#Roof Cleaning Hawkes Bay | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

samkat10423 · 2 years ago

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Spillway area

Rflong added a port lot down by the bay. And while I was over on TSR looking around, as one does, I came across a marina someone built.

The original only had that tiny building, the boat trailer, moving van and the docks with the berthed boats. But since I like for my sims to have something to do when they visit lots, I added stuff. First off, I changed out the dock planking and the fencing for the one that came with Barnacle Bay. The originals were just too pristine. And if you’ve ever gone boating - which I have - docks are not all squeaky-clean. Then I added more lights and all the food-service items. I used Arsil’s ice-cream thingie, Sandy’s barbeque-season’s food table, and the stuff from that Carnival lot EA did. I also gave my sims some tables-and-chairs and a lemonade stand. Then I added a small stone fence behind my trailer, so my idiot sims don’t back it into the bay and added more chain-link fencing on the other end, so they don’t fall off the cliff there. Plus, a small generator and some Sims 1 items that @grandelama created. (Thank you!)

Then I hopped over to that Spillway area under the bridge. Since it’s supposed to be a swamp - as most spillways are - I decided to place a few more industrial builds there. The original lots were all zoned as residential, but who in their right mind wants to live in mosquito-land? Again, the one I used were both cyclonesue builds that were on smaller lots originally. The dark brick one was created fairly early on and consisted of just the building.

This was her glue factory lot. (She built it to showcase her storage tanks). It is now a glasswork’s lot, since I used it to place that glass-blowing machine EA sold. It was on a 20x25 lot and this one is 30x20, so I had space to add stuff. I changed all the windows and doors, added those 3 drainpipe things on the side, plus all the viny stuff. I also changed the roof pattern to a rusty one I got from over on MTS. And I used stuff from Sandy’s “trash” set to grunge the place up a tad more. Inside I got rid of all her residential house crap and made it into a factory. (Note to self: I need to add some fog emitters to add some pigeons to that parking area. Maybe some rats inside).

That other lot in the 1st picture was cyclonesue’s abandoned Split Pea factory, and like I said, it was just the basic building itself on a much smaller lot. I went with her lot description and made it into my town junkyard. (It’s “for-sale” if anyone’s interested! So, I do need to add my “for-sale” sign) First thing I did, was grunge up that building on the roof and change the caps on the four corners, then added some fog emitters so that they “smoke.” I added the fencing, all the outside decor - including that nifty smokestack created by Sandy. And of course, junkyard spawners - and a few others. (There were none). Inside, I left her tiny kitchen area - just grunged it up a tad, then got rid of everything else. (It was originally zoned as a house). I did place 2 of those inventor’s benches and 1 of those gem-cutting machines, because I have that mod that allows you to make trash into sellable stuff. Oh! one of those garbage cans is a “fireplace” so it catches on fire - as does a set of discarded tires she created. And I used a garbage can created by Zedrael for his Hobo set, that sims can root around in and get food to eat. Because everyone eats out of a garbage can, doncha know!

Then I took my Devil Dog outside to help me feed the chickens. Right now, I only have 3 left, since chicken hawks and our resident fox ate the other 3. I plan on getting some Silkie ones to replace the deceased ones. But in the Spring since the ones I have now are on-strike and not laying eggs. Told them there are a gazillion ways to cook chickens, but they aren’t impressed. Stupid chickens!

#sims 3 My Bridgeport more industrial builds

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seotoprankers · 3 years ago

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The Moss Crew is one of New Zealand's driving interior /exterior cleaning trained professionals. The Moss Crew is completely authorized with full liability insurance to assure our client's peace of mind, serving both the commercial and residential sectors in the Havelock North, Hastings, Napier, and more prominent Hawkes Bay locale including Central Hawkes Bay and encompassing regions. Contact Information: 3 Nicholson Street, Mayfair, Hastings 4122 Phone: 022 626 3321 / (06) 835 3677 Email: [email protected] For more info visit us: https://mosscrew.co.nz/

#Housewash services in Central Hawkes bay #Waterblast service in Hawkes bay #Roof cleaning in Hawkes bay

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uwuwriting · 4 years ago

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My s/o is scarier than yours w/ Dabi, Hawks and Aizawa

Request: Can you do a dabi , hawks and a aizawa reacting to there blind badass s/o going all out on someone who kidnapped Them - @chronosdemon2

Tik tok memes have been stuck in my head all day and I’m very close to saying that “Kill your parents Tracey” to someone unironically….. the thing is they'll DO IT. Love ya. 💖💖💖

masterlist II rules

warnings: cursing and descriptions of violence, some quirk use, violent quirk use, TW blood

Dabi

-I swear he got caught on purpose .

-He was strong enough to roast anyone that came close to him and he could literally beat them to a pulp.

-But noooo he had been whining about wanting to see you saving his ass after he heard Toga talk about how hot you were when you were angry and how your overly aggressive quirk use, made your eyes ?pop?

-The appeal of murdering someone and finding it hot is beyond you so you just let it slide.

-But McCrispy had other plans.

-He had been acting reckless and made stupid mistakes while out on missions, constantly getting hurt and forcing you to half carry him back to HQ.

-You contemplated leaving him in that rusty, disgusting warehouse since you were sure they were gonna ship him back the moment he opened his mouth to speak.

-He was THAT annoying.

-But alas your heart got the better of you and after two days of letting him be held captive you decided to go down there yourself and pick up your oversized child.

-Dabi on the other hand was starting to get pissed.

-He expected you to come get him the moment you heard he was being held captive, I mean you said you loved him right? You must be worried sick.

-The other idiots wouldn’t bother for a week or so before remotely lifting a finger in an effort to get him back so you would be coming alone.

-What the fuck was taking you so long???

-He could burn this whole place down; he could easily do that but they had given him quite the beating already and some of the staples on his skin came loose making the pain radiating through his body ten times worse.

-He hated admitting that he was truly in pain.

-In this moment though, as blood trickled from his chest and arms he couldn’t deny that his body was way too sore to even move an inch.

-Another thing he hated was the fact that he needed you right now.

-Even though he had done this whole thing because he wanted to see you losing your control a little he never expected to be hurt like this, become so desperate for someone to actually save him.

-He stopped hoping for a savior when he was a child so why is this spark of hope suddenly back?

-Resting his head on the cold wall behind him he tried to get some rest, hopefully he would feel better after he got some sleep.

-As you made your way silently through the corridors of the warehouse you noticed a pile of bloody staples in a far corner, seeing red as you immediately knew where these staples came from or better from who.

-You had no intention of giving Dabi the satisfaction of seeing you fight the dudes that caught him.

-He basically forced you to come pick him up like some drunk idiot who forgot he didn’t have a ride home at 3 am in the morning.

-But now that they touched him?

-Sure he was a dick but he was your dick of a boyfriend and no one laid a hand on him.

-Screams echoed through the halls waking Dabi up from his little exhaustion induced nap, mind hazy from the way his head was spinning.

-With wobbly legs he got up as the screams grew closer and by the time he was at the door it was flinged off its hinges, hitting one of the lackeys that tried getting up.

-Even through the immense pain he was in this fucker smirked.

-There you were, features etched with pure fury, blood splats all over your clothes as he could feel the energy of your quirk radiating through the metallic air.

- “You fucking dumbass.”

- “It’s nice to see you too doll.”

-You hauled him to the safehouse, not uttering a single word on the way back letting him wallow in silence.

-You couldn’t bring yourself to be mad at him after you saw how banged up he was.

-Cleaning his skin so it wouldn’t get infected, you got some spare staples to piece him back together *literally*.

-He knew he messed up big time by the way you wouldn’t meet his gaze so he swallowed his pride and forced himself to give a single apology.

- “Sorry.”

- Sighing you kissed his nose, giving him a stern look while wrapping his chest up with a bandage.

- “Just don’t pull anything like that again.”

-You ain't never hearing the s word again.

Hawks/Keigo Takami

-He swears he had everything under control.

-Completely disregarding the fact that he was tied to a chair with all of his feathers gone leaving his wings looking like a newborn chicken.

-Yeah completely under control.

-Doesn’t even know how he ended up here.

-One minute he is on patrol with his favorite person in the world and the next he wakes up in a room with no windows, tied to a very uncomfortable chair.

-Doesn’t even remember if he used his wings at all!

-He is trying to wiggle free when the chair tips and he falls face first on the dirty ass cement floor.

-His knees were scrapped and his nose was smushed, a frustrated groan leaving his lips as he maneuvered himself to lay on his side, brows furrowing as he continued to stare at the grey wall opposite of him.

-The ropes that tied his hands were tight leaving no room for his hands to either wiggle free or untie the knots all together.

-He had to come up with a new plan.

-So what did he do? He started singing.

-No no you aren’t reading this wrong.

-From the macarena to WAP, he knew all the lyrics, his voice bouncing off the four walls of his room.

-His throat was getting hoarse and he was running out of songs when he heard the screams.

-At first they weren’t coherent, just a jumble of words and shouts as quirks were activated, the building shaking a little bit by all the attacks.

-The noise got closer, more voices joined the screaming fest and poor guy was frantically now trying to get his hands or wings or anything really free from the ropes to at least defend himself to whatever is coming his way.

- “WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!”

- “LADY WHY ARE YOU SO MAD I-”

- *slap*

-Oh he recognized that voice.

-That sweet melodic voice that was now cursing the hell out of the guard outside his door like a construction worker on a Monday.

-The door rattled as something rammed into it, the hinges barely staying in place as it was attacked again and again and again until it came off, falling just a few inches away from his face.

-You walked in, eyes immediately locking with his as groans and pained moans could be heard coming from behind you.

-Your uniform had a few bloodstains on it and he could see your chest rising and falling rapidly but as his eyes scanned your figure, everything seemed fine; no injuries, no bruises just a few wrinkles on your shirt.

-His little chicken wings flapped as he beamed at you, a happy coo leaving his lips the moment you kneeled down behind him to untie the knots, giving him a kiss on the cheek *even though you were kinda pissed and did it while mumbling something about him being a stupid idiot with the brain of a penguin*.

-You didn’t bother informing anyone that you got him back, just shooting your sidekick a text that you are going home.

-Anger was radiating from your whole body and Keigo could feel it coming in intense waves.

-He didn’t say a word the whole ride home *cause he was gonna get thrown…..close to the truth*

-Once inside your apartment, you helped him with his uniform and tended to the few scratches and bruises that littered his torso and limbs, resting your forehead on his shoulder once you were done, a tired sigh escaping your lips.

- “I’m sorry. Are you mad at me?”

- “I’m not mad, not at you at least.”

-Wrapping his arms around you he swiftly switched spots, asking for permission silently to help with your bruises.

- “Thank you for coming dove.”

Aizawa Shota

-He could hear you pounding down the streets after them.

-He felt so hopeless right now, body gone limp from some quirk that he didn’t manage to block, being carried like a sack through the streets that he should be protecting while his s/o was spewing profanities and very malicious threats at the people who held him.

-Really it was one of the most embarrassing moments in his whole hero career.

-Worse than that one time he got caught in his own capture tool when he first laid his eyes on you one cold Friday night in the middle of winter.

-As his head bobbed along with his kidnapper’s footsteps he caught small glimpses of your form, anger etched on every single crevice of your face, eyes hard as they stayed glued to the person that held him, your quirk letting out small thrums of energy that gave away your anger.

-You could barely keep it at bay right now.

-You couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to your husband.

-He literally got snatched in front of your eyes.

-You had no time to react as he was hit by that bastard’s quirk and you saw his body fall limp.

