#Sofa color restore

[beachmere303]

Easy Steps to Expertly Repair Your Leather Sofa: Say Goodbye to Scratche...

[leatherrepair123]

https://www.leatherrepairsleicester.co.uk/leather-repairs-oakham/

[felassan]

Thoughts on the IGN DA:TV 22 min gameplay - Lighthouse portion

this post is under a cut due to what some peeps may consider spoilers, and length.

This prev post was just some text-based info that I wrote down, mostly based on what was said in the commentary. this post is more of a looking at the visuals with a fine-toothed comb and a bit of theory/speculation stuff mixed in kinda deal. :)

The Lighthouse' Meditation Chamber. It has a comfortable-looking sofa on which to sit or lay down while you ponder and gaze at this fish tank. Back in the day, this would have been Solas' meditation chamber, right? maybe we can go here to commune with Solas via the Solas-Rook connection (whatever it is)? the fish tank gives me fond memories of the Normandy. :') can we collect different fish? do we have to feed them? are they real fish? Fade fish? wisps that are in the form/shape of fish? are they edible? can we eat them? can I swim in there? what would they taste like? I feel like Kargesh, the krogan from Mass Effect who wants to taste the fish from the Presidium lakes 💀 in this room, the light and shadow of the water moving on the ceiling is beautiful. I wonder where Rook's room is?

Top left: quest title referencing the phrase "After the storm". since this gameplay video is set after the siege of Weisshaupt and shows Grey Wardens lamenting what happened there, could the 'storm' here be what happened at Weisshaupt? Bottom left: collectable Codex entry, a tool-tip of some kind or does Rook have new mail? Center: pattern of ancient elven triangles on the wall, arranged like a sun. Right: this looks like a wardrobe. Maybe this is where Rook can change their casual wear? the Inquisitor had a Wardrobe in their quarters. maybe the Meditation Room is also Rook's quarters?

The Lighthouse Library. The seating area on the ground floor is the place we saw the companions gathered together in this group shot. the Lighthouse needs to manifest 4 more seats round the central table for the others hh (Lucanis, Bellara, Rook, Varric). The table has an icon on the mini-map, so it probably has some kind of interactable function. gather the companions? look at the world map?

What have we here, floating in the Library? 👁️ this looks ancient elven, magic, triangle-y and very important. It's not dissimilar to the one floating in Bellara's room, or to this place. The Lighthouse's power source? A strange map? Something that protects the Lighthouse from outside incursion or prying eyes? A model of the Veil and the different worlds? Could this become less broken-looking in terms of the outside 'rock' layer over time, or could more of the triangles light up blue over time as the story and look of the Lighthouse progresses? Does it have something to do with the Lyrium dagger? (the blue and gold color scheme reminds me of the dagger.) Is it connected to the rotating glowing roof of the tower of this part of the Lighthouse, which you can see later on when Rook goes outside into the Courtyard and looks up? I get the impression that the roof spins if this spins.

Left: something which resembles Elgar'nan's headpiece shape in the Lighthouse Library Center left: in the Library, there are books floating suspended in the air and floating upside down bookcases, arrayed around the magical artifact in the center Center right: there is one of these on either side of the Library entrance. they look like places where there were once frescoes or paintings, like what's left is very faded paint. I wonder if these restore overtime or can be restored over time? it reminds me a bit of the Skyhold mosaics. if these walls did hold paintings, I feel like it would have been Solas who painted them. Right: A floating book above a sidetable, from back in the Meditation Chamber

Next we progress into the Lighthouse Courtyard. Could the fragmented Courtyard become less fragmented and a bit more contiguous as the Lighthouse becomes less disrupted? Game Informer's cover story noted that since the Lighthouse is in the Fade, a realm of dreams that responds to your worldstate and emotion, the Lighthouse reflects the chaos and disrepair of Thedas. since the things in it can change, maybe as Rook completes more of the story and helps more of the world it will look less chaotic over time, including the fragmented Courtyard?

Some of the floating chunks have tree roots protruding from the bottoms

What happens to someone if they fall off the edge of a floating courtyard fragment in the Fade hh?

Left: big dog 👍 Veilfire glows in the scone on his chest Top center: this symbol was on the minimap, in front of the Fen'Harel statue. I think it's this one (left), which we saw in the high-level warrior combat gameplay video. it's some sort of collectable in the sort of way that gold/coin is. I guess this is where we go to use or spend this thing perhaps, whatever they are? maybe it's for Lighthouse upgrades? maybe it's what we spend at or trade to the mysterious "enchanter" who helps us with crafting at the Lighthouse? Bottom center: This is the head-shape of Mythal on the exterior of the Lighthouse Library building, like this statue in DA:I Right: the orangey-leaf trees, an ancient elven spaces classic :)

When Rook approaches Davrin's room, the minimap location title changes to "Guesthouse". That's cute 🥺 Is every companion space called a Guesthouse or is that just the name of Davrin's? Or just the name of the area Davrin's is in?

Left: What the glowing 'come talk to me pls 🥺' lamps look like. Some of the room-buildings, like Harding's, have two lamps outside of them though not just one like Davrin 🤔 Center: Rook carries the Lyrium dagger in their casualwear pocket when in the Lighthouse Right x2: Two lil chimneys puffing away, how cute!! Maybe one is the one for the kitchen where the cooking takes place, and one is connected to Taash's room? Taash's room has fires in it that could be forges.

Left: The dev narration tells us that this companion home is Harding's, and it makes sense - there's roots/vines growing up to or down from the ceiling, and the roof has the appearance of glass, like a greenhouse. Perfect for growing things and letting in the sun. There might not be any literal sunlight in the Lighthouse, but as the rooms shape themselves according to the companions, it's just all about Harding and what suits her. Right: I think this is Neve's room. Compare the windows on the front to the windows on the sides in the screenshot of Neve's interior. (same pattern & placement, in a row of 3)

As we can see from when Rook enters there, opposite Neve lives Davrin.

Left: Who lives here? this is next-door to Davrin. Right: And who lives here? this is opposite Harding.

^ the dev commentary at this point mentions Bellara's home at the same time as pointing out Neve's, but I'm not sure which of these two is hers. and this makes 5 homes, I wonder where the other two rooms are? perhaps attached to the main building which holds the Library? btw, how cute is it that the found family basically have their own cozy lil family neighborhood in a pocket dimension? 🥺

At the top of this tower it looks like a lil balcony no? potentially with a door leading out to it? maybe this is the balcony from Rook's room?

This Rook's casual wear has bare feet and triangles on it. Maybe this Rook was a Veil Jumper? I know the Veil Jumpers wear boots or shoes in the field, but this is casual wear. Veil Jumpers also seem quite orange in their color palette.

💜💜

💜💜 I LOVE

Rook standing next to Davrin here gives an idea of how tall it's possible for qunari Rook to be.

There was some debate over whether this room was Davrin's or Taash's. this vid confirms it as Davrin's. (some thoughts on how it reflects Davrin here). in that post I wondered what the green things were - here we can see that they're hanging corked jugs filled with.. sand? :D also interesting to note is that at this point in the storyline, Davrin's room lacks the big monster skull hung over the fireplace in the screenshot. however, it still has the other monster stuff - the skull on the other wall, the spine hanging from the ceiling, the 'horn chandelier' thing. hear me out. what if.. the skull that eventually goes above the fireplace is the skull of the Gloom Howler..? 👁️ if it was your nemesis, and you finaaally felled it, you'd put it in pride of place as your prize, above your fireplace.

