#a true celebration of springtime!!

[sprightlyspirit]

March 2023 🌷☀️🍓📚

[milkteabinniechan]

♡Dear Lover - Hyunjin

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY MEMBERSHIP//M.LIST

pairing: fiancè Hyunjin x fem! reader

summary: Your parents have picked a husband for your sister and the two of them have been writing love letters back and forth for years before they meet on their wedding day. There is just one problem: you've been the one sending the letters to her future husband and now you're in love!

warnings: just fluff! some angst, drama, very soft hyunjin, lovesick reader

“Maybe start with why you were the one writing me the letters and not your sister?” Hyunjin’s nostrils flared as he spoke. But his tone wasn’t angry, just confused. You looked exactly how he pictured you from your letters. A softness about you that translated through your words.

“She asked me to. In the beginning, she didn’t want to write to you. So, she asked me to do it instead to make our parents happy.” You pulled at the hem of your shirt, twisting it this way and that while your eyes stayed fixed on the ground. “Please, don't be upset with her.”

Hyunjin stepped back for a moment. His eyes searched yours as the two of you finally locked onto one another. Eyes that he had pictured late at night. A face he had only seen in his dreams. Everything he had said in the letter was true. He was in love, just not with your sister. But the wedding was planned, the invitations sent out.

It was springtime when the letters first began. You remember the sound of birds chirping outside your bedroom window when your parents made the announcement that your sister was to be wed on the year of her 21st birthday.

“But I don’t want to marry someone I’ve never met!” She screamed. You were only partially paying attention. You were no longer the focus of your parents' attention. You were twenty-four now and practically a spinster. Your sister was going to have her wedding the very next spring. One year. She had one year to comply and accept what was happening.

“We’ve already failed with your older sister, we will not fail with you.” Your father boomed. His fat finger pointed sternly at you.

While your little sister protested for a few weeks, she ultimately agreed upon the marriage if she could at least see who she was to be betrothed to. But letters are all his family would agree to. A stern, traditional family that negotiated the terms of advised letters to be written once a week for one year until the wedding day. Meetings were held in secret by the patriarchs of the two families. Hands were shook and large cigars were smoked in celebration of the upcoming union. Then one cool spring night, your sister came knocking at your door with a favor to ask.

“You’re a writer. Just write the letters for me and make me sound good okay?” She begged, her hands folding together while her eyes pleaded with you.

Reluctantly you agreed. One week after the other, you tried your best to sound like your sister. You wrote about her interests instead of your own. You included her favorite color and her favorite kind of food. But somewhere down the line, you slipped. Hyunjin had written about a favorite book of yours – Little Women. He had written paragraphs discussing the different characters and the depth of their description and diversity from one another. He had gushed about the writing style and the eloquent use of simile and metaphors. And your heart fluttered, fluttered and flipped in a way that was new and exciting. Your next letter was completely you. It was your voice, your thoughts, your ideas. The words just flowed out of you like wine and you would feel almost drunk by the time you signed your sister’s name at the bottom.

Hyunjin would soon write about more personal subjects; his fears and insecurities. Of which you felt a kinship with. You would respond with words of comfort and love, thanking him for being so open and vulnerable with you. You would tell him about a beautiful sunset you saw or the lovely sound that snow made when you take a step early in the morning. Hyunjin would tell you how ready he was to hear that sound. How eager he was to hold you, to hear your laugh and touch your lips at last-

When everything was said and done, you knew the exact moment that things had gone too far. You had said “I love you” in your final letter before the wedding. Hyunjin had responded that he was on his way and that he “loved you more that there were stars in the sky.”

You held that last letter tightly in your hands as the all black town car pulled into the driveway of your family home. You would see him, finally see him, and he would see you. Only you would be a shadow cast behind your sister. Hyunjin could never know that those words were not hers. He would marry her and you would go back to your life before. As Hyunjin slowly stepped out of the car, the sunlight shone through his hair like a beacon. His forearm flexed as he gripped the car door and closed it behind him. He stood still for a moment, his eyes flicking between you and your sister until his gaze finally landed on you. Your sister hastily stepped in front of you and introduced herself. Hyunjin shook his head for a second to break the stare between the two of you before smiling warmly at your sister. He held her tightly, his long arms sweeping around her waist and pulling her close to his chest.

“I am so happy to meet you in person, my love!” He exclaimed, his hand coming up to cradle your sister’s face.

Dinner was a complete blur. The clanking sound of silverware and glasses swirled around your ears while your mind drifted further and further from the dining room. The voices of your family were distant, just an echo of a sound as you attempted to keep your food down. After dinner, Hyunjin and your sister snuck off somewhere in the house to be alone. You made your way up to your room and lied on your bed, willing your brain to erase the last year so the heaviness in your chest would subside.

“Fine! Okay? I didn’t write those stupid letters! But that doesn’t mean anything, right?” your sister shouted from the other side of the wall. You stayed in bed and made your way to the wall that divided your two rooms to see if you could hear anything. “She’s a loser! You don’t want her!” Your sister screamed.

“If she is the one that wrote all those letters, then I do. I do want her.”

Your heart dropped. You moved your head away from the wall and turned to face your bedroom door as you heard footsteps approach.

“Please, don’t be upset with her.”

“I’m not upset with her.” Hyunjin took a step closer, closing the gap between the two of you. “You look just as I imagined.” He whispered, his breath brushing softly against your neck.

Your breath hitched as he moved closer. Your hands move instinctively to his waist. Your hips coming into contact with his as his hands move down your back and come to rest at your sides. He leans into your ear and speaks in a low tone. A secret shared just between the two of you. Something intimate that nothing in this world could penetrate. “You’re the one I want to marry. You’re the bride I have been waiting for.”

taglist: @simply-trash5 @sugawhaaa @trixiekaulitz @chrizzztopherbang @cassidymb121 @roanns-posts @staysinbloom @yaorzu-blog @bubblebisk @cotton-candycloudz @beautyinhypnosis @domicaru @strawberry31 @slxtmeri @newhope8 @tinyelfperson @dandelions-143 @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @msauthor @fun-fanfics @ell0thebell @stephanieeeyang @juskz @kimahreummm @readr1221 @kayleefriedchicken @ovulatingrn @hwnglixho @darthmaddie25 @queen-in-the-shadows @itgirlalisaa @miinhoo @greyaia @chanchansgirly @skzleeknowcore @skz-smut-reader @thatisrankharry @hearts4yawnzzn @jchotch726 @cherricola-star @minh0scat

[beatingdrumspouringwine]

Dionysian Festivals in History

You'll never believe who procrastinated on their thesis by writing this. (It definitely wasn't me, if anyone's asking.)

One of the more common difficulties that comes with being a Hellenic Polytheist (or, really, any follower of a pre-Christian religion) is a lack of knowledge about how certain festivals were practiced. This problem is especially true in the worship of Dionysos, where many of the practices were unwritten about, due to either common societal knowledge of them, or a more mysterious aspect to them.

I'm going to go over a crash course of historical festivals to Dionysos (using @thegrapeandthefig's Attic Calendar, as is usual), and explain what each festival is, and how it would have been celebrated historically.