-At the mere thought of the attempted kidnapping your quirk let out a stronger thrum sending some trash cans crashing to the ground from their spots on the side of the alleyway.

-Your lungs burned and your thighs were beginning to hurt like hell but you weren’t about to let them get away.

-Gripping the railing of a low balcony, you hauled yourself up, quickly making your way to the roof and continuing your persecution from above.

-One by one you began taking the idiots out, the higher ground giving you a more open look on them and allowing you to use your quirk safely.

-Soon enough the only one left was the one who was holding your husband who also happened to run into a dead end, whimpers leaving his lips as he saw your figure on the building’s roof.

-By the time your feet touched the pavement, the villain was begging you to let him go that he and his crew won’t pull something like this again.

-In one swift motion he was knocked unconscious falling next to your husband who was beginning to gain the ability to move again.

-With a groan you helped him to his feet, searching for any further injuries before cupping his cheek and giving him a kiss, engulfing him in a hug right after.

- “I thought I would lose you.”

-He hugged you close, burying his face in your hair as siren’s started echoing off the walls of the alley.

- “I’m here, I’m alright.”

-He felt your body slightly shake whether that was caused by the shock and the worry you just went through or the overuse of your quirk, he didn’t know.

-What he did know though was that you deserved to be pampered even more than usual tonight.

-Giving you another kiss he gently pushed you off him, grabbing your hand and leading you out of the “crime scene”, taking the familiar road home.

-That night he holds you a little tighter than usual.

TAG TEAM AY:

@the-arcana-fan-fic @angelwritings @axerrri @reinyrei @dnarez @storage11037 @ezoyscorner @letscheereachotheron @wolfkid22 @dark-thoughts-and-red-roses @threeamwriting @ysatrap @yashinosakura @belladonna-coven @angel6786 @meena-in-a-nutshell

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queerpyracy · 4 years ago

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I hope it's ok to ask your farmer expertise for writing purposes? if a farm was abandoned for c. 2 weeks, with no one to care for the animals, how would the ones you are familiar / have experience with fare -- starve, break out of barns/enclosures, etc? I'll drop dollar in your ko-fi if u answer thx

i'm gonna put this under a cut both bc it's long and bc some of the content might be upsetting, general content warning for animal death and injury

so, what kind of farm infrastructure you have/how it was left is going to matter here

animals with outdoor access are going to have a much easier time getting out than those closed up in a barn, though if they are closed up they'll push on anything they can get to move and doors can come off tracks/hinges, a big enough and desperate enough animal will break a chain on a gate or break a latch on a door. (bulls, especially, are great for fucking up gates for less desperate reasons than thirst. we had a mature bull jump over a gate for horny reasons, and there is now a permanent bend in the top bar.) sometimes they even lift gates off their hinges, which isn’t a perfect way to get out bc cows don’t like walking over that kind of stuff but they will if they have to.

chickens aren't great fliers but they can get over fences pretty easy if there's not a roof in the way, so if they're penned but not in a coop, they'll get out to look for food and water. they'll have the easiest time food-wise (unless it's winter) but will also be the easiest for smaller predators (hawks, raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, etc) to pick off. this'll depend on whether or not your hypothetical farm was abandoned during the day with chickens outside or at night when they were shut up in the coop for protection, in which case, unless your birds have access to two weeks worth of water, they're fucked. mine made it about 8 days on the water provided them when we had to evacuate because of wildfires, but they were topped off knowing we might not be able to get back to them and given extra water because of it. we're talking a 2 gallon covered water can + a coffee can for seven hens, it wasn't too hot, and they were almost dry when i was able to come home.

chickens might be able to make it without food for two weeks, but they might also start cannibalizing each other. this would probably start with a bird at the bottom of the pecking order getting injured and then the situation escalating from there. (this, by the way, doesn't happen unless chickens are under a lot of stress. like chickens are fucked up but i feel the need to be clear that this is not Normal chicken behavior. they will give each other minor injuries but cannibalism happens bc of extreme stress.) chickens will also kill small snakes and rodents.

chickens that are outside without being able to get back in their coop will find a tree or other elevated place to roost at night. chickens that are outside with access to their coop might choose to roost in their coop or outside. laying birds will also start to pick fun new secret places to lay their eggs, under bushes and such. even fed chickens will sometimes eat their own eggs, hungry chickens are absolutely likely to become routine egg eaters. extremely hungry chickens will stop laying.

roosters might be able to fend off skunks and raccoons, but hawks drop out of the sky* and anything much larger than a raccoon is going to devestate an unprotected flock. chickens that are outside in winter and can't get out of the cold are going to be vulnerable to frostbite, particularly their toes and combs. also: if a chicken gets wet down to its skin there is a very high likelihood it will get sick and die.

*hawks will kill a chicken but chickens are also generally too large for them to carry off, so they’ll leave most of the chicken where they found it.

a note on predators in general: you'll have to decide how aggressive they were before the humans were no longer around. where i am, the coyotes are pretty good about keeping their distance, but that's not true of every place, and if they were already a problem, they'll definitely increase their hunting in the absence of humans to keep them at bay. larger animals like cows and horses might be able to drive off or kill a coyote/dog or a small bear, but if they're contending with mountain lions that'll be more of a problem for them. not impossible to drive off/kill, but much more likely to successfully kill livestock.

i don't have much experience with sheep but a problematic dog can kill tons of them in a relatively short time so you can extrapolate from there. i can't think of anyway people tend to keep rabbits that wouldn't leave them dying of dehydration after a few days, unless they manage to pop a latch on their cage/hutch, but they too are going to be extremely vulnerable to predation, being small, unaccustomed to wild conditions, and possibly a highly visible color. domestic rabbits also can die of fright very easily. (my sister's rabbit, who survived a cow sitting on her cage and lived many years after, is an outlier and should not be counted.)

what kind of fencing you have is going to matter: cows don't give much of a shit about barbed wire fences even when they aren't thirsty and hungry, so that won't be much of a problem for them either. if the fence is old, they might push over a rotting post and get out that way. downed wires (barbed or otherwise) might result in an animal getting tangled up--they might be stuck or they might have a horrible ankle bracelet which will cut into them and get infected. they might break the wire from the fence, have a horrible ankle bracelet, and get stuck/tie up their back legs somewhere else.

electric fences are going to be a bit more problematic unless the power is down. cows (and i assume most other livestock) will go through an electric fence if the voltage is compromised in some way, which can happen just from having tall grass/weeds that get wet and short out the fence. if an animal gets tangled up in a hot electric fence and there's no one there to free it, then it's fucked. an electric fence isn't going to be hot enough to kill it fast, is the problem, just enough to make it harder to escape. (i had a rather frightening experience this last summer with a heifer getting her back legs tangled in a temporary wire. she's fine but she wouldn't have gotten out without my help and her legs didn't work for a couple of minutes, and she seemed kind of Off for weeks after that. you wouldn't know anything had happened to her, now.)

wire mesh fences are going to be the hardest to get out of. cow/hog panel fences can be busted where they're tied together/stapled to a post (especially, again, if the fence is old and the posts are decaying.) wooden fences they will just knock over or break through. hedges will be eaten and used for shelter. if for some reason this farm has stone walls that could be a problem for everything except maybe goats and chickens.

goats are escape artists anyway, as long as their horns to get stuck in anything/their feet don't get tangled up, they'll be out and roaming. they are smaller and thus more vulnerable to predators than larger livestock.

access to water is going to be the primary motivator in the short term and the thing that will kill shut-in animals the fastest, as for whether or not anything that manages to get outside will starve in two weeks time, that's going to depend on the season and place. the middle of winter in a place with snow and ice is going to be very hard, obviously, but if we're anywhere between spring and autumn and there is food to be had somewhere, then hungry animals will try to get to it. if they can't get out of fences, hunger might drive them to eat toxic plants they ordinarily avoid. how deadly that is to them depends on how toxic it is, how much is available for them to eat, and how big the animal is. a large cow can probably survive a few stems of tansy ragwort but not a field. (sheep, weirdly enough, can apparently eat young tansy ragwort plants without issue? again, not much experience with sheep but this fact has haunted me since i read it. tansy ragwort causes liver damage in almost everything but sheep, which die at the drop of a hat, Fine, I Guess.)

they'll also start chewing on things that aren't toxic but they might avoid for other reasons, like risking scratching up their nose by eating blackberry leaves, or lower branches of conifer trees. any branches of deciduous trees they can reach, if in leaf, will be one of the first things they go after. if they're regularly pastured under these trees, they'll already have pruned up the bottom branches to however high the tallest animal can reach. if it's autumn or after and there are apples or other fruit on the ground they'll absolutely clean those up, no matter how old--tho after two weeks anyone who finds the place will probably have missed the period of time in which there were drunk livestock. goats will also strip bark off trees, girdling and ultimately killing the tree.

if they can get out of fences they'll wander however far they need to go to find more food. how lucky they are again depends on the season and location. steep hills will provide more danger, especially if it's wet and slick. how regularly they return to the farm itself probably depends on where the water is and if there's better shelter there than anywhere else. (depending on how isolated your hypothetical farm is, wandering livestock might be the indicator that something is Wrong.)

if there are stores of grain laying around that ruminant livestock get into and gorge themselves on, they could get bloat and die that way. they'll also eat bedding straw if hungry, which isn't really nutritious, as long as it isn't covered in urine or feces. in a mixed species group of animals they're more likely to graze closer to/around the feces of other species than in their own. don't ask me why this is just something i've observed.

under severe stress like dehydration or hunger a lactating animal will dry up, which could have consequences for their offspring. if they're old enough to eat solid foods this isn't necessarily lethal, but could stunt their growth in the long term, or leave them more vulnerable to hypothermia bc of the decrease in calories.

some bullet points bc this is A Lot:

animals that are closed up in a barn/coop/etc are at a much higher risk of dying in under a two week time span than animals that aren't

thirst and lack of shelter will kill them faster than hunger

winter is going to in general be the most dangerous season for them to go two weeks without care

most livestock find ways to escape their holdings even when they aren't desperate

small and very young animals are going to in general be more vulnerable to weather and predation

that's about all i can think of off the top of my head, if you have any more questions i'm happy to help.

#farm tag #Anonymous

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allycryz · 4 years ago

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Duende - Uri & Haurche :3

PG because Haurchefant makes innuendo, set during early Stormblood.

The first draft of this was super easy to get out. The edits were a little harder because Urianger’s voice is very different from mine, but a good challenge all the same!!

‘Tis expected of a Scion to battle as expertly as one might pen a treatise. Urianger schedules two ventures per day to hone his physical talents: a bracing run before dawn and a lengthy solo training session at dusk. For the latter, he takes to the rocky shore along the coast line. The precarious climb to his preferred spot (providing both privacy and space) is part of his regimen.

Urianger picks the times when visibility is low and most residents occupied. Small talk is not his wont, nor is he at ease with those not in his immediate circle. There is something about his unmasked, unhooded face that gives strangers tacit permission to approach.

His position and decorum dictate that he engage somewhat in chatter during his errands. The residents do not press overmuch, for which he is grateful. Still, the task fits him worse than the too-small aldgoat leather gloves Lyse gifted him on his last Nameday. (Except, those he could not put on as easily as he might a polite demeanor. They refused to go past the breadth of his palm.)

There are days when the convenience of sunrise and sunset for sundry reasons, prove incompatible with other needs such as visibility and safety.

The unexpected rain pours down as he wends his weary way up the cliffs. It sluices through his hair, running rivulets over his brow. For the dozenth time, he swipes at his face and squints against the onslaught.

His feet remember where to place, his hands where to grip for balance. These are his cliffs and his winding, narrow path. No one knows it better. Should that memory etched into his muscle fail, a fall here would not be deadly.