Left: in the post about Davrin's room I wondered if the things on the floor in front of the fire next to the armchair were a rug and chew or bone for Assan, and here we can see that is the case. ^^ Right: I think this here in this side alcove is Davrin's bedroll. makes sense that it's tucked out of sight there - it's not visible in the perspective that the screenshot of his room was taken from, so I was wondering where it was.

On the left as Rook exit's Davrin's, we can see what looks like more wooden carvings that he's been working on, like this ogre.

In the Davrin and Assan portion, Davrin and Assan both look so good. I was really happy to see a Davrin focus in this video and Assan is so cute, with adorable animations, sounds and rigging. Assan stretches like a cat before getting up when Rook comes in.. the tail swishes, the ear crooking, the ear twitching.. 🥺 when Rook comes in, it looks like Davrin is warming his hands up by the fire - how do you think the physics of things like temperature work somewhere magical like the Lighthouse? 🤔

I love the purple sparkle effect around gaining approval. :D when hovering over a dialogue line, the wheel sparkles, and when you choose one, it spins. and Rook's name is in purple in the subtitles. its cute!

The Quest Acquired pop-up.

Another quest, this one called "The Price of the Past". A Davrin-associated quest? Davrin's past, or something the Grey Wardens did historically, like what happened to the griffons..?

The purple mist in the dialogue wheel moves and billows, I think that's a cool touch. :)

🥺🥺..

Rook then heads back into the Library.

Top left: two more highlighted interactable scrolls Bottom left: this mini-map icon looks like Varric. :) the dev narration mentions that this video takes place well into the game, and that Hossberg is a later game area. if it's Varric, this means that at this point in time, Varric is still alive and based in the Lighthouse with the rest of the crew, that he doesn't die in the prologue. I feel like this isn't really a surprise as the 'death' flags (at that specific point) in the prologue were a lil.. I dunno how to phrase it, it would have been too telegraphed if that was when? and also if his death is to happen at some point in the game, it will have more of an impact if Rook and new players actually have had a chance to spend time with Varric beforehand. yet, it's somehow still a big relief. :D it's like destroying Bianca was retiring him from active field duty. however, I do feel that he's still at risk and might die later in the game. 😭 just that the moment wasn't the prologue.. 😭 that he's not death-flag free, just that the prologue wasn't the time. btw, if Varric is living in the Lighthouse too I hope he has his own lil area too, at least somewhere to sleep etc. Right: this circle is on one side of the Library walls. it could just be a design on the wall, as it's solid and doesn't go anywhere, and it doesn't look like it goes anywhere at that point on the mini-map either, but idk, the circle has the appearance to me of an entryway and on the outside it has gold with blue triangles like the floating artifact in the Library air. maybe this is a dead end for now, but becomes an opened up/unlocked part of the Lighthouse later?

I wonder what's up the corridor past Varric? there are a few other corridors/places we could see on the Lighthouse minimap but didn't explore in this video, I'm so curious to explore it all :)

Lastly we have the Eluvian Room. this eluvian takes you to the Crossroads, and it's the eluvian we see at timestamp 1:00 in the release date reveal trailer. it sounds like the dev narration calls it the "Vir Revas", which could translate as "Way/Path of Freedom". it's fitting - one lens of Solas' rebellion is Solas as a noble freedom fighter. and it makes sense, an eluvian is a portal that takes you somewhere. on the right is a pretty floating elfy thing.

Eluvian pop-up info, including percentage of the map discovered, how many of the (I assume) treasures you have discovered, and how many (I assume) of the bosses you have killed. Is the symbol at the very top the symbol of the Crossroads? I also love the language of "A path has emerged from the mists of the Fade that leads to a gathering point where all eluvians meet - the Crossroads." it's pretty.

Close-up of one of the magic-gizmos that makes the Lighthouse eluvian work. it's a purple pentagon and inside it it has a pointy shaped thing floating and rotating. these look like the magic-gizmo Bellara is seen interfacing with in the release date reveal trailer, pictured below for reference. (also a purple hexagon with the pointy thing floating in it).

General thoughts/speculation on commentary & such:

I think it's hard to know what qunari Rooks can look like til we see CC itself. ^^

"Willingly or unwillingly" - it sounds like you can agree to take charge of the Lighthouse from Solas after the ritual interference goes awry, and if you don't you end up getting it anyways.

Being able to inhabit, explore and shape the space Solas lived in millennia ago when he first fomented his rebellion against the gods is a dream come true, like I wanna yell. it's so crazy (in a good way) and cool/surreal to think this is the case. I'm soo curious to get in there and rifle around. Rook is the one who leads the band of people living in the Lighthouse now, Rook is the one who wields the Lyrium dagger, Solas sees himself in Rook. Rook is potentially on a path towards inheriting the Dread Wolf mantle as well (that could also be willingly or unwillingly..)

'It shapes itself around your personality' - I wonder if some of the changes in the Lighthouse reflect Rook's world choices and their personality (like dominant dialogue tone) or something?

The glowing companion 'talk to me' lamps is a nice quality of life feature.

Considering that the spaces shape themselves around the companions, I wonder about Lucanis' room. 🥺 maybe he feels safer in a dark open space with nowhere to hide in it so nobody could sneak up on him in there? maybe it's an ingrained tendency owing to the harsh upbringing he had growing up, often going without necessities? maybe he's simply extremely practical and pragmatic, or it's to do with his relationship/history with food and cooking that makes him want to be in the storehouse? maybe this sort of space is familiar, or his room screenshot was taken earlier on in the game before his arc progressed much?

A secret Warden base where people have no idea what goes on there.. this never ends well hh, the Wardens in these sorts of places are always up to something untoward or extreme in the pursuit of their goals of stopping / defending from the Blights. nervous sweating. I wonder what revelations await us there!!

I wonder what could the Gloom Howler be? its name reminds me of the Sandy Howler from DA:I, which was a dragon. if the skull that gets put above Davrin's fireplace is of the Gloom Howler, what clues can we get about the type of entity it is from the shape of the skull? Stalking Wardens and kidnapping griffons implies that whatever it is, this entity has a level of sentience and has plans of a sort, it isn't a mindless beast. what could it possibly want with the griffons? And I wonder when this creature became Davrin's nemesis? Is he a monster hunter because of it? Or was he a monster hunter before it? Also, how does one get mail in the Lighthouse :D

"What's left of the Wardens" implies that the Wardens faced great losses at the siege of Weisshaupt. I wonder, did the First Warden make it? where are they?

Davrin preferring Direct dialogues and approaches makes me curious to find out ingame what the preferences of the other companions are.

Davrin's voice is amazing.

"Turlum", the name for the bond between Wardens and griffons (presumably the one they ride, when the griffon is an adult) moving in unity as one is new lore I think. I wonder what language/culture the word originates from? how does one forge this bond? I can't help but think of Tsaheylu from Blue Avatar dhdjfej

On the gods assaulting the Crossroads.. to take control of the network to assist in their plans for the world? (Briala saw the network's potential of the Crossroads' functional back in the day, for totally different plans tho ofc) you could spread your darkspawn armies all over the world more easily by sending them through the Crossroads. like the Deep Roads, but cubed. or simply to wrest control of it from Rook and the team because they know they are the only ones that can stop them and that that's where they're holed up? and what stops the assaulting enemies from entering the Lighthouse eluvian from the Crossroads? Is it something to do with the dagger, or Solas' own power?

[source]

[monstersinthecosmos]

Vamptember Day 1 - Experiment

{agnes obel - kamma}

Daniel’s thoughts don’t make much sense.

Like everything is a fragment, like nothing is in order. 

Sometimes, a sound has a taste to him. Some remembered flavor from his human life, that he’ll never really know again. Sometimes a color has a smell. Sometimes, the music in the background of a television ad sends him spiraling into a memory so deeply that he can’t remember where he is when he comes back up for air.

