#Shore Conference

[portablefrailty]

Ha! Found this in an old newspaper archive: a snapshot of the start of the 1600 m race at the Shore Conference Championships published in the Asbury Park Press back in May, 1997. The dude in the middle with the "South" singlet is me a few days after I turned 18. I didn't actually have a great race that day (something like 4:34 for around 9th place) but it's still pretty awesome that I wound up in the center of this shot (and kind of look like a badass).

In defense of my record (and fragile ego), I would add that the same year I took 3rd in the 1600 during the indoor edition of the same meet, contributing 6 points to our team's 40 point win (first in school history).

[mummifiedgoose]

I just know the Gaia Gang are going around shaking hands saying "good game, good game" now that they all lost the "who gets to kiss aloy first" game to Seyka

[threeravenspublishing]

Raven and the Crow Author Interviewed on TV!

If you’re a fan of the Raven and the Crow series and you’ve never met the author, now’s your chance to at least see him! Michael K. Falciani was recently interviewed by a TV station local to his area. ABC’s KOLO 8 spent a segment covering Michael’s writing career with specific emphasis on his newest release in the Raven and the Crow universe, Shores of Blood. Click the picture to watch the video,…

[hotelbooking]

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center Enjoy all that Chicago (IL) has to offer with a stay at Have a hassle-free trip while enjoying the services and amenities offered by If you plan to arrive by car, you'll appreciate the hotel's free parking, right on-site. The hotel provides front desk services such as concierge service, express check-in or check-out, luggage storage and safety deposit boxes for guests' convenience. On cold days and nights, the hotel's on-site fireplace will keep you warm. Staying for a long time, or just need clean clothes? dry cleaning service and laundry service offered at the hotel will keep your favorite travel outfits clean and available. For lazy days and nights, in-room conveniences like 24-hour room service, room service and daily housekeeping let you make the most of your room. Little things you forgot to pack aren't a big problem! Just stop by the convenience stores to get what you need. Please be advised that smoking is...

[rafeandonlyrafe]

good boy

words: 1.5k

warnings: established relationship, marriage, protective!rafe, (guard??) dog, fluffy

“rafe, it's literally two weeks. ill be fine!” you say, folding his clothes, having dumped out his suitcase onto the bed to reorganize it when you saw how he packed it, just chucking things in.

“two weeks where im a hours away from you by plane.” rafe sighs, watching you carefully repack his suitcase as he pouts on the bed, not wanting to leave you.

“you know, cameron, i lived a whole 20 years before meeting you.” you point out, knowing while rafes concern comes from his love for you, it will completely overwhelm what is supposed to be an enjoyable family vacation and leave him miserable the whole time.

“i don't see why you can't just come with me.” rafe groans, flopping back against the bed. you smile and round the bed to where his head is resting against the pillows. you press a smooch to his forehead, rubbing your hand over his head, petting at his soft hair.

“baby, it's just for your family. you know that.” it's not like you don't want to accompany rafe to a tropical paradise, but you would feel way too awkward intruding.

“what if something happens to you? and im not here to protect you? id be the worst fiancee ever.” rafe grabs your head from rubbing his head, holding up the ring on your finger for him to admire.

“nothing will happen. nothing ever happens here.” you laugh. you're not sure what crime is like on the other side of the island, but your neighborhood is incredibly safe.

“im still worried.” rafe sighs. “you in that big house all alone.”

“im gonna spend 99% of the time wedding planning.” you hum, thinking about the tabs pulled open on your laptop of different venues, dresses, and color palettes.

that finally gets rafe to crack a smile. “can't wait to marry you.” rafe says earnestly. he only proposed a month ago, some people would say that you were too young to get married, but rafe knew when you came into his life and turned everything around for him that he had to put a ring on your finger.

“i can't wait either.” you bend down to press a kiss to rafes lips. “but seriously we need to talk about your packing before we tie the knot, why do you only have one pair of shorts packed for an island?”

-- two years later --

“remember those two weeks you left before we were engaged? it's not really much longer. you should go, baby. it's a good opportunity.” you are sat on rafes lap, back pressed against his chest as he scrolls through his email.

“it's just work, and it's a whole lot longer than two weeks. i don't want to leave you here alone for over a month.” rafe closes out of the email, making you sigh.

“i was fine for those two weeks, ill be fine now. promise. i think you should go! it's a big conference.” you turn sideways on his lap so you can look rafe in the eye. “besides, it's still six months away. plenty of time to prepare.”

“prepare?” rafe raises his eyebrows. “so you'd be good with security cams around the whole house and personal security?”

“cameras on the outside and hell no. you don't want some random guys watching after me do you?”

you can see the gears turning in rafes head as he frowns. “yeah, you're right. no men.”

“so you'll go?” you smile. rafe closes his eyes for a brief moment before nodding.

“yay!” you squeal. you're not excited to be left alone, and you love being around your husband more than anything, but the work trip is a big deal, and you know he'll be kicking himself if he misses out on such a good opportunity.

--

“rafey?” you call, eyes sweeping across the living room as you enter your shared home, a head full of fresh highlights.

“hubby?” you call out, continuing deeper into the house until you see movement through the glass door leading towards the backyard, but it's not the typical roll of the ocean against the shore.

“rafe?” you question as you open the door. you expected to find him in his office, where he was before you left for the beauty salon.

rafe smiles, waiting for your eyes to look down, and when you finally see what is sitting at rafes feet, you let out a gasp.

“oh my gosh!” you squeal. 

“wifey, meet max. our new australian shepherd.” rafe gives a command with his hand, that has max running towards you.

you sink to your knees as the young dog excitedly greets you, licking at your hands as you pet him.

“hi maxey.” you coo at the dog, you're guessing around two years old, with max being full size but still having some young features.

“rafe, you didn't tell me you were getting us a dog!” you stand up, max following close behind as you rush to give your husband a hug.

“i have a confession.” rafe says, his hands looped around your waist. you frown, worried that max was just a foster and you'd have to give him back, or that something went wrong with the adoption. you often talked about getting pets before getting married, but wanted to wait a little bit, and then time just slipped away and before you knew it, you were over a year into your marriage. 

“what?” you whine out.

“ive been working with a trainer behind your back. i wanted to make sure max was ready before we chose him for sure. he knows commands, me, your scent, our house. everything. he knows his primary responsibility is to protect you and our property.”

“oh my gosh!” you slap rafe in the chest, surprised that he was able to keep such a secret from you. “how could you do all that without telling me?” you laugh, not angry, but surprised that he was able to orchestrate everything.

you don't wait for rafe to explain how he was able to find so much time, stepping out of his hold to kneel down and continue petting max.

“we have some more training sessions so he can learn with you as well.” rafe further explains, also leaning down to pet max behind the ears as he pants excitedly at his new owners.

