#Sunset Ridge Mysteries

[ckell55]

Book Review: Sunset Ridge Mysteries #2 - The Type-A Guide to Dinner Parties by Elizabeth Spann Craig

9/10 After solving a harrowing murder mystery soon after moving in, Samantha Prescott took some time to just breathe. Now she wants to slowly start getting back into things, and what better way than to throw a dinner party! Everything starts off on the wrong foot when one of her guests gets belligerent and starts insulting everybody else. But it gets even worse when that same guest ends up dead.…

[inthecityofgoodabode]

July 2023: More July

Mississippi kites on patrol for cicadas: 

Seen while walking: 

Backyard corn - The chunky corn on the left is Blue Ridge White Capped & the corn on the right is the mystery corn I found on the curb last Fall: 

The swallowtail caterpillars wore out our dill plants: 

They’ve moved on to the parsley plant next to it: 

Transplanted a volunteer tomato plant into an empty space in the backyard garden: 

While walking the dogs: 

[teshadraws]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Seekers of Soul

[Chapter 70]

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AO3 Link

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Nia, Tobias, Samir and Junie meet a few new faces--and one old acquaintance--in the village atop the mountains, and focus on recuperating before their search for Yveltal continues.

-

Nia feels dizzy with relief as they’re taken to the village. She tightens her arms around the neck of the lucario who’s carrying her, grateful that they’re doing most of the work of holding her and Junie up.

Junie is quiet where she’s nestled in the crook of Nia’s neck, surely just as exhausted as the rest of them, so Nia closes her eyes as the moonlit snow of the mountainside rushes by at an incredible speed, wind whistling against her ears with each impressive leap through the air. The lucario are beyond agile.

Lucario—Nia’s evolved form. She’s sure she’ll have a million questions for them once she doesn’t feel like a lump of a person anymore.

Could Nia make leaps like this one day, if she stayed in this world long enough to evolve? She’s pretty sure she could already manage the snowshoe technique they’re using with a little practice, and she’s weirdly proud that she thought of something similar during the avalanche, spiking her aura through her snowshoes to cling to the ice like cleats.

The lucario leap and bound silently, though, gracefully navigating the mountainside in a way that Nia knows she would struggle with. They move as a seamless group, like a school of fish, and Nia wonders if they’re using aura to communicate rather than words, or if they’re just that well-trained. She could probably use her own aura to find out, but she can tell her energy is low after holding back the avalanche.

Plus, some part of her suspects that would be rude. Like eavesdropping.

So Nia stays quiet and keeps her aura to herself, despite the way she can feel other auras brushing by hers on occasion, gone too fast for her to decipher what they’re feeling.

Time passes in a surreal blur, both endless and instant. Finally, Nia notices the lucario beneath her slowing down, and she lifts her head to see that they’re cresting a snowy ridge, light glowing from beyond its lip. And when they reach the top, Nia can see its source.

The village. It’s tucked away inside the shallow bowl of a valley, the slopes surrounding it too gentle for an avalanche to form. The buildings themselves are made from stone and wood, low to the ground with steeply pointed, snow-covered roofs. Thick ice crawls up the foundations of the buildings and hang as icicles from the edges of their roofs like delicate adornments, glistening with firelight from the torches outside nearly every home. Through the cracks in windows and doors, Nia can see more firelight beckoning with its golden glow.

Nia doesn’t think she’s ever seen a more inviting sight in her life. She’s so ready to be warm.

The lucario who rescued them cluster together as they enter the village proper, the leader striding forward with purpose and a destination clearly in mind.

Since night has already fallen, it seems like most of the villagers are already tucked away inside their homes, but there are still a couple of Pokemon out and about, nearly all of them species Nia hasn’t seen before. Ice types, most likely.

There’s a giant polar bear with icicles growing on his face like a beard, a basket full of some kind of vegetable or root sitting on his hip. A tiny blue and white bear cub with a dripping nose toddles after him.

A large white yeti Pokemon with an afro-like snowball atop his head pushes a sleigh of crates across the snow with his powerful arms. He passes by them with a quiet word of greeting to the lucario and a wary glance at Nia and the others.

A pale blue dinosaur Pokemon with a build similar to Maggie and a lovely sunset-toned frill atop her head watches them curiously from her house’s window.

Nia can’t manage more than a tired smile when she meets each of their gazes, but they don’t seem all that excited to see strangers. Fidel did say they’d be seen as outsiders, so it makes sense that they wouldn’t have a warm reception, even if some part of Nia can’t help feeling a bit hurt when they don’t return her friendliness. She tries not to take it personally.

“The Matriarch will want to speak with you right away,” the lead lucario says, catching Nia’s attention. It’s clear from how he says it that it’s an order, and not an offer.

“What about Fidel and Samir?” Nia asks, looking back at the zoroark’s limp form being carried between two of the lucario. “They’re both hurt.”

The lead lucario glances over his shoulder at Fidel, then looks forward again. Wordlessly, the two lucario carrying Fidel peel off to take the zoroark elsewhere.

“Hey!” Tobias barks. “Where are they—"

“The healer. Is your injury urgent, Skiddo?”

Nia glances back again to see Samir shake their head no, which Nia knows better than to fight against even if they really should get their leg looked at sooner rather than later.

Nia wishes they could rest before having to explain everything, but the lucario ahead of them is all business and strides through the small village at a quick pace, his tall ears pricked. She doesn’t think he’d agree to dropping them off somewhere for food and sleep before accomplishing what he has set out to do.

Luckily, it’s only a couple of minutes before Nia sees their destination. It’s a building larger than the others, and the ice at its base is much taller than the other clusters in the village, surrounding the structure like a fancy crystalline frame. A small set of stairs leads up to thick wooden doors, and the lead lucario opens them without hesitation, the others following him inside.

The lead lucario guides them down a surprisingly ornate front hall decorated with rugs on the floor, tapestries along the walls, and shelves and side tables displaying beautiful stones and gems. It’s dim, the wooden interior warm but not well-lit, and Nia barely has a chance to look around before they’re reaching the end of the hall and turning to enter a smaller room.

The new space is surprisingly cozy, almost like a den. It’s dim, lit by the flicker of a fireplace, but it’s just as well decorated as the front hall. Tapestries cover the walls in geometric patterns and abstract depictions of Pokemon, mountains, and plants. More stones and gems sit atop shelves and bookcases, glinting in the firelight. And in front of the fireplace, sitting atop a plush rug, are two tall chairs.

The lead lucario guides their group around the chairs, the pack gently setting them down onto their own shaky feet. Nia shudders as the heat of the fire hits her back; the warmth is both incredibly welcome and somehow too hot after being exposed to the frigid air outside. She watches over Samir’s head as most of the lucario exit the room, save for the leader who guided them here.

A new Pokemon catches Nia’s attention next, sitting in front of them in one of the high-backed chairs. She’s sipping from a stone mug with her eyes closed, but Nia’s gut swoops with surprise and lingering guilt as she realizes the Pokemon looks like Ezra. She has a similar shade of sleek, dark blue fur and a gleam of gold at her forehead. And around her mug, the impressive claws of Ezra’s evolutionary line are curled. The only differences are that she’s larger than Nia’s friend, and her striking red ears are held much lower beneath a tall, proud crown of feathers. Maybe she’s the sneasel line’s evolution?

The second thing Nia notices are the barely visible streaks of gray around her face, marking her age. A thin, patterned shawl also rests around her shoulders. She must be on the older side, but there’s something about the confident, leisurely way she holds herself that makes Nia feel like she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

“Matriarch,” the lead lucario says, bowing respectfully.

Nia hurries to bow as well, clamping a hand over Junie when the bird nearly falls off her shoulder.

“Soren,” the Matriarch says in return, voice wry. She opens sharp, cat-like eyes to look over Nia and the others. “So you’re the mites that set off the avalanche? You and that zoroark.”

The lucario, Soren, answers for them with a nod. He must’ve used his aura to let her know that ahead of time.

“Interesting that there’s a riolu among you,” the Matriarch comments, looking at Nia with idle curiosity. “It’s rare for riolu to separate from the packs, isn’t it?”

Nia exchanges an uncertain look with Tobias and Samir. What does she say to that?

“She’s human,” Soren answers, his tone unreadable.

Nia’s head whips over to stare at him. Soren stares back with piercing blue eyes.

There’s no way he should know that, so…he must’ve picked that up from her aura, even if Nia’s never noticed much of a difference between a Pokemon’s aura and a human’s aura. But she knows he’s been paying careful attention to hers ever since they met. Even now, she can feel his energy—a deep, almost royal blue color—brushing near hers, not quite looking at her feelings or thoughts but almost…encircling her. Guarding her aura and preparing to counter if she uses it in some way.

She doesn’t like the claustrophobic feeling.

Nia swallows down a note of fear. Okay, so they know she’s human. They still rescued them and brought them to the village, so even if Soren’s guarded stare isn’t her favorite thing in the world, they aren’t immediately freaking out about her humanity.

The Matriarch sips at her drink, watching. Waiting.

“I-I am human,” Nia admits. “My name is Nia. These are my friends—my teammates. Tobias, Samir, and Junie.” She gestures to each of them in turn. “The zoroark is our friend Fidel.”

The Matriarch glances at Soren, then back to them. “You four seem relatively unscathed for how injured the zoroark is.”

Nia winces, fresh guilt clogging her throat. “I used my aura to protect us, but Fidel was scouting ahead. I…I couldn’t reach him in time.”

The aura surrounding Nia’s tightens for a moment. Nia feels a flicker of Soren’s emotions.

Suspicion. Unease.

Just as quickly as they arrived, the emotions distance themselves.

“You held back the avalanche by yourself?” The Matriarch asks, tone neutral.

Nia nods.

Soren continues to stare at Nia, frowning. “You also knew that we were approaching you on the mountainside. And what our intentions were.”

Nia frowns back at him. Should…she not have been able to do that? “Yes..? I felt your aura searching for ours. That you were looking for survivors to bring back to the village.”

The lucario doesn’t respond, though the furrow in his brow deepens slightly.

“I suppose the next question is why you were trying to climb the mountain in the first place,” the Matriarch says, finishing her drink and setting it onto the side table with a quiet clunk of stone on wood. “Not many venture this way, and for good reason. You would’ve been dead by morning without the pack’s goodwill.”

Nia swallows, nodding. “W-We know.” She glances at Soren. “Thank you again.”

Soren doesn’t respond.

Beside her, Tobias steps forward. “We were sent here on a mission by Augustus, the Lexym guildmaster.”

The Matriarch straightens in her seat, clearly recognizing the name of the rillaboom.

“We’re looking into the world’s instability and suspect we might know the cause of it,” Tobias continues. “And we’re trying to figure out how to fix it before it’s too late.”

The Matriarch hums. “Is that so? A noble aim. And what could the mountain offer you in such an endeavor?”

Tobias glances at Nia and Samir. Nia nods.

“We want to explore the mountains to see if we can find evidence of Yveltal sleeping nearby.”

Though the Matriarch and lucario don’t visibly react, something in the air—in their aura—grows heavy. Cautious.

“We’re actually trying to find Xerneas,” Nia clarifies, a little frantic. “But we thought since they usually sleep so close to each other, we could narrow down the search if we could confirm Yveltal’s resting place first.”

“Yveltal’s location has been lost to time,” the Matriarch says. The light of the fire flickers across her face, giving her an eerie look. “What leads your search here?”

“The barren landscape, for one,” Tobias says.

“A-And the crystals,” Nia adds. Soren and the Matriarch lock their gazes onto her. “We ran into a researcher on a mission a couple weeks back, and he said he was coming here to investigate some strange crystal formations. Carnelian the sableye?”

The Matriarch sits back, her eyes narrowing. Quietly, almost too low to hear, she says something to Soren. For a moment, Nia thinks she’s just too tired to understand the jumble of words, until Soren answers back with something equally incomprehensible.

