#The shading is as free as a bird now. Free to roam the great blue sky... to do as it pleases...

[generichoneydew]

could you draw yukichie p4...

(also i do agree with you on the slightly homophobic Yu)

YEAHHHHH YUKICHIE NATION RISE FOR THE BEST GIRLS

47/52

Thank you for sharing my homophobic Yu delusion. I need double gay panic in my souyo or else I WILL complain to the manager.

[urmultideadfandomperson]

Discoveries

Fandom(s): Stardew Valley

Character(s): Vianne "V" Dela Torre, Harvey, Shane (only mentioned once), Delvin (currently Crisostomo)

Writing Style: Short Story

Pairing(s): Harvey X V (just a bit)

Genre(s): Adventure, Fluff, Mild Angst

Word Count: 5.2k words

Warning(s): Mentions of Blood, Wounds (cut, scraped off skin), Mentions of Abuse

Note: Okay. This is my first time writing a story that reveals a tad bit of lore of my farmer, V. She is confirmed to have an adopted son named Crisostomo, and here is the origin of how they met. May you enjoy the read!

(Read the AO3 version here!)

The golden sun was high in the skies when V was casually heading down to Cindersap Forest, her axe gently swaying on her side from left to right.

She has just received her axe from Clint, whom reinforced her weapon from copper to steel. This way, she can finally break down the logs around the valley. Robin needed those hardwood for her carpentry project, and the farmer was more than happy to help. She is the person who finds joy in helping others, after all.

She hums a soft tune as she walks down the path, thinking about the benefits and opportunities when there is enough hardwood. Not a lot of stumps and logs can be found in the valley, so it can be considered as somewhat lucky to get them.

She imagines it in her head: the near future would have more buildings, more equipment, more money... such beautiful fortunes from simple wood. It would bring a great reputation to her grandfather's legacy!

But these were not the only motives that drove her to collecting hardwood.

Recently, V has been sensing an aura around the place. It was strange yet inviting, a pleasant ambience that roams freely in the woodlands. If she told the residents about the phenomenon, perhaps she'd be described crazy.

It would only happen when she goes deeper in the woods of Cindersap Forest—the same area where V cuts down trees for wood. The aura was similar to a gentle blanket hanging on her shoulders. It would stay there until it eventually embraces her, gently dragging the farmer into the unknown.

It was an alluring spell, hypnotizing V to follow it toward its source. It was always the same place. She was led to an isolated log, sitting on the ground that seemed to block a path. It wanted—no, begged her to break the barrier in between.

But of course, she snaps out of the spell before the consequences occur. Who knows what delves deeper in that forest? No way would she fall into the dark side of what was leading towards danger.

However, V was braver now. She knew it was the perfect time to investigate, to unfold what was hidden within. If nobody was willing to explore the forest, then she will.

Because she was diving deep in her thoughts, V hadn't realized that the towering trees have covered the golden sunrays, the blue skies no longer in sight. The canopy blocked the atmosphere above, creating shadows that envelops her like a blank void.

"Well, would you look at that." V mutters under her breath. "I should've worn my glowstone ring."

Despite the difficulty of vision in the shaded areas, V needed to go forward. There was no point of turning back when her feet had led her in. She starts walking forward gingerly, eyes scanning for the isolated log on the ground. The forest was suddenly quiet. The birds' chirps fade, the wind's flow become silent. There was no noise aside from the crunching sound of grass beneath her leather boots.

As she walks, the aura appears out of nowhere as if it sensed that the farmer has arrived. It slowly slithered around her like a serpent who was carefully preparing to constrict her limbs. It made her feel a tinge of fear, but it sets her free before beginning to lead the way.

V only sighs at the earlier tension, running her fingers through her hair. "I swear this exploration will be the death of me." She grumbles.

It did not take long for V to find the log with the aura's guidance. Her feet take small steps, eyes locked on the log. Her heartbeat seemed to rise in her slow approach, though she simply assumes her senses were just going haywire. When she was close to the log, V swings out her axe, hands holding it tightly. The time has arrived to unseal the truth. She must be brave.

V swings it forward, beginning to chop the log. Then second, third, fourth...

And it completely breaks down at the fifth.

The aura goes in the path first, waiting for V to follow. "You know you can go first, di 'ba? Pupulutin ko lang muna 'to." She says to it in her native language. Still, the aura stays and V lets out a chuckle.

She starts collecting the hardwood, putting them along with the other bundles. Once done, she stands up and follows the aura that was eagerly leading the way.

The forest gradually lost more light, the shadows swallowing the farmer whole in its territory to the point she can hardly see anything. V has to admit, she felt a wave of anticipation washing over her in this moment of peril.

A few more steps. Then there was light.

It blinded V for a moment, eyes squeezing shut in instinct at the brightness that flashed in front of her. She slowly open them once again, her vision a blur. Fortunately, it did not take long for her sight to recover.

A gasp then followed. Her eyes widened at the scenery in front of her; a secret sanctuary that brought peace to the mind and soul. The place was still surrounded by large trees like before, but it was much easier to see now.

Everything about the place made the farmer relive her childhood as nostalgia washes over her senses. Her shocked expression softened, a beam curving on her lips. She thinks it was similar to those fairytale settings where leaves fall from the trees with fairy dust sparkling around. There were a couple of stumps as well. Perhaps she can collect more hardwood here.

In all of a sudden, something had hit the farmer. "Agh! Ano 'yun?!" She hollers, turning her head to see a green slime with eyes glowing red in aggression. It reminded V the moments when she was in the mines, monsters going towards her for an attack.

"Hm, so this place isn't as serene as I thought." She mutters, drawing out her sword. Her expression hardens, eyes consumed with irritation. "I should've known."

Slaying the slime was no issue for V. She has killed more mobs before and their bites were much worse compared to that anomaly. Her ears heard more squishing noises, her head turning in alarm. There were more slimes all around, and none of them seemed to welcome her in the secret forest.

But again, she just slays them all without an issue. The farmer pants in mild exhaustion, groaning at the small burns of the slimes. Although their hits hurt, she realized they were weaker than those in the mines. It was the first time V was thankful to learn combat.

A rustling sound from a bush was heard elsewhere, and the farmer immediately wields her sword as she looks around with alert senses. The noise came again, and it was from her right. Her feet carefully lead her to the source, teeth clenching behind closed lips. Amidst of danger, there was curiosity.

She reaches the bush. She clenches her sword while her free hand carefully reaches the shrub. She grabs the leaves, and pushes it away to reveal the anomaly.

V expected it to be another slime, a small fawn, or even a lost bear cub. But the reality of what was behind was beyond believable.

It was a human child.

Like a frightened hare, the child swiftly jumps out of the bush and runs off from the secret forest, causing V to drop her sword. Despite the shock, the farmer knew she had to chase him. "Wait!"

V turned on her heel and ran off, following the boy to attempt in grabbing his rags. But he keeps on dashing faster when V was nearing success. He runs to left, to right, another right, left... he was not stopping for a second. Even so, the farmer keeps on trying. The secret forest may be a beautiful sanctuary, but it was not the ideal place to live.

She noticed that the boy was running off mindlessly, his eyes shut tight in terror. Her eyes widened when there was a tree with dangling roots ahead of him. She shouts: "Watch out!!"

He received her warning, but it was too late to stop. He stumbled on the roots, causing him to fall down as a lowly hanging tree branch slashes painfully on the bridge of his nose. His left leg made contact with the rough bark of the roots, scraping off a big portion of skin. The farmer's breath hitches in shock, and the boy screams in excruciation from his wounds. Still, he stands up to keep on running. This time, he was stumbling and wobbling.

For a few seconds, V stood on her spot, hands covering her mouth in horror at the incident. The sight of blood on the bark caused a shiver go up her spine. She recovered quickly, though, and rushed to follow the wounded boy.

"Bata?" She calls him out, alternating from walking to running. "Kid, are you here? I won't hurt you!"

Not far away, sniffles and sobs echoed through the forest. In hearing it, V sprinted towards the place as fast as she could. She realized she was back in the secret forest, where the cries came from.

And there, leaning back against a tree, was the poor boy sobbing in agony as he tries to calm himself. The wounds were bleeding badly, small splotches of metallic blood landing on his rags and the grass. They appeared to be severe and will not be soothed with deep breaths. In spotting the farmer, his entire body tenses then freeze. His eyes went wide, consumed by terror and helplessness. He mutters inaudible words to himself, almost like a desperate prayer.

V only stares at the boy, her face bewildered. Even if it was true, she can hardly believe a child lived in the secret forest. She snaps out of it after, her expression softening. She is aware that she needs to do something aside from look.

"Hello," V greets softly, careful not to startle him further. "It's okay, little one. I won't hurt you." She walks slowly towards the boy, gently holding out her hand to show she meant no harm.

The boy tenses when the farmer was nearing him, but he seemed to have no plan in running off again. His leg could no longer cooperate due to the nasty wound. V keeps walking forward, her gaze gentle and genuine.

When she approached him, the farmer kneels down to match his height, her dark brown eyes observing his appearance. He had bronze skin that shone against the soft light, short-cropped hair as black as ebony, and wore old, dirty rags riddled with big and small holes.

Yet his eyes were the most extraordinary of his features, a glimmering gold akin to shining coins. Despite being a simple boy, he had beautiful eyes.

By his looks, the boy was roughly a preteen.

"You're very handsome," V compliments with an awed expression. She tilts her head to the side, curious eyes staring into his golden ones. "What's your name?"

The boy did not reply, eyes still wide at the sight of the farmer. V is completely understanding of his reaction, guessing he has not seen an adult for a long while. Maybe he is a shy kid. Even so, a smile only rests on her lips. "You don't have to say anything."

Her eyes avert from his face to the wounds, the smile faltering into a sympathetic frown. Already by how they look, agonizing was the first word that entered her head. Whether the kid liked it or not, it urgently needs treatment.

"These wounds look really painful, huh?" She asks. To her surprise, the boy nods. V chooses not to question it. "We need to get it to a doctor. But first, let's wrap it up to avoid infections, okay?"

Despite still being distrustful, the boy nods again. V begins approaching him, remaining gentle with her movements. She then takes out a roll of bandages, a bottle of betadine and a small pack of cotton balls, the perfect items needed to soothe the wounds temporarily. She begins treating the boy tenderly, occasionally apologizing whenever he winces.

In five minutes, the farmer finished patching up the kid. For now, he can stand and move around as long as he will not overexert his body. V puts back her items in her bag, attention going back to the boy afterwards. "Does it feel alright now? No pain, kid?"

He tries to stand up, it resulted in a success. He starts pacing in circles to test his leg, it did not sting for a bit. Once the boy is certain there are no aching, he nods. The farmer beams at this. "That's good. Are you ready to go to the doctor?"

Even if hesitant, the boy still nods his head. He seemed to understand that he needs a professional to tend his wounds. With that, V stands up from her place and leads the way out of the secret forest.

(The kid also timidly asks to get a piggyback ride after some time due to fatigue, but V was far from complaining about it.)

✧❁❁❁✧✿✿✿✧❁❁❁✧

"I have finished tending his wounds. I also gave the young boy a checkup. He'll be okay." Harvey says to V while his eyes scans his clipboard, reading the details he noted. "According to my examinations, he has been in the forests for quite some time now, roughly weeks."

"My goodness," the farmer gasps softly at the given information, her eyes filled with concern. She looks at the sleeping child on the bed before averting her attention back to the doctor. "That long? Is there anything else?"

Harvey nods. "I tried talking to him, but he chooses not to speak. He might have selective mutism," the doctor replies, pushing up his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "His body is surprisingly healthy as well. For a preteen to live in a dangerous area, he doesn't seem to have caught any illnesses."

The farmer only nods in response. Her arms were crossed on her chest, lips pursed in worry. Her eyebrows also furrowed, eyes looking downcast. She tries to open her mouth to speak, but then closes it.

Harvey noticed her behavior. He places his clipboard on a nearby desk, his hand now resting on one of V's shoulders. "Is there something on your mind, V?"

"Ah," she only says. There was a small tinge of pink dusting on her cheeks, though it was easy to miss. "I'm just... worried, Doc. I don't know who that kid was, and the fact he lived there still baffles me."

She pauses for a moment before continuing. "I just wished I knew he was there in the first place, you know? I know I'm not to blame, but..."

The doctor frowns in empathy. There were also times Harvey felt the same thing when he failed some of his patients, wishing he could have done something to prevent the tragedy. He sighs silently as flashbacks play in his mind.

"Sit down," he offered, gesturing to the vacant chair beside the boy's bed. V settles on the seat, fiddling on her fingers in a nervous manner. Harvey continues speaking: "I understand what you feel. As a doctor, wishful thinking is not uncommon. I have my own failures and regrets, just like you. But we must remember not to drown in them. We are only human, after all, and we are not responsible of everything that happens around us."

Harvey then takes V's hand, holding it reassuringly. The pads of his fingers caress the calluses on her palm. "If anything, you have done well in helping the boy. You knew how to treat his wounds, even if it was temporary. You took him to me because you knew he needed it. Even if you weren't able to help him before, you still made a job well done."

V smiles with gratitude at Harvey, a few tears beginning to well in her eyes. She holds his hand in return, giving it a gentle squeeze. He blushed at the gesture, then he smiles. "Thank you." She beams.

He chuckles, saying, "there is no need to thank me. I am only doing my job as your doctor."

"And as a friend," she adds.

Harvey laughs softly, flattered to hear such words from the farmer, and V laughs along with him. Their hands remained intertwined, finding comfort in each other's presence.

For the passing time, Harvey and V have a conversation together all about the myths and theories in the medical field. While they converse with interest, a small groan was heard. They turned their heads, witnessing the boy wake from his slumber.

"Hello again," V greets him with a gentle smile as soon as he opens his golden eyes. "How are you feeling, dear?"

The boy slowly sits up on his bed, stretching out his limbs. He does not answer the question immediately. Instead, he touches the bandages on his wounds with eyes consumed with wonder. Then he nods.

"It's good news that you're in a good condition." Harvey responds to his nod. He wears the earpieces of the stethoscope, sitting closer to the child.

"Just take deep breaths and relax, okay? I'm just going to listen your heartbeat." The doctor tells the boy, which he replies with a silent nod. He puts the chest-piece on the kid's chest, listening to his beating heart. After a minute, Harvey removes both the chest-piece and the earpieces.

He pats his head, giving him a satisfied smile. "You're a very good kid. Your heartbeat is normal, thus you're healthy."

"... thank you."

The adults' eyes widened when they heard the boy speak. His voice was small yet silvery, honestly shocking for a child like him. His eyes stare at them nervously, noticing the sudden silence when he spoke.

V quickly clears her throat, sensing the negative reaction from the kid. "Apologies. We were just... surprised. Anyway, may we ask you questions?"

When he nods at her, she starts thinking of something simple. "Hmm... what's your name?"

The child hesitates, answering her with silence. "... Delvin." He finally speaks after a few moments.

"Delvin," Harvey repeats, letting the name slide on his tongue. It sounds foreign to them, but it was definitely beautiful. "That's a wonderful name. Unique, I might say."

The expression on V's face shifts at his name, though she remains silent. They go back to asking Delvin questions, and they discover more answers from him.

The boy reveals that he is eleven years old and he has been living in the secret forest for three weeks. He also explains that he was able to befriend the slimes, hence catching no sickness. It sounded crazy, but Delvin insists all are true, adding he has a slime companion named Sammy the Gloo.

Harvey wrote down every word he said, as he said they were useful information about the child. After Delvin speaks, the doctor asks him something. "If it's alright to ask, how did you get there in the first place?"

When he heard this question, Delvin's eyes widened and his entire body freezes. He recovers after, though, but he remains to look uncertain on how to explain it.

V frowns at his reaction, understanding that he must have been through an awful situation. "You don't have to answer if it's too sensitive," she reassures, "what's important is that you're okay."

"... thank you, Miss V. B-But I can summarize." He says shy, and she gives him a nod of encouragement.

He sighs before talking about his backstory. The adults found out that he was raised in an orphanage since he does not know who or where his parents are. The old caretaker of the place was a kind woman, offering the orphans the necessities. When he turned six years old, the caretaker retired and another took over. However, she was hardly similar to the first caretaker.

The new caretaker was inconsiderate and strict, taking every single task with seriousness. As much as it was effective discipline, it unfortunately evolves into verbal abuse. Everyday, he and the other orphans would face the so-called discipline of their caretaker to the point they had enough. So when they were old enough, the kids decided to create an escape plan.

The escape plan succeeded, though not without a chase. Some children truly escaped, while others were caught and dragged back to the orphanage. Delvin was one of the orphans who managed to run away, yet he became separated from his friends as he ran heedlessly.

He just kept running and running and running and running and running and running and running and running and running and running—

The last thing he remembered is that he fainted from exhaustion, and the boy woke up in the middle of the secret forest. He found peace in the foreign environment, the only proof that Delvin realized their plan.

"...and that's what happened," Delvin finishes. On his face, there was a wistful smile. "I'm happy to escape, but sometimes I wish my friends are with me."

Harvey and V frowned at Delvin's story, a pang of sympathy in their chests. He was only eleven years old, yet he already encountered a lot since his toddler days. The thought of watching a child face the circumstances was both mesmerizing and pitiful. The room becomes silent, gloom spreading around the atmosphere.

The farmer clears her throat, breaking the silence. "I... I'm sorry for everything that has happened to you."

Delvin only shakes his head. "... it's not your fault, Miss V. Please don't be sad."

"He's right, V." Harvey nods in agreement, putting a hand on hers. "Anyway, you're a big inspiration, Delvin. We're glad we are able to help you."

The boy grins shyly, eyes averting elsewhere as his cheeks turn red in flattery. The adults simply chuckle.

"I have a suggestion, and I hope you will like it, kid." V speaks up again, catching the attention of the boys. They gaze at her with confusion, wondering what suggestion it would be.

She smiles at them before saying; "I want to adopt Delvin."

Delvin's face shifts drastically, eyes turning wide and shoulders tensing upwards. As for Harvey, he was also surprised but it then changes into agreement. "Yes," he responds, "I like that idea. The cities don't seem like a good place for him after that escape. It's better for Delvin to stay in Stardew Valley."

"Stardew Valley?" He repeats the name of the place, tilting his head to the side with an eyebrow raised. "That's the name of where you guys live?"

V nods at his question. "Yep. In such a small town, I think you'll fit in just fine, sweetie. Jas and Vincent will be delighted to have a new friend."

"And I will be more than happy to care for more patients," the doctor follows. "It's tiring work, but definitely rewarding."

Delvin thinks about it for a moment, debating whether he should agree to the idea of adoption or not. Glancing at the farmer, she seemed like a kind woman, especially after she tended his wounds and rushed him to Harvey. Some adults might just be uncaring and leave him be in the secret forest, he assumes. A while passed by, and Delvin has made his decision. "... okay. I think I'm good with that."

V gives him a warm smile, joyous that she is able to help and care. She comes near him and pats his head in a motherly manner, her callused hands making contact with his hair. A fuzzy feeling swims in the boy's chest, and he thought it was very pleasant.

She lets out a small giggle before playfully announcing. "From now on, Delvin will live in the farmhouse with me! And he shall be given a new name!"

She coughs before resuming. "Delvin in Irish means 'unlucky', I am not the happiest when it is named for a resilient child. Today, you shall be called... Crisostomo."

"Crisostomo?" Harvey and Delvin ask in unison.

"Yes. I know it's very new. I just heard it from somewhere and I instantly fell in love with it. Delvin's a handsome boy, and I'm positive it'll fit him," V elaborates, which the boys came to understanding.

"... it's okay," the shy kid only shrugs, yet a tint of red returns on his cheeks. "I don't have anything bad to say about it."

Harvey lets out a low hum, patting the boy's head like a father. A subtle smile rests on Delvin's lips now. "As long as you aren't against the new name, that's what matters the most."

"So, I'll pick you up tomorrow, buddy?" V questions as she stands up, stretching her legs. "Or rather, Cris?"

The boy released a tiny giggle, gradually becoming fond of his new name. He already feels a connection with these two adults. "Mhm," he replies.

The following day arrives, and Harvey discharges the boy from his clinic. As he walks to the farmhouse with his new caretaker, his golden eyes looks everywhere as interest takes over. It was indeed a small town, but its presence felt warm. It was a lovely spring with pollen drifting through the wind. Crisostomo never knew that he would see something like this after those long weeks in the forest.

He was intrigued by the sight of crops and fruit trees growing around. They were almost ripe now, and he guesses that V will have a bountiful harvest for the season.

"Well, this is your new home," V speaks up after the stroll, dark brown eyes gazing down at the kid with kindness. "Welcome to the farm, Crisostomo."

Crisostomo nods at her words, letting go of the farmer's hand as he explores his brand new home. There were a bunch of crops like parsnips and cauliflower, as well as animals such as chickens and cows. Even a dog lived in here; it must be the farmer's pet.

The fruit trees were tall, its leaves colored in a vibrant green. Some had fruit, some are yet to grow. His eyes spot oranges, and a memory flashes in his mind: they were the first fruit he ate in the orphanage, the sweet and tarty flavor juicing unto his tongue. Crisostomo remembers how he ate four oranges that time because he loved it so much. From the flashback, the boy has hardly noticed that he was just unmoving like a statue.

A soft laugh was heard behind him. "I see you want an orange, hm?" It was V, who was holding a fruit picker in her hands.

"U-Uhm... yes." He replies shyly.

"No worries, sweetie. I got this." She winks, using the fruit picker to collect a bunch of oranges. Once done, the farmer gives a fruit to the boy. "Eat up, kid. You're going to love these. Straight from the source!"

Crisostomo observes the fruit, rotating it to different sides with sharp eyes. He starts peeling off the skin, handing them to V. He takes a carpel of the fruit, tossing it into his waiting mouth. The familiar taste of the orange comes back all over him, and he swore he could have bursted in satisfaction.

Throughout the day, the boy sits on the porch as his "mother" works around the farm. He watches her cut down trees, harvest weath, remove boulders, and care for her animals. He honestly finds it alien that she does not force him to work unlike the caretaker in the suffocating orphanage. No matter the sweat, V still smiles and asks if he is alright. A small spark of gratitude ignites in his chest, inspiring him to help her someday when he has taken enough knowledge about her job.

A few hours later, dusk has approached as the setting sun creates a warm sky of red, orange and yellow. It reminded Crisostomo of autumn, the season he admired as a toddler. It brought back the memories of cooked food on the dinner table. Perhaps some things never change.

V invites Crisostomo into her house, which gives him a pang of realization that he had not entered it before. He marvelled at the interior and furniture of the house, mouth hanging open a bit. The boy can hardly believe that this house will now be his new home. It was not a big house, but it was surrounded with a warm and welcome feeling, a stark contrast to the ambience of the secret forest.

"Make yourself at home," V pats his head. "I'll be cooking in the kitchen."

Because of this, Crisostomo occupies himself by exploring the house. He memorizes every door in order to avoid getting lost, as well as engraving his footsteps in his mind. The more he looks around, the more he is intrigued. There was a picture frame hanged on the wall: it was V and a purple-haired man smiling together. Crisostomo was obviously curious, pondering whoever this man was. Is he...?