We start off at the start of the Gregorian calendar year with Lenaia. This year, it took place from the 22nd to the 29th of January, which translates to the Attic calendar as the 12th to the 19th of Gamelion. There isn't too much information known about what the festival specifically entails, although there are some hints about it on what are known as Lenaia vases. The vases show scenes related to Lenaia and Anthesteria, but scholars are able to differentiate it by looking at what is depicted on the vase (if it's wine, it's Lenaia). Obviously, the drinking of wine was a pretty important part of the festival, as Dionysos' epithet "Lenaios" means "he of the wine-press". There may also have been elements relating to Dionysos' infancy.

The beautiful thing about Lenaia is that it was so vaguely celebrated, historically speaking. There was wine, and perhaps some plays put on, but other than that, a lot of the festival can be left up to the practitioner.

After Lenaia comes Anthesteria, falling this year on February 20th to the 22nd (Anthesterion 11th-13th), and about which there are a good number of resources. This festival was supposed to be* a springtime festival, which was separated into three days: Pithoigia, Choes, and Chytroi, which can be translated as "Jar Opening", "Jugs", and "Pots". It is strange that Anthesteria covers so many themes - new wine, love, and, at the end, death. However, the article Athens' Festival of the New Wine, by Noel Robertson, offers some important insights on this. It seems that the festival commemorated the myth of Icarius and Erigone, which, for the sake of space (and my own time), I'll link to here: Britannica - Erigone. In short, this festival follows their gift of wine, the drinking of this new wine among the mortals, and Icarius and Erigone's deaths at the hands of shepherds, who did not understand the gift they had been given.

Pithoigia: As the translated name suggests, this is the day of the opening of the wine casks which, up until that moment, had been *fermenting throughout the year. From these casks, the Athenians would libate the first wines out to Dionysos. This was also a day where wine was enjoyed by all, not just by Dionysos - Robertson mentions that in ancient Athens, this was the day during which the wine was mixed.

Choes: Choes is day two, which is the day of Jugs. For lack of a better word, this was the most boisterous day of the entire three-day experience. People of all ages and social classes engaged in wine-drinking contests, while in secret, rites were performed in which the wife of the current king was married to Dionysos. There *was also a tradition in which public shrines were roped off, although this seems to be related to the story of Orestes, who was considered to be an unclean man. Strangely enough, despite the boisterous and celebratory connotations of the day, it was also considered to be an unlucky day.

Chytroi: This third day of Anthesteria likely commemorated the deaths of the two followers of Dionysos who were given the gift of wine-making from Him: Icarius and Erigone. Icarius was killed by shepherds, who believed him to be poisoning them, and Erigone killed herself after finding her dead father. This is where the (with *context, somewhat grim) tradition of swinging at the Anthesteria comes from. This was also the day in which the wine was ritually mixed. This, from what I can gather, means that the wine wasn't necessarily mixed for use among mortals, but rather mixed and consecrated to Dionysos Himself.

Ultimately, Anthesteria is an incredibly complex festival, and I've barely scraped the surface on it in this post. The days are a bit mobile in celebratory orders as well, as it seems that many of the fine points of the festival can be moved around.

The next festival we encounter in the Athenian calendar is the City Dionysia, or Greater Dionysia. This year it falls on March 19th-25th (Elaphebolion 11th-16th). Thankfully, this celebration is one with a lot less ambiguity about its traditions, mainly because it's turned out a lot of things which have stuck around in the world, and remain to this day, such as the Greek plays. In short, this was a large festival which took place in Athens, and involved the production and showing of multiple comedies, dramas, and satyr plays. As the patron of the theater, obviously Dionysos' name was attached to it.

Beyond the theatrical aspect of it, many sources show that Dionysian processions were a pretty big part of the historical celebrations. To be perfectly honest, my view on it is almost like a weeklong Dionysian Mardi Gras.

From here, we have a massive jump of almost half a year to the next festival, which is Kybernesia. This year, it takes place on September 10th, or Boedromion 8th. I have my own hot takes on this long span in which there are no Dionysian festivals, but that's going to wait until another post in which I can truly unleash my full opinions upon the world.

The Kybernesia is celebrated in the modern day as a Dionysian festival, but in all the academic sources I found, it is listed as an Athenian naval festival. One source says that it linked to Theseus after he sailed from Crete, which would maybe explain the potential Dionysian connection, as it was on this journey from Crete to Athens that Theseus abandoned Ariadne on the shores of Naxos. However, if anyone else has a more in-depth source on a Dionysian connection to the Kybernesia, I'd be really happy to see it!

At some point during the month of December was held the Rural Dionysia, which is similar to the City Dionysia, but just... more rural, more rustic, perhaps a bit more rowdy. Its celebration was determined by various local governments, so there's a lot of flexibility on when it can be celebrated. According to @thegrapeandthefig's calendar, "Popular choices [for celebration] include the 7th, 8th, 11th, or 14th."

This is where the current list of Dionysian festivals on the Attic calendar ends. However, it's definitely not the end of celebrated Dionysian festivals in general. There were plenty more outside of Athens which don't have as many resources on their historical celebrations (Lampteria being one). I might go over these festivals in some other post, but for now, y'all get the Athenian calendar!

*supposed to be in spring refers to the fact that, for most folks living in the northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it's almost definitely still winter when the Anthesteria rolls around.

Sources:

Lenaia:

Wikipedia - Lenaia

Sarah Pierce - Visual Language and Concepts of Cults on the "Lenaia Vases"

Anthesteria:

Britannica - Anthesteria

Noel Robertson - Athens' Festival of the New Wine

William Nickerson Bates - The Lenaea, The Anthesteria, and the Temple [Limnais]

B. C. Dietrich - A Rite of Swinging During the Anthesteria

City/Greater Dionysia:

Britannica - Great Dionysia

Kybernesia:

Valerij Goušchin - Athenian Synoikism of the Fifth Century B.C., or Two Stories of Theseus

Stephen D. Lambert - Parerga III: The Genesia, Basile and Epops Again (just a note: if you read through these resources, the information on Kybernesia is hidden in the footnotes or only mentioned once in the text.)

Rural Dionysia:

Leonhard Shmitz - Dionysia

Credits:

Thanks to @just-another-dionysus-devotee for suggesting this as a topic! It was really fun to research this topic!

And the divider design in this post is from @cafekitsune

[kitkatscabinet]

Sleeping Beauty

Jacaerys Velaryon x Alicent's daughter

Summary: Slighted by not receiving an invitation to the birth celebrations of the newest princess, the sorceress known as Maleficent places a wicked curse upon the babe.

Word count: 800

INTRODUCTION

The birth of a royal babe was not always a grand affair. After Queen Alicent had gifted the king a son, Aegon the second, he had not much interest in any children that followed. Princess Helaena and Prince Aemond had barely received a second of their father's affection before the King retired to his chambers.

As such when the good Queen fell with child for the fourth time she had already resigned herself to disappointment. Yet when her fourth babe was born, another girl, Alicent felt a love within her she had never thought possible. And she knew without a doubt that it would not matter if Viserys could not love the babe, she would love her enough for the both of them.

Yet against all odds, the moment the King laid eyes upon his newest daughter he could not tear them away. King Viserys had instantly called for a feast, a grand affair, the largest in years. Nobility from all across Westeros had been invited, and not a single family had been forgotten.