‘Twould be painful though, and impact his duties for the next few days. For that latter reason–above all–he takes longer than usual along the rain-slicked terrain.

There, he thinks as he nears the safety of the plateau. Urianger blows out a soft breath of relief, relaxing muscles he has kept tense during the arduous journey. For this stretch he has always found it best to walk sideways, arms spread for balance. It has never been a treacherous spot, simply steep enough to warrant caution.

Today, treachery comes at last. He takes a step up the incline, shifts to lift the other foot. The slippery grass beneath his boots gives way and both feet shoot out from under him. He has enough presence of mind to throw his gravity forward rather than backwards.

The impact is unpleasant but survivable; naught but his palms and dignity scraped. Dirt and mud bespatter the front of his shorter training robe. The cotton garment ends below his knees, the boots just above. Thus the joints are spared injury besides a dull ache. He chooses an ignominious crawl up to the plateau rather than risk another fall by rising on the sodden incline.

The rain is not so courteous as to clean his garments. It does offer some reprieve as he turns his stinging palms up to the sky and rubs the rainwater against the creases of grime and grass.

Ah, well. Rain is uncommon enough that he should be glad when it comes. Should his comrades ever summon him to battle in such precipitation, he shall be well-prepared. Lord Haurchefant oft speaks of how training in winter climes these five years have better forged him for difficult conflict. (Urianger suspects it is not only snow and ice that stood in the knight’s way.)

He finds himself smiling, thinking of his new colleague. Though their base is near underground, ‘tis not wholly cut off from the outside world. Vents let in sunlight, rain can be heard pouring upon the streets. Like as not, Haurchefant put a kettle on soon as he perceived the change in weather.

The Waking Sands are enchanted to remain a cool temperature. If the sun does return in full force, they shall not overheat drinking cocoa.

Befouled, bedraggled, and besodden; he returns to the outskirts of Vesper Bay. The twilight and the rain have not put off the residents. A knot of people gathers near the market stalls, the hum of their voices rising just above the thrum of rain upon roof and stone and sea. The citizens hold cloaks and hands over their head as shields, one has a parasol meant for sun and aesthetics.

‘Tis a lovely pink one with expensive-seeming trim. A shame it is likely ruined.

The reason for their cluster becomes apparent. Lord Haurchefant is the focus upon which they circle, tallest among them save two other residents. His silvered head is bent to them as they harken to his low voice. This eve, he has garbed himself in a long scarlet coat over his usual apparel. ‘Tis the first time he has donned sleeves since his arrival.

(For all the good it did me to be tempered by winter, his lordship had said. It does make me rather pitiful in a desert. I shall do my best to acclimate to Thanalan.)

They all gaze upon him with utter rapture. It has ever been so, since his lordship’s residence began in the Waking Sands while Urianger’s comrades and Haurchefant’s love continued on to Gyr Abania. Their adoration is not due solely to his fair countenance or noble title, though both must aid the cause.

There is an...openness in him that beguiles all he meets. Urianger has witnessed the surliest residents and most peevish of vendors open like blossoms to the sun when Haurchefant turns the glory of his attention upon them. Such an unusual power he has seldom witnessed and never from so kind a soul as this knight.

There is no avoiding this throng, even would it not be unconscionably rude to avoid his guest. At least there is a smaller chance of strangers engaging him in conversation. Not with a beacon such as Haurchefant seizing their attention, both intentionally and involuntarily.

“-suppose he will be alright, he knows the land better than I.” He hears Haurchefant saying as he approaches. His noble brow is drawn down, his battle-sculpted arms folded. “But do let me know if you see him. No one expected this rainfall.”

Doth he….speak of me? Urianger wonders. As if attuned to his thoughts, his lordship turns his way. Surprise, then relief, and then rapture all pass across his handsome features.

“Urianger!” He exclaims. “Thank the Fury. I was worried–I know you favor treacherous paths,and with the dark and the rain…”

“I am well,” says Urianger. “Thy concern is much appreciated and noted. ‘Twould have been a perilous journey had I not been close acquainted with yon cliffs.”

Haurchefant steps towards him, gaze sweeping up and down. Lingering on his bare face, throat, and collar. “It seems it was perilous for your clothes. Let’s get you inside and taken care of, yes?”

One of the crowd smiles at Urianger. Mara, he recalls, the tall Hyur woman who hawks fruit. “Well, we’re glad you’re alright, ser. I was just telling June that I worry when I see you go off in the dark.”

“Ah,” he says, trying to recall which is June. The baker. Yonder woman with the braids who oft gives thee extra tea biscuits. “Tis not my intent to cause worry. I am well versed in the land and how best to scale it.”

“Even knowing that, do be careful.” Mara gives an imperious nod. Others nod as well, their eyes on him and not the handsome knight.

He can only nod again, bearing and smile stiff. He does not recall all their names. It makes him feel the most ill-mannered of scoundrels. He sweeps into a bow towards them, hoping it goes to some measure in repaying their concerns. “I shall endeavor to have a care, my lady. Your solicitous care bringeth warmth into mine heart, ‘tis only right I do well by all gathered.”

She smiles and pats his arm. This seems a signal for all to disperse, more residents bestowing upon him pats and nods. It is a wholly alien experience, and he considers he may be lying at the bottom of the cliff in the midst of a delusion. Surely he is not dear to all these people with whom he barely speaks.

“Come friend,” Haurchefant says. “You need to get out of those wet clothes and have something warm in your belly.”

“Thou art just as sodden,” says Urianger. “Pray also attend to yourself. Thou shouldst not catch sick for mine sake.”

“Ah but I would have done so gladly if I had to save you today.” The knight’s smile is wide again, fair dazzling in its potency. Again, Urianger is astonished any resident would look at him with Haurchefant there. Do they not sense the charm radiating from his very core? “I do thank you, for arriving when you did. There are much better games we might play in the dark than hide and seek.”

Urianger near trips on the steps up to the door. Of course, Haurchefant is there to catch him, strong hands righting his balance and smoothing over his back.

“I beg thine pardon,” says Urianger. Regretful that he has no mask or hood to hide the heat upon his cheeks. As Lord Haurchefant is cheeky himself to everyone, he is likely used to it. ‘Tis not the first time Urianger has witnessed or received innuendo delivered so warmly from this man. “Mayhap I used more energy than I surmised, during my exertions today.”

“Yes,” Haurchefant nods, opening the door. “All the more reason for you to come relax with me once you have cleaned up. I shall not have you burying yourself in work when you have earned respite.”

“For a little while,” says Urianger. He glances back at the streets, at the residents seeking shelter in houses and under awnings. At the way some of them look at them–at him. Relief and concern and warmth in their gazes. He frowns and cannot lose the change to his mien, even in the warmth and dry of the building.

Haurchefant pauses at the top of the stares, giving his shoulders a roll before beginning his descent. ‘Tis late and his friend is often tense in his upper body by the time supper comes. He will need help working the knots loose again. Perhaps Urianger might put off his tasks even further to repay Haurchefant’s worry and concern.

As to everyone else in Vesper Bay, he is at a loss on how to make recompense.

His friend reaches the door to their sanctum and turns back, looking up at Urianger still upon the landing. “Dear Urianger, what is the matter? That’s a rather pensive expression.”

“...I didst not realise the depth of their regard for mine person. Yon residents and I art not particularly close.” He shakes his head.

“Oh,” says Haurchefant, that entrancing smile returning to his mouth. “Do ask me an easier one next time.”

Facetiousness is not Haurchefant’s way. The ironic reply seems out of character. “Yes, I am aware the reasoning seems difficult to determine-”

“‘Tis not.” Haurchefant’s eyes crinkle with laughter. It does not sting–there is no malice in it. He doubts such a quality resides in the knight. “You are quite charming, even when cloaked. It inspires others to take interest in you.”

For the second time, Urianger says “I beg thine pardon? I am not given to using mine wiles-”

“No, no. We should all be in trouble should you do it apurpose. But you have a natural draw that leads people to want to know you. As you signal that is not what you want, they have kept their distance.”

It is an absurd supposition that Haurchefant says with all the conviction of his noble heart. So much does he seem to believe it; that Urianger wants to also trust it, if only for his friend’s sake. “I am...uncertain of the validity of thy premise. However, thy kindness and belief warms my heart. Wouldst that every man hath such a friend as you, my lord.”

At this, Haurchefant lets out a clear, ringing laugh. Again, there is no mockery in it. The sound is joyful and pleased, as seductive a sound as every part of the man. ‘Tis a wonder such a man as he thinks his draw is mirrored in Urianger.

“So I must endeavor to convince you of it, till you are no longer agreeing to humor me.” Haurchefant opens the door, shivering at the blast of magically cooled air upon his wet person. “Well, I look forward to the process. One could do far worse than spending an evening convincing a beautiful man of his charms.”

To that, Urianger has no answer. Nor does Haurchefant expect one. He winks and enters the Waking Sands, door closing behind him.

It occurs to him and the rapid beating of his heart, there is a reason he perceives Haurchefant as charming and beguiling and the one who everyone should desire. Projection has not been a key failing of his, but he has fallen prey to it before. And presently, it seems.

And Haurchefant is correct in one thing: there are far worse ways they might spend the evening. Perhaps Urianger shall put his work on hold tonight, to see the knight’s endeavor in full.

#haurchefant x urianger #background haurchefant x wol #ffxiv #:3 #ally writes

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tabloidtoc · 4 years ago

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Globe, October 5

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Jeffrey Epstein’s assistant Sarah Kellen Vickers’ shocking deposition and why Ghislaine Maxwell is terrified of her testimony

Page 2: Up Front & Personal -- Anne Heche laughing, Serena Williams on the court at the U.S. Open, Justin Theroux cleans up after his dog in NYC

Page 3: Josh Duhamel in a sling, A.J. McLean bald and wearing a mask and sporting a nasty scalp scar, Julianne Hough drinking in Studio City

Page 4: Fox News’ popular pundit Andrew Napolitano who is a former New Jersey Superior Court judge is accused in a civil suit of forcing a male defendant to give him oral sex in exchange for a light sentence, David Bowie lured Tina Turner into a steamy tryst by dancing naked in front of her wearing one of her wigs and mimicking her singing Rolling on the River in 1985

Page 5: Furious mom of eight Kate Gosselin is determined to win back custody of son Collin after the teen sparked a child abuse furor by publicly claiming his raging dad Jon Gosselin kicked him for denting their car, Kelly Clarkson is keeping her lips zipped about her heart-shattering divorce from Brandon Blackstock so their young kids won’t be wounded by an ugly public fight

Page 6: TV’s queen of mean Ellen DeGeneres isn’t just despised by her staff and crew she’s also hated by her housekeepers who she treats like dirt

Page 7: Accused sex fiend Prince Andrew is a disgrace and the monarchy is erasing him from official family photos and banning him from all major events -- tarred by his dozen-year friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and charges he bedded one of the billionaire’s teen sex slaves Andrew was just eliminated from his father Prince Philip’s 100th birthday celebration set for June 10

Page 8: Glee star Naya Rivera didn’t have to die -- the 33-year-old actress drowned on a boating trip with her son and her death was ruled an accidental drowning but a renowned forensic pathologist says the tragedy could have been prevented because she had vertigo and it may have triggered a panic attack as she struggled to get back in the boat -- if she had been wearing a life jacket she’d probably still be alive