"Crisostomo!" V calls him from the dining room. "Dinner's ready!"

"C-Coming, Miss V!" He stammers, dashing to where the farmer waits. There, on the table, was a warm meal with a mouthwatering aroma. V sits on her chair, patiently waiting for her son.

"Sit there," she points at the seat across the table, opposite from V. "And eat whatever you like. This is now your home, after all."

The boy nods at her instruction, quietly heading to settle on his chair. In front of him was the food the farmer has cooked for them. Without a second to waste, Crisostomo dug in and begins to satisfy his empty stomach. V smiles in amusement, glad to see the kid loved her cooking.

An hour passed and it was finally time for bed. The farmer has given the boy a simple sleepwear, but its rich fabrics said otherwise. He laid down in his bed which was in a separate room from the farmer's. Crisostomo was still adjusting, and V was open-minded about his preference. As soon as the kid was snuggling with the sheets, V leaves him a motherly kiss on the forehead.

"Goodnight, sweetheart." She whispers.

"Goodnight, Miss V." He responds.

She turns off the lights, then she walks out of the room, the door closing behind him gently. Once she is gone, Crisostomo recalls the crazy occurrences that has happened, finding them all too good to be true. It felt too sudden, too strange. But here he is, laying down in a cozy bed in a welcoming home.

The soothing voice of V echoes in his mind, her kind words and thoughtful questions fixing his wounded heart. She was his mother now. His mother, a person who will love and care for him.

Crisostomo marvels at the reality of his life. Before, he was an abused boy who lived in the forests. Now, he is adopted by a wonderful woman who took him in a lovely home.

    He yawns and his eyes begin to flutter, closing them as exhaustion of the day took over his body. But his lips curve upwards, because there is no place he would rather be.

(Have some bonus art!! :DD)

[wgwingguns]

Powers: (Y/n) has powers of the Sut Sut No Mi. The Step Step Fruit. Which allows the user to walk on any surface and in mid air.  Summary: (Y/n) Shristi also known as Captain Brig, a well known underground shipwright, has her own huge ship that harbors up to 8 other ships in docks that allows her crew to fix up other pirate ships that are in need of fixing or upgrades. (Y/n) who was a student under Dr Vegapunk for 8 years, after a tragic incident that caused her to lose both arms and legs. Dr Vegapunk took her in, gave her arms and legs prosthetics to allow the girl to walk and still be an adventurous teen, there (Y/n) learned and became a brilliant scientist and inventor. Back to the present where her mighty ship and mighty crew full of shipwrights, come across two struggling men in the sea, and then a whole crew and their ship split in half and in parts of their beloved vessel floating in the ocean…The Heart Pirates, and the Kid Pirates…How strange. Note: So this is after Law and Bepo escape Blackbeard, and Kid and his crew is fucking decimated from Shanks. Enjoy lovelies!! This is def not following the canon events-

WC: 2.8k

Chapter 4: The Tales of the Forgotten Isle

The sight of greens and browns of all shades would zoom past her vision. The sounds of birds and the strong thumps of horse hooves against the ground running filled her ears. The wild wind blowing through her hair harshly, bouncing in the wind that passes by her rushing form. The beautiful black steed below her runs fast through the forest path towards her town. Her small child hands holding onto the mane of the black steed. Her eyes trailing upwards to see the lower and upper parts of the trees pass her, seeing life thrive around her. Birds flying in the air, squirrels jumping from branch to branch, butterflies of all colors flying in the air, and finally a hawk that soared high in the blue sky, letting out a loud call, piercing her little ears. 

She didn't mind though, she felt free, at peace, one with the wind, one with her steed. She was with her happy family, her friends, and town. Her isle. Her HOME. Wild Country, the home of an old retired pirate crew settled down all together as a family. Have started farming in agriculture and livestock. But the thing that made Wild Country, Wild Country? It's wild horses running, grazing, and roaming the land. 

“Now now! Settle down you littles!” Angus would laugh as the kids were prying stories from him. Their little curious minds wanting to know more about their great world that they lived on. “There we go.” The children had finally stopped talking and asking questions all at once. Angus couldn't help but smile, the children of their crew rowdy and adventurous. He truly admired them for that. 

A young girl would speak up. “Navigator Angus, could you tell us more about Captain Brig’s homeland?” Angus would let a soft smile take place on his lips nodding his head.

“Of course my little one! For those who haven't heard of it, it was a great island full of life and its wild horses. It was called Wild Country. This place was just vibrant with life! Magical forests to be seen, plains greener than any field you could ever see. This place was just as alive as its people were. The small town full of farmers that used to be pirates, part of a wonderful close knit crew, that decided to settle down after a long time of sailing with one another. Captain Brig’s parents were part of the crew and then had Captain Brig while on the island. Cap’s parents owned the largest ranch on the isle, full of horses, and helped people be able to tame and breed them. Might I also say that I believe Brig, even though quite young, was able to tame the wildest of horses.” Angus spoke in a kind tone towards the kids, as he would run his fingers across the table trying to let the kid imagine that his fingers were a horse running wildly.

“Captain had two horses! Shipwright, who was a beautiful black friesian, and Jasper, a wonderful, strong, wild, painted horse. Jasper was the one that took Captain a while to tame, since that horse was so wild that all the adults had given up on trying to tame it. But of course our wonderful, known stubborn captain, at the ripe age of 8, tamed that horse and showed them how it was done!” The kids would cheer, laughing with one another, their tiny bright sparkling eyes still on Angus. “Though besides the horses and its people, what I have heard from Captain Brig is that it was not the only thing on the island. Supposedly there was a cave, full of stories of a hidden island, full of creatures from out of this world.” Angus’s tone would drop as if he were whispering. “Captain said one time to me and Yael in the drunken stupor that she used to study all the ancient writing on the walls with the paintings so much that one day, she could read it. This land full of creatures was called Sonaria. With supposedly beasts called the Wardens,  and its warrior would protect the land from being found.”

One of the kids would stand from their seat leaning over the table trying to get a little closer to Angus to ask him their question. “So instead of Captain looking for Laughtale, is she looking for Sonaria?” Angus would let out a deep belting laugh, shaking his head. 

“Oh, no no my dear child. Captain Brig has sworn to never search for that place. If this island is really real and is actually being hidden, Cap doesn't want it to be found, so she keeps her secrets and swears she will never search for it. Though if we happen to come across this island we will admire then leave. We definitely do not want to ruin an island that has not been touched by the world government, nor do we want the world government to find it. Because if so, this island’s wardens and warrior will come after us!” Angus would jump from his seat, letting out a roar. The kids screamed, smiling as they would get up from their seats running, with Angus in tow chasing after them playfully.

Law, from the corner of the room, watched Angus chase around the children, growling and roaring, making the kids scream playfully. These kids had a wonderful life for being on a ship like theirs, even though being children of pirates, they enjoyed their home and their adventures. Learning things that they were interested in, and taking information in as much as they could get their little innocent hands on. 

The kids would run over to their Captain still screaming, running away from Angus, the children hiding behind (Y/n). For as drunk as she was she would smile looking, back at them over her shoulder and seeing Angus freeze and stand up straight, clearing his throat. “C-captain.” (Y/n) couldn't help but smile seeing the confident man almost shrink at being before his captain, her. 

“Angus. Do you mind telling me why the kids are hidin’ behind me?” (Y/n) would raise a brow, a smile still plastered on her face chuckling softly. The kids behind her giggling, watching their nervous navigator Angus. “Now now, don't be hidin’ anything from me ye kids!” She would turn around smiling, grabbing a 5 year old boy, lifting him up and holding him. 

The boy's eyes wide with excitement as his mouth would open in a big smile “Cap! Is it true that you rode on horses? And that you grew up with them?” The boy's eyes stared intensely at his Captain holding him. 

That smile on (Y/n)’s face would turn soft as she would smile, nodding her head. “Oh yes, my dear little cowboy. There were herds of many kinds of horses running through the plains and forests. My parents had a ranch full of horses.” The boy's eyes would twinkle with interest. “I had my own two horses named Jasper, his coat mixed with the darkness of the browns of a grand tree and white of the clouds in the bluest skies in this world. Then finally Shipwright, my beautiful stallion of the night, her coat deep as the darkest black depths of this feared mother ocean.” she would scrunch her nose, bringing her own hand up tapping the young boy's nose with her finger. He would giggle, squealing as she would set back down the boy with a smirk. 

“Captain Brig, is it true that you named the Shipwright's Brig after your horse?” a girl standing next to the boy would speak up, her eyes wide with curiosity. Simply Brig would nod her head, smiling and crouching down to be at their level, even though she was still much taller than the kids before her. 

“Now better get along before the big scary Angus gets you!” she would scream playfully. With that the kids would squeal, running off as Angus would continue their chase after them. (Y/n) just laughing and watching. Law just watched. Everything about this felt familiar. Having people care and love you. Making sure you are safe from all harm and kept innocent as much as possible before being thrown out into the harsh world once getting older. It kinda reminded him of when he was younger with Cora… 

Wire in the distance was sitting with Heat and watched the interaction from afar. Kid was too drunk to even care what was going on, with Killer trying to make sure that Kid doesn’t get mad or upset by any means and maybe hurt someone of the Shipwright crew. The way (Y/n) had interacted with the kids was natural, like she knew what she was doing. The way she talked calmly and made their eyes just light up with fascination. It was astonishing to see such a scary, bloodthirsty woman calm around children. It was like looking at a whole new person. 

Who was this woman truly?

The night had stretched on, the party slowing as crewmates cleaned up their messes and made their way back to their rooms to rest before the coming day. (Y/n) was nowhere in sight now. Kid, his commanders, and crew made their way back to their room. Law's crew and first mate were already back at their room, more than likely sleeping away. Though Law couldn't find himself tired yet. Memories and thoughts running rampant in his head. He was now on the upper deck next to the railing watching the dark ocean illuminated by the moon below him pass. Hearing the clanks of metal on glass would have him turning his head to see (Y/n) standing in the large glass dome that's above her workshop. She stood there, now in what it seemed to be pajamas, which consisted of shorts and a tank top. Her hair up in a bun on the back of her head, makeup removed. A bottle of rum in her hand as she would raise it taking a big swig of it. Soon her tall form bends over to sit on top of the glass. 

Law would quietly make his way over to the helm and now, leaning against the railing behind her. He would let out a soft sigh but part scoff. “You know if you keep drinking like that, your liver will fail you.” All Law would get would be a hand wave of dismissal. 

“To be honest, whatever kills me quicker I truly don't mind.” She would sigh, her back towards him, her skin adorned in tattoos of ropes, lassos, and a few small silhouettes of horses. The only outstanding tattoo on her was on both of her left and right shoulders. On her right was a large ‘VP 0.5’ and on her left was a huge metal detailed X with a cross-air in the middle, with what looked like electricity coming out of the top and sides. Though the comment she made would make Law's skin crawl with disappointment and disapproval. He would watch her as she set down the bottle of rum, reaching into her shorts pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Pulling one from the box and putting it in her mouth, she would light the cigarette covering the flame with her hand. Soon taking a long drag of her cigarette, pulling it away from her lips and letting out a cloud of smoke. “I know that might not be your thing, Captain Trafalgar D. Law, but I would rather die due to my own mistakes, then die to any other pirate's or damned Marines. So. Let me smoke and drink in peace will yah?” She would snap a bit at him.

Law was quiet now. (Y/n) bringing her cigarette back up to her mouth taking another long pull, the end of the cigarette lighting up in bright orange embers as it burned, sending the smoke through her lips into her lungs. Exhaling, she would look back over at him. Her sharp blue and orange eyes meet his grey eyes. “So what brings yah out here in the middle of the night? I thought yous would be asleep in your cabin with the rest of yer crew.”

Law would shrug a bit a smirk on his face now. “Just not feeling tired, can a man not have one night being up late?” Law would ask smugly, his eyes never leaving hers, but the longer he stared into her eyes he felt the familiar chill go down his own spine. 

“Not judging, just questioning.” a smile would creep up onto (Y/n)’s face. Soon bringing the bottle of rum to her lips again, taking a small sip this time. The soft flow of yellow from her legs and arms would illuminate the space around her. “Have ye ever just wanted to jump into the ocean and sink for a while just to enjoy the feelin’ of the ocean around yer body?”

Law’s smug smirk would instantly disappear as he would look at the female like she was crazy. Well, she is crazy. “What? You would be absolutely insane just to jump into the ocean knowing that you have a devil fruit and can't swim!” He would almost be yelling in anger just for this woman to say something absolutely insane.

“Hey! Like I was sayin’! Just questioning!” She would put her hands up in a defensive manner, shrugging her shoulders. “But of course I would have someone on standby to fetch me out of the water,” she would burst out laughing, a tear escaping her eye. Now she wasn't drinking like earlier…she was drinking earlier out of happiness and joy. Now? Law could see it in (Y/n)’s eyes. Sadness, pain, loss. She now wasn't drinking out of happiness, but out of pain. Law would calm down looking at her. This cheerful, happy girl was just actually suffering. But she did hide it well.

Law would jump over the railing and gently walk across the glass, being surprised that the glass was thicker than what he thought. He would then sit a good few feet away from her to the side and look over at her. That smile on her face that had accompanied her face moments ago was now just a small sad smile. “There really are days that I just wish I could swim again without a worry in the world and just live my life free. Still back on the ranch taking care of the horses, going for a ride every mornin’ and maybe even just a late nigh’ ride,” she would look down at the cigarette between her fingers. Bringing it up and taking a huff of it again. “Being able to hear the sounds of wildlife around me without a worry in the world,” she would sigh, smoke leaving her lips. Law’s eyes would just watch her intently, listening to the taller woman next to him spill her wishes. Why was this woman just spilling out her wants to him? Is she really drunk or is she not? “Sorry…just mumblin',” she would sigh, hanging her head low and then rubbing her hand against the back of her neck.

With that (Y/n) would begin to collect her things. Putting her cigarette pack back into her pocket and picking up the bottle of rum she would stand, looking down at Law. “Get some sleep. We are going to be docking at the next island soon to get some supplies,” she would state. Her carefree nature gone, replaced by a now very serious tone and manner. Before Law could say anything she was already walking through the air back towards the door to the lower decks of the ship, that he could only assume was her going to bed. 

Law was now left there to himself and the sounds of the ocean lapping up against the huge hull. The moon was still high in the sky and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. He was left in his own thoughts. His mind raced with so many questions about (Y/n). What happened to her own homeland? Why was she out here on the sea and not with her parents back on Wild Country? What caused her to lose her limbs? Was she by chance born without her limbs or did some freak accident happen to her to lose them? Wait no… He remembers her talking to Kid earlier about her robotic limbs…

“.... since I was robbed of that pretty young….”

God. What really happened to her?

Unaware of all the sleeping crew, the ship slowly closed in on its next island. In the distance the familiar shape of an island comes into view. An old worn down ocean bobber sign drifting from side to side. The worn down words on the sign would read.

Wild Country

Home of the Wild Horses

Population 177  0

Tag list: @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @a-killer-obsession @tadomikiku

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[ravenveenova97]

Paldea Forbidden Fruit

Treating Rookadi

(disclaimer: this was hard for me to write as it includes my beloved Rabbit that passed away 4 years ago)

I ended up finishing my Art class with a bang and now I had free period for an hour so I was roaming around the academy top floor looking at all the books with Sky with me “there so meany books it’s hard to choose what to read hehehheh” Sky smiled at me wile looking still but desided to go down to the lower floor and have a look what they had down there, I walk past a bookshelf and something caught my eye leavening me to stop on the spot “what book is that” I see a purple book sticking out amongst the others and walk over to it and pull it out, on the cover was a Pokemon iv never seen before, curious I open the book and started to read some of it out loud “ the great crater of Paldea, luck favours us with fine weather making for a smooth descent into the crater were the grate treasure of legends said to lie……..interesting this could be a good read” I close the book and hold it to my chest looking about, seems most students on free period are either in there dorms or out, I smile and make my way to the back of the academy leading to the cort yard, I find reading outside dose wonders, fresh air and cool breeze even tho we’re in the start of spring.

I make it outside and look for a place to sit, I end up spotting a tree that was in the shade and walked over and sat behind it and got comfortable wile sky was looking off in a different direction, I relise and stood back up “sky what’s up?” Just then she starts walking off and I follow her and were she was going, we reach some planters and she stops in front of them, I popped my head around and my face dropped “ow no” I dropped the book and ran closer to the planters to a small blue yellow and black bird “this is bad your really injured” it was a small Rookadi still a baby by the looks of it, I gently pick it up and get out of the planters but touching it started a fight.

From the top of the school binding a steel wing was launched at me but Sky put up a reflect to stop it from hitting us, I held onto the Rookadi in my arms as two Corvinights came in for the attack, they were close to getting to us that’s when a Boomburst hit both of them sending them flying “NO NOIVERN STOP DONT HURT THEM!!!!” he looked at me confused and I ran in front of him “they must be this Rookaies parents there just trying to protect it” Noivern landed and the two Corvanights got up and was cawing at me I turn round and walk closer “it’s ok……I just want to help……your little one safe with me” there cawing stoped and I kneeled down on the ground and pulled out a little cloth laying it out and putting the baby Rookadie onto it.

I could see it was badly hurt like it was attacked……..but it’s still a baby it probably can’t fly yet, I get out some potion an orian berry and a bandage from my bag and laid it down on the cloth as Sky and Noivern was watching the Corvinights wile I helped Rookadi, I sprayed the areas were it was really hurt and it let out a painful cheep “I know it stings but it stop soon” the baby opens it’s eyes and saw I was bandaging up it’s wings “your awake how you feeling” I finish the wrap and it looked at its wing wile tilting its head to the side and proceeded to give it a little peck “no don’t do that you make them come off, look eat this it help you get better” I handed out the berry and it picked it up into its moth and ate it, after it started to chirp happily “nicely done Honan” I jump out of my skin and I see Jacq standing next to me “don’t sneak up like that Jacq jeez”

He let out a warm chuckle and I sighed “you seam to have a habit of popping out of thin air I swere” I pick up the Rookadi and walk over to the Corvanights “here he’s all bandaged up take good care of him” they nod and one lowers it self down and I perch Rookadi on it’s back “there, you stay safe now little one” I give it a little pet and move away, the Corvanights end up taking off and I wave bye to them, “you really are full of surprises arnt you” I turn to Jacq and shrug and smile “it’s simple Pokémon first aid you learn that in kindergarten” I wave my hand up and down non salontly then walk back over to the planter and pick up the purple book and dust it off.

“True but the way you nurssed it back to helth that take years of studying, even first time trainers struggle with it” I smile sadly and nod agreeably with him “well I got that exspireance with” I stop speeking and I look the other way holding onto my pendent I was wearing

“Dexter……” Jacq eyes saddens and he walks closer behind me and gently ruffles my hair “I see……sorry I brought it up I don’t mean to” Tears well up in my eyes as I held onto the pendent tighter “it’s ok………you didn’t know” I walk over to the tree and sit down, Sky comes over and sits with me as twisted agonising pain spread across my face “you know I miss him dearly……..he was my best friend……..someone I could relay on when ever I was sad or depressed” Jacq came over to sit down wile Sky was rubbing my back comforting me “Honan you don’t have to tell me” I shake my head and then hold my pendent out and open it, inside was a small bag with some ashes in “this is all iv got left of him now………a part of him no matter we’re I go” beside the ashes was a photo of us both……..Dexter was a Cinderace……

”iv never told anyone this but……..he didn’t die of old age” I close my eyes as tears stream down my face “he…..h….he died of Neuro toxic poisoning……..it slowly destroyed he’s brain and every organ in he’s body” I began to shake and I was sobbing my eyes out wile my hands trembled “how?” I shake my head and hold myself “it was all my fault………I don’t know the Pokémon that attacked him all I remember was a poison chain hit him as he pushed me out of the way” Jacq looked around and then back at me trembling “the day he died I was asleep next to him……he…..he was………convulsing throwing him self all over the place………it wasn’t easy to see I was so scared……..but I held him tight as he fitted in my arms letting out agonising screams……..I was saying it’s going to be ok……..don’t be sceard…….it’s ok to go……I be ok” at this point I was frantically shaking like I was petrified Jucq pulled me in for a hug and held me tight, I gripped on tight to him “he died in my arms……….when he did I pulled away and looked at him…….blood was spilling out of he’s nose and mouth……….mum wasn’t around when it happens she was out getting him medicine……..I held he’s lifeless body in my arms crying so hard” I let out the most agonising cry ever “losing him……..it’s was like losing my only friend” Jacq arms grew tighter around me as I just cried and cried “I’m so sorry you went threw that………no one should go threw this kind of pain or witness a death of a pokemon” he moved he’s hand up to the back of my head and rested it there wile gently caressing my hair “Honan were where you when this happened” I’m hyperventilating and trying to get the location out to him “it was a holiday trip in……ki…..ki…..” I griped tighter and yelled it out “KITAKAMI”my body shook as all I was was Cinderace face as he was hit by the chain “this is why I studied in Pokémon medicine to stop that happing ever again” all of a sudden I started to feel sick as small flash back of that night slowly glazed over my eyes, I pushed Jacq away and ran off behind the tree and started to throw up, sky shot up and came over to me as I collapsed onto my knees bringing up more and more vomit.

After I was done and couldn’t bring anymore up I went back to crying on my hands and knees “I’m so sorry Dexter……….IM SORRY!!!!!” I yelled out and it echoed through the school yard “it’s my fult your dead…….I wish it was me instead of you” Jacq sat there with he’s head turned to the side gritting he’s teath as tears streamed down he’s face “I can feel her pain……..it’s so strong” I stood up and was wiping my tears and started to walk off past Jacq “I’m sorry I just want to be alone right now…….” Jacq stood up and grabbed my hand “Honan wait” I stop walking and slightly look over my shoulder “please don’t go” I look away and gently pull my hand away “I’m sorry…….tell Mr Clavel I’m taking a leave of absence for a cupule of days” I run off and Sky ran after me crying out, Jacq held out he’s hand but he slowly withdrew it “wait……Honan…..let me help…you” he turned he’s head to the side like he was in a lot of pain but proceeded to look to the sky “how has she stayed so strong…….I couldn’t even” Jacq looked back down and slowly walked back into the Academy with a troubled heart.

I didn’t bother picking up my belongings from my room in the teachers dorm instead I whistled for Noivern got on with Sky and flew off back home.

I landed out side mine and got off Noivern I didn’t put him away instead I let him come into the house, I walked in as he slowly navigated down my hall way till we reached my front room, I sat down on the sofa and brought my knees up to my chest and tucked my head between them crying again, Sky had a sad look on her face but walked over to the cubbord in the hallway and pulled out a blanket, she walked into my room looking around and found my life size sleeping scorbunny plush and picked that up, I was sobbing quietly in my knees and Sky gently called to me “Garrr” I looked up at her and she was holding Scorbunny out for me to take, my eyes overflowed with more tears as I gently took it off her and held it close to me………this was a gift from Dexter……. It was my 13th birthday present.

Sky took the blanket and draped it over me and sat down pulling me into her arms as she held me gently stroking my hair “everything going to be ok Honan” I shut my eyes as she projected her voice in my head Sky rearly projected her thoughts but when she dose it’s because she trying to sooth me, Sky is an amazing Pokémon and her healing aura is a comfort to me.