Oh. That’s…a different language. It’s a consonant-heavy tongue, and some of the sounds are entirely unfamiliar to Nia, throaty as they are. Nia thought that whatever allowed her to understand and speak Ordirune—the most common language in this world—just translated all languages, but apparently not. Nia glances at Junie, still perched on her shoulder, but the rookidee looks just as lost as Nia feels. Tobias and Samir seem equally out of the loop, their shoulders tense and brows furrowed.

Huh. She’d put the whole language translation thing on the backburner, but this makes her curious again. If there are multiple languages in this world, then doesn’t that mean Nia should still be able to speak plain English? Or…will her tongue always twist it into Ordirune?

She hopes not. Something about losing her native language entirely makes her feel…sad.

Finally, the Matriarch turns back to them. “If Augustus sent you, then he surely sent a letter to vouch for you, yes?”

“He did,” Tobias confirms, grimacing. “But we lost our pack in the avalanche. Our items were wiped.”

The Matriarch sighs, rubbing at her forehead with her knuckles. “Of course. In that case, I will need to have Soren check your aura.”

Tobias and Samir both lean away, visibly uncomfortable.

“Why?” Junie asks, suspicious.

“To verify that you’re honest about your intentions,” the Matriarch explains. “If we have any knowledge regarding Yveltal, I will not risk that kind of power falling into the wrong hands.”

Nia supposes that makes sense, but…

She glances again at Tobias and Samir and their tense postures. They clearly hate the idea of a stranger they don’t trust reading their aura.

“Could you just check mine?” Nia asks, taking a step closer to Soren. “Tobias and Samir are private people.”

“You can check mine too!” Junie chirps.

Tobias starts to protest behind them, but apparently thinks better of it as he falls silent.

“Will that work?” Nia asks.

Soren seems unhappy with the compromise, but maybe that’s just how his face always looks because he only hesitates for a moment before nodding. Then, he closes his eyes and holds out a paw in front of Nia and Junie.

And then, all at once, the aura that had been skimming around Nia's engulfs her. It's heavy, and it doesn’t hesitate before carding through her aura with purpose, digging between her ribs and pulling at her soul like taffy as it searches for something in particular.

It feels so…intrusive. Nia desperately hopes this isn’t what it’s like when she reads someone’s aura. She always tries to be gentle when she does it, turning their soul over in her hands like a delicate turtleshell to read the patterns and scars on its surface.

Soren’s aura feels like a pat down, like someone physically digging their fingers through her brain, clinically pulling away her thoughts layer by layer without care. It doesn’t hurt, per se, but it does feel deeply uncomfortable.

“Stop!”

Soren homes in on a particular chain of emotions, pulling at them to read the train of thought attached. A moment later, she realizes it’s about their mission. She glimpses the vague storm of feelings attached to the memories: the desperation, hope, and fear of learning about this world’s destruction and all that would come with it. And following that, their desperate plan to fix it and Nia’s burning desire to succeed. Her hope to save everyone in this world and her own.

“I said stop!”

Tobias?

Suddenly, blessedly, Soren’s aura retreats. It feels like fighting her way out of twisted, too-hot blankets. Like a gasp of fresh, cool air.

Nia’s legs nearly give out as she comes back to herself. Tobias’ arm is looped around her back as a steadying heat, though, and Samir is pressed close on her other side, the two of them the only things keeping her from collapsing into a heap of shaky limbs. Junie trembles against Nia’s neck.

“What were you doing to them?” Tobias snarls. “I’ve seen Nia do that with a hundred ‘mon and they’ve never looked like that!”

Soren’s blue eyes focus on Nia, narrowing. “You have read others’ aura?”

Nia nods, rubbing her hands over her arms and giving herself a shake.

“She’s done it with me and it never felt like that,” Junie snaps, making them all look at her. She’s glaring up at Soren despite the way she shakes. “Dude, I-I don’t even understand what you just did, but even I can tell it was super rude!”

The Matriarch snorts. “Soren, it seems your bedside manner continues to lack.”

“It was the most efficient method of verifying their claims,” Soren protests.

“Well maybe don’t pick the most efficient method if it’s going to suck!” Junie yells.

“Did you at least find an answer?” the Matriarch asks.

“I did,” Soren confirms. “They’re telling the truth.”

The Matriarch nods, satisfied. Then she looks back to them. “In that case, I apologize for the cold welcome you’ve received so far. We’re always wary of outsiders, but particularly when they come asking after such dangerous information.”

Tobias doesn’t respond, looking too riled up to answer politely. Nia doesn’t either, still trying to steady her own voice.

“In all truth,” the Matriarch continues, crossing her legs and folding her clawed hands atop her lap. “We summoned Carnelian here to research the crystals for a similar reason. While we weren’t hoping to find Xerneas, we have been concerned by the Silen mountains’ increasing instability. Although we’re aware that the issue is much more widespread than our little corner of the sky, I wanted to be sure that Yveltal’s presence wasn’t contributing in some way.”

“T-The mountains’ instability?” Nia echoes. “Like…the avalanches?”

The Matriarch nods. “The weather has been slowly growing more and more unpredictable each year, changing centuries-old patterns and creating volatile conditions. Storms and deadly winds are more common than ever, and our winters are harsher. And while the village itself has not been claimed by any, thankfully, a mystery dungeon formed on the next mountain over just last month.”

“And you already knew that Yveltal slept here, in the mountains,” Tobias guesses, brow furrowed and voice suspicious.

“We have records stating as much,” the Matriarch admits. “But we never sought him out. Intruding on a legend’s domain without reason is just asking for trouble. But when we noticed strange, unknown crystals growing on the mountainside…”

“You thought it best to look into them, just in case,” Nia finishes.

The Matriarch nods. “I wanted to know where exactly Yveltal slept, and if his proximity has been harming the village. Expediting the disasters. Carnelian was called in to verify that the crystals are indeed connected to Yveltal, and to track them to their source.”

“So have you already confirmed that they’re from Yveltal’s cocoon?” Tobias asks.

The Matriarch shakes her head. “Not yet. Carnelian believes we’re close, and has good reason to believe they are indeed from Yveltal, but we haven’t found his resting place.”

“Still, it sounds like we’re after the same thing, right?” Nia says. “If Carnelian can lead us to the crystals and we can confirm that Yveltal is actually here, that narrows down the locations where Xerneas could be sleeping.”

“And you believe Xerneas will be able to fix the world’s disruption,” the Matriarch says.

Nia winces. “W-Well…it’s more a hope than anything certain, but...”

“The dimensional border around our world is weakening,” Tobias says. “And soon it’s going to break entirely. We’re hoping that if we can find Xerneas, she can use her life energy to fill the gap and keep the barrier intact.”

There’s a long moment of silence where both Soren and the Matriarch take that in, looking thoughtful but not particularly surprised.

Finally, Soren speaks up. “Our pack has known for years that this was an issue involving the world’s aura, but where did you get such information?”

“Giratina,” Nia admits, cringing when both Soren and the Matriarch look at her in surprise. “It’s…sort of a long story.”

Soren huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. The spikes on the back of his paws catch Nia’s eye. “And even Giratina believes Xerneas will fix this?”

“You don’t think she can?” Tobias challenges.

“You should be more preoccupied with whether or not Xerneas will want to.”

A tense moment of quiet follows, the crackle of the fire the only sound in the room.

“What do you mean?” Nia asks.

“Xerneas and Yveltal are the gods of creation and destruction,” Soren says. “The cycle of life and death. If this is meant to be how the world ends, then Xerneas will likely not stop it from happening.”

Nia’s stomach churns. “W-What? But…if she can fix it, why wouldn’t she?”

“It’s not her role,” Soren says simply. “Her duty is to rebuild once the destruction has already passed. Not to prevent it from occurring at all. If there were no winter, there would be no spring, after all.”

Nia shakes her head. No, that can’t be true. Right now, Xerneas is their only hope. If fixing the border is impossible, then…then this whole world and everyone in it will die. And so will the human world.

“And how do you know that for sure?” Tobias growls.

“Because Xerneas is the god of creation,” Soren says. “The guardian of life energy—of aura. We lucario are her most devout followers. We follow her guidance our entire lives.”

Another long pause. Nia feels panic slowly rising in her chest.

“S-So what does that mean for us?” Junie asks. “This was the only idea we had, right?”

Soren doesn’t answer, looking calmly resigned to such a fate.

The Matriarch, however, scoffs. “For such a stubborn bunch, you lucario are so weak-willed. I, for one, am not letting my village die without a fight.”

Nia looks at the older Pokemon in surprise.

Soren sighs. “Matriarch, you know as well as I do that finding and waking Xerneas is a long shot on its own, but convincing her to stop the cycle of life and death is simply a fool’s errand.”

“Ha!” The Matriarch bares her sharp teeth at Soren, the expression feeling more like a challenge than a smile. “Then consider me a fool, pup. You and your father might believe in following the will of the world, but I do not.”

“Then…you’re on our side?” Nia asks, quiet.

The Matriarch looks at Nia with a gleam in her eyes. “Thankfully, while the pack is not under my control, neither am I under theirs. So consider my village an ally in this wild legend hunt of yours. August always was one for crazy ideas.”

Hope lifts once more in Nia’s chest. “So you think we can do it? Fix the barrier?”

“Won’t know until we try,” the Matriarch says with a shrug. “And it’s better to die fighting than to roll over and guide death’s foot right to your throat.”

Soren makes a derisive sound from his spot off to the side, clearly disagreeing with the sentiment.

Nia is sticking firmly with the Matriarch on this one. Nia doesn’t care if Xerneas thinks this is the natural order of things, or if a new world would be born from the ashes of this one’s destruction. This is her world. Her people. This world and the human one both. She won’t let them go without a fight.

“So the plan remains unchanged, then,” Tobias says, glancing between Nia, Samir, and Junie.

Nia takes a breath and nods. “We find Yveltal to confirm his presence, then use his location to find Xerneas and ask her to reinforce the barrier.”

“And if she refuses?” Soren asks. His tone is neutral, but only just.

“Then we cross that bridge when we get to it,” Nia says, voice a bit sharper than necessary.

“Three cheers for winging it!” Junie says, pumping a wing from her spot on Nia’s shoulder.

Tobias snorts.

Samir looks just as solemn as they usually do when the topic of their mission comes up, but thankfully the skiddo doesn’t seem to have been shaken from their resolve at all. Their front leg, however, is still being held delicately above the rug.

Right. Samir’s injured, Fidel is unconscious somewhere, and between exhaustion, stress, and hunger, Nia feels moments away from withering away into a pile of dust. Right on cue, her stomach growls, loudly. She groans and covers her face with her hands, embarrassed.

“Sounds like you’re more than ready for food and rest,” the Matriarch says, clearly amused. “We can move forward with the search tomorrow morning. Have Eira take a look at your injuries, and then rest up. You should all be able to fit comfortably in the guest lodgings with your old acquaintance.”

Old acquaintance?

A timid knock comes from the doorway, and Nia turns to the newcomer. She perks up when she sees a familiar little ghost Pokemon, his translucent purple body nearly lost to the darkness if not for his diamond eyes glinting in the firelight.

“Carnelian!”

The sableye looks shy but pleased by Nia’s excited greeting, returning her wave across the room.

“Enter, Carnelian,” the Matriarch says.

The sableye skitters over to join them, smiling with sharp teeth. If Nia had seen such a face in the human world she probably would’ve had nightmares about it, but here and now she finds it strangely endearing.

“It’s so good to see you!” Nia says, feeling her tail wagging behind her. She has to fight off the urge to hug the nervous little ghost.

“I-It’s good to see you too,” Carnelian says. He looks between Nia and Tobias, then quickly averts his eyes from Samir and Junie’s curious gazes. “I-I was shocked when Cobalt sent word that you were here!”