--

“what is it maxy?” you ask as he lifts his head up, looking around the living room. “you miss your daddy?”

you sigh as max lets out a sad sounding huff, petting your hand over his head, scratching at his neck which you know is his favorite. rafe has been gone on his business trip for a month now, with only a week and a half left until he returns home.

max suddenly jumps off the couch, eyes on the backyard. he lets out a bark, claws clicking on the hardwood floor as he moves to the glass door. he lets out another bark, making you stand.

“what is it boy?” you ask, looking out the window.

max lets out another bark, this one the familiar territorial bark that he’s practiced in his training with you and rafe. you know the only reason that rafe feels safe enough leaving you home is that max is a great guard dog.

you get closer to the window, squinting your eyes to try and see in the darkness when you sudden jump back with a scream as a squirrel runs across your patio, causing max to bark and run along the glass door until it scatters into the yard.

“holy shit, maxy, you scared the shit out of me.” you press your hand to your chest before kneeling down, scratching behind his ears. “it was just a squirrel.” you reassure him with a pat.

your heart rate is just starting to calm down from the fright when you hear the front door open. max instantly takes off with you following after him, letting out a sigh of relief when you see rafe standing in the foyer.

“baby.” he sighs happily, setting his suitcase down as you run into his arms, pressing your lips together. “i missed you so much.”

“i missed you too, what are you doing home though?” you ask, giving him another kiss before he can answer.

“they didn’t need me for the rest of the week, decided to get home to my lady.” max barks, making rafe lean down to pet him, still holding you up. “and my good boy too, of course.”

“so happy to have you home.” you nuzzle your nose into rafes neck, inhaling the familiar scent that you missed so much. 

“happy to be back with you, wifey.” rafe says, carrying you further into the house.

“oh, and you will be very happy to know maxy did a great job protecting me while you were gone.” you tell rafe. it mostly involved max barking in warning at any delivery guy or car turning around in your driveway, but his presence did help making you feel safer and less loney.

“hopefully not too good.” rafe huffs as he looks at your pet. “can’t have him replacing me now.”

you giggle, surprised rafe can manage to be jealous of your dog. “never.” you swear, pressing another kiss to his lips.

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[laura1633]

Here are all the lovely fics , I would be so grateful if you could give these fics a read and leave some nice comments for the authors who took the time to write them. 💕

It's been a great gun fight (You drew blood, I set myself on fire) by LeonSolo There will be one religion in Italy, Charles Leclerc. On his knees, he will pray to a God he was supposed to kill.

Red Light at Dawn by LuciThornz Five months ago Max was kidnapped by pirates. Miraculously he was found safe, and now his father has arranged for him to start courting the Governor’s son. But it’s not that simple, Max hasn’t told anyone the whole story of what happened at sea, getting captured was never part of the plan, neither was falling in love. Now Max has a plan to get back on the open ocean and find the pirate he fell in love with before it’s too late. The funny thing about plans is they never do go smoothly.

The Tortured Driver's Department by Shadow_reads Prompt Fill for Lestappen Birthday Challenge:  Charles said he'd love to have his own F1 team in the future, and Max already has Verstappen.com. Max is also experienced and is most suited to being a team principal. Their shared retirement arc is where they own a team together: Charles handles the press conferences and media, while Max focuses on the data and strategy.

Forever Love by stealmysunshine Charles isn’t going to wait around for Max to pop the question. Who says that there is a preordained question popper? There are two people in this relationship and Charles has every right to show Max just how precious he is and make him feel loved.

(k)not in public by bananasomg When Max accidentally invites friends to tag along on his and Charles' holiday to Greece (which Charles has coined their mating oasis trip), Charles isn't phased, and Max is easily convinced. Hallowed Ground by crimsonmidnight When an FIA racing law forces Omega Charles to take part in a mandatory mating hunt after getting the Sauber seat, Alpha Max vows to do everything it takes to claim him as his own.

The Wait Is Worth It by crimsonmidnight Max Verstappen's adventures in purchasing a fucking machine and using it when Charles gets an attitude.

Sutures by jadesaturn After years of grueling battles, academic rivals Max and Charles part ways upon graduating from medical school until they meet again as surgical interns at the same hospital. Their age-old feud continues, as expected. Grey’s Anatomy Enemies to Lovers but make it Formula 1.

A taste of the divine by (anonymous on ao3) female!Charles ends up losing her virginity to Max and he is going through it.

i'd wanna hold you (just for a while) by Kashoot Charles doesn't normally want to regress, choosing to ignore his needs in favor of keeping busy with all his other obligations. "I'm a racing driver, Max, not a baby!" Max knows better.

Preloved by LaurawritingF1 After getting caught up in another scandal, Charles, the crown prince of Monaco, is sent to an 'Omega Establishment' to find himself an omega in the hopes it will settle him down. Charles is not at all interested in picking out a pretty housewife for himself and is intending to return home empty handed until he meets Max, an omega housed up in the 'Preloved' section of the establishment and clutching hold of his pup tightly.

Everything Changes, Yet Nothing Does by Shadow_Reads The sun was setting over Monaco, casting a warm golden glow over the city. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore provided a serene backdrop, contrasting with the turbulent emotions swirling within Charles. Tonight was the night he would ask Max to spend the rest of their lives together.

how you get the boy(s) by amelielacy In which world-famous streamer Max falls in love with artsy single dad Charles.

Hunting Love by himmywimmy Charles becomes an unwilling participant in the pack’s annual mating run and to protect himself, he asks his alpha friend, Carlos, to catch him. But as the night of the mating run unfolds, another alpha seemed to be on the hunt for him.

5 moments of chaos and +1 moment of peace by LaurawritingF1 Charles and Max are retired and dealing with the chaos of looking after their children during the summer vacation. Jimmy, Sassy and Leo also make appearances. Them the breaks, they don’t come gently by imamessofawriter “They just announced that Charles is retiring.” Charles suddenly announces his retirement and then appears to disappear completely.

[desperate-gay]

can you do an Alexia one. Where they Are married, reader is pregnant and alexia takes care of reader just pure fluff or reader goes to alexias game

Mama

Alexia Putellas x fem!reader

It’s well past 2 AM; the only things that can be heard are the waves crashing outside on the beach. Alexia is sound asleep next to you, but unfortunately for you, you’re wide awake because a certain someone keeps kicking. That someone not being your wife. You’re 6 months pregnant with a girl.

Both you and Alexia have talked about having kids during your relationship, so a little after your wedding, you followed through with IVF. It took a few times, so trying to get pregnant involved a lot of crying, disappointment, and anxiety about never being able to have a baby, but throughout the whole process, you and Alexia stuck together and became as close as you could possibly be. So when you began to feel nauseous and your period was late, you took a pregnancy test. You both had sat in the living room with the stick still facing down, too scared for it to be another negative, but after a while, you sucked it up, took a deep breath, and flipped it over. Two lines. Your wishes finally came true.

Now here you are, in mild discomfort and craving vanilla ice cream, but you don’t want to wake up Alexia. She’s been under a lot of stress due to all of the Spanish Federation, continuing to play football, testifying in court, and worrying about you and the baby. The last thing you want to do is disturb her sleep just because you can’t.