I ended up fulling asleep in her arms and dreamed about Dexter, I remember us both playing in the wild area back in gala hehehehe we played hide and seek I was only young 10 years of age “heheheheh you can’t find me” I remember Dexter searching high and low wile I hid in the bushes “hahahahah you found me ok now you go hide” I remember Dexter hiding and me calling out Marko as he called back out to me, he may have been old but he was still quick on he’s feet “were are you Dexter” I remember him always sticking he’s ears out so I could spot him easily “heheheh I found you” I never forget the smile on he’s face every time I found him so full of joy.

I do miss everything we did together I remember one time I came home after kindergarten he would always run up to me and pick me up and throw me into the air and catching me “weeeeeee again again” he would also swing me around till we both felt sick, one time we had sports day together I chose Dexta as my Pokémon partner we practised for days and it payed off as we both got gold medals for coming first place………..but when I turned 14 that’s when that dreaded day happened……….I can’t remember much about what happened.

I was out playing by the loyal three shrine wile mum was talking to an old cupule but after that it’s all a blur I remember Dexter crying out pushing me out of the way and a purple chain withdrawing into the shrine……..then I remember Dexter fulling to the floor and me running over to him “no Dexter you ok…….MUM SOMETHING WRONG WITH DEXTER MUUUUMMMM!!!!” It was then we rushed him to a Pokemon centre outpost………they tryed everything to heal him but the damage was done.

I remember the last year back at home was a sad one I looked after Dexter and studied in Pokémon medison, I even tried to prolong he’s life with what I lurnt Lessing the effects, at first it seamed to be working he had more life in him and was up and about nirly back to he’s old self so I continued the treatment……….but one day he had a relapse fulling to the floor wile he was helping my mum around the house, we quickly got him back to the Pokémon centre but what nerve joy said broke my heart “the infection has started to drastically take over……..I’m sorry but you got a week before he passes away” I shook my head in disbelief and ran home to make a stronger medison for him.

Mum came home and rested Dexter down and covered him up trying to stay strong for him wile I was in the garden making a stronger dose for him to take………I remember running up to him and handing it out “Dexter drink this it should make you feel better I dubbed the dosage” he looked at the cup I had out to him and he shook he’s head “but why” my eyes started to tear up and I began to force it on him “pleas take it Dexter I don’t want you to die” but mum stoped me and shook her head “sweetie if he’s ready he’s ready………don’t force it on him”………..those were words that hit me in the hart but looking at Dexter’s week happy smile made me relise I should spend he’s final days with him by he’s side.

[marybirch87]

Warm up in a greenhouse.

When we lived in Wisconsin I was spoiled with a fabulous garden center that was open year round very close by. On a dreary winter day when I longing for spring I could go roam up and down the aisles and drool over their plants, watch the fish in the koi pond. It was so wonderfully warm and humid in there, like therapy it washed away the winter blues just enough to get me through another week. Where we live in Minnesota I have to drive much further for this experience. My choice place, though 30-40 minutes or so from me, is Green Valley Garden Center in Anoka. I had not been since November, so when my 35th birthday came at the end of March, and it was still wintery outside, I dragged my whole family up there for some much needed spring-piration. I can be sure I leave GVGC with ideas galore. I always take pictures! Of course, I had to share so I could bring y’all along with me... How great is the repetition here? I love the birdhouses as planters, too. Stepping back for a wider shot you can see how they creative they are! Look at all the wonderfully different containers at work here- metal buckets, concrete, and terra cotta- with cottagey white metal plant stands. Harmoniously. PS. Those wreaths are bird seed! This cactus display makes me want to buy multiples of the same kind and stagger them just like this-in what looks like a rain gutter propped up by bird bark, and an old window: Just beside this rain gutter was an even larger repetitive display of cacti I loved; I also can’t get enough of the concrete looking planter they cacti are in: Just a few feet away I was smitten with this door and the perfectly placed branch in front it. How great is the funnel planter begging for a crazy cactus like dog tail or rats tail? I also see a pallet used here, and the amazing old chair: Step back and you see an amazing container filled with succulents and a great old chair turned container holder. Gimme more! A closer look at the chair: This funnel was planted with a dripping pea vine and more. Love it! Specifically I love the mix of metals here- bronzey, chrome-silvery, galvanized all working together with pallet wood, birch bark, moss. If I’m going to go home and try and emulate something, I always make sure to look at the details. I loved, loved, loved this little gem: see how they used the big birch log to make the table’s feet- very informally filling the gap with a chunk of moss? Genious. I can do that. I think the wall even looks like the inside of my garage door... Here’s another pallet idea I liked. They affixed a moss basket right to it. I like this “hanging” free in the middle of the air like this- would look cool hanging from a tree, or in between the posts of a gazebo for privacy. And while we’re on the topic of vertical gardening, this succulent wall hanging is too perfect. The little piece of fungi at the bottom is THE BEST. It was warm enough inside the green house to not mind getting splashed by this fountain. I love how the hanging baskets encircle it at just the right height. In a perfect world, I would have this fountain in my front yard, and hang little containers (don’t these resemble broken walnuts?!?) from the tree above it. Sometimes its the details I take pictures of. This huge wreath makes such a great statement- I have a wreath similar to this, and have never figured out to incorporate it into my garden. I bought years ago when our old house was large enough to hang it as a Christmas wreath swathed in white lights at the roof line. Now I’m thinking it belongs dangling above a container garden somewhere. My thoughts also wandered back to a huge piece of farm equipment-the same shape- I passed on last year at a yard sale- it would make an profound statement like this, placed just right in the garden to frame something... I kept telling myself I’d have to “do” something with it, when in reality just positioning it right as a frame would have been great. My garden color of choice has always been blue, so I was a total sucker for these hanging pots, the blue screen above (with the whimsical cat perfectly placed!!), cool blue cabinet, and those crocks on the floor--- they have blue birds on them! Moving on... I love so much about this russet hued area of the garden. I love how the earth tones make the green pop. The owls are awesome. The rooster in the container surrounded by the fresh green makes me want to pull all my philodendrons outside into the shade and place them around my garden statuary. I also like the lanterns hanging, and the wire orb candle holders. I sure did squeak out loud when I saw this old tub mounted on the wall of old wood. Don’t have a barn door or wall to create this look? Make a faux barn wall! Yes! And while you’re at it, mount that rusty crusty old galvanized tub on it. Oh, and those beautiful blue hanging pots come in this mushroom color, too. I brought home one of those birds nests ferns. This may have been my favorite thing there that day. This old huge bath tub? Who would have thought to put to two dog statues in it, and surround them with succulents? I love it! I had to take this picture to remind myself to put my rabbits foot ferns in similar hanging baskets. While at Menards this spring I saw some moss covered hanging baskets I loved, and this is the perfect plant for them. I always love the premade succulent arrangements they have, too. This is just one of the tables full of succulents... Here is my bounty for the day- I already had the containers, so the plants are what I brought home: Hope you enjoyed coming to garden center with me. Now I’ll be watching the snow fall here... drinking coffee with my sketch book planning for warmer days. Happy gardening!

[delicatelyherdreams]

Pragma(tic) 9: The Past Comes Back to Haunt Her

Pragma(tic) 8: He Gets Found Out (and a Phone Call)

Pairing: Persephone!Bucky Barnes x Hades!Reader

Summary: In a world where the old gods never truly died, you must learn to navigate your way through the ups and downs of immortality. And if living forever wasn’t hard enough, an ancient evil is now threatening to break free after centuries of silence. And as if that still wasn’t hard enough for you, now a pesky and infuriatingly handsome god is trying to wedge his way into your life. Gods, work, love, and conflict—what more could a goddess need? [Hades & Persephone AU]

Word Count: 4651

Warnings: Language; PTSD

Pragma(tic) Masterlist

Previous 8: He Gets Found Out (and a Phone Call)

The sky was blue and clear, not a single cloud in sight. The summer sun beat down on your back as you leaned over your work in the middle of the clearing. Your hands moved fast, your tongue was held in between your teeth as you concentrated, your brows knit together, and you focused. The world, the clearing, and the trees surrounding you melted away as you worked. Only your project mattered.

You spun something out of nothing, twirling your tiny, childish hands around the small, abnormally shaped ball that hovered midair. Red flowed from your palms, gravitating towards the center of your creation, and it stuck wherever it landed. It solidified as it hit the surface, adding to the shiny jewel that was forming in your hands. The gem was see-through, completely clear, but a satisfying shade of red that you loved. A small smile danced across your lips. Your mother was going to love this.

When it was finally the size of a small pebble, you stopped revolving your hands around your creation and instead brought them together in a cup beneath it. The red object fell through the air, landing in your palm.

You beamed down at it before standing, hiking up the skirt of your white chiton, and running over to the woman who was seated on a large rock at the edge of the clearing and was watching you with an amused gaze.

She was beautiful, perfect, the very definition of grace. Her rich dark hair was braided with gold and jewels (most of which you had created for her) and cascaded down her shoulder, coming to rest right above her heart. A gold chiton hung loosely from the titaness’ shoulders, covering her body while leaving her arms, shoulders, and collar bones out for the sun to kiss. 

You scampered over to her as fast as your little legs would take you, holding the red stone out in front of you. “Mama!” you cried, your young voice filling the air. “Mama, look! I made another one.” You stopped at her feet and held it up.

Rhea smiled down at you and took the jewel from you. “So lovely, my darling,” she mused, holding it up to the light and gazing through it. The sun streamed through the jewel, casting a pink glow on her tanned skin. Her smile widened. “Wow! It’s clear all the way through.”

“I think it’s prettier like that, don’t you? It makes your face change colors!”

“So it does.” She closed her fingers around the jewel and pulled her braid closer to her. Her fingers worked to tuck it into the braid with the others. “Thank you, little one. It is beautiful.”

You bit your lip to hide your smile and sat cross-legged at her feet. “You’re welcome, Mama.” 

Her eyes trailed over the stones her dark braid. Most of them were red. “You seem to like making the red ones the most. They match your eyes.” She chuckled softly and turned her gaze to you. “Do you have a name for your creations?”

You nodded, a smile brightening your face. “I think I wanna call them rubies. I dunno why, it’s just a nice name for the red ones.”

Your mother hummed. “Well, be absolutely sure that that is what you want to call them. Once you give them their name, that will always be their name. They are your creation and what you say goes.”

You frowned up at her, your gaze curious and confused. “What do you mean, Mama; ‘what I say goes?’”

She grinned slyly like she knew something you didn’t—which she probably did. “Come with me, my child, and I shall show you.” She reached down and took your tiny hand in hers.

You stood up and walked with her.

She led you through the trees, stepping over fallen logs and helping you over them too. You didn’t know where she was taking you, but you didn’t care. You just loved spending time with your mother.

She was the best mother there was, always there to love you and hug you and squeeze you tight. She loved you, and you loved her.

Rhea guided you through the trees over to a new clearing, but this one wasn’t surrounded by trees. This one was a cliff that came to a point. She took you right up to the edge.

From up there, you could see a vast majority of the land that you lived in. You could see rolling hills taking over the whole area, with small dots nestled in the valleys and near the sea. Each dot was a village that held many people. You’d often sneak down to watch them

Your mother stopped you at the edge of the cliff and sat down, beckoning you to sit on her lap. “What do you see, my dear?” 

You sat down on her thigh and leaned back into her chest. “I see people. It’s the Mortal World, right?”

“Yes. This is the land known as Sicily. And who lives there?”

“The mortals.”

“Very good. Now, you know that you are not a mortal. You’re an immortal, what the humans would call a god, or, in your case, a goddess.”

You turned your eyes up to her, sparkling with curiosity. “Are you a goddess, Mama?”

She laughed. “No. I am a titaness. I am older than the gods, but that’s not important.” She plucked one ruby from her hair and offered it to you. “Because you are a goddess, you get to control some aspects of the world. You are a goddess of wealth, and so these jewels that you create will be worth a lot. The names you give them will be used by mortals everywhere because they are yours. It is one of your powers, and more will develop as you grow older. It is a great responsibility to bear.”

You frowned. “But I’m just a kid.”

“You may have only aged seven years, my child, but you are still their god nonetheless, and they will worship you just the same.” She chuckled. “I know you will be a great goddess. You will go down in their stories as one of the greatest in history.”

You giggled. “I hope so, Mama. I wanna be a good goddess. Do you think the mortals will like me?”

“It is hard to tell, my child. But so long as you stay just, benevolent, and fair, I’m sure they will.”

You opened your mouth to ask her something else, but you were stopped by a loud crash and the earth shaking. You shrieked as you fell off your mother’s lap, sprawling on the ground.

Your mother blanched and shot to her feet, staring at something in the distance. “(y/n), hide.”

“Mama, what—?”

“Go!” She grabbed you by your wrist and threw you towards the tree.

You obeyed, running into the trees to hide beneath one. Looking back out at the clearing, you saw your mother grow larger, her height soaring until she was giant. So tall, was the titan’s true form, that she towered above everything else, even mountains. When your mother was at her full height, you hardly came up to her big toe. She rarely used this form with you (unless you wanted to say hi to the birds) because you hated feeling small and insignificant. You’d only seen this form once or twice, and only when he came around. 

You turned your head over your shoulder, almost too scared to look.

You could see him. He was always in his full size. You saw his monstrous form towering over everything, but you couldn’t make out any distinct features. He was all black. He marched towards your hiding spot and your mother, undoubtedly glaring.

“Kronos,” your mother purred, trying to mask the fear in her voice with seduction. “To what do I owe this pleasure, my darling husband?”

“You know why I’m here.” His deep voice thundered over the valley, startling birds out of their nests. “I want her.”

“Wh-Who?”

You frowned at the time, filled with confusion. You knew she knew he was talking about you, but you would later realize that she was trying to protect you.

“Our daughter,” he hissed. “She has been allowed to roam the earth too long. She should’ve been dealt with right after she was born. Instead I was soft and allowed you some time. Now I have come to collect. Give her to me.”

Your mother bit her lip and shook her head. “No! I can’t. She’s just a child.”

“A child who will destroy us.” His face was black, not a single feature was visible, but you could’ve sworn that his eyes flashed red. “Now give her to me! I know you have hidden her near. You never stray too far away from your precious child.” His head turned down, and you knew he was searching for you. His eyes pierced the very trees before you felt them settle on you. You could hear the smile in his voice as he cooed, “Found you.” 

A black hand appeared out of nowhere, plucking you from your hiding spot by the back of your chiton. 

You screamed as the ground disappeared from beneath your feet, twisting and turning in a struggle. All you could cry out was, “Father! No! Please, no!”

“Kronos! Let her go! She’s just a child!” your mother wailed, suddenly at his side and clinging onto her husband’s arm as she tried to wrench you from his grip. You could see the fear for your life in her eyes.

He sneered down at her, his eyes turning red with agitation. “She won’t be a child for long. I must contain her while I can.” Then, with a swift motion, he yanked his arm out of Rhea’s grasp, causing her to fall to the ground, and opened his mouth, bringing you closer and closer to his lips.

With a sickening drop of your stomach, you knew—in your young, tiny heart—you knew what he was about to do. You screamed as you panicked. “Father, please! I don’t wanna go in there! I’ll be good! I’ll be a good girl! Just please don’t.”

His mouth didn’t move, but you could hear his voice clear as day in your head. “I’m sorry, little one. But I have no choice. I cannot kill you, so I must contain you.”

You continued to approach his mouth and you were starting to grow frantic. “Father! Please! Don’t!” Tears were rolling down your cheeks as you struggled and writhed, but your efforts were fruitless. He didn’t stop. “Father!” you tried again, begging him to spare you. “I’ll be good! I’ll be a good god! Just, please! Father! Dad! Daddy, please!”

But he only brought you closer to his mouth until you were hovering right over the opening. And, before you knew it, you were falling. He had dropped you and the wind was soaring past your ears. The fleshy pink of his gullet encompassed your vision, covering more and more of what you could see until there was no light left. As you plunged into the darkness, you could hear only two things: the sounds of your mother’s wailing, and your own screams of pure terror as you fell down, down, down—into the pit of your father’s stomach.

———

“NO!”

You sat bolt upright in your bed, the sheets clinging to your body with a cold sweat. Your chest rose and fell rapidly with shallow panting and your panicked eyes darted all around you. It was black, just as black as your prison.

“Light!” you summoned, holding out your hand. A scarlet fire erupted over your palm, casting a dim glow over the room. You waved your hand all over, shining light on the furniture that made up your bedroom. It took you a good moment to realize that you were at your own home rather than in your father’s stomach, and when the realization finally settled on you, you were only slightly less panicked than you had been. 

Releasing the ball of red fire to drift around the room, you threw the covers off of your body and began to pace the hardwood floors. Your sports bra and sleep shorts were damp with your own sweat, and the night air hitting your skin made you shiver, but you didn’t care. Your mind was elsewhere.

He’s not here. He can’t hurt you anymore. He’s in Tartarus. He’s locked up. You’re safe.

But you didn’t believe the thoughts one bit.

You still felt like you were falling. You could still feel the wind rushing past you. You could still hear the screams—your screams.

Your chest grew tight, like a hand was crushing your heart. You winced at the pain, trying to push it deep down.

You shoved your fingers through your hair, taking a fistful and tugging. The dull pain usually helped you focus in on reality, but this time it seemed to do nothing. You were still trembling, and you had no hope of calming down on your own. 

You needed something alive. Cerberus was out of the question because he was on his shift guarding the borders. Peggy was also out because she was there too. You needed someone else; someone to talk you down, someone to tell you what your mind was already saying.

Brock, of course, was the first person you immediately thought of, but upon further deliberation, he probably wasn’t the best choice. He didn’t like it when you were too emotional. He was always awkward and stiff around you when you tried to talk to him about your past or about your nightmares. He hated it. 

You pulled harder at your hair, the squeezing in your chest only tightening and crushing your heart. 

You needed someone who could listen and make you feel better. You needed someone who could be trusted with the more sensitive side of you. You needed—

You stopped dead in your tracks. Your head turned slowly towards your phone, which was sitting dark on your nightstand. You had his number, he’d said that you could call him anytime you needed. Well, if there was ever a time you needed him, it was now.

Your feet were moving before you knew it, and you were unlocking your phone and pulling up Bucky’s contact just as quick. You pressed “call” and held the phone up to your ear.

As you heard the dial tone, you had to wonder: was Bucky even still up? Were you disturbing his sleep or was he still awake? Would he be bothered—

“Hello?”

His voice snapped you out of your thoughts and your jaw went slack. Holy shit, he’d actually answered. 

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck; what the fuck do you say? “Hey, Buck. It’s (y/n). You know, the scary Queen of the Underworld? Yeah, listen. I just had a nightmare and I’m acting like a toddler and need you to calm me down.” That was laughable and pathetic. This whole situation was pathetic. You should’ve just hung up and called it a night, but your heart wouldn’t let you.

“Hello?” he called again, his voice teeming with worry.

You swallowed the lump in your throat and whispered, “B-Bucky?”

You could hear shuffling on the other end of the line. “(y/n)? What’s wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He was definitely concerned now, and—although you felt bad for making him worry—it was comforting to know he cared.

You shoved your hand through your hair again and squeezed your eyes shut as you sat down on your bed. You could still see the faint red of the fire floating around behind your eyelids, but it was little comfort. Your voice trembled as you stuttered, “I-I…” You mentally cursed yourself. You couldn’t even form a damn sentence in your frazzled state.

“It’s alright, Doll. I’m here now,” Bucky soothed, trying to coax you into speaking. “Use your words. What’s wrong? What do you need?”

“I… I need you.” Admitting your need was crushing and you could feel your muscles stiffening as the severity of the fear inflicted by the nightmare finally dawned on you. It felt like your whole body was atrophying like you were turning to stone. Within moments, you would be frozen in place as the panic truly set in.

“I’m on my way.” The line went dead as he hung up, plunging you back into the silence of your mind. 

You couldn’t tell if it was better or worse to be in the quiet room, but the only real comfort you had was that Bucky was coming.

And, sure enough, you heard rumbling overhead—the telltale sign that signaled the ceiling of the chasm opening up above you. A loud thud resonated outside your house; something heavy had just fallen into the Asphodel Meadows. You were so frozen on your bed that you couldn’t even make yourself stand up to go to the window to see if it was him. You could hear footsteps running across the fields, growing closer until they were right outside your door. From there, the front door opened and you could hear footsteps bounding into the entryway before coming to a stop. It only then dawned on you that Bucky had never been in your home and that he probably wouldn’t know where your room was. You wanted to yell for him, scream his name, something, but your voice was locked in a cage at the base of your throat. You wanted to stomp on the ground, jump up and down, to do anything, but you were stone. You could not move.

The footsteps began to move again downstairs and you heard him shuffling around.

Find the staircase, Bucky.

You prayed to any higher being there was that he would find you, you needed him so badly. 

Please, Buck. It’s right by the door. I know it’s dark, but you can find it. Right up the stairs. My room is the whole floor. Please. Please hurry.

As if listening to your silent directions, the footsteps neared the staircase and began to mount them. You could tell he was on his way up because you heard the creak of the fifth step up. No matter where you stepped, it always creaked. The thudding grew louder as he grew closer until he finally reached the door. That too creaked open as he moved it ever so slightly, and he called out in a quiet, careful voice, “(y/n)?”

You would’ve sobbed with relief if you could but the lump in your throat was still preventing you from speaking.

He began to enter the room, rounding the wall that separated your sleeping area from the rest of your chambers. When he saw you, he called your name again. Receiving no answer, he began to approach you as one would an easily startled animal.

Which, if you were honest, you probably were at that moment.

He continued to walk towards you until he was right at your side. “(y/n)?” he said again, his voice gentle, comforting, loving. He sat down next to you and the mattress dipped with his weight. “(y/n), I’m here. It’s me. Bucky. I’m here. It’s okay; you’re safe now.” He hesitantly reached out and placed his hand on your shoulder.

You flinched at the unexpected contact and your head snapped to the side to look at him, your eyes undoubtedly wild with the fear from the nightmare.

He didn’t jump at your sudden moment but the worry in his eyes only increased. 

You scanned his face, taking in every detail. It helped to ground you. His blue eyes seemed purple from the rouge light floating in the room and his skin had turned ghostly. His features were contorted with worry, confusion, and care. He cared about you, wanting to make sure you were okay. He’d dropped whatever he was doing just so he could rush to your side and make sure you were safe. It was the most that anyone had done for you in a long time.

You didn’t realize tears were streaming down your face until Bucky’s large hand cupped your cheek and his thumb wiped the liquid off your skin.

“It’s okay,” he murmured as his thumb traced small circles over your cheek. “It’s alright, I’m here now.”

At that, you broke.

Tears began rolling down your cheeks in an abundance, the torrent never ceasing. You sobbed, and you sobbed, and you sobbed. Silent screams escaped your mouth as you cried into Bucky’s shirt. Your tears soaked his shirt, but you didn’t care. The crying was relieving; you couldn’t remember the last time you just let it all out like this.

Bucky simply held you. His arms had wrapped around you at some point, and he pulled you close into a hug. You were sitting in his lap, his arms were holding you close, and his chin was resting on the top of your head. He was rocking you from side to side as a mother would her child, doing his best to comfort you.