Cobalt? Maybe one of the other lucario.

“Are you all right sharing the guest house with me during your stay?” Carnelian asks. “I-It’s the only one in the village since they usually never have visitors, but I-I wasn’t expecting anyone so I did have quite a few of my books shipped over, which in hindsight feels rude but—”

“Books?!” Nia interrupts, ears pricking.

“Oh, now you’ve done it,” Tobias says.

Junie laughs. “Just try keeping this nerd out of your place now!”

Carnelian lights up. “Oh! Well, I-I’m happy to share!”

That is music to Nia’s ears. While they’re sure to be busy while they’re here and Nia still has plenty of books to read at the guild, she’s excited to see what the sableye has on hand.

“Go on, then,” the Matriarch says, catching their attention. She waves them out with a clawed hand. “Tomorrow morning, you’ll join Carnelian, Nouf, and Soren bright and early in the search for Yveltal.”

Soren is helping? Nia looks at the lucario, surprised.

In turn, the lucario scowls at the Matriarch with more expression than Nia has seen from him all night. “With all due respect, Matriarch, I never agreed to help.”

“Ah, but I have ways of getting your father on my side,” the Matriarch says, winking at Nia and the others. “Preparing the young leader-in-training to socialize properly with outsiders is a valuable skill, wouldn’t you say?”

Leader in training? So Soren isn’t the leader of the lucario pack, but the son of the leader? Nia supposes that does explain his stoic but deferring demeanor in the Matriarch’s presence. Even now, the lucario is visibly reigning in his irritation, jaw clenching and eyes closing for a moment before he regains his calm countenance.

“We shall see.”

“That we shall. Carnelian, if you would?”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

The sableye leads Nia and the others out of the room and down the hall, back outside and into the frigid bite of mountain air. Nia shivers and steps closer to Tobias to leech some of his meager warmth, keeping an eye on Samir on her other side. The skiddo is still limping, carefully navigating the icy ground so they don’t slip and fall.

Carnelian is surprisingly chatty as he leads them across town, clearly familiar with the place after a couple weeks of living here. He points out the purpose of each building they pass, from the market to the town storage to the homes of individual civilians.

Nia feels a little bad interrupting him, but she can’t help asking, “Carnelian, you don’t happen to know how Fidel is doing, do you? The zoroark that showed up with us?”

“O-Oh! Yes, Eira was checking him over when I left,” Carnelian says. “I don’t think she was too worried about him. She starts frosting over her workspace when she’s really stressed, and when I left, everything was still ice-free! In fact, I-I think she wanted to move him into the guest quarters to have somewhere warm to recover, so he might even be there already when we arrive.”

Oh, that would be lovely. While Nia’s just relieved to hear that Fidel is in good hands, she’ll feel much better once she sees him again for herself.

Thankfully, they reach Carnelian’s house—or, more accurately, the guest lodgings—soon thereafter. It’s a cozy triangle of a building, similar to the other houses they’ve passed, with warmth spilling through shuttered windows and painting the snow around its base with golden light and blue shadows.

Carnelian pulls open the front door and leads them inside, and Nia’s eyes immediately find Fidel’s bright red mane of hair. The zoroark is curled up beneath a pile of thick blankets, bandages peeking out from under his fur. The quilted lump of his body rises and falls with steady breaths.

Thank goodness.

At his side, an unfamiliar Pokemon is placing medical supplies back into a sturdy woven bag, though she pauses to look up as they enter. She’s very clearly an ice type, mostly white with light blue accents and two shards of ice atop her head. However, she also comes across as very feminine—almost like she’s wearing a kimono. Her arms flare out around her wrists like long sleeves, and a red sash-like piece circles her middle before arcing out behind her like a bow. She floats a few inches off the ground, no legs beneath her, and her face almost reminds Nia of a skull, the skin beneath her eyeholes and jaw a frostbitten purple. Her eyes are just as blue as Soren’s, striking a balance between beautiful and haunting.

Her expression warms as she sees them, though. “Welcome back. These are the rest of our guests, I assume?”

“Yes!” Carnelian moves to stand at the healer’s side, presenting the much larger Pokemon in an unusually confident gesture. “This is Eira! The best healer in the mountains.”

Eira gives him a playful nudge. “I’m the only healer in these mountains, you sly spirit.” Then she floats forward and bows to them. “It’s nice to meet you all. I assume the Matriarch let you know that I would be attending to your medical needs?”

“Yes!” Nia bows in return. “Thank you so much for taking care of Fidel.”

“Of course! Go ahead and take a seat, and I’ll check on the rest of you one by one.”

Nia takes a look around as they step inside the building, amused by what she finds. While the walls are a warm wooden brown, and a patterned rug spreads over most of the floor, any décor, is hidden behind towers of books and loose-leaf paper. Tabletops are similarly covered by piles of stones and gems.

Carnelian has certainly made himself at home here, huh?

Their spare bed, luckily, is already set up on the floor next to Fidel, close to the fireplace set into the wall. Nia groans with relief as she flops into it, spreading out and stretching her sore, cold muscles in the warmth of the fire. Junie does the same with a happy sigh, and Tobias and Samir follow shortly after, the four of them piling together on the makeshift cot like puzzle pieces as their bodies are finally allowed to rest.

This is heaven.

“Carnelian, why don’t you grab them some food?” Eira says, more of an order than a suggestion even with her light, almost tinkling voice.

“O-Oh! Of course, you all must be starving!” Carnelian hurries out of the house, and Nia blinks after him, surprised yet again by his eagerness.

“Excuse my cousin’s excitement,” Eira says, floating over to them with her medical supplies in tow. “He doesn’t often feel comfortable with strangers, but he told me all about Team Scarlet when he first arrived the other week. He’s thrilled to see you again.”

Nia flushes beneath her fur as she sits up. “We didn’t do that much for him, really! We were just doing our job.”

“Mm.” Eira looks at Nia fondly. “Yes, I imagined you’d say something like that. Well, just know that you have my thanks, regardless.”

“You’re his cousin?” Junie interrupts, looking curiously between Eira and the door where Carnelian had disappeared.

“I am!” Eira says, looking proud as she starts pulling out medical supplies. Bandages, herbs and little jars of ointment become organized piles on the floor. “When the Matriarch mentioned the crystals and their possible importance, I knew Carnelian would be up for the task. He’s very sharp, you know.”

“I can’t wait to see him in action!” Nia says.

Eira hums her agreement, glancing over their group with an expert eye before settling next to Samir and gesturing for them to extend their injured leg. The skiddo looks annoyed, but silently does as asked. Eira hums and feels around their leg, all the way from the lump of their knee down to their hoof, noting when they tense up and asking where it hurts most.

Nia looks away since Samir seems strangely embarrassed about the injury. As she soaks up the heat of the fire and pets Junie’s soft feathers, her eyes catch instead on Tobias. The charmander is scratching at his neck with an irritable expression.

“You okay?” she asks.

Tobias jumps, his face flushing. “Yeah. Yeah, just, uh. An itch.”

Nia frowns, tilting her head. “You sure? I thought I saw you scratching at your neck when we were climbing, too.”

Tobias averts his eyes, looking disgruntled. “’S fine. Just some old injuries acting up in the cold.”

“Oh. Maybe Eira has something for that?”

Tobias shrugs. Then, he looks back at Nia. “Are you okay? After whatever that lucario jerk did earlier?”

Nia blinks. She recognizes the deflection for what it is, but she’s also surprised Tobias is still thinking about that. “O-Oh. Yeah. I mean, it wasn’t great, but it’s not like it hurt or anything?”

“It was super creepy is what it was!” Junie says, sitting up from where she’d been sprawled across the blankets like a bird splatted against a window. Her feathers puff out as her anger reignites. “I thought it’d feel like when Nia reads my aura but it felt like the dude was rifling through my pockets or something! Except it was my head or my soul or whatever, which made it ten times worse! Talk about an invasion of privacy.”

Tobias’ eyes darken and he glances at the door, as if debating whether or not to march back outside and find the lucario to chew him out properly.

Nia lays a hand on his arm to keep him in place. “Yeah, it, um…felt a lot more intrusive than I would’ve liked. Junie, you said it doesn’t feel like that when I read your aura, right?”

Junie looks up at Nia, surprised. “What? No, definitely not! When you do it it’s all warm and stuff! Like…I’m your little guinea pig and you’re giving me a nice bath or something.”

Nia snorts a laugh, caught off-guard by the comparison. “Like what?”

“You know what I mean! It's like...how little animals get nervous about people handling ‘em, and you need to reassure them and be gentle and stuff so you don’t stress ‘em out, right? When he was doing the aura stuff, it was kind of…scary? I could feel how easily he pried my thoughts open, and he didn’t really care that I was nervous. But with you, you’re always super soft and stuff and you don’t pry like that, so I always feel safe!”

Oh. Nia doesn’t think she realized she was actually worried about this until Junie immediately laid her fears to rest. Hot tears prick at her eyes.

“Aww, c’mon, don’t get all weepy on me! Your little guinea pig doesn’t know how to deal with that!”

Nia barks another laugh. “Stop saying that!”

“She’s right,” Tobias says, catching Nia’s attention. His eyes are low, something in his posture a little upset. “I was nervous when you read my aura, but it wasn’t bad at all with you. I’m sorry he didn’t treat you two the same way.”

Fresh tears spring to Nia’s eyes. “Tobias!”

“Stop, you’re making her cry more! One guinea pig can only handle so many tears!”

Their delirious conversation continues until Eira gives Samir the all-clear. The skiddo’s leg is bandaged from the top of their hoof up to their knee, a chunk of ice tied to both joints. Their entire leg is also elevated on a pillow, and they look down at the setup with a disgruntled expression.

Nia’s happy mood dampens.

“All right,” Eira says with a little clap. “Other than that sprain, you should be good to go, Skiddo. No walking for you tomorrow, but you should be clear for the day after.”

Samir looks away with their ears low, not answering.

“Hey, that’s not too bad!” Junie calls, trying to cheer Samir up. “C’mon, we’re weak to ice types, dude. We’re lucky we even made it up here at all!”

Samir huffs, still not looking at any of them. Nia’s brow furrows.

Eira floats over to Tobias next. “Tobias, right? Let’s give you a look next.”

Tobias sighs but doesn’t argue, removing his winter gear and letting the ice type look him over. He is pretty beat up, bloody scratches and blossoming bruises littering his skin. Luckily, they all seem pretty minor, at least to Nia’s untrained eye.

Junie flutters around the charmander, chirping about how he’s going to look like a chameleon with all those colorful bruises, and Nia takes the opportunity to scoot over to Samir, who’s still glaring down at their bandaged leg.

“Hey,” Nia murmurs. “You okay?”

Samir doesn’t meet her eye, but they do nod.

Nia doesn’t believe them.

For a long moment, Nia worries at her lip, working up her courage. “Hey, Samir? I wanted to apologize.”

Samir finally looks up, visibly confused.

“About what I said on the mountain, after the avalanche,” Nia explains, shame squirming in her gut. She looks down, picking at the melting snow encrusted onto the bottom of her coat. “And during the avalanche too, I guess.”

Samir stares, still not getting it.

“I didn’t listen to you. Or, well, I almost didn’t. About letting Fidel go. I knew it was too dangerous to let my shield drop, but I just thought if I could grab him, I could—” Nia cuts herself off, taking a breath. “You were right. And I’m sorry that I argued with you. And then yelled at you afterwards. I was really worried about Fidel, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you when you were just trying to keep us safe.”

Samir doesn’t respond. After a few beats of silence, Nia peeks up at them.

The skiddo seems flabbergasted, blinking at her and her hunched, contrite posture. Finally, shakily, they whistle a quiet low-to-high response: Okay. It’s okay. They still seem like they’re trying to wrap their head around her apology.

Nia breathes a sigh of relief as one of the many, many weights on her shoulders melts away.