You move the blankets to uncover your body and roll out of bed. As quietly as you can, you tip-toe out of the room and head into the kitchen to browse the pantry for something that could satisfy your hunger, even if it’s not ice cream. You decide to settle for the graham crackers that have been sitting there for a while, and you walk over to the sink to look out the window at the beautiful view of the beach. The moon reflects off the water while the waves move up and down the shore, distracting you from the footsteps approaching you.

The feeling of hands slithering around your waist causes you to jump and let out a quiet squeak. “What are you doing down here, hermosa?” Your wife whispers, setting her chin down on your shoulder and swaying the both of you slowly. Your left-hand reaches behind you and cradles her head, pulling her even closer to you.

“Our daughter decided it was time to do some karate while I was sleeping. I couldn’t fall back asleep because she wouldn’t stop, and I was hungry.” Alexia moves back and turns you around.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” She frowns while her eyebrows furrow, making creases in her forehead. You place your hands on each side of her face and rub your thumb over the wrinkles, allowing her face to relax a bit.

“Because you’re under a lot of stress lately, and you need your beauty sleep, baby. If anything was wrong, I’d wake you up immediately.”

“But I’m your wife, and you’re carrying our baby. I’m supposed to help you with these things while you just worry about resting and taking care of pequeña.” You know Alexia will drop whatever she’s doing to help you. It doesn’t matter if she’s in the middle of a press conference or even just taking a shower; she would run to you in a heartbeat. All you want is for her to be able to take care of herself, even if it’s just sleeping without being disturbed.

“Ale, I’m okay. Our pequeña is okay. You have been taking care of us these past 6 months, and we are nothing but grateful for that, but I can tell you’ve been struggling. There was no need for me to wake you up just because I was awake and hungry. Sometimes you need to think about yourself too, baby.” Alexia tries to object, but you place a finger over her mouth, forcing her lips to stay closed. “Now, we are going to go back to bed, cuddle, and go back to sleep. We’re both tired and who knows what the day will hold.”

Your thumbs rub over the apples of the taller girl's cheeks, while hers rest on your hips. She gazes down at you with nothing but a loving look in her eyes and a soft smile, only for you to see.

“I love you.” She says softly.

You pull her face down a little and angle your head up to meet her lips. It’s a soft kiss that still tends to make you swoon. “I love you always, Ale. I can’t wait to extend our family with you.”

[kathlare]

drunk calls

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Lando Norris takes a break from the intense F1 season, heading to Cannes for some downtime with friends. Though he's surrounded by the beauty of the French Riviera, his mind can't help but wander to Amelie, who’s busy filming in the US. After a day of unwinding, Lando, in a slightly tipsy state, calls Amelie and ends up pouring his heart out to her.

Wordcount: 1.3 k

Warnings: fluff, smau

July 22nd, 2024 - Cannes, France

liked by landogossip, drszone4life, and others

f1wagwatch: Lando Norris was spotted living it up in Cannes 🥂🌴 alongside his usual crew, Max Fewtrell and Pietra Pilao, just days after his solid performance at the Hungarian GP. 👏 However, one familiar face was notably absent—sources confirm Amelie is back in the US filming her latest project. 🎥💔 Are we sensing a boys’ trip or just some downtime without the WAG vibes?

View all 759 comments

f1fanatic99: Boys' trip? Nah, it's giving "Amelie gonna kill him when she sees this." 😭💀 → speedyqueen_7: @f1fanatic99 The way he's smiling like he’s free for a second…

drszone4life: Pietra and Max being the mom and dad of the trip again, I see. 😂

landogossip: No Amelie? Interesting. Let the speculation begin. 👀 → gridgirl_xoxo: @landogossip Bro, she’s literally WORKING. Let her breathe. 🙄

lapqueen44: Cannes with the boys, huh? Bet he's FaceTiming her every hour. 🤣 → fastandflirty: @lapqueen44 Lando? Obsessive boyfriend era. 100%.

f1trash_420: Lando partying without Amelie is like Max without Red Bull—just feels off. 😭

ameliesarmy: Lando, you better be on your best behavior. We’re watching. 👀

drshadeslover: Someone check his phone—how many "I miss you" texts he’s sent already? 💀 → f1memehub: @drshadeslover Probably texting Amelie mid-party like, "Wish you were here 🥺."

chequeredcutie: If Lando doesn’t behave, Amelie’s gonna write another breakup anthem. 👏

orangearmy69: “Boys’ trip” aka Lando causing trouble while Max plays babysitter. 🤡 → paddocktalks: @orangearmy69 Poor Pietra, third-wheeling their bromance again. 😂

ameliefansonly: If I see ONE suspicious photo from this trip, it's OVER for him. 👀

f1lurkersonly: Someone call Amelie, her man’s unsupervised. 🚨

teamdayman: He should be flying to the US to support Amelie, not vibing in Cannes. 🤔 → norrisfanatic: @teamdayman Let the man breathe; not everything has to be about her.

--------------

Lando woke up in Cannes to the soft lull of waves crashing against the shore, but the soreness in his muscles from the Hungarian Grand Prix reminded him of the intense weekend he’d just endured. He groaned, running a hand through his messy hair, and rolled over to check his phone. A text from Max Fewtrell blinked on his screen.

Max Fewtrell: Beach day, mate. No excuses. Let’s go. We’re meeting Pietra at the club.

He stared at the message for a moment before groaning again and typing back.

Lando Norris: Fine. But I’m not getting drunk.

By midday, the trio had staked their claim on a prime spot at a beach club, with white sand under their feet and a waiter never too far away. Max and Pietra were already sipping on cocktails, laughing about some inside joke, while Lando leaned back in his lounger, sunglasses on, trying to relax.

—You look like you’re in a mood,— Max teased, nudging him with his foot.

—I’m fine,— Lando muttered, taking a sip of the beer Max had practically forced into his hand.

—Sure, you are,— Pietra chimed in, smirking. —Loosen up, Lando. You’re in Cannes, not a press conference.—

After a couple of rounds, Lando started to unwind. The alcohol was working its magic, and soon enough, he was laughing along with Max and Pietra, his earlier tension melting away. The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting everything in hues of gold and pink.

As the hours passed, Lando found himself at the bar, another drink in hand. He wasn’t smashed—yet—but the buzz was strong enough to blur the edges of his usual self-control. A group of girls nearby noticed him, giggling and whispering among themselves before one mustered up the courage to approach.

—Hi,— she said, twirling a strand of her hair. —You’re Lando Norris, right?—

—Uh, yeah,— he replied, offering a polite smile but immediately feeling the shift in the air.

—I just wanted to say, I’m such a big fan. Can I get you a drink?—

Lando hesitated, glancing back at Max and Pietra, who were watching the interaction with amused expressions. —Appreciate it, but I’m good,— he said firmly, raising his glass.