Page 10: Former president Jimmy Carter has come clean about Willie Nelson getting high on the White House roof with his son Chip, Lisa Marie Presley reveals she divorced Michael Jackson after he pressured her to have a baby -- Michael already had his dermatologist’s assistant Debbie Rowe lined up to be his baby mama and he sucker-punched Lisa Marie with an ultimatum have my child or Debbie would do it

Page 11: Tiger Woods’ worst nightmare is coming true as ex-galpal Rachel Uchitel is finally dishing the dirt on their steamy affair that destroyed his marriage and put his golf career in a tailspin -- Rachel is in talks to join The Real Housewives of New York City and finally wants to set the record straight

Page 12: Celebrity Buzz -- Miles Teller wearing his mask wrong and wearing two caps (picture), Candace Cameron Bure barked back at fan backlash blasting the wholesome TV star for posting a cheeky snap of husband Valeri Bure cupping his famous wife’s breast, Jessica Alba sobbed like a baby after discovering her 12-year-old daughter Honor is taller than she is, Zac Efron apparently has a thing for brunette beauties named Vanessa -- having once famously romancing his High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens he’s now head over heels for a 25-year-old Aussie waitress named Vanessa Valladares, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is done with cold weather forever -- after spending two decades with the New England Patriots Tom has really warmed up to Florida’s balmy year-round weather and his new team but his daughter Vivian doesn’t like it hot all the time

Page 13: Britt Ekland (picture), Jason Sudeikis at the beach (picture), Selma Blair’s hair has grown back after chemo treatment for MS (picture)

Page 14: Reese Witherspoon lives in a newly renovated multimillion-dollar Nashville mansion but it’s her closet that’s a priceless showstopper because she turned a massive walk-in closet into a museum with wardrobe treasures from her iconic gigs like Legally Blonde and Walk the Line as well as lavish gowns and accessories she’s donned on the red carpet, Selena Gomez’s gourmet kitchen got too hot for the culinary novice to handle so she got herself an HBO show she shoots at home called Selena + Chef where the star invites renowned chefs to give her cooking lessons via remote video, Fashion Verdict -- Joy Bauer 7/10, Katherine Waterston 4/10, Nathalie Emmanuel 3/10, Vanessa Kirby 10/10, Maya Hawke 2/10

Page 16: Jane Fonda’s great regret was skipping some Sexual Healing from singer Marvin Gaye who was gaga over her, Bar Refaeli barely escaped jail after being convicted of cheating her native Israel out of a fortune in taxes but she did get nine months of community service plus a $1.5 million fine and was ordered to pay back taxes on $7.5 million in earnings

Page 17: Chris Evans was red-faced after accidentally posting fully nude social media selfies showing the Captain American hunk standing stiffly at attention

Page 18: 10 Things You Don’t Know About Liam Neeson, Jay Leno has a new gig hosting the iconic game show You Bet Your Life, drama-plagued Denise Richards won’t be returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after a stormy two-season stint on the show

Page 20: True Crime

Page 24: Cover Story -- Murdered pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s accused madam Ghislaine Maxwell is shaking in her prison cell terrified the billionaire pervert’s former personal assistant Sarah Kellen Vickers will rat her out to the federal prosecutors who’ve charged her with sex crimes -- the feds could get a slam-dunk case against Ghislaine by making a deal for Sarah to squawk but so far she’s not talking

Page 26: Health Report

Page 30: Hoda Kotb is moving fast to have baby No. 3 with fiance Joel Schiffman at age 56 -- the two are in seventh heaven raising her adopted daughters Haley and Hope and want to add a boy to their brood

Page 38: Real Life

Page 44: Straight Talk -- in a desperate bid to get attention and return to relevance forgotten celebrity Paris Hilton has joined the crusade to help Britney Spears gain control over her $59 million fortune

Page 45: Caitlyn Jenner is feeling smug about Keeping Up With the Kardashians ending its run after 14 years on TV but she’s upsetting her reality star relatives by reveling in their misery plus Caitlyn who appeared on the E! show for several seasons as Kris Jenner’s husband Bruce believes things would have been different had they not iced her out of the series

Page 47: Hollywood Flashback -- John Candy in 1989′s Uncle Buck, Bizarre But True

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architectnews · 4 years ago

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New Zealand Houses: NZ Homes, Property

New Zealand House Photos, Architecture, NZ Residential Buildings, Properties, Homes, Architects

New Zealand Houses: NZ Property

Contemporary NZ Properties : Residential Architecture Photographs

post updated 17 Feb 2021

New Zealand House Designs

NZ Residential Architecture – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:

25 Jan 2021 Quarters Place, Christchurch

21 Jan 2021 To Keep You Home, Westmere

19 Jan 2021 The Stage and Cave, Auckland

18 Jan 2021 The Blackbird, Auckland

3 Nov 2020 Ruby Ridge House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island Design: Condon Scott Architects photo © Simon Larkin Ruby Ridge House, Wanaka With a bold mask to the suburban street, this house leaves all the pleasure for the people who reside within its walls. Located on an elevated site in a relatively new subdivision overlooking Lake Wanaka, the house is a place to privately and comfortably indulge in the extensive mountain and lake views the alpine town is known for.

28 Oct 2020 Hidden Hills Retreat, Wanaka

24 Sep 2020 Idris Road Home, Christchurch

7 Aug 2020 Karekare Bach, Waitakere Ranges Design: Stevens Lawson Architects photo : Simon Devitt Karekare Bach New Zealand beachfront Residence Stevens Lawson Architects collaborate with designer and surfer Dean Pool on a spectacular beach-front cabin.

16 July 2020 Herne Bay Hideaway near Auckland

7 July 2020 Longbush Ecosanctuary Welcome Shelter Gisborne

21 June 2020 Matakana House near Auckland, NZ

19 May 2020 The Brae Houses in Pine Harbour Marina, Auckland

13 May 2020 Headland House, Waiheke Island Design: Stevens Lawson Architects photograph © Mark Smith Headland House on Waiheke Island

12 May 2020 Rawene House in Auckland

11 May 2020 Te Kaitaka House on Lake Wanaka, NZ

9 May 2020 Shibui House, Tamahere, Waikato District, on the outskirts of Hamilton, North Island Design: Red Architecture photo : Larnie Nicholson Shibui House in Waikato In Japanese culture, the word “shibui” describes the aesthetic of studied restraint. Shibui is the art of knowing when to stop. It is achieved through simplicity balanced with decisive complexity. The August 1960 issue of House Beautiful described shibui as a “profound, unassuming, quiet feeling.

8 May 2020 Sandy Bay House on Waiheke Island

7 May 2020 + 24 Aug 2011 Te Mata House Design: Stevens Lawson Architects photograph © Mark Smith Wanaka Crib in the Otago Region, South Island This NZ residence sits on a promontory amongst the foothills of Te Mata Peak overlooking Hawkes Bay. The clients had run a sheep station at Parongahau and wanted to establish a new home at Te Mata.

28 Apr 2020 Wanaka Crib, Wanaka, Otago Region, South Island Architects: Pac Studio photograph : Simon Devitt Wanaka Crib in the Otago Region, South Island In a wood lined field, near Wanaka’s lake edge, this NZ property is composed of two gables and a chisel roof slipping past one another to make three enclosed courtyards. Each courtyard creates a specific relationship with the interior.

28 Apr 2020 Scarborough House, Christchurch Design: Borrmeister Architects photograph : Sarah Rowlands New House in Scarborough, NZ

13 Apr 2020 Park Terrace House, Christchurch, South Island Architects: PRau photo : Simon Devitt Park Terrace House in Christchurch This project investigates loss, the loss of an archetype, the loss of adaption amongst the Tabula rasa of post disaster Christchurch. How can a project designed upon a clean slate embody time and adaption?

13 Apr 2020 Lake Hawea House, Wanaka, South Island Architects: Condon Scott Architects photography : Simon Larkin and Simon Devitt Lake Hawea House in Wanaka, South Island This modest timber-clad home is located on the shores of Lake Hawea, twenty minutes’ drive from Wanaka, this newly constructed house capitalises on breathtaking views of the lake and Southern Alps.

4 Mar 2020 Rewa Beach House, Wellington Design: KebbellDaish Architects photograph : Andy Spain Rewa Beach House in Wellington The new Rewa Beach House brings some of the playfulness, informality and communal living we associate with beach culture to a Wellington suburb.

10 Oct 2019 Garden House, Christchurch Design: Borrmeister Architects Ltd photograph : Sarah Rowlands Garden House in Christchurch The brief required a home for entertaining and rest that would seamlessly integrate with the neighbourhood, it also called to maximise a dog-legged site to capture sunlight and views. The resulting house is sympathetic to its neighbours, providing privacy through the careful composition of building form and light.

27 Sep 2019 Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland Design: Herbst Architects photography : Patrick Reynolds Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland The site is situated 3 hours north of Auckland on the east coast. The site has 2 special features, a crescent shaped beach that it overlooks and a craggy mountain peak that overlooks it. The water view is south and the mountain view is north.

23 Sep 2019 Bach with view to the Sound in New Zealand

21 Sep 2019 Holiday Home on Kawau Island

15 Sep 2019 Scrubby Bay House in Pigeon Bay

22 Jun 2019 Best New Zealand Lodges: design led accommodation

12 Jun 2018 Scarborough House, Christchurch Design: Borrmeister Architects photograph : Sarah Rowlands New House in Scarborough, NZ A rock-face / hillside home resulting from a brief that required a relaxed playful home open to the sun, with good views to the beach and uphill park, environmentally conscious design, providing shelter from the prevailing winds and incorporating easy driveway access and parking.

24 Apr 2018 Bridle Path House, Christchurch Design: Borrmeister Architects image from architecture studio New Property in Christchurch A modest family home nestled amongst the foothills of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley, Christchurch. This project was a rebuild option for clients who were keen to stay within their community after the 2011 earthquakes.

New Zealand Houses from 2017

25 Oct 2017 Local Rock House, Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, North Island Architects: Patterson Associates photo : Simon Devitt House on Waiheke Island A Summer residence on Waiheke Island, a place famous for fine vineyards with illustrious names such as Cable Bay, ManOWar and Passage Rock. This home is located on a steep coastal escarpment above a tree fringed white sand beach on its northern coast.

23 Jan 2017 Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland

New Zealand Houses from 2016

9 Nov 2016 Kopua House on Waiheke

1 Nov 2016 Elizabeth Street House in Auckland

24 Oct 2016 Kirkmay House in Kohimarama

23 Oct 2016 offSET Shed House in Gisborne

14 Oct 2016 Easterbrook House in Titirangi, Auckland Property

11 Oct 2016 House Under Eaves, Point Wells, North Island Design: MRTN Architects photograph : Anthony Basheer New House in Point Wells Located in a new subdivision less than an hour from Auckland this new house was one of the first built on a flat site that has been split up to create well sized semi-suburban semi-coastal sections on what was once pastoral land.

2 Oct 2016 Holiday Home on Kawau Island

30 Sep 2016 Boatsheds on Takapuna Beach

2 Feb 2016 Korokoro House, Wellington, North Island Design: tse:wallace architects photograph : Paul McCredie Korokoro House in Wellington This new house located adjacent to a conservation area of well-established native bush, endeavours to make the most of its dramatic siting. It is organised around two central axis, one to the Korokoro Gorge and the other to the Cook Straits.

New Zealand Houses from 2013 and beyond

3 Oct 2013 Waterfall Bay House, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand South Island Design: Bossley Architects photo : Kieran Scott Waterfall Bay House In a remote bay in the Marlborough Sounds this house emphasises the steepness of the topography. Set close to the water it runs along the contour as a two storey primary element incorporating living areas above and guest rooms below. Linked by a glazed bridge is a main bedroom raised above the cliff on visually unstable legs to emphasis its eyrie-like relationship to the tree tops and sky.

