#Twelve Azalea

[riseandfallofsecunit]

Everyone should read “A Memory Called Empire”

[tallysgreatestfan-art]

A Memory Called Empire lineup

Trying to design all these different outfits and character looks was so fun. Spent so much time on this

[darthavocado]

mahit’s dream lol (this part in p2 “if they met at a oration contest AU”)

[wordto-thewise]

WEEPING for Twelve Azalea now and always and forever

[celia-witch]

My favorite part of reading A Memory Called Empire, besides reading just a fantastic book, is being able to say that the chemistry between Mahit and Three Seagrass is amazing.

[andmaybegayer]

A Memory Called Empire is so good.

It sells the feeling of foreignness in that weird way that exists where it's fine that you are foreign but important things are happening now well, getting you to side with Mahit despite the fact that you get almost no background on what Lsel life is like. I also appreciate that it leans hard in on the allure of the Empire, even from the perspective of an outsider. It would have sucked if Mahit wasn't a huge nerd who loved Teixcalaanli poetry and wasn't at some level interested in integrating.

It does not really show the empire operating which is unusual, I guess? The sequel might cover that.

I like how it handles switching between the moments of high political intrigue and horribly domestic life. Twelve Azalea eating instant noodles on his couch and watching the news (after you have both done a murder oops) is perfect.

Threaded the needle on showing how weird it is to have an imago and how weird it is not to have an imago when you're expecting one neatly. Also reminds me that the handling of the less-glittering towns on the periphery of The City was great.

I gotta read more space opera it's such a good genre. Or just political thriller I guess? I like political thrillers fine but the advantage of sci-fi is that you get the fanciful exoticism without the occasional spectacular racism of such things done in the modern day.

Actually this reminds me I should read Baru Cormorant. There's a few old web space operas that I remember reading too.

[book--brackets]

Valdemar: Heralds of Valdemar by Mercedes Lackey (1987-1988)

Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.

The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan (2013-2019)

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart--no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments--even at the risk of one's life--is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . .

All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day.

Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

Entwined by Heather Dixon Wallwork (2011)

Just when Azalea should feel that everything is before her—beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing—it's taken away. All of it. And Azalea is trapped. The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. So he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest, but there is a cost. The Keeper likes to keep things. Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (2011-2022)

Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she's albino. She's a terrific athlete, but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing--she is a free agent with latent magical power. Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But will it be enough to help them when they are asked to catch a career criminal who knows magic too?

Serafina by Robert Beatty (2015-2019)

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate. There's plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.

Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

The Children of the Red King by Jenny Nimmo (2002-2009)

The fabulous powers of the Red King were passed down through his descendants, after turning up quite unexpectedly, in someone who had no idea where they came from. This is what happened to Charlie Bone, and to some of the children he met behind the grim, gray walls of Bloor's Academy.

His scheming aunts decide to send him to Bloor Academy, a school for geniuses where he uses his gifts to discover the truth despite all the dangers that lie ahead.

Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente (2011-2016)

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

World of the Five Gods by Lois McMaster Bujold (2001-2005)

Lord Cazaril has been in turn courier, courtier, castle-warder, and captain; now he is but a crippled ex-galley slave seeking nothing more than a menial job in the kitchens of the Dowager Provincara, the noble patroness of his youth. But Fortunes wheel continues to turn for Cazaril, and he finds himself promoted immediately to the exalted and dangerous position of secretary-tutor to the Iselle, the beautiful, fiery sister of the heir to Chalion’s throne.

Amidst the decaying splendour and poisonous intrigue of Chalion’s ancient capital, Cardegoss, Cazaril is forced to encounter both old enemies and surprising allies, as he seeks to lift the curse of misfortune that clings to the royal family of Chalion, and to all who come too close to them...

Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix (2003-2010)

Arthur Penhaligon's first days at his new school don't go too well, particularly when a fiendish Mister Monday appears, gives Arthur a magical clock hand, and then orders his gang of dog-faced goons to chase Arthur around and get it back. But when the confused and curious boy discovers that a mysterious virus is spreading through town, he decides to enter an otherworldly house to stop it. After meeting Suzy Blue and the first part of "the Will" (a frog-looking entity that knows everything about the House), Arthur learns that he's been selected as Rightful Heir to the House and must get the other part of the clock hand in order to defeat Monday. That means getting past Monday's henchmen and journeying to the Dayroom itself. Thankfully, Arthur is up to the challenge, but as he finds out, his fight seems to be only one-seventh over.

The Riyria Chronicles by Michael J. Sullivan (2013-present)

Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce Melborn, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Hired by an old wizard, they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm's most prized possessions. But it isn't gold or jewels that the wizard is after, and if he can just keep them from killing each other, they just might succeed.

[irisopranta]

FFXIVWrite Day 6 - Halcyon

The breeze was quite soothing. Lachesis was in her usual spot among her flowers. It was unusual for any visitors to come by.

“They are quite lovely, aren’t they?” a gentle voice asked Lachesis. She turned to see the voice belonged to the current Azem. “Why are you here?”

“I’ve come to see the flowers you’ve been making of course.” Venat gave Lachesis a smile. “Tell me, do you have names for them?”

Lachesis was shocked that the Seat of Azem curious about her work. “Well, those red ones are are Azaleas, the puffy yellow ones I call marigolds, And those purple ones are Asters.” Lachesis was excited to tell her all about them. She looked over to another patch of flowers. They’re striking with is purple petals with the yellow towards the center. “And these, these are irises. I am truly happy to have made those.”

“Are they your favorite?” Azem asked.

“Why yes.”

“Then I have another thing to request of you. Would you want to become the next Azem”

Lachesis was flustered. “Ma’am?” She was only more confused as to why Azem would ask her to take up the title. “Surely, you are mistaken. I’m no fighter, only someone that created flowers.”

Azem shook her head. “While true, there is more to being Azem than fighting off beasts or those who wish harm on our society. I think that kindness is far more a trait needed and not one as easy to learn.”

Lachesis gave it a moment in her mind. “I guess that is true. If you are willing to train me.”

The years went on. Lachesis came on her own as a fighter, as someone proud to bear the title Azem. The breeze was quite soothing and great day for her to relax from her duties. Lachesis was in her usual spot among her flowers. It was unusual for any visitors to come by.

“They are quite lovely, aren’t they?” a gentle voice asked Lachesis. She turned to see the voice belonged to her beloved mentor.

“Venat!” Lachesis exclaimed! “It’s good to see you again.”

Venat smiled. “It’s so good to see you again too, Lachesis.” She sighed. “Though, there is something I must tell you. something grim.”

Lachesis snapped out of her thoughts. She missed those halcyon days, but now isn’t the time to reminiscence. Now it is time to make sure Venat’s plan can succeed by protecting the twelve individuals that promise to keep the world in order for what Venat was about to do.

She slewed another of the ungodly creatures that plague them. As it laid on the floor, a flash of light broke through the crimson skies. “I promise Venat, that I will see this to the end.” She then pulled out the iris that she had in her pocket to pray before disappearing in to the aether.

[leviscxmkitten]

⋆⭒˚.⋆ Sandbox Love [chapter 1] ⋆⭒˚.⋆

Summary:

"I'll come back for you." Levi had promised, with a pinky wrapped around her own, and then his lips pressed against hers in a hasty kiss. It wasn't their first but it was different, this time felt real.

His uncle pulled him away, and he was gone. The air was thick and heavy without him but his last words left her with a sliver of comfort, the feeling of his lips lingered like a second skin. The seemingly unfriendly little boy she had met and grown with, the first boy she loved - she watched him peddle away with misty eyes. That was her first heartbreak, the one she never saw coming.

He didn't keep his promise.

It's been 11 years since childhood best friends Levi and Azalea last saw each other. Now college students, what were the odds of them reuniting? Will old feelings bring them closer than before, or will it create a greater distance between them?

Cover art by Sumiensp on Twitter! 🤍

Childhood. The years of being young, wild, and carefree; years that are too few and far between. Seemingly endless summer days full of adventure, childish wonder, and friendships that are certain to last forever.

She still remembers the first day they met; their moms being friends from work, introduced them when he was seven and she was just six years old. He had big, unimpressed slate blue eyes and black hair, a carbon copy of his mother, Kuchel.

"What kind of name is Azalea? You're not a flower."