—Oh, come on,— she purred, stepping closer. —Just one drink? You deserve to celebrate.—

—Yeah, I’m... I’m all good, thanks,— he said, taking a step back. —Have a good night, though.—

He walked back to Max and Pietra, shaking his head. —Why does this always happen?—

—Because you’re famous and hot,— Pietra said matter-of-factly, earning a laugh from Max.

—Still taken,— Lando muttered, finishing his drink and standing up. —Think I’m done for the night.—

Max and Pietra exchanged glances, knowing exactly where this was headed.

Back in his room, the buzz had turned into a full-blown drunken haze. Lando flopped onto the bed, fumbling for his phone. His thoughts, clouded by alcohol, zeroed in on one person: Amelie. He wanted to hear her voice, to tell her how much he missed her.

He unlocked his phone and dialed her number, his finger slipping on the screen a couple of times before he managed to hit “call.”

Amelie was sitting in her trailer, scrolling through her script when her phone lit up. Seeing Lando’s name, she smiled but immediately guessed what was happening. She answered on the second ring.

��Lando?—

—Ames!— he said, his voice louder than usual. —Miss you, babe. Like... so much.—

She bit back a laugh, already amused. —You sound drunk. Are you drunk?—

—No,— he said, dragging out the word. —Okay, maybe. But like, just a little. Barely. I swear.—

—Mmhmm,— she said, grinning. —How was the beach club?—

—Boring. Max and Pietra are boring. Everyone’s boring. Except you.—

Her laughter bubbled through the phone. —Oh, I see. So now I’m the life of the party?—

—You are, Ames,— he said, his voice softer now. —Like, you’re my whole... my whole everything, you know that?—

—Lando,— she said, her tone teasing but affectionate. —You’re so far gone right now.—

—No, no, no,— he insisted, sitting up clumsily on the bed. —I mean it. I love you. Like, love you love you. You’re so... ugh, I can’t even think of a word. Perfect. That’s it. You’re perfect.—

Amelie’s cheeks flushed, her heart doing a little flip at his words. —You’re very sweet when you’re drunk, you know that?—

—I’m sweet all the time,— he countered, his voice defensive. —But like, I’m extra sweet right now because I miss you so much. It’s not fair, Ames. Why are you so far away?—

—I’m working, Lando. You know that,— she said, though her voice was tinged with amusement. —But we’re seeing each other soon, remember?—

—Not soon enough,— he grumbled. —I want you here now. Or I want to be there. Either way, I want you.—

There was a pause, and then his tone shifted, lower, softer. —You have no idea how much I want you right now.—

Amelie’s eyebrows shot up, but she couldn’t help laughing. —Oh, do you now?—

—Yes,— he said, unabashed. —Like... you don’t even understand, Ames. You’re so fucking beautiful. Like, the most beautiful person ever. And I’m not just saying that because I’m drunk. I’d say it sober, too. Probably better sober. But like, it’s true.—

She bit her lip, trying to keep her composure. —Lando, you’re really laying it on thick tonight, huh?—

—Because it’s true!— he said, almost whining. —And I want to... ugh, I can’t even say it. You’re too far away, and it’s torture. I’m tortured, Ames.—

—You’re dramatic,— she said, laughing softly. —But also very cute. Go to sleep, Lando. You need it.—

—Not until you say you love me,— he said stubbornly.

—I love you,— she said, her voice warm. —Now, get some rest. You’re going to hate yourself for this tomorrow.—

—Don’t care,— he mumbled. —Love you, too. Like, so much. Goodnight, Ames.—

—Goodnight, Lando,— she said, smiling as she hung up, shaking her head at his antics.

The next morning, Lando woke up with a pounding headache and a vague memory of pouring his heart out over the phone. His cheeks burned as he unlocked his phone to find a single text from Amelie.

Ames💛: You’re adorable when you’re drunk. But wow, Lando. Just... wow.

He groaned, burying his face in the pillow. —I’m never drinking again.—

[murcielagatito]

them too

besties

[stemgirlchic]

we are stem

to the little girl first discovering a love of science on a school trip to the planetarium

to the little boy who dreams of diving into the depths of the ocean and discovering the world at our shores

to the burnt out high schooler wishing their science classes felt more like the theorizing video essays they watch until 1am

to the premed student losing her mind over a lab report

to the grad student standing tall at his first conference

to the programmer fearing she won't be taken seriously in heels

to the biologist afraid to introduce his PI to his husband for fear of being thought of differently

to the doctor whose patients ask to touch her hair and mispronounce her name

to the chemist wheeling up to his lab station

to the artist who is an engineer who is an artist who is an engineer

to the thinkers, dreamers, worriers, gamers, watchers, theorizers, believers

all genders, all races, all religious, all nationalities, all sexualities, all personalities

stem is incomplete without us

[meidui]

to the point of invention

for @robertdowneyjjr

There are four quiet years after Tony Stark's infamous press conference as stock prices climb back up the vine and Stark Industries earns its reputation back. Iron Man is, among other things, good crisis management. For four years, Stark Industries grew its branches in robotics and microtech and slowly but steadily puts down new roots in clean energy. Four years is long enough for thinkpieces on the slumber of Stark Industries to get old.

Then, all of a sudden, new inventions begin flying out the doors of that tower again, every patent hot off the press, a renaissance of when Tony was too young to run the company and just young enough to be called a wunderkind. What's different is that this time, his designs land in civilian hands.

First comes Everglass, a nearly indestructible glass that self-repairs. They're installed on the windshields of people's cars, mostly. Then come the StarkVision glasses, which are contracted in bulk to underground mines and fire departments. There's MyJarvis, an AI home assistant that nursing homes love.

Tony Stark does an interview, his first public media appearance in two years, and the interviewer wants to know where he gets his inspiration from these days.

He smiles a little, not at the camera and barely even at the interviewer, and then says, "I've got this friend. He's pretty accident-prone. I guess that's my inspiration."

-

There are four busy years after the press conference that still gives Pepper a headache. Tony shores up the company on one shoulder and the world on the other, and this is his chance to do something good, so he doubles the size of his robotics and microtech divisions and doubles them again and starts in clean energy. He spends four years with his head down, making up for the last twenty, and sometimes he wonders what the hell he's going to make next, if the only thing he's good for is weapons.

Then Steve Rogers comes crashing into his life like a comet, and in the wreckage he makes, Tony thinks, I can do better than weapons.

Tony watches him stumble off the Quinjet, glass shards in his hands and a gash on his forehead where a bit of debris blew through the broken window, and after he sits through medical with him, he disappears into his lab and comes out two days later with a prototype: a panel of glass that's nearly indestructible and self-repairing if it does break.

They're busting a black market bunker when the lights crash out and the pipes burst, and Tony's got his HUD, but there's panic in Steve's voice because he can't see in the pitch black and the water is getting higher and higher. That night, with one hand still wrapped in a mitt of bandages, Tony fits Steve for a pair of specialised glasses.

In a moment of vulnerability, Steve says that he likes JARVIS because he's been easy to understand since the beginning. It was the first thing about the Tower that made him feel safe, and Tony realises just how many people JARVIS is capable of helping.

Tony accepts an interview request for the first time in four years. It's a live taping and he gives Steve a VIP pass to it.

"This is for me?" Steve asks, lighting up, and Tony smiles at him, resisting the urge to tell him, it's all for you.

[fistfuloflightning]

Cloud Recesses was much as he remembered, silent and still beneath a layer of new snow. Pristine and untouched and icily perfect. He… no longer cared for it. Home was loud and boisterous and water lapping the shore and the scent of lotus flowers and dark hair curled around his fingers. Something much more alive. But. It was nice to see snow again. And to share it. Lan Wangji took three steps in the snow, paused, listened.

The telltale crunch of smaller steps behind him, a muffled giggle. Snowflakes caught in his lashes as he kept his gaze steadfastly forward. He took another four steps, purposefully lengthening his stride.

“No fair!”

Lan Yuan’s squeal was as muffled as the white world around them, a far cry from their home in Lotus Pier. When Jiang Cheng had first suggested the visit to Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji had been suitably uncertain. He had left on less than ideal terms with his uncle and brother and he’d been under the impression that his return would be unwelcome. Even now, returned to Gusu Lan for a conference, he was treated with the characteristic chill politeness due to a sect leader’s spouse who did not act in any political capacity.

But perhaps he should have insisted on accompanying Jiang Cheng to the private meeting with both Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen…? Unsupervised, it was sure to end badly. But he trusted Wanyin.

Lan Wangji turned sharply, catching A’Yuan in the act of attempting his yet unmastered qinggong, four year old A’Ling stumbling along in his wake and trying to use Lan Wangji‘s footsteps as a path.

But the moment he reached the point where the steps grew too far apart, Lan Wangji swooped the boy up. Taking his a distraction as an opportunity, A’Yuan leaped on his back. With A’Ling squirming like an excited puppy in his arms and a gangly A’Yuan hanging around his neck, Lan Wangji swung them around.

He remembered the rules carved into the Wall of Discipline, knew that he should count himself as an offender multiple times over for just this simple act of playing with his sons—but they were alone and he had left his inhibitions in the icy rooms of the Jingshi long ago when Jiang Cheng had come to claim him as his given-groom.

A’Yuan’s skinny arms tightened around his neck. “I’ve got you!” the boy cried.

With a near-silent huff of laughter, Lan Wangji dropped to his knees, pretending to be dragged down by force. The boys fell full-body into the snow, their laughter shattering the stillness like glass. Struggling out of the snow they ambushed him again, both immediately trying to bury him in the drift.

It was this tableau that welcomed Jiang Cheng as he approached on the stone path. Lan Wangji gave his husband a once-over, noting his unscathed form and his calm composure, a unlooked for miracle to come out of the meeting with the clan leaders.

Jiang Cheng stood calmly with his hands laced behind his back. “It appears you are losing the war, Hanguang-jun,” he said, one brow lifting mockingly. “The hero of the Sunshot Campaign, brought low by two urchins. How the mighty have fallen—”

His mouth was stopped by Lan Wangji’s unerringly aimed snowball.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

When Cody Diabo recently learned that the bay restoration project on Kateri Tekakwitha Island was near complete, he took his family for a walk there to see its transformation from a dry, rocky shore into a marsh teeming with life. 

The island off of Kahnawà:ke, a Kanien'kéha:ka community south of Montreal, was once a small archipelago of lush, natural islands — but it became a single piece of land after sludge from the river and blasted rock was dumped onto the archipelago by construction crews building the St. Lawrence Seaway about 70 years ago. 

"For the first time coming to the island since I was a little child, I saw corn growing," Diabo, council chief responsible for the environment portfolio at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, said at a news conference Wednesday announcing the completion of the nearly decade-long project to restore water flow in the bay and naturalize its surroundings. 

"To be able to see a substance that's dear to Onkwehonwe people and Kanien'kéha people — corn — growing here, where it was essentially barren for a while … that was just a sign that we were doing something really good." [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[reyla-the-black-wolf]

My heart speaks for you (Part 2)

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

Pairing: Eris x f!reader

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: angsty fluff?, angst, hints of anxiety, anxiety attack, nightmare

Summary: Y/n is the youngest child of the High Lord of the Night Court and lives a slightly different life than the rest of her family. But what happens, when an unexpected visitor enters the stage and decides to completely change her life?

A/N: Hey guys! It took me a bit longer to write this chapter than I had planned to (accidentally deleted a part of the story ups) but finally did it! And I recommend you listen to "Remember that night" by Sara Kays and "The night we met" by Lord Huron.

Anyway, enjoy reading! 😙

Part 1 ⎮Part 2 ⎮Part 3⎮Part 4⎮

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

Six days. Six days had passed since the incident in the conference room. Six tough days and not a single glimpse of him. No word, no letter, no message of any kind.

The water of the Sidra washed up on the shore in mesmerising waves, each time stealing a bit more of the glittering sand. Sunlight reflected off the mirrored surface, magically illuminating the facade of the River House. 

The hammock I sat in swayed gently in the afternoon breeze and, thanks to Elain, the sun didn´t bother me too much. My aunt had planted two Illyrian oaks in our garden the year I was born, providing shade now that they had grown from tiny sprouts into strong, sturdy trees. As I became older, I found my favourite reading spot underneath them. They stood a few feet from the River House and were the perfect place to relax and simply be. 

A piece of bark crumbled onto the pages of the book I was holding right now. `Feathers and Fire´ was written in large, ornate letters on the leather-bound cover. Nesta had borrowed me one of her novels to keep me company, as I had spent the last few days mostly by myself. 

I give up! After reading the same paragraph for the third time in a row, I finally slammed the book shut. I had really tried to concentrate on the story in the last hour, but my mind had drifted off more than once. And always back to the same place. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

I was in shock. Or so I thought, as I couldn´t think clearly. My mind was racing and my heart was pounding so loudly that all of Velaris must´ve heard it.

Mate. Eris Vanserra was my mate. 

I couldn´t believe it. I mean, he doesn´t even know me?

The beige sofa under my legs felt too soft, as if it wanted to pull me into a hug and never let go. And the ticking clock on the opposite wall made my ears twitch in annoyance, so I decided to get up and pace around the living room, trying to quiet my mind. I was massaging my temples to ground myself a little when a soft touch stopped me in my tracks. Small, gentle fingers starting to trail along my shoulder in a soothing rhythm. 

„Sweetheart, look at me, please.“ My mother´s calm voice made me turn to her. „Everything´s going to be all right.“ She radiated pure love. „Whatever happens next, I want you to know you´re not alone. I´m here for you, okay, honey?“ It helped slow down my racing heart a little, but not enough. I sincerely hoped my father and his brothers hadn´t beaten Eris to death just out of anger. 