The feast was a resplendent affair, with twelve of the wise witches offered spots of honour and gifted plates of gold in return for their blessings. The air was jovial and even the King seemed to be in far greater health than usual.

"Presenting Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and princes Daemon Targaryen and Jacaerys Velaryon"

The king received the party with enthusiastic vigour, pulling his brother in for a hug as little Jacaerys toddled over to investigate the new princess.

She was a small thing. Precious, his mind whispered as her eyes opened to stare up at him. The babe let out a happy giggle, reaching towards him and an entranced Jace reached down to let her grab at a finger. Unable to pull his gaze away from the cooing princess.

It is only when his mother pulls him away to sit that Jace reluctantly lets go.

The three good fairies arrived next. Mistresses Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, all moving to bestow a single gift upon the princess.

Flora granted the gift of beauty rare, with lips so red she'd walk with springtime everywhere.

Fauna was second, offering the gift of song, and melody her whole life long.

But just before the good fairy Merryweather could bestow her gift, the doors to the great hall flew violently open. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, green flames unleashing her wrath.

Maleficent.

At first, she appeared calm but the Queen could not help the feeling that something was amiss. Her suspicions were unfortunately proven true as the sorceress glided across the floor towards her babe, the promise of a gift on her smiling lips.

"Listen well all of you." She addressed the room at large. "The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But, before the sun sets on her 16th birthday she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die!" Her words were punctuated by the eerie swirling green and purple magic.

The Queen let out a horrified scream, rushing to her babe and clutching her to her chest as if to protect her.

The King was furious and ordered the capture of Maleficent. Alas her magic was far too powerful and she disappeared before the eyes of all.

The queen was incandescent in her grief, falling to her knees, sobbing as she clutched desperately at her child.

The merriment had disappeared, the atmosphere immediately solemn, and little prince Jacaerys was unable to look away from the queen. From the princess, sniffles turning to sobs for reasons he couldn't quite identify.

"Your majesties" Merryweather stepped forward, "Maleficent's magic is far too great to undo, but I can still help" she supplied.

And thus the princess was granted her third gift.

That should a spindle her finger prick, a ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee. Not in death, but just in sleep. The fateful prophecy she'll keep. And from this slumber, she shall wake, when true love's kiss the spell shall break.

The king, still fearful of his daughter's fate, did then and there decree that every spinning wheel in the kingdom be burned on that very day.

But the king and the three good fairies still had their doubts. Thus it came to be, that the beloved princess was to be raised away from the castle. Under the watchful eye of the good fairies until her 16th birthday did pass.

None were as devastated by the news as the good Queen Alicent, but it was said the young prince Jacaerys was a close second. And as the princess was taken from his side, she cried for the first time in her life. Perhaps aware it would be some time before she would see her prince again.

TAGLIST: @etherily @psychwardsiren @mihrimahsultan03 @bbyaemond @krispold @eudximoniakr @deadstarkblacksoul @weepingwitchofthewest @kaitieskidmore1 @eli1fict @rainerax @dsl19999 @uno7 @shine101 @xinyourdreamsx @Kitty-marie725 @lacunaanonymoused @50svibes

[thgfanfictionlibrary]

Friends to Lovers Fics Masterlist (9)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 /

Created: June 6th, 2024

Checked:---

Don't Talk To Me-hutchabelle (ao3) Summary: Katniss Everdeen hates people. Well, that’s not exactly true, but she doesn’t exactly like them either. They’re too…human or whatever. Too many acquaintances. The last thing she wants to do is get close to any of them, especially after the events of the past few months. She’s barely holding it together as it is, and introducing people or, even worse, friends could tip her right over the edge. She values her sanity. That’s probably why the new, sweet, disgustingly optimistic, overly friendly hire at the coffee shop where Katniss works irritates her so much. He’s just so nauseatingly earnest. It makes her want to punch him in the face. Enemy-HGRomance (ao3) Summary: I’m Katniss Everdeen-Snow. I’m eighteen years old, the president’s granddaughter, and the youngest gamemaker Panem has ever known. I’ve been taken prisoner by Peeta Mellark and the rebels of District 13. But I’m dangerous and trained to kill, and I’m not going down without a good, long, hard fight. Canon Divergence. Everlark Coffee & Tea-JHsgf82 (ao3) Summary: Modern AU. Katniss and Peeta, who are best friends, decide to open a coffee & tea shop together. How will it turn out? Will they become more than business partners? Oh yeah, and they were roommates! Everlark Spring Break-Xerxia (ao3) Summary: Prompt 17: Katniss can’t afford to go away on Spring Break, so Peeta brings Spring Break to her. [submitted by @hutchhitched ] For the Everlark fic exchange, spring edition on Tumblr. Falling Like Stars-JLaLa (ao3) Summary: Katniss was more than happy to cater Gale and Madge’s wedding. Until she found out she would be working with Peeta Mellark, a returning District 12 resident—and her childhood crush. Finding my way Home-Xerxia (ao3) Summary: When Peeta Mellark needs a 'plus one' for a family wedding his best friend, Katniss Everdeen is the logical choice. Isn't she? Get the Money Shot-hutchabelle (ao3) Summary: Written for Everlark Fic Exchange Springtime Edition 2021 Prompt 32: Katniss Everdeen, famous musician hates posing for photoshoots whether it’s for an album or a magazine with the exception of celebrity photographer Peeta Mellark who seems to always know the way to get the best shots. Guy Time-JLaLa (ao3) Summary: Peeta Mellark returns to his hometown to help his best friend, Katniss with her two rambunctious kids. What happens when he starts to fall for all of them? Have Your Cake and Eat It Too-katnissdoesnotfollowback (ao3) Summary: For his twenty-fifth birthday, Peeta gets exactly what he's always wanted. Written April 2017 as a birthday gift for franceschee via everlarkbirthdaydrabbles on tumblr. He Doesn't Belong Down There-oakfarmer (ao3) Summary: It’s not unheard of for a merchant’s third son to end up in the mines. But why did it have to be the baker’s third son? In a Panem without the Hunger Games, Peeta becomes a coal miner and someone isn’t happy about the Boy with the Bread spending his days underground.

[honeyhhearted]

The Sun and Her Flowers

Read on AO3

Warnings: None

Relationship: Loki/Reader

Summary:

You and Loki finally settle into the domestic life you deserve, and you couldn't be happier. (Or, a complete fluff bomb where Loki gets his happy ending.)

A/N:

hello! i'm so new to writing small one-shots, so i hope this one is good :) i'm still working on Hold My Hand, and I'm like 3/4 done with the next chapter, but in the meantime i wanted to write some fluff <3

You loved to watch your garden bloom in springtime.

You watered each and every plant with such tender care and love, humming sweet songs to yourself as you went. There was something about gardening that felt so right, so at peace, that you dedicated your life to exploring it. To expanding it as far as you could.

After Thor’s coronation, and the declaration of Loki as his royal advisor, you and Loki decided to take a step back from the spotlight that came with being members of the royal family. As the Prince and Princess of Asgard, you of course had certain responsibilities and functions you must attend, appearances and galas and whatever else the good King Thor could come up with. But a quiet life was all the two of you desired.

The years hadn’t been kind to Loki. He still grieved the life he once lived, and mourned the person he was before. In all his time with you, he had learned to release the anger he held toward his father and brother. He met you at a dire crossroad in his life, on the verge of acting drastically in an attempt to prove that he was worthy of the pride Odin showed Thor, despite Loki’s true parentage. You, though. You’d shown Loki unconditional love, without lies, without secrets.