3 Oct 2013 Beach Retreat, Bay of Islands, New Zealand North Island Design: Bossley Architects photo : Patrick Reynolds Beach Retreat On a waterfront site in the Bay of Islands, five separate wings are located to reinforce the natural typography and create a sense of community around the central living area.

2 Oct 2013 Brown Vujcich House, Herne Bay, Auckland, North Island Design: Bossley Architects photo : Patrick Reynolds Brown Vujcich House This residence is located on a narrow site in the heart of Herne Bay. The entry space is protected by a vertical cedar screen. Interior spaces use hoop pine cabinetry and externally materials include fine vertical cedar shiplap and double skin bagged brick. The design and materials aim to reflect the clients’ love of fifties and sixties architecture.

14 Aug 2013 Under Pohutukawa, Piha, North Island Design: Herbst Architects photo from architect Piha Beach House The Pohutukawa is New Zealand’s national tree, it is known as the NZ Christmas tree as it flowers bright red is summer. Pohutukawas are protected under local authority regulations.

14 Aug 2013 Timms Bach, Kaitoke Beach, Great Barrier Island Design: Herbst Architects photo : Jackie Meiring Timms Bach This bach is chronologically the fourth in a series of 7 baches that we’ve designed on great barrier island. In is located in a small residential strip which t junctions with a wild east coast beach namely Kaitoke.

14 Aug 2013 Compson Bach New Zealand, Great Barrier Island Design: Herbst Architects photo from architect Compson Bach, Great Barrier Island This NZ Bach is a continuation of an exploration into a model of building that is dedicated to a specific function that of summer holidays at the beach.

20 Mar 2013 House in New Plymouth, North Island of New Zealand Design: Saunders Architects photo : Mark Harris House in New Plymouth Situated up a long driveway far from the road this home is in a private setting surrounded by trees and with a beautiful distant view towards the Tasman Sea. The owners’ brief called for a large two storey home that was “different” but functional and easy to live in. The huge living area can be divided into rooms by means of an ingenious sliding door system which converts the space into dining, lounge and music room spaces around a double sided open fireplace.

Te Kaitaka House, Lake Wanaka : Stevens Lawson Architects

Westmere House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Te Mata House, Hawkes Bay The house sits on a promontory amongst the foothills of Te Mata Peak overlooking Hawkes Bay. Our clients had run a sheep station at Parongahau for many years and were looking to establish a new home at Te Mata. They are also actively involved in the Hawkes Bay art scene, as collectors and administrators.

Karaka Bay House, Glendowie : Stevens Lawson Architects

Onetangi Beach House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Great Barrier Island House : Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

Southern Architecture Awards – images of houses amongst the winners

New Zealand Homes

We’ve selected what we feel are the key examples of New Zealand Homes. We aim to include NZ residential projects that are either of top quality or interesting, or ideally both. Most projects are contemporary in style. Homes don’t need to be completed for inclusion – proposals welcome.

Key NZ Properties, alphabetical:

The Barn House : LID Architecture

Corinth St House : Daniel Marshall Architect

Cox’s Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Herne Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Hobson Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Hot Water Beach House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Mai Mai : Patterson Associates Limited World Architecture Festival Awards 2008 – Private Housing Category

Mountain Retreat : Fearon Hay Architects

Omaha Beach House : Daniel Marshall Architect

Omaha House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Onehunga House : Stevens Lawson Architects

Onehunga Studio : Stevens Lawson Architects

Tamahere House : Stevens Lawson Architects

More New Zealand Homes welcome

Location: New Zealand

Key New Zealand Houses with no images

XSite Architecture Ltd – Beach house, West Coast Andre Hodgskin Architects – House, Bay of Islands, Paihia Sheppard & Rout Architects – Red Rock Lane House, Redcliffs, Christchurch

Modern House

New Zealand Buildings

New Zealand Architect

Auckland Buildings

Buildings / photos for New Zealand Houses Best NZ Properties page welcome

Architecture

The post New Zealand Houses: NZ Homes, Property appeared first on e-architect.

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trivenimarketing · 19 days ago

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xtolovers · 4 years ago

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The Best Of Us

The Last of Us Joel/OC Rating:M

AO3

Joel and Ellie nearly die on their way back to Jackson, Wyoming. Traumatized, tired and with a tentative new bond between them, they move forward into a new, very different life. Luckily there are new friends to be found that are not easily deterred by their wounds and flaws. And there is a woman who likes to laugh, to get into other people's business and help and heal were she can. Maybe she can help heal their bond. Maybe she can move more. It has been long since either of them had a home.

Chapter 2: Nursing Suspicions

Something wet splashed in his face and washed the darkness away with it. Slowly he blinked his eyes open. “Welcome back to the land of the living.” The woman was kneeling above him, with a soft smile and a canteen in her hand, the pale purple sky above her. Passed out again, goddamnit. With a grunt he took her outstretched hand and together, they heaved him up to his feet. Relieved, Joel found that the world had stopped spinning. “Also kinda the land of the dead.” The woman— Liv, it came back to him— rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue up at the teen peeking over the edge down at him. “Very helpful Jesse. Maybe he’s got amnesia— is this how you wanna break it to him?” “He fell into mud Liv. ” “Men have forgotten more over less.” “ Or so they’ve told you.” She laughed, but quickly concealed it as an outraged gasp. “You just wait till I get up there and we’ll see how big you’re talking then.” “Well, come on up then.”

She turned to him then, but Joel looked around, half expecting Ellie ’s stretcher to lie on the ground, only to find it nowhere to be seen. A tap on his shoulder drew his attention to a branch and the tip of a sneaker, barely visible over the ridge. Apparently they’d managed to grab on before he blacked out. Liv nodded towards the spruce-ladder. “You ready? I’ll go behind you.” She looked confident in her assessment, but he was a good head taller, and a lot heavier than her. “Doubt you can catch me.” “No, but I’m soft. I’ll cushion the fall,” she said with a grin, and to his mortification, he could feel his cheeks warm. “Ah, there. A little color. Well, if you fall, I’ll have to climb down again anyhow, so I’ll just spare myself the trip. Now. Up you go.”

Happy to look at nothing for a minute, Joel followed her instruction and set about climbing out of the ditch. It was both easier and more difficult than he’d have thought; easier to traverse, but exhausting physically. Every muscle in his body was straining, his whole body felt heavy as lead. After the first three feet he nearly lost consciousness again, his left foot slipping from its hold, and he sliced his leg open on the cut-off branch. A round of curses erupted — not just from him — and he held on for a second, gathering himself. He bit the inside of his cheek and nodded his quiet acknowledgment that he was okay, before he slowly continued his way upward. Above him, both men had lain down at the edge of the ditch, reaching towards him, ready to help, and as soon as he got close enough, they grabbed onto him and nearly lifted him up just by themselves. With a mumbled thanks he hobbled over to Ellie and collapsed next to her, relieved to find her safe. He tried to untie her binds, and the kid next to him bent down to help as he saw Joel struggle — his fingers were weak and his skin chaffed raw from his efforts to climb the ditch throughout the last days. While they were working, Eugene bent down again and lifted Liv over the edge, clapping her shoulder good-naturedly afterwards, sending her staggering. The man was tall, broad-shouldered and clearly strong, his wild mane of greying curls the only thing making him look less threatening. “All right. Let me see your ankle real quick.” Liv wiped her hands on her jeans and knelt down at his feet. She made quick work of it, cleaning the wound with a rag and some water Jesse handed her, before she tied the rag around his leg to stem the bleeding. “Not too deep, but I’ll probably have to stitch it up later.” She stood and exhaled heavily before studying the sky. “Let’s take them up to the lodge, then we can make some food and clean up. See how we go from there.” Eugene nodded. “Sounds like a plan. You’re better riding with me, buddy. Can’t have you fall of the horse if you black out again.” He wanted to argue, but Liv declared that she’d take Ellie so she could keep an eye on her, and as much as Joel didn’t want anybody to split them up, he knew that they were right. He’d have to trust them— no help if he keeled over with both of them on the horse. “All right.” He accepted Eugene's hand and climbed up in front of him.

Liv carefully lead the way, trying to keep Apollo steady beneath her so the girl wouldn’t get shaken up too badly. She was burning up in her arms, the fever doing it’s best to burn off the infection, but without a proper exam, Liv was worried about her state. The last patrol that came through had been a week ago, and the rains had started after, but by the looks of them, they’d been down there for days. “ What ’s her name?” She glanced over her shoulder to Joel, who was watching her like a hawk. “Ellie.” His voice was still raspy from disuse. There was no doubt he was Tommy’s brother; they shared the same eyes and jaw, and while Liv hadn’t met him, Tommy had told her his brother had been at the plant back in autumn. What troubled her more was the haunted look the familiar eyes held— she was used to seeing traumatized people, their world made sure of that enough, but Joel looked like trauma on legs. His whole focus was on the girl in her arms, she could feel his eyes boring into her back, or rather, through her, always careful, always calculating, making sure they weren ’t harming her, although she could see him fighting it, trying to push down the impulses of survival. Maybe she should be more careful— there was something almost… feral about him, and she had seen the look that crossed his eyes when she suggested lifting the girl out of the pit, a look that calculated what leverage Liv could give him if he attacked her, should any harm come to the girl — but he was also barely standing, and she had Eugene and Jesse with her. She figured that as soon as they were safe and she could patch them up, he ’d relax, too. He was in survival mode, something she knew all too well. So she made sure to stay in sight, to keep him calm and move slowly. Jesse kept bickering with her, apparently picking up on her carefully kept ease and trying to help her, bless his heart. Eugene was silent for once, but didn’t look bothered at all. Then again, little ever bothered Eugene. About half an hour later, the roof of the ski lodge came into view over the tree tops. They hadn’t seen stragglers in weeks, but she’d rather be too careful than be surprised with two injured people under her care. On her sign, they dismounted, and she handed the girl to Joel, who looked almost ghostly pale. She tried to catch a look at his ankle, but as far as she could tell, there was at least no fresh blood. After she dismounted, she took her bow and arrows over and nodded to Jesse, who dutifully shouldered his rifle. “Well go and see if it’s clear, just to be safe. You stay here with them.” “Is this some kind of comment about my sneaking skills?” Eugene scoffed, but Liv saw the glint in his eyes. She patted his cheek as they moved past them. “So glad we understand each other, Eugene.” At her nod, Jesse and she left the path and sunk into the woods, deciding to approach from the side, where they wouldn’t be spotted as easily. Jesse stayed next to her, and she felt fondness well up for him. He was a good guy: responsible, level-headed, loyal to a fault. This was the fourth patrol she was doing with him— he’d just turned sixteen and had started his training with her out in the field.