His thoughts shuffle together. Don’t make much sense. Marius tries to keep a respectful distance, to give him privacy, but checks in from time to time, just to know how he’s doing. It’s often hard to tell. His thoughts are like a kaleidoscope some nights, and the sound of radio static on others. Sometimes he’ll be tidy, in perfect working order, until some intrusive thing sours him. It can be a texture beneath his fingers, a scent, a painting. It’s like an ink bottle tipping over to ruin a half-written page. 

Perhaps, Marius wonders, to someone Daniel’s age it’s more like the electricity shorting.

Some nights Marius stares at him, and Daniel doesn’t seem to notice. The child of his child, unmoving for hours, curled into the corner of the sectional sofa. It’s hard to tell how much is his own bias, but Daniel always looks young like this. The Blood had restored the weight in his face, erased the human signs of age, but it’s how small he makes himself. Marius stares, and thinks that Daniel seems like a broken little thing. 

“I heard that,” Daniel mumbles.

Daniel rubs at his face. His hunger cramps through his thoughts, permeates the entire room, and the pain in his strained arteries somehow becomes a color in his mind that he can’t unsee. He squeezes the bridge of his nose and pats at the breast pocket of his flannel shirt, as if looking for something.

Old human habit, Marius imagines. Looking for cigarettes that he hasn’t touched in over a decade.

“Would you like to hunt?” Marius asks. 

Daniel just shakes his head. He pulls his knees close to his chest. Nails scratch against his scalp.

“You’re hungry,” Marius says gently. He leans into the door frame, crosses his arms over his chest, wondering the best solution here. 

Marius is old. He can handle hunger. Likes it sometimes, the way the pain can clear him out a little bit. But Daniel is too young. Shouldn’t go so long without feeding. The weakness brought on only makes his acuity worse, makes him less patient, more quiet. The bad kind of quiet, though.

Daniel’s thoughts race, imagining the next handful of steps it takes to go hunting. Changing his clothes, putting shoes on. The cold wind outside and then the sweltering heat of a bar. The noise. The bitter chemical taste of perfume on a woman’s throat. Cleaning up afterwards. Too much for tonight, and the thought of the swoon isn’t even enough to drag him off the couch.

It’s not good to let the hunger build like this, though. Not for someone like Daniel. 

Marius reaches for the light switch beside him, twisting the dimmer to bring the lights lower. He grabs a blanket from where’s it’s lazily thrown over the arm of the couch and brings it closer, drapes it across Daniel’s shoulders as he takes the seat beside him.

“Drink from me, at least,” he says gently, as he unbuttons his cuff, and rolls the sleeve up his forearm. 

Daniel turns in his seat. Leans his temple into the soft couch cushion. Rubs his cheek in the fabric for a moment, as if it’s soothing.

Armand’s child. Marius looks at him, really looks, and he can see what Armand saw, just for a second. 

Marius holds out his hand. The purple veins still show, just barely. Enough that Daniel’s breath hitches when he looks down and sees them. He shifts, crosses his legs, pulls the blanket tighter around himself. Marius waits, with all his patience. He lets his hand fall into Daniel’s lap, inviting his control. 

“I always thought I’d be afraid of you,” Daniel says. 

It’s the most he’s spoken in months, but Marius doesn’t point it out. Thinks Daniel might take it badly.

Marius doesn’t answer, either. A quiet Hmm in consideration, to acknowledge him, as he settles back into the cushions. He tucks one of his feet beneath the opposite leg, lifts his free arm to rest on the back of the couch. Snow is beginning to fall outside, and he watches as frost grows on the corners of the windows.

The cool grip, finally, as Daniel touches him. Fingers tentatively curling around Marius’s forearm, as if reaching for a slithering thing. Not real revulsion, though, Marius can tell. Just the exhaustion and curiosity, too fragile to deal with any surprises tonight.

And then his teeth, and the cautious wet-cold press of his tongue. The pain tingles pleasantly in Marius’s spine, breaking through the barrier of immortality for a moment. 

“My fledglings weren’t like you,” he says softly, as Daniel drinks. His eyes are closed and he moans, just enough for Marius to hear. Quiet little noise, sated for the moment. Marius wonders what Daniel sees in the Blood, and tries to think of beautiful things.

But my fledglings weren’t like you, he thinks again. Even at her most morose, Pandora still floated at the surface. Amadeo could be reclaimed by a game of the switch. 

Maybe Marius just never knew, though. Never saw into their heads like this. Maybe Amadeo was this disorganized, too, maybe that’s why he liked this one.

Daniel pulls away with a gasp, and his voice garbles around the blood in his mouth. 

“Armand thought of me as an experiment,” he says. He drops Marius’s wrist and falls back against the cushions. He licks the blood from his teeth.

“Oh, I’m sure that’s not—”

“He told me once that he was an experiment to you, too.”

Marius rubs a thumb over the healed wounds in his wrist. Straightens his shoulders as he buttons his sleeve back up. 

His throat cramps, and his heartbeat is loud in his own ears. He glances at the snow outside.

“I need to hunt,” he says. He pats Daniel’s thigh as he stands. “Please don’t leave the house without me.”

[mimisempai]

I'll find you at the end of the road - Chap 3/8

Chapter summary

Through the mysterious mailbox, Crowley and Aziraphale get to know each other and their bond grows stronger...

On Ao3

Rating G -  3764 words

Chap 1 - Chap 2 - Chap 3 - Chap 4 - Chap 5 - Chap 6 - Chap 7 - Last chapter

April 15, 2024 - 7:00 a.m.

Crowley, his heart beating a little faster than usual, approached the mailbox from which the flag was raised.

He opened the flap and unfolded the note with slightly shaking fingers.

Thank you for this lovely gesture. I haven't stopped wearing it since I received it. But how did you know that tartan is one of my favorite things?

You tell me that this connection with me allows you to open up to others and not feel alone, and you ask me if I want to continue this correspondence?

I don't want to stop either! I feel the benefits in my life as much as you do.

I don't know if we'll ever meet, but I want to keep getting to know you and for you to get to know me.

Let me know what you like, what you don't like, what makes you tick, whatever you feel like writing.

Sincerely.

Aziraphale.

Crowley, not realizing he was holding his breath, let out a sigh of relief, tucked the letter in his pocket, and left. He had to get to work before he could write. It was no longer a matter of writing a short note; he wanted to take the time to think before he could answer Aziraphale.

As he walked through the school gates a few hours later, even though he loved his job, for once he couldn't wait for the day to be over.

April 17, 2022

Aziraphale was reading Crowley's latest letter, a steaming cup of tea beside him, sitting in what had become his special Crowley corner, the armchair in front of the bay window.

As for the tartan, I was really acting on a hunch, I saw this scarf and thought you'd like it.

A little more about me: 

I became an astronomy teacher because I've always loved the stars and planets. I lived in a country village as a child and was fascinated by the night sky.

My favorite color is red, although I pretty much only wear black.

My favorite spirit is Talisker and I love spicy food.

Queen is the best band! (I won't accept any arguments to the contrary).

My favorite book is Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I love to drive my old Bentley. 

I'm afraid of fire.

I can't stand cruelty, condescension, and lying, especially people who lie to themselves.

And I hate people who feed bread to ducks (it's not good for them).

I love the lake house.

Aziraphale laughed slightly at the humorous tone of the letter, then finished his tea before fetching his notepad to begin writing his reply.

April 19, 2024

Crowley, sitting cross-legged on his sofa, Harry curled up in a ball on his lap, read the latest letter from Aziraphale.