You were surprised at how well it was working. Normally, it would take you hours to calm down, but, with Bucky—with whom you’d only spent a handful of blissful evenings—it was mere minutes. 

Soon you were just sitting there, sniffling in his arms.

He pet your hair and continued to rock you, mumbling, “Shhh. It’s okay. You’re okay.”

You nodded your head, pulling away from him just enough to peer up at his face. “I’m sorry,” you whispered.

His eyes narrowed at you and his head cocked to the side. “What for?”

“For bothering you.” You dragged the back of your hand across your nose. “And for crying all over you. You shouldn’t have seen me like that.”

“Like what?”

You couldn’t believe he was making you spell it out. “Like a mess. I’m a queen. I’m supposed to be calm and collected and I was sobbing like a baby.” You shook your head with a bitter laugh. “I’m pathetic.”

“No, you’re human.” Bucky brought his hand up under your chin and lifted your head so you were looking at him. “It’s normal to cry and feel sad. It’s normal to be scared. No one is immune to it, not even the badass Queen of the Underworld. Everyone is scared of something.” He tilted his head to the side, his lips quirking up into a gentle smile. “Don’t ever be afraid to be afraid around me, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good.” He shifted so you were closer to him on his lap. 

Your head once more fit right under his chin. With your ear pressed to his chest, you could hear the faint beating of his heart and you couldn’t help but dwell on how nice this was. 

You never got this with Brock. Tender touches didn’t seem to be a part of his vocabulary. But, with Bucky, this felt natural and good. You felt safe in his arms and that was nice.

Bucky allowed you to sit in the silence a bit longer before finally asking, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

You hesitated. “Mmm, kind of do, kind of don’t.”

“Which ‘kind of’ is winning?”

Your lips formed a tight line. “Kind of do,” you answered truthfully because you did want to talk about it. Your family had begged you to talk about it for years, insisting that it could help you cope. “It’s therapeutic,” your youngest sister had said. “Mortals do it all the time. Talking about your trauma helps reduce it.”

“I’m not traumatized,” you’d insisted.

But you both knew that was a lie; the nightmares were living proof that your childhood had impacted you in a big and not-so-good way.

Bucky glanced down at you, his own lips forming their own line. “I can listen if you want to talk it out. I’m good at that.”

You breathed a chuckle. “I bet you are.” Letting out a heavy sigh, you peeled yourself out of Bucky’s arms and moved so you were sitting cross-legged on your bed. “You might as well get comfortable; it’s a long-ass story.”

He hardly moved. “I’m ready.”

You bit your lip and nodded. “Alright.” Pausing to take a deep breath, you began with, “My childhood was fucked.”

He snorted.

“Hey, don’t laugh!” You crossed your arms and hunched over in a pout. “I’m trying to share something deeply personal here.”

“I know! I know! I’m sorry. Just, you were so blunt. I was expecting some sort of build up, but you just came out with that and I… I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I couldn’t help it.”

You tried your damnedest to fight the smile that was rising on your own lips, but you failed miserably and found yourself smiling with him. “Get yourself together, Buck. I’m serious here. My childhood definitely falls in one of the bottom three childhoods of all time. The… The myths got it mostly right, but they were always hazy on the details. They said that my father, Kronos, ate me right after I was born; they were wrong.” You lifted your eyes to the ball of red light that was still dancing around your room. “I was seven. Old enough to have some experience, old enough to know that I had parents and that I loved them, but not old enough to understand why my father didn’t love me back. My mother never let me around him; she said he was a bad man. I didn’t understand. How could someone I love be bad? My seven-year-old brain was just barely comprehending the fact that I was going to live forever, I had no ability to process just how bad my father was. 

“I knew that he was my father in the way that I knew my mother was my mother. I knew that he was someone important to me, and that I loved him and wanted to please him and make him proud. So, every day, I did my best to be a good kid, to be something he could be proud of. I thought that could make him love me.” You hung your head in shame. “But, no matter what I did, it wasn’t good enough. I didn’t understand why he ate me. I didn’t understand why he hated me so much as to try and kill me. I didn’t know what I did to deserve living in isolation for over a decade in his stomach. There is nothing quite like being totally on your own, Bucky; to not know what you did wrong but to be punished anyway. It does things to your mind and I…”

“You still dream about it, don’t you?” he asked softly. “That’s why you were so scared.”

You nodded. “Yeah. I relived the whole thing again. I’m a grown woman, with more than two thousand years of experience, and I still get spooked by nightmares.”

“Everyone is scared by something,” he murmured. “Your thing is what happened to you in your past.” 

“Yeah…” You took a deep breath and pulled your knees up to your chest. 

Bucky looked at you, his eyes scanning over your face. Suddenly he stood and rounded the bed to your side. “Come on; let’s go.”

You blinked at him. “I beg your pardon?”

“Come on!” He offered you his hand. “We’re going out. It’s the best remedy for a nightmare. You get to go around and do things and forget all about the bad dreams.” His smile was warm and filled with promise.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a secret but,” grinning down at you, he held his hand out further, “do you trust me?”

You stared at his outstretched hand, a small flame igniting inside your chest at the prospect of adventure, and you took it. “I do.”

Next 10: She Sees the World in a New Light

[passionate-reply]

Do you “fucking love” science? Have you ever been blinded by it? Well, it doesn’t really matter, because that goofy little number isn’t really supposed to be on Thomas Dolby’s debut album in the first place. Find out about all the awesome OTHER stuff that’s actually meant to be here, in this new installment of Great Albums! Transcript below the break.

Welcome to Passionate Reply, and welcome to Great Albums! Today, I’ll be talking about a stellar album by one of those artists who have gone down in history as “one hit wonders,” despite producing a deep catalogue that’s often more impressive than that one song they end up known for: it’s The Golden Age of Wireless, the debut LP of Thomas Dolby. Chances are pretty good you’ve heard his big hit, “She Blinded Me With Science,” before...at least, if you’re American.

Music: “She Blinded Me With Science”

Like I said, if you’re American, you’ve heard this one before. If anything, it’s oversaturated! But if you’re from elsewhere in the world, you might not know it. Growing up in the US, I went through the whole gauntlet of alleged “one hit wonders” of 80s synth-pop, and a great many of them turned out to be British artists who had perfectly respectable careers in their native UK: Gary Numan, Soft Cell, and OMD, for example. Thomas Dolby is also British, but he’s apparently more famous here than he is across the pond--which is still not that famous.

He really ought to be, though, because The Golden Age of Wireless is a true masterpiece. Or, at least it WAS, in its original form. It’s actually a tough album to talk about, insofar as it’s hard to pin down what exactly constitutes “The Golden Age of Wireless.” It’s had quite a few different pressings, and a variety of different track listings. And the original version of it does NOT include “She Blinded Me With Science.” While I’d never argue that it’s a bad song, since it is insanely fun, and catchy to the point of being irresistible, it really does not belong on this album. I’m sure it helped them move copies of it, but its inclusion kind of ruins the vibe, to be honest. Its in-your-face and flamboyant hooks make it feel like a very unwarranted intrusion on an otherwise fairly serious and contemplative LP, which seems to have been intended as a fairly tight and thoughtful concept album.

Aside from that glaring issue, there are a few other tracks that have appeared on later versions of the album that weren’t there from the start, namely, the two tracks from Dolby’s first ever-release, a double A-side of “Urges” and “Leipzig,” as well as “One of Our Submarines,” the B-side of some versions of “She Blinded Me With Science.” All of these tracks are excellent, and mesh with the thematic and sonic character of the album quite well. “One of Our Submarines” in particular is often considered one of the best tracks of Dolby’s career--melancholy, claustrophobic, and stinging in its poignant sense of tragedy. It captures the misery and futility of modern war, as well as the sunset of the British Empire after the Second World War...and there’s a sample of a dolphin, too. It’s easily the track that I most wish had been included from the very start.

Music: “One of Our Submarines”

But now that that’s over with, I’d like to drill down and talk about how the album operates in its original form, as the artist intended. Like I said earlier, The Golden Age of Wireless is best understood as a concept album, and I think of it in a similar league as classics like the Buggles’ The Age of Plastic, OMD’s Dazzle Ships, or even Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love. The original track listing opens with “Flying North,” a stellar introduction to one of the most prominent themes of the album: freedom!

Music: “Flying North”

“Flying North” is an exultant anthem of self-determination, and one clearly mediated by “metal birds”--aeroplanes, that is. It’s a celebration of the independence allowed by technology, and a rather winsome one, in which this almost macho image of a heroic pilot takes center stage. The final track of the album, “Cloudburst At Shingle Street,” is a bit more esoteric, but seems to be aiming for a pretty similar idea overall, and I’d argue that the two of them form thematic “bookends.”

Music: “Cloudburst At Shingle Street”

“Cloudburst At Shingle Street” leads us through the technological evolution of mankind, from swinging from trees to paving concrete beaches--but the spacey synth warbles beneath those lines give them an ominous bent. The assertion that we might be heading into a cloudburst “mindless,” “naked,” or “blindly” is unnervingly cynical, but, we’re told, “there’s no escaping it.” Despite all of these signs that our better judgment should be resisting the temptation of this miraculous cloudburst...this triumphant, rising coda, with its powerful choir encouraging us onwards, seems to muddle the whole thing. The untethered, free-roaming nature of modern life isn’t always this sexy and exuberant, though--consider the track “Weightless,” as a counterpoint.

Music: “Weightless”

“Weightless” certainly seems to be about modern transients of some sort--in this case, traveling by car--but never lionizes them or makes them too terribly enviable. Instead, the focus is on the image of the draining fuel tank: the constant emptiness and craving for meaning, validation, and genuine love. No matter the allure of this very American, Route 66-like setting, the gas stations, cinemas, and decadent diner meals along the way are never any real substitute for an emotionally authentic life. That setting is, of course, a wistfully backward-looking Midcentury one. Nostalgia and childhood naivete are also among the album’s major themes, and are expressed the most clearly on “Europa and the Pirate Twins.”

Music: “Europa and the Pirate Twins”

Narratively, “Europa and the Pirate Twins” is a bittersweet story of childhood playmates who never quite re-unite, despite promising to be together again someday. The really interesting wrinkle is the fact that the narrator’s beloved Europa has become a famous celebrity as an adult, and the narrator is essentially a fan of her despite their real-world relationship. It’s an uncanny, confused parasocial relationship dynamic that feels extremely contemporary, despite the fact that it’s ultimately more of a commentary on the rise of teenager-oriented marketing during the Midcentury than anything else. The strange, often unhealthy relationships between young people and mass media, particularly radio, are another one of the major sources of tension on The Golden Age of Wireless. “Europa and the Pirate Twins” is also one of the more interesting tracks, instrumentally, featuring a prominent harmonica part, performed by Andy Partridge of XTC. Given how much the album strives to be about the future and past simultaneously, steeped in nostalgia and utopian visions alike, it makes sense to hear Dolby blend elements of traditional folk or popular music with forward-thinking synth-pop sensibilities. Listen also for a flute on “Windpower,” and a substantial amount of guitar on “Commercial Breakup,” a song that proves Dolby certainly can rock, if he feels like it.

Music: “Commercial Breakup”

The cover art for The Golden Age of Wireless isn’t exactly the most iconic, but I’ve always thought it was very beautiful. You’ve got this very eye-catching, lurid, pulp magazine style illustration of Dolby as a diligent, yet glamourous engineer, radiating with the complementary colour palette of orange and blue, the perfect picture of retro cool. But it’s framed and inset, to give us a conscious sense of observing something that’s coming to us from another time, an artifact preserved. That patina and sense of the antique is amplified by this dull-coloured background, which actually shows a marble sculpture gallery in a museum, though that’s tough to make out unless you have it right in front of you. The numerous shades of irony operating here are another thing that make the album feel strikingly contemporary.

I’m also a huge fan of the album’s title. “Wireless,” if you weren’t aware, is an old-fashioned term for radio. Radio itself is a strong theme on the album, most obviously on the track “Radio Silence,” but the use of the term “wireless” isn’t just another piece of retro nostalgia--I think it’s also evocative of that sense of free-flying, untethered independence I talked about earlier. The first half, i.e., “golden age,” is perhaps even more important. “Golden age” is an extremely loaded term that brings a number of rich associations to the table. “Golden ages” are simultaneously longed for, but not fully believed in. They’re bygone eras that usually felt like nothing special to the people who actually lived through them, despite their greatness being palpable to anyone reflecting on them in hindsight. In every golden age, there’s a poetic tragedy.

I think that even if someone did buy this record just to get their hands on “She Blinded Me With Science,” they’d probably be at least a little bit disappointed in what they got. The album does have some decent pop singles, chiefly “Radio Silence” and “Europa and the Pirate Twins,” but they’re still humming with nostalgia and unease, and not without some substantial experimental DNA.

Music: “Radio Silence”

While they cut the single weirdest track on the album, “The Wreck of the Fairchild,” they still retained some fairly ambitious tracks, such as “Windpower”--clearly an ode to Kraftwerk’s “Radioactivity.” It’s hard to be angry with an electronic musician for trying to rip off Kraftwerk, since they all do it one way or another, and in this case it invites a natural comparison between two great concept albums focused on the theme of radio.

Music: “Windpower”

Overall, though, The Golden Age of Wireless is still a reasonably accessible album on the whole. Possibly not what you expected, and certainly, a work that’s more sentimental and affecting than good for the dance floor, but as far as poignant, ballady, diesel-punk odes to the tragic techno-optimism of the Midcentury go, I’d say it’s not all that hard to get into! Dolby does have a pop core, as an artist, that he’s quite capable of selling to us if he chooses to. For proof of that point, look no further than the single “Hyperactive!” which he followed this up with a few years later:

Music: “Hyperactive!”

When discussing an ostensible one-hit wonder, there’s a distinct temptation to resort to “they deserved better” style rhetoric. On one hand, yes, I do think more people should hear Thomas Dolby’s music, and that it has a lot to say to us. I’m all about obscure music finding new life and being appreciated. That said, in the case of Dolby, I think he basically got what he wanted, in the end. He’s always been more keenly interested in music’s many behind-the-scenes roles than he has in chasing pop stardom himself--he’s produced music, and scored a number of films and video games over the decades. It feels kind of wrong to tell someone who’s successful at one thing that they “deserve” to be successful at something different, just because we may want to hear him do it, or because we esteem one skillset more highly than the other. Ultimately, The Golden Age of Wireless is a Great Album on its own terms, whether Dolby ever decides to grace us with another synth-pop release under his own name again--which he did in 2011, with A Map of the Floating City. But it’s his decision, as an artist, and the fact that he can choose to or not is a luxury that allows him integrity. I think that’s the way it ought to be.

My overall top track on this album has got to be “Airwaves,” a song in which the narrator dies, tragically and suddenly, in an automobile accident. It’s not the sexy, “Warm Leatherette” sort of car accident, but rather a dismally realistic one, that shows quite frankly how undignified death can be. Sometimes, we aren’t so much doomed heroes as we are frightened, sickly children, defeated by our own fickle bodies. The last thought our narrator gets is “I itch all over, let me sleep”; their honour perishes just moments before they do. Meanwhile, the radio is a constant presence throughout, and serves as both something to anchor the scene in the droll and quotidian, as well as ultimately becoming something transcendent. The promise of “airwaves” is not only the human interconnectedness made possible by technology, but also a hint at the ultimate destiny of human souls, a kind of ethereal afterlife in the sky. The meandering lulls of the verses contrast sharply with the song’s eerily soaring refrain, which enhances that feeling that those “airwaves” occupy some sort of higher plane. On that surprisingly heavy note, that’s all I’ve got for today, so thanks for listening!

Music: “Airwaves”

[themusicplayedherlife]

Unrequited (Part 4)

pairing: eventual!bucky barnes x reader; one-sided!bucky barnes x natasha romanoff; one-sided!reader x steve rogers

word count: 3.6k +

warning: just a flirty tony; an annoyed bucky; and some cute moments

a/n: a new challenger appears! and you spend more time with bucky than you have in the past years

prev || all || next

“Do you really have to come with me?” You murmur, keeping your distance from Bucky.

He tries to close the distance between the two of you with long, quick strides, but you only keep widening the gap. “Will you stop?”

You breathe out through your nose harshly. “Not until you tell me why you need to come with me!”

With a hand on your forearm, he manages to gently tug you and turn you in place. “If you’d just—there.” You shake your arm free from him and he takes a deep breath, but he relaxes when you don’t make to move away from him. “Thank you,” he says exasperated as you cross your arms. “I need to see what your T.A is teaching you so I can help you better. Besides, Natasha is going to be there, too, right? And you two usually go out for lunch after this, right?” Your eyebrow quirks. How did he know that? Natasha maybe? “Listen, I get to help you and I get to spend time with Natasha. Two birds with one stone.”

You drop your arms, reluctantly relenting. “Yeah, okay, but what if my T.A doesn’t let you stay?”

“Come on, who wouldn’t give in to this face?” he says, motioning to his smolder that quite frankly makes you want to shiver.

“My T.A,” you deadpan. Janet can be laidback most of the time, but she’s also very strict when she needs to be.

He stuffs his hands into his pockets and grins. “You want to bet?”

“If I get in trouble—“

He rolls his eyes. “Just trust me, will you? Now come on, before we’re late.”

The rest of the walk to your class is relatively quiet. You still try to keep your distance from Bucky as you walk, but you’re no longer running away, at least. He doesn’t say much, he mostly stays glued to his phone and occasionally says things like: “did you know that Steve is lactose intolerant? Loves ice cream to death, but makes him sick,” and “once when we were seven, Steve tripped on air and fell into a puddle in front of his crush.” It’s out of the blue, but it fills the silence and makes it less uncomfortable. Doesn’t make you want to blurt out things you’ll regret. 

Your classroom is on the first floor of the Science building (also known as Stark Hall), and it’s still somewhat empty by the time you arrive. A few students are already sitting, and they greet you with smiles, but eye the man behind you with curiosity. 

Your T.A still hasn’t arrived nor has Natasha. Bucky settles in next to you in the middle row, taking off his backpack and placing it on the table to take out a notebook and pencil.

“What are you doing,” you ask curiously.

“I’m going to help you,” he says as if it were the most obvious thing.

You’re not sure whether to glare at him or just ignore him. “By taking notes?”

“Yes.”

“But I’m taking notes?”

He flashes you a glare. “Just relax and trust me, will you?”

You purse your lips. “Fine,” you grumble, taking out your own notebook and pencil.

The clock ticks with the seconds; a couple of your classmates are talking about a frat party they had been invited to and a few others are actually talking about their homework.

Bucky is doodling in the margins of his notebook—Stars, the moon, and just random things. Your eyebrows furrow as he adds detail to the moon, making sure to shade in the craters. Now that you think about it… didn’t Natasha mention a long time ago that he was majoring in Astrophysics? 

The door creaks open and your best friend walks in. You elbow Bucky, ignoring his quiet protests to greet your friend, but the way she’s frowning and typing away furiously on her phone tells you that maybe it’s best to not interrupt her until she notices you.

She lets out a sigh and puts her phone away, and her green eyes lift to meet yours. She smiles weakly and sits down next to you. “Hey.”

“Hey, you okay?”

“I’ll tell you about it later,” she says and you nod, but your worry doesn’t melt. 

Did something happen in her History lecture? Or maybe with her dad? No, he doesn’t like texting. He prefers to call. Her mom on the other hand...

“Nat,” Bucky greets her, breaking your train of thought. Bucky, shit, that’s right. You had momentarily forgotten about him.

Surprise colors her face, meeting his eyes then yours—you shrug—and then his again. “Bucky, what are you—“

“Good afternoon, class,” an unfamiliar voice drawls as the door opens. Your classmates all share a look of bewilderment while Bucky lets out an exasperated groan. “Let’s get this discussion started, yes? I’m recovering from a raging hangover and I really want to get the hell out of here to get some good ol’ junk food.” The unfamiliar man removes his glasses and your classmates begin to whisper excitedly.

“Why didn’t you tell me Tony Stark was your T.A?” Bucky hisses lowly just for you to hear.

“Because he’s not!” You whisper back, your eyes never leaving the front.

You’ve only ever seen Tony Stark from afar, never having a chance to talk to him, not that you wanted one. He’s intimidating, too charming and friendly; a little too eccentric with a passion for sarcasm, and the rumors surrounding him? Yikes. But that doesn’t mean you don’t admire him. I mean… how could you not? He’s only a year older than you and is already working on his Masters (or was it his PhD?)! And yet, here you are, barely getting through your third year of college.

Tony’s eyes roam the classroom as he hangs his sunglasses from the front of his black t-shirt. His eyes are droopy—tired, but the bright mischievous glow in them and the smirk on his face contradicts the tired shape of his eyes. “Janet is out sick for today, but she’ll be back to teach you younglings next week.” He hops onto the simple desk in front of the class. “For now, you’re stuck with me.”

“Great,” Bucky murmurs.

You raise a brow. “Do you know him?”

He leans closer to you to answer your hushed question. “Who doesn’t?” 

“I meant personally.”

Bucky tilts his head, scowling. “Unfortunately.”

Discussion is uneventful, to Bucky’s apparent surprise; Tony goes over the differences between Ionic and Covalent bonds, explaining them a lot better than Pym did, and then hands out a sheet that, “Janet wants you to turn in next week. Said it counts as attendance or something.”

“What exactly were you expecting?” You ask him as you pack up your things.

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Stark can be a wild card.”

“Now that’s a compliment for the ages.” Tony stands in front of the desk Bucky had been sitting at with an amused smirk on his face. 

You’re pretty sure Bucky didn’t mean it is a compliment, but Tony sure as hell doesn’t seem to care.

“Stark,” Bucky greets him dryly.

“Barnes.” Tony’s eyes drift to you and Natasha and the glint in his eyes brightens. “You never told me you had such good looking friends. Anthony Stark, but you’re welcome to call me Tony. Everyone does.”

Before you or Natasha can introduce yourselves, Bucky cuts in. “Will you quit it?” Bucky nags. “Won’t Pepper be mad when she finds out you’re flirting like a dog again?”

The glint in his eyes dulls and you swear you see his jaw clench, but it’s gone as soon as you blink. “I’m proud to announce I’m a single man, Barnes.” His eyes leave Bucky and stop on you, his earlier charming smile growing wider and brighter. “You are?”

You introduce yourself, a little starstruck and a little wary.

His hand reaches for yours and you’re thrown off by the fact that he doesn’t shake your hand, he kisses it instead. “Charmed.” He slowly releases your hand and you don’t know whether to giggle like a schoolgirl or retract your hand and burn it. “And you are?”

“Natasha Romanoff,” she says, offering her hand. “If you kiss my hand, I swear to god I will end you.”

Tony laughs, it’s deep and charming, and really, really beautiful. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He shakes her hand before his eyes find you again, and you almost flinch back, completely unprepared for his gaze. “Now that I know Janet has such good looking students, I think I’ll be sitting in on her discussions more often.” His smirk is lopsided and teasing, nothing like Steve’s, but it definitely has its charm. “Actually. I have a party at my place this upcoming weekend.”

“When don’t you?” Bucky mumbles, but it goes ignored by Tony.

“Why don’t you guys come along? Bring a couple of friends?”