For the last months, he’d been stationed to help her out at the Med Bay, and had impressed her thoroughly by never flinching or hesitating to wash, shave or massage body parts that weren’t his own, something most struggled with. All Jackson inhabitants landed as her apprentices now and then, so they’d learn something and Jackson wouldn’t be left without medical help should something happen to her, but most that came were either squeamish in general, or expected only to treat the most gruesome wounds, cut some flesh and set some bones, easily forgetting that most of her work still was nursing . Jesse however, despite clearly having goals to fulfill a different role in the community later, had taken on his duty with a grace that was uncommon for his age, and had been an immense help. That ’s why she was out here in the first place— everyone had patrol duty now and then, but Liv had made up some excuses about checking up on the first-aid stashes they kept at the outposts, opting to take Jesse with her as her current apprentice. This had the benefit of also counting as patrol training, effectively qualifying him to apply for group patrols after his service with her was over. Liv had the feeling he knew what she was doing, but neither had breached the subject. For her, it wasn’t necessary, Jesse, she was sure, didn’t want to say something, afraid that might make him look insecure. His carefully crafted grave maturity was important to him, in the hopes of securing the bigger responsibilities he craved. Liv, unable to try and be helpful, had almost pulled him aside when he first came under her tutelage, and told him to loosen up a bit, but she soon found that Jesse wasn’t uptight at all— unless there was responsibility to be carried, so she let him be. No, he was alright. As always, she didn’t have to tell him much. He was new to this, but not new to reading her body language and understanding what she wanted without many words, and he was a natural. Jesse wasn’t the first teen she’d taken along, but he was the best, and she was proud of how far he’d go. They stalked the perimeter of the building, just behind the tree line, but found no movement anywhere. On her sign, they rushed to the doors, and as he slid the doors slightly open, she peered in, bow drawn taunt. “Clear.” They slipped inside, and Liv exchanged her bow for the revolver that she’d stuck into the back of her jeans. They split up, methodically screening the side- and backrooms, before meeting up to check the hallway that went back out to the utility sheds and the old abandoned parking lot, but found nothing. Relieved, they dropped their cautious stance and made their way back through and down to the others. “You really think that’s Tommy’s brother?” She threw a glance at Jesse, but he seemed more curious than bothered. “Yeah. Tommy told me he already passed through a couple of months ago. Besides, they got the same eyes.” “If they were already here, why didn’t they stay?” “I don’t know.” Liv had asked Tommy the same, and he’d closed off and said they had something else to do. She knew Tommy well, and the way he’d evaded her had made her neck tingle. Still, if Tommy didn’t feel like disclosing it to her , Jesse didn ’t need to know more, even if it were only her guesses. “He said they still had some business to wrap up somewhere, but that they might come back after.” Which wasn’t entirely true. Tommy had said that Joel might return, and from the way he said it it sounded like it ’d be a couple of weeks at most. When winter came around, Liv felt like Tommy deflated a bit, and she’d theorized it had to do with his brother not returning. When she asked, he’d brushed her off again. At least Jesse seemed satisfied with the answer. “Seems like they’ve been through some stuff. You think his daughter will live?” She hesitated. “I can give a more confident answer about that in an hour.” The rest, she left unsaid. Liv knew that Joel’s daughter was dead; Tommy and she had often talked about Outbreak Day on their patrols, and she knew the story of how he saw his niece die that day, killed by a FEDRA soldier, and what it did to his brother. This girl was also too old to be another daughter; she had to be thirteen or fourteen, and Liv knew that Tommy and his brother had stuck together for a couple of years after the outbreak. If she were Joel’s, Tommy would’ve been there when she’d been born. She had no clue what was going on, but she was sure that she wouldn’t get any answers out of Tommy, or Joel for that matter. Especially not if I can ’t keep them alive. “Clear?” Eugene called up to them when they came into sight, and Liv simply waved her arm. Eugene helped Joel up on Apollo and set Ellie in his arms, before he mounted himself and led them up the hill. Liv and Jesse turned around and walked back towards the lodge. “Can you get a fire going and boil some water for me?” With a nod, Jesse jogged ahead to the far side of the cabin where they stored some firewood, while Liv went over to the bar and grabbed the key they’d hidden on a small ledge beneath it. With it, she went to open the back room they kept locked, were they had stashed medicine, bandages, drinkable water and some non-perishable food rations. Usually the patrols carried their own rations with them, and they always kept something “free” to grab that they left outside their locked stashes, so stragglers would have something to eat and grab, but each watch post had a hidden stash for the Jackson patrols in case anything happened. While she grabbed what she needed, she heard Eugene talk outside, and as she stepped out of the room, Joel was stumbling inside, carrying the girl. “Put her down over here.” Liv gestured to one of the two sprawling couches surrounding the two luxurious fireplaces that hung free from the ceiling, in one of which Jesse was just piling up firewood. She dumped all she’d taken on a table that she pulled over, sat her backpack down and pulled out the sandwiches she’d taken with her. Then she shoved both her canteen with the slim rest of water that was still in it and the food in Joel’s hands. “Drink this, slowly, and then eat a couple of small bites. Just one or two, slowly . I know you ’re hungry— “ he interrupted her with a nod. “I know, otherwise I’ll just throw up.” He gave a small sardonic smile and a light bow of his head. “Not my first time starving, I’m afraid.” Liv sighed. “ Didn’t think so, but you’d be surprised by how many people will still make themselves sick despite knowing better.” “Hunger will do that to you.” “Well, be smarter.” Satisfied by his dutiful unscrewing of the bottle, Liv turned her attention to her work. Jesse had successfully started a fire and she sent him to fill up three pots of water and set them to boil, when Eugene came over to them. He was carrying the blanket from his bedroll— they’d planned on staying the night— and spread it over Ellie, who was now laid out comfortably on the sofa, before he settled against the armrest near her head. “Signed us in.” “Thanks.” “Anything I can help?” “ We’ve got that basin in the back. Could you fill that up with some water from the brook? Just to clean up.” He nodded and lumbered out, and for a couple of minutes, they all worked silently. Liv prepared some bandages and the small bottle of iodine she kept for emergencies, to treat the girls arm. For the smaller and less dangerous wounds, she got out some cloves of fresh garlic that she kept in her pack and had Jesse peel, crush and boil them. “ Garlic is the best natural disinfectant we have, vinegar helps too. Witch hazel helps with healing, and cherry bark acts as a painkiller if you boil it,” she explained to Jesse, and after showing him each, added them to the garlic water, then set some of the bandages in to soak. Eugene had prepared the small tub, poured the boiling water in and chased down a relatively soft cloth. Under Joel’s watchful eye, she first cut open Ellie’s sleeve, then the improvised bandage. The cut was deep, that was easy to see, even though it had scabbed over completely. The angry, red, swollen skin surrounding it was a bad sign, but it could be worse.

“Could be better, could be worse. I can treat her here, for now, but I’ll be much more relaxed the sooner we get her to Jackson. If you two leave now and ride fast, you’ll be back by sundown. I’ll give you a list for Ellen of things to prepare for me, and some I need for the way. Get Tommy, get a truck, get someone to relieve us for patrol, and come here at first light.” As expected, both complained. “That’s too dangerous.” “You’re alone with two injured people, it’s too risky.” “I know what I’m doing. We haven’t seen anyone in months. We’ll barricade the doors, and Joel is exhausted, not incapacitated. I’m pretty sure he can still hold a gun if necessary.” Eugene looked at her, and she knew exactly what he was thinking. That’s what’s worrying me. “It’ll be fine. It’s a risk we’ll have to take.” Before they could complain again, Liv mustered her best Maria impression. “No discussion. You can disagree all you want, I’m afraid I’ll have to pull rank here. Now, go. You’re losing light.” Jesse was displeased, that was easy to see, but Eugene knew her long enough. He clapped him on the back and they both went to their horses. Jesse gave her his bedroll and both of them tried to give her their food. She took half of it and insisted they eat the rest. “We’ve got rations here, and they shouldn’t eat that much anyways right away. If the kid wakes up at all tonight.” She rubbed her face wearily and shooed them off. “Hurry, but don’t risk anything, okay?” “Barricade the doors and keep the lights low. Keep out the generator at night.” “I will, but we need a fire.”

“We can see the lodge from the east gate, right?” Jesse asked. “I’ll stay up and take watch there with someone through the night. If you’re in trouble, flash the lights or give us a visual, and we’ll come and get you.”

“Someone like Dina, maybe?” Eugene asked as they mounted their horses, making Jesse blush quite a sensational shade of red and sending him mumbling. Trying his best to keep his dignity, he kicked his horse into a trot and started away from them. Eugene chuckled before he sobered up and pointed at her. “Be careful.” She gave him a mock-salute and he rolled his eyes before he turned to catch up with Jesse. When he caught up, both kicked their horses into a gallop, quickly vanishing around the corner. With an uneasy sigh, she grabbed Apollo by the reigns and led him inside the entry hallway. Let ’s do this.

#the last of us #JoelxOC #joel miller #tlou #tlou2 #the best of us #tlou fic #writing

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jacklynnfrost · 5 years ago

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Melizabeth Week #7

Submission for DAY SEVEN of Melizabeth Week. @melizabeth-week (Sorry it took me so long, I have had a series of real-life problems.)

This piece is Beta’d by Sinfulfics! Please read her stuff, her stories are always lovely.

Chapter Seven: Magic By JacklynnFrost

Cool drops of water hit his face, his fever breaking with a gasp as he jolts up into a seat. Meliodas’ first thought is her blade, without it he is useless, only the power within it keeps the darkness at bay. If he uses his own innate magic he adds to the chaos, the darkness.

He’s in such a panic he doesn’t process that he’s on a soft bed until he’s out of it searching the clean wooden floor beside it, or that the sweetest tones are floating in the clean air around him. “It’s okay,” she consoles and wide eyes find her blue ones where he stares. “Do you remember?” Elizabeth asks, standing from her seat on the stuffed mattress with a dark cloth in her hands which both fall limp to either side of her hips as she speaks.

She’s just as he remembers, standing before him with her gentle expression. Her lips are ruby and pouty. Her chin quivering slightly as her mouth moves but all he can absorb is her chiming, soothing tones. He hasn’t seen the particular shade of blue in her eyes in years, falling into them as if he’s not been away. The very tip of her nose is pink, giving away that she’s been crying.

Meliodas steps forward and her lips stop moving, her voice fading as her eyes widen as she has to look up to him. It reminds him of just how much being inside the seal has changed him. He can’t look away from her but his hand finds his bare chest to feel over the scars left on his muscled flesh, tight from lack of a varied diet. It’s then that he notices he is naked, stripped of his furs and a slight smirk plays at his lips as that same pink spreads across her cheeks that he remembers so fondly.

“You’re-” his voice scratches, raw, but he swallows heavily, accustomed to being this thirsty, “just as lovely as I remember.” Her eyes soften, the cloth drops from her hand and plops wetly to the floor. Vaguely he notes where he is, that old dusty room they found in the temple, but it’s been refreshed and he knows then she must have been fixing up the place while he’s been away.

Elizabeth steps forward until there is an arms-length between them. “You’ve changed,” she mutters. His smile drops as he knows she couldn’t be happy with those changes when before he was younger and less damaged. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” With a heavy dip to his head, he agrees, wondering what he looks like through her eyes but not imagining her view is near as good as his.

“I’m sorry,” Meliodas hushes while his gaze drops for the first time since he’s spotted her. Not a breath later her soft hands cup his cheeks and his chest ceases, his eyes filling with unshed tears, and he falls forward into her. She smells like heaven, her body little compared to his larger frame but he wishes he could fold up into her, that he was small like before.

“No, I’m sorry,” she whispers against his neck as she nuzzles in deeper, her fingers digging into his back as she pulls him closer. “I never left you. I protected this place and the seal but I am so sorry you got sucked in rather than me.” He wraps tighter around her, hating that a nagging piece of him wonders if this is real. Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth he soaks in what he can, imagined or not.

“I will always fight for you,” Meliodas vows, bending his knees to move his arm down her back and scoop her up under hers. She squeaks softly, her warmth easing into him and although he still isn’t sure she isn’t a vision from the toxins he soaks her in as best he can. “I missed you,” he croaks as he steps toward the bed, eyeing the restoration of the frame.

Her shoulders shake, her head nodding in agreement and the feel of her skin on his so close to his vulnerable throat gives him the shivers. Meliodas snuggles in, breathing her in as he lays them out together over the wrinkled blankets. “I worried every day you wouldn’t make it, or that something else would sneak out, or that by helping the seal it would hurt you somehow.”