“Thank you. I just wanted to say that right away, especially since we’ll be separated most of the day tomorrow,” Nia says.

The skiddo’s glare returns as they focus back on their injured leg. They narrow their eyes, then glance at Eira, who is smearing some kind of salve on Tobias’ cuts and bruises and bandaging up the worst of them. Then Samir’s eyes flick to the door.

Oh no. Nia recognizes that look.

“Samir,” Nia warns in a low voice, leaning closer. “I saw that. You are not sneaking out to join us tomorrow.”

Samir huffs and shakes their head, stamping their other foreleg ineffectually against the blankets as they meet Nia’s gaze. No, they whistle.

“Samir, you have to rest! What if you hurt your leg more by walking on it too soon?”

Samir is shaking their head fervently before she’s even done talking. They meet her eyes, whistling again. No.

Nia stares at them, trying to understand why they’re suddenly so stubborn about this. They did this on the mountainside too, when they were freshly injured and trying to hobble down to help unbury Fidel despite Nia and Tobias telling the skiddo to stay put.

For someone so serious about Nia and Tobias playing it safe, they aren’t very safe with themself, are they? It’s like Samir thinks they’re playing by different rules, like they don’t get to rest just because they’re hurt. Like something terrible will happen if they do.

And then it clicks.

Nia feels her heart drop. She stares at the desperate shine in Samir’s eyes, at the way their mouth trembles the slightest bit.

Samir’s old partner abandoned them when they got hurt, right? So who’s to say that Nia and Tobias won’t do the same?

Nia hesitates, but then reaches out to cup Samir’s face in her hands. The skiddo jolts a bit, surprised, but doesn’t pull away. “Samir, you know you’re allowed to rest when you’re hurt, right?”

Samir’s eyes widen, something like fear crossing their face. They tug weakly against her hold.

Nia tightens her grip. “Samir, we want you to rest. It’s fine if you sit out tomorrow.”

Samir shakes their head, closing their eyes tight.

Nia tries to put all the conviction she can into her voice. “We aren’t going to leave you behind or think you’re a bad partner or something just because you got hurt, all right?”

Samir slowly stops fighting, cracking their eyes open again to search Nia’s face.

“We’re not your old teammate, Samir. When you’re ready to go again, we’ll still be here, okay? But until you’re better, just…please rest. We don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

Samir’s expression crumbles. They yank their head free of her hold and dip their head to hide their face.

Nia silently panics, hands reaching. Was that the right thing to say? Did she make it better or worse? What does she do now? Scoot closer or leave them be?

Before she can decide, Samir gently buries their face in her lap, careful not to prod her with their horns. They’re shaking.

Oh.

Nia quietly turns her body to hide the skiddo from the others’ view, stroking a hand down the back of their head and through the surprisingly soft mane of their leaves as Samir shudders.

“You’re our teammate, Samir,” Nia murmurs. “And more importantly, our friend. You don’t have to prove yourself every moment of every day, okay? Especially if it’s going to hurt you. We don’t want that. Okay?”

Samir sniffles, but finally nods against Nia’s stomach. She smiles, relieved.

By the time Eira deems Tobias’ inspection finished, Samir has pulled themself together again, wiping at their face with their good foreleg. They look mortified by their little breakdown, avoiding Nia’s gaze, so she just gives them one more gentle smile before shuffling back to Tobias and Junie.

Tobias is covered in small bandages and shiny poultices, his expression resigned. Junie is making fun of the charmander even as Eira checks her over, gently extending her small wings and feeling for any breaks or strains.

Luckily, Junie is cleared with no injuries, and then it’s Nia’s turn. She dutifully takes off her own winter gear and follows Eira’s instructions as the ice type looks her over, gently squeezing and feeling along her limbs and shoulders.

As Nia answers Eira’s questions, she spots Tobias once more scratching at his neck, annoyed expression twitching into something painful before he pulls his claws away.

Nia frowns. She doesn’t know why Tobias doesn’t want Eira to see whatever scars he has perpetually hidden beneath his scarf, but…

She looks over her shoulder, to where Eira is finishing up. “Hey, Eira?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you have anything for…old wounds? Uh, like when they act up in the cold?”

“For scars, you mean?” Eira asks, coming back around to face Nia with a curious expression.

“Um,” Nia looks over Eira’s shoulder, at her partner, and back. “I think so.”

Eira follows her gaze, making a quiet “Ah” of realization. Then she nods and digs into her bag, handing a jar of salve over to Nia. “Here—advise him to put it on once in the morning, any time during the day when the itching is bothering him, and once at night before bed, all right? Don’t be afraid to really pile it on. It should help moisturize and soothe the irritation, and it has a nip of a numbing agent, too.”

Nia takes the jar gratefully, cradling it in her hands. “Thank you so much.”

“Just doing my job,” Eira says, echoing Nia’s earlier words with a smile.

Just as they’re finishing their last checkup, Carnelian finally returns with food in tow.

“S-Sorry for the wait!” the sableye says, gently kicking the door open and shuffling inside with two bowls in hand. Soup? Whatever it is, it’s steaming hot, and Nia’s stomach rumbles as she takes a deep sniff of the air. “I had to get an extra pair of wings to help me bring them over.”

Behind Carnelian, a fluffy, red and white penguin-like Pokemon waddles in. He’s holding two more bowls of soup, one notably smaller than the rest for Junie’s tiny stomach. “Hey, Eira! Got some hungry bellies in here?”

Eira smiles at the newcomer. “That we do. Thank you for your help, Nico.”

Nico smiles back, and he and Carnelian quickly pass out the four bowls of soup. The food smells wonderful, hearty and well-spiced and loaded with some kind of vegetables. Or maybe roots?

Whatever the ingredients are, the dish has Nia drooling.

They quickly tuck in with a word of thanks, and Nia practically inhales her food, savoring the hot, salty broth, the soft potato-like vegetables and withered greens, and the slice of bread that Nico pulled out—from his tail?—and handed to them once they were settled.

If Nia weren’t so focused on devouring her meal, she’d be curious about all the ingredients they used for it. Vegetation doesn’t seem like it would do well in this climate, considering the lack of trees and grasses they’d seen on the way up. Maybe some kind of cold-resistant berries or crops grow up here? Or maybe they use roots or pine needles or tree bark or something. She thinks she remembers something like that back in the human world.

Whatever the answer is, Nia doesn’t think she’s ever tasted anything better.

Nico chats idly with Carnelian and Eira as Team Scarlet eats, the bird looking proud of how quickly they drain their bowls. When they’re done, satiated and warm and ready to pass out, they give the bird another round of thanks that he accepts with a bashful “Shucks!” before taking their bowls and spoons and heading out for the night. Eira follows him out, wishing everyone a good sleep and letting them know she’ll be back before they set out in the morning, and to send Carnelian for her if Fidel showed any worrying symptoms overnight.

Carnelian tries to start up a new conversation with them after that, but they don’t last long before they’re slurring their words through big yawns. Nia’s eyes feel heavier and heavier with each passing blink, and Junie has already slumped over into a lump of snoring feathers.

“You’d better get some rest before tomorrow,” Carnelian says with a smile. He slides a few more logs into the fire and peeks at Fidel’s sleeping face before retreating to his own nest in the back of the lodge with one of his books. Huh. It’s pretty dark over there, but maybe ghost types have good night vision? That would make sense.

They’re all too exhausted to go far, so they lie down to sleep right where they’d been sitting.  It’s not until Nia almost flops right on top of something hard that she remembers the jar she’d been keeping tucked away in her lap.

Oh, right!

Nia holds back another yawn and pushes herself back up. She squints over at Tobias, grateful that Junie is already out cold and Samir is quickly nodding off themself, their head dipping. “Hey, Tobias?”

Tobias was just about to lie down, too. Instead, his jaw cracks with a yawn as he looks back at her, matching her low tone. “Yeah?”

Nia holds the jar out to him. “Here.”

Tobias blinks sluggishly at the jar, then back at her, a furrow in his brow. “What’s this?”

“You said you had old injuries acting up, right? Like scars? I asked Eira if she had medicine for something like that and she said to use this when you wake up and go to sleep. Oh, and also if it itches during the day.”

Some alertness returns to Tobias’ expression as he realizes what Nia’s saying. He stares at her, face flushing, before he finally takes the jar and holds it close to his chest. “Oh. Um. Thanks, Nia. I’ll give it a try.”

Nia hums and flops back down in her spot on the bed, sighing happily at the softness and warmth. Just before she drifts off to sleep, Nia’s sharp ears hear the quiet spin of the lid being opened.

She hopes it helps.

[spinchip]

It was all there, in plain sight

Summary: Zane wants something she can't have.

She notices the pit in her chest only after she’s left Birchwood forest behind. It opens up where her heart would be, a black pit of longing she mistakes only slightly for loneliness and loss. There was someone she loved, once there and now gone. There was a life she had that was hidden from her, so the pit gnawed at her until she grew numb to the ache. It made sense, of course. What little she had left- her name, her face, the white sweater and white pants and cold hands- wasn’t enough to pad out the spaces her amnesia left behind. She looked for the rest of her heart in everything, searching for identity in cold still waters ponds and sunsets and the term elemental master the elderly man gave her when he asked her if she was prepared to face her destiny.

“I’m Jay.” The red haired boy greets her with a wave when she drops her meager belongings on the floor next to her bunk bed.

“Cole.” The other boy introduces himself with a crooked smile, “Yo.” He throws a peace sign up from where he’s laying in his own bed, sketch pad propped up on his lap.

“Hello.” She says formally, clasping her hands in front of her, “My name is Zane.” She refrains from adding I think to the end of her name, “It is nice to make your acquaintance.”

The chasm in her chest is a bearable pain, something that only itches at her in the gaps between training when the monastery is quiet and the two boys are preoccupied. She tries to find things to fill her life with- cooking, mostly. There are a handful of half-finished hobbies she’d tried and failed to integrate into her interests. Granny-square knitting scraps in a box under her bed, sewing needles and threads only pulled out to mend a tear in hers or the others robes after her first project has bored her, and a journal she’d abandoned when the pages she wrote were too empty for her to stomach.

Once, she tried drawing with Cole.

He doodles a drawing of her and shows it off with a grin- the boy in the picture seems so foreign to her that she almost asks Cole to throw it away. A sharp angled jaw, thick brow ridge and broad shoulders. Deep set eyes and hollow cheeks that only seem to accentuate the width of her face. Every part of her is rough and harsh. Handsome, but that doesn’t feel like a compliment when Cole or Jay says it to her. She thanks Cole and draws a picture of him in return- crude, not as skilled, but Cole appreciates it anyway.

Kai brings something with him that makes the cavern in her chest bleed- Nya. Nya, who has soft features and gentle hands. Beautiful, Jay sighs dreamily, and Zane wants that. She wants to be beautiful the way Nya is beautiful, the way the models on magazine covers and actresses in movies are. The pit in her chest has a razor edge now, and each time she compares herself to Nya and finds herself wanting she cuts open her heart on the sides. She tries her hand at makeup once, a few products Nya left in the bathroom that she plays with once day- her attempts are like that drawing she did of Cole. Crude, unskilled, clownish. So she washes her face and goes back to training and wants something she can’t have.

And she knows she can’t have it, because the one time she’d grazed her fingers over the femininity she desired she’d been laughed out of the room. A pink apron, so small and simple- a taste of a life she wanted so, so badly.

But she was a boy, and boys didn’t do things like wear pink aprons.

When she finds out she's a robot, the ache eases. It should go away- she knows who she is, she remembers her father, there’s not this big looming mystery clinging to the nape of her neck anymore. Her shoulders aren’t weighed down by a grief she wasn’t able to remember- sure, knowing brought with it a new pain, but there wasn’t any question to who she is. Zane, son of Dr. Julien. Robot. Hero. She could accept that. She could find peace with her past now- and yet the emptiness persists. Not so harsh, not at first- but over time, the chasm spreads until it feels like her whole body is an empty husky she inhabited.