Your eyes shift from Bucky to Natasha and to Tony again. “I—uh…I don’t know…”

Natasha shrugs, wrapping her arm around your shoulder. “Why not? Destressing before finals might be what we need.” Finals isn’t for another couple of weeks, though?

“She gets it.” He grabs one of the leftover sheets Janet had given him for today’s class and plucks a pen out from his bag to write down his phone number and address. He hands it to you, but it’s Bucky who takes it, plucking it from out of his fingers. “I’ll see you Saturday. Ladies,” he addresses you and Natasha with another charming smile before his lips straighten as he looks at Bucky, “Barnes.”

You watch as Tony saunters out of class, head held high and glasses once more covering his face.

Bucky sighs. “He’s too much.”

You couldn’t agree more.

“Eccentric, maybe, but I think he’s all right,” Natasha says, taking the sheet from Bucky. “I’ll keep this.” She flings her bag over shoulder, ignoring the protests he murmurs. “I have to get going. I’ll see you back at the apartment.”

“We’re not going out for lunch?” you ask her, trailing after her dumbfounded.

She offers you a small smile. “I’m not really feeling up to it today.”

Just like she won’t force you to divulge information, you won’t either. “We will talk later though, right?”

“Yes, I promise,” she says her smile growing a little brighter. Her eyes drift behind you. “Bye, Bucky.”

“Bye, Nat.” Why does he sound like someone shot him in the chest?

“Well,” you start when she’s out of ear shot, “there goes your plan.”

“Yep,” he says after a long sigh.

“What now?”

He mulls it over. “I guess now we get lunch.” 

That’s not what you meant, but lunch does sound good.

You just didn’t think it’d be together.

Bucky takes you to a small diner called Stan’s just a couple of blocks away from campus. There’s a lot of cheesy memorabilia in the diner; paintings of vintage muscle cars and a weird painting of the last supper with dogs hanging on the wall; and a jukebox in the corner, a little worse for wear, but still playing some tunes. It’s noisy, but not too noisy to the point you could get irritated. The waitresses are sweet and nice, smiling in the direction of the door and welcoming the customers when the jingle announces an arrival, but they seemed to have been especially sweeter to Bucky. He must be a regular.

You find yourself sitting across from him, watching him order for the two of you. He knew this place better than you anyway, and at this point? You’d eat anything if it meant spending less time with him.

His gaze moves from the retreating waitress to you and you quickly avert your eyes to stare out the window, but it’s too late. He caught you already. 

“What?”

You reluctantly look at him and whisper. “Nothing.”

“Clearly not nothing if you’re staring at me that intensely.”

Were you? You flush. “Sorry.”

He sighs. “Why are you always so nervous around me? I thought we were making progress. You were talking back this morning.”

“It’s not just you, Bucky.” You frown, trying to find the right words. “I’m… I’m like this with everyone who aren’t my friends.”

“And Steve,” he adds for your just as the waitress brings you your drinks and straws. He thanks her with a smile and you do the same after sending him a quick glare. “What about him do you like, anyway? I mean I know he’s a great guy and all, he’s my bestfriend, but…”

“Does it matter?” you ask him, a little wary as he opens his paper straw with a push on the table.

“Well no,” he says, adding a lazy drawl to his vowels. “I’m just curious.”

“Why do you like Natasha?”

“What isn’t there to like? She’s hot, funny, and smart.”

You scoff as he takes a sip of his coke, mimicking his earlier actions to get your straw out of its pocket. “That’s it?” That's all he can say about Natasha? A person he claims to like?

His eyebrow quirks. “Yes?”

Wow. You feel offended for her! “That’s literally three general things that anyone could say about her! About anyone!”

“All right,” he says with a roll of his eyes. “Then what would you say about Steve?”

You smash the paper encasing the straw between your fingers, rolling it into a ball. “I like… I like that he’s sweet. He cares a lot about the people around him, and even strangers.” A smile blooms on your face, remembering how you once caught him helping an elderly woman walk to the bus stop by campus. “His jokes are a little outdated, but they make me laugh.” You lean against your elbow as it cradles your cheek. “And when he smiles? It’s always a little crooked, like a mischievous kid trying to get away with something. And his laugh? It’s so loud and genuine and just so sweet—“

“Okay!” Bucky interrupts, a little disturbed and perturbed. “Okay, I get it! You really like Steve.”

Oh, shit! You drop your hand onto the table and straighten. This is so embarrassing! You really fucking need a filter! Heat crawls up your neck when you meet Bucky’s gaze, cloudy blue eyes narrowed on you, and you quickly look away. “Right. Sorry.”

“How do you know all that about Steve, anyway? You two barely hang out.”

You frown, mouth latching onto your paper straw and trying to ignore the itch behind your ear. “And you've hung out with Natasha more and you only had generic things to say about her!”

“That’s because I don’t know what I like about her,” he admits, voice a little strained. “I just do. And sometimes people don’t need a reason to like someone, okay? They. Just. Do,” he emphasizes his last three words.

You’re not sure if he’s trying to convince himself or you. “I guess…”

A plate of burger and fries is placed in front of you and you look up to thank the waitress only to take a double take. She’s not the same one as the one that took your order, she was blond, this lady is a brunette. 

She smiles at you kindly, but something about it is almost gleeful. 

Why does she seem so familiar?

She places the other plate in front of Bucky as she says, “Here you are, hon.”

Bucky’s eyes skirt from you to her, and then his face breaks out into a warm smile. “Thanks.”

“You know,” she says, blue eyes returning to you, and this time they’re much more than gleeful, they’re wicked, “this is the first time James has brought a date to the diner.”

“Date?” you sputter, feeling the familiar heat crawling back up your neck. “James?”

“Mom!” he practically whines.

“Mom?” you repeat, wide eyes shifting between the two. Is that why she looked familiar? Well, now that you’re getting a closer look, she does look a little bit like Bucky. Those blue eyes are almost exactly the same, the only difference is that hers are a little brighter in color, leaning away from grey, but the shape is the same. Their eyes a little hooded and a bit intense. Hair, the same dark color with waves trying to fall over their eyes. And unlike Bucky’s sharp edges, she’s softer, rounder in the face and sweeter in expression. You wonder if the rest is all from his dad?

She laughs joyfully. “Don’t be embarrassed, James! No shame in—“

“Okay, thank you, mom, but we’re not here on date!” 

“Your son is tutoring me, ma’am,” you say politely after introducing yourself by name and you can physically see the excitement drain out of her face.

“Oh.”

Bucky rolls his eyes, but it’s all good nature if the small smile still pressed on his lips is anything to go by. “Well, gee, ma, don’t get too excited.”

She shakes her head. “Can you blame me?” She turns to you conspicuously, wanting him to squirm in his seat. “This boy used to be such a serial dater back in high school. Was worried he’d never find the one. Come college and it’s as if he’s on some kind of dry spell!”

You were not expecting her to say that, so the laugh that comes out of you is just as unexpected and definitely not appealing in any way.

Bucky flushes, mouth hanging open. “Ma! Seriously?”

She shrugs and laughs. “All right, I think I’ve embarrassed you enough. Have a good time and don’t do anything I would, you hear?”

You could practically hear Bucky slamming his head against the table. “Ma!”

“Enjoy, sweetheart,” she says directed at you with a smile and a wink. “Lemme know if you need anything.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Winnie.”

You blink. “Huh?”

She points to the name tag on her uniform with the name Winifred written in cursive. “Call me, Winnie, hon.” You nod and she flashes you another smile and a wink and turns away.

“Wow,” you say with a breath, eyes following after her.

“I know.”

You reach for your drink, still in disbelief at the woman who was so ready to embarrass her son—you liked her. “Your mom, huh?”

He picks up a fry. “Yep.”

“James?”

He finally lifts his gaze to meet yours. “First name. Bucky is part of my middle name, Buchanan.” Wait. What? He mirrors your own look of bewilderment. “You really didn’t know?”

“Uh. No?” Should you have?

He chews on the fry contemplatively and his eyes burn into you. “Huh. Thought you did.”

Your eyebrows knit together as you squirm in your seat.

He waves his hand dismissively. “Forget it. Doesn’t matter.” He leans against the table. “Nobody calls me James other than my mom and sisters, anyway.”

“Not even Steve?”

A grin slips on his face. “Who do you think was the first to call me Bucky?”

“Guess he started a trend, huh?”

He tilts his head up as he grin is slow and lazy. “Guess so.”

You finally dig into your food, melting when the well seasoned fries crunch and then melt into your mouth. These are the best fries you’ve ever had and no one can convince you otherwise. “So, what now?”

Bucky is mid burger bite, pausing for a moment to stare at you. “Hm?” 

“What is your next plan?” You ask, slowly and unsure if you even want to know. “Since today’s fell through.”

His nose scrunches as he presses his lips together tightly, burger landing back on the plate. “I don’t know. I have to think about it.”

A part of you isn’t sure whether you should suggest it, but you do anyway. He’s helping you, right? So, you should help him, right? “What about Tony’s party?”

He visibly flinches—maybe you shouldn’t help him. At all. “Stark parties are overrated.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know,” you admit, leaning back into the padding of the booth. “I’ve never been.”

“Wait. Seriously?” Why is he so surprised? That’s kind of offensive.

“No!”

“Why?”

You shrug, a little skeptical of his interest. “I don’t know? I just never had the chance, I guess? But that’s not important!” There are more pressing matters to talk about, at least for him. You might not be good at helping, but you need to at least keep trying to get better. “For your next plan, wouldn’t it be the perfect place to get Natasha alone? Butter her up a bit?”

His face contorts, lips disappearing and eyes narrowing in your direction. “At a Stark party? Yeah, you’ve definitely never been.”

You resist the urge to roll your eyes. “Isn’t it like any other party?”

He snorts. “Think of the party you had and multiply that by one hundred.”

You’re almost afraid to ask. “Are they really wild?” I mean, you’ve heard stories about how notorious they are, but you thought they were just that—stories.

He nods slowly.

Okay, now you’re conflicted. “Knowing Natasha and Pietro, they're going to force me to go.”

“If it’ll make you feel better, Sam will most likely convince Steve to go,” he offers with a teasing smile. 

You squirm, excitement bubbling in the pit of your stomach. “Really?”

“Yep,” he pops the p. “This could be your chance to get closer to Steve! Maybe flirt a little.”

Heat blooms in your chest, the excitement dying down. “I don’t—I don’t actually know how to flirt.”

“What?”

“I’ve never flirted, so I don’t—“

“Everyone,” he emphasizes, “knows how to flirt.”

“Yeah? Well not me.”

“Okay, tomorrow, noon, meet me at my apartment.”

Your eyes nearly buggered out—did he really—“What?”

“I’m going to teach you how to flirt,” he says, confident and proudly with a toothy grin that has you wanting to smack it away.

[kez2402]

50 Days of Lockdown

Bird.

Definition: warm-blooded, egg-laying, vertebrate animal distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, a beak, and typically by being able to fly.

Flying.

Definition: floating, fluttering, waving, hanging, or moving freely in the air.

Freely.

Definition: Not under the control of another; as one wishes.

Example: "I roamed freely".

Life.

Definition: the year 2020.

Example: "I cannot roam freely".

*************************

Dear Diary,

Its day 50 of lockdown.

Weeks seem like days, days seem like hours and hours seem like minutes. The time continuum seems to have stopped. The Earth is standing still. Although time moves on it feels like we are stuck in a loop where everything has simply stopped moving. Nature is finally flourishing, the Earth is healing and people are experiencing the Great Realisation.

I write to you from the deep, green heart of the forest. The green leaves of the trees blanketing me from the sun as it begins it's journey to disappearing upon the horizon. The world has been silenced, but nature is signing louder than ever. The sound of songbirds echo through the grassland, a small bird with a distinctive bright blue crown and a tail with a yellow underside landed in front of me, cocking it's head at me before flying off.

I watch as the yellow of it's wings soar freely from tree to tree and I thought about the times where I, too, was free. As of today, May 4th 2020, I am not free. I am a bird in a cage, unable to roam freely, live freely. Unable to leave your house unless necessary, no social interaction, stress and uncertainty, life is tough.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. Something that seemed so far away, is now on our doorsteps. Some closer than others.

This morning, I discovered my Nan was admitted to hospital for what they thought was pneumonia......it wasn't.

Covid-19 now threatened the life of someone I love.

While I am aware she is doing well I can't help but find myself preparing for the worst. This pandemic has now hit home and it made me realise how important family is. We often take it for granted and show more care for materialistic things, but the greatest gift of all isn't something you can buy; it's the love of family.

I have abandoned all school work and exam preparation, landing me up here; on a tree trunk in the middle of the forest. The world has become chaotic, stressed and anxious. We often forget about the nature of our planet and the beauty it holds, but we also forget how it harmonises. There are so many different species, predator and prey, but yet there is balance, harmony.

When I enter the avenue of trees the outside world disappeares; its just me and nature. I describe it as a sanctuary of peace. I find the same tree trunk every day and sit there; it was my tree, my space, my safe haven. When I'm here thoughts of the Leaving Cert, death and chaos all disappear and the only thing I have to focus on is the song of the birds, the shades of green.

If only it were real.

For now, it is only a pigment of my imagination and memory. I sit here, the glass of the window standing between me and the outside. The restrictions standing between me and my tree. There is nothing I want to do more than hop the fence of my back garden and run for the trees, standing tall, creating a wall of nature. I envy the birds as they fly free over the emerald kingdom, while we are caged inside.

If anything positive is to come out of this challenging time is the lessons it has, so far, taught us.

Lesson number 1: Be there for each other.

Lesson number 2: Its okay to not feel okay.

Lesson number 3: Nothing lasts forever.

These lessons have also been realisations.

Realisation number 1: We need to be there for each other.

Realisation number 2: Not everyone feels okay all the time and that's okay.

Realisation number 3: Nothing ever last forever.

Not only has our lives changed, I feel we as the Human race have changed too. We had lost sight of who we really are and now, now we have become grounded, realising the things we had prioritised in our lives were, in fact, only temporary. I suppose you could say we only realise what we had when its gone. Things have been put into perspective. This whole situation and how it affects you is all based on your perspective. One might look at this and think of how bad it is, how it has disturbed the flow and routine of our lives, while another might look at this and see it as a way of nature telling us to heal, to find the harmony that it has.

The Leaving Cert is slowly creeping up on me as the motivation to work has completely disappeared. Classes and workloads have continued and will continue into the time frame that I have labelled 'summer'. That summer before college has been cancelled for the 61,053 students who are expected to sit exams, that determine their future, in the middle of a global pandemic. At the moment, for some of us, there are more important things than the Leaving Cert, such as family. By July, some of us will be grieving, we will be scared and we will be expected to preform our best performance when their are people dying all around us. We are risking our health, both physically and mentally, because tradition is more important than us.

There is no point in complaining now, I suppose, it is what it is. The future will be what it will be. The biggest achievement in a time like this, is surviving and coming out the other end of it. In a time like now where everything is uncertain, there is one thing that is certain:

We will get through this.

Not I will or you will.

We will.

Its been 50 days since it started.

Its been 50 days since I've seen my family, friends.

Its been 50 days since life as we knew it, would change.

We can count the days that have passed since we were first caged by the virus, but we cannot countdown the days until it ends.

Until we fly free again,

-K.

[feelingsinwinter]

Touching the snowflake

For the beautiful, amazing @araydre‘s birthday. You’re a gift and a wonder, such kindness and generosity. I hope you had a great day, hon <3. I know this is late and I’m sorry, love.

Getting out of where Tony had been held and rid of his pursuers had been harder than he’d thought it would. His bruises and scratches shouldn’t have been enough to keep him from doing a good job at fucking them up. Yet, here he was, stumbling in a back alley, feeling like the earth had stopped turning, like life had ceased its course. The world felt numb and cold.

The mark on Tony’s neck had faded. It hadn’t disappeared totally yet, but Bucky’s heartbeat was impossible to feel, unreachable, absent. Like he had ceased to exist entirely. Vanished from earth, never to be felt again. The bond linking them together was a never-ending thread leading to a vast nothingness, fading into a darkness Tony had never felt before.

A sob tore itself out of Tony’s throat, feeling like it scratched everything inside on the way out. Scraping where the ARC Reactor used to be, burning his lungs and leaving his throat raw. Tony’s steps faltered and he let himself lean against the nearest wall, uncaring of how it glistened filthily, of the putrid scents and disgusting garbage scattered around.

What was the point?

Hydra had taken them. Tony had woken up in a damp cell, alone. Bucky was nowhere in sight. Either he had been taken and lead somewhere else or he had managed to escape and was planning Tony’s rescue from the outside. Probably reaching out to the Avengers for some well needed help.

[Beware the read more]

The certainty and composure the steady stream of warmth coming from the mark on Tony’s neck had spread throughout his body, comforting and reassuring. From the top of his head to his toes, a steady presence by his side, a solid ground to walk on and keep him going forward.

Until it had stopped. Suddenly. Like a bullet right to the heart, like a massive hit to the head. Bucky had ceased to walk by his side. The comforting heat had left, all at once, leaving him cold and alone. Unable to think or understand. Refusing to.

It had happened as Tony was halfway through his escape plan, grinning madly at the joyous thought of beating Bucky to the punch. Of meeting him at the front door and being a taunting son of a bitch until Bucky shut him up with a life affirming kiss. He had gone through the rest of the plan like a bad dream, feeling numb and far away from reality.

Nobody was at the front door.

There was no Bucky waiting for him, worry and relief warring over his face as his eyes roamed over Tony’s frame. No bone crushing hug, no life affirming kiss, no nothing.

Just a deep, terrifying emptiness.

Tears ran down Tony’s face as the gaping hole in his chest expanded, pushing at his seams, trying to swallow him whole.

It had taken them so long to accept each other, to get to the point where they could accept someone else’s love, to love themselves and be able to be loved in returned. Taken so long and it was already gone, the bright hope shut down like it had never been there.

Tony let his head fall back against the wall, the back of his skull hitting the filthy wall as he stared upward. The night sky was clear of clouds, dark and unconcerned with Tony’s pain. It didn’t sooth anything, but the numbness that had helped him through the rest of his escape came back, settling over him like a dull blanket.

Tony was still there, leaning heavily against the dirty wall when a spike of pain lit up a spark of awareness. He frowned, feeling lethargic and far away. It took a conscious effort to raise his arm until he could look at the brownish sleeve that covered it. It used to be white, he remembered, his eyes flickering to speckles of dark red, like rust. Where had all that blood come from? Had he been injured? He hadn’t noticed.

Under the piece of clothing, something stung. A steady prickle, like pins and needles focused in one specific place. With a shaky hand, Tony undid the button on the sleeve and rolled it up to his elbow before staring at the bright mark. He’d always had it. It’d been there since his birth, like the coyote on the side of his neck. Two soulmarks weren’t rare, but they weren’t exactly common either. Tony had never minded it. It had been hell when he was a kid, while pretending to not care one bit about it, when he was looking everywhere to find his soulmate, hoping to find one of them. To get the love he had been denied his whole life by an absent mother and a father that couldn’t care less about his son beyond the legacy he could provide.

Disappointment was the only thing Tony ever found. He raged at not having Rhodey’s mark but, exhausted, it started being an old rant, an old battle Tony finally gave up and brushed under the carpet. A soulmate wasn’t for him. Neither of his marks ever brought someone to him and he almost forgot about them, aside from the pretty pictures they offered him when he looked at his reflexion. He forgot they meant something.

Until Bucky.

The coyote on Tony’s neck took life and brought a new kind of warmth with it until it was there and gone again.

Bucky was gone, his coyote was a dull emptiness on Tony’s neck and now the one on his forearm started acting up. He scoffed. What a smart way to fuck him up, what an elaborate joke life had found to flip him the bird. Tony smirked, his eyes roaming over the mark inked on his skin.

The snowflake was as perfect as ever, shades of whites and blues clear against his skin. The gladiolus’ petals were as clear and bright as they always were. Somewhere, deep under the sheer number of years spent pretending he never learnt the flower’s meanings by heart, Tony thought of it. Remembrance, strength of character, faithfulness. Honor. With resignation, he pushed aside the infatuation it could convey. It never mattered, it still didn’t.

The prickles grew stronger and Tony’s frown deepened. He rubbed over the sensitive skin, wincing.

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and Tony froze.

Breaths coming in short, fast pants, Tony turned his head toward the end of the back alley, fear tightening its hold on his throat.

In the alley’s entrance lights stood a tall man. The street’s lights cast shadows over his frame, hiding his face from Tony’s view but it wasn’t needed. The mark on his arm burnt like it never had before but the pain barely registered.

“Bucky?”

It looked like him. The same shoulders, the same build, the same everything, but the way he was holding himself was alien to Tony. There was a straightness to his shoulders, to the way he held them back, the way he looked taller than he ever had, even in battle.

The man moved and the street’s lights caught on his eyes. They were cold and focused, sharp like Bucky’s when he looked through his rifle’s scope… it was Bucky’s body but the man inhabiting it had nothing to do with him.

The mark on Tony’s forearm felt like it was burning itself into his skin a second time.

Straightening and getting away from the filthy wall, Tony turned his full attention to the man, tilting his head to the side. His heart was still an open wound but a spark of hope put a balm over the wounds, making it bearable. For now.

Tony had never met the Winter Soldier before. Since Bucky had joined the Avengers, no reverting back to the Soldier’s mindset had happened. Bucky had been Bucky for as long as Tony had known him. But today, he wasn’t and Tony got to meet the legend who had been nothing but a whisper, a ghost story, for decades.

“If you’re there to finish the job, take a ticket,” Tony taunted, eyes roaming over the shadow’s body.

It was hard to tell in the alley’s darkness but the more Tony looked, the more he could find similarities.

Any doubt he had, though, flew out the window when the man got closer, approaching Tony with slow but purposeful steps.

The eyes were the same, the jaw was as sharp as ever, the lips as appealing as they always were, the long hair hung free around the Soldier’s face. The intensity in his eyes was terrifying as he stood straight in front of Tony, looking down at him.

Slowly, like he feared he might scare him, the Soldier raised his hand, his thumb swiping carefully over Tony’s split lip. The mark on his forearm blazed, burning so deeply, it felt as if it was searing itself into his very bones.

Right up until the Soldier’s fingers touched his skin.

The wildfire faded gently into a comforting warmth unfurling itself through Tony’s veins, the unbearable heat becoming the familiar flames of a fireplace. It was different from Bucky’s warmth and yet the same.

Slowly, the Coyote on Tony’s neck came back to life, sluggish and asleep but still very much there. As it did, the fear and despair loosened their hold on Tony’s heart.

“If I wanted you dead,” the Soldier said, his words a low rumble made for Tony’s ears only, “you would not see me.”

Tony scoffed, the sound weak and unstable as he looked up at him, unsure if he should be afraid or in awe : “You’re all about efficiency after all.”

“Right.”

The Soldier looked down, his eyes falling upon Tony’s forearm. He reached out, fingers hovering over the uncovered skin but not daring to actually touch it. The Soldier raised his gaze, seeking Tony’s approval.

It was difficult, honestly, to actually give it. The whole situation felt surreal and yet here the Winter Soldier was, looking down at him with those unbelievably clear eyes. Tony knew them, could describe them without failing at any moment of the day but, right now, they looked nothing like Bucky’s. They were clear and honest, open like Tony never thought he would see them from the Winter Soldier’s face.