You were there when Odin fell into Odinsleep. When he woke, only to pass not long after. You were there when time took Frigga as well, her bright, twinkling eyes fading into beautiful and revered memory. You held him when his shoulders shook in grief and pain for months following. And you loved him even more as he became the man his mother always knew he could be.

When Loki had presented this lovely place for the two of you, a modest countryside home - or as modest as a Prince can get - you couldn’t believe it. He knew, and listened, to your desires of a simpler life. One where you could use the gardening knowledge you’d gotten from Frigga during your lessons, where you could learn to be a homemaker without the bustling of staff around you. You’d wanted a quiet home for your future children, where they would learn of a life without the pressure of royal perfection.

Thor was all too happy to allow the move. With Loki as his advisor, they had fitted a device that strengthened Loki’s ability to travel in and out of the palace with ease, and for Thor to reach you if needed.

But in the evenings, when Loki’s work was done and your garden was glistening in the setting sun, you lived the life you’d always desired. Sitting by the fire with each other, limbs tangled, cheeks flushed, speaking in hushed voices about the events of the day, you felt your heart grow every day for your husband.

-

As you continued to garden, you heard the telltale sound of Loki returning, and you hurried inside to greet him.

“Hello, darling,” He said, his eyes brightening when he saw you.

You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck and placing a gentle peck on his lips. “How was everything today? Did the two of you sort out the final arrangements for his,” You lifted your hands to motion air-quotes, “‘post-coronation’ ball?”

He rolled his eyes, chuckling. “We did. He insists it’s not to celebrate the coronation itself, but to celebrate the new start for Asgard, but I saw him choosing the drink list.” He lowered his voice, pressing his forehead to yours as if guarding a secret between your bodies, “Between you and me, I do believe our lovely King plans on letting himself particularly loose at this ball.”

You laughed, tossing your head back. “He was always a partier, was he not? Don’t think I don’t remember the stories of the Mighty Thor, protector of Asgard and resident drinking champion.”

You had been around for many years, and Thor never changed. Your brother-in-law was always lighthearted, trying his very best to make the people around him laugh even when the pressure on him was tremendous. Watching him grow over the years, you could see Loki realize how much work Thor was putting in to be the leader Asgard needed, and even now you could see the respect and pride Loki had in his brother despite his antics.

That night, after the two of you had enjoyed a meal together, you lay in the bath before bed. You sat between Loki’s legs, his arms wrapped tightly around you as your back pressed against his chest.

“You’re so beautiful, you know,” He said quietly. “I worry I do not tell you enough.”

You leaned your head back, pressing a light kiss under his chin, smiling at the way he still shivered slightly at your touch. “You tell me every day, my love.”

“Perhaps I should tell you twice daily.” He pressed a kiss to your ear. “Or thrice.” His hands rubbed up and down your arms.

You hummed. “Prince Loki, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were up to something right now.”

He let out a low chuckle in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. “My dearest. You should know by now, I am always up to no good when I am with you.”

-

Later, you laid in bed sated and happy, facing each other in the soft candlelight.

“Thank you.” You said simply, watching as his face crinkled in confusion.

“For what?” He asked.

You rested a hand on his cheek and he leaned into it, pressing a kiss to your palm. “For loving me.”

His eyes opened slowly and you basked in the way he looked at you with a sort of reverence, as if he was worshiping you. “I will always love you, my heart. You have shown me what it’s like to grow, to bloom. You are my ray of sunshine and I am the garden you have tended with such love and care, and I swear to you until my dying breath that my heart is yours.”

You leaned in and kissed him with wet eyes, and neither of you got much sleep that night.

-

You were gardening again.

You woke slowly in the morning, a note on your bedside table left behind by Loki as he left for work.

I hope you dreamed of me, It read.

You stood in the light of the sun, enjoying how it always felt on your skin. You loved its warmth, the comfort it could bring you as you knelt in the soil, adding to your beloved display.

Life continued, slowly. Asgard changed for the better, while Thor ruled with a kindness the kingdom had not seen in a long time. Loki worked tirelessly beside him, returning to you with proud eyes each day he was able to make a positive change. Every hand he shook, every expression of gratitude he received, showed him that he was worth everything.

At nights, when you were alone, the two of you had long conversations like you were still in your youth; whispered jokes and quiet giggles, secret glances at each other as you sat in different parts of the room. You couldn’t have asked for anything better.

And, when the time was right, your family expanded, and the sounds of small feet became a welcome addition to your lives. As you sat listening to the giggling of your children playing in the garden, your husband’s warm laughter behind them, you smiled to yourself.

[saint-augustines-pears]

Saw the post that mentioned samhain and wanted to toss in some info (if you ever wanted more info about it, because I don't do discourse on tumblr) from a recent info thing I put together recently, because this misconception with the samhain debate drives me nuts

Samhain was a harvest festival that marked the start of the dark half of the year. Along with its springtime counterpart Beltane (which marked the growing season/light half of the year), it was announced based on the weather and was facilitated by and only by the Druids, a blood-identity pagan religion of upper class priests.

Samhain would be announced whenever the weather got cold enough. It was sometimes in early October or late September. It was sometimes in early November.

October 31st was never a thing for Samhain because the date always varied, and because the Druids, being Celts and existing before the Roman occupation of their lands, didn't use the Roman calendar nor did they use our modern Julian calendar.

You'll also hear how the Celts had a celebration on the last day of October unrelated to Samhain. This is true; on the last day of almost every month they had a minor celebration. Again, keep in mind too that the date was particular to the way their own culture counted months, not how Rome did it back then nor how we do it now.

it's true that the idea of "baptizing" traditions and holidays isn't unheard of when people and cultures convert from one religion to another. What's good to note is that this is not a forced thing, the baptizing of traditions; it's a practice that embraces older traditions and doesn't eradicate them. Conquerers would just eradicate them.

Technically, it is possible that the original date of All Saints got its chosen date, May 13th, via baptism of Lemuralia, a Roman holiday where spooky stuff happened regarding spirits and the dead. Christians instead chose to celebrate the joy of the Saints in heaven, because Jesus defeated death and the gates of hell won't prevail, etc, then the pope made stuff official calendar-wise.

However, when it comes to the Samhain debate, it's a myth that the Church picked that date to overtake it.  Pope Gregory III switched up the date of All Saints in the 700s to commemorate a new oratory (special chapel) at the Old St. Peter's Basilica that was built to honor the saints and martyrs.

At a time when there were pagan religions and holidays all over the place, to try and outdo one harvest festival of one religious cult in the far north of the known world thousands upon thousands of miles away from Rome and Constantinople simply wasn't a reason to change an established date of a major, international, intercontinental religious celebration. 

Most of these myths, along with a romanticizing of pagan religions much like modern-day's romanticizing of Norse religions and wiccan stuff, arose in England and Western Europe during the 1600 - 1700s by anti-Catholics and misinformed historians/the wealthy.

Anon I just want you to know that I am your biggest fan

Also, how did I not know it was called baptizing traditions/holidays??? That’s so awesome and I love it???