I love old things, especially old books. In my antique shop, the only thing I refuse to sell are old books. I prefer to keep them for myself.

I love restoring old furniture and objects to their former glory.

I also drive an old car, an old yellow Beetle from 1941.

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, but Persuasion is a close second.

I listen to my favorite classical music on an old gramophone, but I also have Queen records. (Which I listen to sometimes and I won't deny that they are the best band).

I like to draw, or rather make sketches that I never finish. 

My favorite drink is sherry and occasionally a good glass of French red wine from Bordeaux. I love sweets more than anything and especially French crêpes.

I also dislike lies, prejudices, and gratuitous meanness - well, just plain meanness.

I also like the lake house. A lot. A lot. (All the more, since it seems to be what made our connection possible.)

As for the ducks, what should I feed them if I see any on the lake? 

How did you come to live at the lake house? 

Crowley reread the letter, folded it, and placed it in the small metal box where he'd put the others before going to bed and thinking about what he'd answer the next day.

April 21, 2022

It was a day of rest, and Aziraphale was still in his bathrobe when he left the house to see if there was any mail. He was pleasantly surprised to see that Crowley had already replied, if the little flag was to be believed. He refused to think about the fact that his heartbeat had quickened for that reason, attributing it to the fact that he'd been walking a little faster than usual.

He took the letter and read it over his breakfast, Harry munching on a lettuce leaf at his feet.

Frozen peas. The ducks love them and it's good for them. 

I rented the lake house after I graduated from university. I needed some space and peace.

It was the strangest place I'd ever seen. 

I couldn't imagine anyone building it. In fact, I couldn't imagine anyone building it and not living in it. I liked the way it seemed to float above the water. I liked the path that led to it. I don't know why, it has a strange, timeless charm.

April 23, 2024

Crowley, during a break between classes, took Aziraphale's answer out of his pocket and read it again.

I now have a bag of frozen peas in my freezer. I'm ready for the ducks. 

Regarding the lake house, I so agree with you.

The fact that you have to walk so much to get to the front door, it's like you have to earn the right to enter the house. Every time I walk up the path, it's like I'm on a quest, and the prize is the right to enter.

I'm sorry, I must sound a little eccentric. 

April 24, 2022

During his lunch break and throughout the day, Aziraphale read and reread the last words from Crowley.

Please don't apologize. Not to me for being who you are. 

You can be eccentric. You can be anything you want.

Aziraphale had always felt different, in both his personal and professional life choices, never accepted by his own family for who he was, so Crowley's words eased some of his inner struggles. 

He couldn't ignore the warm feeling in his chest at this affirmation from someone he'd never met.

There was someone in this world who accepted him for who he was.

You can be anything you want.

A few weeks passed as Crowley and Aziraphale continued their strange correspondence. 

It was late spring now, and yet the wind was blowing strongly on this early morning in London as Crowley walked briskly to the academy. 

As he always did these days, he smiled at the thought of Aziraphale's latest letter, already thinking of what he would write back. 

His phone began to vibrate in his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts, and he reached for it to answer the call.

Seeing the name on the screen, he said in a cold voice, "Yes?" 

He held back a sigh of annoyance as he listened to his caller and then replied, "Look, this isn't easy for me either. You know... no, I'm not angry that you called. It's just that... I'm sorry, I have to go to work and I..."

He approached the school and didn't want to continue this conversation as more and more students entered.

After listening to the arguments on the other end of the line, he replied firmly, "I don't think that's a good idea. No, Furfur, I'm asking you not to come. Because we need more time... Especially if we want to stay friends. I just don't think we should... Look, I'm on my way to work, so we'll talk. Bye."

Crowley sighed again and shook his head as he walked out the large front door.

"Don't tell me you've lost your motivation already."

Crowley looked up and, meeting Mrs. Tracy's gaze, replied, the smile back on his lips, "Absolutely not."

"That's fortunate. Eric has the flu and we need someone to cover his classes while he's out. Since your resume says you majored in art, I was wondering if..."

"No problem! I'm happy to oblige. Just don't blame me for associating it with astronomy." 

"I'm already happy to have someone, I'm not going to be picky. You can check Eric's schedule with the assistant and then make arrangements. Thank you, Crowley, really. If it weren't for the exams, I wouldn't have asked you."

Crowley replied kindly, his expression open to show her he meant it sincerely, "No worries, really."

On the contrary, he was pleased to see that even though he was the last to arrive, he was trusted.

However, at the end of the week, when he came home with his arms full of groceries, he thought maybe he should have thought before saying yes, because he was literally exhausted. He hadn't realized how much time and energy it would take to do the work of two people.

Luckily, Eric was back at work by Monday. 

But despite his exhaustion, nothing could stop him from going looking for Aziraphale's letter, which must have been waiting for him at the lake house for days.

Less than two hours and a few speeding violations later, he parked in front of the mailbox in a cloud of dust, and a few seconds later, leaning against his car, he eagerly read the letter.

Hello, pen pal. 

It's been a while since you last wrote. 

I hope all is well.

Several words were crossed out before the letter continued in Aziraphale's elegant handwriting.

It's ridiculous, just a few words to write, and it makes me sound like a babbling teenager (if there's such a thing as sound when it comes to a letter).

Well, I'll write it: I MISS YOU

It was obvious that the last words had been written with determination, probably as much for the author as for the recipient.

Crowley felt a strange warmth in his chest. He, too, had missed the correspondence, more, he had missed Aziraphale's words, so he hurried to reply and put the letter in the box before heading home.

Parking the car in front of the mailbox, Aziraphale decided to ignore the butterflies in his stomach when he saw the little flag raised.

He took the letter out of the box, and once he was home and Harry was fed, the antiquarian went to his favorite spot to read it.

It's been a tough week.

I've had to take a sick colleague's classes and have only had the strength to go to bed at night (and feed Harry, of course), and I feel like it's been a century since I've looked at the sky or seen a bloody tree. That's what I miss. The nature that surrounded me at the lake house.

It's not so bad when I'm busy. It's when I have a minute to breathe, to look around, that it seems really hard. 

I wonder what I'm doing here, alone, in this gray city. I miss the trees.

PS: I missed you too. A lot.

June 15, 2022 - 7:00 pm 

Aziraphale left the house with a medium-sized tree and gardening tools in the trailer attached to the Beetle and headed for London.

June 15, 2022 - 8:55 p.m.

Arriving at Crowley's address, in front of the construction site he'd seen the other night with Muriel, Aziraphale parked the Beetle. He took out a shovel, put on the gardening gloves he had in his pocket, and after finding the ideal spot in front of the construction site where Crowley's future home would be, began digging a hole.  With the help of a rope and a lot of sweat, he managed to get the tree into the hole and covered its roots with the soil and potting soil he'd brought.

Half an hour later, at 9:30 p.m., he stood in front of his work with his hands on his hips and said quietly, "I hope this will work."

June 15, 2024 - 9:30 pm

Halfway between the school and his apartment, Crowley saw rain gathering in the sky and began to pick up his pace as he realized he didn't have an umbrella. Suddenly, a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance, and as he ran almost the entire distance to his apartment, the rain began to fall.

Of course, he was completely soaked as he ran the last few meters to the front door of the building. He fumbled for his keys, dropped them, and grew increasingly frustrated as the rain poured down on him, when suddenly it stopped. 

Which surprised him because it seemed to be falling everywhere around him except on him.

He looked up.

Above him, the thick green branches of a young tree formed a canopy that swayed in the rain just above Crowley. That tree hadn't been there a second ago, but now it was sheltering him, and Crowley stared at it, mouth agape.