“Father, if I wanted you to make a change in me, would you?” she asks her father after she finds him again, so close to putting into words a desire she was afraid to recognize.

“But Zane, you're perfect. I could never make you any better than you already are.” He smiles, reaches out to place his hand on her elbow with a squeeze, and she loses her nerve. Redirects the conversation to another persistent issue she had wanted to address as well, and doesn’t bring up the way her body doesn’t feel like it fits her anymore.

Maybe it never had- but then the world is ending, and there’s no time to think about that anymore.

And then a year later, the world is ending again and she pays all she has to prevent it.

She meets another android right before she gives up her life to save the world, and Pixal is everything Zane wants to be. She is beautiful, and she can convince herself it might be love when the pit her body is made of floods with a longing so deep her soul aches with it. She wants to ask her what it’s like- to be a girl.

Is it as wonderful as it looks? Is it as fulfilling as she imagines it would be?

She’s dead before she can form the words.

When she rebuilds her body in the blackness of Borg towers basements, she curves her jaw. She softens the harsh lines her father had sculpted her with, blending out solid planes into gentle features that hinted femininity. Not too much, careful to make it so slight that her friends won't look twice. Just enough to slake the hunger in her chest. Just barely enough to stifle her longing.

She touches her body the same way, adds weight to her hips and thins her waist to give the slightest impression of an hourglass figure. She considers her chest and again she wants what she can't have. She sends the blueprints to the machine before her heart breaks over a life that's not hers and she steps out of the machine in a body that's never going to be quite right.

But she's alive again, and there’s work to be done.

In the darkness of that cell in Chen's dungeon, she experiences heartbreak all over again when her memories flood back and she's reminded that she is a boy. In the spaces between memory, she knows what she isn’t. Memory brings reminder. There’s no escaping the words written down in her code. She can leave the island behind but she’s not free, not really.

Tox and Chamille and Nya and Skylor all cluster together and she wants so badly her core seems to wither with the force of it.

Pixal asks, “Is everything alright?” Because her fans stutter with physical pain at the cruelty of it all.

And she’s never been more grateful that Pixal’s abilities in her head are limited- she can’t read her mind, can’t look into her memories and see the longing living in her every breath. “I am fine.” She says, because there is no other option.

In a set of memories that are not hers to keep, she stares as a villain across a chessboard who says “Then I take it you do not want to make a wish…”

And he smiles at her like he knows. Like he can look right down directly into her heart to see a desire she would never voice, a want so so desperately shoved down and strangled because it simply wasn’t allowed. He’s giving her a golden ticket, a smoking gun to fix everything that’s ever been wrong with her life- it would be a simple, easy wish. Something that rewrote history to suit her needs.

I wish I was a girl, and that I always have been.

But she had a plan, and there was no room for this wish in the precious three she had to use.

She’s always been good at compartmentalizing. She could put her emotions away- this was harder, more insidious, but with time and effort she could make the ache a blanketing numbness instead. She fought just the same, cooked like always, and was for all intents and purposes normal- the disconnect she felt with her body was put away, and it didn't affect her duties as a ninja. That was paramount. Of course, it didn’t matter in the end- they lost. the Destiny's Bounty was crushed and it was pure luck that they had the mind to remember Mystakes tea with enough time to use it. Ninjago fell and they were trapped worlds away with no way back in sight.

Things were starting to look up now, though. The Iron baron was on their tail, but with Faith on their side they had put considerable distance between them. For the first time in a long while, things didn’t seem so bleak.

Faith had approached her while she was readying lunch, helping her prepare the meager supplies they had into a decent meal.

“I apologize,” She began quietly, breaking the lull of silence between them, “For mistaking you for a man.” she’s not sure why she brings it up, just that it feels important to say.

Faith's lips curl up ever so slightly, “Thank you.” There’s another pause, “...You didn’t.”

She glances at Faith, confused.

Faith clarifies, “You never used him in reference to me.” She sets the bowl down and studies her, searching for something. She doesn’t know what to say, so she stirs the pot of noodles while Faith comes to a realization. her mouth forms a perfect o before she schools her expression, looking away. “...I wasn’t always a woman.” She sets the words out gently between them.

She drops the spoon and has to clamber to pick it back up, “You were not?” She asks, looking over at the huntress with wide eyes.

“It is a bit of an oversimplification.” Faith admits, “But no. I was born a boy, and I realized I was a woman later in life.”

“Oh. I have… never heard of that before.” She finds herself whispering, the information overwhelming and too big to deal with in the hot desert sun so far from home. It feels like something slots into place- a reality worth pursuing suddenly just over the horizon. No more longing, no more ache-

“I apologize too.” Faith says softly, eyes sparkling with a new kind of warmth, “I didn’t know we were… family.”

She’s always been one to take someone's words at face value, but she understands Faith's words for what they are the moment they leave her mouth. We’re the same. I see you.

Her throat feels too thick to respond so she just finishes lunch and calls the other over to eat, leaving the conversation to repeat in her head over and over again.

After everything, on a day where the team is sprawled out in the living room trying to unwind after twelve hours of rebuilding work in downtown Ninjago, she blurts it out. While clearing rubble or carrying around building materials she’d been running a search program in the back of her head- pinging more and more resources that give the emptiness and desire inside her a name. She found others who felt the same, reading through post after post of personal stories that all voiced her own private thoughts openly and honestly.

Suddenly the world is alight with poetry and videos and potential, boundless possibility to remake who she pretends to me into who she is. The other women on the internet link hands with her and offer her a community she has been deprived of- and her life is her own. Transgender and transcendent and trans joy.

“I’m a girl.” She announces into the room, because now that she knows all there is to know- now that she knows it's allowed she won’t live another second in this identity that crushes her chest and chokes her spirit.

It’s the first time she’s ever said it.

As her friends surround her, she's met with unconditional support and a life worth living spread out in front of her feet.

[eleanorandphantom]

Get to know me?

I kinda realized I never really introduced myself, so uh, hi!

My name is Echo :D I am pansexual and genderfluid, as for pronouns, I have no preferences, just don't call me an 'attack helicopter' and we'll be chillin'

I am 16, currently in Junior year, actually really enjoying it right now!

In most of my DR's my name is Eleanor, which is why its my user! I just feel connected to both names

Some non-shifting facts about me:

I have olive-green eyes

I have been singing/playing guitar/acting for around 10 years and I danced for 8 years (still dance for theater and funsies)

I play acoustic, electric, and a little bass

I am in a band as a lead singer and guitarist, we are called "Vessels of Rebirth"!!!

I am an alto-soprano! which is very fun as I can sing very diverse styles of music (my favorites being folk, rock, and gospel)

I am a Christian and follower of God, to whom I love dearly

Although I am a Christian, I do a lot of tarot reading, and I also see and speak with the deceased as well as have prophetic dreams on occasion. I currently have 3 spirits residing in my house, they are quite nice! (Also if you guys have any suggestions on incense please let me know! I need to add to my stash)

I do a ton of art, whether it be sewing, drawing, painting, photography, or making things out of materials, you will always find me with a new project (I'm currently working on a plushie bee for my friend in my Java class!!)

Speaking of java I am loving coding, that shit is cool

At the moment, I am leading in two shows (one is a murder mystery comedy, like clue, where the audience decides who the murderer is! The second is Spamalot, and I am the female lead, Lady of the Lake!!) I am also in the ensemble of Hadestown and doing crew for Little Mermaid! So a ton of theater stuffs going on (would you believe me if I told you I have 6 different theater-based DR's?? teehee)

I do a ton of reading, I love books; it's one of my dreams to have a Hobbit-inspired book room in my future house, complete with a circle door

I have a massive collection of plushies and stuffed animals, all of which I have named and remember perfectly (I love them sm)

My favorite colors are: forest/emerald green, sunset orange, TEAL!!!, deep purples, navy blue, maroon, pastel yellow, and blue/ashy grey

I am very Portuguese, and I love Portuguese food, my favorite being Bifanas

I have two pets, a 7 year old golden retriever named Ridge and an 11 month old ragdoll cat named Dexter (short for Dexteria, yes I am a DnD nerd)

Speaking of DnD, I am currently DM'ing three campaigns, and I'm in around 10-15 other campaigns, I love DnD a lot, it's one of my favorite hobbies

Onto shifting related stuff!

I have been shifting(minishifting partially, still shifting though!!!) since I was around 8 I guess? I didn't realize that was what I was doing at the time, and around 2021 I found out about shifting through a classmate (who brought it up at the most random time possible, an ELA class lol)

The first actual DR I ever made was a My Hero Academia reality, and by birds all mighty that script was ROUGH

But I still hold it close to my heart, even though it was so cringy

I took a break from shifting for like 7 months to a year at most, I believed in it, I just felt more content in my CR, but now I am at a point where I want to explore and be fully happy and learn and grow as myself!

Here is a list of my main DR's!

MPHFPC

Waiting Room

Phantom of the Opera

DnD homebrew (x3)

Better CR

Ever After High DR (x2)

Theater related (x6)

Apartment DR (x2)

Big Bang Theory

ASOUE

College DR (Harvard obviously)

Mad Scientist DR (before you ask, it's a book I'm writing, and No I am not the mad scientist)

Hogwarts (Not my favorite, but definitely for the vibes, witch-craft and ooo riding brooms is super fun! I kinda stay away from the main characters to the best of my ability, besides George tho, that man has my heart)

Those are my most recent ones, they all have their little quirks and loveliness that make them unique to me, if you have any questions about them I would be happy to answer!

I mainly post about my MPHFPC DR and more recently my Waiting Room, since they are the two realities I go to

I hope you guys enjoyed and got to know me a bit better, my asks/comments are always open so feel free to stop in and say ahoy!

Bye-bye for now :D

[colorblindstories]

Last year in September I went hiking in my home mountains, Retezat National Park. Here are a few words I wrote down in my journal after that experience.

Meeting Jenna again births a desire in me to continue writing, telling stories through photos and written words. Being in the mountains with friends I haven't seen in such a long time, reconnecting with old friends, and new, sharing stories with Marc, Shanley, Jenna, Lelde, Eathan, Lidia. This is freedom, to be able to roam freely in the mountains. I wish to experiment more with hiking and fasting. I felt empowered. Water tastes different with altitude. And being focused on the path, every time it becomes overwhelming, coming back to the breath, remembering.

Breathing through the nose, pranayama is so vital, practicing more and more makes the body more resilient, more prepared for this kind of exposure.

After six months, I return to these words and to the photos, glimpses of past reality captured in time. The desire is still alive, action is needed.

I have been dreaming of these mountains many times in the past months, their magnitude and vastness always bring me a quality of peace and humbleness I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

Hiking up on the rocky trails we shared the journey, the beauty, the stories, the encouragements, the effort, the treasures found in the depths of our backpacks in the shape of homemade peanut-butter and jams and other goodies, the smiles, the fresh air and the celebration after reaching a summit.

After we parted ways with our friends, we returned to our campsite and witnessed an exquisite play of light and clouds as the Sun was swallowed by the sleeping mountain giants.

In this sunset light I met my brother, another moment of peace and shared love for the beauty found in Nature.

We decided that we will go to sleep in our tents and wake up early, hike up to the ridge where we would receive the Sun and the new day.

Waking up early when sleeping under a clear starry sky seems easy, yet the hike turned out to be harder than expected.

It was still worth it. The gift of the moment is priceless.

My brother loves coffee so much that he even carried his moka so we had a nice hot cup of coffee while waiting for the first rays of the Sun to touch the landscape and our cold skin.