Thank you so much, this is so well put together and honestly kind of better than my post lmao

[perseephoneee]

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 @mayfieldss (aka love of my life)

↳ masterlist  ↳ ship exchange ↳ taglist ↳ 1k celebration

-͟͟͞☆ I ship you with Carol Danvers! Carol is tough, and headstrong, but kind. She's ridiculously loyal and is good at owning up to her mistakes (so hard to find sometimes). She'd flirt hardcore with you (both of you are feisty), but she wouldn't let you down. She would become someone you can trust and feel comfortable letting your walls down around. Also, hello? Do we remember the singing planet? She's secretly a theater kid too.

-͟͟͞☆ Headcanons:

Carol takes you to visit her political husband. You guys kind of hit it off (throuple???). Also, everyone loves hearing you play instruments.

You love to give gifts to Carol, but also Goose usually ends up eating the gift :(

Nick Fury is somewhat offput by your sarcasm, but comes around to really appreciating you. Together, you are Carol's worst nightmare.

-͟͟͞☆ Tropes:

Springtime flowers (you) x Snow in winter (Carol)

Would get arrested together

-͟͟͞☆ Playlist:

california friends the regrettes

kiss me sixpence none the richer

all the small things blink-182

-͟͟͞☆ Character you're most like: Yelena Belova

-͟͟͞☆ I ship you with Isaac Lahey! Isaac is a man who is very obviously turned on by strong women (lol), and you being sassy with him would be his undoing. He gets having trust issues, and you guys could help each other through it. He's cool under pressure, and is 100% victim of the sassy man apocalypse (so sorry in advance queen).

-͟͟͞☆ Headcanons:

Isaac asks you to read over his essays (he's not a good writer, but you are), and it is always almost returned covered in red ink. Thankfully, you find it adorable.

He kept trying to ask you out. It mostly came out as all jumbled until he finally got it out. You were so shocked that you didn't respond for a good ten minutes and he thought you hated him. You just shut him up by kissing him.

-͟͟͞☆ Tropes:

himbo (him) x girlboss (you)

orange cat (him) x black cat (you)

-͟͟͞☆ Playlist:

all i want kodaline

crash the primitives

superman taylor swift

-͟͟͞☆ Character you're most like: Stiles Stilinski

Okay, this one was hella hard. I decided to give two options because I'm indecisive.

-͟͟͞☆ First person I thought of was Meg. Meg is…kind of cold (obvious), but she has an appreciation for people who are authentic. She'd love how true to yourself you were, and would find your feisty but kind nature to be sexy as hell.

-͟͟͞☆ The other person I think you could work with is Dean. Dean needs someone to put him in his place, but also act as an anchor through his life(you would be perfect for that!) You would totally bicker, all the time, but at the end of the day, you would just snuggle up and be alright. He would be so head over heels for you it's insane.

-͟͟͞☆ Headcanons (Meg):

Team Free Will wouldn't even know that Meg had a girlfriend. You'd just show up one day and their jaws would drop lol.

Meg would always be the one to push you towards opportunities you wouldn't otherwise take. She's your #1 fan.

sharing clothes. sharing clothes. sharing clothes.

-͟͟͞☆ Headcanons (Dean):

Sam was the one who set you guys up. He was tired of the constant (obvious) flirting and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Frequent movie nights in the Dean Cave.

-͟͟͞☆ Tropes (Meg):

Demon (Meg) x Angel (You)

Love at first sight

-͟͟͞☆ Tropes (Dean):

will they won't they

"i'm with you till the end of the line"

-͟͟͞☆ Playlist (Meg):

lovesong beabadoobee

boyfriend dove cameron

i want to be with you chloe moriondo

-͟͟͞☆ Playlist (Dean):

so american olivia rodrigo

just like heaven the cure

how soon is now love spit love

-͟͟͞☆ Character you're most like: Jo

[nlrpg]

spring has sprung in Nemean Lion’s gardens!

as the beginning of march ushers in the next season, meet us in NL’s lovely gardens for an afternoon tea time to celebrate this spring’s first blooms…

while NL’s well-kept gardens are meticulously and carefully looked after all-year round, this time of year is always the most revered when it comes to the gardens. march signals the beginning of the spring and the year’s first real bloom as plants sprout to full life in the gardens. to celebrate, the events team is putting together a semi-casual but fittingly elegant afternoon tea time.

with the assistance of NL’s garden keeper, Oliver Armstrong, the events team has decorated and outfitted the gardens to resemble an outdoor high tea. there are ornate white lawn tables and chairs, adorned with doilies and tulle and sprinkled with stray petals. following the advised attire, members can be seen setting up teapots and dessert towers while clothed in pastel colors, florals, and laces befitting a true tea party.

the party will feature elegant finger food, desserts, and teas made with ingredients from the very garden they stand in. finger sandwiches contain herbs like dill and rosemary as they mingle with the cucumbers and tomato of the vegetable patch. delicious petit fours feature ripe fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and peach. of course, the stars of the show are fragrant and refreshing teas blossoming with the delicate flavors of rose, lavender, jasmine, and sakura picked from the floral beds. served hot or iced, they’re sure to be the talk of the afternoon.

come out on the first saturday of march and enjoy a stroll through the gardens and a sip of specialty teas. it’s the perfect weather to breathe in the first bloom, and the perfect time of year to relax…

ooc info:

welcome to our next event!

after having a busy real-life springtime, we’re excited to usher in more activity on the server with a light-hearted event for the season!

in character, this event takes place on Saturday, March 2nd from noon to 3pm. members of NL are welcome to stop by at any time from between then, or spend the whole three hours mingling with their peers in the lovely weather and atmosphere.

this event is posted in tandem with our next movement in time announcement, and thus you may make threads pertaining to the event as soon as you see this post!

new threads may take place anywhere from march 1st—march 15th in character, and we will likely move forward in time again around june 1st OOC, which will signal when new threads from this event and time period will no longer be posted. we will of course update you again when that happens in the announcements channel.

let us know if you have any questions, and we hope you enjoy the tea party!

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #630

Top Ten Chocolates

Well, there’s chocolate. And, there’s chocolate. But! Only Wonka makes your confidence sky-rock-a-let. So put your hand into your pock-a-let, grab yourself some Wonka chocolate!

Ahem.

The problem being, of course, that Wonka Chocolate doesn’t actually exist. Well, okay, there’s something called Wonka Chocolate, but let’s face it, it doesn’t make you fart hummingbirds or whatever. Sadly, proper Wonka Chocolate remains the province of tall tales and masterful musicals that shockingly didn’t even get nominated for a single Oscar, despite having several of the best songs of the year.

Yes, even better than I’m Just Ken.

Where was I?

Oh yes, Easter. A celebration of renewal, of springtime, and of course the inspiration for the classic film The Life of Brian. So in a moment of spiritual solemnity I’m going to focus on the true meaning of the season by writing a list about chocolate.

This is no hifalutin list of blends and flavours; oh no sir. I did consider that, but then I thought that sounded both like a lot of hard work and also a bit pretentious. No, this is just chocolate products that taste really nice. Not cakes or anything though; basically bars. Chocolate bars. And stuff.

And that’s all there is to it. Now let’s all eat like we’re in the Ironic Punishment Division.