June 15, 2022 - 9:37 p.m.

Aziraphale smiles as he tosses the shovel into the Beetle's trailer before heading home.

June 15, 2024 - 9:37 pm

Crowley, overcome with emotion, smiled broadly and, knowing that only Aziraphale could be responsible for it, whispered to him, though the other man could not hear him, "Thank you, my friend."

Raindrops fell through the green branches, but Crowley didn't care as he danced with joy under the tree, his face turned skyward.

2022 - A few days later

Muriel stood on the small path in front of the lake house and exclaimed, "Wow!"

Aziraphale motioned for them to follow him inside, and Muriel entered, still stunned by the house, before asking, "So this is where you've been hiding?"

Aziraphale smiled back, "Yes. Would you like some tea or something stronger?"

Muriel replied quietly as they looked around, "Tea is perfect."

Aziraphale took two cups from the cupboard, poured the tea and they sat down in the chairs in front of the bay window. 

They talked for a while about the new house, for Muriel, as usual, had a lot of questions and Aziraphale was happy to answer them.

Muriel finished their cup of tea, put it down, and with a more serious expression, they said quietly, "Aziraphale. I didn't just come here to escape my miserable existence in the city. I've come to talk to you about HH and to ask you to come back with us. We need you."

Aziraphale shook his head vigorously, "HH? Sorry, Muriel, but no."

His friend insisted, "But if you talk to her..."

"Forget it, Mother doesn't want me back. I don't want to come back. Everybody's happier now."

Muriel argued anyway, "What about your work? Your work was great. Even she admitted that. Look, I know it's hard, but if you put aside your problems with her..."

"I said forget it," Aziraphale replied, this time in a firm tone before softening, "I'm really sorry, Muriel. It's just that... I like it here. And I like my job at the shop."

Muriel replied gently with a slightly sheepish look, "At least I tried," then after a few seconds they asked with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes, "Are you seeing anyone?"

After a slight hesitation that didn't go unnoticed, Aziraphale shook his head.

"Why did you hesitate?"

"I didn't hesitate."

"Yes, you did."

Aziraphale said in a voice he knew was a little unconvincing, "I... I'm not committed to anyone, okay?"

"Okay," Muriel replied, smiling amusedly before continuing, "I'm just saying you might want to think about the future."

Aziraphale laughed. 

He couldn't stop himself. 

Think about the future.

For God's sake, he was communicating with someone who lived two years in the future.

Muriel looked at him as if he'd gone mad, "What?"

Aziraphale continued to laugh.

"What?"

A few days later, with Crowley's letter open in the passenger seat of his Beetle, Aziraphale drove to Waterloo East Station, near Westminster School. 

He parked, picked up the letter, and got out, heading for the station entrance.

About the same time, two years ago, I lost something. 

At Waterloo East station.

I was taking the train home to my parents and left it on the platform. See if you can find it for me. I won't tell you what it is. 

Then drop it in the mailbox. 

It's your mission if you decide to accept it.

The exact date and time is on the back of the letter.

Aziraphale couldn't resist a challenge, so he found himself searching for an object he knew nothing about. He wandered around the station, scanning the few people who were there. 

He looked for a single man and saw none. Only a few families and an elderly couple. 

He continued his search when suddenly, through the window overlooking the platform, he saw a man with short red hair get up and prepare to board the train.

Aziraphale's heart leapt, he wasn't sure if it was Crowley, but he had this deep intuition that it was, and if it was, oh my God, his pen pal was incredibly handsome. 

Aziraphale hurried through the door to the platform where he was standing and was about to approach him when he stopped abruptly.

The red-haired man was embracing another curly-haired man who had his back to Aziraphale. 

They kissed quickly and embraced again before parting.  

Neither of them noticed that Crowley, for it was undoubtedly Crowley, had left a book on the bench behind them. Aziraphale had seen it, but he didn't dare come any closer and decided to wait and watch, a slight twinge in his heart that he chose to ignore.

A voice over the loudspeaker announced the train's imminent departure.

Crowley gave the other man a sad smile before boarding the train, obviously reluctantly.

The one who appeared to be Crowley's lover didn't move and watched the train pull away until it was completely out of sight. He didn't notice the book. Aziraphale watched him go, and when he was far away, he approached the bench. He looked at the book that Crowley had left behind. It was a well-worn copy of Jane Austen's Persuasion. 

It had definitely been Crowley.

Crowley impatiently made his way to the mailbox, thinking that Aziraphale might already have gone to the station. He was not deterred when he saw the small flag raised.

He opened it, disappointed not to see the book, but only a note. With just one question.

What are you doing on July 1st?

Crowley replied immediately on the same piece of paper, and just as he was about to leave, he heard the characteristic sound of a small flag being raised and returned to the mailbox and opened it. He grabbed the note and unfolded it.

C: I have no plans. Why do you ask?

A: If you remember, the village celebrates summer with fireworks on the lake. 

Would you like to watch them together? 

From the lake house. The fireworks on the lake are wonderful.

C: I know, I used to watch them from the house when I lived there. You're not asking me out, are you?

A: No, no. I just thought it would be nice to do the same thing, that's all.

C: The same, but two years apart.

A: It's better than staying home.

C: Okay. Let's go see the fireworks.

A: See you in 10 days. 

July 1st at 10 p.m. in front of the mailbox.

Aziraphale didn't wait for an answer and walked happily back into the house. Even though he'd denied it, it still felt like a date of sorts. Perhaps Crowley would agree to tell him more about his mysterious companion. 

July 1, 2022/2024 - 10 p.m.

Two years apart, in the same spot, Crowley and Aziraphale sat next to the mailbox. Aziraphale brought one of the chairs from the garden and Crowley brought an old folding camping seat from his car.

They were both armed with notepads and pencils.

The strange, timeless conversation resumed, still punctuated by the little flag going up and down.

C: Did you go to the train station? I never got my book. You're not going to keep it like all your old books, are you?

A: Let me keep it for a while. I want to read it. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you.

Who was the other man at the train station? Was he your boyfriend?

Why didn't you tell me about him?

The way the questions were asked gave Crowley the impression that Aziraphale was jealous, but he didn't want to get the wrong idea.

C: You don't talk to me about your love life either.

A: Because I don't have one. God, I can't believe you didn't tell me you were married.

C: I'm not married, you idiot. We split up when I moved to London.

I'm single now.

The fireworks have just started.

A: They've started here too.

I'm sure yours are better because they're supposed to get better every year. 

C: Probably. Let's enjoy the show.

Then, during the fireworks, the flag didn't move for a while. But the noise did not drown out the sound of their hearts beating in their ears.

Then, as the last bouquet ended and silence fell, the flag suddenly rose, startling Crowley.

A: At the station, when I saw you... I didn't expect... I mean, you didn't tell me you were gorgeous...

Crowley gasped, then blushed at the compliment. He looked around, embarrassed, even though he knew no one was there.

C: That's not fair. 

You've seen me, but I still don't know what you look like.

Aziraphale ran his hand over his face and figured that since it was the night of truth, he might as well go for it.

A: You're right. 

I would like to know what I'll look like in two years. Why don't we meet in the future and you can tell me what you think? 

Crowley thought, then looked at his watch; it was 10:43 p.m. He took a deep breath, suddenly excited and nervous, then wrote quickly.

C: Why don't you call me on July 1, 2024 at 10:45 p.m.?

Just as Crowley was about to raise the flag after dropping the note in the mailbox, the phone in his pocket began to vibrate, nearly knocking him out of his chair.

Heart pounding, without looking at it, he pulled the phone out of his pocket and picked it up, "Hello?"

_________

A damaged author can't write the next chapter... so don't hit me for this cliffhanger...

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here

[mayhemchicken-varneyposting]

Varney the Vampire, Chapter 21: Now Sea Here Young Man

[Previous chapter] [Next chapter]

Charles takes his uncle into a private room to explain the situation with Flora and the vampire. Admiral Bell, who persists in thinking a vampire is a kind of mermaid, spends a lot of time bantering and arguing with Charles before he's finally able to get the full explanation out. The admiral agrees with Charles' decision to stand by Flora wholeheartedly, and tells Charles that if he had not done so then he, the admiral, would have married Flora himself.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of a scream. Both of them rush towards the sound at the same time and jam up the doorway like cartoon characters, so Henry is the first to arrive on the scene. Flora has fainted, and Varney has escaped the scene by smashing through a full-length window.

Flora is revived by splashing some water on her, and receives a somewhat jarring introduction to Admiral Bell. She tells them that Varney has been in the house, and urges Henry to leave the place and let Varney have it. Marchdale, who is also here, takes Flora's side, while Charles and Admiral Bell want to duel him. Marchdale passive-aggressively threatens to leave again, but Henry and the admiral manage to restore peace. Everyone except Flora leaves for the parlor to hold a council of war. Meanwhile, George is off running errands and missed the entire chapter.

The story reaches new Looney Tunes heights in this chapter. In addition to Varney crashing through a window and Charles and the admiral getting jammed up in a doorway, the chapter is packed to the brim with humorous banter, mostly between the admiral and Charles. I continue to enjoy their dynamic. It feels natural, a lot more natural than any of the other relationships Rymer has written so far.

Charles claims his reason for returning to England early as literal lovesickness. This sounds ridiculous to me, although I can't help but wonder - this story was written some 30 or so years before the advancement of germ theory. Did Rymer think this was a plausible thing that could happen? (Equally possible is that Charles is being melodramatic. He's 21 and we already know he has a penchant for theatrics.)

Once Charles has explained the situation to Admiral Bell, he attempts to prepare him to meet Flora, prompting his comic relief uncle to assume the position of incredibly embarrassing older relative.

"I will fetch her, uncle."

"Ah, do; I'll be bound, now, she's one of the right build—a good figure-head, and don't make too much stern-way."

"Well, well, whatever you do, now don't pay her any compliments, for your efforts in that line are of such a very doubtful order, that I shall dread to hear you."

"You be off, and mind your own business; I haven't been at sea forty years without picking up some out-and-out delicate compliments to say to a young lady."

"But do you really imagine, now, that the deck of a man-of-war is a nice place to pick up courtly compliments in?"

"Of course I do. There you hear the best of language, d——e! You don't know what you are talking about, you fellows that have stuck on shore all your lives; it's we seamen who learn life."

This colorful back-and-forth is interrupted by a scream from Flora, but the tension of the plot is not enough to dislodge Admiral Bell from his niche as a cartoon character.

In their efforts to leave the room, the uncle and nephew for about a minute actually blocked up the door-way, but the superior bulk of the admiral prevailed, and after nearly squeezing poor Charles flat, he got out first.

The next sentence I am pasting in purely to make fun of.

Charles fancied correctly enough at once that it proceeded from the room which was called "Flora's own room," and thitherward accordingly he dashed at tremendous speed.

If gifted writers are "silver-tongued", then Rymer's tongue is Tupperware plastic.

Mrs. Bannerworth sat down on the edge of the sofa which was in the room, and could only wring her hands and weep.

Mrs. Bannerworth is in this chapter too! She didn't make it into my summary because she doesn't actually do anything, a constant issue in this text. Given the way Rymer writes middle-aged women, however, this treatment may actually be doing her a kindness.

Varney isn't in this chapter, but even his absence is a show-stealer.

"D—n me, and he's gone, too, and carried half the window with him. Look there!"

It was literally true; the window, which was a long latticed one, was smashed through.

Absolutely incredible exit, 10/10 very dignified. The great and terrifying vampyre everybody.

The cartoonery doesn't stop, as the admiral is at the top of his game in this chapter.

Flora opened her eyes timidly as the said— "Has it gone?"

"Yes, yes, dear," said Charles. "Look around you; here are none but true friends."

"And tried friends, my dear," said Admiral Bell, "excepting me; and whenever you like to try me, afloat or ashore, d—n me, shew me Old Nick himself, and I won't shrink—yard arm and yard arm—grapnel to grapnel—pitch pots and grenades!"

"This is my uncle, Flora," said Charles.

"I thank you, sir," said Flora, faintly.

You can really feel the "wtf" energy radiating from Flora.

Flora, in her plea for the family to flee Bannerworth Hall, says something that highlights the weird gendering of vampire attacks in the story:

"Why should you allow yourselves to risk a personal encounter with such a man, who might be glad to kill you that he might have an opportunity of replenishing his own hideous existence from your best heart's blood?"

"Your best heart" refers to Flora. Men are not potential victims of the vampire, they are obstacles standing in his path to his true victim, Beautiful Young (White) Maidens. The worst they have to fear is just that the vampire will kill them, and not even in a cool "tearing the jugular out with one's teeth" way. There is not ONE throat ripped out in this whole damn 650k word text! Not one! What is the POINT, I ask you? Bite the men, Varney! There's perfectly good blood in there you're letting go to waste!

...Ahem. Where was I?

"His strength is immense," said Marchdale. "I tried to seize him, and I fell beneath his arm as if I had been struck by the hammer of a Cyclops."

"A what?" cried the admiral.

"A Cyclops."

"D—n me, I served aboard the Cyclops eleven years, and never saw a very big hammer aboard of her."

"What on earth is to be done?" said Henry.

"Oh," chimed in the admiral, "there's always a bother about what's to be done on earth. Now, at sea, I could soon tell you what was to be done."

I don't have much to say about this bit, I just liked the jokes. Dumb wordplay always gets me.

"It is true," remarked Henry, "we dare not, even holding all the terrible suspicions we do, take his life."

"By foul means certainly not," said Charles, "were he ten times a vampyre."

You poor buffoons would not last ten minutes against Dracula.

Charles has been steadily trending away from his earlier position of reasonable doubt regarding vampires, and towards a more hard-line skepticism. This seems to be partially fueled by a strong desire to face Varney in a duel, and a need to justify such a course of action - dueling an immortal and supernaturally enhanced vampire would be extremely foolish, after all. His expression of doubt is met by an odd defensiveness from Marchdale.

"I cannot, however, believe that he is so invulnerable as he is represented."

"No one represents him here," said Marchdale. "I speak, sir, because I saw you glance at me."

Which is followed, of course, by yet another passive-aggressive threat to leave.

"For some reason," added Marchdale, in a tone of emotion, "what I say seems to fall always badly upon Mr. Holland's ear. I know not why; but if it will give him any satisfaction, I will leave Bannerworth Hall to-night."

What really peeves me about these sequences is how immediately all the other characters take Marchdale's side, when to me he is always the one being the most unreasonable. You're leaving because...why? Charles looked at you funny? Grow up, Marchdale. You're like twice his age.

Flora is left out of the war council for being Female, which I maintain is a fatal mistake on our heroes' part not only because of the sexism, but because Flora is easily the most competent of them all by a mile. (Then again, this is probably because her never taking part in the action means she doesn't have to be handed the idiot ball again and again the way the other characters do.)

George is also left out of the war council, as he left to go fetch Chillingworth. This is foreshadowing for when he later disappears from the narrative entirely.

Next: Maybe they ought to have called it a waffle council actually

[joylinda-hawks]

May 2021 and photo session for Vogue me magazine. A very beautiful and atmospheric ZZH session with fantastic sets of clothes. ZZH looked phenomenal in these styles. These were very bold color combinations of clothes that many men approached with great caution. ZZH, on the other hand, felt great in clothes that didn't seem to match in color. Maybe because ZZH loves challenges and willingly accepts them. He is not a person who gives up easily and I think that if ZZH sets himself a specific goal in life, he will consistently pursue it. Just as he fought to regain physical fitness after surgery, he also fights to restore his good name, even if it is not heard about, ZZH is certainly fighting for it. But let's get back to the photo. I chose a photo from this session in which ZZH is lying on the sofa and looking at the ceiling, his face illuminated by a lamp with a shade. ZZH is wearing an original set of clothes here. The combination of purple, red and mint is quite an unusual combination. Additionally, the clothes have different patterns. Looking at ZZH dressed this way, you can feel colorful. The selected photo has a slight atmosphere of mystery. On the one hand, we have the intense colors of ZZH clothes, and on the other, subdued lighting. The choice of place for the photo session was also not accidental. A stylized sofa and lamp in warm shades of brown and aquamarine walls contrast with the ZZH styling. ZZH here looks like a young man, maybe an artist, who is bored waiting for someone and lies down on the sofa to rest. What really catches the eye is ZZH's shiny black hair. His hair resembles ink with shiny particles. The lamp subtly illuminates his face and highlights ZZH's warm skin tone. Slightly parted lips are like an invitation to kiss. And the huge dreamy eyes are like wells in which you want to drown. ZZH looks extremely beautiful here.

[sunny-in-gotham]

Saw the beautifully preserved/restored art deco architecture of the Cincinnati Union Station (now the Cincinnati Museum Center)

They had an amazing architecture tour led by volunteers for the heritage program, and we got to go behind the scenes to look at more hidden/restricted areas.

The Rotunda

The 10 story tall half dome featured 2 massive glass mosaic murals with figures representing the history of Cincinnati. Beautiful earth tones in the marble and stucco, accented by aluminum and sometimes silver paint/flakes. The skylight windows over the street entrance were made of two layers of cross hatched glass that can be opened for ventilation, and they diffused the sunlight to give that classic art deco indirect lighting.

More Rotunda from the Catwalk

Tour guide told us the flag is 30 feet by 60 feet but wasn't sure how big a single star was, probably around 2 feet, she guesstimated.

The Tea Room (now an ice cream shop!)

Beautiful original tile and light fixtures, plus the window has a surreal view of the fossils on display in the natural history museum's section! The natural history and Cincinnati city history museum's wings were originally outdoors, an underpass for cars and taxis. Except for the windows from this tea room, you'd never have guessed the museum wings used to be outdoors because they're still so ornamented and polished.

Also the green tile is so gorg

The Secretary and President's Offices

Nice and shapely custom desks with drool-worthy geometric curves and angles. The key cabinet resided pointedly in the secretary's office. This area plus the Boardroom are a bit out of the way and are still being restored, so we were lucky to have special privileges on the tour!

The Boardroom

Each sofa had its own cigar tray with holder. Railroad execs and their Cuban cigars, amirite.

The Men's Lounge (now Amtrak lounge)

The light fixtures and inlaid wood murals are killer. There are some telephone booths I couldn't fit on here, but apparently they used to be shower stalls. It would have been nice to see them in their original form!

The Dining Room

The murals were applied with airbrush, so they were understandably challenging to restore. Even so, the colors are distinctly earthy!

[pbandjesse]

I had a very very busy day! I honestly feel so tired now. And honestly very sore. But that's mostly because I fell down the stairs.

I did not sleep great. The blankets wouldn't lay right and I kept waking up. I did sleep but it just wasn't very good. I don't remember James leaving but I was glad to know they made it home safely when I woke up at 930 and wasn't feeling great but I knew I would feel better if I actually got up.

And I did feel better. I got dressed and I felt cute but also this shirts neck drove me insane all day. I will have to stretch it out next time for sure.

I was very single minded today. Go and get the table. Get paint. Paint bathroom. I couldn't do anything else. I didn't even want to stop and eat breakfast. I grabbed the last cupcake we had and a drink and headed out into the very cold day.

I went directly to second chance. The parking lot was still very icy but I was careful. And went right to the tables.

I found both gate tables. I decided that I would get the lighter table, both because it was slightly cheaper, and because it actually still had it's chairs while the darker one did not.

I had to love a bunch of other chairs to get to the table to see if it was broken. It is missing a part but it is something I can fix so I'm not concerned. A nice man who worked there came over to chat and I told him about the table and that I wanted it so he made a sale sheet for me. And gave me an extra 15% off! So all in all the table and four chairs that nest inside it was $88! I was thrilled.

I knew it would take a few minutes for them to take the table to the dock. So I wandered around a little. I looked at all the sofas but didn't see anything I liked. That was okay. I think we will end up getting the new one from Wayfair but we will see. I'm not in a huge rush about that.

I went and paid for the table and was in a great mood. When I drove my car to the dock the workers were really nice and helped me get it in the car. I wasn't sure if I would be able to pick the table up to bring it inside the house but I would tackle that later.

It was time to get paint! I went back to the first restore that I was at the other day because they had a lot of paint supplies. And I figured it would be cheaper. And it was a great deal. Two pain rolls. A scrapped. A pair roller. An extender stick. And three trays. $12. Amazing.

I went to Home Depot next. I had thought maybe I would get paint at the restore but they did not have the color I wanted. I was nervous about getting paint mixed. I have only done that once and it was at least 10 years ago. But I did it. The girl at the counter was really nice.

I chose a green called clover. And a blue called adventure. I was very dumb and did not remember to bring the paint chips I had the other day so it was a bit of guessing but I think I did a good job. And it wasn't to expensive or even that much more then at the restore.

They did accidently mix the wrong green at first but I'm really glad I noticed that the name was wrong on the can before I left.

I would also get a bucket and some spackle. And then I was off to the new house.

Callie sent me a text and asked if I wanted to hang out. And I was like. Do you want to come to my new house and help me paint?? And she was so down. And I was so grateful for the help.

I got to the house and started bringing some of the stuff inside I had brought. The tools and such. But as I went back to go get the chairs I fell down the stairs!!! When I got there the stairs were really snowy but I brushed it all off and was thinking it was fine but it turns out there was a layer of icy on them and I fell from the top.

Thankfully I did not hit my head but I brushed my leg, back, and arm. And was embarrassed but no one seemed to see me so there was that. I was just a bit shaken up.

I quickly texted Callie to please be careful on the stairs. And told James and Jess I fell. But then I jumped right into my plans for the day.

First thing after I got everything inside I started using tape to map out the furniture and beadboard in the living room. This was very fun for me. And cemented my idea about what will fit in the space.

It took a long time though. Measuring and checking my math and trying to make things straight. But it was fun.

Soon I heard Callie outside and went to get her. And this was the first person I got to show the house and I was very excited!! I was also just excited to see her. And she has the best energy and is always excited when I'm excited and let's me feel more excited. She's great.

I showed her all the different rooms and what I had worked on. And after we had looked all over I got the bucket where I had put all of the paint supplies and we got to work.

I was so happy when she offered to tape all the edges because I was absolutely not looking forward to that and was going to try to get away with not doing it. Which would have been very dumb. While she was taping I was taking off plates and patching holes (poorly, I forgot a hammer and sandpaper) but we were such a good team.

I put on a podcast and we listened to a lot about bad guys during World War Two. I was excited to share a podcast I love with Callie and she really seemed to enjoy it. And we were just s really great team.