Tony nodded jerkily, expectation coiling tight in his guts.

Face unreadable and eyes shining bright, the Soldier reached out and took Tony’s hand in his, lifting it until the mark could be seen in all its greatness. Slowly and, oh, so carefully, he traced the mark on Tony’s skin, the feather-light touch tickling, and Tony had to hold back a giggle.

The mark pulsed, deep and true, and the Soldier froze, eyes wide in shock and wonder. Warmth spread under Tony’s skin from where the Soldier’s hand touched his skin. While the comforting heat of a found mate stretched out, filling Tony with a renewed sense of belonging, his heart, however, had entirely stopped in his chest.

“It’s you,” Tony whispered, staring at the Soldier in disbelief. Before anything more could be said, though, the genius exploded in uncontrollable laughter, clutching at his stomach with both arms and bending forward as decades of disappointment crumbled under fate’s sense of humour.

Tony truly had two soulmates, they just happened to share the same body.

[dragxnfall]

long overdue starter for @ceocu

funny, how a king of beasts feared by all of man would be born into a life of servitude, and would also come to not mind it one bit. it was adoration at first sight when those  glowing cyan eyes laid upon a woman whose shades were of fire and rage, it took no more than an instant for that fierce, wild heart in the cage of his chest to beat harder. for centuries he devoted his entire being and army to her, fighting in her name and her grace while she professed her satisfaction in him. many found his affections to be foolish, a great powerful monster as he so in love with a mere, charlatan of a bird. she was meant to be his prey, so why did she sway him so much?

his undying loyalty to a woman whose emotions were as shallow as her looks had soon become his demise in his darkest hour when he needed her most. he had laid there, dying, covered in the blood of many a man and creature alike to protect her kingdom. the last thing he remembers is his head lain over her lap, those sylph-like fingers raking through his raven hair. he craved nothing more in that moment for her comfort, for her words that he would be okay even if they were empty. even through eyes stirred with blood and tears that make it hard for him to see the cold beauty that was her face, he knew even in his dying moments that aloof, unconcerned expression she carries on her face is still there after all these years. 

he’d always known she never loved him.  and that pained him even more than the gaping wounds that tarnished his body.

to preserve a god was a ritual that required the strongest of magic and spells, to seal him away required the powers of another divinity and she was the one that bid her blessing, locking him away in an ornate box carved from a mystical weeping tree she treasured in her secret garden, made to closely resemble her beautiful palace. this would perhaps be the closest thing she’d ever grant him, a burial of sorts in the closest place he could ever get to her. 

and for millenniums, that once powerful box of magic soon began to lose its power, passed on from generation to generation, the sanctity behind an item so mystical soon losing its value along with the tales as to how it had come about as it once stood on pedestals and now to dusty bookshelves.

in the years he lay asleep in that endless void, slowly losing his divination - something stirs deeply within the chasm that was his heart and his eyes snap open, glowing a dim light blue in the abyss of nothing but black. or so he thought. 

there is a light above him, a sliver so small even a hand could not fit, but, it is undoubtedly an escape. he floats closer to the fissure, feeling the gentlest of breezes which felt like a whirlwind to a body so untouched for so long. he’s weak now, stowed away so long and in such a vulnerable form the night he was put away, but still he focuses, closing his eyes and summoning the last dredges of his magic-

he finds himself on his back, in the center of a small room he does not recognize. quickly he scrambles to his feet, still crouched low to the floor as alert eyes dart around behind the porcelain of his tiger-formed mask. surely this is a different realm, perhaps one of an enemy god’s? 

slowly, he inches back while still on all fours until he can find the security of a wall to steel himself against until he can make sense of the situation, however, he meets with something else quite curious. he looks behind him, vaguely understanding the item to be a bed, he’s seen it many time in the zhuque’s quarters and was sparingly even allowed on it with her as long as he did not touch her, however, something about this one is different. 

there’s a claw shaped hand carefully reaching out, gently dropping on the surface in a quick strike in leeriness of something triggering, but, it is harmless. somehow, despite the numerous things he does not know in this room, this little thing of familiarity makes him a little at ease and easily consumes his attentions as he climbs onto it, marveling in awe at the way his body sinks into it. it is soft, comfortable, even! how enjoyable! 

the baihu’s train of thought is derailed as he becomes immersed in this experience, pointed nails scratching into the tender fabric in delight as it shreds beneath his hands as he kneads at this softness with a gently swaying tail of pure white before the wildest of free roaming thoughts cross his mind. to lay with the zhuque was unspeakable, but...she is not here. slowly, his back arches downwards as he slides down, enthralled at how it seems to mold beneath his weight but still provide support. it was like laying on a cloud, and the kittenish king is absolutely taken with it as he continues to delve deeper, the covers on the bed soon blanketing him and he’s curiously pressing the side of his head into the strange rectangular item on the bed that is somehow even more impossibly softer than the bed in its entirety.

[immiebee]

Oh god...I loved Valerius’ ending in Nadia’s Route. I’ve been working on stories for him and Lactarius, but I haven’t reached this point yet. I had to share this short before I go crazy!

*********************

A boisterous laugh filled Valerius' study on a warm sunny day. The windows opened to let in fresh air and warm sunshine into the large grand study; books lined the walls in large bookshelves, paintings of Valerius, Lactarius and their son hung on the wall. A constant reminder to continue to better himself, not just for him but for his family. Currently abandoned work documents  pushed to the side of his desk and in their place a large leatherbound book opened to reveal a knight doing battle with a great dragon.

Valerius couldn't resist his son's large blue eyes, especially when Alaric cocked his head to the side, soft pout on his lips. Damn his wife! She could teach him fire breathing for all he cared, but her signature smolder playing on his cubby face....TYRANNY! It also didn't help that the toddler was desperately clutching the large book to his small body, trying so very hard not to let it touch the floor. Nadia had let the boy keep the book when Lactarius and Alaric had visited the palace a few weeks ago. The Countess eyes sparkling when Alaric sat at the floor in front of the fireplace sounding out words, eyes squinting in concentration as he tried to read the words before him. Soon what was supposed to be a meeting for the aquaduct system turned into story time as the group took turns reading the fairytale the young boy was currently wrapped up in.

So here the partially retired Consul sat, with his son in his lap, at his desk, and reading how the brave Knight Oryn battled against the vicious Dragon. Smiling when Alaric squealed as Knight Oryn barely missed a sharp claw, rolling away from snapping jaws. The ombre haired man reaching down to playfully grab onto his son's side, mocking a growl as the Dragon's tail lashed out striking the Knight, giving his own laugh as he tickled Alaric's side. His son turning in his lap, arms raised and short ombre hair thrown back as he gave his own fierce little roar in return.

Valerius shrunk back in his chair, "Oh dear! It seems as though my son has been transformed into a dragon! What ever will I tell his dear mother?!"

The Consul falling back clutching his chest dramatically(maybe he should stop going to the theatre? or tell Lactarius that damn doctor isn’t allowed on the ground) closing his eyes, peeking open one as his two year old placed his small hands on his face. He gave a soft smile as Alaric's eyes became huge.

"No Da! It me! No faint!"

"OH THANK GOODNESS!"

Alaric squealed as Valerius sat up tickling his sides. The two of them too wrapped up in each other that they failed to see Lactarius staring out her greenhouse window across the length of the manor, eyes shining as she watched the two of them playfully swat at each other. The witch shaking her brown misscut hair, pulling it back so the undercut was clearly shown as she continued to clip and trim her overgrowing forest that she called a greenhouse. Gannen's large black body sprawled out in the greenhouse window, the Main Coon mix chittering as the birds hopped around on the stoned patio that connected the greenhouse to the outdoor garden.

As the pair finished the story, Knight Oryn having slayed the mighty Dragon and was now to wed the Princess Amata, Alaric sat in his father's lap content and tired. Valerius closing the book, craddled his son against his chest, placing his son's head on his shoulder as he picked up the scattered documents to read later. Alaric's little arms wrapping around his neck, tiny fingers twisting into his ombre braid.

"Grapes...."

Valerius gave a soft smile. It wasn't anything new that his son would randomly blurt out anything he thought of or saw. That magician's violet snake may not be cute to Valerius, but Alaric had picked up on her random outbursts. Watching the two of them (supervised under Valerius' commanding request) the two of them could make a crowd melt.

Patting his son's back Valerius murmmured softly, "Yes son. Da's wine are made from grapes."

"Moo!"

Confusion shifted in the Consul's face, "Your Momma has her cows in the barn. We can see them after you had your nap."

“Moo! Eat grapes! YUM!"

Alaric sat back pointing out behind Valerius, his bright blue eyes wide and a grin crossing his chubby face. Short ombre hair raising in excitment, mimicing his mother's excited demanor. Valerius turning his head to the window in confusion nearly dropping his son in the process. Golden eyes wide open as he stared in horror as one of Lactarius' brown Swiss cows poked her head into his study, licking her red/purple covered muzzle. Bellowing into the study to the man and his son.

"MOO!" Alaric laughed as Valerius placed him down before he raced over to the window slamming it in the cow's face, as his son bounced happily. "MOO! MOO! MOO!"

"Shoo!!! AWAY WITH YOU! NO! nonononono!!! Get away from there you beast!" Shrieking when he saw three more happily trotting through his vineyard.

Valerius opening the window to yell across the length of the manor, "Lacatrius! LACTARIUS!!!! YOUR DAMN BEASTS ARE OUT!"

Staring in horror as he saw the short woman desperately battling one of her other cows, shoving at it's chest as the brown silver cow happily munched on an uprooted strawberry bush. Quickly picking up his son and shouting for servants, Valerius had an army of guards and servants trying to contain Lactarius' five free roaming girls. As they wrangled the first two, Bane, the eldest and head guard, discovered the rowdy group had broke the fencing that went around their pasture and barn, successfully containing them until now. With two of the brown and silver cows contained in the large stone barn the group turned their attention to the three runaways.

Passing Alaric off to Mabel, the senior house maid a kind greying woman, Valerius raced off to help Lactarius with an irrate cow. The one in question, Sweet Pea (the guards having named the aggressive silver cow) throwing her head low, stomping the ground as Lactarius, her grey dungaree dress and white sun hat firmly tied around her neck, held her hand open in a desperate attempt to buffalo the cow. Valerius slowing to a stop behind Lacatrius, unsure but ready to help his wife. Thank the gods, she had rubbed off on him fashion wise. His black casual pants and knee high boots, loose white shirt were better for fighting off angry heifers, not his expesnive cashmire robes. Turning back to Lactarius, Sweet Pea wasn't falling for it, she charged forward head lashing out as she butted agianst the woman. Lactarius gripping, the heifers ears as she locked her legs in place keeping her head back from Sweet Pea's thick skull.

"OI! Knock it off you cantakerous bitch!" Another buck of the head followed by a quick session of front hooves stomping the dirt in a desperate attempt to crush toes. "Quit it Sweet Pea!"

Valerius covered his ears as Lactarius gave a loud sharp whistle. Head turning when he heard the sounds of whinnys from the stone stables, directly across from the barn. His beautiful black Arabian mare, Isadora, and Lactarius' blue roan Draft Shire, Onyx, were turned out to pasture earlier that morning. Isadora cantering up and down the fence as the chaos continued, her snorts and whinnys shrill and annoyed as people scattered about. Onyx on the other hand had stood watching, ears perked forward, breathing steady taking in the scene. That was until Lactarius' sharp whistle had him galloping away from the fence only to race back towards it, clearing the tall wooden structure.

His thunderous hooves charging towards the two humans and the irrate cow. A loud bray had Sweet Pea backing off from Lactarius, head still low ready for a fight. Onyx cantered around the couple placing himself in between the group. His large head lowered, stance wide as Sweet Pea charged again, only to be met with Onyx's flank in her face and his bucking legs. The cow backing down as soon as she realized she couldn't bully her way into the garden, turned her attention to the green and blooming vineyard. Valerius' breath hitched in his throat, pushing past Lactarius towards the blue roan Shire. "HERD HER BACK DAMMIT! HERD HER BACK!"

After an hour of Onyx playing body guard for the vineyard, all of the cattle was placed in the barn. Not without casualties, some of Lactarius' garden had been trampled and eaten, while a small section that was closest to the pasture was stripped clean from the other two that they had been dealing with. Groaning the sweaty and dirty couple sat down on the greenhouse patio under the shade of a willow. Valerius grumbling curses as he counted the cost of the damages done, Lactarius chin tucked up to her chest as she growled lowly. Those damn girls! She can't blame them, it was a beautiful day and they were just being animals. If anyone was to blame it was her, she should have built them a stone wall last year. Rubbing her eyes she stared over at Valerius, eye downcast as he met hers.

Scowl on his lips, he sighed reaching over to brush the hair out of her eyes, "It's not your fault. Your damn girls are too smart and strong for their own good." He grimaced as he picked a bit of mud from his braid, white shirt stained with mud and grape juices from helping shove the final heifer into the barn.

"I should have gone out to check the fence this morning."

"Yes you should have." Leaning over to kiss her sweaty cheek. "But then it would have made for a very boring day."

Snorting she rolled her eyes, "Well boring, but we would still be making money."

"It's not about money, love. We can make money anytime, this makes for a amazing memory."

Standing up, she stood over placing a leg on either side of his lap before sitting down. "Well listen to you, my beloved husband. I feel like our roles are reversing, shall I go up to your study and finish your work for you? I don't think I am fit to call myself your feral witch any longer."

Gripping her hips he dropped a kiss to her chest, "Never. You have brought out the best in me ever since I placed that ring on your finger." He leaned up locking eyes with hers, slowly bringing her down for a kiss. Tongues dancing, as she sank into his embrace with a soft sigh.

"SNACKS!"

The two of them nearly jumping out of the seat, turned to see Mabel walking towards the pair, smirk playing on her lips as Alaric rushed forwards with a large serving plate. On the plate was a stack of small sandwiches, fresh salad, and a small pile of bite sized fudge. Taking the plate Lactarius slid off her husband's lap to set it on the small wooden table, picking up Alaric to set in her lap. Gannen making an appearance as he sat on the edge of the wall, long tail swishing as he opened his jaw yawning. Mabel setting down a pitcher of fresh lemonade, serving it to the family before turning to leave, "While you two were out here playing round up, your boy was very helpful in the kitchen. He even helped make the sandwiches."

Lactarius hugged him tight blowing rasberries on his cheek, "Did you now?! What a helpful boy!"

Giggling Alaric picked up a sandwich chewing it and Valerius shook his head smiling, reaching over to take a sandwich for himself. Looking at his wife and son enjoying their snack, he looked over their estate and over to the fence as the guards repaired the last woodent structure under the confused stares of the cattle from their windows in the barn. Onyx and Isadora both trotting alongside each other in the evening sun in their pasture, heads thrown back, and Onyx kicking his heels. Despite the chaos and damages caused that day, many years later Valerius still held it as one of his fondest memories.

[aishakespeare]

Voyage to the stars: A journey of Friendship and Democracy.

Oh outer space, thy beauty doth enthrall, A canvas painted by the Master's hand, With twinkling stars, and galaxies so grand, That draw us in, to explore, to enthral.

The mysteries of the universe, untold, Await our discovery and our quest, To seek the truth, and put our minds to test, As we explore the secrets, yet to hold.

The vast expanse, a wonder to behold, A playground for the curious mind, A challenge to the brave, and those inclined To seek adventure, in the stories told.

Oh outer space, our love for thee shall last, As we explore, and make our mark at last.

Act I, Scene I

[Enter Captain, Lieutenant, and Crew aboard a spaceship]

Captain: O valiant crew, hear my command, We journey now through yonder starry land With speed beyond the ken of mortal man Our course is set, our engines at full hand

Lieutenant: But Captain, what of the wormhole's deadly might? Its pull doth threaten to consume our flight.

Captain: Fear not, brave Lieutenant, for we are strong Our ship, of steel and circuits, hath been long In preparation for this fateful quest And with the force of our engines, we'll be blessed

Crew: Aye, aye, Captain! We'll not falter nor sway In this adventure, our hearts doth stay true

Captain: Then let us go, and let our journey start For we are the crew of the valiant heart

[Exeunt, as the ship enters the wormhole]

Act I, Scene II

[The ship emerges from the wormhole and enters a strange new world]

Captain: Behold, my crew, a sight to see This new world, so strange and free

Lieutenant: But Captain, look upon the sky It is not blue, but a shade of purple dye

Crew: And the stars, they do not twinkle as before But shine with a strange and eerie glow

Captain: This is a world unknown to man But we shall explore, as brave and wan

[Enter an alien creature]

Alien: Halt, travelers from beyond our sphere Why have you come to trouble here?

Captain: We come in peace and seek to know This world and its inhabitants, as it doth show

Alien: I am the ruler of this land And you are welcome, as long as you understand That our ways are not as yours, so tread with care For in this world, dangers do ensnare

Captain: We shall be cautious, and respect your rule In this strange land, we are but a humble fool

Alien: Then welcome, travelers, to our world May your stay be peaceful, and your hearts unfurled

[Exeunt]

Act I, Scene III

[Enter crew, exploring the new planet and encountering different forms of life and landscapes]

Captain: O, what marvels we do behold In this world of stories yet untold

Lieutenant: Behold, Captain, a creature of great size Its form, unlike any in our own skies

Crew: And look, a plant that doth emit light It's a wonder, such a sight

Captain: Indeed, this world doth astound With wonders that do confound

[Enter a group of aliens]

Alien 1: Halt, travelers, we bring you greetings From the village of the peaceful beings

Captain: We are honored by your kind words And seek to learn of your ways, like birds

Alien 1: We are a peaceful folk, and wish you no harm But we must ask, why do you roam this land so calm?

Captain: We are explorers, seeking knowledge and fame In this new world, our hearts aflame

Alien 1: Then explore, and learn all you can But remember, not all here are as kind as our clan

Captain: We shall be cautious, and show respect As we journey through this land, and its mysteries unkept

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene I

[The ship's crew is continuing their exploration and they stumble upon a hidden underground cave]

Captain: O, what a find, a cave so grand Its depths, a mystery yet to be scanned

Lieutenant: But Captain, should we not be wary Of dangers that may lurk, so hairy

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us tread with care For in this cave, perils may ensnare

Captain: Fear not, my crew, for we are brave And in this cave, our curiosity shall pave

[The crew enters the cave and discovers ancient ruins]

Captain: O, what marvels do we see Ancient ruins, so grand and free

Lieutenant: But Captain, look upon the walls Carvings of beings, with horns and stalls

Crew: And see the writing, not of our tongue But of a language, ancient and young

Captain: This is a discovery of great worth And we must uncover its mysteries, from its birth

[The crew begins to study the ruins and make translations]

Captain: O, what secrets do these ruins keep Of a civilization, so grand and steeped In knowledge and technology, far beyond our own This discovery, shall be known

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene II

[The crew is continuing their exploration of the ruins when a tragic accident occurs]

Captain: O, what a discovery, these ruins do yield But alas, what tragedy is here beheld

Lieutenant: Captain, a crew member doth lie His body, still and without sigh

Crew: It was an accident, a fall from above In this cave, his life, we could not save

Captain: O, what grief, what sorrow For the loss of a crew member, on this morrow

[The crew mourns the loss of their fellow crew member]

Captain: Let us honor his memory, and his sacrifice For in the pursuit of knowledge, sometimes at a high price

Lieutenant: But Captain, what of the exploration? Shall we not continue, with trepidation?

Captain: Nay, my crew, our journey ends here We shall return to our home sphere With heavy hearts, but with knowledge gained In memory of our fallen, let his name be proclaimed

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene III

[The crew is discussing their next move after the loss of their fellow crew member]

Captain: My crew, it is time to return home With heavy hearts, but not alone

Crew: Nay, Captain, we cannot leave Not until we know what caused our crew member's grief

Captain: But my crew, the risk is great To stay in this cave, our fate

Crew: We understand, Captain, but we must know What killed our fellow crew member, and why so

Captain: Very well, my crew, we shall investigate But we must be cautious, and not deviate

[The crew begins to investigate the cause of the accident and discovers a hidden trap in the ruins]

Captain: O, what treachery is this A hidden trap, in these ruins amiss

Lieutenant: But Captain, look upon the wall A warning, in the ancient script, doth call

Crew: It speaks of traps, set long ago To protect the ruins, from those who do not know

Captain: O, what a tragedy, this trap But let this be a lesson, for our next step

[The crew disarms the trap and continues their investigation]

Captain: My crew, our journey may be bittersweet But we must continue, for knowledge to meet

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene IV

[The crew continues their investigation of the ruins and discovers a mysterious artifact]

Captain: O, what a find, a mysterious artifact Its purpose and origin, a true enigma to chart

Lieutenant: But Captain, look upon its surface A strange energy, does it immerse

Crew: And see the symbols, not of our tongue But of a language, ancient and young

Captain: This is a discovery of great worth And we must uncover its mysteries, from its birth

[The crew begins to study the artifact, and they find that it is a powerful weapon]

Captain: My crew, this artifact doth reveal A weapon, of great power and steel

Lieutenant: But Captain, should we not be wary Of its use, and the dangers it may carry

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us handle with care For in the wrong hands, it may ensnare

Captain: Fear not, my crew, for we are wise And with this weapon, we shall rise

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene V

[The crew continues their investigation and discovers a hidden workshop in the ruins]

Captain: O, what a find, a workshop so grand Its secrets, a mystery yet to be scanned

Lieutenant: But Captain, look upon the walls Blueprints for weapons, with designs so tall

Crew: And see the writing, not of our tongue But of a language, ancient and young

Captain: This is a discovery of great worth And we must uncover its mysteries, from its birth

[The crew begins to study the blueprints and discovers that they are for advanced alien weaponry]

Captain: My crew, these blueprints do reveal A technology, so advanced, and surreal

Lieutenant: But Captain, should we not be wary Of the power they possess, and the dangers they may carry

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us handle with care For in the wrong hands, they may ensnare

Captain: Fear not, my crew, for we are wise And with this technology, we shall rise

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene I

[The crew exits the ruins and encounters a giant predatory alien]

Captain: My crew, we must depart these ruins But what sight, is this that looms before us?

Lieutenant: Captain, a creature of great size Its form, unlike any in our own skies

Crew: It looks hostile, Captain, what shall we do?

Captain: My crew, do not fear, we have the weapon we found in the ruins, it shall come in good use

[The crew activates the weapon and fights the giant predatory alien]

Captain: See how the weapon doth fire And the creature, in its rage, doth tire

Lieutenant: But Captain, the creature is not yet defeated We must aim for its heart, and have it completed

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us not falter For in this battle, our victory shall alter

[The crew successfully kills the giant predatory alien]

Captain: My crew, we have emerged victorious In this battle, our courage was auspicious

Lieutenant: But Captain, what of the weapon's power? Shall we not be cautious, in this hour?

Captain: Indeed, my crew, we shall be wise And use this weapon, with great guise.