“Hm,” he hums as he all but lays atop her, his larger body dwarfing hers. “I felt you, it marked my days and I lavished in your power easing the turmoil in that realm.” Her little sniffs follow his words and his body begins to relax. His muscles ease and he knows it’s the first time they have done so in the last ten years. Meliodas feels heavy and he hopes as sleep claims him that he will wake to this being real. “Stay with me.” He hushes as his eyes grow too heavy to leave open.

“Always,” Elizabeth whispers, her voice cracking but a smile tugs at his lips as he falls into sleep knowing they have much to talk about. Both of them hoping the other wants to try being together once more after escaping their fate of death and permanent separation.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

“This is your dream? Truly?” Elizabeth’s voice is full of humorous disbelief as she holds back her hair as the wind blows it from behind, tendrils escaping and dancing in the breeze. The foggy green behind her is brilliant, the vast open-air and mass of trees comforting but it’s her he can’t keep his eyes off.

“Yes,” he reaffirms, taking in her dress flapping around her perfect thighs. It’s yellow and cinched just under her breasts but hangs loosely down her body. He follows her gaze after a moment of soaking her in to look at the place he’s been building them for the last two months. “It is my exact vision! Thanks to Hawk’s Mom, it moves so we can roam. The bar will generate money and it will be an attraction with the pigs. The most important part is this place keeps us on the go so no one recognizes us or asks too many questions.”

Meliodas glances over the hat-shaped roof down to the rounded front with its wrap-around porch. It’s strapped to a giant pig currently burrowed, a friend Elizabeth made in the wastes that they were able to smuggle to this side of the border- along with her ‘son’ Hawk.

“And there is space enough to live here?” she asks, drawing his eye as she crosses her arm over her belly while nibbling on her bottom lip. “How many bedrooms?” Elizabeth’s blue depths flash to his and he smiles, as she steps to him, reaching for his hand. “Will you show me?”

Meliodas is eager, pulling her along, inside, and pointing out the little details. He can tell she is impressed with the tavern, more so with the kitchen but she pauses. “We’ll have to keep the door closed to the kitchen.” He shrugs it off, agreeing to any of her requests. They take the stairs and she asks softly, “Can you make a gate for the top and bottom?” Meliodas nods, thinking she wants to keep the patrons from coming up the stairs and invading their space, especially with the drinks they will be selling inhibiting decision making.

Elizabeth is pleased with the bathroom, flushes prettily at the sight of the bed he’s built in the middle of the room and softly she asks if the second bedroom is upstairs. “More gates then?” She asks and Meliodas’ brow furrows but he nods, wanting to give her what she wants. “I can help, I fixed up the temple pretty well myself. Now that the surprise is revealed, I can do whatever else is needed.” She smiles at him and he smirks back as he guides her up to the next bedroom and smaller storage room.

Both rooms are bare, spare wood and piles of tools but her face softens as she looks around. Her hand squeezes his before she steps forward, spinning in place. “The bassinet can go here,” she points beside the window. “A rocking chair there, and a changing table there.” Meliodas stands straighter as she rubs her belly, walking to the window and looking out at the view. “We will have to anchor the furniture down when Mama Pig is on the move.”

“You...” Meliodas mutters, taking a step forward but barely grasping his own thoughts and conclusions. His hand rises, pushing back his chaotic locks from his forehead as he stares at her. He’s been so busy the last few weeks in order to get their home done so they could leave the White Forest, he wonders if he has missed something? They have been camping out here for a while, recovering from escaping the wastes after a few weeks at the temple.

She had done a wonderful job fixing up the place. She had started a garden and hunted her own food when she struggled but by the end had a stockpile of food they had taken with them. Hawk and Hawk’s Mama had been her only friends and they met last year. He looks to her now remembering her telling him it was the first time she spoke out loud in years and that her voice rasped for days.

And now! “You...” Meliodas speaks again, his mouth flopping as he reaches for her, stepping forward as she nods to him, her eyes so soft he can almost feel them. “Oh, Elizabeth.” He hushes, reaching her just to kneel before her and stare at her little, tiny belly. His hands raise and suddenly he is afraid he’ll hurt her, or the babe but her hands cover his and press them to her slight swell. If she hadn’t told him he wouldn’t have thought anything of the little roundness he can feel there.

Then a crashing of fears settles on him. He rarely sleeps through the night without nightmares thrashing him about, he is quick to violence after so long fighting, and his fathers had raised him so harshly he isn’t sure he knows how to be a good dad. Meliodas tenses, wanting better for this little babe already but having naught a clue how to deliver that.

“We’ve been up to no good and the consequences are upon us,” Elizabeth whispers conspiratorially and he chuckles low, dipping forward to scent her just to be sure. Her hands leave his to cup the back of his head and he tilts to put his ear to her stomach, listening as it grows quiet. He hears a trot, trot, and with a frown turns toward the door as it bursts open.

“You lazy sack! I have been doing most of the work this morning and-” Hawk cuts off, squawking as he panics, stomping in a circle. “Elizabeth! I didn’t know you were here!” He focuses his beady eyes on Meliodas. “What are you doing to the poor girl!” The pig looks to the man on his knees to Elizabeth, whose eyes are watering with a soft smile on her face, which is confusing enough for the animal not to know if she is upset or not.

“I love our new home, Hawk. Thank you for all your help.” Elizabeth swallows thickly. “If it’s okay with everyone else, you can tell your Mama we are ready to make our way into the world.” After a slew of yes’s, Hawk trots off, yelling as he walks down the stairs to alert his mother long before he arrives that he has something to say to her.

“He will have to work on being quiet with a little one on the way,” Meliodas declares, a list of things running through his mind of what they will need moving forward. Then a new trickle of fear slips down his spine, “Do you think it will be okay, with us being opposites?” She hums, low and comforting.

“Of course, it’s us so it will work out in the end.” Her words soothe him and he smiles up at her where she is already smiling down at him. He agrees, and with a touch of wonderment leans forward to kiss her belly, knowing everything will work out in the end. He’d make sure of it.

#melizabethweek2020 #part 7 #meliodas #elizabeth liones #nnt fanfiction

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suddeninklings · 6 years ago

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Summary. Louis Bloom needed a change. Alone in a new city, he is ready to make his mark as he had in Los Angeles. Sadie Sims is alone, too. But she knows San Francisco in ways he doesn’t.

Introduction l Chapter One

Chapter Two.

Rain pounded against the windows of Lou’s car. Small waves of water slunk from the roof, morphing the neon lights outside until they looks more like strokes of paint. Inside, it was close to deafening. Sadie say in the passenger’s seat, a paper bag in her lap with her phone balanced on her left knee. Lou was lounging in the driver’s seat, gnawing on his thumbnail as she answered in detail the questions he posed.

Most were about the various districts that made up the city. The demographics. Which areas she felt safe in. Which were home to families. To loners. It seemed to her, all basic stuff, but perhaps he was more interested in a first hand opinion opposed to what he could look up on the internet. After the first hour, she had excused herself to the nearest sandwich shop, her rumbling stomach having caused one too many interruptions. She had offered to get him something too, but he had politely declined. She was certain she could feel his eyes on her as she raced up the block, her jacket pulled up to keep her head covered from the downpour. When she returned, he was gazing at his phone and didn’t look up. She unwrapped her dinner, a half of a meatball sandwich, and waited for the next question.

“What about Bayview?” He said, after a moment of silence, right when she had dared to take her first bite. She wondered if he would object to her eating. His car was immaculately clean and still held traces of that familiar new car smell. But he hadn’t told her to stop or tuck it away.

He was a strange man. To say the least. His eyes, as blue as the oceans in the north, seemed to be watching always. Never straying from their current focus. They reminded her of a hawk or some other bird of prey. Sharp and fixated. His face was sallow, no doubt from working mostly at night. The mixture of shadows and the dim glare of neon only heightened the deep bags under his eyes and the definite lines of his cheek bones.

He could stand to gain a little weight. Sadie thought, swallowing. It was something people used to say to her, but she hadn’t heard it since moving to California.

“You’ll probably spend a lot of time there,” She said, taking another large bite. “Or across the bay, in Oakland? Lots of people want to know what’s going on there. And visa-versa. Everyone who lives there really wants to live here.”

He didn’t take notes as she spoke, but seemed to be cataloging everything away in the folds of his mind. She guessed he would remember every word. He pulled at sections of his hair, drawing them into place. It was wet from the rain and looked better slicked back.

“Do you ever think of cutting it?” She asked between bites, fingering the napkin in her lap.

“What?” He asked.

“Your hair,” She clarified, gesturing with her free hand. “Just a trim maybe. It would look much better.”

“I’m not concerned with such things.” He said simply, his eyes on the road ahead.

“Oh,” She said. She lifted her foot up but paused, looking to him. “Do you mind if I-?”

He met her eyes, not understanding at first. “Not at all.”

She smiled and hitched her feet up onto the dash. Curling inwards and settling into a more comfortable position. She was like a cat in that way, always wanting to be smaller than she already was. Yet still poised. When he sat at Whitney’s he could see her watching people. Observing them. She seemed fascinated by even the most mundane patrons. Sometimes she would be listening in on conversations, scribbling into her pad before tearing the page out and pocketing it so as not to tip off her bosses. It was amusing. Made even more so because in practically every case, people had no clue she was doing it.

In all actuality, he did mind, but he was quickly discovering that things Sadie did didn’t bother him in ways that they would with most other people. At first he wasn’t sure why this was. But he had his theories. The topmost being that, she wasn’t averse to his mannerisms in the way that most people were. He wasn’t stupid or immune to it. He knew he was different. He just didn’t particularly care. He let his work speak for him. People like Nina and Robert, they cared more about his output and that was all that mattered to him. Still, it was strange to meet someone that didn’t seem to mind his idiosyncrasies. Richard had. The other interns had. They put up with it. But he could sense the side long glances and the whispers. She was nervous around him at first. Especially when he asked her to get in the car. But this was their third night together and she had begun to relax. Whatever her misgivings, he was starting to think they had more to do with him being a man that with him principally.

“Did you get that picture?” He asked, suddenly remembering what he’d meant to ask her that first night.

“Hmm?”

“Of the statue.”

“Oh! Yeah, you wanna see?” She asked, excitedly. She reached for her backpack, not waiting for an answer. She pulled a slim folder from it’s depths and handed it over. “I just got it developed yesterday, actually. It’s going to be perfect for my portfolio.”

He opened it. There were at least a dozen shots slipped into the right side pocket. On the left, a sealed, plastic envelope of negatives was pinned down. Feeling her eyes on him, he began to slip through the shots. They were all taken at night and aside from the statue, each was taken of a person. None of the subjects faced the camera, but Louis could sense the emotions in each shot.

“These are…”

She leaned in, fist tucked under her chin in an attempt to seem cavalier. It wasn’t often that she sought outside opinion, but she felt as if she owed him something for his assisting in her trespassing attempt. Even so, her heart was hammering in her throat. Criticism wasn’t something she had yet learned to handle. She was certain that, even if there was only a single negative reaction in a sea of positives, she would be awake the whole night through obsessing over whatever he said next.

“Really good.” He finished, slipping another page free to inspect it.

“You think so?” She said, breathless.

“I do.” He nodded.

“I like to play with light,” She explained, watching him carefully as he inspected each piece. “Man-made light mostly. It’s really fascinating you know, how the angles can change your face. You can look like a totally different person depending on-Oh, geez, I forgot that one was in there.”