It’s really hard to explain with words the sensation I get when I start the day this way. It’s not the first time I have done it and for sure not the last. Every time it’s different and yet it’s already familiar, the moment when the night surrenders to the day, bowing down in front of the light, feels divine. It’s like being in a temple and witnessing a sacred ritual.

With Rumi’s words:

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don't go back to sleep.

So I will try no more to explain the profoundness of the experience. I let the images speak. Let them move you, let them allure you. Let the mystery speak to you.

[lordsovorn]

A dream I had recently:

A vision of a desolate landscape with massive egg-shaped objects covered in square tiles - registration centers

A world perpetually under a bright starry sky or a very cloudy sunset, with artificial lighting, evenly dispersed flat buildings and structures. There are other planets, it seems, but even this one is quite packed with meaningless, evenly spaced concrete, plastic, glass and steel.

This world is scarcely populated by functionally immortal beings. First there are "Others", which are like super-powered versions of a regular human with an alien color palette and an altered personality (a lot more open and confident - not entirely positive or that faithful to the original, more like a confident alter-ego override). These are created through a mysterious process that involves at least one killing, and as a result a new and powerful Other is born "over the human" + sentient eyes on their fingers that act like an additional intelligence for control and emotional regulation of such an advanced being. The "main character" of the story is a woman whose Other looks like a mix of Amethyst and Huntress Wizard, and who, according to trace analysis performed by her fingers, has seemingly been created without murder.

There's also a faceless human in a jade suit - faceless might be an exaggeration, he has a distinct eyebrow ridge and a nose on his cream-colored smooth head. "Human" might also not be quite appropriate, as we'll see later.

At some point later these three meet another Other, who looks as if the aroace flag has adapted to life after an apocalypse. And there *is* something to adapt to - lots of hostile robots and drones that infest the buildings, alien bandits (for example, yeti humanoid owls), etc. Structures and dangers are dispersed very evenly throughout this world - you step out of one cluster and into another, out of a facility with armored drones into sewer canals with bandits.

There is a time when the faceless man is captured by "bandits" and they interrogate him on how to use the remote. The remote, well, looks like a glazed gingerbread button phone, and is a powerful instrument worthy of fear. The faceless man eventually half-shows, half-suggests that it is safe, and the "bandit" leader types a word on it. The remote is a transportation device - any number or word you enter teleports you to a certain coordinate in this world. It is hard to track, but relatively safe because of the uniformity of the world. And so the faceless man disappears into ether (imagine like a video game inventory screen of esoteric text and icons over an abstract blue pattern), where there is a snapshot of him (like a character portrait) looking very disturbing, with cloth-like tears and holes in his face, and he chuckles that his likeness was captured in such a bad state (so he updates himself and the picture updates to). He then falls out of the ether along with the "bandit" leader. (I say "bandit" in brackets because they are not in it for the money, it is a kind of unreal hostile relationship between immortals and semi-mortals that is hard to explain)

Later on, it turns out the immortals of this world are locked in a perpetual battle with a cosmic empire of crystal-looking bugs (which were responsible for the drones and the many hostile machines). They are incapable of killing immortals, so it's a war to break them psychologically - there are colossal crawling "PTSD tanks" that forcefully project visions and sounds of the most traumatizing memories, there are giant diamond-shaped spinning furnaces that create such memories in the first place (a conveyer belt leisurely pulls you onto a horribly fast rotating disk and into a storm of fire where you are burned to ashes - but, of course, you don't die, because you are an immortal. Must be quite a memorable experience - and, for the purposes of the bugs, the characteristic images and sounds of the swirling hellfire are easy to reproduce). They have a mix of medieval feudal and hive-like hierarchy, and the most important one present (politely called on to observe a battle) was a cream-colored grub with smooth geometric sides and two diamond heads - the right one is poorly defined, the left one produces an entire new figure from its mouth (this two-headed asymmetrical grub seems to be the main form of the crystal bugs, with everyone else being a caste, a cyborg and / or robot)

The dream ended when our main characters have come with a plan to counteract all this hellish machinery (that includes the main girl even discarding her immortal form for a moment and acting like an ordinary human).

P. S. Something that is hard to describe or explain with *what* happens, but you simply know through *how* it happens:

1) The bugs are very, very far from truly souring the experience of immortals. It is like a giant game to them, and at most they are avoiding a particular failure state in that game. Some are more serious, like Others, some are more light-hearted and are having fun through all the adventures, like the faceless man. It is also like a game in the sense that immortals have a degree of knowledge and control of their experience of reality unimaginable to mere humans or bugs - in fact, it is suggested that a Matrix kind of situation is going on, and the immortals have either descended into this reality to really, actually just play, or ascended from it into contact with the underlying "back-end software" or another kind of transcendental universality.

[bali-adventure-time]

🌴 Ready for an Unforgettable 4-Day Bali Adventure? 🌴

Day 1: Exploring Ubud 🌿🐒

Morning:

Tegallalang Rice Terraces 🌾: Walk through the beautiful rice fields and take photos.

Ubud Monkey Forest 🐒: See playful monkeys in a lush forest.

Afternoon:

Ubud Palace 🏯: Visit this stunning palace and learn about Balinese history.

Ubud Art Market 🎨: Shop for unique crafts and souvenirs.

Evening:

Campuhan Ridge Walk 🌄: Enjoy a scenic walk with amazing views.

Dinner in Ubud 🍽️: Try crispy duck at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Adventure in East Bali 🚵‍♂️🕌

Morning:

Tirta Empul Temple 💧: Visit this temple with holy spring water.

Gunung Kawi 🏞️: Explore ancient rock-cut shrines.

Afternoon:

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) 🐘: Discover a mysterious cave and beautiful pools.

Lunch at a Local Warung 🍛: Enjoy tasty Balinese food like Nasi Goreng.

Evening:

Relax at Your Hotel 🛏️: Enjoy spa time or relax by the pool.

Dinner 🍜: Have a quiet meal at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Beach Day in South Bali 🏖️🌊

Morning:

Nusa Dua Beach 🏄‍♀️: Relax on the beach and try water sports.

Water Blow 🌊: Watch big waves crash against rocks.

Afternoon:

Jimbaran Bay 🦞: Eat delicious seafood at a beachside café.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park 🦅: See the huge statue and explore the park.

Evening:

Uluwatu Temple 🌅: Visit the cliff-top temple and watch a Kecak Dance at sunset.

Dinner at Jimbaran Beach 🍤: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the sand.

Day 4: Exploring North Bali 🌺💦

Morning:

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple ⛩️: Visit this temple on a lake.

Handara Gate 📸: Take cool photos at this iconic gate.

Afternoon:

Gitgit Waterfall 💧: Hike to this beautiful waterfall.

Bali Botanic Garden 🌳: Explore the gardens and see tropical plants.

Evening:

Lovina Beach 🏖️: Relax at this quiet beach and maybe see dolphins.

Dinner in Lovina 🍽️: Have dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Additional Tips:

Transportation 🚗: Hire a private driver for easy travel.

Accommodation 🏨: Stay in central places like Ubud and Nusa Dua.

Local Etiquette 🙏: Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs.

Enjoy your Bali adventure! 🌴🌞

For more information, visit our official website La Esperanza Travels or contact us at 9811822579.

[semperintrepida]

A chapter in which fraying threads begin to snap.

❧

I don't forget the dead, but there's a shift in the currents between us. We graze the goats on the mountain, we make cheese and sell it at market, and when we're together, we banter, almost like friends.

"If that's you being quiet, we'll have nothing to hunt but trampled grass," I say, as the sound of the branch you've carelessly snapped cuts through a forest filled with the golden light of sunset. We're searching for deer on the ridge above the stream.

"You've only yourself to blame for bringing me," you say. "I'm no hunter. I could be relaxing on the beach right now."

Since you arrived at my farmstead, you've never relaxed on the beach, not once. "Sure you would. You'd be kicking back, getting sand in your underclothes and eating from a big bowl of grapes we don't have."

"Better than slogging through this." You lift your foot from the soggy green moss along the stream bank we've been following, and wiggle wet and muddy toes in an equally wet and muddy sandal.

"I didn't know you were so... dainty."

"Hardly," you say. "I just prefer to stay out of the muck unnecessarily."

"Unnecessarily? We need the meat, since you won't let me cull the—"

"You need the meat because you eat everything in sight. It's a mystery where you put all of it."

I wave you quiet. "Make yourself useful by looking for deer sign, will you? The sooner we bring one down, the sooner you get to relax."

[bluemoonperegrine]

Chapter 21: Unsuspecting

While Marc's busy with his mystery job, Jack heads out in the wilderness to do a good deed and get a break from abuela. Plotlines collide in the second to last chapter of "Those Who Wander."

Here's the start of it.

Jack managed to withhold a sneeze until he’d pressed the send button on his phone, then cursed under his breath. As much as he disliked following this set of abuela’s orders, at least he was able to do some of them on his terms: atop a ridge in the southern part of the park at sunset. 

Before heading to work that morning, Jack had packed leftover tamales for dinner, gave his grandparents a hug, and told them he’d be back sometime that evening.

“Where will you be going?” abuela asked.

After biting back a petulant “Wherever I want!”, Jack replied, “Hiking in the park.”

Abuela’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Alone?”

“Yes,” Jack sighed. “Alone.”

Read the rest on ao3.

[humbeestix]

Part of chapter one of my Lego Monkie Kid pirate au!!

With lands far across the world, surrounding it was an ocean never left unexplored. The independence that had replenished the people and creatures alike was a yearning. This hunger for adventure was mouth-watering to those who felt like ghosts. The risks sounded exhilarating to some. However, something was left unseen- the true meaning of being a pirate. The stories that may have seemed to finish, there will always be a new one to start at sea. Those who dare indulge in piracy have that spark in their hearts. But with that spark comes a risk. 

A mysterious, mystical territory of the sea too dangerous to enter holds supernatural beings and treasures no mortal has seen. All are trapped in the cage, never to escape. Explorers have tried to venture off to uncover the secrets held at sea, but all are left to fail. Only the best of the best can navigate through the maze. But who?

The sunset light peaked through the cracks of the alleyways between the stone houses, slowly beginning to retire back into the mountains. Today was a special day, one of tremendous advancement and celebration. The mass of people swallowed the outside of the tired, stoned castle, placed looking over the village from a hill. The palace was large, and some parts were isolated, making it too easy to slink inside. 

“We go through here!” a voice echoed from the dim alleyway. Following behind stacked barrels modeled five men, all crouched around each other in a circle. The sound of laughter and music screamed from outside the alley. The villagers followed in a line. The footsteps beat against the pebbles and soil of the dirt trail, pursuing up the ridge to the ruler's castle. The locals were oblivious to what was going on behind the scenes, but the men knew if caught, it would be the end of them all.

Those natural worries a typical person would fear did not weaken the boys. The scars painted on their bodies have shown stories and adventures such as this one. Tracing back to what the man had stated, he dragged his pointer finger along a poor map in the middle of them, modeled after the village. His finger landed on the side of the castle, confusing as it is, likely to be the most isolated area. The map itself was nothing special. With badly-done sketches, it looked rushed. As filthy as the map was, it would suffice for them.

A tanned skin boy cleared his throat, “Hey, Cap’n Wukong. What are we looking at exactly?” the boy spoke in a hushed tone, adjusting himself to sit fully criss-cross on the stoned ground escaping from his crouched position. He pointed to where his captain's finger was, sheepishly laughing.

“What are you going on about, sport? It's the palace!” Wukong claimed with a grin.

The boy opened his mouth before a pig demon’s head jerked in front of the boy. “Mk is trying to say that we don't know what we’re looking at. It looks like a bunch of scribbles on a piece of paper.” 

“Hey, I went off description by what captain said. You try doing that. You see how hard it is!” a man in glasses yelled from beside the pig man, giving him a stern glare. He snapped his head away, “I'm a fantastic artist.”