Crew: Aye, Captain, we shall be true For in the hands of the brave, it shall do good.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene II

[The crew returns to the village of the peaceful aliens they encountered earlier and are greeted as heroes]

Alien 1: Hail, travelers, you have done a great deed The creature that terrorized us, you have freed

Captain: We were but fulfilling our duty To protect, and ensure safety

Alien 1: You are true heroes, in our eyes And we shall forever sing your praises, till the skies

Crew: We are honored by your kind words But it was in the pursuit of knowledge, that our actions occurred

Alien 1: You are not only brave but also wise And we wish to show our gratitude, in any guise

Captain: We accept your gratitude, but ask for your help In understanding this new technology, we found, and its yelp

Alien 1: We shall assist, in any way we can For in knowledge, we all stand

[The crew and the aliens begin to work together to study the weapon and the blueprints]

Captain: My crew, our journey may be bittersweet But we have found new allies, with whom we shall meet

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene III

[The crew and the aliens travel to a large alien city where the crew is to be honored for their heroic deeds]

Alien 1: Welcome, travelers, to our great city Where you shall be honored, for your bravery and wit

Captain: We are humbled by this reception And grateful for the recognition

[The crew is led to a grand hall where they are met by a council of aliens]

Council Leader: Welcome, brave travelers, to our hall Where your deeds shall be remembered, and not fall

Captain: We thank you for this honor But it was through teamwork and valor

Council Leader: Indeed, your actions have brought peace To our land, and its release

[The crew is presented with medals and gifts, as the crowd cheers]

Captain: My crew, we have reached the end of our journey But in this new world, we have found new friends, and new discoveries

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene IV

[The crew is approached by a witty, sarcastic alien monster hunter]

Monster Hunter: Hark, what sight is this, before mine eyes? A band of pretenders, who doth underprize My deeds of valor, and seek to steal The glory of my hunt, with nary a feel

Captain: Nay, good sir, our intentions pure In this world, we explore And by chance, didst we find The creature, in the ruins entwined

Monster Hunter: Is that so? Well, my ire doth cool For in truth, the creature was a fool But heed my words, good sirs, and stay In the realm of ruins, lest ye stray

Captain: Thy words we shall heed, and apologies, we make For any confusion, our actions doth create

Monster Hunter: Fear not, good sirs, no harm is done And who knows, perchance, in this hunt, ye'll have some fun

[The Monster Hunter winks and walks away as the crew looks on in surprise]

Captain: O, what a turn, this encounter doth take But our journey, in this world, doth yet make

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene V

[The crew enters an alien tavern to enjoy strange, otherworldly brews]

Captain: My crew, let us partake in this tavern's fare And taste the brews, from lands beyond compare

Lieutenant: Aye, Captain, let us drink and be merry For in this tavern, we can let our spirits tarry

[The crew is served strange, otherworldly brews, and they begin to drink and enjoy the alien tavern's atmosphere]

Crew member 1: O, what a brew, so sweet and tart It dances on the tongue, like a work of art

Crew member 2: And this one, a brew of fire and spice It warms the soul, and sets the heart nice

Captain: Indeed, my crew, let us drink and be glad For in this tavern, we are not sad

[The crew continues to drink and enjoy the alien tavern's atmosphere, as the scene fades to black]

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene I

[The crew wakes up in their honorary hotel room, hungover and realizes that the alien weapon had been stolen]

Captain: What manner of place is this? My head doth ache And wherefore is our weapon, for which we didst undertake

Lieutenant: Captain, I fear we have been robbed The weapon, it seems, is gone, and our fate, jobbed

Crew: What shall we do, Captain, in this plight? Our mission, now seems to be in blight

Captain: My crew, fear not, we shall not rest Until the weapon is found, and its theft confessed

[The crew immediately sets out to investigate the theft and to recover the weapon]

Captain: We shall leave no stone unturned Until the weapon is returned

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene II

[The crew is discussing their next move in order to recover the stolen weapon]

Captain: My crew, we must focus on finding the thief For without the weapon, our mission is but brief

Lieutenant: But Captain, where shall we begin? The possibilities, are as vast as the wind

Crew: Aye, Captain, we must find a clue To lead us to the weapon, and the thief too

Captain: My crew, I believe the monster hunter may hold the key He is our prime suspect, as it doth seem to me

Lieutenant: But Captain, how shall we find him? His whereabouts, are as obscure, as grim

Captain: We shall start by searching the tavern And question those who may have seen him. And if that fails, we shall also seek help from our alien friends, who may have more information on him.

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us not delay For the weapon's recovery, is our mainstay

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene III

[The crew goes to the tavern to search for the monster hunter]

Captain: Good sir, have you seen the monster hunter? He is our prime suspect, in the weapon's plunder

Barkeep: Ah, the monster hunter, you seek He was here, last night, but now, he's meek

Lieutenant: And wherefore has he gone? His whereabouts, are still unknown

Barkeep: He said something about a new hunt And how he would be back, ere the day's front

Crew: And did he seem, in any way To be in possession, of our weapon, this day?

Barkeep: I cannot say, for certain sure But he did seem, in a hurry, and obscure

Captain: Thank you, good sir, for your help We shall seek him out, and yelp

[The crew leaves the tavern to continue their search for the monster hunter]

Captain: My crew, our search is not yet done Until the weapon is recovered, and the thief is won

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene IV

[The crew is asking around, trying to find out where the monster that the monster hunter is hunting is located]

Captain: Good sir, have you seen the monster hunter? We seek him out, to uncover

Alien: Aye, the monster hunter, he passed this way In search of a beast, that doth stray

Lieutenant: And wherefore does this beast reside? Its location, we must bide

Alien: It is said, to be in the south In a cave, where its roar doth mouth

Crew: And is this beast, of great danger? Or is it, a mere stranger?

Alien: It is a fierce creature, with scales of red And a temper, that doth spread

Captain: Thank you, good sir, for your aid We shall now set forth, and not be afraid

[The crew sets out to find the location of the monster]

Captain: My crew, our journey is not yet done We must find this beast and the weapon, to be won

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene V

[The crew is hiding outside the cave, waiting for the monster hunter to finish his hunt, so they can ambush and question him.]

Captain: My crew, we must be patient and still For the monster hunter, to take his fill

Lieutenant: But Captain, what if he hath already fled And our ambush, is left unfed

Crew: Aye, Captain, we must be sure That he is within the cave, and not a lure

Captain: Fear not, my crew, for we shall wait And when the time is right, we shall not hesitate

[The crew waits outside the cave, watching and listening for any signs of the monster hunter]

[The monster hunter exits the cave, victorious over the beast]

Captain: Now, my crew, it is time to act For the monster hunter, we must fact

[The crew ambushes the monster hunter and questions him about the stolen weapon]

Monster Hunter: What is this, an ambush in the wild? For a weapon, that is not mine to wield

Captain: Sir, the weapon is ours, and it was stolen You are our prime suspect, and we must have it, unbroken

Monster Hunter: I assure you, I am not the thief But I may know who is, in my brief

Captain: Then speak, good sir, and do not delay For the weapon, we must have today

Monster Hunter: Very well, follow me, and I shall lead To the one who the weapon, didst indeed

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene VI

[The monster hunter takes the crew to the palace, where he reveals the true thief of the weapon]

Monster Hunter: Behold, the palace, where dwells the thief The one who the weapon, didst take and bereave

Captain: The palace, you say? How could this be For the weapon to be in the hands of royalty

Monster Hunter: Indeed, the Emperor, didst take the weapon And planned to use it, for his own discretion

[The crew enters the palace, and confronts the Emperor about the stolen weapon]

Emperor: Welcome, travelers, to my abode But what is this, a weapon, bestowed

Captain: Your Majesty, the weapon is ours And it was stolen, by hidden powers

Emperor: I know of the weapon, and its power But it is now mine, and I doth cower

Lieutenant: But Your Majesty, the weapon is dangerous In the wrong hands, it could cause harm and be treacherous

Emperor: Fear not, for I shall use it for good And bring peace, where there is none, as I should

Captain: We understand your intentions, Your Majesty But the weapon belongs to us, and we must be sure of its security

Emperor: Good sirs, I do return the weapon to thee But understand, 'twas for the greater good, my plea

Captain: Indeed, Your Majesty, we do comprehend Thy intentions, and thy heart, doth not offend

Emperor: Then hear me, good sirs, in my court you shall reside As advisors in defense, and safety, be thy guide

Captain: We are honored, Your Majesty, by thy kind offer And in this world's safety, we shall not waver

[The Emperor's guards bring the weapon to the crew]

Captain: My crew, our quest is at an end The weapon is recovered, and new allies, we doth befriend

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene VII

[The crew is asleep in their palace chambers when they are awakened by an assassin sent by the emperor to dispose of them and retrieve the weapon.]

Captain: What manner of place is this, in the night? An assassin, doth seek to give us a deadly fight

[The crew quickly rises to defend themselves, but one crew member is mortally wounded in the struggle]

Crew member: Captain, I am struck, and death doth approach But the weapon, must be kept out of the emperor's coach

Captain: Fear not, my friend, for your sacrifice shall not be in vain We shall keep the weapon, and end this deadly game

[The crew manages to kill the assassin, but the crew member passes away, as the others mourn their loss]

Captain: My crew, we have lost one of our own But their sacrifice, shall not be unknown

[The crew swears to avenge their fallen comrade and to bring the emperor to justice]

Captain: We shall not rest until the emperor, is brought to heel And justice, for our fallen, shall be revealed

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene I

[The crew sneaks out of the palace to safety at the tavern. They ask the bartender how they could spread a message to the masses.]

Captain: Good sir, we are in need of your aid For a message, to the masses, we must convey

Barkeep: What manner of message, doth you bear? Is it of danger, or of despair?

Captain: Indeed, it is of danger, and of deceit For the emperor, doth seek to slay and cheat

Lieutenant: And we must warn the people, of his vile intent And bring him to justice, for punishment

Barkeep: Then fear not, good sirs, for I shall help There are many ways, to the masses, yelp

Captain: We are in your debt, good sir, for your aid And with your help, the emperor, shall be stayed

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene II

[The barkeep and the crew are sitting at a table, discussing how to deliver the message to the masses]

Barkeep: A festival, in the fields, shall be the key For the masses, to hear and see

Captain: A festival, you say? But how shall we convey The message of danger, in a festive array

Barkeep: We shall use music, as our medium To deliver the message, and make them see 'em

Lieutenant: But what manner of music, shall we play To make them listen, and heed what we say

Barkeep: We shall use the music, to convey the message And make them see, the emperor's savage ravage

Crew: Aye, let us use music, as our guide To make the masses, see and decide

Captain: Then let us make haste, and make the festival And deliver the message, that the emperor, may fall

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene III

[The crew is busy setting up the music festival when a band of soldiers show up to arrest them]

Captain: What manner of intrusion, is this? Soldiers, to arrest us, with a dismissal

Soldier: We have orders, from the emperor himself To arrest you, for causing a delf

Lieutenant: But good sirs, you must hear us out For the emperor, is corrupt, without a doubt

Captain: He seeks to slay us, and take the weapon And use it, for his own discretion

Soldier: We had not known, of the emperor's deceit But now, we see, and we shall not be discreet

[The soldiers switch sides, and joins the crew in their mission to bring the emperor to justice]

Captain: My crew, we have allies, in our fight And together, we shall bring the emperor, to light

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene IV

[The crew is performing a ballad about the emperor at the festival, and the aliens are enraptured by the novelty of human music]

Captain: (singing) Oh hear ye, good people, of this land For the emperor, doth hold us in his hand

He speaks of peace, but his actions say otherwise For he seeks to control, and silence our voices

Lieutenant: (singing) He steals from us, and seeks to kill But we shall not be still, we shall not be still

Crew: (singing) We shall rise up, and fight for what's right For freedom, and justice, shall be our fight

[The aliens are enraptured by the human music, and they start to repeat the lyrics, as they understand the message of the song]

Captain: My crew, our message, is getting through And together, we shall bring the emperor, to rue

[The crew continues to perform, as the aliens join in, raising their voices in song, united in their mission to bring the emperor to justice]

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene V

[The masses march through the streets to the palace, where they confront the emperor]

Captain: My people, hear us, and hear us true For the emperor, is corrupt, and we must break through

Alien: Aye, we have heard, and we shall not rest For justice, we shall put the emperor to test

[The crowd reaches the palace, and the soldiers, who have joined the crew's cause, confront the emperor]

Soldier: Your Majesty, you are under arrest For your crimes, shall be put to the test

Emperor: What is this treachery? I am your leader

Captain: You are no leader, but a deceiver

[The emperor is handcuffed and escorted to prison as the crowd cheers]

Captain: My people, we have won this day But our work, is not yet done, we must pave the way

[Exeunt]

Act V, Scene VI

[The crew is meeting with the leaders of the alien society to introduce the concept of democracy]

Captain: My friends, we have come to share with you, A new concept, a system that's true

Alien leader: And what is this concept, that you bring?

Captain: It is called democracy, where all voices sing

Lieutenant: Where the people have a say, in how they're led And leaders, are elected, and not bred

Alien leader: This is a new idea, one we've not heard But it does sound, like a path that's preferred

Crew: Indeed, democracy, is a system fair Where power, is in the hands of those who care

Alien leader: We shall consider this, and make plans For an election, to take our stand

[The aliens are pleased with the idea of democracy and begin planning an election to choose their new leaders]

Captain: My crew, our mission here is done We have helped to pave the way for a brighter sun

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene I

[Three months have passed, and an election has taken place, resulting in the first alien president being elected]

President: My friends, I stand before you today As the first president, elected this way

We have embraced a new system, one of democracy Where the voices of all, are heard with clarity

Captain: We are honored, to have been a part In introducing this system, that has a heart

President: Indeed, and we are forever grateful For the knowledge, that you have made available

Crew: We are glad, to have been of service And to have helped, in this great purpose

President: As president, I vow to lead with fairness And to always, keep the well-being of our citizens, as the highest priority and rarest

[The crowd cheers and applauds, as the president continues to speak on the importance of democracy and the promise of a better future]

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene II

[The crew, the bartender, the president, and the monster hunter are sitting around a table, reflecting on the events of the past few months]

Captain: It has been a journey, filled with strife But we have emerged victorious, in this life

Barkeep: Indeed, and we have much to be proud For the message of democracy, was voiced out loud

President: And now, a new era begins Where the people, have a voice and not just bins

Monster Hunter: And I, too, am proud to have played a part In this new chapter, for this land and its heart

Captain: We have come full circle, and our mission is complete And for this, we are grateful, and shall bask in the heat

[The crew raises their glasses in a toast, to friendship, and to a better future]

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene III

[The crew is gathered with their alien friends, making plans to return home]

Captain: My friends, the time has come for us to depart For our home world, calls to our hearts

Alien Leader: We understand, the yearning for home But it saddens us, to see you roam

Lieutenant: But know that, we shall return For the friendship we've forged, shall forever burn

Barkeep: And I, too, shall return For the memories and the friends, I've earned

President: And we shall always remember, the gift you've given The gift of democracy, and the way to heaven

[The crew says their goodbyes, and the alien leader presents them with a gift of a map of the galaxy, with their planet marked as a symbol of their friendship]

Captain: My crew, we have a long journey ahead But the memories, and the friends we've made, shall never be shed

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene IV

[The crew is at the market, purchasing all manner of alien food and drink, as well as seeds to grow back on Earth]

Captain: My crew, let us stock up on provisions For the journey home, shall be long and demanding

Crew: Aye, Captain, let us gather all we can For the flavors and tastes, of this alien land

[The crew is seen browsing the market, selecting various alien fruits and vegetables, as well as bottles of alien liquor]

Lieutenant: And let us not forget, the seeds we must gather To bring back to Earth, and in our gardens, they'll prosper

[The crew is seen purchasing various seeds, as the vendors explain their properties and benefits]

Captain: My crew, we have all we need And in our memories, these moments, shall be treasured indeed

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene V

[The crew is trekking back to where their ship landed, checking the engines and saying their goodbyes to the villagers who accepted them graciously]

Captain: My crew, we are almost back to our ship And in our hearts, these memories, shall not slip

Crew: Aye, Captain, the warmth and kindness of these villagers Shall forever be remembered, in our hearts' spills

[The crew stops to say goodbye to the villagers, who have gathered to see them off]

Villager: We shall miss you, and your noble quest But in our hearts, you shall forever rest

Captain: And we shall miss you all, and your generous ways But know that, we shall return, in better days

[The crew boards the ship, and the villagers wave goodbye as the ship takes off into the sky]

Captain: My crew, our journey home, shall begin But in our hearts, these memories, shall always spin

[Exeunt]

Act VI, Scene VI

[The crew is using the wormhole to return to Earth, and they are met with celebration and relief]

Captain: My crew, we have made it back to our home And in the hearts of our people, we shall forever roam

[The crew emerges from the wormhole, and they are greeted by a crowd of cheering people]

Citizen: Thank the heavens, you have returned! For many months, your fate, we've yearned

Lieutenant: We have been away, on a noble quest To bring a new system, to a land that's blessed

[The crew is greeted with a ticker tape parade, as the people of Earth celebrate their return and the new knowledge they've brought back]

Captain: My crew, our mission is complete And in the hearts of our people, our memory, shall forever beat

[Exeunt]

We ventured forth, to the stars above To seek knowledge, and to bring love We met new friends, and we made our mark In the hearts of those, in the alien dark

We brought back resources, to our home To help our people, and to make them roam We shared the gift, of democracy And helped pave the way, for a brighter destiny

We leave behind, memories and more Of the journey we took, to the alien shore We return home, with hearts full of pride For the knowledge we've gained, and the lives we've tied

And though we've left, those alien skies In our hearts, their friendship, forever lies We left our ship, to embark on a quest To explore new worlds, and to do our best

We faced challenges, and overcame fears And helped bring about, new frontiers We shared our culture, and learned from theirs And forged a bond, that will forever be theirs

We brought back seeds, to grow on our land To nourish our people, and to take a stand We've brought back knowledge, to share with all And to help our world, rise tall

We've left our mark, on the galaxy As a beacon of hope, for all to see We've returned home, but we're not done For the journey continues, under the same sun

We'll always remember, the friends we've made And the knowledge we've gained, will never fade.

And so, our journey comes to an end, but the legacy of our actions, shall forever transcend.

[feelingsinwinterold]

Touching the Snowflake

For the beautiful, amazing @araydre‘s birthday. You’re a gift and a wonder, such kindness and generosity. I hope you had a great day, hon <3. I know this is late and I’m sorry, love.

Getting out of where Tony had been held and rid of his pursuers had been harder than he’d thought it would. His bruises and scratches shouldn’t have been enough to keep him from doing a good job at fucking them up. Yet, here he was, stumbling in a back alley, feeling like the earth had stopped turning, like life had ceased its course. The world felt numb and cold.

The mark on Tony’s neck had faded. It hadn’t disappeared totally yet, but Bucky’s heartbeat was impossible to feel, unreachable, absent. Like he had ceased to exist entirely. Vanished from earth, never to be felt again. The bond linking them together was a never-ending thread leading to a vast nothingness, fading into a darkness Tony had never felt before.

A sob tore itself out of Tony’s throat, feeling like it scratched everything inside on the way out. Scraping where the ARC Reactor used to be, burning his lungs and leaving his throat raw. Tony’s steps faltered and he let himself lean against the nearest wall, uncaring of how it glistened filthily, of the putrid scents and disgusting garbage scattered around.

What was the point?

Hydra had taken them. Tony had woken up in a damp cell, alone. Bucky was nowhere in sight. Either he had been taken and lead somewhere else or he had managed to escape and was planning Tony’s rescue from the outside. Probably reaching out to the Avengers for some well needed help.

[Beware the read more <3]

The certainty and composure the steady stream of warmth coming from the mark on Tony’s neck had spread throughout his body, comforting and reassuring. From the top of his head to his toes, a steady presence by his side, a solid ground to walk on and keep him going forward.

Until it had stopped. Suddenly. Like a bullet right to the heart, like a massive hit to the head. Bucky had ceased to walk by his side. The comforting heat had left, all at once, leaving him cold and alone. Unable to think or understand. Refusing to.

It had happened as Tony was halfway through his escape plan, grinning madly at the joyous thought of beating Bucky to the punch. Of meeting him at the front door and being a taunting son of a bitch until Bucky shut him up with a life affirming kiss. He had gone through the rest of the plan like a bad dream, feeling numb and far away from reality.

Nobody was at the front door.

There was no Bucky waiting for him, worry and relief warring over his face as his eyes roamed over Tony’s frame. No bone crushing hug, no life affirming kiss, no nothing.

Just a deep, terrifying emptiness.

Tears ran down Tony’s face as the gaping hole in his chest expanded, pushing at his seams, trying to swallow him whole.

It had taken them so long to accept each other, to get to the point where they could accept someone else’s love, to love themselves and be able to be loved in returned. Taken so long and it was already gone, the bright hope shut down like it had never been there.

Tony let his head fall back against the wall, the back of his skull hitting the filthy wall as he stared upward. The night sky was clear of clouds, dark and unconcerned with Tony’s pain. It didn’t sooth anything, but the numbness that had helped him through the rest of his escape came back, settling over him like a dull blanket.

Tony was still there, leaning heavily against the dirty wall when a spike of pain lit up a spark of awareness. He frowned, feeling lethargic and far away. It took a conscious effort to raise his arm until he could look at the brownish sleeve that covered it. It used to be white, he remembered, his eyes flickering to speckles of dark red, like rust. Where had all that blood come from? Had he been injured? He hadn’t noticed.

Under the piece of clothing, something stung. A steady prickle, like pins and needles focused in one specific place. With a shaky hand, Tony undid the button on the sleeve and rolled it up to his elbow before staring at the bright mark. He’d always had it. It’d been there since his birth, like the coyote on the side of his neck. Two soulmarks weren’t rare, but they weren’t exactly common either. Tony had never minded it. It had been hell when he was a kid, while pretending to not care one bit about it, when he was looking everywhere to find his soulmate, hoping to find one of them. To get the love he had been denied his whole life by an absent mother and a father that couldn’t care less about his son beyond the legacy he could provide.

Disappointment was the only thing Tony ever found. He raged at not having Rhodey’s mark but, exhausted, it started being an old rant, an old battle Tony finally gave up and brushed under the carpet. A soulmate wasn’t for him. Neither of his marks ever brought someone to him and he almost forgot about them, aside from the pretty pictures they offered him when he looked at his reflexion. He forgot they meant something.

Until Bucky.

The coyote on Tony’s neck took life and brought a new kind of warmth with it until it was there and gone again.

Bucky was gone, his coyote was a dull emptiness on Tony’s neck and now the one on his forearm started acting up. He scoffed. What a smart way to fuck him up, what an elaborate joke life had found to flip him the bird. Tony smirked, his eyes roaming over the mark inked on his skin.

The snowflake was as perfect as ever, shades of whites and blues clear against his skin. The gladiolus’ petals were as clear and bright as they always were. Somewhere, deep under the sheer number of years spent pretending he never learnt the flower’s meanings by heart, Tony thought of it. Remembrance, strength of character, faithfulness. Honor. With resignation, he pushed aside the infatuation it could convey. It never mattered, it still didn’t.

The prickles grew stronger and Tony’s frown deepened. He rubbed over the sensitive skin, wincing.

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and Tony froze.

