provides a unique perspective and a chance to experience the charm of Jaipur illuminated at night.

Are bicycles provided by CycleRide Jaipur?

Yes, CycleRide Jaipur provides bicycles for the tour. They ensure that the bicycles are in good condition and suitable for the routes and terrain covered during the tour.

How does the Tour and Guide Operator enhance the sightseeing experience in Jaipur?

The Tour and Guide Operator in Jaipur enhances the sightseeing experience by providing knowledgeable guides who can provide historical and cultural insights about the attractions. They also help navigate through the city, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

What types of tour packages are offered by Pink City Ride Tour Agency?

Pink City Ride Tour Agency offers a variety of tour packages, including half-day tours, full-day tours, and customized tours. The packages cover different attractions and experiences in Jaipur, catering to different preferences and schedules.

What are the advantages of choosing a local Jaipur sightseeing tour package?

Choosing a local Jaipur sightseeing tour package provides several advantages. Firstly, local tour operators have extensive knowledge of the city, ensuring a more authentic experience. Additionally, they handle all the logistics, including transportation and entrance fees, making it a convenient option. Lastly, the tour packages can be customized to suit individual preferences and interests.

#cyclet #localsightseeing #jeeptour #tourin

2 notes · View notes