The pig demon knitted his eyes brows together. He only rolled his eyes and let out a small puff of air through his nose before paying his full attention to the captain, not hearing a word out of him in a while.

“Come on, just let ol’ cap’n finish!” A muscular fish demon spoke up, shaking his head.

Wukong had been sitting there like a statue as he had been waiting for the others to finish up. He grimaced before his usual bright smirk plastered on his face again, “We done? Good, and thank you, Sandy!” Wukong spoke with a cocky tone tracing his tongue, “Anyways, I’m - well- pointing at the side of the castle, you listening? There’s a little egress window some of us can go through that leads to the winery. I know this place, like the back of my hand,” he said, calmly waving everyone off as if it was no bigger deal than it was initially. Confidence radiated from his light expression like the sun on a warm summer day, “Not to brag or anything. But I stole from this place so many times. We got caught once in a Blue Moon, but the escape was even more exhilarating! The King is so mad at me right now it’s wild.”

“Is this why most of the crew is gone?” the older man in glasses spoke up. He adjusted his glasses upward to fit better on his round face as he gave Wukong a cocky look. He managed to get a chuckle out of a few of the others.

Wukong quickly reached for his chest dramatically, “My, Tang, how cruel of you. You have wounded your captain. Who you should not be oh-so rude to, mister,” he scolded playfully, watching as Tang got up. He scrunched up his face, seeing as the man had completely ignored him. 

“Taken by the map, I don't think we could even reach the palace without being seen with all these people around,” Tang explained straightforwardly, turning his head back to the others. He then strolled to the edge of the alleyway and crept his head outside, watching the crowd walk by. 

The pig demon stood up with a groan, “I agree with Tang here. How are we supposed to sneak inside, Cap’n?” he asked, walking over to Tang. 

Wukong jumped up with a short laugh. He ran over to the two men and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. The men let out a low grumble in protest. From the faint squint of their captain’s eyes, Tang could see that his captain seemed not to be showing any further steps. Moments later, Tang noticed the primate's face light up. He had an idea.

Mk soon followed them, placing a hand on Wukong’s back, “So, what are we thinking?” he questioned with a smile. 

“Follow me, crew,” he looked at the boys as their faces stirred into a glimpse of interest. He kept his head low, pulling his hat over his eyes as he walked into the ocean of people.

The pig demon gasped, “Captain!” he yelled, stomping his foot. Thankfully for them, the music and chatter had drowned the demon’s screams. He turned to the others, “Moron, don’t just jump right into- ARG! He’s going to get us all killed!”

“Come on, Pigsy,” Sandy hummed calmly, “let’s just do what he orders.”

“Yeah, best not to question it,” Tang spoke, rubbing Pigsy’s shoulder reassuringly, “anywho, who wants to go first?” that once calming expression turned into a sheepish smile as a nervous sweat built up on his forehead. He never wanted to go first.

[the-beaten-path-us-destinations]

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path U.S. Destinations: A Traveler’s Guide

When most people think of travel in the U.S., their minds immediately jump to New York City, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. But if you're a traveler seeking unique experiences and hidden gems away from the usual tourist crowds, the U.S. has a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored. These off-the-beaten-path locations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture that will make your trip memorable. Let’s dive into some underrated destinations across the U.S. that you won’t want to miss.

1. Marfa, Texas

Tucked away in the West Texas desert, Marfa is a quirky, artsy town with a fascinating mix of small-town charm and avant-garde art installations. Known for the famous Marfa Lights—a mysterious, unexplainable light phenomenon—and large-scale art installations by artists like Donald Judd, Marfa is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Visit the iconic Prada Marfa art installation, explore local galleries, and soak in the eerie beauty of the desert at sunset.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. With its stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and vibrant arts scene, Asheville offers an authentic, laid-back experience. Wander through the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned house in the U.S., or enjoy craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Asheville’s farm-to-table dining scene is one of the best in the country, offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes that reflect the flavors of the region.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

Often overlooked in favor of larger Midwestern cities, St. Louis is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. The iconic Gateway Arch is just the start. Explore the city's thriving music scene, especially its roots in jazz and blues, and indulge in local favorites like St. Louis-style BBQ and the famous gooey butter cake. Take a walk through Forest Park, home to free museums and outdoor spaces larger than New York’s Central Park, or visit the stunning Missouri Botanical Garden.

4. Mendocino, California

While much of California’s coastline is well-traveled, Mendocino remains a quiet, picturesque escape. Located north of San Francisco, this coastal town offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Explore scenic hiking trails, visit local vineyards, and enjoy fresh seafood in cozy coastal restaurants. Mendocino’s peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those looking to escape into nature, with beautiful spots like Russian Gulch State Park and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.

5. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, often overshadowed by bigger cities, is a hidden gem in the Midwest. Rich in art deco architecture and Southern hospitality, this city offers a surprising amount of culture and history. Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, or explore the revitalized Greenwood District, known for its history as Black Wall Street. Tulsa’s culinary scene is blossoming with farm-to-table restaurants, and its vibrant downtown area is home to local shops, cafes, and live music venues.

6. Sedona, Arizona

While the Grand Canyon draws in millions of tourists each year, nearby Sedona is an equally stunning yet quieter alternative. Known for its red rock formations, spiritual vortexes, and thriving arts community, Sedona offers travelers a unique mix of natural beauty and holistic experiences. Whether you’re hiking through the Coconino National Forest or meditating at one of the city’s famous energy vortexes, Sedona is a place that nourishes both the body and soul.

7. Hotel Experiences that Add to the Journey

While exploring these hidden U.S. gems, your accommodations play a huge role in making the trip truly memorable. With b0arding.com, you can easily find hotels that match the local vibe of each destination. Imagine staying in a cozy mountain lodge in Asheville, where your mornings start with a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast. Or perhaps you’re winding down after a day in Marfa with a dinner made from locally sourced ingredients, set against the backdrop of the West Texas desert.

At b0arding.com, each hotel is carefully selected to reflect the essence of the location, ensuring your stay feels as personal and unique as your travels. Whether you’re enjoying a simple, hearty breakfast in a downtown Tulsa café or savoring fresh seafood in Mendocino, your lodging experience enhances your connection to the destination.

Conclusion

If you're seeking adventure off the typical tourist path, these U.S. destinations offer the perfect blend of discovery, culture, and tranquility. From the artsy streets of Marfa to the serene cliffs of Mendocino, every location brings its own special flavor and stories. And, with b0arding.com, you can rest easy knowing your accommodations are just as exciting as the journey itself. So why not take the road less traveled and create memories in places few others have explored? The U.S. is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered—pack your bags, and start your adventure!

[joandfriedrich]

More of a spiritual question.

I read Thoreau's "Walking" and the reference to the "west" are interestinga and quite beautiful. I have thought about this a lot, could Friedrich traveling to the West in Little Women, have more of a symbolical meaning? City where he is moving is never mentioned. This does make me think a lot what we have talked about Little Women, being a wish-fulfillment (west referring to a paradise/dreams).

"Every sunset which I witness inspires me with the desire to go to a West as distant and as fair as that into which the sun goes down. He appears to migrate westward daily, and tempt us to follow him. He is the Great Western Pioneer whom the nations follow. We dream all night of those mountain ridges in the horizon, though they may be of vapor only, which were last gilded by his rays. The island of Atlantis, and the islands and gardens of the Hesperides, a sort of terrestrial paradise, appear to have been the Great West of the ancients, enveloped in mystery and poetry. Who has not seen in imagination, when looking into the sunset sky, the gardens of the Hesperides, and the foundation of all those fables?"

"The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild; and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the World. Every tree sends its fibers forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind".

Sorry for the delay, I wanted to make sure I gave you a good answer.

I know that back in the 19th century, going West was seen as the best place for opportunities for jobs and was seen as untouched land, hence why it was so often referred to as "The Wild West". It was a place to rebuild your life, start fresh and have more space, it was seen as not only new and exciting, but also freeing. Oddly enough, whenever I think of West and East, I always think East as being beginnings with the sun rising in the east (Beauty and the Beast anyone?), and West as the sun setting, the end of a journey. But to America at this point in time, East had represented the old world and confinement, while the West was new and freeing. It is a theme that continues even in the 20's with The Great Gatsby, where the East Egg was for the "old money", tradition, born into wealth, while the West Egg was the "new money" where people worked hard to get the wealth they earned.

Friedrich first deciding to go West, before finding out Jo loves him back, could be a chance for him to start anew, something for his nephews, but also a chance to get away from, what he believed at the moment, the unrequited love he has. When he finds out Jo does love him, he goes West still to earn money so that, instead of starting a new life without Jo, he can earn enough to start a new life with Jo. Even though they would continue to live in Concord, which is obviously East of the U.S., the West had allowed them the chance to start a new life together.

It is interesting to think that the idea of moving West as a family was out of the question for them, that instead of wanting to go forth into a wild and freeing world, Jo and Friedrich were more than happy to remain in the familiar world they knew, one filled with family and comfort, which shows just how much family has meant to them both, particularly Jo, who the West may have truly appealed to. While it was luck that Aunt March has left her Plumfield, which helped to get Friedrich home sooner, it again shows that rather than selling the house for a boatload of money and use it to move away, Jo immediately has plans for her new life, and finds that she doesn't need to go far from home to get the kind of life she would be more than happy to live in.

To quote the Wizard of Oz (1939), Dorothy learns, "...If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with!" Jo as a child has dreams of doing something spectacular, looking for adventure and fulfilment, and while she never out right states it, it feels as if she would want to leave her home. But as she grows up, she learns that she could find the fulfillment she longs for in her own hometown, and that despite her desire to explore the world, she will always want to come home and be near the family she loves above all else. To hear Friedrich going West breaks her, as if he was going to a different continent, and back then, the West felt like that, and she was heartbroken to lose a part of her family, which is also a part of her heart.

In the end, the West represented new chances and adventure, but also separation and loss, and ultimately, there is a feeling that Alcott wanted to tell us that sometimes it's ok to just simply want to stay in the home you know rather than going out beyond what you know, because as long as you are happy, why leave?

[excursionpoint1]

Find the Wizardry of the Desert: Desert Safari UAE

Experience the captivating appeal of the Middle Eastern Desert with Desert Safari UAE, a remarkable excursion into the core of the UAE's great ridges. From exciting undertakings to social experiences and tranquil minutes in the midst of nature, this desert safari guarantees a vivid encounter that will leave you enchanted. Here's beginning and end you really want to be familiar with Desert Safari UAE

1. Experience In the midst of the Hills:

Leave on an adrenaline-siphoning experience as you explore the transcending sand hills of the Bedouin Desert. Hang on close as talented drivers take you on a heart-hustling rise slamming experience on board tough 4x4 vehicles, offering rushes and fervor against the background of the desert scene.

2. Camel Riding:

Experience the immortal appeal of camel riding as you leave on an excursion through the serene desert sands. Move on board these delicate animals and influence along the ridges, absorbing all encompassing perspectives on the huge spread of brilliant sands and purplish blue skies.

3. Sandboarding Rushes:

Channel your internal explorer and take a shot at sandboarding down the delicate inclines of the desert ridges. Float across the perfect sands on a sandboard, feeling the surge of adrenaline as you cut through the ridges and make enduring recollections of your desert safari experience.

4. Nightfall Scene:

Witness the stunning magnificence of the desert at nightfall as the sky changes into a material of lively varieties. Catch the entrancing tints of dusk as the sun plunges underneath the skyline, providing reason to feel ambiguous about a brilliant shine the rises and making a mysterious mood that is genuinely extraordinary.

5. Social Experiences:

Drench yourself in the rich legacy and customs of the Middle Eastern Desert with valid social encounters remembered for your safari. Visit customary Bedouin-style camps, appreciate live diversion, for example, hip twirling and Tanoura shows, and enjoy scrumptious Middle Eastern food under the twilight sky.

6. Stargazing Under the Desert Sky:

As sunsets over the desert, look up at the sparkling shelter of stars that enhance the night sky, far away from the glare of city lights. Experience the wizardry of stargazing in the desert, where the tremendous scope of the night sky offers unrivaled perspectives on the universe.

7. Proficient Aides and Security:

Leave on your desert safari experience with the direction of experienced and proficient safari guides who guarantee your security and solace all through the excursion. Find out about the set of experiences, culture, and biology of the desert as you investigate its secret fortunes with true serenity.

8. Bother Free Transportation:

Partake in the comfort of issue free transportation to and from your inn or assigned gathering point in the UAE. Unwind and loosen up in cooled vehicles as you excursion to the desert, realizing that everything about your safari experience is dealt with for a consistent experience.

9. Customized Encounters:

Look over an assortment of safari bundles custom-made to suit your inclinations and spending plan. Whether you favor a morning safari with dawn vistas or a night safari with dusk camel rides and social diversion, there's a bundle that takes care of each and every globe-trotter.

10. Book with Certainty:

Book your Desert Safari UAE experience with certainty through Outing Point, a trustworthy and believed supplier focused on consumer loyalty and quality help. With secure web based booking and expert help, you can set out on your desert safari with inner harmony.

Leave on a Desert Safari UAE and find the wizardry of the Middle Eastern Desert with exciting experiences, social experiences, and stunning view that guarantee an extraordinary excursion into the core of the UAE's glorious rises. An encounter will leave you dazzled and yearning for more.

[rangileraaste]

Best places to visit in Jaisalmer

Best places to visit in Jaisalmer

An epitome of everything Rajasthani, from every postcard you’ve probably ever seen, the spectacular sandstone royal desert town of Jaisalmer is charming and mysterious all at the same time. Self-explanatory as a ‘golden city’, Jaisalmer’s fort is perched on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping a watchful eye over the ever-spreading town beyond its walls.

Step into the fort for a vision of mediaeval prosperity that meets the 21st century in the thriving bustling township within. Havelis, Jain temples, curio shops, hotels and restaurants lie beside each other on cobbled narrow alleyways. Take a walk through the streets of old Jaisalmer for glimpses into the lives of locals, cooking or hard at work in skilled craftwork, art and sculpture. There’s something new around every corner here in Jaisalmer, from spicy food to handicrafts, so expect your walk to take longer than the distance warrants as you stop for a much-needed break at one of the rooftop cafes.

Get your taste of the local brew at one of the government-approved ‘bhang’ (hemp) shops outside the fort gates, but be prepared to get in line with a group of locals waiting in line for a glass. Head over to the pristine sand dunes for a camel tour through the barren Thar outside the city. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling in January/February every year, join in the Desert Festival revelry with dancing, folk music, camel racing and the odd turban-tying contest as well.

Walk through Jaisalmer fort

This unique living urban centre, formerly an ancient fort, is home to over 3000 people with shops, people and cows in honeycombed old houses on criss-crossing lanes. Walk past temples and shops and stop for a cup of masala chai on a rooftop restaurant for spectacular panoramic views. Perfectly shaded yellow sandstone walls take you back to a time of battles and reinforcements here.

Sunset in the Thar

The Thar is best explored aboard a 4×4, off over dunes, conquering sand hills one after the other. Get here early enough from Jaisalmer to watch the sun go down on what has to have been a spectacular day.

Lunch with Locals

Get friendly with a local family in Jaisalmer,getting to know more about their traditions and culture, as they give you a quick MasterChef session on Rajasthani food. Dishes could vary, depending on the season you’re visiting, from millet flatbread (bajre ki roti), legumes (fali) and stuffed pepper (mirchibada) to lentil-infused hard wheat rolls (daal baati). Enjoy your very own home-cooked Rajasthani meal with the family and don’t forget to take notes.

Camel Safari

Clamber onto your steed for the evening, a lumbering camel that gives you a literal description of why he’s called the ‘ship of the desert.’ Look out onto mustard fields that border villages on one side and fascinating sand dunes of the Thar on the other. Stop for a snack or two as the sun slowly goes down in the horizon.

When to travel Jaisalmer

The best time to un[travel] Rajasthan would be between September and April. Temperatures are cooler and tend to veer towards the colder side in December and January.

Summer, essentially from April is rather warm and temperatures actually go up as high as 45 degrees C in May and June. The monsoons last through to September and the weather can get rather humid here.

Pack the bag

• Light clothing and sandals with a large sun hat if you’re here in summer

• Warmer clothing and thermals if you’re here in winter

• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen

• Chargers and prescription medication

Top places to stay

• The Serai, Jaisalmer • Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer • Rajasthan Desert Safari Camp, Jaisalmer

Conclusion

The heart of Rajasthan the ‘Thar Desert’ also stands as a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan. It is also known as “Golden City”. Tourists are attracted by its sand dunes, landscapes and rich cultural Heritage.

Website:- Rangileraaste.com

[yogeshblogs]

Explore the Jaisalmer Desert of Rajasthan

The territory of Rajasthan in India is prestigious for its rich social legacy, radiant castles, and lively celebrations. Settled in the core of this lofty state lies the charming city of Jaisalmer, frequently alluded to as the "Brilliant City." What makes Jaisalmer really extraordinary is its closeness to the huge Thar Desert, offering guests a noteworthy chance to investigate the desert's ethereal magnificence and experience the conventional desert lifestyle. In this article, we will dig into the dazzling universe of the Jaisalmer Desert camps and find the undertakings that anticipate the people who adventure into this mysterious domain.

A Brief Overview of Jaisalmer:

Arranged in the westernmost piece of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is an old city that flaunts a rich verifiable legacy. The city's most notorious milestone is the great Jaisalmer Post, a UNESCO World Legacy Site and quite possibly the biggest completely protected braced city on the planet. The stronghold remains as a demonstration of the city's magnificent past and offers stunning all-encompassing perspectives on the encompassing desert scene. Past the post's walls, guests can investigate the clamoring tight paths fixed with flawless havelis (customary houses) decorated with perplexing carvings and filigree work.

The Enigmatic Thar Desert:

Extending across the northwest of India and into Pakistan, the Thar Desert is one of the biggest and most different deserts on the planet. This dry locale covers an extensive area of roughly 200,000 square kilometers, with a scene that differs from moving sand ridges to infertile fields dabbed with prickly bushes. The desert's one-of-a-kind appeal lies in its capacity to enrapture the faculties, with its brilliant shades, peaceful quiet, and remarkable tremendousness.

Adventure past the post, and you'll find the amazing magnificence of the Jaisalmer Desert. The tremendous spread of brilliant sand rises, extending as may be obvious, entices explorers and visionaries the same. The most famous objective to observe the appeal of the desert is the Sam Sand Rises, situated around 40 kilometers from the downtown area.

As you show up at the Sam Sand Ridges, plan to be hypnotized by the strange scene. Transcending sand hills, etched by the breeze, make a pleasant setting that appears to be straight out of a fantasy. The moving tints of gold and orange during dawn and dusk cast an otherworldly gleam over the desert, making a stunning exhibition that will be for the rest of time carved in your memory.

Camel Safaris: A Journey Back in Time:

No visit to Jaisalmer is finished without setting out on a camel safari through the Thar Desert. These safaris permit explorers to encounter the true desert way of life and witness the desert's persona very closely. Riding on a camel, known as the "boat of the desert," is an elating encounter as you cross the undulating sand rises, directed by experienced camel drivers. The camel safaris can go from a couple of hours to a few days, contingent upon your inclination and the degree of experience you are looking for. Setting up camp under the twilight sky in the desert is a valued memory that will remain with you for a lifetime.

Sunset and Sunrise: Nature’s Splendor:

The Jaisalmer Desert offers hypnotizing perspectives on both dawn and dusk, making it a photographic artist's heaven. As the sun plunges beneath the skyline, projecting brilliant tints across the huge scope of sand, the desert wakes up with an enchanted air. The changing tones and examples of the moving hills make a spellbinding scene, ideal for catching staggering photos. Likewise, the quiet magnificence of a desert dawn is an encounter that words neglect to sufficiently portray. Seeing the principal beams of daylight looking into the great beyond, enlightening the desert, and arousing its energetic energy, is a snapshot of unadulterated tranquility and motivation.

Cultural Immersion: Desert Life and Folklore:

While investigating the Jaisalmer Desert, explorers have the valuable chance to submerge themselves in the neighborhood culture and cooperate with the desert networks. The desert occupants, essentially the Bishnoi and Rajput people groups, have adjusted their ways of life to flourish in this cruel climate for a really long time. Guests can acquire bits of knowledge into their regular routines, customs, and societal customs, which are profoundly interlaced with the desert's rhythms. People's music and dance exhibitions on the nights give a brief look into the rich imaginative legacy of the district, with conventional instruments and vivid outfits adding to the celebrations.

Kuldhara: The Ghost Village:

Close to Jaisalmer lies the unwanted town of Kuldhara, frequently alluded to as the "Phantom Town." Rumors have spread far and wide suggesting that the town was once occupied by Paliwal Brahmins, a prosperous and flourishing local area. In any case, in the mid-nineteenth hundred years, the whole town bafflingly evaporated for the time being. The purposes for the mass departure remain covered in secrets and legends. It is trusted that the residents, confronting mistreatment from the nearby medieval master, chose to leave their homes and look for another life somewhere else.

Today, Kuldhara remains as an unpleasant sign of its past, with its decrepit houses and abandoned roads. Investigating the phantom town offers a brief look into a former time, where the leftovers of the once-energetic local area inspire a feeling of interest and interest. Strolling through the limited back streets and looking into the neglected homes, one can't resist the urge to envision the day-to-day routines that were once experienced inside these walls. The ghostly environment adds a component of rush to the experience, drawing in history devotees and paranormal fans the same.

Past the spooky charm of Kuldhara, the Jaisalmer Desert offers plenty of different attractions for travelers and nature devotees. One such eminent site is the Sam Sand Hills, situated around 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer. These gigantic sand ridges, reaching out as may be obvious, are an incredible sight. Explorers can enjoy adrenaline-siphoning exercises, for example, ridge slamming, where 4×4 vehicles explore the sandy territory with invigorating exciting bends in the road.

For those looking for a more peaceful encounter, a comfortable walk or camel ride across the sand rises takes into consideration a more profound association with the desert's quietness. As you cross the immense field of sand, you might go over crowds of camels smoothly moving through the ridges or spot native natural life like the Incomparable Indian Bustard, which is local to this district.

As the day attracts to a nearby, the Sam Sand Ridges wake up with social exhibitions that feature the district's creative legacy. People artists serenade guests with deep tunes, while conventional artists perform effortless developments that describe antiquated stories. The musical beats and lively ensembles transport you to an existence where time appears to stop.

To genuinely see the value in the desert's charm, going through a night under the ritzy sky is an unquestionable requirement. Desert camps give a one-of-a-kind chance to encounter the effortlessness and appeal of desert living. These camps, furnished with every one of the important conveniences, offer an agreeable and vivid stay in the midst of the sandy wild. As dusks, the pit fires enlighten the environmental elements, and the smell of newly pre-arranged Rajasthani food swirls into the atmosphere. Participating in discussions with individual voyagers and local people around the pit fire, sharing stories and encounters, makes enduring recollections of kinship and social trade.

While the desert offers a feeling of isolation and serenity, it is critical to regard and save its delicate biological system. The travel industry rehearses, for example, limiting waste, regarding neighborhood customs, and ceasing from upsetting the regular widely varied vegetation, are fundamental to guarantee the maintainability of this extraordinary climate for people in the future. If you want to explore the Jaisalmer desert. I recommend the best service in Jaisalmer called Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab. Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab is one of India's most dependable, cost-effective, and high-quality taxi services. They offer low-cost, high-quality cab services that guarantee a pleasant journey.