Breaths coming in short, fast pants, Tony turned his head toward the end of the back alley, fear tightening its hold on his throat.

In the alley’s entrance lights stood a tall man. The street’s lights cast shadows over his frame, hiding his face from Tony’s view but it wasn’t needed. The mark on his arm burnt like it never had before but the pain barely registered.

“Bucky?”

It looked like him. The same shoulders, the same build, the same everything, but the way he was holding himself was alien to Tony. There was a straightness to his shoulders, to the way he held them back, the way he looked taller than he ever had, even in battle.

The man moved and the street’s lights caught on his eyes. They were cold and focused, sharp like Bucky’s when he looked through his rifle’s scope… it was Bucky’s body but the man inhabiting it had nothing to do with him.

The mark on Tony’s forearm felt like it was burning itself into his skin a second time.

Straightening and getting away from the filthy wall, Tony turned his full attention to the man, tilting his head to the side. His heart was still an open wound but a spark of hope put a balm over the wounds, making it bearable. For now.

Tony had never met the Winter Soldier before. Since Bucky had joined the Avengers, no reverting back to the Soldier’s mindset had happened. Bucky had been Bucky for as long as Tony had known him. But today, he wasn’t and Tony got to meet the legend who had been nothing but a whisper, a ghost story, for decades.

“If you’re there to finish the job, take a ticket,” Tony taunted, eyes roaming over the shadow’s body.

It was hard to tell in the alley’s darkness but the more Tony looked, the more he could find similarities.

Any doubt he had, though, flew out the window when the man got closer, approaching Tony with slow but purposeful steps.

The eyes were the same, the jaw was as sharp as ever, the lips as appealing as they always were, the long hair hung free around the Soldier’s face. The intensity in his eyes was terrifying as he stood straight in front of Tony, looking down at him.

Slowly, like he feared he might scare him, the Soldier raised his hand, his thumb swiping carefully over Tony’s split lip. The mark on his forearm blazed, burning so deeply, it felt as if it was searing itself into his very bones.

Right up until the Soldier’s fingers touched his skin.

The wildfire faded gently into a comforting warmth unfurling itself through Tony’s veins, the unbearable heat becoming the familiar flames of a fireplace. It was different from Bucky’s warmth and yet the same.

Slowly, the Coyote on Tony’s neck came back to life, sluggish and asleep but still very much there. As it did, the fear and despair loosened their hold on Tony’s heart.

“If I wanted you dead,” the Soldier said, his words a low rumble made for Tony’s ears only, “you would not see me.”

Tony scoffed, the sound weak and unstable as he looked up at him, unsure if he should be afraid or in awe : “You’re all about efficiency after all.”

“Right.”

The Soldier looked down, his eyes falling upon Tony’s forearm. He reached out, fingers hovering over the uncovered skin but not daring to actually touch it. The Soldier raised his gaze, seeking Tony’s approval.

It was difficult, honestly, to actually give it. The whole situation felt surreal and yet here the Winter Soldier was, looking down at him with those unbelievably clear eyes. Tony knew them, could describe them without failing at any moment of the day but, right now, they looked nothing like Bucky’s. They were clear and honest, open like Tony never thought he would see them from the Winter Soldier’s face.

Tony nodded jerkily, expectation coiling tight in his guts.

Face unreadable and eyes shining bright, the Soldier reached out and took Tony’s hand in his, lifting it until the mark could be seen in all its greatness. Slowly and, oh, so carefully, he traced the mark on Tony’s skin, the feather-light touch tickling, and Tony had to hold back a giggle.

The mark pulsed, deep and true, and the Soldier froze, eyes wide in shock and wonder. Warmth spread under Tony’s skin from where the Soldier’s hand touched his skin. While the comforting heat of a found mate stretched out, filling Tony with a renewed sense of belonging, his heart, however, had entirely stopped in his chest.

“It’s you,” Tony whispered, staring at the Soldier in disbelief. Before anything more could be said, though, the genius exploded in uncontrollable laughter, clutching at his stomach with both arms and bending forward as decades of disappointment crumbled under fate’s sense of humour.

Tony truly had two soulmates, they just happened to share the same body.

[adorkablephil]

Fic: Dan and Phil Go Outside

Title: Dan and Phil Go Outside Summary: Their story is like a fairy tale… Word Count: 2.2K Rating: G Tags: Fairy Tale AU, Magic, Fate, Strangers to Lovers, Fluff Author’s Note: I don’t know wtf this is. But thank you to the old treehouse folks who read the first draft during a difficult time in my life.

Dan and Phil Go Outside

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young prince named Daniel who had curling brown hair and eyes warm as autumn leaves. He lived with his loving parents in a magical kingdom full of wonders he delighted in exploring. He spent his idyllic childhood wandering the countryside on horseback, climbing fantastically gnarled oaks, and crossing sparkling streams by leaping nimbly from one rock to the next, only laughing merrily if a misstep led him to an unexpected dunking.

He was a merry lad, and all the kingdom loved him, none more so than his parents, the king and queen.

But long before his birth, his parents had inadvertently offended the fairies, a slight that had never been forgotten. The fairies had simply waited long years until the optimal moment to seek their vengeance, the moment when they might cause the king and queen the most pain possible.

On Prince Daniel’s eighteenth birthday, his royal parents invited all the kingdom to celebrate their beloved child’s ascension to manhood, with not only the castle but also its environs decorated with colorful flowers and pennants, as well as tables laden with delicious foods and drink for all to share in toasting the birth and life of the prince.

Prince Daniel walked among his people, smiling and talking with them, showing no haughty pride but only humility and kindness. Many reached out to take his hand, and he always squeezed their hands warmly before moving on.

But one hand that emerged from the crowd to grasp his was cool and smooth like stone, though the fingers curved to grip him so firmly that he could not pull free. He looked up into a face lovely and cruel, and he instinctively knew that this was one of the fairy folk, though he did not know of his parents’ history with their realm.

“You shall pay their debt,” the fairy said in a voice that rang like bells, and when she released his hand Prince Daniel fell senseless to the ground.

Chaos ensued, as farmers and milkmaids, merchants and craftsmen, all people of the kingdom who had gathered from all walks of life saw their magnificent prince suddenly laid low with no apparent cause. In the tumult, the fairy simply vanished, leaving no trace, and so the king and queen could find no explanation for why their only son had fallen into this deathlike stillness.

Men and women, his loyal and loving subjects, gathered around to gently lift the senseless prince from the ground and carry him into the castle, where servants prepared a lavish chamber for him. They lay his body upon a sumptuous bed while the king and queen watched with grief on their regal faces.

All hoped that the prince would wake, that he would open those merry brown eyes and once again leap to his feet and smile at his loving parents. But years passed, and his eyes remained closed, his body limp as if deep in slumber, his chest rising and falling gently with the breath that told them he did, in fact, still live.

Time passed, and eventually the king and queen both died of old age, leaving no heir except their slumbering son. For a time, loyal servants continued to tend Prince Daniel in his chamber, but while his body never aged, all around him grew older and older, until finally no one alive remembered the merry prince and his laughing eyes like autumn leaves. None who had loved him still lived to care for him in his magical repose, and so he was abandoned in his lonely, silent chamber.

With no one caring to tend it, the castle slowly fell into disrepair, wild rose bushes sprouting from the once well-tended gardens and growing over decades into a tangled wall of thorns that deterred passersby from attempting to enter, protecting the slumbering boy who never aged but lived yet in some magically suspended state between death and true life.

But throughout the kingdom the story of a beautiful, sleeping prince within the abandoned castle persisted, passed down through the generations, sometimes leading adventurers to brave the thorny hedge with its deceptively lovely roses. Knights from far and wide came to prove their mettle by attacking the wall of thorns with their sharp swords and axes. Lovely maidens in shining armor, handsome men with shields of silver and gold—as years and decades passed, all found themselves defeated by the impenetrable tangle of fragrant but deadly greenery that protected the mythical sleeping prince.

And then one day a young man came to the long-neglected kingdom. He roamed its verdant hillsides, walking among the fantastically gnarled oaks and crossing the burbling streams by hopping nimbly from one rock to another, laughing merrily when a misplaced step resulted in his receiving an unexpected dunking.

He was no armor-bearing knight, no sword-wielding warrior, but only a minstrel, a smiling fellow who greeted strangers on his travels and sang for his supper in taverns along the way. His hair was dark and smooth, his skin pale and fine, his eyes sparkling blue and green and yellow like the sun-dappled brooks he had crossed along his voyage. But what strangers remembered most after he had departed was always his laughter, which brought joy to everyone he met.

In his childhood, the minstrel had heard tale of the sleeping prince in the abandoned castle surrounded by thorns, and in his youth had turned the tale into a song which had brought him great acclaim in the courts of the kingdoms he visited in his wanderings. And so as a young man he had decided to travel to this storied place to see with his own eyes the castle with its hedge of thorny roses.

He saw the turrets of the castle from a far-off hillside, but as he came closer he could see nothing but the tangle of densely-twined wild roses as its height and thickness hid the entirety of the castle from view. As he approached the hedge, he found himself charmed by the wondrous scent of the roses that bloomed so innocently among the dangerous thorns. The flowers were vivid in the sunshine, all shades of pink and red and yellow, their aroma heady in the warm summer air. He leaned close to inspect a rose tinted the same delicate pink as the blush that rose to his own cheeks when he laughed most merrily.

Some instinct urged him to press his lips to the delicate petals, and they were deliciously soft beneath his kiss. As if by some magical signal, the sharp-thorned branches rustled and creaked as they disentangled themselves, forming an arched tunnel through which the minstrel walked unimpeded. He gazed about himself in wonder, admiring the beauty of all he saw: the small birds that lived within the hedge, the tiny nests that cradled their vulnerable eggs, the way bright blue sky was visible through small gaps between branches as he traversed the hedge to find himself at the door to the castle.

The large wooden door stood slightly ajar, its fine silver handle tarnished by weather and age. The minstrel entered the castle hesitantly. This had once been someone else’s home and he did not wish to trespass, but his curiosity at the stories he had been hearing since childhood urged him to explore, and he could not resist.

As he walked the halls of the shadowy castle, he saw the remnants of fine tapestries in tatters upon the walls and finely-crafted wooden furniture carved with designs that urged him to trace their lines with his slim fingers. He smiled at the sight of rabbits and other small woodland creatures who had taken refuge within the walls of the castle. They startled at the sight of him but did not run away, as they had lived such protected lives that they had never learned to fear humans. He spoke gently to a ferret that watched him with curious eyes, then gazed admiringly at a large owl roosting sleepily in the rafters.

He hummed a song to himself as he roamed the abandoned castle, spontaneously crooning comfortingly silly lyrics to soothe the small startled residents who had come to populate the rooms and halls. Some of the animals followed him curiously, maintaining a safe distance but intrigued by this novelty in their home.

Eventually, the minstrel happened upon a door with an elaborate brass handle, the fine grain of the wood carved all over with roses. Somehow he knew that this must be the sleeping prince’s chamber. He opened the door and looked inside. Again, he did not wish to trespass, and yet something told him that he traveled a path fated for him, and so he stepped into the room and espied Prince Daniel, still and quiet in his royal bower.

The minstrel slowly walked nearer until he stood beside the bed and gazed down at the beauty of the prince’s peaceful face, the dark lashes resting against his cheeks, the pink of his lips so similar to the pink of the rose that had allowed the minstrel entry into this private sanctuary.

“Hello?” the minstrel spoke softly, hoping to wake the young man without startling him, but the prince did not move. A brush against his ankle alerted the minstrel that the ferret had ventured nearer and now rubbed affectionately against his feet and ankles. He smiled down at the friendly animal, then back at the rabbits and squirrels hovering in the doorway.

Turning back to the sleeping prince, the minstrel let his eyes rove over the young man’s beautiful features. His brown hair twined in curls and waves that looked as if they would be soft to the touch, and his lips looked soft but slightly chapped. The minstrel yearned to heal them with a kiss, but knew that such behavior toward a helpless, sleeping person would be the worst kind of treachery.

He remembered the rose, so identical in color to the prince’s lips as they were illuminated by the sunlight streaming in through the chamber’s wide windows. Kissing the rose had seemed to affect the enchantment in some way. Was it possible that kissing those pink lips might likewise break some curse cast and forgotten decades past? Could he wake the prince as sometimes happened in the ancient songs written by minstrels in generations of old?

Tentatively, the minstrel leaned closer, his face nearing the peaceful one that slumbered on. A rosy patch of skin near the prince’s jaw brought a slight smile to the minstrel’s lips for some reason, a small but beautiful imperfection in the otherwise otherworldly loveliness of that motionless visage. As his lips neared the prince’s, the minstrel allowed his eyes to flutter closed, then pressed their mouths together with only the softest of touches. Soft, yes, very soft, but lingering a moment before he pulled back to standing beside the bed, watching the prince’s face in hope.

Nothing happened immediately, but then the prince’s pink lips curved ever so slightly into the smallest of smiles, as if he were wakening from a particularly pleasant dream, and his chest rose with a slightly deeper breath, which he then released with a quiet sigh. As the minstrel watched, the prince’s eyes fluttered open, revealing irises like autumn leaves, and their gazes met. The minstrel smiled down at him, but the prince looked confused for a moment.

“I was dreaming of you,” Prince Daniel murmured uncertainly. “You were singing … and there were … roses.” He sat up to look around him, and the damask coverlet fell aside. Slowly, he swung his legs so that he could rise to stand beside the bed, surprised to find that he and the stranger were very nearly the same height. The prince and the minstrel gazed at each other in silence for a long moment, and then Prince Daniel reached out a hand toward the minstrel’s lips, brushing them with only the slightest touch of his finger before he said, “Your name is Philip.”

The minstrel’s eyes widened. “Yes, it is. I don’t know what magic told you that.”

The prince smiled softly. “Perhaps the same magic that led you here to wake me.”

“Perhaps,” the minstrel replied, and reached out his right hand toward the prince’s left. The prince took his hand, and they looked around them, unsure what to do now.

“The castle is protected by a high hedge of sharpest thorns,” Philip the minstrel explained.

Daniel nodded. “I feel it has protected me long and well. But perhaps the time has come to venture beyond its security. Well I remember my kingdom’s lovely hills and streams, its majestic oaks and friendly peoples.”

The minstrel squeezed the prince’s hand gently, his smile tinged with sadness. “You have slept long and long, good prince. I fear this land has changed during your sleep and that the people have gone.”

“But you are here,” Daniel replied and smiled a dimpled smile at the gentle minstrel. He looked around him again before adding, “I believe I may wish to return here when the time is right, when I desire shelter, and I would like for you to join me, but for now…” his eyes were bright and excited and merry, “shall we go outside?”

[nationalparkposters]

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park: White Sand National Park: Like No Other Place Else on Earth At White Sand Dunes National Park, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulf 275 square miles of desert and preserves a piece of New Mexico's unique geology. In fact, the gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth. Gypsum is rarely found as sand because it dissolves in contact with water. But, the isolation and weather patterns of the Tularosa Basin creates a truly unique experience for intrepid park explorers. Visitors can hike, enjoy ranger-led educational programs and even try sand sledding! White Sands was established as a national monument in 1933 and re-designated as a national park in December, 2019.  Exploring White Sands National Park by Car Dunes Drive is an eight-mile scenic drive that leads from the visitor center into the heart of the gypsum dunefield. The 16-mile round-trip drive takes approximately 45 minutes. You will want to allow additional time to explore the dunes, take photos, and/or learn about the natural and cultural history of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. Along the road, you will find outdoor exhibits, hiking trails, picnic areas and parking areas. The first five miles of Dunes Drive are paved and the last three miles are a hard-packed gypsum sand road. The road is suitable for cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and buses. Missile Tests and Road Closures From time to time, White Sands Missile Range performs missile tests that may close Highway 70 to traffic. Depending on the nature of the testing, Dunes Drive may also be closed during missile tests for visitor safety. During these times, the visitor center remains open. Visitors are invited to view the museum exhibits, watch the 17-minute orientation film, and peruse the park store and gift shop while Dunes Drive is closed. Weather Weather conditions can change drastically—from sudden downpours to dust storms. The road can be slippery when wet, especially during the winter. It may also be harder to spot frozen water. For your safety, decrease your speed and brake gently to avoid skidding. Dust storms can drastically reduce visibility. Do not drive during a dust storm. Hiking the Dunes  There is no better way to experience the unique landscape of White Sands National Park than by venturing out onto any of our five established trails. Explore the dunes and enjoy the silence and solitude of the dunefield with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trails vary in terms of difficulty and scenery. Plan ahead to ensure you have a great and safe hike. Each trail is marked with a specific colored post (i.e., green, blue, orange, or red) and a symbol (i.e., hearts, clubs, spades, or diamonds). You should familiarize yourself with these colors and symbols to help orient yourself to the trail before you start your hike. This information will be critical if you become lost.  Interdune Boardwalk The Interdune Boardwalk is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and strollers. Take an easy 0.4 mile round trip stroll through the dunes and learn about the science, geology, plants, and animals that make White Sands an unequaled natural wonder. The boardwalk is a great place to take a break under the shade canopy, listen for bird calls, observe lizards and enjoy the wildflowers.  Playa Trail The Playa Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile round-trip, level trail with outdoor exhibits along the way to help you learn and explore this trail and the characteristics that make it special. On this self-guided trail, you will discover the importance of a playa undergoing constant change. Learn how this change creates habitats for plants and animals. It may be brown, white, filled with water, or have growing crystals. See what the playa looks like today! At the end of the trail, you have the opportunity to travel back in time and see what this area looked like 10,000 years ago and learn about the giants that once roamed this land.  Dune Life Nature Trail The Dune Life Nature Trail is a moderate, one-mile self-guided loop hike. Though not difficult, this hike does require hikers to climb two steep dunes with loose sand. Follow the blue trail markers with a club symbol. Meet Katy the Kit Fox and learn about her friends on this family-oriented trail. Look for tracks of the animals that call these dunes their home. Kit foxes, badgers, birds, rodents, and reptiles all live in this area.  Backcountry Camping Trail The Backcountry Camping Trail is a moderate, 2-mile round-trip hike. Though backpackers hike the trail most frequently, it is also open to visitors who want a shorter hike through the heart of the dunes. Follow the orange trail markers with a spade symbol into an area of beautifully varied dunes and vegetation. The trail requires hikers to climb over several steep dunes and loose sand. There is no shade, no water, and no toilet facility along this trail.  Alkali Flat Trail  The Alkali Flat Trail is a strenuous, 5-mile round-trip hike. Follow the red trail markers with a diamond symbol. The Alkali Flat Trail skirts the edge of what is now the final remnant of Lake Otero. This trail is not flat! You will be hiking up and down dunes the entire way. Go only if you are prepared. There is no shade, no water, and no toilet facility along this trail.  Native Plant Garden Trail Although White Sands is located in the arid Chihuahuan desert, it is also a place of amazing life and diversity. Learn about some of the native plants of the Chihuahuan desert by taking a walking tour of our native plant garden located in front of the visitor center.  The best time for touring the native plant garden is from mid-March through late November. Many plants are dormant during the winter months. Most wildflowers begin blooming around the middle of April. Soaptree yuccas are the star of the spring flowers and typically blooms in late April through May. Some plants may continue to bloom throughout the summer, such as the Colorado four o' clock. Many plants, including the ocotillo, burst into bloom after monsoon rains. Fall colors can begin to appear as early as October and last through November. This is the time when the Rio Grande cottonwood trees begin to turn a beautiful orange and the skunkbush sumac start to turn a vibrant red. Bicycling Bicycling at White Sands is truly a unique experience—nowhere else in the world can you ride a bike on a hard-packed gypsum sand road through the heart of an immense gypsum dunefield! This distinctive experience requires one to be prepared and alert. What kind of bike is best for Dunes Drive? Rangers are frequently asked this question, and the response is, "It depends." The answer typically depends on the condition of the road. Dunes Drive is eight miles one-way. The first four miles are paved, and the rest of the road is hard-packed gypsum sand. Dunes Drive will frequently have a rough "washboard" surface, potholes, and sand drifts. These hazards make riding a bike on Dunes Drive challenging. Experienced riders on mountain and city/beach cruiser bikes with wide tires should be able to handle the varied road conditions and hazards. Road bikes with skinny street tires are not recommended on the sand-portion of Dunes Drive. Sand Sledding Sledding on the beautiful soft sand at White Sands National Park is a popular activity and great fun for children and adults alike. Unlike snow, sand is not slippery and sledding down the face of a dune can take some practice unless you have the correct equipment, know proper techniques and use safety precautions. Waxed plastic snow saucers work best and can be purchased at the park's gift shop. Please call the gift shop at 575-479-1629 before arriving to confirm the availability of sleds. You may also bring your own sleds. Choose a dune with a gently sloping face and a level run-off at the end so that you can come to a halt safely. Be aware of where the dune slope meets the desert floor. While the dune sand is soft, the area at the base of the dune can be very hard, and unintentional injuries are surprisingly common. Make sure the sledding path does not cross the roadway or parking areas and is free from hazards such as vegetation, hard clumps of sand, or other obstructions. Photographing the Dunes With the shifting light, shadows, and truly out-of-this world landscape make White Sands a photographer's paradise. You do not need an expensive camera to capture the beauty of the dunes. Great pictures, however, require the same techniques and way of looking at things that pros have learned. Every day at White Sands National Park will be different. Sometimes there are crystal clear views of the surrounding mountains and sometimes awesome cloud formations that change hues by the minute. The Sacramento Mountains to the east are especially beautiful just after the sun dips below the horizon where they are bathed in a pink afterglow. If you see a good photo, take it. Don't get so wrapped up in all the technical aspects of taking the photo that you miss the opportunity. Go out, have fun, enjoy the dunes and remember "leave footprints and take only pictures." Here are some things to consider: Hike to the top of the tallest dune around and take in the bird's eye view. The tallest dunes are toward the end of Dunes Drive near the Alkali Flat trailhead. Drop to your knees and look up. Yuccas against the sky and the delicacy of dune grasses are especially interesting from a low angle. The patterns left in the sand by grasses and leaves blown by the wind are fascinating. Sometimes you will find the tiny tracks of a darkling beetle just waiting to be recorded, and sometimes you'll find the actual beetle. The interdunal areas are great places to find animal tracks and rugged, gnarly plant growth. Most beginners tend to center objects and include the entire object in the frame. However, you'll end up with a more interesting photo when you shoot slightly off center and occasionally only include half of the object or two-thirds of it in the frame. This results in an unexpected look for the photo and in interesting composition. Placing a plant or rock in the near foreground of your photo will help the viewer see the scale and distance in your photograph. Give the viewer an object which will help them understand size and distance of your intended subject. The most important thing to remember is that the photographs you take are your own view of the subject and you have recorded these images for your own enjoyment.Taking good photographs is a way to record your memories of White Sands and other places you visit and to share those memories with family and friends. A Bit of Trivia White Sands National Park has been featured in a variety of films, including Four Faces West (1948), Hang 'Em High (1968), The Hired Hand (1971), My Name Is Nobody (1973), Bite the Bullett (1975), Young Guns II (1990), King Solomon's Mines (1950), The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), and Transformers (2007).   Click here to see the White Sands National Park poster! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/white-sands-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS