#Wilderness Series Bundle

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Distinctive Notebooks & Journals : Unleash Your Creativity in Style

Keeping unique journals is a centuries-old habit, and handmade diaries have evolved alongside the advancements of writing and bookbinding. People in ancient civilisations wrote journals on their daily activities, ideas, and experiences on a variety of materials such as on stone tablets, walls, parchment, and clay tablets. As papermaking capabilities improved, diaries began to appear as bound books, often created in great detail by scribes and craftspeople.

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[pandapetals]

Camping

professor logan howlett x professor fem!reader - established relationship (y'all married), cute, fluff, teasing, no y/n used, no reader description, your an english professor, logan is a history professor - imagine days of future past logan with the white streaks in his hair

You and Logan and the rest of the team go camping. Thank you mooneyloveydovey for the idea.

read on ao3 or find more parts for the series: here

"Does everyone have a tent and a partner?" Ororo’s voice carried over the small clearing, where a mix of eager and apprehensive faces stared back at her. A few students nodded while others chattered excitedly or struggled to make sense of the tangled mess that was supposed to be their tent poles.

You stood off to the side with the other professors who had volunteered for the camping trip, arms crossed as you took in the scene. It wasn’t exactly the middle of nowhere—just a hundred yards or so into the woods behind the mansion—but once the sun dipped below the horizon and the starry night sky emerged, it might as well have been. The trees were already casting long shadows over the campsite, and the crisp evening air hinted at the promise of a chilly night.

"I still can’t believe you convinced me to sign up for this," Logan grumbled from beside you, his arms crossed as he watched a couple of kids attempting—-and failing—- to hammer a tent stake into the ground. "I’d rather take on a Sentinel barehanded than try to teach these kids how to set up camp."

You let out a soft laugh, nudging him with your elbow. "I thought camping was your thing, tough guy," you teased, a mischievous glint in your eye. "Isn’t this where you’re supposed to shine? Or do you need me to show you how it’s done?"

Logan shot you a sideways glance, his lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, I can handle camping just fine, sweetheart," he drawled, leaning in a little closer. "But I’ve seen you in a classroom, not the wilderness. You sure you even know which end of the tent pole goes in the ground?"

You raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at your lips. "I’ll have you know," you said, your voice dripping with mock seriousness, "I was practically raised in the woods. My dad used to take me camping all the time when I was a kid. I could pitch a tent with one hand tied behind my back."

Logan chuckled, clearly not buying it. "Sure, sweetheart," he said, his tone teasing. "And I suppose you’re an expert at starting campfires, too?"

You didn’t answer right away, just grinned at him before striding over to the pile of camping gear, picking up a bundle of firewood and a small hatchet. With a casual ease, you knelt down and began stacking the wood in a neat little pyramid, expertly laying kindling at the base. Then, with a flick of your wrist, you struck the hatchet against a fire starter, sending sparks dancing into the pile until a small flame caught.

Logan watched with a mixture of amusement and something like grudging admiration—as the fire grew, crackling to life. "Well, I’ll be damned," he muttered, his voice tinged with surprise. "You really do know what you’re doin’."

You shot him a triumphant look as you dusted your hands off. "Told you," you said with a grin. "What, did you think I just sat in libraries my whole life?"

Logan shook his head, still smirking as he walked over to join you by the fire. "Guess you’re full of surprises," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "But don’t get cocky just yet. You still gotta prove you can sleep out here without your fancy mattress."

"Oh, please," you scoffed, rising to your feet and stepping closer to him. "I bet I can rough it better than you. The only question is whether you can survive without complaining all night."

Logan’s eyes gleamed as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, teasing rumble. "Is that a challenge, darlin’?"

You shrugged, a playful smile dancing on your lips as you tilted your chin. "Depends," you said. "Are you up for it?"

Before he could respond, one of the kids called out, interrupting the moment. "Mr. Howlett! How do you tie this knot again?" The student waved a length of rope in the air, looking completely lost.

Logan groaned, casting a rueful glance your way. "Saved by the kids," he muttered, before turning to the student. "Alright, I’m comin’. Don’t wrap it around your neck, for starters."

As he walked over to help, you found yourself smiling at the way he interacted with the students, gruff but patient, the rough edges of his tone softening just a bit. There was something endearing about it—watching him bark instructions while secretly making sure each kid was okay.

After a while, as the last of the tents finally stood upright—more or less, the students gathered around the campfire you had built, eagerly chattering as Ororo handed out marshmallows and sticks for roasting. You sat beside Logan on a log, and he passed you a marshmallow with a smirk.

"You know," he said quietly, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames, "I didn’t think this trip would be anythin’ special. But it’s kinda nice, ain’t it?"

You nudged him lightly with your shoulder. "Admit it," you teased, "you’re enjoying yourself."

He huffed, rolling his eyes. “Yeah, well, it’s not too bad,” he grumbled, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

You grinned, leaning in closer. “C’mon, just admit I’m a better camper than you," you whispered, your voice soft and warm as the crackle of the fire filled the air between you.

Logan chuckled, slipping an arm around your waist as he pulled you closer. "Not a chance," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low rumble that made your heart skip a beat. "But I guess I can let you think that—for tonight."

You sat there together, surrounded by the glow of the fire and the murmur of the students' laughter, it felt like one of those perfect moments you’d always remember��a night where the stars shone brightly overhead and the two of you, wrapped up in each other, found a little bit of magic in the simplest of things.

[insomniac4000]

56 - George Clarke

you’re so warm.

George Clarkeey wasn’t exactly an outdoorsman, but when ChrisMD invited him to join a camping-themed video, he couldn’t say no. The idea was simple: a group of creators would face a series of survival challenges in the wilderness, earning points for their efforts, with the loser stuck cleaning up the campsite.

The twist? Among the guests was Sophia Hale, a fellow TikToker whose laid-back charm and killer dance moves had stolen George’s attention long before this trip. He was usually confident in front of a camera, but something about Sophia left him fumbling for words like a nervous schoolboy. In his head he chastised Chris for also inviting her on the shoot, the little hobbit knew exactly what he was doing.

They all arrived at the campsite in high spirits. Chris had gone overboard, as always, bringing props like oversized marshmallows, ridiculous tents, and an inflatable kayak. Alongside George and Sophia, the group included Theo Baker and Calfreezy, who quickly started bickering over who could build the best fire.

George tried to play it cool, cracking jokes and keeping the group laughing, but he couldn’t help glancing at Sophia. Her laugh was contagious, and every time she smiled at him, he felt like his heart was doing backflips.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature had plummeted. The group huddled around their not-so-roaring fire, bundled in hoodies and jackets.

Chris announced the next challenge, which involved cooking a proper meal using only what they could forage nearby. George and Sophia were paired together.

“I guess it’s you and me, Clarkeey,” Sophia said with a grin.

“Dream team,” George replied, hoping his voice didn’t crack.

They ventured into the woods with a flashlight, picking through leaves and bushes. George couldn’t resist trying to impress her with his limited wilderness knowledge.

“See this?” he said, holding up a leaf. “Totally edible. Probably.”

Sophia laughed, rolling her eyes. “Let’s not end up in the hospital tonight, yeah?”

Despite the cold, George felt warm just being near her. They managed to gather a few berries and some questionable mushrooms before heading back to the group, where Chris deemed their haul “barely passable.”

The night dragged on, with more challenges, jokes, and a fair share of teasing from Cal and Theo about George’s inability to make a tent. By the time everyone finally turned in, the air was freezing.

George crawled into his sleeping bag, which was laid out in the shoddy tent he’d managed to erect. He could hear the others settling in, their voices fading into the night. Just as he was starting to doze off, he heard the zipper of his tent being pulled open.

“George?” Sophia’s voice was soft.

His eyes shot open. “Sophia? What’s up?”

She crouched down, shivering. “My tent’s like an icebox, and I’m freezing. Can I crash here? I promise I won’t steal all the space.”

“Uh, yeah! Of course!” George scooted over so she could slide in beside him.

Sophia zipped the tent back up and slipped into his sleeping bag. George’s heart was pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it.

As she adjusted, she let out a content sigh. “You’re so warm,” she murmured, snuggling closer.

George froze, unsure what to do with his hands or his breathing—or his entire existence, really. He could feel the weight of her head resting lightly on his shoulder, her hair tickling his neck.

“Thanks, George,” she whispered sleepily.

“No problem,” he managed to croak out, though inside, he was anything but calm. Every beat of his heart felt like a drum solo.

As Sophia drifted off, George stared up at the tent’s ceiling, unable to sleep. The cold didn’t matter anymore. All he could think about was how close she was and he tried to calm the thumping in his chest.

[deliciousangelfestival]

Secret Sorrows || Bodyguard AU

Summary: Former special ops, Bucky, seeks solace in a cold refuge to escape his past. However, his haunted history catches up, unraveling mysteries that persist relentlessly.

Words Count: 2,253

Warning: Death character.

Series Masterlist

A/N: This is my first attempt at writing within the mystery theme. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you to anyone who gave a like, reblog, and left a comment. It motivated me to write more. 

Main Masterlist || support: Ko-fi

In Antarctica's vast, frozen expanse, where researchers braved the harshest conditions, Bucky, a former military man seeking solitude in the icy isolation, served as the stern yet vigilant security presence.

One frosty day, Bucky diligently checked the storage temperatures, surrounded by the frigid air that mirrored the chill in his own heart. 

As he focused on his task, he was approached by Chef Jack, who had recently returned from the mainland to visit his grandchildren.

Bundled in layers against the biting cold, Chef Jack grinned at Bucky. "You're a charming man, Bucky. Why are you still single? The female scientists who work here have been flirting with you.”

Bucky, his breath visible in the freezing air, chuckled softly. "I just haven't found the one."

Chef Jack, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of age, patted Bucky on the shoulder. "I see. Still can't forget the former? I understand."

Bucky's gaze dropped to the snowy ground and fell into a heavy silence. He nodded subtly, not wanting to delve into the painful memories beneath the icy surface of his stoic demeanor.

In a sudden turn of events, Bucky received an emergency alert: "We need backup."

Without hesitation, he swiftly responded over the radio, "On my way," and rushed towards his waiting car.

Emergencies were a rare occurrence in this remote location, and deaths resulting from foul play were even more uncommon. 

Upon arrival at the scene, Bucky was met with a chilling sight – two in orange swimming suits, eerily floating in the icy waters. 

Drowning was the cause, an unusual and unsettling occurrence in this frozen realm. The onlooking tourists, shaken and fearful, murmured amongst themselves.

The atmosphere was tense as one tourist anxiously mentioned, "They have a kid, right? Where is their son?"

Bucky, now profoundly concerned, hadn't even seen the faces of the victims yet. His focus shifted to the potential tragedy of a child being left alone in such extreme conditions. 

Ignoring the bitter cold, he resolved to search for any sign of the missing child, determined to navigate through the frigid wilderness in a race against time.

Bucky, determined to find the missing child, declared, "I'm going to find their kid."

Meanwhile, young Ethan, feeling out of place in the freezing Antarctic surroundings, had been running away from the group. He voiced his displeasure about being on the tour, unable to comprehend why his parents insisted on such a cold adventure.

"Why did Mom and Dad want to come here? And who was that scary man looking at me?”

As Ethan blew on his cold hands, a sudden shadow engulfed him, casting a momentary relief from the harsh Antarctic winds. 

Looking up, he found himself face to face with a tall man, his piercing blue eyes reflecting genuine concern.

"Hey buddy. My name is Bucky. I'm here to get you safe," Bucky reassured him.

Still shivering from the cold and the frightful encounter, Ethan stammered, "Sa-save me."

Sensing the depth of the child's fear, Bucky draped a warm blanket over him and gently scooped him into his protective arms. Ethan, seeking comfort, curled up against Bucky, his small frame shivering against the chill.

"I want my grandma," Ethan mumbled, his voice barely audible over the Antarctic wind.

With a reassuring tone, Bucky responded, "You will, buddy," holding the frightened child close.

Bucky, carrying the shivering Ethan to his car, couldn't escape the grim reality as he passed the body bag containing the deceased. 

In an impulse, he took a brief, painful glance before it closed – a glimpse that nearly brought him to his knees. The face inside, now concealed, triggered a rush of memories from his past, a haunting connection he hadn't expected.

Iris Aston. His first love. 

The weight of the revelation hit Bucky hard, but he refocused on the scared child in his arms. The realization struck him – Ethan was Iris's son. 

As he gently placed the child on the office couch, Bucky's mind raced, processing the unexpected intersection of his past and the present.

Bucky tried to steady himself by pouring a cup of hot chocolate for Ethan. "What's your name, buddy?" he asked, his voice revealing the underlying shock.

"Ethan Van Alen," came the soft reply, intensifying Bucky's internal turmoil. After separating from Iris, he had heard about her marrying into an old-money family – the Van Alens.

Bucky, grappling with the revelation, inquired about Ethan's aunt, hoping for some grounding in this unexpected twist. "Is your grandma here too?"

Ethan shook his head, his eyes reflecting fear and uncertainty. "No, she's not.”

"I'm sure she will come here as soon as possible," he assured.

As Bucky received a call from his concerned colleagues requesting assistance, Ethan, overcome with fear, clung desperately to Bucky's leg. "No. Don't leave me," he pleaded, his small frame trembling with anxiety.

Bucky's colleagues, now understanding the gravity of the situation, exchanged somber glances. The shocking reality dawned on Bucky as he realized that the couple who had tragically perished was none other than Ethan's parents.

Sensitive to the child's distress, Bucky, without hesitation, scooped Ethan into his arms, providing the solace the orphaned boy desperately sought. Now cradled in the safety of Bucky's strong arms, Ethan felt a sense of reassurance that had eluded him before.

Bucky entered the empty storage room where Iris's lifeless body was being kept. As he gazed upon her, memories flooded back – of a time when they were inseparable, studying together at the military academy. 

Their connection ran deep, but Iris had abruptly left, and her icy rejection had marked the last encounter.

He could still hear her words, cutting through him like a bitter wind, "Who do you think you are? Don't touch me!" A painful reminder of the social gap between them, a gap that fate had widened.

Looking down at Iris now, her once bright smile extinguished, Bucky couldn't shake the heartbreak that lingered from their past.

His colleagues reported no visible signs of trauma on Iris's body, adding a layer of mystery to her sudden demise. Seeking answers, Bucky turned to the only witness – young Ethan.

Ethan joined the conversation, his voice shaky but determined. "After my dad and mom drank something, they walked funny and fell into the water. And... and..."

Bucky, offering a reassuring presence, prompted, "What happened next, Ethan?”

The boy hesitated before continuing, "A scary man looked at me and walked towards me. That's why I ran." 

Bucky's colleagues updated him, saying, "The tour guide has called the family. They already sent someone."

Still in Bucky's comforting presence, Ethan inquired with hope, “Grandma is coming?"

Bucky gently patted the kid on the back, assuring him, "Yes."

Finding solace in the knowledge that his grandma was on the way, Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him. 

Bucky thought, never underestimate the power of money, expecting the relatives to arrive by ship. However, a large plane unexpectedly landed. Bucky, still carrying Ethan, and others anxiously awaited the arrival of the guests.

As the plane's door opened, Bucky, from a distance, couldn't discern who was stepping out. Restlessness overcame Ethan, and he wanted to get down. "Grandma," he exclaimed when he saw a familiar figure.

But Ethan abruptly halted in his tracks. The unexpected figure approaching him wasn't his grandma but his aunt. A surge of fear gripped him. He had always been scared of her.

Bucky, equally taken aback, felt a shockwave of disbelief. He had witnessed her lifeless form in the cold storage room, and now she stood before him – alive, breathing. 

How come Iris came back to live?

Is he seeing a ghost? Or a zombie?

Unable to conceal his astonishment, he stammered, "Iris?”

Ethan suddenly chimed in, "That's my mother's name. This person is my aunt. Her name is Y/N.”

Y/N's reply was devoid of emotion as she spoke in a cold, matter-of-fact tone, "I'm her twin sister." 

Twin sister? Iris has a twin sister? She never mentioned this to him. Bucky was shocked by this revelation

Y/N's demeanor showed no signs of sadness or grief. "I'm here to collect their bodies and bring Ethan back home."

Offering his condolences, Bucky expressed, "My name is Bucky. I'm sorry for what happened to your sister. It sounds crazy, but I knew your sister from the military academy."

Y/N's response was detached, "I see. Could you show my assistant which documents to sign so we could leave?" 

Her request held no trace of emotion, contrasting sharply with the heartfelt sentiments Bucky had just conveyed.

Taken aback by the stark difference between Y/N and Iris, Bucky found himself grappling with the realization that, despite their identical faces, their personalities were worlds apart. 

As the simple yet somber process unfolded, the body bags were carefully loaded onto the plane. Before departing, Ethan looked at Bucky, a silent exchange containing layers of unspoken emotions. 

Ethan glanced at Bucky, hope flickering in his eyes; he asked, "Can brother come with us?"

Y/N, who was busy with her phone, responded, "If he wants too."

Struggling to fully comprehend the stark differences between Y/N and Iris, Bucky leaned down to Ethan and softly said, "I hope we meet again someday." 

The words hung in the air, a wistful expression of the unexpected bond formed amidst the cold Antarctic challenges.

Absorbing the sentiment, Ethan offered a slow nod, the weight of recent events etched across his young face. 

Y/N didn't spare Bucky a glance as she entered the plane, her demeanor as cold as the Antarctic winds. 

Today, Bucky encountering his first love only to find her lifeless, meeting her son, and discovering the existence of her twin sister.

Despite Y/N's demeanor, icy as the landscape around them, Bucky couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity. It wasn't just the shared face with Iris; there was an unspoken connection, an elusive something more that lingered in the air. 

Bucky had a bunch of questions swirling in his head. He couldn't determine why Iris never told him about her twin sister. Even though he wanted answers, he hesitated to ask.

He wished he could talk more to Y/N.

The Van Alen and Aston household seemed full of secrets. The news about the company heir's death hit the headlines, and it got crazier when someone tried to kidnap Ethan, the heir's son.

Something felt off to Bucky. First, Iris died, and now there's a danger to Ethan. Y/N, who looked like Iris, came to mind. He worried someone might go after Y/N, too.

Not willing to let harm come to them, Bucky packed up and left Antarctica, arriving in a warm New York. He headed to the Van Alen residence, seeing many cars and guests offering condolences.

Thinking he couldn't get in, Bucky was surprised there was no security. But then he learned that Ethan had gone missing – a kidnap attempt had just happened. Ethan is missing from his room.

As Bucky approached the Van Alen residence, he noticed the branch of a nearby tree shaking. Looking up, he sighed, realizing it was Ethan.

"Ethan?" Bucky called out.

"Bro? Bucky? Is that you?" Ethan responded from the tree.

"What are you doing?" Bucky inquired.

Ethan explained, frustration in his voice, "I hate everyone. No one talks to me!"

Feeling a pang of sympathy for the grieving child, Bucky opened his arms, saying, "Come down. Everyone is worried about you."

Reluctantly, Ethan descended from the tree, landing in Bucky's protective embrace. As they stood together, security personnel, witnessing the scene, moved forward, intending to detain Bucky.

Before they could intervene, Ethan intervened, proclaiming, "No. He's my bodyguard." The unexpected declaration left the security team momentarily puzzled, but Ethan's insistence shielded Bucky from further scrutiny. 

"You've created unnecessary chaos," Y/N stated, appearing with five people behind her, resembling assistants and bodyguards. 

Bucky couldn't help but think that Y/N, Ethan's aunt, was too cold. She didn't even make an effort to coax her own nephew.

In a burst of emotion, Ethan exclaimed, "Nobody cares for me. Everyone wishes I was gone so Aunt has everything!"

Bucky, taken aback by Ethan's outburst, never expected him to yell like this. Y/N remained silent, eventually sighing, "Be grateful you're still breathing."

Ethan flinched and cried in Bucky's arms, expressing, "Huuu, nobody in this house loves me.”

Bucky tried to comfort the distressed child, saying, "I will talk to your aunt." 

Bucky followed Y/N, expressing concern that Ethan was grieving and suggesting she should be with her nephew during this challenging time.

Y/N's bodyguard attempted to push Bucky away, but she raised her left hand, signaling him to stop.

At that moment, Bucky noticed a small tattoo on Y/N's left fourth finger. His eyes widened as he recognized the same tattoo he and Iris had gotten together back in the day. 

How was it possible that Y/N also had the same tattoo?

Y/N calmly remarked, "Seeing you so eager to protect Ethan, I'll hire you as his bodyguard. He's the reason you're here, right?"

Bucky didn't argue, though his motive extended beyond protecting Ethan; he was also there to find Iris's killer and the person behind the attempt to kidnap Ethan.

Y/N continued, "I'll take that as a yes. My assistant will draw up the contract."

Surprised by her trust, Bucky questioned, "You trust me?"

Y/N replied, "Your effort in coming here to protect Ethan is enough to judge that you're sincere." Bucky was taken aback by her astute judgment. Y/N was not as ignorant as he had initially thought.

Before Bucky could delve further, Y/N declared, "That's good. I need a trusted person to protect Ethan because that kid's life is more important than mine." Bucky sensed a hint of self-pity in her words. 

Before leaving, Y/N added, "Back then, Iris trusted you. I hope I can feel the same. Don't disappoint me, Barnes." Her words hint at a sense of expectation and reliance on Bucky's capabilities.

As he pondered asking her about it, Y/N departed with her entourage, leaving Bucky with lingering questions and a newfound role as Ethan's protector.

Author Note :

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Author Note: Hey everyone! 🌟 Your input means the world to me.

If you've got any cool ideas or prompts, whether for this series or any other series, feel free to share them with me!

Just drop them in my ASK/SEND REQUEST box.

Can't wait to hear your awesome suggestions! 🚀💬

[wildemaven]

bloom : one | joel miller

→ pairing: no outbreak joel miller x f!reader

→ WC: 2494

→ warnings: meet cute vibes, reader is single mom, small injury at work, Joel to the rescue using nontraditional techniques to help (I don't want to give it away), daughter is a teen and bleeds sarcasm, fluff and more fluff, mention of divorce and adoption.

→ a/n: some of you are probably like “wait, what is happening?!” i started this series on another account that i was using to take a break from this one. I had plans to finish this series out over there and then just abandon the account and move back here. but i love this series and want it to live here with my other work. so, im getting things set up so i can post part two later this week and move back to this account for good. also, this is series is a TLOU AU, so I've fudged all timelines and relationships to make it work for me. Ihope you like it, am very nervous to share it with you all.

two | series masterlist | main masterlist

You’re staring. 

It would feel less awkward if it were somewhere else, anywhere but where you are right now. Like sitting a table away at a packed restaurant, enough people crowded around to lessen your obvious ogling of a handsome stranger, eyes locked on his profile as you hide behind the empty glass you’re pretending to sip from. The crossing of paths in a grocery store would also feel less awkward, a quick glance back over your shoulder after your carts squeeze through the nearly claustrophobic aisle, your gaze on him as he stares at the shelves filled with sugary snacks— he most definitely would have a wicked sweet tooth you think. 

Unfortunately for you, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, it’s just you and him, alone in the store front of the floral shop— your floral shop. 

He’d walked by the front window, stopping instantly to read the shop’s name in gold letters above the entrance, then hands cupped over his eyes and face pressed close to the glass contemplating the shop’s worthiness of his time. 

It’s a corner spot, sitting at the crossroads of two of the town’s busiest shopping streets— prime location. Bold was a chance you took with painting the exterior black, even with the apprehension of the city council deeming it too “gothic” for the town's rather conservative appeal. The dark exterior paired with black and white striped awning over the door was the perfect balance of moody and romantic. 

It was worthy enough, pushing the front door open he stepped inside, the automated bell signaling through the shop. The heaviness of his boots scuff across the wood floor a few steps, his broad body stopping in front of one of the cold displays that held an array of dramatic arrangements. His hands tucked securely into his pockets as he looks around aimlessly, it’s evident this isn’t a regular occurrence for him. 

“Welcome to Wilder Floral. Is there anything I can help you with today?” You greet him from your workbench. 

Your hands busily work to trim the ends and dethorn the stems of a bundle of antique mauve roses, one of your best sellers, then trimming off the lower leaves before placing them in a bucket of water. 

“Not really sure at the moment. Just browsin’ for now.” His deep voice sounds through the small space, the raspy tone sending a tingle down your spine. 

“Okay. Well, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.” He nods to you, catching the way his gaze doesn’t immediately break from you, he gives you a half smile then continues to look over everything again. 

You’re staring. 

Your mind is filled with thoughts of only this handsome stranger, quietly watching him over the now full bucket of cleaned roses. 

You note the way his hip cocks out to the side as he stands with his large hands secure against his small waist. His eyebrows pinch together briefly, a look of deep thought painted over his face accentuating the little crinkles around his eyes. After a moment, his beautiful face relaxes into a calmer expression. 

You can make out every muscle that runs the length of his arms, the weight of the arrangement he’s now holding provoking the defined musculature. His arms lifting and turning the vase with ease, examining every detail of the floral design you created. 

You’re still staring. You can’t help it though. Actually, you can, but your brain convinces you that you are just admiring, so that makes it more than okay— right? 

“You know, if you take a picture it lasts longer!” A hushed voice pops up from behind you. 

“Ouch!! God dammit, Ellie! Why do you do that?!” You yelp, tossing the rose stem you were holding onto the table. 

“It’s too easy! You were lost in la la land over some grumpy guy looking at flowers. I saw an opportunity, so I took it.” She laughs, pushing your buttons brings her a weird satisfaction. 

There’s a throbbing pain coming from your hand. Looking down you see  part of a thorn had broken off and was now embedded deep into the pad of your finger— a rookie mistake at this point in your career. You wrap your other hand around the base of your fingers, hoping some pressure will elevate the pain. 

“I’m glad you enjoyed this. Can you just go grab the first aid kit in the back, please!” 

“Yeah, yeah. Try not to fall for him too hard while I’m gone— don’t think you have enough bandages to fix that mess.” She sulks away into the back room. 

“Shit!” You hiss, the pain getting more intense and now radiating through your entire finger. 

“You okay ma’am?” The handsome customer asks you, stealthy in his approach to where you’re standing, still clutching your hand.

He places the floral arrangement he was holding down on your work table, his feet still moving in an urgent manner until he is standing in front of you. 

“Yeah— actually, no… The thorn broke off and it’s in there real good. It hurts and I’m trying really hard to not be a baby about it. Someone’s getting a first aid kit out of the back for me.” You hold your pained finger up to him. 

“Do you want me to take a look at it?” His hands slowly reach out, your lips parted and ready to speak but words fail you, only managing to nod a response. 

Your mind briefly wonders what Ellie is up to, but the thought vanishes instantly once his hands wrap around your wrist and he brings your injured finger closer to his face. 

“My name is Joel.” He looks over to you, heat pricks over your cheeks as he holds your gaze. It’s a cosmic thing, his touch activating warmth you’ve longed for. A corner of his mouth lifts, you can’t help but fixate on the dimple that forms resulting in a barrage of flutters erupting in your chest. 

“Hi Joel.” Giving him yours in return, his smile growing louder as he repeats it back to you softly, like he couldn’t wait to say it out loud. 

He refocuses back on your injury. A pinched expression, similar to the one he wore earlier, is even more adorable up close— zeroing in on the small wound that was tormenting you.

Joel’s movements are dizzying, an unbridled enthusiasm that elicits a sudden burst of desire you hadn’t experienced in ages, but he senses you trust him at your willingness to let him take control of the situation. Bringing your finger to his mouth, he wraps his pillowy lips around the tip of your finger and sucks with a gentle pressure. You watch him unabashedly, completely mesmerized by the way he jumped into action, how his cheeks draw in from the suction. 

Your eyes lock when he looks up from your hand, sensing your eyes already on him, his thumbs drawing circles over your wrist, soothing over your racing pulse, as he continues to suck at the fleshy pad of your finger. It feels nearly overwhelming, the fierceness of his warm brown eyes has an inebriating feeling blooming inside you. 

A gasp shoots through your throat at the feeling of his tongue slightly flicks over the part of your finger that is in his mouth, pressing the back of your other hand against your lips, embarrassed by your reaction to the erogenous sensation. 

The whole thing is over as quickly as it began. Joel is pulling your finger from his lips, his grip still holding on to your wrist as he lowers your arm down to your side. You watch as the tip of his tongue breaches his lips, his pointer finger and thumb picking at the small little thorn that was once lodged into your skin, now resting on his tongue. He rubs his lips together almost nervously, the weight of the whole situation kind of sinking in. 

“Got it!” He rasps, holding the annoying culprit up between his fingers. 

“How did you know that would work? I usually have to dig those out with tweezers. That was— wow, thank you.” 

“I get splinters regularly— I’m a carpenter. Sometimes when I’m out on the job, gotta use what you have. I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable, just knew it needed to come out— the last thing you want is an infected finger.” He rubs nervously at the back of his neck, hoping he didn’t over step in anyway. 

“No! Not uncomfortable in the slightest!! Thank you, seriously. Rose thorns can cause a mean infection too. I appreciate it—“ 

“I leave for two minutes and you’ve already moved onto second base with the guy?!” Ellie announces her reemergence, holding the first aid kit in her hands and a grossed out look on her face. 

“Ellie!” Your body runs cold, completely mortified, ready to crawl into the nearest hole. 

“He had your finger in his mouth— probably more like rounding to third if I’m being honest.”

You grab the kit from her hands, setting it on the counter, turning to see Joel still rooted in the same spot with his hands tucked into his front pockets and a tinge of red across his cheeks. 

“I’m so sorry! Sometimes I think my daughter forgets she has a filter and that she can actively choose to use it before she speaks.” You try to make sure he isn’t the one who feels uncomfortable now. 

“Adopted daughter, actually.” You roll your eyes at her need for technicalities. Adopted, yes, but daughter nonetheless. “Also, in case you were wondering, cause I’m sure you are, she’s single.”

“Ellie!” You look back at her with a sternness in your voice, eyes blown wide in hopes she picks up that she can stop at any point in time. Turning back to Joel, you mouth an ‘I’m sorry’, your shoulders dropping in defeat. 

There’s an awkward silence that settles over the three of you. Joel looks like he doesn’t really seem to know how to diffuse the awkwardness at hand, Ellie has a shit eating grin she wears proudly when she knows she’s embarrassed you just enough, and you simply would like to evaporate into thin air. 

“So, this is the part where you give your relationship status to her— makes this whole ‘her finger in your mouth’ thing feel a little less weird for all of us.” She has a point. You had been wondering that very thing, but how were you supposed to bring it up when he’s sucking a thorn out of your finger with his gorgeous mouth. 

“Single— very much single.” He laughs at how forward she is, knowing she’s just looking out for you. “I do have a daughter, probably about your age too.”

“What, your wife die or something?” Ellie asks with zero hesitation. 

“No. Just an ole fashion divorce. Anythin’ else you wanna to know?” He looks to Ellie, ready for whatever comes next. 

She studies Joel for a beat, “Nope, that’s all.” 

You release the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, grateful to what ever greater power decided to switch Ellie’s filter back on. 

Ellie turns to head to the back room, where she had previously been working on her homework, but turns on her heels in the process to look back at Joel and you.

“One last thing, she needs to be wined and dined before you even think about kissing her.” Then she's gone before you can say anything else. 

The awkwardness creeps back into the room, you’re not really sure how to come back from all of that. You open the first aid box, rifling through the contents for a cleaning pad and small bandage.

“She seems like a fun kid.” Joel decides to take the lead, watching you swipe the alcohol pad over your finger. 

“She is— she definitely keeps me on my toes at all times. But, she’s got a big heart under all her sarcasm.” You tell him. You grab for the bandage, but Joel beats you to it, snagging it off the table and ripping it open before you get the chance. 

You hold your finger out in front of you, ready for him to wrap it up properly for you, but instead of sticking gauze, your wounded finger is met with his plush lips for a few seconds.

“Obviously, a kiss to make it better.” He smiles again and you melt, biting at your lower lip as he wraps the dressing around your finger. 

“Thank you, Joel.”

“Speaking of daughters— mine is the reason I came here in the first place. I was wanting to get this arrangement for her. She passed a test she’d been stressin’ about. Thought I’d get her a little something to celebrate her.” Joel points to the flowers on the cash stand that he had been holding earlier, grabbing his wallet out of his back pocket and pulling out his credit card ready to pay. 

“They’re on the house today.” You tell him as you walk up to your computer, imputing the information to zero out the sale. 

“No— no, I can’t let you do that. Lemme pay for them please. Least I can do for all your time and talent you put in.” Holding his card out to you, insisting he pay in full. 

“You practically saved my life,” A slight exaggeration, but he laughs anyway. “How about you come here for all your flowers in the future, instead of my competitors, and we’ll call it even.” 

“I can do that. I might just have a need for flowers soon then, I’m sure I can find an excuse to come back for more— you think you can handle that?” 

“Yeah— I can handle that.” Handing him the vase of flowers, hoping he does find an excuse to come back and tell you how much his daughter enjoyed them. 

Joel walks a few feet in the direction of the door then stops, turning back to see you’re already busily back to work with a handful of flowers. He says your name, falling from his lips like sweet honey, and you don’t think you could ever get tired of him saying it the way he does. “I’ll be seein’ you around. Try to be safe until then, m’kay?” 

“See you around Joel. I’ll keep the injuries to a minimum until then.”

“I’d prefer no injuries at all, actually.” 

“I’ll do my best.” 

You exchange goodbyes, watching him cross the street and get settled into his truck from the store front window. You’re not sure why you miss him, having only just met, but there’s a longing that’s started to burn inside your heart. 

Joel’s truck merges onto the road, he takes one last glance in your direction, his hand thrown out the window waving at you as he drives off, planning his next visit so he can see you again. 

next

[nekky-nek]

A series of illustrations I made for a Destiny Islands brochure for @samepagezines It's been so long since I've made a set of images to anything, and it was a special kind of satisfaction seeing everything side by side and even wilder to see my art become a 3D thing.

The leftover sale is going on until January 20th. If for whatever reason you have to miss or can't afford any bundles, I'll be selling single brochures. Waiting for my life and health to get back in order to make an official announcement.

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

The Fine Line Between Punishment and Family Time.

by Cuthwyn Jason was going about his day when he was bundled into a car by an angry Bruce and dumped in the wilderness with his brothers. Unfortunately, Jason fell and injured his leg on the first day. To his dismay, Jason discovers that Bruce forgot to give him a first aid kit. Determined not to ruin the family camping trip, Jason goes to creative lengths to hide his injury from the others, but his leg grows steadily worse. Jason thinks he's on vacation. Everyone else has a very different understanding of why Bruce will, on occasion, dump unruly Robins in the wilderness. Words: 4645, Chapters: 1/2, Language: English Series: Part 2 of Sicktember 2024 Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: Gen Characters: Jason Todd, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake (DCU), Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent Relationships: Batfamily Members & Jason Todd, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Sickfic, Blood and Gore, Maggots, Wilderness Survival, Delirium, Jason's poor decision making, Hospitalization, Brotherly Bonding, Hiding Medical Issues, Medical Procedures via https://ift.tt/36tQDl4

[wilsons-corner]

Hi, if you’re on this blog, I’m a bundle of small raccoons with different personalities in a trench coat. General

The names Wilson, I accept any pronouns

Im LGBTQ+, a proud Ace

I don’t tolerate discrimination of any sorts, the front door is wide open and I will kick you out if you’re discriminatory to anyone I know

I do have type one diabetes, so blood sugar memes will be common when I suffer most

There is one (1) social raccoon in this trench coat so if you are a mutual or someone I follow I will reach out occasionally (through asks)

should I have the courage or encouragement I will post what I write/poetry/ocs of mine

I am autistic, so hyper-fixations galore here <3

Fandoms I love most:

italics = current hyperfixation

Monk (2002)

Professor T

Only Murders in the Building

Sherlock And Co

BBC Sherlock

Kingsman

Twisted Wonderland (Courtesy of a friend)

Good Omens

Our Flag Means Death

Shadow and Bone (Netflix and Books) (Kaz fanatic)

Six of Crows

Hazbin Hotel

Helluva Boss

A series of unfortunate events

That’s not my neighbour (yes I’m there for Francis)

The Hobbit

Marvel

BBC ghosts

Percy Jackson (Lester my beloved)

(New) The Bone Catcher/Lincoln Rhyme series

You’ll never guess it, but Gravity Falls.

Fallout

Dr Wilderness (PLEASE go check out the comic)

Currently Writing For:

Kingsman

Credit to @sillylittlereptileguy for the blinker!

Credit to @ginnyw-potter for the banner of shame

IVE ACTUALLY UPDATED THE FANFIC - 19/10

[ask-team-misfit]

(blueespeon) Teiji @ Pikavee

Pikavee, if I may ask, how exactly did you end up meeting your human? Perhaps this may be a bit too personal for you, but would you mind telling?

I understand if you want to get back to him, considering I myself have a human as well, but I am curious about how you met your trainer.

[ @blueespeon ]

Pikavee: “You want to know how I met my human? I don’t mind telling you about it. We met in the woods.”

[ ID: A grayscale bust drawing of Pikavee slightly angled away from the viewer towards the left. She's smiling somewhat meekly, but appears more casual. Her ears are upright. Pikavee's appearance is as described here. End ID ]

Pikavee: “M-my memory’s fuzzy about why I was there, but that’s where he was the night he found me.”

Lief said nothing to all of this, again crossing his arms where he stood. But despite his usual disinterest in humans, he found himself glancing over to listen in anyways.

Perhaps the premise by itself of where Pikavee came from before happening upon humans was intriguing enough.

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Pikavee similar to the previous image. She has a light smile, and her eyes are closed. A subtle blush is present on her cheeks, shown in color. End ID ]

Pikavee: “It’s really nothing bad. I look back on it fondly. B-but if anything sounds confusing, or weird at all…”

She trailed off as she heard it again–the earlier noise that was too faint to identify. It sounded a little louder, or at least, she thought it did. But she still wasn’t entirely sure what she was hearing.

She focused on Teiji again, and ultimately decided against finishing her previous statement. Her smile turned apologetic as she tried not to dwell on it too much.

Pikavee: “First, he threw something at me, and…”

That night, a little over a year ago…

Before the Twileon realized it, her entire being was sucked inside that pokeball. The capture device dropped to the ground soon after.

The human who had spotted her, and had only then attempted to catch her, slowly came out in the open with a look of bewilderment still on his face.

He’d been nearby investigating something else entirely; a terrible incident that occurred at his old place of work. What he didn’t expect was to become sidetracked with what he found and follow the trail here, towards a hybrid Eeveelution gigantic in size.

Now that same Pokemon was within his pokeball.

Before he could get much closer, he winced and shielded his face as the pokeball burst. The wilderness was briefly awash in crimson light as the giantess reappeared.

He paused, and looked up to meet her in the eye. He tried not to make sudden movements.

She was shaking in terror, her eyes locked onto him. The rubble and debris that was previously stuck in her fur now lie scattered on the ground.

He noticed how many cuts and bruises the debris had covered up. The most troubling detail to him were the splotches on the lower part of her body that looked like blood.

The pokeball was in pieces. Crackling around the shards like static electricity were a series of red sparks.

Pikavee: “I do remember being scared of him. I just froze when I saw him there, looking at me.”

Very slowly, he moved again. He took one step forward.

The Twileon winced in response and shut her eyes, which made him pause his approach.

Pikavee: “I was scared of hurting him, I think… I’m not sure why else I would freeze like that. He didn’t even try to hurt me. Instead, he offered me food.”

She opened her eyes again only as she began to smell something sweet. Where the human once stood was a bundle of enlarged pokebeans in its place.

He was now further back, a reassuring smile on his face.

??: “That’s the biggest we’ve got, I’m afraid… but you’re hungry, right? Go on, have some.”

Nervously and hesitantly, the Twileon sniffed the beans. She licked them up to eat, trying to ignore that he was watching.

Pikavee: “Th-they were really tasty… and he kept giving me more of them. He led me to his home, and–”

Lief: “Seriously? You fell for that?”

Pikavee looked at Lief with surprise. She didn’t expect him to really listen, let alone become invested.

But Lief was staring back at her like he really was dealing with a sheltered, naive person of questionable maturity.

Lief: “You let the guy woo you into following him because he had food? Not even I’m that desperate. That’s aside the gajillion questions I have about this story.”

He paused only to stuff his face with another berry he was eating.

[ ID: A grayscale bust drawing of Lief oriented similarly to the previous image. His eyes are narrowed in an annoyed glare. His mouth is open, as if in the midst of a tangent. Lief's appearance is as described here. End ID ]

Lief: “If you ask me? Should’ve stayed wild, Missy. Would’ve saved both of us some heartache.”

He grumbled the last part with a huff.

Pikavee sighed, averting her eyes from him. She tried to pay little mind to what he just said, particularly that last bit.

[ ID: A grayscale bust drawing of Pikavee oriented similarly to the previous image. She appears somewhat concerned or timid, and her eyes are downcast. Her ears are drooped down. End ID ]

Pikavee: “A-anyway. He um… he led me to his home, and introduced himself.”

??: “You can call me Lychee. Technically it’s Professor Lychee, but these days I don’t feel very much like a doctor… heh.”

The human currently stood before the giantess. The giantess listened to his every word, lying flat on her belly and watching his face.

Curiosity plain in his face and voice, he continued speaking to her.

Professor Lychee: “But you. Where did you come from? Surely not from that lab that was destroyed…”

The mention of the incident brought forth a powerful fear in her, enough to make her sit up abruptly.

Having initially flinched away with shock, he watched as her wide eyes began to brim with tears.

Her breathing turned sharp and rapid. The fur on her tail stood on end. 

Soon it was as if she wasn’t looking at him anymore.

Professor Lychee: “H-hey, hey. Can you hear me–?”

Pikavee: “Um. This part is also kind of fuzzy… I remember him asking me something. According to him, I fainted all of a sudden.”

Pikavee: “I-I just, sort of… w-woke up to him looking at me with worry.”

Back in the present, Pikavee was looking down at her paws. Though she had willingly recounted what she could remember to Teiji, her worry about how this turn of events may have come across to the Espeon, Lief and gods forbid anyone else that overheard, was plain as her large size.

That is, before she tried to end it off on a lighter note.

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Pikavee similar to the previous image. She's smiling nervously, and her eyes are closed. A few sweat drops are present on her face. End ID ]

Pikavee: “B-but, we lived together ever since. I’m glad to have met him…”

pknerd-chimera asked: (@pokege-ne-project ; Neo-Ka) Overhearing this was interesting, but... "Hold on, ya said that human's s'posed to be one of those labcoats, right?" The second to last word held some venom in the Eevee's voice. "Ya sure t'human wasn't hidin' anything from ya? How t'hell do ya manage t'avoid fights, otherwise?" When labcoats did something weird like that, there's always a reason. At least, Neo-Ka was convinced of the trainer's bad intentions, despite contrary evidence.

[ @pokege-ne-project ]

The spite in Neo-Ka’s voice shook what little confidence Pikavee had on the matter. She couldn’t look the Eevee in the eyes.

In fact, she couldn’t look anyone in the eyes anymore. Her tails curled close to her body as she flattened herself further against the ground in a useless attempt to appear small.

Pikavee: “I-I’m sure… um, I think I’m sure…”

Lief: “You think?”

Lief, who has previously just been watching her, now spoke up with a similarly suspicious tone.

Pikavee: “H-he doesn’t say much about his old job. Not to me…”

This, however, was a half-truth.

Professor Lychee: “S-so that’s what happened…?”

She wasn’t directly told. But she didn’t need to be–she overheard.

Professor Lychee: “Entro Tech… what have you done? It’s little wonder this Pokemon is so terrified of people.”

Even though she slept outside and could only hear so much of what went on indoors, she figured out the man had a disdain for something called “Entro Tech”.

It stuck out in her mind ever since she heard it.

It made her think of the dreams she would have at night. Of the assortment of questions she always had deep down about herself, and how badly she wanted the answer to those questions.

But these thoughts were ones that brought on a lot of pain…

Lief: “Are you sure he doesn’t, Missy?”

Pikavee murmured low after a long pause. She hid her face in her paws.

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Pikavee similar to the previous image. She's grimacing deeply, and her teary eyes are closed. End ID ]

Pikavee: “Y-you’ll just think it's weird…”

[haggishlyhagging]

As farming and herding allowed population densities to rise, plagues began to appear, and they are recorded in the mythology of Mesopotamia, where the earliest known cities developed: At Babylon, the Gilgamesh Flood myth specifies plague as one of mankind's four ills; an illness sent by avenging gods kills Enkidu, the wilderness man; and plague is in Egypt before the writing of Exodus. Yahweh, like Inanna before him, is a deity who brings illness at will, and he does so specifically to punish those who are not faithful to his paternal tenets. The new male doctrine, in short, used natural disasters to frighten people and promote itself.

Of the fatal diseases that sweep human populations, smallpox was one of the deadliest, and the red dots typical of the disease may have enhanced its association with the menstrual power of annihilation. In India, one of Kali's titles is "goddess of smallpox"—and Kali, we recall, is completely connected to the dark menstrual moon. Two goddesses, sisters of course, tended by artisans in a village in rural India, are named for illnesses: "Prayers are then offered to the goddesses asking that the village be free from cholera and smallpox, for Durgamava is believed to preside over and cause cholera, while Dayamava is the presiding deity of smallpox."

It is thus very possible that the ancient goddess of menstruation, however she was imagined, was believed to have sent the most crushing of the plagues of humankind and that this intensified the fear, punishment, and shame associated with menstruation, helping to establish the male-based religions of "light." Perhaps a series of plagues lies behind both the spread of Christianity into pagan Europe and the waves of witch trials that followed the bubonic plague, which killed one out of three Europeans in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. That the fears about these mostly poor and old women were tied to old menstrual taboos is clear. They were believed to cause illness from a distance, with the gaze of the Evil Eye. They were identified as "real" witches by their association with old wilderness metaforms: one woman "vomited eels"; others "evacuated snakes"; some turned into birds, goats, or dogs. In Norway, witches were thought to cause storms by turning into geese or by whistling. Catholic theologians held that Satan could turn men into wolves, but that women were the greatest evil, spreading illness with a gaze, rotting men's bodies, deserving of shame simply for being women. Though the Inquisition was politically motivated and served the avaricious male leadership to seize property and authority from traditional women healers and diviners, there is no doubt that in times of stress European peasants and townspeople, Catholic and Protestant alike, were genuinely frightened of anyone believed to have the old menstrual powers. In the absence of the germ theory of disease and other mechanics of natural cause and effect, people blamed the symptoms of illness, epilepsy, and all manner of other disasters, on the same power they had always held responsible: menstruation. But now they called the metaform "Satan," and they imputed evil motives not only to the menstruant but to their neighbors and to whole groups of people with older (and more menstrually based) traditions—Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and prostitutes. They were fearful of people with darker or redder physical characteristics. But in particular the Evil Eye was imputed to old women, who were believed to retain their menstrual blood so that it flowed through their veins following menopause!

The menstrual gaze was imagined as Satan-directed "possession," which could be cured simply by something as male as the symbol of the phallus. The Evil Eye was called "fascination" and could be counteracted with the male "fasces," a bundle of phallic sticks—hence fascism's association with the "fire of male cleansing." The Evil Eye and its subjective responsibility could be replaced through spoken prayer and charms invoking "God's Eye," the Eye outside the woman, the Eye from above.

-Judy Grahn, Blood, Bread, and Roses: How Menstruation Created the World

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Great Hunt! Chapter 21: The Nine Rings

You can tell I'm getting into the weeds when it comes to chapter art. Frankly, the people who made this card were getting into the weeds when it comes to game mechanics because that card effect has nothing to do with Mr. Caldevwin. Is that a spoiler? The whole rest of this post is full of them when it comes to this series, so don't keep reading if that bothers ya.

This chapter starts up with the Harp icon as Rand performs this evening and reflects a little on Thom. I suppose it also reflects inns in general.

The innkeeper was a lean woman with a long nose and graying hair, but her wrinkles seemed part of her ready smile more than anything else.

A thin innkeeper? She must be evil! That's why she's giving a home to these soldiers.

“As you say, my Lord.” Mistress Madwen’s glance flickered to Rand’s sword; the bronze herons were plain on scabbard and hilt. She frowned slightly, but her face was clear again in a blink.

I was kinda joking because I don't remember much about this gal but she is very snoopy. I suppose part of it is just her job but her disapproval of Rand's weapon does make me wonder.

“We are not hunting the Horn, mistress.” Rand did not glance at the bundle in Loial’s arms; the blanket with its colorful stripes hung bunched over the Ogier’s thick arms and disguised the chest well. “We surely are not. We are on our way to the capital.”

A thousand miles away, Moiraine feels a sudden surge of pride and does not know why.

The innkeeper gave a surprised blink when Hurin sat at table with them—an Ogier, it seemed, was one thing, but Hurin was clearly a servant in her eyes.

All of this is pretty good set-up for how stratified the societies of the eastern subcontinent are. In Baerlon and the Borderlands there wasn't much concern for any divisions within the party except gender lines and Moiraine's being Aes Sedai, and it's hardly unreasonable to expect blurred lines in social divisions in a small group traveling like this, but it's clear that in Cairhien the wilderness is no excuse to start fraternizing.

Selene’s was still half full, but she motioned curtly for one of the girls to take it.

Lanfear's wondering what the odds are of her finding a stasis box with some proper Chinese food in it.

Rand hesitated only a moment. It had been too long since he had practiced the flute rather than the sword, and the coins in his pouch would not last forever.

Here's that important theme again. We're in book 2 and already Rand's worried he's losing his sensitive side to war. He doesn't even know.

Selene looked at Rand as if wondering what he was...

I wonder if LTT had ever picked up any instruments. Probably not.

Did she really let me go? I wonder if she’s following me. Or waiting for me. “Sit down, Captain. Please.” Caldevwin drew a chair from another table. “Tell me, Captain, if you don’t mind. Have you seen any other strangers recently? A lady, short and slender, and a fighting man with blue eyes. He’s tall, and sometimes he wears his sword on his back.”

Note here how Rand is already succumbing to the paranoia associated with his condition. Book 1 Rand wouldn't have had these thoughts and he wouldn't have felt compelled to ask questions like this immediately either.

“A wondrous place I have heard, Lord Rand—I may call you so?—and fine men, the Andormen. No Cairhienin has ever worn a blademaster’s sword so young as you. I met some Andormen, once, the Captain-General of the Queen’s Guards among them. I do not remember his name; an embarrassment. Perhaps you could favor me with it?”

You can tell that this guy is only a Captain because he's nowhere near subtle enough to play in the Cairhienien Major Leagues.

Just as Selene opened her mouth, one of the serving girls let out a cry and dropped a lamp she was taking down from a shelf.

Lanfear's really restraining herself here to not make the Captain himself have to run away screaming.

The Cairhienin’s eyes sharpened. “It is part of the statue, my Lord Rand,” he said slowly. His gaze flickered toward Loial; for an instant he seemed to be considering something new.

"Are the Ogier allying with Andor to steal our old statues?!" Sure it sounds silly but like, what else can they be thinking? They probably don't know that the statue's a sa'angreal (it's way outside of the usual) but why couldn't it be a war asset from ancient days? Why would the Andorians even know about it to send a spy? Rand's causing trouble again and he barely even knows it.

“I have five hundred laborers in camp beyond the diggings, and even so it will be past summer’s end before we have it clear. They are men from the Foregate. Half my work is to keep them digging, and the other half to keep them out of this village. Foregaters have a fondness for drinking and carousing, you understand, and these people lead quiet lives.” His tone said his sympathies were all with the villagers.

Well based on the size of the village, five hundred carousers hitting them up every night would probably get the place burned down in a week or two. Keeping civil order is an incredibly difficult task!

For twenty-three years Barin Madwen and I were arguing when we weren’t kissing, so to speak. That’s by way of saying I have some experience. Right now, you’re thinking your Lady never wants to see you again, but it’s my way of thinking that if you tap on her door tonight, she’ll be taking you in.

Again, the "skinny innkeepers are obvious Darkfriends" things is a joke but... it could work for Mistress Mad wen, couldn't it? Moves from Lugard to Cairhien to escape bad deeds there, runs the inn to keep her eyes open in case anything happens, Choedan Kal discovered so she becomes important, Ishamael takes her to the party so she's up to date, and here she is with advice that could be entirely innocent or could be straight from Lanfear - and why attack Rand like all the DFs from last book did when he's already in a Forsaken's clutches?

It's probably not remotely intended in the text but hey.

“Daes Dae’mar, Lord Rand,” Hurin said.

In the Game of Houses, you win or you die.

Okay maybe I'm getting my fantasy epics confused but I do enjoy how Jordan managed to communicate all of GRRM's themes even though they're not central to his own thesis.

“He has the right of Daes Dae’mar, Lord Rand. Cairhienin play it more than most, though all southerners do.”

And this is a bit of cultural blindness, really. We saw that Malkier's end came from someone playing Daes Dae'mar and while everyone has to fall in behind their leaders for obvious reasons there's going to be some jockeying. The Borderlands are just so far away from the rest of the world that they don't have to play the game at all, especially since Tar Valon actually comes through for them consistently - but then, that's the Game too, in its own way.

But in the morning, Selene was gone. When Rand went down to the common room, Mistress Madwen handed him a sealed parchment. “If you’ll forgive me, my Lord, you should have listened to me. You should have tapped on your Lady’s door.”

I'd say this still fits the Darkfriend theory.

Loial almost missed a step. “I never like to be far from my books, Captain.” His wide mouth flashed teeth in a self-conscious grin, and he hurried to strap the chest onto his saddle.

Okay Loial, I guess I was a little mean calling you naive before.

“He had the inn watched, Lord Rand,” Hurin whispered. “The Lady Selene must have gotten past them unseen somehow.”

Caldevwin has every reason to wonder if Lord Rand murdered his wife and is having the Ogier carry her corpse around in a box at this point. Good thing we'll never see or hear from him again, unlike Mistress Madwen who apparently gets mentioned again in Winter's Heart for some reason? Bizarre.

“Nothing is happening the way I expect,” Rand said.

And it never fucking will.

Next time: Stuff doesn't happen as Moiraine expects either! (Unlike Rand though, she'll sharpen up on her understanding of the future)

[boxyfont]

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 Wilderness Series Bundle is one of our favorite tiny series of premium notebooks. This one may be classified as a sketchbook for illustrators and doodlers who find inspiration in their daily lives. Inspired by George Orwell's classic novel Animal Farm and our founder's love of nature and wildlife, each sketch was created to reflect the textures that are unique to each creature.

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[dndhistory]

217. David Cook - X4: Master of the Desert Nomads (1983)

The first of two modules which, together with X5: Temple of Death make up The Desert Nomad series, this is very much half a module. Not in terms of length, there is plenty happening here, but in terms of how it wraps up. It doesn't wrap up at all, and you need X5 to get a satisfying experience out of this. There's nothing objectively wrong with that, but the module could be more up front about it.

Here you get a mission that ask you to explore The Temple of Death, the whole module consists of the travelling portion from the village of Pramayama to near the Temple of Death, ending before you reach your destination. The module suggests that if you don't have X5 you should just make it a scouting mission to get there and then turn around and go back to town... talk about anti-climactic. 

Still, what we have here is pretty great, as a wilderness adventure with a couple of small dungeons on the way to the Temple. You get events linked to certain terrain tiles which the DM can insert at any time and propel the plot forward, and you get a variety of terrains to travel. From a river trip, to a swamp which leads to a desert and then to the forested foothills of the mountain where your destination is. In each of these sections there is interesting stuff to do as well as some memorable NPCs. All in all a pretty great module, with the main criticism being how dependent it is with X5, which would be fine if this was more clearly set out, or if the two were bundled into one product.

[mprojects22]

Marloth Park Lodging

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As the name suggests, Sabi Sabi is also in the Sabi Sand sport reserve, abutting the southwestern border of Kruger National Park. This space is known for its range and density of wildlife, including the Big Five and up to 350 species of birds. Perched on a mountain above the N'Wanetsi River, and impressed by the eagles' nests found up excessive right here, Singita Lebombo Lodge overlooks the magnificent wilderness under. It has a contemporary but textural and earthy feel and offers 13 open-plan suites and a fully-staffed villa on the riverbank. Perfect for teams, the villa comes with two interlinked two-bedroom suites that share a pool and kitchen. Suspended within the canopy along the Sweni River, Singita Sweni Lodge is a series of light-filled luxury treehouses wrapped in glass for prime viewing of the animals alongside the river beneath.

Javan rhinos are saved safe by Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) operated by Yayasan Badak Indonesia (YABI) in partnership with Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). The two marine Rhino Protection Units, launched by YABI and UKNP with funding from IRF in January 2020, continue to monitor the park’s coastline. Four were attributed to humans, but only one was categorised as a poaching incident. The different three were from human/rhino battle, one fell in a roadside ditch, one was killed in retaliation and one was by chance electrocuted.

Each day, a rock is taken into the Workshop, remodeled into a sculpture, and returned. At the core of this project is the artist’s ongoing engagement with fear parkhome modular units. On the one hand is the desire to regulate or tame the world we inhabit.

The nationwide park’s most unique feature is its fynbos vegetation that's displayed here higher than wherever on the earth. Meaning ‘Valley of Grace’ in Afrikaans, Genadendal is located at a dramatic location within the Riviersonderend Mountains, which is simply ninety minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The city was originally called Baviaanskloof and was constructed up around the site of the oldest mission station in South Africa, the Moravian Mission Station which was founded right here in 1738. Illegal wildlife commerce is the fourth largest international felony exercise, estimated at between $7 and $23 billion per year.

Yes certainly, that is an absolute golden spot the place your friends could safely stroll to the Crocodile River fence and back in no time. Back-up water is sorted in the 5000L JOJO outfitted with a stress parkhome prices south africa pump. On to the dwelling you have a thatch that has lately been combed and maintained. From the enclosed patio, fitted with built-in braai the open plan eating and kitchen leads to the scullery, pantry, storage, and laundry.

The Kruger National Park is undoubtedly the most effective place in South Africa to spot the Big 5. The Kruger is home to the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo and a day journey to the park is enough to spot these animals and more. Keep in mind that when visiting the Kruger, you by no means know what's waiting across the next twist and switch within the road! The Kruger boasts a massively numerous variety of wildlife species as nicely as lots of of birds and reptiles. Most of our Kruger Park safaris and tours are performed within the wildlife saturated Southern Kruger territories.

[europeincomingei]

Spend a Magical Christmas in Rovaniemi

In Rovaniemi, Finland, absolutely nothing fairly compares to the wonderful atmosphere of Christmas. The home of Santa Claus is this little Arctic town, which is the perfect place to experience the marvel of the holiday. Rovaniemi is known for its impressive all-natural elegance, that includes snow-covered landscapes, immaculate forests, as well as the Northern Lights. There is lots to see and do during your remain, whether you are seeking tasks in the outdoors or unwinding inside your home. Santa Claus Village is just one of Rovaniemi's must-see tourist attractions. Check out the Christmas event, take a photo with Santa, and take in the vacation music as well as lights. Go cross-country skiing, on a snowmobile safari, or on a reindeer or husky ride. Being a distinguished destination management company in Europe, we have years of experience organizing events and travel plans that are specifically fit to the needs of the travel agents we offer. We are driven to create bundles that enable a broad series of travellers to find Europe's abundant riches of culture and also heritage, experience intriguing events, and witness incredible landscapes and legendary sights. This entails leisure teams, students, FIT, business MICE, and destination weddings. Our European traveling professionals are knowledgeable at creating detailed and also reliable and also multi-destination travel plans that include accommodation, escorted journeys, led excursions, and a selection of ground solutions. Our in-depth knowledge of European traveling ensures the ideal alternative for your customers. We can make your Christmas in Rovaniemi an unique occasion. Much of us start to wish for an adventure in a winter wonderland as the winter techniques. Lapland is the suitable place for you if you fall into this classification! Lapland is a substantial region in the north of Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, Finland, as well as Russia. It is widely known for its spectacular all-natural beauty, remarkable society, and also distinctive winter season tasks that make it an unforgettable location for travelers. Snowmobiling is among the most popular Lapland soft winter adventure. You can rent out a snow sled and appreciate the crisp winter season air while discovering the vast wilderness of Lapland. You can also take a scenic tour with a guide to find out more about the background as well as wildlife of the area. Snowmobiling is an exhilarating way to see the location and also is suitable for people of every ages. A reindeer sleigh flight is one more task that ought to be tried. Lapland soft winter season experience has something for everybody, whether you want to strike the inclines, take place a reindeer sleigh trip, check out the wilderness on a snowmobile, or just kick back in a sauna. You will not soon neglect the wonderful experience of traveling to Lapland in the winter season. You can depend on us to provide a plan that satisfies your clients’ budget as well as fulfills every need of your customers since we are a top-tier European destination management company. Whether you need a complete travel plan package or a single service, we are specialists at developing personalized travel services that are both cost effective and reliable. Quality resorts, restaurants, instructor services, guided scenic tours, and local guides are all part of our established network of trusted contacts. Based on your customer's budget, we supply accommodations. Whether it's a hostel, luxury hotel, or holiday home, we can find the best lodging for both short-term and also lasting brows through. In order to provide a smooth journey, travellers will have round-the-clock support and also assistance from our expert group.

[hopefulstarfire]

🎮 and 🌳 for everyone? (I'm working on answering the ask you sent me for that ship meme, by the way. ^-^)

Wooo!!! I'm excited!!! And thank you for the ask!

🎮 If your OC lives or would live in the modern world, would they like video games? What would be their favorite game?

Kat: Kat loves video games and loves any and every kind she can get her hands on! She just loves games and she actually does stream a lot. She plays a variety from Fire Emblem, Persona, Final Fantasy and Dragon Age to Devil May Cry to Stardew Valley and Story of Seasons. But her personal favorite is Animal Crossing New Horizons. She gets so excited over the island creation and when Happy Home Paradise came out she was constantly on stream with it. She lives and breathes ACNH.

Maddox: Mads is more a casual video game player. He likes to pick up and explore and just have a good time. He doesn't play a lot of video games that require a lot of like dedication and attention but he also likes story heavy ones. He probably really is big into Devil May Cry and Dragon Age. Especially Dragon Age. He could go on an 8 hour rant about how it's a sin that they didn't make Varric romanceable. He probably also loves Mass Effect.

Iris: She honest to God never has time for video games anymore but wants to play them. She really loves rpgs and the jrpg games meant a lot to her when she was in school. Her favorite games are actually probably Earthbound and Undertale. She also enjoys Soul Calibur bc she plays it with her siblings and it's bonding time for them.

River: River's a big time gamer and he loves it. It's his big passion in life. They also learned how to do a lot of programming from playing them and watching Seto and also casually just. You know. Fixes the final level in Pacman by reprogramming the coding to complete the lay out because they were issued a challenge by Alister to beat the original Pac-Man and River is just. Like That. His favorite game series is probably Legend of Zelda and I feel like his favorite installment is Twilight Princess.

Nana: Nana is the Cozy Gamer Supreme. She loves getting to play all sorts of indie and cozy games and bundle up with her blankets and some tea and have the best time. She does really like the Story of Seasons games a lot and Pokemon (as do all of the gang), but is probably currently playing Spiritfarer, Potion Permit, Unpacking and Beacon Pines. What Remains of Edith Finch tho is the game she could write literal essays on. Her and Yugi were big Kingdom Hearts fans too!!

Vance and Chelsea: Chelsea was at the arcades all the time and she's still the queen at Mortal Kombat. Vance likes Pac-Man.

Dahlia and Dinah: Basically on the rated e for everyone games but they do really enjoy the Sonic games!!

Mason and his side of the family ocs and Meredith I don't see being too too into video games or picking them up. Flora is still kind of getting into them.

🌳 Would your OC survive for a week on their own in the wilderness?

I fully believe Mason, Chelsea, Vance, Wes, and Maddox could 100%. Kat could too, but she'd be complaining the whole time because she wants her own bed damnit.

Nana would somehow accidentally eat something poisonous. Like she is very smart but she'd probably eat something thinking that it wasn't poisonous.

Iris would if she got to live in a cottage in the woods unbothered. Otherwise no.

You couldn't pay River to do it. They would die in a heartbeat.

I feel like Meredith would stand a better chance with Roland because I feel like Roland could survive anything.