The color of the bathroom is not quite as bright as it seems in pictures. It's darker in person. And I think my fairy meadow theme is going to look so nice when it's all done.

Half way through painting I remembered that me and my brother had a green bathroom in the house we lived in when I was a teen. Loved it then and love it now.

After I rolled everything I could, after cleaning up all my splatters and drips, I was losing steam. I told Callie I hadn't eaten and that once we were done the first coat we should go get shake shack. But there was still all the edges to paint.

Callie offered to step in. And she is so lovely for that. She also shared her caramel corn which kept me from getting all low blood sugar shakey. Appreciate her so much.

While she was reaching all the tall parts I collected all the trash and decided to tape off the bedroom too to see how the bed will fit. And it will be mostly bed for sure but I honestly think that will be really nice in the end.

I went and wiped off the table and chairs from the warehouse dust. And put them all together and tried to fix the missing piece with the few things I had. But that will have to be something I fix for real later. But for now at least all the chairs are together and the table it in its temporary place.

I washed the brushes and the roller and we called it good. I was really excited at our hard work. We decided we would take my car and then after we ate we would go back to the apartment to get her painted pottery and the magnet I made her and we would grab a few more things to bring to the house.

And this was a great plan. We each got sandwiches and we shared some spicy cheese fries. Which were not unreasonably spicy like the last ones I got at shake shack. These were good. And I had fun telling her about me and Jess's Disney trip next week. Which I'm so excited for. And it was just really lovely getting to share my excitement with her.

She really is such an amazing friend and I'm so lucky that life brought us together.

We would finish eating and headed to the apartment. She said hello to Sweetp and we collected the boxes of frames and headed back to the house.

The sun was mostly down by the time we got there. We were both being very careful about the stairs. And I was super excited when my neighbor was outside!! Her name is Victoria! She was also using her windshield scraper to scrap the ice off the steps. I hope she is nice, she seems nice. She has a beautiful husky but I did not get its name yet. I hope we can be friends.

Callie would help bring in the frames but then she would be off. Big hugs and we said goodbye.

But I was not ready to be done. So I unpacked the frame boxes. And unpacked all of our magnets. I put most of them in the fridge and I even took the time to use our letters to put "welcome to James and Jesse's house" which made me feel really happy.

The paint can said I could do a second coat after two hours. So since I still had energy I did just that. I got very very hot and ended up taking my shirt off and taking the straps of my overalls down. And just painting topless. There's no windows in that bathroom so who cares. I put on music and painted until around 7. I will have to see tomorrow if it dries down nice but I think I did a good job. Hoping for very little crazy brush strokes anywhere. But I have plenty of paint for another coat if I need it.

I cleaned up and got redressed. And got ready to go. I love our new house and I'm just really happy.

I got home and was beat. My bruises were sore and I was very dirty. I got paint drips all over me and my phone. But it was fine. I took a bath. I washed my hair. And decided it was time to perm my lashes again.

It didn't go amazing but that's okay. The bath was really nice. And while I was doing my second eye James came home. The ravens won the game and James was in a good mood and we both rehashed our days and James reminded me we are going to dinner with their family tomorrow and that's just lovely. It will be nice to see them.

Now I am in bed. And I am hoping that I will sleep better tonight. And tomorrow I hope to move more things over and get some more work done. I am not to concerned though. I really think we are making great progress and Im really proud of us.

Sleep well everyone. I hope you are warm and home. Goodnight!!

[sofarepairsstuff]

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[samsinghhinwick]

Sam Singh Hinwick House

Hinwick House is a magnificent Georgian mansion located in the picturesque countryside of Northamptonshire, England. Built in the early 18th century, the property has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years, including an extensive refurbishment in the 21st century that transformed the interior spaces into a luxurious and modern retreat.

The interior design of Sam Singh Hinwick House blends contemporary and classic styles to create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the property's rich history while embracing modern comfort and functionality. The designer carefully selected furnishings, fabrics, and finishes that complement the architectural features of the house and create a harmonious and cohesive design scheme.

Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by a grand foyer that sets the tone for the rest of the interior spaces. The foyer features a soaring ceiling, intricate moldings, and a stunning crystal chandelier that adds a touch of glamour to the space. The designer chose a neutral color palette of whites, creams, and grays for the walls and floors to create a serene backdrop for the furnishings and art.

The main living areas of Hinwick House are designed for entertaining and relaxation, with ample seating areas and plenty of natural light. The drawing room is a highlight of the house, with its tall windows, ornate fireplace, and elegant furnishings. The designer chose a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces for the space, including a plush velvet sofa, a pair of classic armchairs, and a modern glass coffee table. The walls are adorned with a collection of artwork that adds color and texture to the space.

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In conclusion, the interior design of Hinwick House is a testament to the skill and creativity of the designer. With its blend of classic and contemporary styles, luxurious materials, and attention to detail, the house is a stunning example of modern luxury that celebrates the property's rich history and natural beauty. Whether relaxing in the elegant living spaces, enjoying a gourmet meal in the dining room, or unwinding in one of the luxurious

[losfayth]

Dan Heng was gone.

After all hell broke loose and they managed to get the situation under control, there was only confusion as the Stellaron Hunters were forced to retreat and the Xianzhou acted fast to restore order. He was left standing until he decided to start looking for a way to escape, to erase his tracks and find some other place to go to.

That is, until he heard people shouting at him. 'Dan Heng', they called. He didn't turn at first, and his pace quickened, trying to get away, until they caught up to him. A young woman and man who were out of breath stopped him as they began to question him, asking if he was okay, where he was going. He didn't know the answer to the latter. But he at least knew he was alive.

It was the unmistakable hurt in the young man's face that made him add a quiet 'thank you' after simply saying he was fine. They urged him to go back with them to the Express but he had no idea where that was. He figured he used to know them. That Dan Heng must have been close to them.

Would it be wrong if he went with them simply to have a more private place to explain it all? Only to shatter the hope in their eyes as soon as they learn what he knows...

He didn't linger on it too much, and ended up following them to a massive train waiting for them. He felt out of place as they sat him down on a plush sofa and a small creature dressed elegantly came up to them. It took some convincing to let them talk to him first before he had to answer to anyone else. But what was he supposed to say? He'd been hunted down and had managed to survive and save an old friend, but he couldn't put the burden of trying to protect him on Jing Yuan.

None of this was familiar. He could be on his way to another world, another life. But for now, he tried to breathe and focus on the present. The girl looked at him worriedly and the young man had a sad expression in his eyes. The golden color calmed him down a little.

"The truth is..." He bit his lip for a moment, unsure about what would happen next. "I am not the Dan Heng you know." He looked up at them only to find heartbreak in their eyes. He never wanted this to happen so why was he feeling so guilty?

A red haired woman and a man with glasses appeared and while he tensed up, they told him he could take his time and rest there, that it was safe. And for some reason, he trusted them enough to stay. Only that little critter, who might think he hadn't spotted it, and the young man remained.

In his confusion and unease, he hadn't been paying much attention, but there was this feeling about him... Another pang of guilt hit him. He really must have been close to Dan Heng. He turned his head to look at him and found those golden eyes looking intently into his own.

Not knowing what else to say, he recalled the girl calling his name softly, as if asking him to also come along and give him some time alone. But he had stayed. Soft, short gray hair, full eyebrows and a strong complexion for a slender, tall body. He was a very handsome man. What did Dan Heng think of him?

"Caelus, right?" He tried, unable to just ignore his persistent stare. The more he looked at him the more he seemed like a kicked puppy. What had he gotten himself into? After a pause, he forced himself to add a little more. "I'm sorry. This should not have happened." He should not have happened.

-

Starter for @havfayth♡