Just as I thought of them, three men winnowed into the living room. With long strides, my father rushed towards me, some of his darkness still clinging onto him, and cupped my face with both hands. „Darling, are you all right? Are you hurt? Do you need anything?“ He asked worriedly as he inspected me for any injuries, whatever he was looking for. 

I withdrew from his grasp, spun around once to show him I was fine, and put on my most reassuring smile to calm his worries, making his tensed muscles relax. „I´m so sorry. I never wanted you to see this.“ Regret seeped into his voice. „But…“ He paused, visibly struggling to find his next words. „Did the bond snap for you too?“ The question caught me entirely off guard, as I thought he was angry with me, trying to argue. I could almost feel my family holding their breath, dreading my answer. Silky hair fell around my face, casting tender shadows on my features as I shook my head. A quick glance at my parents and I knew they were having a silent conversation. Sweat formed on my palms as I unconsciously clenched my hand into a fist. With each passing second, an unpleasant feeling returned to my stomach, making me want to throw up.

It spread even further when my father turned his attention back to me, and my heart sank as I noticed the sudden change in his expression. A completely blank canvas. The mask of a High Lord. Others probably wouldn´t see through his masquerade of deceit. But I could. I did. I had studied his features over the years, every time he put it on. How his jaw tightened just an inch, noticeable only to the trained eye. How his eyes shimmered in a more vibrant shade of violet. I´d seen him in his role so many times that I´d learned to watch out for him. The real him. Not the High Lord, but my father. He kept his face sealed, but I could see what he hid behind that mask. Fury over Eris. His worry. But the strongest emotion was his love for me. 

„I want you to stay away from him. Or even talk to him.“ Someone had just knocked all the air out of my lungs and punched me in the guts. I hadn´t been braced for what was to come. My pulse skipped a beat and the blood in my veins began to boil. He can´t do this! Voices shouted in my head and a lump formed in the back of my throat. But why? I didn´t even know Eris, even though he was my mate. I shouldn´t be so disappointed. He is practically a stranger. 

At a loss for words, I stared at my parents. „We don´t want to make decisions about your life, but Eris is a... complicated man.“ my mother interjected. You mean dangerous. 

„Wait, Eris is your mate?“ I flinched and turned around, only to spot my brother hidden in the darkness with a shit-eating grin on his face. „Finally something interesting is happening.“ he chuckled, earning him a slap on the neck from Cass. „Hey!“ he cried out as my father shot him a warning glare before continuing his lecture. „Darling, listen. We only want to protect you and make sure you don´t get hurt. And Eris is not good company. He has proven that several times in the past. So please believe us when we tell you to stay away from him. We have our reasons.“ And what are they? A knot tightened in my stomach when I heard Azriel whispering from behind: „Especially after what he did to Mor.“

But he is my mate! Even if we don´t know each other well, don´t I have the right to figure out what´s happening between us? My mind screamed at me. Say something! Anything! You know you can! I forced my thoughts to shut down. We would not have this conversation now. Fight back! But I didn´t. I understood that my parents were trying to protect me. They were angry, no doubt, but with the love in their eyes, I couldn´t argue against them. 

So I only looked up and nodded, giving them a coy smile, even though it felt wrong. So terribly wrong. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

This moment had been stuck in my head for the past few days. Although I´d agreed not to approach Eris, somehow I still hoped he would talk to me. Maybe to explain when and how the bond had snapped for him. 

Starlight? Az is waiting for you in the training ring.

Oh, right. I looked at the sun, which was already sinking deeper into the sky. Uncle Az had asked me yesterday if I wanted to train with him. We usually met at the same time every week to train, but over the last few days he had become more careful around me, giving me more space.

I quickly stowed the book away, not wanting Nesta to get upset if something happened to her beloved book. Changing into my fighting gear, I winnowed to meet Azriel. 

„Faster!“ Azriel shouted, lunging forward, but not fast enough. I sidestepped his punch to the right, and in the brief moment his defence was down, I landed three swift blows to his ribs. He groaned in pain and tried to sweep me off my feet in one smooth motion. Just as I was about to dive again, my back hit the sandy ground, Truthteller at my throat. A sweaty Azriel lay on top of me. 

He pulled me up, brushing the sand from my clothes. „That wasn´t too bad, but you´re less focused today.“ A questioning look crossed his face for a second as he looked down at me, then it returned to his usual straight expression.

I opened my mouth slightly as if to reply, but shrugged instead and walked towards the edge of the training ground, breathing heavily. Az only threw a knowing look in my direction. He knows. He knows how I feel. 

We had been training for about two hours and I didn´t know how my muscles were still able to keep me standing, but anyway, I was grateful for them when I winnowed us back to the River House for dinner. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

After a quick shower, I now sat opposite to my brother at the wooden table eating dinner and it was truly a symphony for the senses. Wine glasses clinking. Knives scraping against plates. The aromatic scent of grilled steak and vegetables wafting through the room as my family engaged in a huge debate about who had the biggest wingspan. All I could do was smile at the silliness of it all and feel it seep into my soul. 

My father stroked my back lazily beside me, probably to keep calm, as Nyx started throwing peas across the table at Cassian, who dodged them. It really was ridiculous. „Seriously! A little decency, please!“ Amren hissed at this `display of strength´. Mor chuckled, „They´re Illyrians. Do you really think their egos would just ignore it if someone with bigger wings came along?“ My mother nearly choked on her wine at this comment, earning an amused look from her husband. „Can we all just calm down a little before the whole dining room is decorated with pieces of food?“ A quick, stern glance around the table from the High Lord and everyone resumed eating, interrupted now and then by a few giggles.

Ten minutes had passed, and the others had just finished chatting about upcoming events in Velaris, when Amren apparently decided to break the comfortable silence. „So y/n. Has anything been happening with the Autumn Heir lately?“ The wicked smirk on her face made her look like a cat that had caught a mouse to play with. All of a sudden, the room fell silent and everyone stopped eating. I felt my father stiffen beside me, his muscles tense. „Amren.“ Azriel warned, a low growl escaping his throat. „What? Just a sincere question.“ Not impressed by his threatening face. Not in the slightest.

Of course, the incident with Eris had spread around the River House throughout the last few days, fuelling rumours, but the others hadn´t said anything to me yet. I should have guessed that it was only a matter of time until the tension would blow up.

I think I might throw up. I certainly wasn´t in the mood to talk about it with my family. Not today. My blood froze as I gathered the strength to look into Amren´s cold, steely eyes, which were fixed directly on me. She didn´t even flinch when my father shot her a terrifying glare that would send shivers down your spine. 

Words began to flow into my mind, begging to be heard and a familiar feeling crept through my entire body, making my nerves go blank. It felt like I couldn´t breathe. 

„Are you all right, dear? You look a bit pale.“ she said, making me feel even more nauseous. „Amren, don´t.“ Everyone had stopped breathing by now. „You don´t have to answer her question, darling.“ My father´s hand darted out to graze my fingers, but I pulled back at the sensation. „You are his mate y/n, aren´t you? Must be desperate to know why.“ „Enough!“ Pure darkness collected in the corners of the dining room, ready to consume everything. I´d never seen my father so pissed off. „Why would you say such a thing?“ Mor uttered. „Exactly! She´s my sister, I´m the only one allowed to make fun of her!“, Nyx joined in. „I´m in the mood for some trouble.“ she responded honestly, taking a sip from her wine glass, completely untroubled. 

Everyone began to talk over each other, making it difficult to distinguish the individual voices. Tears welled up in my eyes as I covered my ears. The noise was becoming too much to bear. I sniffled, holding back a cry as I stood up and took a few steps away from the table. My chair scraped along the floor, causing everyone to turn around to me and all the shouting stopped. The tears began to trickle down my cheeks as my mother noticed them first, „Sweetheart, we´re so sorry.“ She stood up too. „We didn't mean to make you cry.“ Mor tried to reassure me, guilt clouding her voice. Everything felt too overwhelming. Leave. Walk away. Get out of this situation. 

„Starlight, come here. It´ll be fine.“ He took a few steps in my direction, but I quickly held my hand up in front of him to keep a distance between me and my father. 

„Y/n. Darling, we´re…“ But he stopped when I shook my head and scowled at him. Stared at all of them, anger written on my face, before I winnowed to my room. Leaving them all guilty and silent. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

With my back against the door, I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face. It´s my life! I get to decide how I deal with Eris! Why do they keep talking about it like it isn´t my decision? Like it´s not my life? 

My nails scraped the floor, attempting to hold on to something, anything, as I spiralled down a path I didn´t want to go. A guttural sound escaped my lips as my hand clenched into a fist and slammed into the expensive wood panels beneath me. Pain shot through my knuckles, making me want to scream. Anger. Fear. Emptiness. These emotions ran through my mind as my body shook with sobs. Why can´t I just talk? I want to, but I can´t... I don´t know... the words just won´t come out when I try. It made me even angrier when I thought about it. Do I not feel safe enough around my own family to talk to them? Or is there something wrong with me? 

A knot formed in my stomach. I had never had a big problem with myself before. Not with my body, nor with my inability to speak to others. But now I wished, longed to talk to someone. Just someone who understood me. Someone who...

A certain scent wafted through the room making me pay attention. Was that smoke? I sat up straighter to observe my own bedroom. Books were scattered across the floor and the door to the neighbouring bathroom was open. My bed was made, covered in indigo silk sheets that shimmered slightly in the moonlight streaming in through the closed windows. A few plants hung from the frescoed ceiling. Nothing more.

My eyes were no longer watery and my heartbeat had stabilised. But I could still smell that there was... something. Parchment.

I looked over at my desk, which was littered with various rolls of parchment, papers and pencils of all kinds. But right in the middle. Something had changed. 

Slowly, on shaky legs, I got up and walked over to my desk. A crimson envelope lay there, and next to it a shiny golden feather with light brown spots. I couldn´t remember putting anything like that here. It smelled of an open fire, fresh rain and a hint of vanilla. 

Deep down I knew who must have sent it. I opened the letter with trembling hands.

 ・✧✵✧・✧✵✧・

Hello Princess,

Do you remember the night we met? To be honest, I can´t forget you. Standing on the balcony in your stunning gown, watching the stars fall upon you, even though they couldn´t diminish your appearance. At first I wasn´t sure how to approach you, but I did it anyway.

And it turned out to be one of the most wonderful nights I have ever had, and I wanted to thank you for it.

I could almost hear him chuckling to himself as a warmth filled my heart.

As you probably know by now, I'm your mate, but I don´t want you to feel obligated to anything that concerns me. It is your decision whether or not you wish to meet with me. ( Though I wouldn´t mind, of course) 

A blush spread across my tear-stained cheeks and I instinctively smiled. He had thought of me. He really had. My heart melted like snow in early spring. Something about him made me feel complete and understood. 

But if that´s the case, winnow to the border of Autumn in two days. I´ll be waiting for you under a birch tree when the sun sets. You can´t miss it. Sleep well, Princess! 

His letter also contained a small note. 

(Oh, the feather and the paper you write on will appear on my desk as soon as you write back).

・✧✵✧・✧✵✧・

I was speechless. Not just because he had thought of me or wanted to meet me. No. But because he would let me decide for myself. He wouldn´t force me to accept the bond, even if it hadn´t snapped for me yet. 

Not wanting to think clearly at the moment, I did the only thing that seemed right. I broke the agreement with my parents. 

I pulled out the chair, sat down, picked up the quill and wrote back. 

Half an hour later, I was lying in my bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and a gentle night breeze caressing my form. A few candles were lit to provide some sort of night light. 

Just as I was falling asleep, footsteps came from the hallway and my bedroom door creaked as it slowly opened. I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep, not wanting to talk to whoever it was. „Darling, are you still awake?“ My father´s voice echoed through the room as he peeked out from behind the door. 

Just breathe. He won´t recognise it.

And he didn´t. He only walked over to my bed and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear, while the last thing I heard was him whispering: „I´m deeply sorry, Starlight.“ before he silently walked out of my room, leaving me alone. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not the slightest flicker of light. Total darkness consumed everything around me. No light, nor sun, nor any kind of something... soft. Something to keep me warm as the cold crept up my body, like a hidden shadow from the depths of darkness. 

I gasped for some air to reach my lungs, but all I could inhale was dust. Air! I need air! My lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen and a tingling sensation shot through my entire being.

I felt like a flame being smothered as a deep, dark wave crashed over me, trying to drown me, as if I were nothing. As if I didn´t matter. 

The darkness drew closer with each passing second. Minute? Hour? Time didn´t matter in this place of emptiness. A place without walls or windows or even solid ground. The only things that trapped me were my own thoughts and the giant beast I couldn´t see, but felt. It swallowed everything around it as its claws raked along my skin, my soul, leaving scratches all over me.

I screamed, but all that came out of my mouth was... nothing. Every sound, no matter how small, was absorbed by the emptiness of this place. 

My body was drenched in sweat and my voice must have been hoarse by now from screaming my heart out for I don´t know how long. Slowly my body was losing consciousness and I was drifting further and further into the devouring void as I frantically tried to breathe. Please! I need to breathe! My heart stuttered for a moment. Help... help me! Somebody! Please, I... Hot tears streamed down my face and my eyes slowly closed as I was suffocated and drowned by the beast that guarded this place. My body went limp, tired from fighting. 

A gentle brush of soft fur against my back was the last thing I felt as I drifted into nothingness. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

I jolted out of my sleep, my heart racing and the sheets beneath me damp with sweat. You´re awake! Everything is fine! I placed my hand over my chest, feeling my pulse slowly steady as I realised it was all just a nightmare. The silver curtains swayed slightly at the open windows and the moon shone so brightly I had to blink my eyes. `Shh, it´s all right, Little one. I´m here´ it yearned to say. My breathing had normalised and I ran a hand through my sticky hair. It was just a dream. I lay back and tried to sleep again, but I knew it was going to be a long night. 

✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦・✴︎✦

@tele86 @circe143 @impossibelle @st4r-girl-official @cherry-cin

[unsoundedcomic]

Whumptober 2024 - 19 - "Blood Trail"

I do not celebrate my Aldish heritage. Ere my father bedded my mother, no form came to me by post polling me on the country in which I would prefer she push me out. Men who make over that accident have little else to make over, I have found. They would march for their aorta or their opposable thumb, if either were assigned a flag. Offer a plaque and a slap on the ass for the act of filling a commode, and they would demand both.

I cannot deny my Aldish boyhood left me with thick blood and hot lungs, however. Like the woolly snakes and the unnros, I can bear the cold.

Knowing this, you cannot dismiss me when I stress to you, reader, that Anchert island causes even this son of Alderode to shiver. Surrounded by icebergs, this frozen slice of risen Hell lurks at the far northeast of the world, cut off from the khert and overrun by savage Mmatont. The only way to tell it is land and not another berg is the darkness of its spruce-covered single mountain, and the few specks of firelight that burn therein.

There is only one way to reach the detestable place: a small craft on a moonless midnight, under the care of a pilot that knows the patrol patterns of the local police skiffs. I have never liked giving up coin - nor control - to these green-stinking hoods. There is no alternative. The khert-lines do not extend past the Tainish shore of the mainland. I cannot offset there.

I had never visited Anchert with Rahm, and he'd never been at all. As our boat docked inconspicuously on the great island's least populated shore, I watched him closely. I had chosen a smart, double-breasted wool coat, warm pymaric boots with a three week charge, blood red swineletskin gloves, a cosy muffler of feathers and fur.

Rahm was wholly quilted. Like a bedspread. I think Iori had dressed him.

"Man should not be here," he muttered, rasping his hands together and stomping his feet, "We were not designed to be here. The makers set aside the north for white bears and fat waterbitches; and Alderode stole it from them."

"Watch yourself," I whispered, crushing close to confer a bit of warmth, "They do not like the A-word here. The Mmatont would have every Ald out of Tain, had they their way."

"Well, I can see how they've so far managed it with this island. No sane person would want to live here. Is that why Alderode has let them be?"

I suppose that could be the case. The Mmatont - that is, the modern Tains who occupy Anchert - have long foolishly demanded that Alderode return their ancestral valley to them, and in fact, all of pymary. I will spare you the uninteresting history of it all, but they only agreed to meet Rahm and myself tonight because he is Crescian and I am a stateless fiend and we both are Black Tongues. Alderode happily hates the two of us as much as they hate the Mmatont, and the Mmatont hate them.

It was a few hours tedium disembarking. We hired servants to haul our trunks to our arranged lodgings inside of the mountain, and paid the stinking pilot a criminal amount of money. He promised to be back the next evening. Soon enough but not as soon as I'd have liked, Rahm and I were following a swarthy towhead deep underground.

The pissmop was dressed all in natty furs, and carried an open flame torch like some manner of primitive. What a hoot! What a safari. Rahm raised an eyebrow, pulled a pymaric light from his pocket. I shook my head. These freaks thought pymary should have remained with their ancestors. If he or I were going to cast or use any of our modern devices, it might raise the curtain on inconvenient drama.

"I suppose I can understand why the formulas have remained hidden here," whispered Rahm in Continental. Why was he whispering? I doubt the pissmop could understand. "It's wholly counterintuitive that something so helpful to burgeoning technology might be found in this backwards mountain."

Rahm tucked the little pymaric away, looking about at the living stone walls and the evidence of the painstakingly slow and primitive pymary that had formed them thousands of years ago. It must have been all State change and Heat siphoning to create the Contour, then Mass displacement to crack the block from the root; finally a reversal to haul each slab outside. I could still see the corrugations in sections of the wall; time had worn the floor smooth as a mill pond.

"They weren't always backwards," I pointed out.

"Even when Tainish civilisation was at its high peak, they knew nothing of Sounding. How-"

"The Tains didn't write these formulas, Raptor. The agib did."

My Crescian friend shook his head ruefully. "Do they even know what they have? They wouldn't need to live like this if they'd sell some of their secrets."

"Nationalism," I explained at his temple, and my breath made his wee feather earring dance, "Too many fools live and die unable to see beyond the colour of the dirt their mother shit them into. Oh, to beat your chest in the mud."

"But they're letting us in. Surely the fools understand we won't be keeping this to ourselves."

I nodded. "They do, but small men are weak to that other great psychological bugbear: you see, their god has TOLD them they must-"

The toe of my boot caught on an uneven seam in the floor, and only grasping Rahm's elbow kept me upright. I looked down.

"Rahm!" I called reflexively, "Rahm. Blood."

He clawed the clasp of his quilted coat open, then hiked up its long skirts to keep them from the gore. It was still red and tacky - sticky - and ran in a trail ahead of us down the black corridor.

"Just where are you leading us!" he demanded of the pissmop.

Our guide seemed confused at first, then saw the shock on our faces, saw the blood, and laughed. "You're not in danger, Black Tongues." His features were sharp in the firelight. His teeth too white, too sharp. I did not care for the effect at all.

"I know we're not," answered Rahm haughtily, seguing smoothly to only slightly accented Tainish, "But you are. If you plan to ambush us, do it now. Here. There's already a mess to be cleaned, and I can end your life with a minimum of additional blood spilled. I'd hate to put out our hosts any more than we have."

Very sexy, Raptor.

The pissmop smirked. He raised a mollifying hand and said again: "You are not in danger, Black Tongues. If you want your poxy numbers, follow me."

"Bastion," Rahm breathed, "Going any further seems stupid even for you."

"I know," I sighed in return, "But I want the poxy numbers."

In the end, Rahm had promised me. And I knew there was something here that he wanted too. With the trail of blood between us, we hurried to catch up with the Soud.

((Second part here))

[atths--twice]

A friend posted this picture on Twitter and I couldn’t resist writing a little something. ❤️

They had to fly out to a San Diego for a conference.

“A thought,” Mulder said after William had been put to bed.

“What’s that?” Scully asked.

“What if we stretched the conference into a mini vacation? Your mom could fly out with William?”

“Yes,” she agreed with a smile.

Mulder’s conference ended sooner than hers, and he hurried back to the hotel to change and collect Maggie and William to go to the beach.

Scully had no thoughts of changing, only of seeing her boy enjoying the Pacific Ocean as she had done as a child when she met up with them.

Maggie took picture after picture of them, laughing as William squealed in delight and splashed in the waves, stood with his toes squishing into the wet sand, and toddled after the seagulls, all of them laughing when they took flight and he froze in surprise.

The last picture taken was of the back of them at the shore as Mulder held William in one arm and Scully’s hand with his other hand. Her blazer had long since been discarded and her pants were rolled up. The waves hit their feet and they smiled as they looked at one another.