Her face turned scarlet as he pulled out the second to last one. It was a picture of him.

“Sorry,” She said, though she sounded more apologetic that he had caught her rather than for the act itself. “It was the first night you came in. I didn’t think- I mean -you didn’t seem like the “regular” type. So…”

He was sitting at the corner booth. It had been the first and only time he’d managed to acquire it. He was leaning back against the chair, looking much like a disinterested teenager with his headphones crammed into his ears. The waitress, whether it was Sadie or one of the others he couldn’t remember, must have just brought him his coffee for slivers of steam were still wafting from the surface. Spread out before him were several papers and a notebook. He had been learning the San Francisco codes that night. Although at the time it had been unwelcome, it was a flattering shot. He looked...concentrated. Like an artist in his element. There was something almost maniac but engaging about the way his eyes were trained on the page. A direct contradiction to his lackadaisical form. He held the photo closer to his face, unable to look away.

“I like it.” He said. It was the truth.

“You do?” She breathed, sounding relieved.

“Can I keep it?” He asked, turning to her.

“Keep it?” She considered. “Well, I guess. If you don’t mind me using the negatives. There’s this gallery in the Mission that takes amateur submissions every other month...I’m hoping to get in this year.”

“It’s a deal.” He said.

He held his hand out to her. Surprised, Sadie pushed her feet off the dash and twisted around to face him. She took his hand with a grin. It was cold like ice, but he held firm. He held it for a moment longer than she expected, his thumb running along the curves of her knuckles. He didn’t even seem aware he was doing it.

Sadie slipped her hand away. “You’re, uh, welcome” She said, drawing her hand into her others. It felt hot all of a sudden. Her traced her own thumb over where his had ghosted and felt sparks. She looked up, watching him smile as he took in the photo and felt herself beginning to smile too. She purposely tried to photograph people when they didn’t realize it. And, aside from a spare photo of a friend here or there, had never received feedback directly from a subject. Usually out of fear of critic or backlash.

But...that wasn’t bad. She thought to herself. Not at all.

The police scanner shoved in between them whirred to life, causing them both to start.

“All available officers please converge on-”

Louis didn’t need to hear the rest to know it was a call worth responding to.

“Get out.” He said, not unkindly but with a jarring firmness.

“O-Okay-” Sadie stuttered, grabbing for her pack and shoving her stuff inside. As she zipped up her bag, she felt his hand on her shoulder pushing her towards the door.

“Alright, alright, I-” She stumbled out of the car and into the rain. He was gone before she could even right herself. She watched his car speed off into the night, showers of water spraying on either side of the car.

“B-bye…” She said, lamely raising her hand has rain began to soak through the hood of her jacket.

He was glad she had been so quick to exit the car. A minute later and he would have lost his place as first to the scene. And what a scene it was. The building looked to be abandoned. From the front, it was windowless and covered in a forest green paint that was chipped and peeling off in long, loose curls. Four police cars were parked out front. They had only just begun to cordon off the area. Sensing his window was closing, Louis held tight to his camera, and snaked past an officer talking to a local and into the building. It was low lit inside, but he could feel that the ceiling stretched high above. Despite the coolness of the evening, there was a stale, heavy warmth permeating the room. The first thing he registered was the smell. It was one he had come to recognize. Blood. Not fresh blood. But rot and sweat and salt.

“Hey! You can’t be in here.” An officer said, stepping towards Louis in the hopes that his sizable form would be enough to chase him away.

“What happened here?” Louis said, ignoring him. He kept the camera steady, trying to at least get a good sweep around the room.

“Sir,” The office said, “Get out. Now.”

Louis began to back towards the door slowly. “Is-that…”

“It is was it is.” The officer said, “Now stand back please, behind the line.

Certain he had gotten at least enough for a tease, he stumbled out and began to search for a proper interviewee.

Thank you for reading! Things are going to pick up next chapter, I promise. ;0)

#nightcrawler #louis bloom #fanfiction #jake gyllenhaal

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stormhawksplanb · 6 years ago

Text

Storm Hawks Fanfiction: Plan “B”

It was a fine day when I was racing some guy from Terra Neon. The kid thought he could beat me to Terra Rex, going around Terra Atmosia, but on the way the FLX Skimmer started sputtering sparks from it's engine. Forcing me to crash land. Last I remember was being separated from my skimmer and my back flat on the ground. I was about to just let myself black out until I heard a single voice pulling out from the crowd. Once my eyes had adjusted from the darkness of my lids I saw who was standing over me. A young red head. The faint distant buildings let me know I was on Terra Atmosia.

"Hey, can you hear me-" His voice was all together but kept breaking up to the point I couldn't respond.

My eyes slowly closed again and I could hear him saying something else, but I could only hear the demanding panic in his voice. I felt my body slowly rise up. It felt as if someone was picking me up, only to set me back down on a near by bench. Raising my head up I met eyes with the same green eyed kid as before, and a blonde with spiked hair who had a bit more concern showing in his blue eyes then the first.

"Where am I? And what happened to my skimmer?"

The two continued to stare at me, as I looked around for the vehicle. It crashed landed into some poor person's roof. The crowd from before had gotten bigger, and a Wallop, A young dark skinned girl, and some kind of blue rabbit thing rushed toward me. Harassing me with questions. The girl being first to try and aid me up off the bench.

"What happened? You're way to pale to be out here! Aerrow, we need to get her medical attention."

I shook my head a little, and pulled away from her lightly. Managing to stand on my own I look at the group in shock. It wasn't just the icon painted on their outfits that gave it away. I knew all the squadrons by heart. These were in no doubt the storm hawks.

"Wh-I… You're the storm hawks." I felt so enthralled by their appearance.

As soon as those words left my mouth the blonde stepped forward in front of the others and over straightened his posture. Like he was the best thing I'd ever see.

"Yea, it's a pretty big deal. I mean, we're great. I'm Finn, by the way" I chuckled a bit at him and rolled my eyes.

The red head placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head at him, and walked over to me.

"It's good to see you're okay, or at least better. Mind telling us what had happened?"

By then the crowd had slowly dispersed. They seemed more interested in the actual damage instead of what had actually happened.

"Yea, sure. I was racing a guy from Terra neon, we both had a velocity stone, and I was going fast, but not fast enough to cause my engine to spark and cause me to crash. Right?"

He scratched the back of his head, as I explained. I don't think it was enough information for them to understand. I had no choice but to sigh in defeat.

"Well, the least we could do is have our mechanic look at it, and see what he thinks. That okay with you?"

Everyone's eyes followed to my wrecked skimmer sitting on the roof. All of us cringing as the handlebars fell off.

"If you're able to get it down, I have no problem with it."

A small smirk appearing on my face as they all look at each other either giggling or sighing.

A short while later they had actually managed to retrieve my bike. The wallop that hung around with us had scaled the building and jumped down with it, the impact causing the back tire to fall off. Even as we climbed aboard the condor I could tell that the skimmer was in no condition to ever fly again. You can't even get the wings to spanned back in without it falling apart.

We were standing in the skimmer bay, off the landing strip and bridge, while we waited for their mechanic. I got slightly bored, and they did say to make myself comfortable so I walked on over to everyone's skimmers, catching the blonde's attention, who earlier I found out was Finn. He seemed to hang around the wallop the most out of everyone else, to the point it was safe to assume they were close friends.

"Hey, how's it going? Did you come over to check out my skimmer, it's a pretty sweet ride." I smiled a bit at Finn, and shook my head no.

"Nah, just looking around that's all."

A sudden thrashing sound came from behind me, and as I turned around I saw my skimmer almost completely taken apart, like every single piece of my ride was picked clean and sprawled out.

"DUDE! What the heck- why did you take it apart?!"

I was so furious about someone dismantling my skimmer that I didn't realize the man who was flipping around and inspecting the pieces had been right next to me the whole time.

"Uhm, you do realize you're on my ship?" I jumped a bit and turned toward him, as he shifted into a more sassier pose, with his arms across his chest.

"But if you don't want my help, you could always go somewhere else."

His voice went from a sassy strain, to a more serious threat. Me being the more passive type, I submitted to his tone and uttered a quick apology, to which he gave me a face of disbelief and continued to examine what was once my skimmer. A sigh passes my lips rather loudly.

"Do I even wanna ask about the damage done?" No answer.

The red head then stepped in between us and started a conversation with him.

"C'mon stork, don't start, she fell from the sky after her engine sparked up. Her skimmer crashed into the roof, and she had didn't have anytime to pull out a parachute. It was a rather rough landing for her. Cut her some slack, please? She's probably just a little jumpy."

The silence grew heavy on me, and I introduced another sigh to the quiet and sat next to, stork, but not too close.

"I'm not gonna lie. You took this thing apart rather quickly." His ears stood up slightly more then usual. He didn't turn toward me but he did seem to perk up.

"It's a basic FLX Skimmer." I didn't really know much about skimmers, and I didn't want him to hold back any information, which it felt like he was, so I asked him a question.

"A FLX Skimmer?" My ride was given to me by the guy who wanted to race me. I don't know too much about skimmers so I kind of trusted him…"

He dropped a wrench he had recently picked up and face palmed, then he began to rub his right temple.

"You don't race with a FLX Skimmer. Do you know what the FLX stands for" I was only able to sound out an 'uh' before he continued.

"It stands for Fledgling, Learning, Extra Safety. As in 'I've never driven a skimmer before, and I can barely keep balance'." He picked up the velocity crystal that was hidden under the engine hood and extended it in front of me, handing it over.

"They aren’t designed for racing, especially with a velocity crystal."

I frowned, feeling my rage rise up again. I stood up quickly, letting a frustrated groan out, startling the green Merb beside me.

"I can't believe it! That punk and I made a bet! 250 silver coins, and a crystal of our choice! I Bet in my only Nova Crystal!"

The girl with the dark skin quickly walked up to me at the mention of the Nova crystal.

"You have a Nova Crystal?" The green Merb known as stork popped into our conversation.

"Had."

"Fine. Had, a nova crystal. There's only 3 in existence. Why would you risk losing a Nova crystal?"

She had a point. The Nova crystal did nothing but make clouds of sparkly dark blues, and purples, but combined with other crystals it can go from useless to a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully not everyone knew this by now.

"I didn't think I would loose! The guy who raced me seemed like the clumsiest person in all of Atmos." Stork placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch a bit more firmer then what I had expected.

"You mean, that title isn't yours yet?" The sinister smirk under his innocent tone caused me to smirk back, more or less challenging him.

The red head of the group came over with the other two, the Merb automatically backing away, and placed his hand out to shake mine.

"If you want we can get your stuff back for you. What's your name anyway?"

I shook his hand and stood there with my hands on my hips.

"I go by the name Nova. Isn't it fitting? And I've only caught a handful of your team's names as well."

"I'm Aerrow, leader of the storm hawks, and this is Piper, Finn; Who you've already met, Junko, stork, and my co-pilot Radar."

I chuckled at the little grayish blue creature as it waved to me once it sat itself on Aerrow's shoulder. Then panic set in completely.

"Oh no! I told Gear to stay behind with those thugs-" Aerrow placed his hand on my shoulder, me having to look up at him since I'm relatively short.

"Don't worry Nova. We got this-" Almost as soon as it left his mouth Finn had easily appeared.

"After all, we are the storm hawks, Chika-cha~" His fingers were pointing out like a couple guns.

With that we were all off of Terra Atmosia, and heading course towards Terra Neon. A fun little Terra with a bunch of family friendly games, and super cool and fast rides! And one idiot who was about to get smacked upside the head.

#stom hawks #aerrow #finn #junko #stork #radarr #stormhawks #planb

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