Dark Chocolate Orange: I like dark chocolate, I like orange-flavoured chocolate. There’s also something about the size and heft of the Chocolate Orange slices (segments?) that gives them a bit of gravitas; they’re small enough to have a few, if you feel like it, but also substantial enough to feel like a decent bit of chocolate on their own. Essentially, they tick all the boxes.

Dairy Milk: it’s classic, right? Now, generally speaking, I do prefer dark chocolate; I love those sexy Lindt bars and even a Bourneville. Those aren’t on this list though, but take it as read: they’re great. However, you really have to hand it to the simplicity and verisimilitude of Dairy Milk; it goes with everything. Snapping off a square from a big bar is one thing; but Easter eggs. Is there anything nicer than the shape and consistency of Dairy Milk Easter egg chocolate? I don’t care what comes with the egg, just give me several enormous Cadbury’s ones.

Starbar: going onto actual chocolate bars now, and I do like a bit of something in it. Starbars are great because they are soft but substantial; chewy, crunchy, and really jut have a lot going on. They feel light enough that you don’t get post-choc guilt attacks, but they also have their own bit of weight and substance regardless.

Cadbury’s Caramel: don’t give me any of that “Dairy Milk with Caramel” nonsense. This is its own beast. Dairy Milk chocolate, yes, but with really nice caramel within. Simply the best choc-and-caramel combo; sorry, Galaxy. And does anyone else miss the curiously sexy bunny?

Maltesers: I think I’ve become more and more drawn to the simple elegance of a Malteser as I’ve gotten older. The chocolate may not be Cadbury’s, but it’s sweet and light, and the soft, sugary sensation of dissolving one in your mouth borders on the sublime. I could probably eat a boxful if I allowed myself.

Peanut M&Ms: the connoisseur’s cinema snack of choice. There was a time when my wife and I could not be caught dead without a pack, either at the flicks or just in the car. However, they’re kinda expensive and very sweet and also the kids might have choked on them. But maybe they should make a comeback.

Crunchie: a thick, sturdy block of delightfully sweet honeycomb wrapped in a thin layer of chocolate. One of the most enjoyable chocs to eat due to its combination of subtlety and lightness and also it’s chonky boi energy. Can be soft, can be sharp, always tasty.

Boost: lower down the list than perhaps it really deserves. I really love a Boost, but they are superficially similar to the rather lighter and slightly more flavoursome Starbar. Their comparable heftiness can be what you’re after, and they are tasty. Plus – let’s not forget – they’re slightly rippled with a flat underside.

Reece’s Pieces: I struggled with how to rank these, because the actual Reece’s Pieces – the M&M-style things that Elliot feeds E.T. – aren’t that exciting and have that fake US chocolatey taste. But the other stuff they do – the bars and peanut butter cups and all that jazz – are amazing, probably the best synthesis of peanut butter and chocolate. So taken all together they rock. Despite being American.

Mint Aero: just pipping a Toffee Crisp at the post, because I couldn’t not have mint chocolate. I love mint chocolate, but it is something to be savoured, not an everyday delight. Whilst there are nicer chocolates and better incorporations of a minty flavour, there’s something about the softness and airiness of an Aero that makes it compelling.

Just bubbling under: Viscounts, Rolos, Munchies, and Kit Kats. And, of course, the aforementioned Toffee Crisp. Who’s hungry?

[chvndlr]

task seventeen: spring forward

1. first things first: do you like spring?

Yeah, it's fine I guess. Not my favorite but I don't really have anything against it either.

2. what is your favorite thing about spring?

Look, my favorite season is winter. I like the cold. I like the snow. I like that nobody's trying to get me to hang out at the beach. But I gotta admit the sunshine and the warmer (but not hot) weather feel pretty good.

3. what is your least favorite thing about spring?

I'm gonna be real with you. I fucking hate summer. Spring means we're that much closer to it and that I have another, like, six months before it starts to cool down again.

4. do you have a vegetable / produce / fruit garden?

No. I've thought about starting one, it'd be way better for my cooking than being at the mercy of whatever's in stores. But it's a lot of work and I don't think I've ever kept a plant alive in my life.

5. how about flower beds, or things planted in the house?

My house gives off a certain vibe. That vibe says "I'm 22 and I've never lived anywhere but a college dorm" which, despite not being factually true, feels accurate. Learning how to not kill a houseplant would really go against that aesthetic.

6. regardless of what you do or do not plant, are you good at growing plants? have a green thumb?

I think I've done a very good job explaining I'm fucking terrible at growing shit.

7. what’s your favorite flower or plant?

They're all pretty much the same....(Don't tell Nari I said that)

8. what’s your favorite scent that you associate with spring?

Floral scents. But not like real flowers, like candles.

9. is there a sound that you associate with spring time?

I guess birds chirping? You don't hear them much all winter, cause most of them leave and come back, so when you start to hear them a lot it really feels like spring

10. do you prefer sunny mornings or rainy afternoons?

Rainy afternoons. I'm not usually up early enough in the mornings to be happy about the sunlight coming into my house.

11. favorite thing to do on a sunny, warm spring day?

Take Jenna on a walk

12. favorite thing to do on a rainy, chilly spring day?

Stay inside and invite a friend over to play video games all day

13. do you celebrate Easter? any traditions you follow for it?

Eh, not really. My family was never big into holidays, so they were never a big deal to me as an adult either. No traditions or anything. And it's not really a holiday people get together and party for like Halloween or St. Patrick's Day

14. regardless of if you do or don’t: favorite Easter candy?

Anything chocolate-peanut butter. So Reece's I guess?

15. what other springtime holidays do you observe?

Are there even other spring time holidays? Other than St. Patrick's Day, I mean. Like who the fuck is out here celebrating Memorial Day?

16. favorite place in Merrock to visit in the springtime?

I've been here a couple years but I don't know. Pine Grove Gardens make for good photos in the spring, so I guess we'll go with that.

17. the spring bugs are coming out: do you rescue them and let them out of the house, or grab the nearest shoe?

Shoe. I don't need them getting back in the house the way they came in and fucking up any fruit that's on the counter.

18. are you a big spring cleaner?

Yeah. I didn't come to Merrock with much stuff, so I don't have much to declutter yet. But I am big into making sure every room is deep cleaned at least twice a year - in the spring and in the fall.

19. do you switch over your wardrobe from cold weather to warm weather clothes?

I saw a meme about switching from your winter blacks to your summer blacks, which sums up how I feel. I mostly wear jeans and tshirts year round, so all I really do is put my thicker jackets away for a few months.

20. how about the house: does your decor change for the spring season? do you rearrange furniture?

Yeah, I tend to switch out my decor every few months so it doesn't feel boring. It's been awhile since I rearranged furniture though. I like where it's at now.

21. what color makes you think ’spring’?

Pastels, right? Isn't that the big thing every year? The easter bunny is usually made in pastels, I notice a lot more pastel clothing when I'm doing photoshoots too

22. describe your perfect spring outfit:

Same thing I wear every day. I don't really think about my clothes unless I need to dress up more. And even then, I just make sure I look nice enough without putting a whole lot of energy into it. most adorable looking baby animal that you ever did see?

23. what’s a drink that makes you think of spring?

Mint julep. Couldn't explain the connection to you, but I seem to have them more in the spring than any other time of year

24. how about a snack?

Easy, peeps.

[dramioneasks]

HP FESTS: HP Fruit Fest

HP Fruit Fest 2023:

eat of the apple, so young by nyquilsquirrel - E, one-shot - Hermione wanted to writhe and bounce and grind her hips into his until her vision went white and spots formed in her periphery. She wanted to pant and gasp and moan as she combusted, shattering into a million little pieces of bliss while he kept her upright, supporting her always. She wanted to pulse and clench around him, walls fluttering frantically until he painted them white, mixing his fluids with hers and joining her explosive, carnal state of pleasure. She watched it all play out in her mind’s eye, all too tempting and enticing.Professor Malfoy wanted her to sit still.Hermione was enamored by him. She would do anything for him.And right now, he wanted her to warm his cock while he graded essays.She could do that. (WARNINGS: RAPE/NON-CON)

imperfection, my dear by riddikulus_puff - E, one-shot - Astoria Greengrass and Draco Malfoy were happily married along with their gorgeous, blond-haired son, Scorpius Malfoy, but life got too busy and it was decided between the couple that they needed a babysitter. And they needed one desperately. This was where the recently turned nineteen-year-old Hermione Granger came in and was the best candidate for the job role of babysitter. However, Draco and Astoria couldn’t help it when alternate feelings start to rise from seeing the young woman with their son. (Draco x Hermione x Astoria)

chocolate covered strawberries by riddikulus_puff - T, one-shot - Hermione Granger had always loved springtime. She loved everything about the season even though she was a late summer baby having been born in the middle of September, she had always preferred the spring and autumn time. They always called out her names. Then she found true love with Draco Malfoy, who had also always loved the springtime. He felt the same about the season even though he was another summer baby. They purposely had their wedding in the Malfoy Manor gardens in the middle of spring. They had prolonged their honeymoon so they could celebrate it within the spring. But, then came the birth of their two spring babies. Scorpius and Lyra Granger-Malfoy. With the cherry blossom blooming on the trees across the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Newborn lambs and little piglets frolicking about in the neighbouring fields. Loads of loaded picnics with all different kinds of food and drink underneath the shining sun with their babbling children. Hermione and Draco Granger-Malfoy would always love the springtime.

Taking Pear of Each Other by aCanadianMuggle - G, one-shot - Draco Malfoy has a boot full of pears and Harry Potter has a pub full of people who like eating them.

This fest is ongoing.

[professorpski]

The Big Blooms Print Dress: Choosing the Pattern(s)

Where does an idea start? Sometimes it starts with a fabric. You see the polyester satin fabric which I bought for no reason particular project. I simply loved the exuberance of the print. True, it is poly, not my favorite fiber, but the colors charmed me.

Then, I got word of a family wedding coming up for this spring, so I took a look at the fabrics I had on hand. Big Blooms, as I have dubbed it, seemed perfect. It is a happy print that says celebration and springtime. What pattern? I settled on Butterick 6582, with the wide, flared skirt, perfect for dancing at a wedding.

Now, what to wear with it? A wrap of some kind? And then it hit me, use one of the embroidered silk organzas that I had also bought with no project in mind. I have two of them. One is a deep red. The other pale orange with peach embroidery; originally it was all peach, but was too close to my skin color to look anything but weird. So I popped it into the washing machine with some Rit Dye and the fabric became orange while the polyester thread stayed the peach. 

I put the 3 fabrics up against each other and it was clear the pale orange was the wrong color. Then I layered the red organza over the print as you see. An intriguing, swirling floral resulted. I was thinking of a sheer over-dress, a look from the 1950s that has fallen out of our style vocabulary, but which offers limitless color combinations. The re-issued Simplicity 8252 shows you one.

And so the idea grew for a dress in the print worn with the overdress for a quieter look for the wedding ceremony. Without the overdress, I will have a brighter dress for the reception and dancing afterward.

Neither of these patterns is still in print, but check the web and you should find plenty of them.

Stay tuned for how it is turning out.

[hp-fruit-fest]

Spring is here and Fruit Fest opened with a bang! Here are the juicy selections offered so far!

FIC. Draco & Harry. Draco/Hermione. Rated: G. Words: 1,251. Fluff. Chef Draco. Pub Owner Harry. Bars and pubs. Baking.

Draco Malfoy has a boot full of pears and Harry Potter has a pub full of people who like eating them.

🍐 Read on AO3 🍐

ART. Draco/Harry. Rated: G. Muggle AU. Fluff. Meet cute.

"And it might sound silly but let's go home"

🥭 Read on AO3 🥭

FIC. Draco & Goyle. Rated: E. Words: 1,434. Object insertion. Anal fisting. Pranks gone sexual. Drabble collection.

Harry and Ginny come up with an insane prank to play on Draco. Except it goes sideways. Well, more up, and then sideways, but only after plenty of stretching. This is crack gone overboard. Pumpkins go up holes and gaping booty gets an impressionist description; read at your own peril.

🎃 Read on AO3 🎃

FIC. Harry/Hermione. Rated: G. Words: 1,416. Panic attacks. Comfort.

Ron's left, and Harry buckles under the pressure. Hermione walks him back from the edge.

🥝 Read on AO3 🥝

ART. Draco/apple. Draco/Harry. Rated: E. NSFW art.

Draco does a photo shoot for Witch Weekly, in which he shows his appreciation for his favorite fruit.

🍎 Read on AO3 🍎

ART. Draco/Harry. Rated: G. Mpreg. Pregnant Draco. Cravings.

Apples symbolize peace, beauty, wisdom, joy, fertility, and youthfulness

🍏 Read on AO3 🍏

FIC. Draco/Hermione. Rated: T. Words: 402. Tooth rotting fluff. Family feels. Parenthood. Springtime. Scorpius & Lyra.

Hermione Granger had always loved springtime. She loved everything about the season even though she was a late summer baby having been born in the middle of September, she had always preferred the spring and autumn time. They always called out her names. Then she found true love with Draco Malfoy, who had also always loved the springtime. He felt the same about the season even though he was another summer baby. They purposely had their wedding in the Malfoy Manor gardens in the middle of spring. They had prolonged their honeymoon so they could celebrate it within the spring. But, then came the birth of their two spring babies. Scorpius and Lyra Granger-Malfoy. With the cherry blossom blooming on the trees across the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Newborn lambs and little piglets frolicking about in the neighbouring fields. Loads of loaded picnics with all different kinds of food and drink underneath the shining sun with their babbling children. Hermione and Draco Granger-Malfoy would always love the springtime.

🍓 Read on AO3 🍓

FIC. Astoria/Draco. Astoria/Draco/Hermione. Rated: E. Words: 3,668. Virginity loss. Dom/Sub. Mommy/Daddy kink. PWP.

Astoria Greengrass and Draco Malfoy were happily married along with their gorgeous, blond-haired son, Scorpius Malfoy, but life got too busy and it was decided between the couple that they needed a babysitter. And they needed one desperately. This was where the recently turned nineteen-year-old Hermione Granger came in and was the best candidate for the job role of babysitter. However, Draco and Astoria couldn’t help it when alternate feelings start to rise from seeing the young woman with their son.

🍒 Read on AO3 🍒

[kinfriday]

Sacred Days

My eyes slowly open and I know she is waiting within the deep clearing in the wood.  

Emerging from the hollow of my oak, my focus is only forward, as I make way deeper into the forest.  

The path has been burned into my memory by uncounted repetition, over and over again as sure as the sun rises to trace its path through the daytime sky, I know the way. 

And soon enough, the wood thins to give way to a grass filled clearing, and there is my Lady Eostre, waiting for me. This time there is no harness; no rolled up paper waiting for me to carry it. No, this time she calls me to her side, and I know I am to accompany her.  

The where is not important. Sometimes we ascend the ridge, and watch the dawn break over the horizon, other times we travel through the mists to other lands, distant places filled with new scents and human structures.  

It is all the same to me.  

Places are places, days are days. There has never been a questioning of a moment, or the reason for its happening. In all of my memories from that life, there is only one time I wonder why something is occurring and that is the moment just before my death.  

But we are not there yet. How far is it? Who is to say? There is no conception of days having a number, or a purpose beyond being what they are. I only know that I am what I am.  

Words have never defined that life, only experiences, moments that shine like stars against the back drop of a night sky of being, interconnected like constellations, shining in relation to each other, but when viewed as a whole, a chaotic wonder of place and time.  

And so devoid, of labels like December, Tuesday, or even Yule, I am only left with those moments, stripped of everything but their contents, and in this moment, she is with me, and she is my purpose. As certainly as I know myself, I know she is the focus of my being, as sure as any instinct, or anything that I do know in that life, I know I am hers.  

___ 

It’s been on my mind this last week, as we’ve neared Solstice and all the winter time celebrations that come along with it. I’ve gone through my traditions, performed my small quiet rituals before the Altar, lit the Yuletide candle, listened to Tim Curry read Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”  

It’s astoundingly good, and I highly recommend it.  

Gradually, in a way, relentlessly the time has moved towards peak holiday season, these last days of the year having a peculiar gravity to them, as the entire world of western culture seems to come into celestial alignment with these days. Ugly sweaters abound, diets explode before temptations of bounty, as we celebrate every good thing in our lives.  

But the Yuletide is just a series of days, a season in our lives. With our calendars and our complexities, it comes predictably once a year where we unpack its sentiments, dutifully recite its lessons, then pack them away with the tree, the decorations and, with rituals completed, seal away the eldritch abomination of Christmas music for at least one more year.  

Mariah Carrie sleeps fitfully, encased in a prison of holly, awaiting the moment just after All Hallows before she will rise once again to torment us all. 

And thus, until Ragnarök...  

“I will keep Christmas in my heart and observe it all the year.” Says Scrooge upon his reform, and this season, that phrase has stuck with me, along with Marley’s lament... 

“Mankind should have been my business!”  

Those words ring with conviction as I reflect on the fact that for all my memories of my true life, none include a Holiday, or knowledge that one day was any more important than another.  

It was the moments that mattered, and who was a part of them. The presence of my Lady was total, the whole of my world and focus. When she was not there, I was waiting for there, when she was there, all I wanted was to be near or please her.  

We’d travel, I’d occasionally run messages, and often receive treats of apple for my efforts.  

In the springtime she would sit and sing with me sprawled across her lap, blissfully half conscious, while she stroked back my ears.  

The days themselves were not sacred to me, they were what they were, but she was sacred to me. Those moments of togetherness and the love I had were and are sacred to me though I did not have the words to define them so then.  

And while I do not have any memory of holiday, I think I had it right. The holidays are moments not made sacred by their moment, but by their content, what they remind us of. That family, that having enough, that love, and hope are all blessings to be cherished. That life is precious and fleeting. We only have this moment for sure so let us make the most of it. Let us love with our whole heart and strive to live in fullness of the now.  

A blessed and happy holiday to all. May the blessings of the Gods find you throughout the year!  

-Sister Snow Hare

[primordialsoundmeditation]

**Rabbit Totem**

Symbolic rabbit meanings deal primarily with abundance, comfort, and vulnerability. Traditionally, rabbits are associated with fertility, sentiment, desire, and procreation. Rabbit meanings are also closely linked to the seasons, the changes of Mother Earth, and specifically Springtime. Have you ever heard the term "madder than a March hare?" It has to do with rabbits going bonkers around this time of year. They feel the call of spring just as strongly as everyone and everything else - perhaps moreso. Creatures of all kinds feel the tremors of springtime's return and respond to it in wild courtship. It's a celebration of life, and bunnies bounce right back into the swing of spring.

All of us know the power of population the rabbit has - they are legendary for their ability to reproduce fast and furiously. For that same reason, the rabbit is a perfect symbol for this spring which is fertile with themes like: New life, New beginnings and the undeniable current of growth. The rabbit is also a symbol of Ostara, an ancient fertility goddess whose symbols are rabbits, various flowers and eggs (more life/growth/fertility themes!).

A mother rabbit can have forty or more babies a year. That's symbolic of the cycle of life, and they way life carries on generation after generation. This could hearken to our ideals of ancestry. Indeed in many cultures (Asian, for example) the rabbit is a symbol of longevity and a long family line. Rabbits' renowned ability to have large litters of babies is also symbolic of creativity/creation.

Some general symbolic rabbit meanings include:

Love

Luck

Shyness

Speed

Growth

Rebirth

Creativity

Harmony

Family

Awareness

Perception

Abundance

Esoteric Knowledge

Rabbits love to chew, and their teeth never stop growing. Symbolically, chewing implies repetition, contemplation, and breaking concepts down into component parts. Their diet is light and green, which implies symbolism of health and prosperity.

Rabbits are burrowers and their deep, maze-like tunnels symbolize connections with primal energy as well as Mother Earth energies. The rabbit encourages us to retreat within, get warm, and collect ourselves. They also prompt us to connect with the Mother in deeper ways. Rabbits prefer to be on the ground; they are true earth element animals. We cannot help but be reminded of groundedness in their presence. Rabbits and hares are nocturnal and share the same lunar symbolism. The moon is often depicted as a rabbit in many cultures, thus lending associations of deep intuition and emotionality. For sure, the rabbit symbolizes reflection.

Rabbits are highly social animals, displaying genuine feelings of happiness and affection. Vice versa, they can display aggression, jealousy, and hostility in their social environment. These kind of behaviors are common in every family and community and as such, the rabbit is a symbol of working out social differences and getting along with our fellow society members.

These animals are about body and soul. Consider the amazing perceptive abilities of the rabbit. Radar-like hearing and near 360 degree vision speak of sensitivity. The rabbit reminds us to examine and utilize the tools we have within ourselves. Although our instincts are innate, they also need nurturing and development.

If you've held a rabbit, you know their hearts beat very fast and hence they are often associated with people who have highly sensitive, extremely alert, and very cautious personalities. Rabbits are all about hopping and jumping, in fact, they are known to leap over nine feet high! As children, we appreciate and embrace these playful movements. As adults, we should herald the frivolity and enjoyment of such a relaxed and uplifted spirit.

Rabbits are magical and mysterious and those relating with this animal totem are full of life and possess a deep connection with the sacred, eternal spirit of the earth. Rabbits are diverse creatures, packed with symbolic potential. Thus, there's tons more rabbit meanings available to us, if we just tap into their energy, and add a little more research in getting to know them on a deeper level.

(Rabbit totem information taken from whats-your-sign . com/Photo from google images)

Words of Wisdom by the Lit Messenger