Those were the first words he had ever said to her, which had earned him an ear pull from his mom. It wasn't the best of first impressions, but they had become inseparable ever since. Countless days were spent exploring the woods, riding bikes, and playing pretend. He was a boy with perpetually scuffed knees and too much energy for his own good, and he was her best friend.

"Wait up Levi!" Azalea shouted, out of breath, trying to keep up with him as she ran through the woods.

"Try to keep up slow ass!" He'd shout back, seemingly unfazed by the difficult terrain. That's just how he was, always running, and god was he stupidly fast.

"You're so mean!" It was times like this when she wished the universe would do her a favor and make something — anything — slow him down. Somehow though, without fail, her feet would always betray her. "Levi! Ah!"

No matter the distance between them, it was as if Levi knew the moment Azalea was no longer keeping up, he'd always be right by her side again to help her. "Why are you so damn clumsy? Let me see."

He'd pull her up on her feet, clean off the dirt from her knees, and piggyback her to wherever she wanted. Sometimes it was the candy shop, other times it would be the ice cream shop; sweets were the only thing that made her feel better. Levi knew he babied her, and he knew that she knew he did too, but no matter what whenever she fell, he was there.

Then there were the times when they'd sneak out at night and spend hours staring up at the sky or playing on the jungle gym — sometimes both. Levi had insomnia; his restlessness and boredom must've finally got the better of him that first time he showed up outside Azalea's window. It scared her so bad she nearly wet the bed, but from that point on it became a weekly event. He'd come equipped with blankets and an extra jacket, knowing she always got cold no matter the time of year, Levi always said she had 'shit for brains' for never dressing warmer but really she just preferred the way he embraced her.

Six years went by like this, at twelve and thirteen years old when boys and girls became too different to be friends, they remained the same, always at each other's side. She could have never imagined a day where he would no longer be there, until it happened.

It was a day just like any other, or so it had seemed. Azalea had been working on a friendship bracelet for months, even though she knew Levi would likely never wear it; she just wanted to give him something in return for all he's done for her. She could hear yelling from outside her house; looking out, she saw Levi frantically pedaling up her driveway on his bike, he jumped off, showing little regard for it, and then there were the rapid knocks on the front door. A tall man — his uncle, was running and shouting not too far behind.

Levi had nearly knocked her to the ground with the force of his body colliding into hers. His hold was desperate, his words rushed. Kuchel was sick, and they were moving away to live with his uncle so they could have help while she got better. It was the first time she could recall seeing him so afraid, the look in his eyes was evident enough for Azalea to know; he really was leaving.

"Wait — I have this," Azalea said through her tears, as she placed the little white and blue woven bracelet in his hand. His having a small bead tied at the end with the letter A, while hers had the letter L. "This way we'll always be close to each other."

"I'll come back for you." Levi had promised, with a pinky wrapped around her own, and then his lips pressed against hers in a hasty kiss. It wasn't their first but it was different, this time felt real.

His uncle pulled him away, and he was gone. The air was thick and heavy without him but his last words left her with a sliver of comfort, the feeling of his lips lingered like a second skin. The seemingly unfriendly little boy she had met and grown with, the first boy she loved — she watched him peddle away with misty eyes. That was her first heartbreak, the one she never saw coming.

He didn't keep his promise.

11 years later

"Is that everything?" Furlan says thoughtfully, his arm thrown across Azalea's shoulder.

"I think so." She sighs, and rests her head on his shoulder, looking around her now bare apartment room. This is happening; moving several hours away from friends and family to attend a new university. If she were to be honest, she's really not ready, but this change is necessary. "We should probably hit the road if we're gonna get there before midnight."

"No!" Isabel shouts, her arms wrapping around Azalea and Furlan's bodies. "I won't let you leave, you're staying here."

"It's just ten months, Iz, and I'll be back for spring break."

"Boo, I can't believe you're actually leaving me here to deal with him by myself." She groans and Azalea laughs at the offended look on his face.

"Rude as fuck of you to say that because this place would be a disaster if it weren't for me," Furlan says with an obvious look of disgust as he crosses his arms. "I have half the mind to find new roommates for the next year."

"Come on guys, you can keep it together while I'm gone." She laughs. "Now let's go, we have a nine hour drive ahead of us."

Azalea has never been one for change, it terrified her. For the past eleven years this is all she's known, Isabel, Furlan, her home town; she would miss them, but these extra credits weren't an opportunity that could be passed up.

Furlan was supportive, but he's always had that older brother role despite them being the same age. Isabel on the other hand; not so much. She can't be blamed though, ever since their little quartet became a trio Azalea knew Iz would be the one to take news like this the hardest.

With everything packed up, and the sun casting it's first hour of orange light; they pile into Furlans truck and begin the drive to Paradis.

Even with three pit stops along the way, the hours seemed to fly by. It was easy to keep her mind distracted, thinking about it as just another road trip with her friends — but as the GPS shows their arrival in 30 minutes, crossing over the bridge that officially places Azalea on Paradis; panic and awe begins to set in.

Being a college district the streets are bare of cars; students walking, jogging, and carrying groceries along the sidewalk, multilevel bars and restaurants doubling as apartment buildings. Coming from a suburban area Paradis appears almost otherworldly, not suburban in the slightest, small town vibes with the main highlight being the university.

"This is it?" Furlan asks.

"Rose apartments." Azalea exhales, and closes out of maps on her phone. "We're here."

Inside smells like a mixture of cleaning supplies, musty carpets, and remnants of various food spices the occupants use; the usual for any apartment building, though the complex itself looks well maintained. Not to mention there's an elevator, already a great improvement from the apartments at home, especially with her room being on the third floor.

"31...33...35C. This is me."

"Shit —" A girl curses from another door down, Azalea notices her struggling to grab her fallen keys, her arms full with grocery bags. "Fuck."

"Hey, let me help you." She jogs over, grabbing the keys off the floor, and offers a hand to take a grocery bag.

"You're a lifesaver, thank you." The girl sighs in relief, passing off a heavy bag, and unlocks her door with her now free hand. "Are you my new neighbor?"

"Yeah, we just drove down," Azalea motions toward her friends, who are awkwardly standing by the door and waving. "My friends, Furlan and Isabel are helping me move in, so I apologize if we're a little noisy tonight."

"Oh no worries, are you starting at the university on Monday?" She smiles brightly, her big blue eyes a stark contrast to the black bangs framing around her face.

"Yeah, I'm transferring from my hometown college —"

"She's leaving us behind!" Isabel shouts, cutting Azalea off, and making her neighbor giggle.

"Well, if you'd like, we can walk to campus and get coffee Monday morning, see if we have any classes or free periods together." She suggests and holds out her hand. "I'm Ilyana by the way."

"Azalea," She smiles, shaking her hand. "And yeah, I would love that."

"Cool, I'll come by again to get your number later. Thanks again for the help, neighbor!" Ilyana takes back her grocery bag, and pushes open her door with her foot, struggling to wave as she slips into her apartment.

"She seems cool." Isabel says once Azalea reaches the door, smiling to herself as she steps into her new apartment.

"Right? It is nice to already have made a friend here."

Furlan abruptly throws his arm over Azalea's shoulder, leaning almost all his weight against her and nearly knocking her over. "You know Iz, you can take my truck, I think I'm gonna transfer here too. Do you think she's single?"

"Like hell you are!" Isabel shrieks, her arms flailing around desperately in an attempt to hit him while he dodges.

"Alright, alright! You two are gonna get me evicted before I even get a single item in here, come on, we need to start bringing stuff up then we can order food."

It's nearly ten by the time everything is brought up into the apartment, and when they decide to order from the closest pizza joint. Then after two am when the essentials have all been unboxed and put together.

Furlan and Isabel are fast asleep bundled up on the loveseat, a rare sighting considering the two are almost always bickering. Azalea takes a mental image of her friends, tonight had felt like any other night all together in their apartment back home, but the knowledge that this would be their last night together for a while made falling asleep almost impossible.

~

Morning comes too soon; the sun an unwelcome reminder that the last shred of her home life would be driving miles away today, and it would officially be the last full day of summer.

"Do we really have to go?" Isabel wails, arms wrapped tightly around Azaleas waist. "We can just pack everything back up and go back home!"

"There will be nothing left to take home if you break her!" Furlan shouts while attempting to pull her off.

"Boy I sure am going to miss this," Azalea jokes, but it really starts to sink in, as chaotic as this all is; they're leaving and she's staying here. She hugs them both a little tighter. "Remember this is just see you later."

"Yeah, see you later." Isabel nods, quickly wiping at her eyes as she separates.

"We're just a call or text away if you need anything."

"Thanks dad." Azalea jokes, and they laugh, squeezing each other one last time. "See you later."

"See you later."

They leave, and Azalea takes in her new surroundings. Despite the multitude of boxes, bubble wrap littering the floor, and the lack of personal touch, it felt like home already. All the nerves and anxiety seemingly left out the door along with her friends. This is necessary, she concluded, maybe she'd finally find what was missing here.

[riseandfallofsecunit]

A Memory Called Empire

[wholesomefluffdaddy]

Wednesday's new court mandated therapist is having her keep a journal of her thoughts and feelings. Wednesday finds this to be a complete waste of time and decides instead to use it to record her observations of her unusual roommate Enid Sinclair. Wednesday POV.

——————————————

Entry 25

Current Moon Phase: New Moon 🌑

Though to label the entry as such feels misleading… It has been approximately 5 years since I last recorded my observations of the werewolf Enid Sinclair - now Enid Addams and my wife. I recall begrudgingly taking on this journaling assignment as suggested by my court-mandated therapist. All those years ago I foolishly thought I was only writing about my werewolf.

Reflecting upon my past notes and experiences it seems rather apparent that I was drawn to Enid for reasons other than purely academic curiosity. How soon was it that the family curse took effect? I believe I know. I recall entering Nevermore, for the first time, with nothing but loathing and self pity. I remember how far I was in planning my escape from the academy when the door to that room was opened. Admittedly, the sudden and violent exposure to so many vivid colors at once had stunned me temporarily like a blinding light. And then…

'Howdy roomie!' Said the most vicious and fearsome werewolf I would ever have the pleasure of meeting. My eyes widened, my heart stopped, and I forgot to breathe. The rush and mix of such confusing and conflicting feelings left me speechless and unable to move. The curse must have taken effect then and it has grown exponentially stronger ever since. Not a moment goes by that I do not think of her, mi amor, mi vida, mi loba, my wife.

I feel that there is much I could write about, as much time has passed between journal entries. Perhaps I shall summarize the most notable events before explaining why I have returned to recording my thoughts and observations.

Enid and I were wed shortly before the Snow Moon and Lupercalia. I did not care to have a large or extravagant ceremony and neither did Enid. We simply eloped one weekend. Our friends at the academy attended with surprising enthusiasm at such short notice. Unfortunately this meant the leech Tanaka was also in attendance, who I was later informed 'livestreamed' the event, thus causing both our families to learn of our union. This regrettably led to much verbal reprimanding and a second, much larger ceremony which included Enid's whole pack and the entire Addams clan.

To have a pack of werewolves and Addams in one location would likely indicate some sort of apocalyptic disaster or coup at the very least. Nevertheless it wasn't absolute torture.

After graduation we spent a few years traveling. I solved cold cases and Enid was able to work on her journalism. After what Enid considered 'one too many' close calls it was decided we would settle back in Vermont. I was told it would be temporary. However, it has become quite apparent that is not the case.

Enid and I, through the use of the unholiest of rituals, have produced two offspring: Azalea and Oleander. They are the reason I have returned to journaling my werewolf observations. Since they share half their genetic makeup with mi loba they too are werewolves, and full werewolves as Enid explained it is a dominant gene.

Though one would not know this upon observing them on a day such as today under the new moon. There are no noticeable wolfish characteristics, nor will there be until the moon waxes. Then their tiny vocalizations will turn to whimpers, howls, and barks and their nails shift to tiny claws.

I wish to record their reactions to the moon phases and well as the twelve moons of the year. I believe this will help me in better addressing their needs as a parent. Enid agrees and has volunteered to assist me in this endeavor.

That's right Babycakes! Wednesday! (And I promise to keep the emojis to a minimum! 😉) I was kind of surprised, and not, to learn she was secretly journaling about me all those years ago. Willa was so homosexually repressed- But moving on! So! Our two little cubs: Lea and Ollie.

🌸 Azalea "Lea" Addams. Werewolf. Girl. Age: 6 months. Hair: Black. Eyes: Brown. Height: about 2 feet.

🌺 Oleander "Ollie" Addams. Werewolf. Boy. Age: 6 months. Hair: Blonde. Eyes: Brown. Height: about the same as his sister.

They were born in late October. Two Scorpios or as Willa calls them 'our little scorpions'. (I sometimes wonder if she didn't plan this ) Their little personalities are starting to come out more.

Lea, while she looks like a carbon copy of Willa, is pretty loud and very energetic. Once the full moon rolls around she is howling her little lungs out. It's adorable but it can be tiring. Both Willa and I have just accepted that we won't sleep those nights.

Ollie has my hair but Willa's eyes, and just like Willa he likes to stare… a lot. He's quieter than his sister but still just as adventurous. That means he's usually able to get up to more trouble without us noticing.

There's nothing too exciting to report today. Like Willa said it's the new moon so there isn't much wolfish behavior, just Addams behavior, which honestly is more chaotic in my opinion. We had just put them in their cribs for their nap when Wednesday noticed this like HUGE spider on the wall in the nursery. She gets this look in her eye before turning to me.

I know exactly what she's thinking and I try to stop her before she starts but then the cubs notice the spider too. Lea starts huffing and pointing at it, Ollie is staring at it, and Willa is looking like Christmas came early. My answer was immediately 'NO' but this was obviously out of my control when the spider decided to start skittering across the wall.

I go to grab our cubs, because that eight legged monster was heading right towards the crib, but unfortunately I wasn't quick enough. Lea tries swatting at it before Ollie grabs it. I'm pretty sure he didn't mean to squish it, he looked so sad when he opened his little hand and didn't see it moving anymore.

I'm grossed out, he looks like he's on the verge of tears, and then Lea crawls over and tries to eat it. Luckily Willa intervened and wiped the smushed spider out of his hand. Ollie and Lea both started crying and it took some time to get them both settled again. Poor little cubs. This was definitely Addams behavior for sure - It reminded me of all those times Willa brought me spiders, which was creepy but also oddly endearing. 💕

[duskstargazer]

[2006]

“So, there we were…” Azalea eulogized. “An enormous rake of twelve-wheeled coaches running behind us.”

“They were livestock vans carrying I'd guess sheep.”

“Hundreds of them, all pushing against us!”

“There were at most fifteen.”

“We fought hard, barely maintaining our hold on the wet rails!”

“It was mildly cloudy and the rails were dry. We were probably doing maybe two over the speed restrictions.”

“We came tearing down the hill and, finally regaining control, glided into the station in spectacular fashion. We were deemed heroes by everyone that was there, had special nameplates casted, and were given residence in the National Railway Museum!”

River sighed. “She's been having this recurring dream for nearly a month now.”

Had he the capability, River would likely be massaging one of his temples by now.

Almond and Simon shared a look. A look that asked “how the hell do we respond to this?”

[simpingforblackfire]

I'll Crawl Home to her: Part 1

Lucy Gray Baird x fem reader (x platonic Coriolanus Snow)

A/N: This is also posted on my ao3 which is Homoeroticmicrowave

"Grandma"

The bleary eyed, elderly woman stared down at her grandchild. The little girl usually bustling with life and energy, incapable of being still was for once stood unmoving. "What is it hon?"

"Whose Lucy Gray?"

The woman's eyes widened "now where on earth did you hear that name?"

"I heard mama mention her when the district 12 girl sang that song for that dead girl. She caught me listening in though and she sent me off"

The woman sighed "I suppose you want me to tell you about her?"

The little girl nodded enthusiastically.

"Settle down then. This is a long one."

The woman paused to collect her thoughts before speaking.

Those names had been wiped from every media outlet the capital put out. The capital had trampled those names, as best it could. But as hard as the capital tries they never were able to snuff out those names entirely. They would always be spoken in hushed tones.

Perhaps not everyone would know them but she would pass the names down so that they might always be known in whispers between generations.

Sixty-five years ago.

You met her first when you were kids.

"Lucy Gray" she grinned, bright eyes bursting with an excitement for life. You felt so bleak standing before her. You met her hand, which she stuck out so ecstatic to explore the unknown.

"Does it matter what my name means?"

She laughed, loud, unapologetic. It devoured the silence with glee. "Course it matters, silly. Without a name you'd erase a whole part of yourself. Everyone's gotta have a name one way or another"

"I don't like my name much" you admitted. "Too much history I'd gladly erase"

Lucy Gray stood in silence for perhaps the first time in her life. She was always bustling with noise. After a moment of quiet she spoke again, her grin bouncing back as she did "well I gotta call you something, so how about we come up for a new name for you. One I can call you. Something that can make you happy rather than sad"

"You think you'll make me happy?" 

Her grin seemed to widen "I'll make it my mission to!"

You couldn't help but smile back at the girl "okay"

She let out a squeal as her excitement burst out of her. You didn't like when it was noisy. You found you didn't mind when Lucy Gray was noisy though. Silence suddenly seemed overrated.

"I got it!" Lucy Gray suddenly said "Azalea!"

"what?"

"that'll be your name Azalea!"

You wrinkled your nose a bit "like the plant?"

She grinned "just like the plant!"

"why?"

"My mama likes to tell me stories about our family back when we used to be able to travel anywhere we wanted long before we all got hauled up in twelve. This one time she told a story about a hero called azalea and I asked her the same question you just asked me cause my mama always told me names are important. She said Azalea symbolises taking care of yourself and others."

"it does?"

"It does- and that's what you do! You always take care of me and everyone! You always have!" her grin became almost sly as she moved into teasing you slightly as your face grew hot with embarrassment "you're a real softie at the heart and it comes out in how much you care. Cause you care about others the most out of everyone you've ever met"

You turn your head away "nu uh"

"Yeah-huh!" she said throwing herself over your legs and rolling over to look up at your face "but it also serves as a reminder to take care of yourself. Cause that's what you need to do more than anything. You always care for others but the one person you claim to think of the most is the one you really do the least- that would be you"

"I think of myself plenty!"

"Sure you do" Lucy Gray said, sass dripping off her words in plenty, as she rolled her eyes. "What do you think of the name anyway?"

"Azalea" you said trying the name out on your tongue "I think I like Azalea"

"Well then!" Lucy Gray grinned as she always did when she saw you "It's nice to meet you Azalea".

Your hands mets hers and it was warm. 

"It's nice to meet you too, Lucy Gray."

[aughtpunk]

aught! it is absolutely wild that you are being treated with ketamine like wgat

okay now my question (i admit idk if uve been asked before)

does lemmy and leshy end up having more children (i cant remember if that was stated in fic or not already) and what are their names?

I know the ketamine things is wild but it really does work!!! It helps my broke brain!!!! WHOOOAAAAAAA!!!!!

Minor spoilers but Leshy and Lemmy do in fact end up having twelve kids (they take turns on egg laying duties) and probably would have had more if The Lamb didn't put their hoof down and cut them off there. Nothing personal, it was just that The Lamb started to have nightmares about a planet covered in cat worms

I think I made a list before but I can't find it so here's a brand new list of Leshycat baby names 2024:

1) Buttercup

2) Jonquil

3) Aster

4) Hawthorn

5) Camellia

6) Zinnia

7) Azalea

8) Cassia

9) Bryony

10) Ianthe

11) Juniper

12) Love Lies Bleeding

[novankenn]

2am

Even the strongest person has limits. The greater the strength, the deeper the fall. Pyrrha Nikos, Champion and vaunted Huntress, had always struggled under the burden of her fame. Until one day it was just too much.

(Image generated by perchance ai text-to-image)

Azalea Arc... a "Happy Accident" and the apple of her father's eye. As Her mother struggles, and spirals downward her father works hard to give her all the love she deserves...

--== Chapters ==--

ONE - TWO - THREE - FOUR - FIVE - SIX - SEVEN - EIGHT - NINE - TEN - ELEVEN - TWELVE - THIRTEEN - FOURTEEN -

BONUS CONTENT - 2am Playlist

General Response to Complaints

*RED HIGHLIGHTED Chapters contain MATURE CONTENT. Discretion is advised.

[st-just]

Twelve Azalea, Indistinguishable Courtier Number Three, except for how looking at him gave Mahit the impression of being in some other culture's impeccably observed standard of masculine beauty. She felt a little peculiar about her lack of response. He was like an art object.

-A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine