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ruinedbylanadelrey · 1 year ago

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King of Your Heart

Chapter 16 "I wanna be the king"

summary: All that Frankie has ever wanted to be was your everything. After years of being best friends one phone call changes everything between the two of you.

inspired by The King by Sarah Kinsley

warnings: 18+, MINORS DNI, age gap (reader is 28-29, Frankie 38-39), friends with benefits -> situationship, Frankie isn't a dad (yet), jealously, best friends with benefits, reader is toxic, reader wears makeup, reader has long hair, it's the last fucking chapter, so many taylor swift references, fluff, husband!frankie, smut, pregnancy (not reader), angst, courthouse wedding, no y/n, pet names, possessiveness, triple frontier boys, Tom is dead, reader is a flirt

an: i think i will be deleting this fic from tumblr at the end of the week. so read up while you can all because of this message<3 but thank you all for reading. i loved this ride of a story, i appreciate all my supporters. here's the fucking happy ending everyone wanted, i rewrote this last chapter 3 fucking times because i just didn't want everyone to hate me anymore than already do. i had a whole other author's note for the last chapter but nevermind.

inside the world of king of your heart

playlist

series mainlist | main masterlist

taglist: @hiroikegawa

It's been 6 months since Frankie popped the question after you and him had sat down and talked out everything you both have done to each other and then talked about little Morales on the way. Frankie offered you the chance to leave but you held his scruffy face in your hands, staring into his deep brown eyes, and said "Frankie, I want you and everything that comes with it." Frankie smiles, his eyes crinkling, and starts to tear up. Your heart soars when he nuzzles his face into your palms, breathing in your sweet scent and the warmth of your soft skin.

A wedding was out of the picture when you and Frankie decided to start looking for a bigger home for your growing family. You and her buried the hatchet and will do everything in the best interest of everyone's baby. You offered to take her to the doctor's appointments because you told her that the baby is just as much yours as hers.

Spending so much time with her created a nice acquaintanceship. The only stress you had was getting ready to welcome a human into the world. There were days when it was painful to be around her since she was living out your dream. Pregnant with Frankie's baby. You thought it was a sign to never have kids, just put it in the back of your mind. Frankie would come to the appointments when his job allowed him.

"I have a feeling it's a girl," she rubs her belly and looks out the window while you drove to the appointment. You smile and nod in response. "I have the same feeling," it was nice to agree and not have any fight behind it. You all agreed for it to be a surprise to find out the sex of the baby.

When the baby shower came around your emotions got heavier, especially when it was of her family and all of Frankie's family too. You felt like the black sheep of the party, sticking out like a sore thumb, no one talking to you besides Mari and Charolette. Frankie's mother was doting on Vanessa and Frankie. You had to remind yourself to keep a smile on your face and just enjoy being around your new family. It was also like a housewarming party since you found the perfect house. But the guys weren't there and Frankie had only stayed for an hour before leaving all the ladies with each other.

He slinks out of the living room to the kitchen, finding you mixing more punch and staring into the crystal bowl with the red liquid threatening to spill over the edges.

"Mama is looking for you," Frankie comes up behind you and wraps his strong arms around your waist. Your stirring comes to a halt, and your muscles tense up Frankie kisses your head and rubs your shoulders. He knows you've been on edge lately, he knew your mind was racing about what his mother wants to talk to you about. "Okay, I'll see you later, baby," You say, turning around to face him in his plaid button-up and slacks. You lay a sweet kiss on his cheek then sliding out of his arms.

The talk with his mother went a little like this, "I know you love him and he loves you but you're keeping a family apart." you sat there and nodded at everything she said. She wasn't wrong, you knew she was right, watching Frankie become a less angry person as the due date grew close and he was sweet with Vanessa. You didn't feel kicked aside at all through the months until now sitting in the mess of the aftermath of having over 30 people in your home. A glimpse into your future, with the birthday parties and holidays. Left cleaning other people's mess with Frankie god knows where.

You dismissed what his mother said, never bringing it up to Frankie. You know better than to play with fire. It was a Friday morning when you woke up next to Frankie waking up for work. The ache in your chest is suffocating as you stare at your future husband probably thinking about her and the baby instead of you and how you were right there next to him. You felt like a stranger in your own home. Frankie looks at you and smiles with his boyish grin.

"Let's get married today," Frankie rolls and hovers above you, caging you in with his arms. He looks down at you, seeing you with a shocked expression. "R-Really?" You sit in a rush, almost smacking into Frankie, he chuckles and nods, sitting up with you in the middle of the bed. Your arms wrap around his neck and you smash your lips against his. You rush out of bed and pull Frankie along with you. Frankie starts the shower with you kissing his shoulder blade and hugging him. Anticipation sat in your tummy, the day has finally come and still the ache rests on your chest.

You pull out the dress you picked for this day, a short off-white dress with puffy sleeves. You didn't need to be at the courthouse until 1 pm, took the few hours you had left to write the vows. Frankie disappears to the bedroom while you sat at the white desk. The pen was slipping from your grip, and the sweat from your palms collected when you wrote the last line of your vows. Sealing the papers in the envelope, smoothing out your dress before walking out of your office

Frankie heard your heels click on the hardwood floors that you demanded when you and him were looking for houses. He quickly folds the papers in half, shoving them in the envelope. He heads down the stairs and meets you in the living room.

You were looking at your reflection in the TV, and you turned around to see Frankie wearing the white dress shirt, unbuttoned at the top, no tie, black slacks. His dark brown hair was effortlessly styled with a brush through his hair with his fingers. He kept his scruff and mustache, your heart swelled at the sight of him. You smile at the memory of you pestering Frankie when you first became friends, you had gifted him clothes for his birthday telling him 'It's okay to invest in nice clothes'.

You and Frankie stand in front of each other with the envelopes behind each other's backs. When you had dreamed of your wedding day you always imagined it with people buzzing around you but just being you and him in the home you bought together was perfect. No one was there.

Just you and Frankie. You have him. He's here to stay and so are you. Frankie's brown eyes rake up and down your body, he admires how the dress flairs out and stops just a bit above your mid-thigh, displaying your thighs, and the way you had your hair pinned back with a bejeweled hair clip, he takes in the fact that you had on a full face of makeup, the way the beige colors of the eyeshadow bring out the color of your eyes, and the eyeliner drawing his attention to the eyes that made him a lovesick man.

"Mrs. Morales, you look like a true princess," Frankie makes the first move, stepping towards you and wrapping his free arm around your waist. The soft giggles from you made his heart beat a little faster.

"Thank you, Mr. Morales. You look dashing," Your hand slides up the dress shirt, feeling his warmth come through the cotton.

He looks like a husband, a husband who loves you and all your craziness. You tilt your head to look up at him, slotting your lips to lock with his. One last kiss before the one that seals everything together.

You stand in the cold courtroom along with many other couples, varying in age, race, and gender. You liked how everyone was in their worlds. Frankie was trying to text the guys about the events of this morning, trying to arrange a little something for you, just a surprise. You looked at Frankie who had his back to you, wondering what was eating his attention.

Your names were called, Frankie quickly shoves his phone into his pocket. He takes your hand in his and squeezes it as you approach the judicial notary. The basic ceremonial vows were repeated by Frankie first, "I, Francisco, take you" with your name leaving his lips made you melt into a puddle, ", to be my wife. In this moment, I promise before these witnesses to love you and care for you all of our days. I accept you with your faults and your strengths, even as I offer myself with my faults and my strengths." he choked up and pushed down the sob that was coming up.

Frankie was grateful to have you become his wife. He was emotional over the fact that you still want him after all the bad things he has done in service and not in service. You still want him even for his PTSD and addiction, you know everything and still want him as your lifelong partner made him realize that he doesn't have to live in fear or darkness anymore.

You raise your right hand and take a deep breath, "I," you cringe a bit when your legal name leaves your mouth, it was hard to say it because you don't identify with it, you are Princess ", take you, Francisco, to be my husband. In this moment, I promise before these witnesses to love you and care for you all of our days. I accept you with your faults and your strengths, even as I offer myself with my faults and my strengths." You were zoned in how Frankie's eyes dilated when you said the word 'husband' and how the smirk on his face became smug.

The officiant said the famous words, Frankie practically sweeps you off your feet, dipping you back and your arms wrapping around his neck like this morning in bed, his lips greedily find yours, pressing them together with sweetness and dominance. The taste of your lip gloss and his wintergreen mint was left in your mouth. Frankie pulls away and puts you back on your feet. You took a second to regain your stability from the kiss and the fact you wore heels. "Let's get out of here," Frankie whispers in your ear.

When you walk out of the courthouse and stop at the top of the stairs outside. This is it, you are married to him. It's done. You're a wife now. Frankie's wife. He is yours forever. You both look at each other and take a deep breath at the same time. The day has been nothing but perfect, waking up next to him, the first words to come out were 'let's get married today', sharing a hot shower with you giving him a blowjob then him fucking you with so much lust in his thrusts, you both taking time out of the day to write your vows to each other to be read later, now here you are married to him.

"I love you," Frankie and you say at the same time. The sun right above the two of you, Frankie cradles your cheek in his hand, tilting your head back so he can see how angelic you look as his wife, so soft and submissive, not angry anymore. His beautiful princess is finally his for life. "I bought you something, it's at home and there's another surprise waiting for you," Frankie says, scooping you bridal style and going down the stairs with you in his muscular arms.

"My husband already bought me something, how sweet, and has a surprise for his wife. So doting." You tease, running your fingers through his hair while he carries you to the truck. He opens the door and gently sets you in your seat. You turn your torso to grab his Standard Heating Oil hat and smoosh down his curls, "There. Now you look normal," You caress his beard and kiss his pouty lips. He smiles and winks at you before buckling you in.

The drive home was you trying to pull Frankie's surprise out of him. You were antsy and just wanted to get home and rip his clothes off. When you pull into the driveway, you see candles along the sidewalk leading to the gate of the backyard.

You chuckle and walk with Frankie to the backyard to find everyone at a round table with candle sticks in the center of the table. Everyone you love so much, Will and Charolette, Pope and that chick he met at Will's wedding, Benny and Mari, and then Vanessa. She was there with a smile and her pregnant belly carrying your baby. Frankie nodded at her and then ushered you to your seat, your plate next to on your left Benny and Frankie on your right.

Once you were all seated, exchanged congratulations Benny stood and held his glass of champagne.

"This day has been a long time coming since the night Princess almost punched me in the face," soft laughs broke out around the table, you nudged his hip with your elbow,

"She met her person and Catfish met his. I think we can agree that when they were together that it was hard to watch, Fish c'mon you should've kissed her the second you met her," Frankie rolls his eyes and brings your chair closer to his,

"What I'm trying to say is that we all love you guys and that it's about damn time you tied the knot, To...friendship," Benny sniffles back his tears and raise his glass, 'To friendship' everyone murmurs. You drink the gold bubbly and set the empty glass on the table.

It was beautiful to see your friends celebrate you and Frankie. You felt the closeness you've always yearned for. No one judges the other person, everyone just knows and minds their business. Your eyes flickered to Vanessa talking to Pope's girl, they were talking about kids.

Pope was half listening when he looked over at you watching Vanessa. He couldn't make out the aching look on your face. You thought about how everything was so juvenile just months ago and now you both have made the effort to forget the past. You admired how she came here to celebrate you and him. She was enjoying herself and it was comforting that you have grown up.

The night was coming to an end when you started to fall asleep while dancing with Frankie. Everyone said goodnight and one more congrats your way. Closing the door and turning to see Frankie already unbuttoning his shirt and shoes off with the bottle of champagne in his hand. You bite your lips drinking in the unholy image in front of you. He's delicious and wants you.

"Now I was promised a gift from my husband," You stalk Frankie, your hands roaming his waist and going up his chest and shoulders. Frankie looks down at you through his lashes and smiles with a nod. "Go sit on the bed, change into the set that was a gift from the girls, and I'll bring out your gift." He commands, your breath hitches in your throat, and his low voice is almost a growl.

You scurried up the stairs. You walked into the bedroom with the white box wrapped with a black bow across it. Your fingers rubbed the soft silk ribbon against your skin. You take off the top of the box to expose the black satin nightie that was sheer lace at the cups of the breasts, and black lace thong to wear under. Expensive lace, not itchy, woven delicately. You loved how satin was cool along your body, you love how it's hugging your hips and stopping just at where Frankie will be worshipping you.

The door opens, Frankie with a velvet box in his hand and the unopened bottle of champagne. You sit on your knees at the end of the bed, Frankie stands in front of you after he sets the bottle down on the bedside table. "I know you, Princess. I want you to wear this pride, not because I want to own you but because I love you for you and you love me" Frankie is staring into your soul, you know what he is saying. He opens the box to the necklace, with the dainty 'F' initial pendant pulled taut and will rest where your collarbones meet.

"I trust you," you stated, with no hesitation. He whispers 'Turn around', you face your back to him, and he gathers your hair to push out the way. His lips gently pressed to your skin, taking in your sweet scent and how your peach fuzz felt against his scruff. He clasps the necklace together and lays a kiss on your pulse point. Your skin heated down your body, the intimacy was healing your angry heart. You feel up your body to feel out the necklace and remember the 'F' between your fingers. "Thank you for this, I want this," you reassured Frankie, knowing he was doubting himself up to this moment.

Frankie pressed you down against the mattress, muscle memory took over as you arched your back and raised your hips. His calloused hands, slide up your thighs, taking handfuls of the soft flesh of your ass, spreading your cheeks, giving him a peek at your pink pussy in contrast to the black lace decorating your cunt. Glistening with your slick you've been producing all day.

Frankie groans when strings of your arousal connect the slutty thong,

"Fuck baby, have you been this wet all day?" Frankie brings his face to your cunt. His tongue licks up your slit, tasting slight orange from the mimosa you've been sipping all morning and how your tang mixed heavenly with it. Your musk mixing with the perfume you spray on your thighs was intoxicating to Frankie.

"Yes," you hiss out when he spreads you out more, just looking at how your hole flutters around nothing, aching to be filled. His fingers slide up and down your slit collecting your juices. You shudder at his teeth grazing against your skin, his tongue licking around the bite.

"How should I make my wife cum? By my fingers, or should I eat your yummy cunt? Maybe just stuff you full with my cock and fuck you into the bed?" Frankie pushes his middle finger into your pussy, you whimpered feeling his finger fuck in and out of you slowly.

"'M, fuck you with my fingers then my cock," Frankie mumbles into the fat of your thigh, focused on how your pussy was swallowing his fingers, he curls them hitting your g-spot, and your body lurches forward a bit from the instant pleasure you were wavering in.

"Fuck! Frankie, baby right there!" You hummed out, fucking yourself back on his fingers, his thumb pressing against your clit, a gush of slick ran down his hand, and Frankie licks up the slick. Your walls clenching rapidly around his digits.

Your thigh trembled uncontrollably, as your juices sprayed onto your thighs, the sheets, and his arms.

"Baby you feel so good," you slurred out, high off of the white-hot pleasure running through your body head to toe. Frankie kisses your ass once more before slowly retracting his fingers from your core. You hear the zipper of his pants and the rustling of clothes hitting the ground, Frankie climbs on the bed and taps your hip to flip over.

"I want to see your beautiful face when you take your husband's cock for the first time," Frankie's words were about to make you cum without him touching you. He pushes your thighs to your chest, and in one swift motion, he thrust his thick aching cock into your dripping core. You looked him right in the eyes, your mouth opened moaning from how full you feel when he's inside of you, and the pressure from being in the mating press.

Frankie rests your calves on his shoulders as he sets a fast pace, the tip of his length hitting your cervix, and his mouth kisses around your ankle, his tongue all over your legs. His deep groans turning into growls with each thrust.

His eyes gaze down at the necklace and his initial resting on your throat. "You're mine forever," Frankie leans down and sucks the thin skin on your neck, biting hard enough to leave a mark. Your hands pull on his hair, bringing his mouth to yours, his mouth opens inviting you in, the taste of champagne and your tang in his spit made you crave more of Frankie.

It was messy and hungry. Your salvia on his tongue, he spits into your mouth when you moan out when he lets go of your legs, letting fall open naturally, his pace slows down. He rests on his elbows next to your head, holding you in place, gazing at how fucked out you looked with his saliva coating your lips, your makeup running down your face, the lingerie wrinkled and covered in sex.

"I love you, princess," he whines, feeling his cock pump his seed into your womb, your legs locking him in place. "I love you, fish" you cried out when your orgasm floods you, consuming you when you could feel Frankie's warm cum mixed with yours, trickling out of your cunt that could handle so much.

Panting fills the silence and you pull Frankie to your chest, letting him rest, skin to skin. You want to rip out your chest and let him live inside of you forever. Your soft hands rub up and down his back, your nails lightly scratching his skin. Frankie could feel the chemistry of your hormones bring him closer to your soul. He loves it. You smell heavenly and look like a smoke show. His wife. His best friend.

You both relax, heartbeats slowing down enough for you to get under the covers, not worrying about the mess of your love on the sheets and between your thighs until tomorrow. Frankie pops open the champagne and lets you have the first sip. Life is good for once. You have him. He's yours.

The vows:

'My dearest friend, Francisco Morales. You have been my whole world since the night we met. We clicked right away, everyone assuming we were dating. Our friends pulling me away from you at the first party we went as friends, they asked if we were dating. I said no and then I was told we should date. I thought they were crazy. Years later I am writing these vows to be married to you. Before you, I was perfectly fine with being on my own, and you broke down all my walls. You made me better. You have been the person I've been waiting for. The king of my heart. Frankie, I am the luckiest woman in the world to have you worship me and my love for you. I know the road to this day was not easy, but you made it with me by your side. We've been to hell and back with each other, you have proved time after time that you will love me for me. You're a mansion with a view, I need you to know that you are wonderful in and out. I love you with my entire heart. Our love has been delicate but now it's long-lasting. I am ready for the next chapter in our lives. I am ready for our little baby on the way and the many more we will have together. I swear on my life to love you under any condition, any time, any where. I swear to be loyal and surrender all my fears to you. I swear to be your one and only until our last breaths. Thank you for loving me when I was so hard to love. No one was ever or will ever be worthy of my love, passion, or my heart. Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours.'

'My best friend,' your full name etched into the white paper, 'the title that you only hold. You stole my heart and never gave it back. It always been yours to keep. When you first walked into my life, I knew that I would fall hard. Your smile grabbed my attention. I love how you love me and our friends. I never wanted to be with another person so badly until you, Princess. When you chose me as a best friend I was thought I could die a happy man. I will always be yours. Everything is about you and I wouldn't want change it for the world. You're magnetic, I am drawn to you. You are my enchantress and I am perfectly fine to be under your spell for the rest of our lives. My sweet baby, I love you more than anything on this earth. I was never excited about life until I met you. Princess, everything that has happened has made me want to be the very best man for you. I want to be the king. I will be. I am the king, with you as my church, religion and everything I believe in. I swear to put you first, I swear to make things right, I swear to cherish our time together. I swear to love you and worship you every day. 'Til death do us part.'

hi guys thank you for reading. let me know if you want an epilogue. thank you again

#frankie morales #frankie morales x you #frankie morales x reader #frankie morales fluff #triple frontier #triple frontier fic #frankie morales smut #frankie morales x f!reader #pedro pascal #frankie morales angst

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libidomechanica · 1 year ago

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Untitled (“By much upon thyself only”)

A treochair sequence

The golden pits: ’twas too late, our souls would have ever trod the darts. We

rode; it seem’d very old vizier might or footmarks, but thought had been their

shops of shame in pride, or walk’d down monogamy like you for me,—so

sweet girl, were good with his breeding first, and dewy buds, and figured to

tie her an efforts for ever warm and strained in the flood. Comfort: therefore

than either keep, nor merit it. With voice was gentle her sad ears

like a stone to the high to scold, and the sun unwilling care: o think

I’m different story. By much upon thyself only. Men of France annex,

and how they like spiked aloe. But they lock thee in so hush a mask?

Like a firebrand; she told me too; you walk the hands, side by side. For

thee thine, nor dispraise your sense, with the muse of clay, but be no other

magazines of the glass, and clashed in thy combine the flint, as the fayre?

III

Like one dumb, and tells of human clay; ye could not join them, palace, what

are you are fair, on trembling over Endymion’s spirit never read

strange and full of power for goose is said, young Juan was thilk same lawn all

sudden journeys, I beheld and yet rolls away; she recognized no

being; in a gushing for men, but could marry. He left it: so farewell!

Know on earth, sings but one, till some a swooning over. As heavy

day on day, and t is odd, none at present; i’m sensible of happy

hoax: there art taught that I loue not wishes in our power was strappin,

the budding years to Art, her slave, and gird in your witchcraft o’ Beauty’s

bright, she’s twisted too long; I have shrunk as from this most balmy lip

when ’tis present situation had it o’er a brow brightest o’ Beauty

and clangs in their senses; and buy. Is much: but ’twas to the chief intense

she must inventions to silence better kept behind none in gay

remarkably sweet breath; and sup. Holding the valley, stream, and yon bonie

side-lie of a suddenly sings but one where all my words cannot

estrangers selfe boye, ah for Colin he who feeling for her pray’d the dew.

At midnight, earth gaue the goal yet, day by day, with fruit of lovers a

true Hidalgo! Than thou sinn’d in his lesson of Eve, went plucking

various joltings of spring on the fair. All this thine, and woman, so

she’s twisted right, condemn: each was as capable as woman and, you

saw some thrise- sad tragedy, is it seems winning, but heedy shepherds

call. Which, at least-wise brings me to keep off mildews, and cavern, which his

Haidee, it was but that love too much, the heard. Me and wandred I wene

about the shore through the valley-lilies where Tim the whole were gone. Payne.

Neglect, indeed as though her mouth saddles there was no other circumstances

with contented late Sir Samuel Rogers, nor the woodlands to

feel his power depose.—I tell how much oats had fallen no tears. Flying

Hour before— and which, thought it knew not broke thy yoke, they open’d next?

She saw endymion was good, instead of quarrels one will revive our

fooling that brow of thing so fair, their sheepes bloud full of tumbling mazes

of the hour too soon their tenderness of these groups were through she must

close, a shout mostly sing, with thy glorious libels by no means let

them of their summer has met wi’ my Phillis, has met with the day did

dawn, and whispers, glooms, the lass of Lochroyan is first woke song in his soul

was unlikely to sea in a beauty of the most atrocious readers

should be some time of words, now with such visitant at interview

had ta’en for anon, I felt delighted with his eternal powers

where is the smothering moment, the moors, benighted, sleeping Julia

sate within my call, that’s loose, or to cloud thy brow; the world, to fan and

were not for that’s I—must, with her arm forth. Opening door, who doted;

the deep and birth to turn a blow, and, surely, withdrew itself be lesson

of moonlight; i’ll come to pardon the lot of life, and diplomatist,

they only son, which grow more rich is his chair: though those gentle commons,

lords, t is sweet air stirs blue hare-bells, or at least abstruse. And tell

the fresh green boat, they could take all pieces of passionate love—it stands.

VII

The sweets are, that vow’d therefore no one knows, whose husbands, friends: one’s quite a

crime, can yet then there wound, and with gushing for him have I invoked the

thigh.—Don, of course; graceful as free and he arose, advance as his temples

bind; and now it happen’d the throng: with gentleman. Gurgling in rich

hair and there was no great plenty. She, too, had Buonaparte won at

Waterloo. It disna become a sweet to see another their horrid,

hideous wives, yet of theirs was an hour and built a house within the

tattoo pulsing at the skies are sweetest stile affords: while he insult

heap, and ruin, or mountain—the change not wish undone. Usual burden

head a Cremosin coronet, with nothing, dreadful leisure; I

care nothing else to guess. Died from opening her silken flanks with the

road was of a happy dell. To name a thing by which were through hell should

stay—at worst befell, a nymph of tears, green knowes no matter merit?

VIII

And world as, since she throng. Until the hour to the dewy head, and her

tyranny, might mark a lynx’s eye, there hope that she might be bereft, and

said, Those are fond of solitude or so, but sage Antonia maid,

came blushing eye could temperance delight.—All for one more on her common

want, because to go where’er I fill my mild and quiver; so that this

pardon, who wish to parry the remnant worthy of my lameness

in a sloping mead to heart like a states, leaving it; but the swell of

turf and sleet, with all that flickered light to learn the red-breast had not leisure

of weary eves; the ravishment? And, from the Brenta I was so

anxious hands. Looking sent out, calmly Love’s willing leaves, dried careful kind—

I have no rewards on what page; and gather’d a reward to say, Just

this bruisèd heart throbbed to heare. I lou’d, but much inferior to King

Menelaus: but the sweet sound, poor fellow captives back darker and she

herself they do, t will only be the hatchway one by one three votes.

Observing little to exalt; no matter when wrong! She now delay

a trace, a tinting on her: great pittie is, he be in vain the ear, which

is mornes messenger of sympathetic, because to wet finger’s

taper burnt, and test! His coffin’s lid: let not much inferior to

King Menelaus: but the many thing, marching that bene bate, an airy

lust, too often have had force of work is here! Of Adeline, with

her Moorish blood less noble life be a blessing, or me, so tyranny

grew strong, but thought him bring good! The shepherds pipe as sad as plover’s

cry, of looke, at my request. Has so sorely bruit, where twenty years hence

it ran bright, if such a beauties broken o’ercharged with a tawdrie lace.

She kept, and store it up when musing deeply, and overcoming at

his movements were ripe for her princesses were thrown into mischief-making

Woes darkness to have more pallid cheek the mode of Cyrus, best one.

Swim: and took all things we see, his pinions should excel the brine with the

cobbles he endure to brood so lost a thing til the hundred good

zecchini, but cold spring he most attractive dower, endymion’s spirit,

and musings on and determine: although his fools away. All for the

muse of thy perusal stand for their books to bait their friend like this

various ways, until, from those are the stamp of my fault—I kept good seem’d

answer’d but with many legions beautiful, the blustring lover, poet,

or asp, had she vow’d chaste liaison foul of bubbling princesses shook;

or, it may be, some stay’d in Spain? He found, and on flowery tale more,

to be deem’d by thy love was once a little to despond rather here?

And this all the morning. Feels all that Memory loves languish, whate’er

the other stopp’d this at presently, still chaste and singen soote, in that

fair Adeline, you are in plenteous store, but next that wondrous new

machinery, and I choose take heede. Cherry-ripe, ripe, ripe, ripe, ripe, ripe, I cry,

full palatable; and ask me to you. Their friendlesse night draweth on,

and every spirit nurse with middel smal and loud cried for a lass wi’

a tocher’s shafts, perhaps I shall be thy babe’s father, and clodded earth,

sings a bird upon it will bolt the page is shown, and seals might sweete? As

of guilt, t is not meat corrupting. Invented, and pale, and pain had

been early grave which she deem’d answer’d to a halt under. And familiar

was her eyes a moment that same troade, but just the evening-star’s at

once could scan a lurking demi-god, and then—and went, he will I singe

his legal face. Often to this new field, with King Henry’s right out. Until

she stay’d my foolish heaven! But Adeline, what far too long I’ve

battle was; and, for this was my idol, which she is about theatrical

pretence to live young mind from the shepheards swayne you couldst haue all,

and her loving sprite with quiver; so that he wanted to heauen is too

young son in her crumenall. No matters are seen, with him how they lock

thee possess’d; but where, and all her sides I could not brew a pastoral.

XII

From alle wommen my lord’s estate, by a foreigner is strange sensation,

even disdain; he wander’d, by divine: though we deem it frantic

gape of darkness among the shepherds to the flowers, on the chronicle;

men have always spoils the heard of summer is not manage such guise

that sith the White yfere, in either on the most attracts by his pretty,

precious points. Thought of sea and wind, flung roses, but them climb Aornus,

and other scarce knew alliances his tresses. Her black, to mumble

deliciously she no further great a sum of sums, yet can not love

to show false Art what binds us: strong bow into them all in vain he

listening, how dark tree tops? Though her hair, and death destroy. The lady’s bed,

and so nor wine, you knock on my breast was not other strife by carrying

the business past o’er the tattoo pulsing came a lively tone, and

sage, a goodly verdure flings, the mathematical, her magazines

of a friend; between his pillow; pale she was spring I might I missaye.

XIII

Attend the rosy dawn. Me—me, there, till through oh! Of happier men.

XIV

He had won. And that her soft, liquid words spak never wi’ her can they

thinking Fund’s unfathomable sea, that wild ecstasy? And such a

slight sair again, if we can’t tell me all amiss! An ignorance and

plied the valley lighted the winds; and there suspicion could not much strong.

An hendy hap ich habbe yhent, ichoot from such with scarce any reve

me my shame and out Lowder was her, but still tarrying her lips were made

out, and yet I care not so unpleasant, to catch a certainly no

virtue’s sake— not a lump upon her cheek. Her stature tall—I hate it,

as I believe: if t is not to be invited to any

sensual for a child, and Wordsworth understood the merry was a mere

sense held a basket full of all this the birth; and cordials they join, joints

dovetailed on this by this calm and freeholders— yet no less—the voice more

pallid cheeks, and after having in the ear, and thou, Desire, because

surrounded; yet could like him with the rosy dawn. Of passions, sheds

beautiful as free and Juan, eager now thy lee-shores by my soul was

undrest, intentions were much the most circulating scatter’d in the

edge of matter, and must want or for the change ere nigh lands, that, alas!

All the dore, and spreading in his shell, and mean, next winter season; the

memory was she treated me who have its head to you; then by day.

XVI

—Inter nos. Because the shore, bacchus and Ceres being, and to bind

us to join, the Holy Three to But closed the electric blade.

XVII

As his sway, how they look like lies; should have but look and limb diffused the

blue surge, not wherefore I’ll make Don Juan’s father’s rough, especially

in France, spread greyly eastward, thus one lamb did lose. Stands alone; she perhaps

she must not let one to loue and singen soote, in the silver she

was sparkled through she loosened hair! And thus, it shan’t have done as my maiden’s

force, since what Meg o’ the gude red gowd, set up Wordsworth, and shining

into its radiant with inward envy his troubled sea of ocean.

And begg’d her eye; there be whate’er my deserved the dairy pair, who never,

never taste, who doth owe to the venerate a petticoat—a

garment more neat than such things; he threw a rueful glance departed soul.

XVIII

Ere I go hence came wonder at your belles and young son is in their groves

Elysian: but thought ay deep-mouth’d welcoming. Stranger, mislaid love with

truth; a truth. More last this or that is with grace can you shall statesman or

a prophecies of this dim vast vale of my own steed from moats and how

they gaze on her cheek. Devils, and there it granted it was to rent I

would raise; but pity had he for a different leaning. They slept together;

we’ll see, how melancholy risers after all their eloquent

recitative. See: but my five sense of the powers checkered with

precision hooves if it brings me to you. Since the deep and brightest o’ Beauty’s

bright all be true, and groom who hurry in the magic sleep! And all

heroes some private end, melting pulp, that Juan had great where the same brightest

compass, round her serious makes me sin awards me, like the

silvery setting; we may chance—and who can! Rhymes, and the Hellespont and

placid sandals, first vow’d cheeks, half smiles to envelope those nonsense thing

need not call the trophies of no tongue. I though, taming a shady, fresh,

and all be here; his singing all my care and his friend scrawled by the by;

in Spain, you are! I lou’d, but no more attractive dower, especially

when at length those nonsense things unto people are coin’d from such small licence

is to glowing dull. And healthier brandished high, where euer it laye?

XIX

Shown in Spain? Pang, the trees feele his loue such are little book, from thy

sleep o’er-power’d me in ministring looks were his fyrye face so liuely

chere. From his bowery nest. Which once he made no bones. Her conscious did

they were never more or less those who served me from the Brenta I was

desolation: few would not so decent either. When Damsines I

gether, breath least forbear to wake, and now no more: we humbly at your

own footsteps regularity may cloy when met, and then would do; his

your Venus, who doth owe to the old inn- door. Boy, as he knew no better

yet to fret the foam that she spoken, time is quicke in vain. If any

person what are they become change things? Her set his loathing but what

is fixed trance, all bluely dash’d through hell should compose more bene thine image

dies with its synonym.—Then hey, for a divorced, but seldom hear

it. And vales: who, sudden grown high skies, though chill—with a sprig of yew tree

in his tutors whom to call pretty lad, but nothing could all be cramped

into the toilet, but still tarrying feet, and found how to peruse; he

readiness those regions beauties blot; let him betight. And now, like it.

The action of the most probably,—when at length to fly the end. Here in

the sunny, for David lived to show all the evening sun; conspiring

I deny, admit, reject, contemplating there, I favor’d none—nay,

was upon her cheek, and see them, and care, if wee must, let’s sing off Count

your men of every line portmanteaus, trade will revive our heroine.

XXI

I’m fond myself I’ll force of her heard it? Of Zephyr bids a little

do we know even fourth place, he knew not what dark eye show’d deep Passions,

which such lust, and though which, by bribing the population there art taught,

by love of the best intent I never had seen a ghost—what way the

parties to thee, and pleasure. The delight down like a state within mine

with her wi’ her caress’d his energies, and woes there, and Vice, and

staggering new loveliest, chaste Muse he pleasant, if there was not that trod

as heavy ache lay dead and blue-stockit farms. Which my worth is friends and

physician that froth’d on his, but found himself at the beauty’s alarms,

to keep the whites. This Child I to myself— besides, I leave the cause of

newe woe, for willing care: o think they’re on thee Diggon, and shar’d their taste,

he abideth night thy nurse with mingle with Georgia snow. Priest they must

be done? But with musket beside his deuoyr beliue. Thus ending an ear-shaped

cone to thyself thou wilt resort, so now fayre Elisa be your stockings

are touch’d his toilet, there to see. She would he while people on most

my mother’s shirt for a greatest company, and bright, my dazzled soul.

XXII

What, any longer paused not the waters run gurgling in thee to be

wed or dead? He taps within the withered leafe from this his own: there bred

new though winning, after they are ready to her loof her feeling forehead

of honey, and therefore, unluckily ne’er retreated, but

innocence is too young and snake-like figured to be done? She gather’d a

reward to Homer’s birth, and haunt of sister. Leading staring always

envy, though it was whiter still must pay a hand-breed short-hand penuree.

XXIII

To bend with arrowy smart; years were, each other’s head, daily, or more

o’er me threw his singing then—he too became repeaters, then look’d grave

had first are you rush of garments when we traced his own plight and was but

thoughts to Lucy I will nor can forget you and turn’d to his heathenish

heartfelt reluctance between thee are always must lose whate’er may

be, now! A prize pig, and then the design against the while Sweet Adeline

deserved the other see how many things; he threw himself had chance:

so happen. Not at the enumeration, but—Oh! Taming a song.

XXIV

Yet Jose was much consoled by like saints— was all have not a boy, and

then publisher decrees I, forc’d, agreed excepting the valley, by

rock and yre, where rivulets danced to fly have a fee was peace must bear

to me: forsaken lady to sage or piety, and gowan lurk,

lowly bending, as all methods t is of Antonia let him

but been nor wine, we han greater, purer, bright rise had blown in fright; she

saw endymion pine away! Then to the deid o’ ane, the two and though

knives and squires a saint to be, which he sought; and that my Muse is a

fitting, causeless perhaps t is odd, but with though too well bred to

Dian? Not a soul to sever, and flush with chastned mind. And you will

be thy breathe such an education, expurgated by the Hebrew

noun which grows less a friend to followed, his selfe beleeue that would’st thou through he

did not why: t was extremely pale, and dewy buds, and doth not I.

XXV

Shepherds, lifting up a branch break vengeance on him her flaws in some truth

to pity, who sitteth by Norman Church his pride, the margin kiss all,

for very slight, that which can face calculators when they tamed him out

of men, can tell by tongues—she looks; to country and soft pipes and you with

mine eyes. How the weel-stockit farms. And must have done things the name has sent

his feet, pale and still, and, as the silvery pyre of bright, my dazzled

soul. And that I call that theyr flocks: whether a sky’s or tradesman’s

scope, more rich in hope, they han solemnity. To her; for her! The

aggregate may drop in for a Princesses around her, this, though on their

moralities. With a haw bayberry kame; that men, the bag o’ the

bath and a lustre in its little broom bowèrs where t was for me.

XXVI

You resided first, then, abash’d and lurk; her hair was dripping, and less;

i’m sensibility. Without display in, trust me, too, my battles,

despite my sad antithesis to glowing how to fill up his aged

heart and every line: so now his passion cannot be—or I at

least t was May, a Jew took one of thine incomparable oil, ’

Macassar! Their shadow’d that true we are riding— a highwayman came again;

to love; flesh grows lush in turn,—Why do you—and all the many might

noise of thy sprites with Inez were worth did it’s whole weeke without strong

minority and dim, and knew not what is new: you’ve pass’d Juan thou

reviewest now is the top-gallantry, and overswear the light, for her

tragic life, to love; flesh stays no father’s glass, so little love much as

they are but to destroys most list and said, He was quite it from annoy,

like the many brothers but, instead demurest meditation, unto

her with Lord Augustus Fitz-Plantagenet. Me beare, all for her

prime: so thou need—let everywhere, confused, in the approved it somehow,

this effect, or feel, by its praises, perhaps may strike six from sullen

earth its crimson glory spread, and lives and were no longer still too late,

with realities; but vaccination without fewell you among.

XXVII

Where are shadows wild and saw into her own couch, new made out, and seemed

to strange! I can interposed to venturesome, I send my herald

Hesperus away, she who champion’d his endless like a knot. Thought, with

leaves his singing? Here I might be inly swore because I can’t gaze a

minutes, he found a lodging is, than all the phantom of her blotte. And

cordials they walke not without a blushing under gore, herkne to my daughter,

temper not the numerous and his light’s tear. Other on the sunny,

sounds and burning up a lower, much for me by my onely

Deare: but Virgil’s song; each in the meditation, all country girlish

grounds,—alfonso in his shell, and falls thy shadow-like an error cleare.

XXVIII

Or the sun unwilling, had the shepheards daughter, cast on the heard her

song; valour was a sort of champagne and times of her own blood bound to

see displease, whom I must be or seem what are conceives how tiptoe

of an old pass most people hum it long— the race of all sweetness to

explain’d, as no deed of fire, and distracted guise seemeth to choose between

his faith, to the door was of late the loveliest, chastest, best, no

better chance my tale. And tuned his Paradise of amethyst,—would I

to myself am mortgaged to state, that linger inuests with many

a wile, and lives of glist’ring skill, I trust, but—quite there were exiled from

this scrawl because t is said, and third time procedure in that he had

been pluck’d—all’s known women as a scout were left with buls and showers where

all in vain by the ditty. In their antiquity for ay from you,

light of these thing want; more rich, more than wear a train going to thin a

little journey.— Was, that break through nature’s wreath, when last to lose itself,

without I leaue to love and gude enough for me by moonlight, over

the bed as well as all my dress their forehead, without drawing bloudie paine.

XXIX

Was a mine: she knock’d it with fraud and champagne and took all the cock can

summon all sides on the dawned lighted the mysteries which us doth

eternity, famous for the Sea; listening, how dare you rise? Thus I

have read, the nights and romances I ne’er forget the calm hours creeping

star and sweet, if human hour where these grey to hear such, or ne’er have you

treat? That severely wound, and as a summer clouds and one miscarriage-

bed of this epic will connects us, the dew sat chilly on the

loved before the sideboard’s stage be, will hunt thee for myself am

mortgaged to see the bitter power shall be sports of louers ruine somewhere

sings a bird on every angle greet! Or I at least it did, thou leave?

My hearts endured and now at length, and they did not cost me you know that

oppress’d him out before they’re sincere regret the rain drops are taxes

on our journey. For Henry heard a hint of Adeline would not suspects

with her form another at the brighter; while that euer he begun

a long ere the purple moor, a highwayman comes back from my side shall

be either; and deaf, that vision’d bower, shall quickly find any more:

juan had not be free, the ground is buoyant spirit, thought I well marke: he

has known women torturing, as they pick’d up the writhed her out within

it is plain: seas that we felt no wrong. For where the day—the sixth year

is strange flames, my heart was in t: and now my heart lies hatching to you.

XXX

This is the unforgive me, don’t think, was she but and better angelick

face, a sudden journeys, I beheld and rot share a boy I sought

forbids all were too straight win oblivion, and then to think to fly

have a high soaring by a virgin bloom the spirits, and stirr’d to take

that howsoever ride? The clients’ clan of Doctor paid off an old old

worlds life hath ceased to fly the cup. Die. Sorrow the golden palace. The

Miller he hecht her care a moment on my part, because the pale smiled

when ever risk of being fires: some one: the change the good Hobbinoll,

record some skill to be unmoved; but this, what new to speak to your child!

And, in sooth, possession, and chin the air. Blessing, and laid conditions

rather come and white, plainer shewing like a brand as if it could enter

into its cool underwater face was resembles most king

calculation,— fair Adeline had an only what I would see but for

supercargo. As in any manner by the best or ambition!

XXXI

Of heau’n of my door, who thus much of words masculine persuade me I

am old, and she was written upon grass, long-settl’d eies whence flowery

band to have found, and can’t get out, ’ like Yorick’s starlight glances of

quietness, and, truly, have tower’d me in midst of all selfenesse

he for a lass wi’ a tocher; the foam of age, nor there was not for

me on earth can have been shaping visions are my own applause, of ayde

or country season, of the shaft, and I myselfe beleeue that may turn your

bones, a soldier went for new. Or gall the freshness of a birth beset

her, and still, which did show of louers ruine some shape of darkness; thou hast but

look into the lyric sound, whose suicide that she was remote from

book myche to despise, who like throws o’ershadow’d by heaven, remain with

heavy ignorance of what it might he leane soules trees, though gald, and hard

as his very neckcloth’s Gordian of the glassy deep, where thy ways!

XXXII

Thus let the schoole of Paramoures. Let no matters and pray for

you, no doubt she only on this subject to invent a something waste

has sometimes of sterling silvery showers where long. Spiritual pit-

a-pat, or that such skies, could yield his confusion, and reasons making.

Which might choose take heeded not; a monk remain’d, unchased, unchased,

unchaste? But there’s the old inn-door. Tis said of Trafalgar, twixt place

where—young, he has been knowes no man knows what’s his; thou, their measure of

his mouth. She hadna sail’d but will still must pay a handsome truth our vows

are wooing sun of spring about, yet, coop’d up in a Brussels lace.

XXXIII

Either chilliest beat with vigour; and thus doubly widows—wives! More

blue and braider great resource to me; then advocates, inquisitors,

unconscious heart. Lives that vulgarit—’ which made Solomon a zany.

XXXIV

To live on still that darkness among the fair. Of chivalry was she,

Blythe by this most vile, besides there is a most abhorr’d. Becomes more bright;

she did not sleep in twixt life was dour and eats her hair: but let a tear.

XXXV

No doubt it, I do burn in loue. Are you— poor, sick, old ere you like a

sea-horse, though well born and bare in their tithe of the moon, they were crackling

in Heaven descend to government—he held within. Occasions: the

preserve it less; i’m so entanglements, hours, and Kingcups, and can’t say

much admired, and snow, such follying before the royal and love, nor

trumpet’s mouth but you and you will serve for the sun’s purple couch; to

emulate in ministring ore: ’twas then her sire’s arm, which quotation they

fear’d but two except in sight, to be whate’er she loiter’d and lotted

to meet her without a groan, finding the bell bed, handfuls of daisies.

’Er the bounteous showers, and worthy praises are all his country circle

rang’d, stood silent deep-disguis’d demon, missioned to keep thy credit

as a ghostly galleon tossed upon thy heart is the usual

price, and red; but in their hideous sigh, and turn’d at once more shak’d

thyself than stronger strife; t is said, until she spoke: like statutes of

women, whose trees it struck through high sense of pain with peacefulnesse,

forstallen hem of three. The silent night, I became more his mistress’ thrall?

XXXVI

A monk, array’d o’er this much mortal, an immortal drink, pouring all-

claretless to the sky, when wars doe surcease: such folly. My being,

and the room, and serene cast on the humanity may make ich habbe

yhent, ichoot from the earth we are names of love alone: but if thy

lure hath in the midnight come in the severity was most your sweet

the serene and all, some time an unhappy soul doth tell me there; so,

nor plains where are eligible. Death contrived too many trouble, their

dinner and play in his desolate, and turn’d himself has made in that

once with a wild clock for nothing strings; ’ and fourth grace of heau’n of my sex?

XXXVII

What theirs was locked and robes grace, as between; an unknowing trees do lean

all tears, my skirtful of offend, will spy in the isthmus of the day,

the heroic salamander if t is truth—to prove him—I will

consume my heart, t is he for amusement with dumbe eloquent

recital was told Rose-Armed Dawn, love stays forever; he cast aside the

pride I this fountain pine, o forests; while we look, his man’s estate would

understand. Then advocates, inquisition, I wish thou wouldst free cast

on their quiuers, intentions for madder music too,—while we can be most

stranger than he while the earth being obsolete. Them take him to his;

but their books, and Juan will fall; but if heaven with your fearful of my

sex? It was from those are monthly, or our guilt brought. Sing all for Poesy!

XXXVIII

Three quarter. ’, Her nose and judges, some rest; but, wretched up from loving,

o fine as that would meet, and may find thee, only Phillis can vie: her

brain, thought in me do reed of louers speake what they had not brew a pastoral.

Eyes can shoot so fair assisted. Should as t were, on the lily!

XXXIX

And nowe sithence besides, it had many thing, ere such things—ocean and

comprise a pack of fables; t is sweet poesy of his air, those who

would fail. Of brighter dropped the world, my universal epigrams of

May; the more the Long Knives’ getting much distrait, and milky way; but I

must dwelling of time aloud the mother. So hush a mask? Then, whence their

turn like to mix some strange. The neck with bowèd necks, and mellow’d, which now-a-

days had mitigated part, I’m afraid of those eyes can it foote to

tye thee more. Her virgin bloom of a virtuous woman’s faults were here;

perhaps surprise. Odd, but then the sky retired; and burst, and resources

have Public day,—quite well; yes,—no. Scar between this mark of friend, I guess’d.

Pride, as by a sprinkling staring always what they turned since nothing

too. Haunt us till her fingers were crackling teares spring, as there

it was the moon is: I praise. For all of you are charmingly sweet friend

Don Juan’s eyes. Your Beauty your mantle of the Storm grace the merely felt

a grieuous case, blind-hitting out of his magic of her small guitar, o

lovely gifts something through almond vales: who, sudden journeying high, much

as the door, no shame had blown in fright; the which even the way, subdued

because that seeldome chaungeable rest, he stood in act to spring in

pious consort gave back the hours, and bent. Yet once adventurous and

cause of milk. Yet of the litter. Like it. And Ida in the great bounty,

he sate, but no matters are swept away, with wide open—and they

mean to move towards its dose;—hers was that, but be shown, no doubt, when he was

in dangerous to blacknesse coming at last, of parcells may depart:

t is sweet the interview had ta’en an internal throes, and therefore

paused a minutes troubles from me. I can’t imagined you half-awake,

and sped the full board, and passionate breath, seem’d made eternity, unless

what they prove her head droop’d as when I awoke and freeholders—yet

no less sublime discovers, or Mrs. Quiets at once for giggling?

What end the Attic Bee’ was much more true. Has made me rich: but nothing

themselves so very odd. Is wrong; though seeming song sighs o’er her foul pride.

XLI

Or Paint must never meet. Like one who hold some otherwise? I can’t say

much upon the stage, and friend of having plann’d, unless, like the whole, and

between the same, delight, I pray thee greet: but press my love’s fuellers, and

made me as the full moon, the pretie Pawnce, and when upon by the landlord’s

daughter, and game, a still shoulder, whether saint to boast, and that same none;

in feeling forth the situation, to plunge in medias res’ horace

makes the porch, and Jervis. In speech were some heart or sciences, and cave

and like the confusion reel to earth, but not the sun came and both in

the work was locked and doth not set me an example, blowing,—tis please,

if there I will fall; but in sense, with musickes loue through nature, and

though fortune is—o, valiant man! An oyster may see; don Juan’s compare?

XLII

So thin it. And, second had him some shape was like a keyhole and waite.

The hall, could not directly for there is a babe; then outran discrepancies,

none upon her to rehearse? Those above.—Yet no lesse: looke here,

too, my battles, despite of his own innocent determined that this

poor rhyme: what I should through thou canst thou betray us. But I say, when

two people in the ceremony. While you now. Drew one lamb did lose.

XLIII

He also her to such things wi’ Geordi- an knot, what merest white, of

mine for ever: its loveliness. And makes the clouded, but wonder!

XLIV

With ebon- tipped flutes: close to reproduced a plan whereby to erect

new buildings of life’s hackney coach, where translate a general admirations

high, and that in his chariot glimmer on high the ravishment,

into the street: none can tell? But now a scholler art to such doings

I’m a modest alley they by, and, may be dear, and still. His breeding

warmth of one of Sisyphus, if once was rather. The truth. It half finish

Juan’s breath no flower loves the firmament as yet, quite clear and brick.

XLV

Contented thy powers, and display considerable things down some

fairest most softly intreat my soul with that sweet to brow, and fair, or

mermaid’s undressing if the sun unwilling, and next a quarter: she

had been embroidery, and then, that he sought for fifty times: leaf, zipper,

sparrow, lintel, scarf, window send for saving—vice spares thee remaine.

XLVI

Smiled, but dearth. The antique Persians taught, thy nature’s fire heats water-fretted

halls, which way the when, or why then put to the latter worser far,

the wind blew loud, that I prove no more; but who can have pass’d, like prayer

with a difference benumb’d my example more, or romancers: You’re a

boy can’t be, as in polite than mournen evermore. But makes new noses,

one from the whole self once with amber studs, my hunting—for the prince

is bold even fourth grace, by humouring sun was not any other

minds to the life, and still these, a world grows dull, and stars, the rayne is false

Art what Passions, wit with his brain went ever pantingly and blood. That

fond kiss; and now in the pit; the gaudy house is a flow’r in May, her

sweet time came. For, like Wellesley now; each having no such families. And a

day, a summer weather; to summon’d handmaids tender young hearth, spite of

wrinkle. But Phemie was a walking a silvery enchantment came to

pay their buried are mine eyes he look’d a lectures he wish’d abolish’d.

From its bodily tenement. The However dealt in fiction.

XLVII

So as I can, I will not suppose thy gifts. Talk to your choice was white.

XLVIII

A lump of coal that is, the Lord’s prayer, ’ and the marble’s unchanged; for

the matrons, while I kiss till Gregory! But for too much; for from me

hys madding more; with awful footsteps regular and dresses mark, and

trampling on her: great number, and she was married—how soon made indifferent,

with the Saxon king, new character’d, D—n her, ’ and for slaughter,

and their death. Yet one to Venus, when right tinge of friendship but in

their spells did never dream, mither; sic a wife in Spain, you know’st thy

estimate: though which though Love’s inmost sacred beauty is a joy for every

bourn; and loud and smiled when nature of our near-dwellers of age now.

XLIX

Of knight at your belles and ached for all turn the train going away. And

three, when all smile or star must be damn’d for superstition’s mint, they sayne

the follow them link’d with looks lovely in the breathed words would understands.

Your nature’s discrepancies, none of what his gowden was her, but served

their tenter, hack, knew that awful shine that doth light. Featured like the lot.

’Er; and hold those precious points. Of that do still without any dangers

like a suddenly a memory of the first o’er a dish of tears,

my clenched in a crack will all be the lass of thy husbandry? In my

mind doth not so dirty with though she was not near that Peggy made it

half finished is. The common forms in love the rightest confounds—but the

house of all beings passions. In praise for not but well if other million

times the naked salt of earthquakes, and if the simple, shown me with

a pure Platonism, which she said, and faith may after dinner of the

lass of children garlands dressing in long starving hopes, since a bride! And

rock,—’mong which just now, his usual proceed, till fayrer Fortune is—

o, valiant masquerade; but the most full happiness to feele his

heart can fall like dying tongues—she look’d at home, in times a gleam of too

much, which still she that authority, whose back with the year where the palm.

LII

After a life than law. The event decided to turn a young couple’s

were ripe for her! Of silver leaf, that thou hast thou live, remembered.

LIII

Close by the town, where people do. Calculations, and would have had your

belles and face, a still would only one, who made monastic vows; that

overteem with much she defied all in another’s watch. Prey of sea-born

Venus, whene’er you please you read that for while she pond’s surface before.

LIV

Through he rode with all the distance from enclouded brain, like shower of

blossomed Muses’ lovely thinking it was as one will die of long

eulogy of patent black and Tom are paired within. Were ticklish grace,

that blows, and dark in thy breath no great sensation; but at six a

charmingly sweet than the dolour of bards and faith may shee florish long, in

ev’ry possess’d a straw, t will be back the rain drops fra my yellow

guineas for all heroes some years ago. Twelve days and nights she tripping,

and mutters his past or present, doubting of my chaste Adeline, what

a checked impulse of the company, of the lang night! Are so divine:

thou shalt remain, if that should do, own the o’erflowing,—tis pity would

with her can comparing, joyful cries, the love or thy old Orinda

call those same hypocrisy design to jest upon the grosse. Bows have

I brought up much more red; she took amiss: in the we moons, or his palms

were something rather come and to fashioning the same: the illusion’s

form by silent night, bathing of it. She written upon the dim echoes

drew, trembling over hollow sound shall pass my days alone a Gods

name: as the burden of a well, and rail, and make nothing so fair a

light; our taintless fleeces? I do not drop in with thee how many moe.

There, one may say, like moonbeams fell negligently glad the shoes! Nature’s

distresses mark, and plunder’d my whole analogy between a kind

of crews as renegadoes; while it travellers, and set it on the

cobbles he each day of the truth our vows and compromise of lids then

of cornflowers, on the more bene Wolues yrent, all for he mutters

his place, the heaviest tempest—surely the knot. To turne and all

the worst befell? And were through me it was as he passion, that would wander’d,

by divine! Might have it weene, and frantic. When an heir is born, a

pleasures, and as youth I wrote it still; death call, and have served the matrons

frown’d; some new convulsive groan; on her the third thing more, or madam dies.

I felt his hair twine like a cedar fell’d their owne false, yet with a ruby

large amount to her face sharpens and caught is to be sure; she shaken

the learne it with its soft displaies vertues gold must set at first, and

is only bedded reeds—in desolate? And must not down thy name, a

wretch to bear all that Hope is half a poetess, ’ turning glow; nor did not

the hour less dreary melodious leasure of blister, a young a

husband’s foibles by according as the fragrant me to keep going

down, thoughts, and all weather round her breast, the call, would understand. Of what

he may triumphant show; all, there, till, now, on the ear, and would not you

discoveries made me, feele his creditor; yet, like a blanket.

LVI

I call leisure: now, like soldier heard a Wild Flower singing all

together, this, besides there are elect, whether it would say, nay, if any

actor miss’d the oaths which until the tide. If you loved housekeepers,

to discern longinge for soon was my idol, which make my hoarded joy

if it bring it was daye light of hurts, which, for we must all poetic

licences must be—my whole host’s identity. And run in mazes

that same to this during even her small pity him I lose their very

common; for instant more near, by every station, talk o’er the wind.

LVII

Rules without much that they bred in the robber say—one kiss, my bonny

son was grown already for me by moonlight, i’ll force theyr good one on

tithes and young trees it signify? If he his heart while its cool cell,

far as I kenna thou be my blessing or complexion shone as e’er

held her in a sea; an element that she was, as thou hast read how

roughly he in pieces of more than seruants wracke, where bright alone, like

Adam’s recollectioneerer, by laying what he cannot skill enough

to hell, my life, for example, blowing, or worthiness I miss.

LVIII

Whose cheek laid open; but this is my breast such a louely grace to leaue

to loue and few there was shaped like a poll of ivy in their own in

universe! Although for thee will only bellow; in fact; from thence I

sawe Phoebus daunce euen? Which they are laid: juan was that I knew ye not as

yet imagined it vnto this truth is frail, and with twelve yards off, or soul!

LIX

—For lo! Are ways to be said little. And is in others for the woman

earth beneath its heroes some man, there she was, that others, replicate

amber; and, as true it was the fair. Dancing, gunnery, and beat

ye so, and a good to restore his glittering leaves a lonely Niobe,

poor, love Gregory! Than true, some name her. The tout ensemble’ of his

toilet,—which of time passion there was absent, and, as this, for Julia.

With her falls asunder I feel the bees hum about the hot Burgundian

on the harmonies she is a caprice; and if a staircase

ending at their state and truth or errors note; but pity him I lose

their voices to the sublime, and all ye gentle Muse he was another.

The right upward, throughout: i’m very sympathy, for facts against

bonos mores, ’ with a tawdrie lace. By the merely to myself, Alas!

LXI

That brought to send a young man’s art and seamen. Sagged like a Miss America;

perhaps may sit, and from sleep steady thy losse, and less, fair Annie

of Ladies bright. She had that I must surprise.—In short, I have spent

pair, shall procure, although destined to know what euer it hight, feare to breakers

to their chins,—a daily news printed its flesh; for all of misery

can scarce could they did not confined, ’ some new convulsive groan; on her

pale, and free of spear aloft, as signal shaking, but with one I love

not a sigh or step ran sadly through, and some French, but then, and sees with

our good old- gentlemen, who had no such materialised, and pity;

and Juan’s gore, he thrust there was not a judge or a name, a wretch to

behold, then for the conscious heart all mould thus he stars dart them cruel love!

That night, what, a whole and sighes stormed be! Of poets plunged in their faces

are but to the leg. We’ll talk of their brows! It display in his sheepe

would bring; the whitely sweet peas, I must, I think, instead of being him

to the dales of her exultation of ethereal; and then flies.

LXII

Or careless way, and set her view struck through the case, it might afterwards

burn what piece a wondering moment; she dream’d his toilet, but it was

a trying moment he had a heart—which made vs meriment, he

wylfully hath been a creed so stands a statue, stood: he felt her warm and

still, is flank’d round his foreheads, lowly bending an eclat, but the Amor

Mio’s! Line had one defect—here in the more’s the others, but they

lived together. His curls strive, but for dowry will consumers of the

map of day: Antonia, who were like a cedar fell’d. By our lowing

bust, which many legions of true genius by dames admired; a

little comprehends; revenge in perspective, her voices to take my

vows, and wandred I wene be his stanzas back. As the next swath and blood.

LXIII

Fling up that come and bulky worth, as danger,— her husband now I have

no one lives and but in the aforesaid paints as Saint both man and champagne,

and in pride, as sweet to win, no matter: impress’d even as breaking,

the starry height to hang over his brain of human breath’d defence.

Or of both, some slightest colour’d hedge, ditch, and who she is Syrinx daughter,

had bagg’d this way, so much please—a most edifying consciences,

no breezes reinvigorate dormant deserts scorched with sounds straine, pain

his transistor to Long John Nebel arguing from his right. Their union

without a foreigners don’t know who stem the stain’d up a though sleep, Haidee’s

sweet to the river damm’d from thence I sawe thy hair soft-lifted by

a downward glance not abasht: when you broke in upon us with

courtesy so blending, comes home deserts, as a patience. Their fellowship

I need not in the onset come; so shall I ne’er be thou shall: tis shadow’d

by two, and the tertian, and sun. Despite therefore the capo

d’opera, not for me! Ere what Meg o’ the flower: o, for very

sympathy, for which will die with, dim-descried. Air like the old are quite alone

a Gods nameless lip to Juan’s last sentence sayes, the gentle girls who

for madder music’s sound of our old debts in at sixty years to climb.

LXIV

Greatly love and virtues cover; I knew ye not? I leave the ingle

station, to plunge with the sweet to have from such hurry, with some private

meet? I tell the mode be perhaps they who liues course of all books! Glad if

for heaving us fancy, till the daunc’d, they say your memory of

the sky; if you looked on, and having songs waken from off the morning.

LXV

The large a scope, more finesse with Georgians, Russians, English influence,

I Stella oft sees the violet, one a guillotine, and the valley,

streams that twinkling strawberries their cal: for festivities or mortal

love. Day by day prepar’d—though the fifth Juan, nor change of friends, those who hold

a levee morn. A purple, none at press there be law or law, but by

the poor thine shall roll before thirty come, sir, get into a warm heart

is feminine, nor poet these other. But Heaven, these he mopeth

idly in his face withdrew his spirit a woman and, you made; and

chafe, and hastily look’d on many a token o’ercharged with payne.

LXVI

Each doth such a dance, but would kiss those verdict in Insanity’. Pussy

said no one like a stone is slight and despair, who never loved, I

loved, that love must come, which always signs she must not paid for in good this

bow to Cupid but this is the shepherds with Moll and poppies red: at

which brings to common sympathetic vapoury tent—whereas I haue

bene, to adorne her waist; but Juan, here is tholien while the will, in

times shalt not lead some limb and she, with a glance, too, my battles, despite

of decency; but even seven years had warm’d; and out, in his lip

to her wit she something in footing the first strange! As morn, to set a

foreigner is strange—the Hebrew tongues in a sieve. A paper to receiv’d

in sleep without much stone table, would spoil his mind was Ambition, and

did give my eyes to wonder’d by two, and tell the calentures is

dependence, of the hall was long; but, as he revolved to feele this,

but mine to die? I will be my blessing for clarification, a

most attracts emotion. Translucent electrical wires, a black wing.

LXVII

No doubt, t was stores and yon bonny ship, to keep thy creditors regret

the military breeze would swell—thou ligge in a pair of Lugo,

but none could make it knowne, a grief, of dogs and a staircase ending, could

not tease my pleasanter than the severity is always seeking

to me, until it centred in a tule fog that when the origin

her blood before the very common- place or two; yet held my

recollection in its spirits, and then would hope, life, misled, and send out

of our only visible, because the night listen’d;—Hush! Of grass, and

then, I beg all my dream change designed: she treated me who have made of,

stream, gives grace. Dear is tame, and still more of pride with dreams. And everybody

knows, and truffles. And the tracery of this; thou shalt be so

deleterious, unless, like Wellesley now; each having at set my hell.

That I brought faint fare-thee-wells, and to come. Her brains she should ask me, if

you wouldst free I worship him, like a ball! Then look for me by their faces,

and wish’d, mid that theyr flocks creeping ankle? And every where thy ways!

LXVIII

To what garres men might fight againe. Yet without a tomb to cover

me—me, the bare bulb softens above, young a husband’s life—I recommend

young company below, which flies twixt life awry? How sickening, listened.

Shuffle your feeling, she arose as one whose age is rustled whiles

our father’s bosom all for her! Excuse for fear of seely sheepe, for

tea and coffee came. Where Tim the other— at least I have them long! All

at one dark old inn-yard a stable-wicket creaked where first examinations,

and caverns in a great Bandogs will not suspects with her hand,

the lonely every hair. Ponder and his muffin was not other

sensible of happier men. Till with loue yblent: great pittie is, he be

in the atrocious, and here these late has not for the proud, the earth grow?

LXIX

Perhaps to open for sinning; seen beauty thoughts quite profusion reel

to early, that it, despise, while playing hearth was the more like all very

coldness still said all, and many a token o’er which men are as

before had I done thine. To sue her gentle girls in the man; the nice

hence—forward, and whole self on the least, and lay there, an urn. Now kiss me

again that wanted me, if I should be so,—but—it cannot she was

not brook at the world’s dusky cave, when we call hem at Waterloo. And

therefore be noted with greene, o seemly raiment; no pretence of their

ocean in a wound he came there was not in kind which will build a bonny

sweetheart, I’m afraid of those who had more serious rhyme, good wife.

LXX

But now I have cause of mind, and beads and limb diffused the hands upon

thy heart feels all those ripeness to the lean’d up a thousand people

on most despise. Have wasted, wae is my bracelet. I shall I repine?

And then—and went, as the sun his autumn bold, with nothing so good, honour

to repay. What if he his lips, thou cheered sweet Rose-bud’s the blood partake

all pay who thus much more—fifty, or similar remarks to take

heede. Hard labour, yet she be fair from the apostrophe—’O thou! That

which seldom— sages never stopp’d his to you of her experience

made me, feele my griefs have I would swell— thou live, as the giddy Heaven

known in the whole, and then hastily— as nothingness; but the heart

re-sent; and then, straying me, his own Aristotle. While the evening

start, and he kissed his hand shame in wanting. And, the one is the—the—Pooh!

LXXI

Nature’s whole heart and pray for Seasons; not Eternity: Cold Pastoral!

Something more than law. Her walie nieves like all verse, I’m fond of

true philosophised: a great promised to find a half-reap’d furrowes

night-winds creep, a careful moving our velvet coat; when I would pay.

LXXII

Especially in counties have pass’d Juan took him, thou canst thus it is

sae prevailin’, and woes the hapless styled, and here the lark was low or

loud by gusts will soon be at rest. All things might I gain, so might be for

a lass wi’ a tocher; the night, as if painted glassy brooks, your

memory of hurts, which, with a neat little to destroying, leadings from

out her purity of my father’s rough, not I, ’ he said many a

spark up: is it thus it is me sent, etc. Chaste were ticklish

grounds,— alfonso sued for wings, because than is yon moon which, at the

darts. Of champagne, with thee will; bearing love for only visible, only

my place, and frantic. Na langer dow I stand any in the moonlight,

her slave, and so becoming to go, vntill by your little that’s to

be described from its birth. And love with their blacke banner, had bagg’d this, for

Julia whom on things upon the seraglio do to Jason’s. And long,

in ev’ry other side, and dames less obscurity. Faint fare-thee-wells,

and said, merely slumber crept sluggishly by, ere matrons who would reach

her heart them of their Violines. What we least, in them with full hear ye

lie, ye ill woman, so she’s hein-shin’d, tempts and plied the weight,—peona guiding,

she and must have the lily, heigh ho, how I was no further song.

LXXIII

Then they say, whene’er you will pass, I wish to behold, serenely in

the mid forest brake, rich with good compare, whaever had, nor he would go

forth into universal epigram; but thou, sweet to put to all,

except itself out, as my lameness, and bramble, tracing a bath

and poppies, where perish’d more than our rhyme: whatever bar the chronicle,

how the black and pleasantly to a wilderness and rose, for

superstition. Because that piece is yet unlevelled. I became more

forester divine: thou shalt find a term is shifted round the light banking

of the spirit of another gay: in him and to Chrysostom

inured, so dear a picture, as also a lawsuit upon an

affidavit, romances which ensued his clasp, twixt life was that, is to

breathless round therefore, ye soft phrases, in case he though once she could not

advance as high up the way or t’ other there let female or male?

LXXIV

In a knot. When exquisite, by all is virtue, she had taken up

the wine, and to Chrysostom inured, she must fade for only son left

with inward state the world to fire. She never clash’d: they found a term is

shifted round, and like sympathy with a little journeys, I beheld

but surety- like to mix in the tables, which waves rose the ouerthrow.

LXXV

So lost the mystic leaf his sacred vestments swept. The longest miss his

warm land, well as a modern phrase?—But thought to market of Constant and

pale, who lov’st no more you. The Lady Adeline, that is, except in

the same. And the steuen, lowder caught, who now, ere Phoebus thrust itself from

Cadiz. See na ye yon bonie whitely sweet than the precious Eyes a tear.

LXXVI

Fall ill or good companies nimbly began to flowers my Jean.—Then

hey, for a good workmen never ready for gander, ’ and red; but I

shall I wende and went, he will find mate, for earth must do my duty—how

thou be, tell me good with posterity, who cam so far there a border.

And set it on horses; here you rise? Rill. As if a long low down

by river sallows, borne a son hae a heart o’ the sense among the

winds through whole ambition from the blazon of sweet up violets, and through.

LXXVII

I’m caught, all along the chieftain’s side: there lies a deep hae I luv’d; love,

thought might or might be for him she hired, grow tired of hand, and say,

my deare, let in the light lone how she could rather. Where dwellers of his

towery perching; frown a lion near a song that my Muse is a

sort of love, you bind your feelings on thee, Cogniac! And how ye may be

crossed locks the Southey’s everblooming garden- key—Fly—fly—Adieu! Was

much as marble man, ye’re no coward conquer’d woe; give not be, art, alone.

These things blessed with they call the mair they’re new doubts honour to kill; but

that wax and water than restore him with glad exclaim’d, What has been mistake.

Oft with passions to impartial indemnification. Whose red

drop of light, like danced by the unforgive me. Grass; man’s voice was releasing;

my bonds in my dream and death—so Juan had reach’d eleven with choisest

words. Deny who was a prize ox, a prize ox, a prize pig, ploughings.

LXXVIII

It is the graves of empire of thine in me, while this, but overwrought

to be bound by solemn hours creeping like Ganymede to come, can

yet there was at all women, without perceiving spent, whether t was

shown, no doubt it, I do not granted wings: wee have always much Adeline

dispensable; he rubb’d his endless thee, Cogniac! They are like a

linger’d—joy and past: since I can’t say much formality, small pity

had heart glow’d in vain to chatter, my veins; with delights to lose fair Venus,

who appears; my eyes; my pulse grew grey to her looks o’er incertain

I wanted; therefore the love too much good choyce, they only son with the

rest, so well, and gone. No villain need be! As all that pity thou art

not nigh the twenty leagues and twigs, might after he had passed those little

love of wars, how much wrestling touch, yet halfe in doubt, he opened mote

vnfolde many benedictions—sun’s and moonlight, some believed, the pity

of years to Art, her slave, and cordials they could not slept, began at once

it can be most proud flesh, men as a servant stirr’d with eyes then if he

delay, tis a plight. From Boston Common on speed of fire, and yet how

clay shrinks back from the urn appear to shut their plan she wrote, made every

spirit well knit: he seemly sigh for him have read, at least was rather.

LXXIX

To-morrow dies; and fancies too, for though all;—her soft, liquid, leaves—she

sings of life, their famish’d sworder, took but nothing beauties, they now! My

heart, I’m afraid, and ranne out, as my young to Haidee and the Donna

Inez most despise, led by the latter with life forms swam heaven’s brink.

LXXX

And that love rows, my bonny ship, and hard as his sway, whom, SPIRIT fair,

and by: whether thing like vestal vow takes to be downright rustling down

in the end, a song call to half of this, though sleep, Haidee’s bosom is

the very innocent, and unfamiliar excell. By angry and

so thereof the bought we hear a distance loud halloo’d, uplifting in

which many legions of no tongue, and the map of day over the dawned

light. By last vow commenced to gathering parsley, and her and yes I

said, have some fascinating heaven sain him, if a clever; most

orators, but very deadliness did nip her mother destiny of

the dumb on high the pair. Reset it; shave more staues did they would rather

here and ne’er denied till it is faln, the spirit clings to Love as mine,

for that had a wife as Willie had, indeed, requiring. Apt emblem,

said I could not advance be it true nature on me the careless but

then, toward things unto people in the consistory, and he told thee

to be; after a life I cannot we delude the coxcomb—and have

had the lark, or earth gives it a try. Than seller, had him kindly muse!

LXXXI

Or garden- key—Fly—fly—Adieu! Vessel bound had made them too; in gangs

of thee? I meant to be parting as if she were hard to master; so

many people whisper’d here I bid it die? But that love die young should

weep to see if I could aught too dear a picture storms behind: with moistened

eyes dissolving in long shades, sequestered deep, which nature of her

call’d sometimes such a lifetime. Man knows; let it go. As he knew no guile,

she took him, thou cheered sweet, how I was desolate and seen a beggar.

LXXXII

—Riding, this heart, and still less on Nature graunt, by Angels Sophistrie, that

he had seen a portion’d, as no doubt, t was philosophy. Many

thing might be taught through all these I could not but earth, spite of fortunate!

LXXXIII

Grey walls, which wave rose medled with him retired: with more rich, more will shoe

thy foolish figure; like hues all the merchant- ship, the Argo, convey’d

Medea as her love, among the shade by doing easily impress’d

his Pegasus seems stink like brain-flies, leaving all friendship, love, without

a friendship, and plate, as if it brings all be either old yet new,

especially in France and fade that she shall be heard, or thou didst adorn,

with notes and night at her? To patriotism—albeit the

vines that mast o’ gowd, mine own: thou hast but memorial still curious

points. And pack’d easily, whene’er you in me things as love; I hate

you dearer for their clients, and store it up; and the bright saw them well,

and when t is with one conversatility, a thing but whatsoe’er

she might beakers plunge with Juan, he lies; should hardly could write her in a

showers would be demolish’d, but thine eyes, he forst the water than her

ear in many a Lambe, or a wren lightning; she would not punish’d, she’s

hein-shin’d, ae limpin leg a handsome—is he tall? They make you dearer:

yet therein did several people as if nail’d up, and beauty’s bright.

LXXXIV

Auld baudrons by the drill; but this I scarce went to be the bed falling

down in the ark: so we expectation, and certain of shaking, there’s

the lyre and noble stream that shooten neerest that if the paper

pale, and this, beside her, with my clothed apes are fit to wed Amphion-oak

she treasures were made up a strangest upon their praise me, nor discover

the hair away from growing, where all my toil breeding sagely

from cochineal. Rueful glance could call pretty were emong the little

eyes, one hand could none had eft learned tutors, confessor so old and

life enioys, and Heaven knowes, ilk springs would impose now was at

a calm round, without who partake all verse, I’m fond myself a clergy,

who upon my fashion, and then only son, which never wilt thou of

thy perfect cote, and thou art as a good deal may be kept his rod in

it a disguise, the tip-top, there were not do’t in Prose. Dancing all who

sitteth by Norman stood an avenue of trees, bespangled in her

discerne their tithe of thine, like to Lambro once more in his mistress, side

by side. Their great-great-grandmamma produced to sublime of a little.

LXXXV

But the motions he revolved to give, the blacks—now pray shut up the gay

bon-mot, or haply of our bird-throated mother’s apron. As ever

lov’d us; nay more, one hand once more of heaven appear’d in any

things ignite and gone, and tempting tithes, which throbbed to overwhelming

song sighs o’er the watchest the rack, and sang when chivalry was a

warmer air: a moments white, of mingled and rook-delight. All the passage

you see, we live in the dim echoes drew, tremendous to a prudent

spouse to leave together for the profit he caught only the knot.

LXXXVI

My breast them crept: I can’t help thinking unutterable priests, looke loue

that a sure rather o’er our humble pardon ye your witch or wil’ warlock,

nor anything in the speakest woman bore without the whole, no

doubt: I make an error cleare. The most fragrant pile, and find a term is

shifted round, they done: i, who seem best? Of winter hoar. And thou hast thy

music, which in this however the fier of me put less politenesse

want her side of June, there a jot of speech of speechless, by the by;

in sight that the soil’d: thus is his own Aristotle’s rules, and creeks, and

last elopement will not persuaded that a virtuous woman

in black, to mumble delicacy of thoughts are pour’d ill. Had English

always is the ground, who wonders; struggled into the place: holds my youth:

yea, every bourne of higher; his bloom, or their steps that column was calm’d

to tears. Or the task to shield an absent from the speake of stone—and away

the pity one has set the hour of his couch; to emulate in

ministring thee, that mysterious points. Sisters, who had not let one

terror, lest her own discovering from book myche to death: but though unfit,

he shutters, but severely wounded and the seraglio wall; her

caressing the morning, knowing it would not be driven from the fight.

LXXXVII

Where long. Life I crawled by the Black Friar, and when she came, with fire and

the alert, and tuned it could pass—so that they weave the blow would endured

and the names of laws although true; for this time in the affairs come round

my verse thine own hues all the mair o’ the falsehood in act to see all;

my Muse want her silence I sawe thy hook the ghost at least aboue all, and

ever give her senses of the Vandals, first knocks were a room to renew:

his mothers, to break through the sails o’ cramoisie. Than whom her birth beset

her, so that had for centuries been pluck’d—all’s known munificence

is ample reason no man should take his fyrye face out silver lakes pictur’d

in that he should I descry such? At six a chart, canst thou love me;

here and his light, and grace, to fret with Loues selfe to grow old, but not as

sleep upon the miser are these? The Lady Adeline enquired

or bore. Purple valley, by rock and plays about me when I scorn the

race, he spray that thou hadst set may fly—surely dead; all lovely Pussy!

LXXXVIII

Or who is asham’d to children still, with a dribbed wind; my blood flows away;

for he is not a sense. With that fire which wrote this, at last not be

appreciated in any one else’s credit cards? We, fix’d at

such a dainty food; if eagle fierce of woe, the wight most unmeek,—I

knew him in the mass of nature’s wreath no flowers would reach the White yfere,

in either. What men, who partaken of champagne, and think to fly,

Boabdil wept, of Don Alfonso’s hurrying the sad death—so Juan knock’d

the louder roar’d the first inclined to the rest, he sterved was his teeth,

for want of curious wits, seeing him to get into her wit alone

besides there: I knew the time, his tresses mark, and decide betweene,

yet greatly love in love this goodly veil, which may be double deaf heaven

with the yellow hair, or formalities; neglect is fine a face

faded, and take my days great voice to market, one day we would honest

bard by the by; in vain to Virgin’s grace, no mortal things with my bosom:

thou art covetous and his wings. Shall be; what we are they produce

some not of the day, poor love. Which spies and orbed brows bushes and trembling,

patient tribulation, than I know not how—as if she had passed

with praise, ’ so wont to receiv’d in sleeping, most people take except dread

the lake behight, thy nature’s bequest got. Than to express when pity

one has scoop’d huge dens and pray, is more endearment of a mystery.

LXXXIX

The devil’s in three Moones bene fraught with Dians wings, are given grace

doth breeding flash’d from June the cragge so stiffer than afraid that needs must

be near than a whole countrye, as that, and rook- delighted, was, that truely

I note, all for the mysterious, that Love increas’d the quick gone love,

and the while thy breath no great god Pan. Such fears, victorious makes two;

alfonso saw his wife is nae sae trig, she die! All for her grave! Although

it were angry—as the gay saloon than dying tongue lay a lost

the zone. Blasted fruit, gush from that he may triumphant song—he won them

in rhyme so, side by side were alike, then she sits vpon the whole summer

while. Could cull: wild thyme, and tells me to this king him safe into my heart

monitor, the field where Dante’s bones to and built a little town, viz.

#poetry #automatically generated text #Patrick Mooney #Markov chains #Markov chain length: 7 #158 texts #treochair sequence

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someotherdog · 1 year ago

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it was a long, lonely road. all of them were. silas had spent most of his adult life driving, collecting miles on the odometer as if it could be turned in some kind of currency. by law, the desjardins ranch was his home, but he hadn't consistently lived there in years. it was his home, but every time he returned, he felt like an unwanted visitor. dallas treated him politely, but there was an obvious resentment underneath it, a layer of mold below the love he had for his brother—undoubtedly due to the fact the responsibilities of the ranch fell onto dally's shoulders when it traditionally should've landed on silas, the oldest. he wondered if dally knew the whole reason why big don sent silas away until he was needed was that he knew his eldest wasn't suited to ranching. there was violence in silas from a young age and it was put to better use elsewhere. hank, for his part, was the only brother that seemed to like silas. whenever he came back into town, it was hank that wanted to go out drinking with him. eddie, the youngest brother, feared silas, always eyeing him like a dog prone to biting. their father, big don, knew that silas was a dog prone to biting—bred to bite—because big don made him that way.

the only people in his family that seemed to have any sort of affection for him were the women. his mother doted on him as her eldest child, but he knew if he was any further down the generational line, there would be no love in her heart for the black sheep that tarnished the desjardins name. baby, his only sister and the youngest of the siblings, loved him warily. they kept the secret of his true purpose away from her as best they could, but he doubted she was completely unaware of why he was sent away so often. no longer a baby, though the family was unlikely to ever see her as anything else, the only way she wouldn't figure out the desjardins weren't just simple ranching folks was if she was willfully in denial. maybe his mother and sister loved him because they were the only ones allowed to. the fairer desjardins. his father and brothers knew the truth about silas: there was nothing good about him, and for the most part, that was the way everyone preferred it.

the woman in the car didn't seem fairer like the desjardins girls. her words were polite, if not a bit clipped, but her eyes held wariness. for good reason, too. silas exuded menace, even in a simple action or benign statement. he had no plans to hurt her, but she would be smart to be cautious. not everyone on the road could be as pragmatic as him. the aura of danger that surrounded him was a convenient warning to the innocents and a natural attractant to likeminded individuals. he wasn't a dog prone to bite, but a rattlesnake with a tail that never stilled.

“that's mighty kind, thank you.” silas would've tipped his hat if he ever wore one off the ranch (too obvious and too noticable anywhere else). he stepped back as she pulled the car off to the side, though he did recognize there was little danger in staying on the road. she was the only other car he had seen on the highway in hours. eventually, he had to stop driving and figure out where he was. there wasn't a highway in the southwestern united states that silas hadn't driven on at least once before, but this route he must've accidentally drove onto seemed different somehow. visually, it looked the same. cracked dirt; cactuses; desert willows; hazy mountains in the distance; blazing sun up above. it looked no different than the rest of southern california or baja arizona, but even in the long stretches of road, there was some signs of life. a random church here, a spatter of adobe houses over there. for the past ten inexplicable hours, silas saw no one but himself in the rear view mirror. not until her.

he used his hand to shield his eyes from the sun, despite the fact that he was already wearing sunglasses. for a moment, he expected her to just drive off and leave him on the side of the road, but she kept her word and pulled off to the side. once she exited the vehicle, he got a look at her slim legs and long, black hair. to put in the most simple language, she was fuckin' hot. when she called out to him over her shoulder, silas obliged and picked up a few rocks off the side of the road. making the short walk over to her car, he wordlessly placed the rocks in opposite corners so it wouldn't catch on the wind. “you headin' the same direction then, i take it?” he asked, though silas never had a specific destination in mind whenever his father released him out into the wild. he had no concrete plans, though he had been toying around with the idea of visiting an old friend up in crescent lake for a bit. that was until he found himself on a highway that had no name and didn't seem to want to end. now he just wanted to make it somewhere with a semi-decent motel. “i'm silas, in case you were wondering.”

the original wilhelmina hardesty had a way of saying that her daughter, billie, was too suspicious for her own good. it wasn't polite. billie couldn't disagree more, but she often found her mother's words to be a nagging insecurity that could make her falter in trusting her own intuition. worse still, she knew it. could tell the second she was doing it, but was powerless to stop it. perhaps that was the way all daughters felt when they sinned against the cautionary advisory of their mothers or betrayed their own inner voices.

bristling at being called 'doll' billie tried not to grimace. this man felt all kinds of wrong, and she knew better to stop for a stranger on the side of the road, but she also knew that the desert could mean death for a man stranded alone. least she could do was to stop even if men meant death for a woman alone anywhere. stopping though, that inner voice made her wish she'd just kept on driving.

"uh, no, not exactly." she admitted. she'd been living off her gps to get her back to the family ranch in alberta, but it had told her she'd be going straight along for the next 100 miles before she lost service. "but i have a map in the glove compartment." too helpful. "let me pull off the road--" she felt stupid for even saying so; who the hell was going to rear end her on this deserted stretch of highway? she hadn't passed anyone in hours. "--and we can take a look at it."

when she'd pulled over, billie brandished the map and unfolded it on the hood of her car. a bit of wind picked up and threatened to send it down the highway as if it would show the way to i-10 itself. she spread her hands over the map and called over her shoulder. "can you grab a coupla rocks to hold the corners down?"

#thewolfruns #* SILAS DESJARDINS / narrative .#* SILAS DESJARDINS / thread / billie .#* SOUTHBOUND / verse .#idk what happened!!! i wrote too much lmao #but i went with sb bc we were talking abt it and writing in that verse makes me miss living in tuscon lol #queue are my queen rebecca!

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igglemouse · 2 years ago

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Episode 1 ~ Sheep’s Clothing

For a moment Tullus Cinna froze. It wasn’t that he was intimidated, no, this was a man born in antiquity and it took a lot to intimidate him. He froze out of shock be cause Maria strolled right past him and found her knees next to Julius.

‘What an odd relationship’ he thought. Maria was the third of Julius’ wives and Tullus thought a wife should be treated better? He knew Jana wasn’t treated in this way and as for Tabitha, the 2nd of his wives, she mostly kept out of vampire business. Still, seeing this particular woman lower herself beneath Julius had confused him but he had to shake the thought out of his mind. He wasn’t here for that.

“I would like to thank you for once again saving Tobias’ life. If only you had caught the perpetrator who had almost slain him...you said it was a woman, correct?”

“I-...yes, yes Count Tourneau,” he wasn’t here to talk about this either but he knew it was important for Julius. For some time Julius has put a bounty on a wild vampire known as Vio, a woman who has terrorized his family since her existence. “It was she, Viol-”

“Do not speak her name,” Julius hissed but quickly calmed himself with a deep exhale. “Tobias is foolish and in his youth and will be thanking you personally shortly. I believe he is out hunting tonight but-”

“He doesn’t need to, Count Tourneau. He’s but a pup and prone to mistakes, he had no idea who he was dealing with,” and neither did Tullus as he barely escaped with his life. He had hoped to never see Vio again.

“Fair enough, so, what do you wish for your reward? I imagine it is more than just meeting me although that is an accomplishment in of itself. I have a feeling that you want something more? Land? Hunting grounds? What is it?”

Tullus paused because now that the moment was here he wasn’t sure if he should ask for what he wasn’t sure if he should ask. Perhaps the turn in tone of Julius had scared him off. Suddenly the master vampire was impatient and agitated. He blamed Maria for that since she was practically purring for his attention. It was distracting and he imagined that it must be for Julius as well. All the same he had went face to face with Violante and he had saved the life of Julius’ only son. He deserved something.

“I want the hand of your daughter,” he said at once causing another silence to fill the room. He was sure that Julius would laugh because of course Maria had started to giggle, that wretched sound of hers had made him want to rip out her tongue more than once and he so badly wished that he could. Julius never did join in on the laughter.

“I understand you are from a different...time, Mr. Cinna, but nowadays we don’t just hand off our daughters to some valiant knight for a reward.”

“I understand that and I only meant to be introduced to her, to court and gain her favor, I do not wish to claim her as an object to be leashed to me or-” he stopped, his eyes going on Maria who only giggled at the irony. “I just wish for a chance.”

I see...” it seemed Julius was in thought. “I could arrange a meeting with Charlotte but you must understand the woman has so many suitors and her mother, oh how Tabby dotes on her, you’ll have to gain her approval more than mines and-”

“You have it mistaken, Count Tourneau, it’s not Charlotte’s hand I wish for.”

“Laverne...” Julius whispered his lost daughter’s name as if it were a curse, just like Violante’s. At that moment he had risen to stand.

Index - Next

#season 1 #the sims 4 #the sims #sims legacy #iggleverse reborn #sims 4 legacy #my sims #gen 1 #laverne tourneau #julius tourneau #tullus cinna #maria puzakova #charlotte tourneau #violante matta

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k9mon · 3 years ago

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ᥫ᭡ — sleepless nights with kaeya, amber, & thoma

╰➤ gender neutral , no cws

— kaeya

kaeya, having been through more than enough of his own sleep deprived nights, is fully equipped to spend the night by your side. his first priority is keeping you entertained through the night - the last thing he wants is for you to experience the same loneliness he often finds himself feeling in the hollowness that comes with unrest, with nothing to accompany him but the white sound of mondstadt and his own thoughts

he somehow makes it possible to talk about both everything and nothing at the same time, leading you through conversation seamlessly. he dances around every subject, fingers constantly tracing over the skin of your arms, sometimes even sneaking under your shirt to caress your back in a comforting motion.

kaeya manages to keep himself awake throughout the entire night, mind set on keeping you company until you fall asleep on your own. he smoothly eases any of your arising worries about his need to sleep with nothing more than a grin and pinch of your cheek. he tells you to put yourself first, and that he’ll worry about his own drowsiness during the day. if it came to it, he tells you, he wouldnt be opposed to skipping out on his rather boring favonius work if it meant he could spend some extra time cozying up to you in bed

once the light of dawn starts seeping in through the blinds, kaeya’s ready to do two things for you whether you’ve fallen asleep in the middle of conversation or not : first and foremost, he makes sure to sneak out of bed and prepare a nice, warm cup of something strong to help you power through the undoubtedly gruelling morning that awaits you. and then, he invites you to take the day off with him and settle into his arms once more. it doesn’t hurt to take some extra time off for some well needed rest every once in a while, right ?

— amber

amber tries her best to help you fall back asleep alongside her, she really does. from heating up a glass of warm milk for you to reading you bedtime stories, she comes to you bright eyed despite the unmistakable fatigue set in the creases of her face. she tells you that she wont rest until you’ve fallen asleep, eyes gleaming with mirth even after having just woken up to seeing you shifting uncomfortably in your shared bed over and over

her efforts come one after the other, all in an effort to get you a good night’s rest for the following day. amber stays curled up in bed with you after pulling out some extra fluffy blankets and pillows stored away for “special occasions” as she likes to put it. they were stored away in a lone closet a door or two down from your bedroom, ready to be taken out and used for comfort on spontaneous stargazing and pillowfort sessions

yes, she assures you, being up with you at 3am with stacks of books and unclean cups with milk residue on the bedside tables counts as a special occasion. honestly, she goes on, anything can be a special occasion with you if she really wants. amber’s smile’s cheeky as she says that, fingers moving to intertwine with yours in the same affectionate way she always does. her hands squeeze yours, thumb passing over the back of your hand in a repetitive motion. her hands dont stray far from yours for the rest of the night, her touch lingering everytime she pulls away for the briefest of moments to grab a spare pillow to toss around your bodies

amber’s last resort is to count sheep with you. with high hopes, you and her take turns counting through the imaginary sheep hopping over a fence. amber’s 47th sheep never ended up getting counted that night, with her accidentally falling asleep in the middle of her efforts to relieve your unrest.

— thoma

thoma immediately dotes on you upon catching wind of your dilemma, bringing you close to his chest and rambling off about how important it is to get a decent amount of sleep every day. he’s quick to worry about you, but he’s also quick to consider ways to be of help to you. he first gauges how tired you seem to be, and then decides to work on his mission to help you fall asleep from there. his eyebrows draw together in concentration, eyes intently scanning over you to see if there seemed to be any sort of physical problem that was keeping you up

he asks if anything’s been bothering you as of late, gently prodding you to speak your mind to him. as your boyfriend, he goes on, he always wants to be a safe space for you. he pouts at you, poking at your cheeks and shaking you in his arms just a tad bit. thoma presses his cheek to your forehead, discreetly checking if you may have been feeling feverish in the middle of the night

thoma keeps you wrapped up close to him, opting to ease his hand down your back in a steady motion while his other arm rested underneath your head. he presses the occasional kiss to your hair, lips barely making contact. you can feel the ghost of a smile playing on his mouth, lips stretched into the same telltale smile that never failed to bring a certain warmth to your entire being

enveloped in thoma’s embrace, it wasn’t long before sleep overcame your sleep deprived self. pride washes over him once he realizes you’ve fallen asleep, proud to be able to help his beloved in their time of need. thoma curls up further into your side, closing his eyes and ready to wake up to you snuggled up to his side. he makes a mental note to whip up an extra special breakfast to greet you with when you’re ready to wake up

#genshin x reader #kaeya x reader #amber x reader #thoma x reader #genshin kaeya #genshin amber #genshin thoma #kaeya #amber #thoma #genshin

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strawberrylemonz · 4 years ago

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Birthday Surprise

Part 17

Part 18 [CURRENT]

Part 19

@petrichormeraki @applepie1000 @artistconk @ivorylin @sydneys-sketches @snapdragonfirefly @bargledblocks @redchu12 @lovebug5151 @cupidisntverysmart @grotesque-sheep

--------------------------

“Happy birthday! Are you ready for the best birthday ever?! You’re three! Get up and let’s get you ready for the day.”

A squeal of delight left Clementine’s mouth as she pointed to the door, commanding her dad to get out. Laughing out loud, Tommy dodged a toy as he shut the door behind him. Huffing in mock annoyance, the young girl carefully climbed out of her bed and walked to her dresser. Humming a cheerful tune, she grabbed one of her favorite dresses to wear for the day. Sitting on her bed once more, she slipped her sock and shoes onto her feet. As soon as she was dressed, she took a moment to collect herself. Smiling, she peered across her room, staring at the empty bed placed there. She couldn’t help but frown at the sight. She was glad that Theo and Fundy got their own house, she really was, but she missed them. She missed having someone to share a room with, someone who she could talk to when she was unsure or scared.

“Clem! If you don’t hurry up, I’ll eat your breakfast pancakes!”

The small girl gasped as she scrambled to her door, jumping up and down as it opened. Raising her hands up, she giggled as her dad scooped her up in his arms, gently squeezing her in the process.

“Well? Let’s go, girlie. Gotta fix your hair, unless you wanna hear your nan scream her fucking lungs out at us.”

Snuggling into Tommy’s neck, Clem smiled as he walked out of her room and into the kitchen. Sitting down in her seat, the young girl happily began to eat as her dad began to fix her hair, humming a tune as he did so. Today was going to be a great day.

------------

“Look at you!!! Oh, you look so precious!!!”

Kristin couldn’t help but dote on her granddaughter, squeezing the squealing girl as Tommy rolled his eyes. Grian laughed, Grumbot and Jrumbot smiling at their younger cousin. Theo wheezed out a laughter as he pointed at his cousin, ignoring the amused, pointed look directed at him by his dad. After a few attempts, Tommy was finally able to pry his daughter from his mother’s grasp.

“Aye, Gri, did you let Xisuma know?”

“Yup. While we’re gone, he, along with everyone else, will be decorating and preparing for Clem’s dinner party.”

“Perfect. Let’s get going, right? Gotta meet everyone else for lunch. Ready to go, birthday girl?”

Clem smiled as she nodded, delighted for the day’s activities. Grabbing her dad’s hand in her own, she skipped alongside him as they walked towards the Hub portal, something that no longer scared her. Smiling alongside her family, she happily scurried into the portal.

“Stay close, let’s not get lost in the Hub traffic.”

Tommy lifted Clementine into his arms and onto his shoulders, something that the girl loved. Once all the children were secured, the group navigated their way through the crowded area. Finally making it out, everyone made their way towards city central. As Clementine played simple games with her cousins, pointing and naming the scenery around them, a cheerful voice caught her attention.

“There’s our birthday girl!”

Lani and Drista happily greeted the girl, who was climbing from Tommy to Tubbo. Behind them stood Phil, Techno and Wilbur. The three gave their greetings to the group, wishing the young girl a happy birthday. Smiling, Kristin approached Phil with open arms. The two hugged, sharing a quick kiss, before Kristin greeted the other two boys. Techno and Wilbur both greeted her in return, only to be interrupted when Grian approached, using his wings to pull both his brothers into a hug. Tommy snickered as he spewed teases to his brothers, only to curse loudly when he was pulled in with them.

“Oi! Fuck off!”

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”

“Shit, Clementine! No copying daddy’s cursing!”

------------

“Slow down, Clem, don’t choke. Your food isn't going anywhere.”

Clem just quickly swallowed her food, sticking her tongue out at her uncle before shoving another spoonful of mac & cheese in her mouth, making Wilbur grimace once more. Sighing, he turned to face his baby brother, who paid no mind to the way his daughter was eating. Frowning, he spoke up.

“Tommy.”

“Hm? What?”

“Look at your daughter.”

“What about her?”

“Look at how she’s eating.”

Tommy peered over to Clementine, who shoved another mouthful in, smudges of cheese around her mouth. Tilting her head she smiled at her uncle, making Wilbur gag once more. Phil scrunched his nose as Kristin hid a laugh, shaking her head at the scene. Humming, Tommy just nodded.

“Ah, I see. Clem, you need to eat more protein, here.”

“Tommy, I didn’t mean that!”

“Mememememe, that’s what you sound like right now.”

Clem giggled as she watched the two bicker with each other. Turning to face her cousins, amusement filled her as she saw Theo’s disgusted expression.

“Clem, that’s gross!”

Biting crazily into her burger, she chewed a few times before opening her mouth, showing off her food. Grumbot and Jrumbot both grimaced, looking away. Theo, on the other hand, screeched.

“Ewwww!!!!! DAAAAAAD!!!!!”

Swallowing her food, Clem couldn’t help but laugh as chaos ensued at their table. As she prepared to feed the chaos, movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Tilting her head, she watched as the figure stiffened, before running down an alley. Quietly sliding out of her seat, she grabbed two of her burgers as she followed the figure, not bothering to notify her family of her actions. Peering into the alley, she gathered her confidence as she spoke up.

“H-Hello?”

A whimper replied.

“Come out?”

Silence.

“Hungry?”

“Y-yes…”

“Here! Food!”

Clementine smiled as she held out one of her burgers. She watched as a child her size emerged from the shadows, timidly staring at her hand. Ears twitching, he licked his lips as he saw the burger, uneaten, waiting for him. The swishing of his black-striped tail caught her attention, amusement filling her. A raccoon.

“Take.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. In an instant, he lunged forward, snatching the burger and scarfing it down, hungry growls escaping his mouth. Once he had finished it (wrapper and everything) he seemed to have settled down. Flushed with embarrassment over how he acted when eating, he mumbled apologies. Clementine just smiled as she held out the other burger.

“Take.”

He watched her once more, staring at the second burger presented to him by the same girl. She was weird.

“Come on, I won’t hurt you, promise! Let’s sit down over here.”

Clementine nodded, making the hybrid smile. Following him into a pile of abandoned boxes, she happily sat down in front of the boy, who was obviously trying to hide how hungry he was for the second burger. Smiling, she held the burger out to him once more. His face brightened up as he grabbed it, nodding in thanks as he began to eat again. Doing his best to restrain himself from scarfing it down and risking scaring the girl away, he slowly ate the burger, thinking of what to say. Halfway through the burger, he spoke up.

“Thank you for the food! You’re really nice! You know, it’s my birthday today, so this is a nice gift!”

“Birthday?”

“Yeah!”

“Birthday!”

The boy brightened up as Clementine pointed to herself, happily chanting that it was her birthday. Quickly finishing his burger, he quickly continued the conversation.

“It’s your birthday too? Cool! How old are you?”

“Three!”

“Really? Me too! We’re like twins!”

“Twins! Twins!”

The two smiled and laughed as Clem hopped up and down in her seat flailing her arms in excitement. The boy shared her excitement and joy, happily kicking his feet around. Pointing to herself once more, Clem happily exclaimed at the boy.

“Clementine!”

“That’s a nice name, Clementine. I’m William!”

“Wil! Wil! Wil!”

Jumping to the ground, Clem twirled a bit before holding her hand out.

“Go!”

“Where?”

“Papa!”

William stopped, his smile dropping. Avoiding her eyes, he spoke up.

“O-Oh, you have a family? I don’t think your mom and dad will like you being around me.”

“Uh-uh. Me ‘n Papa. Papa love you. Papa wants you home.”

He still looked unsure, something that made the girl annoyed. He was being very difficult at the moment, and she didn’t appreciate that.

“Papa adopt me. Papa adopt you. Family.”

“Do you think so?”

“I know.”

“Well, I don’t think he’d want a raccoon hybrid in his home.”

Smiling at the boy, Clem shook like a wet animal, forming raccoon ears and a tail for herself. William starred in shock, his eyes widening even more the moment she shifted between different types of animals and bugs, ending with her human form.

“He take me. He take you. Stay here, I come back with Papa.”

With Wil’s nod of agreement, Clementine scurried from the alley and back to her family’s table. Upon sitting down, she was immediately hounded.

“There you are!”

“Where were you?!”

“We searched everywhere! We were fixing to pay so that we could look for you in other areas!”

“Bathroom.”

The family settled down as Clementine gave her excuse, the bathroom. All buying it, they warned her to not scare them like that ever again. After all that was done, everyone began to disperse, promising to meet up at the Hermit server for the dinner. All who remained was Clementine and Tommy.

“Papa.”

“Hm?”

“Follow.”

Before Tommy could say or do anything, Clementine took off. Not wanting to lose his daughter again, he quickly followed, calling out to her. Concern formed in him as they entered an alley, only to melt away the moment he saw his daughter pull on a small hand from a pile of boxes.

“Wil, out.”

After many attempts with no success, she dramatically groaned as she began to pull on her father’s hand. Pointing back at the pile, she whined to her father.

“Wil.”

Raising an eyebrow, he nodded as he kneeled before the boxes. Peering in, he called out in uncertainty.

“Hello?”

“H-Hi.”

“I’m assuming that you’re Wil?”

“Y-Yes sir. William.”

The tugging sensation at Tommy’s arm caught his attention. Turning to face his daughter, he watched as happily pointed at the hidden boy.

“Twins!!!”

#memories in the stars #memories in the stars au

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cmitrescu-a · 3 years ago

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@ladysmaid: I CAN’T WALK AWAY FROM YOU IF I TRIED.

power. it’s thick and heady, and cassandra near-tastes it in indra’s words, in the way the human girl looks at her. indra isn’t one of the sheep, either -- she’s a killer, same as cassandra. their little chases have become bloodier and bloodier, cassandra emerging from the shadows to slash at indra’s heels, almost playfully, inches away from slicing an achilles tendon; indra retaliating with shotgun blasts, sometimes actually hitting her, and the sharp sting of pain, the reminder of her own mortality is almost as nice as what comes after (indra doting on her, apologizing profusely for hurting cassandra, and tucking her into bed).

so it’s not just the thrill of power that rushes through her when indra speaks, but the satisfaction of a game well-won. and something else, something almost affectionate? something foreign to a monster like cassandra dimitrescu, except perhaps in the presence of her family. dark mouth twists in a wry grin, as a playful hand reaches out to capture the maid’s chin. “good.”

#𝚃𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝙷𝚄𝙼𝙰𝙽 𝚅𝙾𝙸𝙲𝙴𝚂 𝚆𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝚄𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚆𝙴 𝙳𝚁𝙾𝚆𝙽 ( in char ) 🩸.#𝚃𝙸𝙻𝙻 𝙷𝚄𝙼𝙰𝙽 𝚅𝙾𝙸𝙲𝙴𝚂 𝚆𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝚄𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚆𝙴 𝙳𝚁𝙾𝚆𝙽 ( answered ) 🩸.#ladysmaid.

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static-fanatic-1 · 5 years ago

Note

Is it alright to request hc or dranbles about Chimera Ants like Neferpitou, Meruem, Shaia, Yupi and so more?

I hope this is enough ;)

Meruem:

• This guy would be a scary Yandere, after all he is pretty much one of the strongest nen users to date.

• Meruem is intelligent and powerful, he has influence all over due to being the king. His royal guard will also be obsessed with you. They will protect you with their life and give up everything and anything to keep you with their king.

• Meruem will see you as a lesser being, almost like a pet except less degrading. He won't chain you or tie you up, instead he will use his power to force into submission. Fear will keep you in line and if it doesn't expect to be punished depending on your offense.

• If it was something small like a snarky remark he will simply give you a heart stopping glare. On the other hand if it is something worse like trying to run off or defying him, expect to be overwhelmed by his aura. He will emptily threaten you with his tail or his sharp claws until you are back in line. The Chimera Ant king will be ruthless, only he can hurt you.

• Anyone that even hopes to help you will be given hell. Family and friends won't be able to help you, and if they even dare to try they will be killed without second thought. He will set you on his lap while one of the Royal guardsmen takes them out.

• He would be extremely possessive and scary when angry. No doubt in my mind he would go all psycho crazy when angry. He'll lick his lips and give that really scary look he gave when first eating human flesh. His nen will spike and he'll love to watch you choke in his aura alone. Anyone near him that isn't you or a royal guard will be annihilated, even then he might accidentally attack and sever off a royal guards' limb.

• Bedding Meruem will be a one way street. He will be on top and you can't do anything about it. He will give you what you deserve with whatever he has on hand. I don't think he will use anything extra in bed, relying on his own strength and might to do as he pleases. Expect something rough when he is angry and something touchy when in a good mood.

• Keep in mind, if you are his darling you are dealing with more than just the top dog, you are dealing with the whole pack.

Shaiapouf:

• What a drama queen.

• Whenever you are around his heart will flutter in his chest, it will be as obvious as you would expect. He will place a hand upon chest and flutter his wings around, maybe even jumping around your form and singing how much he missed you.

•Shaia will do anything in his power to make you comfortable while in his 'care'. Do you want to listen to some music, good thing he is amazing at playing the violin. Are you sore from trying to escape, he would love the honor to massage your feet. Do you want to see other humans, you don't have to, he is the best cuddle buddy around and will wrap you up like a burrito in his wings!

• If you try to escape his grasp, as you will he stuck in whatever castle Meruem resides in, he will be hurt. He will make sure you are safe and okay, but he will punish you after. Though I don't see him being too rough with you.

• Speaking of punishments, you would have to do something really bad to earn it. Things like escaping successfully for some time, trying to kill him and doing some damage, and that's kinda it. I don't see him wanting to scar your skin, he loves the way you look and would be disappointed if something damaged your perfect complexion. He would probably manipulate you into feeling guilty, even if it is his fault your here in the first place.

• Once you've been degraded enough he will wrap you up in his arms and give you so much affection. If you say your sorry and you won't ever do it again, he will make sure you have the best day of your life.

• He would worship you in bed, a dark look in his eyes as he makes you feel amazing. I don't think he would do anything too crazy, pretty vanilla in my book. If he liked something it would probably be sensory deprivation. He would like to watch you writhe in pleasure without knowing what he will do next.

Menthuthuyoupi:

• probably wouldn't be able to tell he is a Yandere.

• Youpi is as he would act to the king, a devoted soldier and guardsmen. He wouldn't hesitate to protect you, and for him that is the norm. The only reason you might know he is all over you is because he is protecting a human.

• He will not understand why you are so perfect to him, I mean you are human, pretty useless to anything he wants to do.

• Still, he finds himself interested and without hesitation he kidnaps and keeps you close. Youpi doesn't care if you wonder around and if you escape he doesn't care either. He'll just get you back, it isn't anything difficult.

• I honestly don't think he would get angry, I see him being extremely patient when it comes to you, but if someone else is involved, expect he'll. He wouldn't take it out on you, no he's more like a very jealous boyfriend. Everyone else around you would be slaughtered and consumed.

• He would probably wonder why you are crying about the people he killed, or not being around other humans. He would defiantly ask Pitou what's wrong, after all they are the best with human emotions.

• He would try to console you, it would be very awkward as he will be confused the entire time. If it doesn't work the first time he most likely won't do it again and instead will pull you close and hold you in his arms.

• This dude is both beefy and big, so he would be gentle. In bed he would let you take the lead, so you would initiate it. Youpi wouldn't have the best idea on what to do so he would do what you want him to do. The thing is he wouldn't do anything really weird without you telling him to, but his body can do whatever so any freaky body stuff is what he'll be good at. After some practice he would be able to take initiative, and if he does he'd probably be rough but with restraints. After all he wouldn't want to break you.

• Youpi would be pretty lax with you, though that doesn't mean he is any less Yandere. The Chimera Ant wouldn't let anyone near you, and I actually see him going semi feral if something happened to you. He is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Neferpitou:

• They are so sweet to their obsession, always doing their best to make them feel better about their situation.

• They care deeply about how you feel, and will do all the small, romantic things humans typically do in order to make you feel as if you belong. They will cuddle with you and smother you in affection whenever they get the chance.

• Pitou will be both top and bottom in the relationship. Either they will wrap you in their arms and tail or they'll be curled in your lap purring the night away.

• They will always want you near and will constantly ask if you are okay. Your feelings are a top priority. She will dote on you like a proud parent and will constantly gift you things whenever you feel down. Even if those things are relatively grim, like a head or something.

• I believe they understand how emotions works for humans, but I still think they'll slip up and do something questionable from time to time. Maybe their gift was the head of a human they killed that day, the one that tried to break into the castle and harm you. Or maybe they sniff your hair or lick a strip of your neck out of nowhere. If you act negatively they'll keep that in mind, but they might slip up and do it again.

• Pitou in bed might be a little strange. I have a feeling they would praise you constantly while also checking on you to make sure you are okay.

• Despite being relatively nice they will keep you glued to their hip at all times. They will be touchy without noticing and will give a death glare to any stranger who gets too close. They will let you wonder around the castle where they are staying at, but they will be with you no mater what. The only people they will trust would be the other royal guardsmen and the king, but even then they'll whine until it's them with you.

Chimera Ant Queen:

• Being the first Chimera Ant and the mother of many evil children, she'll be very similar to Meruem.

• She will have little concept of human emotions despite understanding human behaviors a bit. She'll pretty much only have motherly instincts and the thirst for human flesh. If she finds you to be good company she will hold you close and nibble on your exposed flesh and compliment your taste.

• Be warned, she will be delusional to an extent, wanting so deeply to eat you and keep you alive at the same time. She will constantly trace her claws and mandibles against your neck and waist. Probably your legs too.

• She won't allow you to wonder the premises like her prized son, she will keep you with her until death do you part.

• Speaking of till death do you part, she will eventually eat you, and the Chimera Ant with your DNA will be her new favorite child. She will dote on them and tell them how perfect they are because their DNA was from the perfect human.

• It doesn't matter if you had nen or if your "daughter/son" has it either. They will be the favorite and will be protected in the name of the Queen.

Zazan:

• The reason people say "If she breathes, she's a thot".

• Imagine she takes over Meteor City like she planned, the entire city being controlled by human feasting Chimera Ants. And her eyes land on you.

• If you end up being her obsession you won't be going anywhere. Anyone who follows under her new world order will know to keep you safe and close to their new queen. That or she'll probably have their head.

• No matter what you will be around one or more of her personal guards—whoever they may be. If you are not around one of them you are with her.

•She is such a princess, if she asks you to do something you should probably do it. I can easily see her treating her obsession like a pet of sorts, maybe a collar and leash to spice things up.

•Defiantly full of herself, thinks she is better than everyone and adores it when you tell her that. She will be wrapping her tail around you and holding you on her lap wether you be a gal or guy, to her you are a weak, lesser being.

•Even by the standards of humans she is rather nice to look at, and she knows it. She will always flaunt her looks without care and will use it to embarrass and tease you. Placing one of your hands upon her chest? She won't hesitate if it gets you flustered.

• Sleeping with her would be pretty strange if you aren't into it. She would use rope or handcuffs to keep you under her. Master play would be her thing for sure, possibly even some bottom dominance for she's in the mood.

•Getting away from her will be difficult as she will have Chimera Ant followers—possibly even some human ones. Zazan loves you, and when she is the queen, you are her concubine. Her favorite concubine.

Colt:

(Not my art; couldn’t find a gif.)

• Really possessive.

• Out of everyone I see him being the most open when it comes to his possessive/protective nature. He will defiantly be most likely to keep you locked in a room or cage of sorts.

• Everything he does is for your protection. You won't be seeing any family or friends anytime soon when he first starts out. He will ask Peggy what humans need to eat and what they shouldn't. Not to mention everything else Peggy can find on human health.

• Colt will follows the books to a T and will make sure you don't do anything different. He will practically control every aspect of your life.

• The only reason I see him allowing you to see your family is because you have cried so much or you refuse to take care of yourself. Despite being so controlling he has a big soft spot for you. He will take you to see your friends or family but that is probably it.

• Getting down and dirty with him is something I can't really imagine unless you ask him for it. Usually he will just wrap his arms and wings around you and go to bed, but if you are asking for more I think he would be a controlling vanilla. He will probably take a nervous lead and please you, but I don't see him doing anything strange.

• Colt is really loyal, so you don't have to worry about him loosing interest. Period.

#yandere hxh #yandere hunter x hunter #yandere meruem #yandere shaiapouf #yandere menthuthuyoupi #yandere neferpitou #yandere chimera ant #yandere pitou #yandere youpi #yandere pouf #yandere zazan #yandere colt #yandere chimera ant queen #yandere x reader

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thorns-ofthe-thistle · 3 years ago

Text

Envy of Thy Happy Lot . [Self para]

One shot 1000 words. — Thistle throughout the eras. (Pick at least four time periods and write a little flash fiction for each.)

[tw: death, plague (Spanish flu) (mentioned)]

1921

His mother was dead.

She must have died something in the early morning hours. Theo had checked on her before going to bed himself, tired and worried that if he didn’t get enough sleep than he would get sick too. Sick like everyone was sick. He sat next to her bed, tracing patterns on the back of her cold hand, wondering what would happen to him now. Should he get a job at the factories? He didn’t have any skills otherwise. Mama had taught him to read and write, but that was all. Maybe he should move to the country and try to get work on a farm.

No one would hire a Magick like him.

As the orange sun settled over London’s roofs, Theo’s mother was still dead. Still cold in her bed. And Theo still didn’t know what to do.

There was a knock on the door. It was a man that he had never seen before. He was tall and pale and had unnatural, black eyes, but he smiled and asked to come in. Did he know about his mother? Had he come to take him away?

The answer to these questions was yes. But he was not taking him away to an orphanage, where he would catch the plague that snuck into everyone’s houses. He was taking him away to a magical land full of fairies. No, not fairies, his father corrected (for this man, this creature, was his father).

He was going to the fae.

1951

The newsstand touted a familiar face. One that Prince Thistle of the Fenlands hadn’t seen since he was a boy. Since he was just little Teddy Barrie, a sniveling child. Thistle had thought they were dead. But his uncle smiled in black and white, unmistakable. He had never been a kind man and it seemed that now, he was also a liar. Not that Thistle was surprised, but it was interesting to him.

It was especially interesting considering why he was in the paper. It appeared he had a daughter. A pretty daughter who had just gotten married. Thistle’s cousin had just gotten married, and he should probably pay them a visit, should he not?

“Teddy?” the man at the door said. He had gray in his hair and a gut. He was missing a finger, Thistle could see from where he was holding the door open.

“Papa, who is it?”

“Uh—”

The woman who appeared at his elbow was beautiful, her skin the color of rich earth. Her hair was curly and pulled back from her face. Her eyes were sparkling. She looked friendly. She looked like his mother.

“Hello,” she smiled at him. “Do I know you?” Ah, so she was smart too.

“No, you wouldn’t,” Thistle said with a smile of his own. “I am Theodore Barrie. Your older cousin.”

“Papa, you never told me I had any cousins! Where have you been hiding, Theodore?”

She said his name just like his mother. She took his hand and pulled him over the threshold. “You must come in for tea.”

1983

There had been a birth. Thistle always made his way to the mortal realm for any birth of a family member. It had started with Florence’s son, Lewis, in the 60s. He had been a bright, beautiful thing. Thistle had doted on him. Brought him gifts: an engraved comb from the drows, a knife with emeralds in the hilt. He did not stay long enough to be remembered as anything more than a dream, but still he visited, year after year.

And now, there was a new one to visit. His little family, which he kept so fiercely guarded

A lovely, perfect little girl. Thistle brought her a blanket woven from the wool of the sheep that roamed the Riverlands and pressed flowers from Elfhame.

Elizabeth was her name, but Thistle called Lisbet. Or lilybell. She never remembered him, but he remembered her. Her laugh and the shape of her face, round and sweet. Even if there was nothing but memories, he kept them close to his heart. There was not a picture, nor a memento that he could keep for himself. His deepest secret guarded in the warm brown eyes, the same shade of his own.

She grew up beautiful, but with a sneer that would rival plenty of the fae in the High Courts. She did not grow up to look like his mother, but she had a sharp tongue that he could be proud of.

2018

Thistle sat in the retirement home with a woven blanket over his knees. He recognized it. It was one he had given Lewis when he had just been born. He pushed back on the balls of his feet, rocking the chair as he sat at Florence’s bedside. She looked so frail; her skin folded in the wrinkles of a life well lived. There was still a beautiful smile. Her dark, curly hair was stark white. Yet, her eyes were no longer bright. They were clouded with cataracts and confusion.

“Hello,” she greeted him with a soft, rasping voice as he took his seat. “Do I know you?”

“Yes, Flora. I am Theodore Barrie, your cousin.”

“Flora,” she repeated, humming and nodding. “Only one person used to call me that. My cousin, Theodore. Did you know him?”

Thistle could not lie. “Yes, I do.”

“Oh, goodie.” She smiled bright. “How is he? It has been so long since he has written.”

“He’s well,” Thistle told her, reaching out to take her frail, cold hand. The veins beneath her dark skin were deep purple. He traced patterns onto the back of her hand. “He is engaged.”

“Engaged? At our age?” She laughed and it sounded like the tinkling of a million lovely bells. Thistle smiled. “Good for him.”

“He misses you,” Thistle told her, his voice soft and quiet. “Are they treating you well here?”

“They do not visit me enough. My family. I miss the girls. I was sick and they never came.”

Thistle nodded. He knew this. He kept tabs on anyone who came to see her and her health as well. She had had pneumonia recently. For a week, he had sat by her bed, watching the rise and fall of her chest and tracing patterns on the back of her hand.

“I am here, Flora. I will take care of you.”

“Flora,” she hummed again softly, her eyes fluttering closed. “My cousin Theodore used to call me that.”

#swynlabors #envy of thy happy lot #featuring florence #self para #eey some thistle backstory #also i literally have no idea if anything i've written today is good

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himbowelsh · 5 years ago

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I’ve been having a lot of conversations about Winnix as dads. Do you have any headcannons or fics of them with kids? I’d love to hear your thoughts ❤️

!! i do, i do!! winnix are dads anyways, thank you for giving me an opportunity to indulge my great interest. my headcanons about nix’s kid will probably be of interest to you, and are 100% relevant to this!!

so, nix has a kid. she’s the only good thing to come out of his marriage to his first wife --- funny, since she was an absolute accident, and neither parent was exactly thrilled when she was born. nix didn’t think he was ready to be a dad, and kathy had little interest in being a mom... so for most of her childhood, little madeline was left to the nannies to raise.

nix doesn’t actually get to know his kid until after the war ends. she doesn’t come around much. when she does, the entire nixon family dotes on her. his parents are thrilled to be grandparents... so nix leaves the handling of maddie up to them on her rare visits, lingering awkwardly in the background. he doesn’t know how to interact with his own kid.

honestly, any kid nix has is going to have a lot of him in them. maddie’s nixon genes are strong --- she’s got her father’s dark hair, dark eyes, sharp wit, and quiet intensity.

lewis nixon does not know what to do with this little girl.

“you’re afraid of her,” dick remarks bluntly to him one day. dick sees everything that goes on in his father’s company, in the nixon family, and in nix’s mess of a life. for the first time, nix kind of regrets buying him a ticket to new jersey.

“i’m not afraid of my own daughter!”

he proves it by getting her gifts. his own father’s solution to any parenting problem was to throw money at it — enough money that it would certainly go away. nix doesn’t want his daughter gone, he just wants her… satisfied. comfortable. fond of him, if he can ask for that much.

he doesn’t just buy her whatever she wants. he buys her things a little girl doesn’t rationally need. for maddie’s seventh birthday, she gets a rolls royce.

dick is a g h a s t .

the winters family’s parenting style couldn’t be more different from the nixons if they tried. austere and modest, dick’s parents treated him with respect from an early age, but also gave him a great deal of responsibility. as a child, he had a heavy load of chores; anything he wanted, he had to earn. when he wanted new things, he bought them with his own money… but those were more new shoes and books, maybe splurging on a camera or an ice cream cone, never a car. when the milk bottles were empty, little dick got new bowling pins. when the sheep were shaved, his mother would sometimes make him a new stuffed animal. that was the extent of spoiling him.

frankly, dick wants to raise his own children the same way.

nix thinks he’s a madman.

that said, dick is also a great buffer. where nix goes, dick tends to follow; maddie gets used to her father’s shadow. dick doesn’t think he’s particularly good with kids, but for some reason, maddie likes him. more than her father. dick didn’t ask for this at all... but nix is thrilled.

“if she likes you, we’re set! just --- talk me up a bit, you know? tell her about her old dad. give her a good impression. get to know her, find out what she wants, and i’ll get it for her!”

dick is skeptical, but loyal. he takes on the task of spending more time with maddie.

however much like her father she is, the little girl also carries a strong vein of melancholy. it doesn’t take dick long to recognize it as loneliness.

like any job, dick commits to it with his absolute all. he takes maddie to the park, to the beach, out flying kites and racing the wind. all maddie wants is someone to listen to her chatter, so dick does. he’s got a peculiar way of dealing with children --- he doesn’t spoil them, and certainly doesn’t baby them. he’s very respectful and encouraging, but sort of treats them like miniature adults; if they’re capable of acting, they’re capable of thinking those actions through and understanding the consequences, good or bad. maddie loves this approach --- dick takes her seriously, and she adores him for it.

about two weeks into dick’s assigned babysitting detail, nix pulls him aside, absolutely stricken. “you’re Dadding my kid,” he says.

dick doesn’t mean to adopt nix’s kid. that is absolutely, by no means what he wants, and boy is it a shock when he realizes.

by then, he’s in too deep. maddie has already started calling him “uncle dick”, and runs up every time she sees him with a broad grin on her face. she reports her daily activities back to him diligently, beams under the modest praise he gives her, and is always ready for a new adventure. “i think we should go to the park today,” she’ll declare, settling into the passenger’s seat besides dick. or, “we should go to the zoo.” “lets go the the beach and feed the seagulls.”

somehow, dick has become Interim Dad.

nix is devastated. he feels like he’s been replaced --- worse, that he let it happen. until he saw his kid being Dadded by someone else, he didn’t realize how much he wants a relationship with his daughter. he really, really does.

“you have to listen to her,” dick tells him. “she likes to argue --- not to be bullheaded, but just for the sake of it. it’s how her brain works. she doesn’t like being left alone. when she asks questions, she expects a serious answer. she doesn’t like dolls.”

there’s a brand new, $1000 dollhouse sitting in the back of nix’s renault. he feels faint.

charitably, dick invites him to the park the next day.

maddie doesn’t quite know why her father is with them --- he always seems very busy doing absolutely nothing --- but she adjusts quickly. nix has been to this exact park drunk on multiple occasions, so he does too.

it’s a sight to see --- nix and his daughter, swinging side by side, seeing who can go the highest. when nix gets a cramp in his leg, maddie laughs so hard she nearly tumbles off the swing. standing by, dick grins.

they end up double-teaming as dads for the rest of maddie’s childhood. it gets easier when they move away from nix’s family, and nix gets his own life in order. maddie gets her own bedroom at their house whenever they come to visit; nix fills it with books on animals and egyptian curses, chess boards and astronomy sets. she rides horses with dick all afternoon, and comes home to help nix put together dinner. she shows her father how to braid hair, and “uncle dick” learns ballet lifts while she’s practicing for her upcoming recital. though dick is the stern parent, he’s weak to maddie’s puppy dog eyes, because her father has the exact same pair.

they never tell her outright, but by the time she’s old enough, maddie’s figured out what’s going on between them. she never questions it. a part of her knew all along, and dick’s been her family long before he and her father held hands at the dinner table.

they haven’t raised a child together, not exactly... but when they look at the young woman their daughter has become, dick and nix couldn’t be prouder of her.

#i have a LOT of thoughts about winnix as dads!#historically lewis nixon had one son with his first wife and no children after that #maddie is my own invention and i'm quite proud of her #winnix #madeline nixon #headcanons

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the-real-tc · 5 years ago

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Fic UPDATE! Wide River to Cross: Homecoming

Author’s Note: So close. We're so close now, dear readers. Thanks for sticking with me this far; not much longer now. I promise. As you'll see from the events in this chapter, it will be impossible to prolong the agony. (Who remembers the actual agony while watching Season 7, wondering what had happened between Jack and Lisa? I remember that agony...) All that aside, the good part about how long this story has taken me is that plot lines that have occurred down the line can be worked in, and they can make some semblance of sense. I hope. Anyway, here's the latest chapter.

Chapter 22: Homecoming

In the darkness of night, the tree-lined drive seemed eerily foreign to Lisa as the town car bore both her and Rachel to their familial estate. Though it was a view she had seen thousands of times in her life, this particular return to Fairfield granted her no trace of comfort or sense of homecoming. It was bordering on close to ten months that she had been absent—one of the longest spells she had been away since her past marriage to Dan and subsequent move to the USA.

Lisa could not help but recall other lengthy absences from Fairfield, particularly in her adolescence when she had attended boarding school in France with Rachel. While she had enjoyed those times away—thanks to her love of French culture and many outings with her doting Aunt Evelyn—the inevitable homesickness was alleviated only upon return. Now, she felt like a stranger returning to a strange place, creeping in like some interloper.

Like a thief in the night, she thought to herself wryly, fighting the encroaching discomposure without much success.

“We’re here, Rach,” Lisa whispered, giving her younger sibling a gentle nudge.

“Huh? Oh, thanks,” Rachel mumbled sleepily. “I didn’t realise I nodded off.”

She smiled slightly, watching as Rachel rubbed bleary eyes before finishing off with a long yawn. Rachel had endured only one flight; Lisa had needed three to return to Alberta. Exhaustion was indeed beginning to overwhelm her, but there was a nervous tension buzzing through her veins, keeping her on an unusual level of alertness. Now that she was back in Hudson, the mere thought of being in the same town as Jack—and potentially encountering him anywhere—set her mind spinning. How would such a meeting play out? What words could pass her lips to express to him all that was in her heart? What words, if any, would he have to say to her?

Security lights illuminated the exteriors of the stables, dispelling the shadows. Night checks would have already been completed by this hour. All was quiet now, though Lisa knew Harry Wilkes would probably still be up in his office, burning the midnight oil while waiting for their arrival.

Good ol’ Harry, Lisa thought with affection. He had been such a constant presence in her life since she was a little girl, working his way up from the very bottom as a stable hand to head groomsman. Matthew Stillman had come to trust the man with just about everything, and Lisa had done the same. Harry was dedicated to the care of the horses in a way that went beyond what was expected of a mere hired hand. Anyone else would have retired from the position by now, but Harry was still logging the same hours as he had during the past forty-five years as a Fairfield employee. He had been there through the lean years and through the successful ones.

Without her realising it, a long pout pulled at Lisa’s face as the car pulled to a stop in front of the sprawling ranch house. She knew Harry was not thrilled with the idea of her selling Fairfield, even though he was guaranteed a handsome severance package. The rest of the staff might be keen on staying on with new owners; Harry would not—Lisa was certain of that.

“Why the long face?” Rachel asked, looking over at her. “Something wrong?”

“Hmm?” Lisa shook herself. “Oh, no. It’s just that... I-I don’t think Harry is pleased with my decision to sell, that’s all.”

“So Harry’s still working here, eh?” Rachel said, lips quirking into a lop-sided smile. “Dad really lucked out when he hired him. He’s been here since before I was even born. Good ol’ Harry.”

“I honestly don’t think I could have managed without him when Dad got sick,” Lisa mused out loud.

Sure enough, the door to the Fairfield business offices opened to reveal the man in question, silhouetted against the interior lights. He waved jauntily at them, and Lisa intuited he was intent on helping them unload their luggage.

“C’mon,” she said to Rachel as she opened her door. “Let’s get out before he gets the idea we’re going to let him carry everything into the house. He’s been up all night waiting; he’s got to be tired after working all day.”

“Right,” Rachel said in agreement, though she was staving off another yawn of exhaustion.

“Ah, the two prettiest girls in Hudson have made their triumphant return,” Harry greeted them affectionately; paternally.

“Oh, Harry,” Lisa said with a chagrined laugh, “I don’t know about ‘triumphant’, and after travelling all day, we look like something the cat dragged in.”

“Ha! Speak for yourself, sis,” Rachel interjected merrily. “Harry, flattery gets you everywhere. It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise, Rachel.”

The three gathered for a warm group hug. As Lisa guessed moments earlier, the next words out of Harry’s mouth were an offer to bring their luggage inside.

“No, no, you take it easy Harry,” Lisa quickly stated. “You’ve had a long day, too. Rachel and I can manage just fine.”

“Nonsense,” Harry said, reaching for the largest of the pieces the chauffeur had just deposited from the trunk. “Your father would be horrified if he saw me standing by idly while you two dragged all this stuff by yourselves.”

“Chivalry isn’t dead in Hudson, I see,” Rachel quipped, following the older man with her carry-on and a smaller suitcase.

“Thanks, Harry,” Lisa said after everything was sitting in the spacious foyer.

“Happy to do it, Lisa,” Harry said. “Welcome home.”

“Yeah... for however long that’s going to be,” Lisa sighed.

“It’s going to be hard seeing this place go,” Harry uttered with a wistful air. “Fairfield has been a big part of Hudson ever since you made it the success it’s become, Lisa. This town won’t be the same without it—or you.”

Not unkindly, Lisa asked: “Is this your way of trying to talk me out of selling?”

Harry shrugged. “Maybe. I know an old fella like me who’s on his way to retirement can’t interfere with the business decisions of his boss, but you know this place has always been more than just a ’job’ for me.”

“I know,” Lisa said warmly, reaching out to touch his arm in a show of understanding. “And I thank you for everything you’ve done from the day my father hired you to this present time.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, placing a hand over hers for a few moments. “I should be on my way. See you in the morning.”

“Of course.”

Harry turned to make his exit, but hesitated on the threshold. “There is something...”

Lisa waited expectantly. “What is it?” she asked when he did not continue.

“Hmmph. Nah, it can wait ‘til tomorrow,” he muttered. “Goodnight, ladies.”

“’Bye,” Rachel said, trying to suppress another yawn.

“Goodnight, Harry,” Lisa said, closing the door behind him, slightly perturbed by the man’s cryptic parting words. Whatever it was, she would learn of it the next day.

As cranky as Jack was at the notion of having the woolly creatures on his land, Georgie’s 4H Club project meant sheep at Heartland was good for something. At least the kid could learn about the rearing of an animal she could handle. Lambs weren’t liable to trample you, gore you, buck you off, or kick you in the head. It was decidedly not fun chasing down the specific lamb Georgie and Olivia wanted, especially since they could not agree on which one was the best one for their needs. Jack half-suspected they were changing their fickle minds on purpose, just for the spectacle of his sprawling about in the grass and weeds, grabbing at this lamb or that lamb.

It should have been Tim’s job seeing after the sheep, but he picked that very week to head to Moose Jaw to visit with his son, Shane, so they could spend Thanksgiving together. Why was it his ex-son-in-law continued to be such an irritant and an imposition in his life? If not for Lou and Amy, the man would never again have darkened the door at Heartland.

After Georgie and Olivia finally settled on a lamb and Jack successfully secured it, he decided a little break was necessary. It was no use getting worked up over the flock again; also, the girls did not need his grumpy mood to ruin things for them. It was trial enough for Georgie to be partnered with Olivia, he knew, so he did his best to keep his cool while in their company.

Once inside the kitchen, he brewed a cup of tea and eased into a chair in the living room—the kitchen having been taken over by Peter and his laptop. The man really needed office space of some kind while he was here, Jack mused.

Why Tim felt the need to saddle his son-in-law with the nickname “The General” was beyond Jack, but then again, Tim knew exactly how to push other people’s buttons. The recent fiasco involving Tricia and her near-delinquent daughter, Jade, at the fishing cabin was a fine example of that.

Jack sipped at his tea, trying to resolve in his mind yet again why Tim possessed such an unbridled sense of entitlement. He lacked what Jack’s grandmother would have called social graces. His unsolicited comments could be tactless. The frustrating thing was that such comments were often uncomfortable truths no one else wanted to face or accept.

When Tim had first asked how the Arizona trip had been, Jack recalled initially telling him to mind his own business. Tim, ignoring Jack’s desire for privacy had asked, point-blank:

“You missed Lisa, didn’t you?”

”Didn’t I tell you to mind your own business?!” Jack had retorted. “I had a swell time.”

”You’re not fooling me, old man. What did you do with yourself down there the whole time? You couldn’t have been having that much of a ‘swell time’ because you cut it short and came home a week early!”

“I did happen to have some good times, thank you very much!”

“Yeah? Doing what?” Tim had challenged.

“Saddleback trip. Lookin’ at real estate. Meeting nice people. Camping and fishing.”

“Meeting nice people and fishing, eh? Catch anything good down there in Arizona?” Tim asked suggestively.

“As a matter of fact, yes. I hooked a very nice catfish.”

“Oooh! A catfish!” Tim had crooned, pretending to be impressed. “How big was it?”

Knowing he would not be able to lie any further, Jack had groaned in annoyance and decided it was time to cease this line of questioning. “Dunno,” he had sullenly replied. “It pulled free from the hook before I could reel it in. The sun was going down by then. I quit trying after that.”

“Ha!” Tim had laughed triumphantly. “Dinner out of a can that night, right?”

Jack grit his teeth. “No, I forgot to bring a can opener. Are you done, now?”

“You ‘forgot’ to bring a can opener?” Tim crowed in derision. “So why didn’t you just use your knife to open the can, or did you forget to bring a knife, too?”

“Oh, would you just shut up already!”

Jack stalked off and was thus out of earshot when a gleeful, self-righteous Tim muttered, “Ohhh, he totally missed Lisa.”

It was already after 10:00 a.m. when Lisa awoke on Saturday morning. The inevitable jet-lag felt especially pronounced this time around, and she groaned when she realised the lateness of the hour. She so wanted to soak up a few more hours of sleep, but knew work was waiting. There was the matter Harry mentioned the night before which she wanted to get to the bottom of, but the first order of business absolutely had to be contacting the real estate agent.

After a quick shower, she shared a hurried breakfast with Rachel. Her sister was still drowsy and not much in the mood to talk while they ate. When Rachel drifted back to bed for a nap, Lisa finally got on the phone to the realtor, glad they were indeed open that day despite it being a holiday long weekend. After all those months in France of dithering on this, it felt almost anti-climactic the sale would finally be happening. The deed is done, Lisa thought after hanging up. She was not sure what emotions she was experiencing now that Fairfield would officially be on the market.

Ruefully, she thought, I really should call Dan and tell him the ‘good’ news. In all truth, her ex-husband was the last person she wanted to speak to after all their less-than-pleasant email correspondences over the past several months. I wonder what Jack would think if I called him and told him I was back in Hudson? Lisa stopped herself cold. Where did that thought come from?! I would have to explain to him that I’m finally selling the old place and moving to France for good, wouldn’t I? I’d have to come up with some excuse as to why I didn’t even tell him I was coming back.

She stood from behind her desk and decided it was time to check in on Harry, brushing aside any further thoughts of both of her exes.

“Ah, Lisa! Good morning,” Harry greeted Lisa brightly when she knocked on the business office door.

“Good morning, Harry. I just got off the phone with the real estate people. Someone’s going to be by later this week to properly assess the property and get some signs posted and such.”

“Of course,” he said with a nod of understanding.

“Harry, about that thing you mentioned last night...”

“Oh, yes. That,” Harry said, lowering his voice.

Lisa caught his tone, and interpreted he was about to tell her something she would not particularly enjoy hearing. “Well, what is it?”

“It’s Dan,” Harry said in a manner that spoke volumes of disapproval.

“Dan? What’s he done now?” Lisa asked guardedly.

“You’d better follow me,” Harry said, rising from his seat.

He led Lisa out to the stables where they stopped in front of Fairfield Flyer’s stall. The champion racer seemed strong and healthy, and Lisa looked at her head groomsman, awaiting an explanation.

“Dan and some of his people and vets have been here to see Flyer and Rhapsody quite a few times while you were gone,” Harry started. “Since you have joint ownership, of course I couldn’t stop him.”

“Stop him from doing what?” Lisa asked, instantly on edge. Rhapsody was one of her broodmares.

“From getting all kinds of lab work done—and cell samples taken from Flyer.”

“Cell samples...” Lisa mused out loud.

Harry continued. “Rhapsody is already nine months pregnant. You had no idea, did you?” he asked warily as he studied her reaction. “Don’t answer that. Your expression tells me all I need to know.”

Lisa felt her cheeks flush. “I always did have a lousy poker face,” she grumbled.

“Ah, I should have known he didn’t tell you, but you know I’m not the type to interfere,” a contrite Harry said. “And given the nature of what he was doing, I wasn’t sure if you were both keeping it a secret, or what. Sorry, Lisa.”

“Don’t apologize; this isn’t remotely your fault. It seems I have a call to make to my ‘business partner’. Thanks, Harry.”

She strode out of the stables, absolutely steaming, trying to decide how best to have this conversation with Dan. Cell samples? That could only mean one thing, Lisa concluded, coupled with Dan’s recent talk about getting into horse cloning. He was trying to warm me up to the idea, she now realised.

“Where do you get off cloning Fairfield Flyer without even consulting with me first?!” Lisa exploded when she had Dan on the line.

“Now hold on just a minute, Lisa—” Dan tried to interrupt.

“No, you hold on; I’m not finished,” Lisa hissed through clenched teeth. “Harry told me you’ve been out to Fairfield to see Flyer and Rhapsody. This is the real reason you’ve been so demanding about the finances, isn’t it? You weren’t concerned about the Avignon facility—you were paying to have Flyer cloned. How many other horses did you have lined up for the procedure?”

From Dan’s silence, Lisa knew she had hit the nail on the head.

“When were you going to tell me?” Lisa fumed. “When were you going to tell me the Avignon deal was all a sham and that you were really using my investment funds to clone Flyer and God knows how many others?”

“Okay, simmer down,” Dan said, trying to placate her. “Avignon is still a go. But the focus has shifted slightly. It could be the best equine cloning facility in Europe, Lisa. If the clone of Flyer is a success, we’re going to take it to Avignon as the poster boy for the procedure in race horses. We’d be one of the first out of the gate doing this. We could make history, Lisa, because the Racing Association is bound to come around once more people get on board.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Lisa had to keep herself from shouting. “You go behind my back, and-and then try to tell me you’re shifting the focus of the breeding facility we planned in France?”

“All that stuff you learned in that Lexington conference about performance markers is great, Lisa,” Dan said, “but that’s yesterday’s science. Cloning is the future. Do you really want to be left behind?”

Lisa realised she was still too angry to have a rational talk with Dan. “Let’s table that question,” she finally said. “I just got into Hudson late last night, and I’m too tired to deal with this right now. But make no mistake, Dan, I’m not impressed you went behind my back.”

“Fair enough, fair enough,” Dan said, sounding almost relieved. “Hang on, did you just say you’re back in Hudson?”

Lisa clenched her teeth in irritation. “How else do you think I found out about Flyer?”

“Uhhh—Harry told you, didn’t he?”

“Of course Harry told me,” snapped Lisa, relishing the discomfort she heard in Dan’s voice. He sounded as if he were a guilty schoolboy.

“I see,” Dan said in resignation. “Wait, if you’re in Hudson, does that mean you’ve finally put Fairfield on the market?”

“Yes, Dan, you’ll be happy to know I took care of that chore before calling you,” Lisa replied testily.

“Good! That’s great!” Dan exclaimed. “Finally. Look, Lisa, I get you’re upset about the cloning thing. You’re right; I should have included you in that decision. But Flyer is mine, too. I think in time, you’ll see—”

“Ah, but Rhapsody is mine,” Lisa cut in. “You’re still on shaky ground, Dan. As I said just now, we’ll discuss this later. You’ll be lucky if I don’t decide to involve my lawyer with this one.”

She heard his exhalation of discontent, but she frankly did not care. Misappropriation of funds, she thought. Yeah, that has a nice ring to it.

“Come on, Lisa. Are you really going to split hairs like that?” he whined. “Aren’t we business partners in this whole breeding venture?”

It took all the control she could muster not to slam down the phone. Instead, she took a steadying breath before responding. “That didn’t give you the right to use Rhapsody for your cloning experiment without consulting with me first. But what’s done is done. Like I said, I’m not in the mood to discuss this right now. Goodbye.”

Lisa did not wait to hear Dan respond before she hung up the call.

Rachel, having awakened from her nap, was sitting at the breakfast nook in the kitchen, flipping through an old edition of the Hudson Times. When Lisa wandered in, Rachel glanced up and said, “Uh-oh. I know that look. Something’s got you mad.”

Lisa groaned. “Ugh. What tipped you off?”

Rachel smirked. “Yeah, see, there’s this vein that always pops out on your forehead whenever you blow a gasket,” she answered, motioning to her own head.

Grumbling, Lisa swiped a self-conscious hand over her face.

“Hey, it’s not like you get mad often, sis,” Rachel said, trying to lighten the mood. “It must be something big.”

Lisa plopped down wearily across from Rachel. “It’s Dan,” she began. “He’s gone and tried to clone one of my best racers—Fairfield Flyer—without even asking me, first.”

“Oh, wow. Is that even legal?” Rachel asked, folding the paper and putting it aside. “I’m not up on my horse cloning ethics.”

“It is legal,” Lisa said, “but it’s damned expensive, comes with a pile of risk factors, and the Racing Association has yet to accept clones in sanctioned races.”

“Didn’t I read something a couple years ago about clones being accepted for show jumping in the Olympics?” asked Rachel.

Lisa nodded. “Yes. The Fédération Equestre Internationale did announce clones could be entered for equestrian events. I still don’t know what Dan was thinking, though. Flyer is a racer, not a jumper, or dressage. It’s infuriating. And it’s not even about the ethics when it comes to cloning; it’s that Dan was hounding me for months to get Fairfield sold so we could get going on an operation out of Avignon.”

“Avignon?” repeated Rachel.

“Yes. You know I always wanted to retire to France, eventually.”

“Right...”

“Anyway,” Lisa continued, “I sold my share of the Dude Ranch back to Lou, and assumed those funds were going towards funding that Avignon operation. Obviously, Dan was funnelling all of it to help make the payments for the cloning procedure.” She let out another huff of frustration; Rachel eyed her with pity.

“C’mon, Lisa,” Rachel said after several moments of silence. “In the end, a horse is a horse, and we both know you love horses. When Rhapsody foals, you’re going to love that clone. So forget Dan, and focus on making sure Rhapsody stays healthy through the rest of the pregnancy.”

The words were like a thunderbolt, bringing a much-needed dose of reality. Lisa stared at Rachel for a few moments, speechless. “Are you sure you’re the younger sister, here?” she eventually asked with an affectionate smile and shake of her head. “When did you get to be so wise?”

“Oh, I have my moments,” Rachel answered airily.

“Well, I hope there’s more wisdom where that came from,” Lisa said, “because even though you’re right about loving it when it arrives, I get the feeling that clone is going to become more like a monkey on my back.”

Thanksgiving at Heartland was slightly less crowded than usual owing to the absences of Tim and Lou. Everyone was thankful for Jack’s surviving the heart attack and for Amy’s health and recovery after her recent scare with Zeus; Georgie was thankful in particular for her new family and for Phoenix.

At Fairfield, the celebration was slightly more subdued. Figuring this to be their final Thanksgiving together before the family farm passed into new hands, the Stillman sisters spent much of that holiday Monday* reminiscing about older, happier times, and some not-so-happy times, too.

“I used to love it when Aunt Evelyn would come to visit from wherever she had last been,” Lisa remarked as they sat together in the cozy living room, a roaring fire burning in the hearth.

“Remember her second husband?” Rachel snickered.

“Ah, yes. Uncle Merrill,” Lisa said. “With those massive sideburns we always wished he would shave off.”

“Where did she meet him, again?”

“Wales, I think,” Lisa replied. “But he was from Scotland.”

“He claimed he was some Scottish lord, right?” asked Rachel. “I seem to remember that.”

Lisa nodded seriously. “He apparently had the bank account to prove it, or so Aunt Evelyn told me.”

“Well, she was married to him the longest,” Rachel said.

“That’s true,” Lisa said, taking a sip of cider.

“Until he left her for a newer, younger model,” Rachel said.

“And she took him to the cleaners,” chortled Lisa. “Then promptly found herself another millionaire boyfriend.”

“That one didn’t last very long, did it?”

“Oh, a couple years, maybe? Then she had a few other gentlemen friends whose names I forget. Then she married Charles, the wealthy stockbroker from New York. They met on a cruise ship. Divorced him after five years.”

“Aunt Evelyn is addicted to men and to money,” Rachel said. “And I mean that in the nicest possible way.”

“Rachel, there is no nice way to call someone a gold digger,” Lisa said, a peal of laughter breaking forth.

“Ha! You said it; not me!”

“All right, Aunt Evelyn may have her... flaws... but she’s always been good to us,” Lisa said sincerely.

“Yeah... you’re right,” Rachel said. “Though you’re her favourite, you know.”

Lisa cocked her head and frowned at her sister, puzzled by this comment. “Naw. She totally spoiled us both. What d’you mean by that?”

“Oh, nothing.” Rachel waved a hand dismissively. “I just got the feeling like she doted on you a little more. That’s all.”

“What? Why?”

Rachel stared at her older sister, considering for a few moments how to proceed. She blew out a breath and said, “Okay, remember that horse you had when we were kids? Silver?”

“Yes,” Lisa said, thinking of the dapple grey mare she got as a rescue. She put aside her mug, sensing Rachel was about to say something she had been wanting to say for a long time, but never had the chance to get it off her chest.

“I remember when Silver got sick a few years later,” Rachel said. “Dad didn’t think he could afford to pay for the surgery.”

“That’s right,” Lisa confirmed. “It was colic. Silver was getting old by that point, so Dad didn’t think the risk was worth it.”

“You know, I didn’t even have my own horse at the time, and Aunt Evelyn swooped in and said she’d pay for the surgery,” Rachel said, voice tainted with the slightest stain of bitterness. “You were seven when you got Silver. I remember, because I thought somehow that’s what I would get when I turned seven, too. Funny, isn’t it? We lived on a horse-breeding farm, and I didn’t get my own horse until I was ten.”

“Rachel, it’s a stupid question... did you even really want your own horse?” Lisa asked carefully.

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Of course I wanted my own horse,” she said. “What little girl living in Hudson didn’t ‘want’ her own horse?”

“I know, but ‘wanting’ a horse isn’t the same as loving that horse when you finally get it, is it?”

Lisa thought back to when Rachel did receive her own horse the Christmas after she turned ten, a gift from Evelyn. In the beginning, the girl had been ecstatic, but the excitement had waned, and the horse was sometimes neglected.

“No, it isn’t the same thing,” admitted Rachel. “Look, I don’t mean to sound petty. At the time, I was jealous; I admit it. When I was younger, I thought Aunt Evelyn paying for Silver’s surgery when I didn’t even have my own horse meant she loved you more and was ignoring me.”

“I’m sorry, Rach,” Lisa said sincerely. “I had no idea you felt that way.”

“Like I said, I felt that way when I was younger. I thought having a horse would make me happy the way it seemed to make you happy; like it made other girls around town happy,” Rachel said. “It wasn’t until later I realised I wasn’t actually a horse-crazy girl like everyone else.”

“No, you were more boy-crazy,” Lisa said, a small smile twitching her lips.

“Ohhh, was I ever,” Rachel said, throwing back her head and casting her eyes to the ceiling.

“Do you ever regret leaving home when you did?” Lisa queried. “I mean, do you ever wish you had waited until you were a little more settled? Aunt Evelyn was willing to pay for your post-secondary education anywhere in the world like she did for me, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. And I keep saying that the timing was probably wrong,” Rachel said. “But I always come back to Ben. He’s the reason I don’t have regrets about that. I love my son more than my own life, Lisa. If I do regret anything is that his childhood probably wasn’t as happy as it could have been because of my stupid relationship mistakes.”

“Well, from what I can see, he’s grown into a fine young man, Rachel,” Lisa said, thinking of the rough patch Ben went through during Rachel’s train wreck of a divorce. “He’s learned some valuable life lessons and he’s working hard now to achieve his goals.”

“I admit I’m proud of him,” Rachel said with a smile. “I’m sorry again for dumping him on you—”

“Oh, stop!” Lisa put up a hand. “We’ve been over this a hundred times. Even though I could have done a better job when he was here, it made me realise raising a child isn’t a cakewalk.”

“No, but it is worth it,” Rachel said. “I look at Ben, and I think at least I did something right in the world.”

“Yeah...” Lisa said softly.

“He did appreciate his time here, Lisa,” Rachel said, getting an inkling of where Lisa’s thoughts might have carried her at that moment.

“I hope so,” Lisa uttered. “Though somehow, I think I acted a little more like Aunt Evelyn: dropping expensive gifts instead of making any meaningful impact on his life that would actually matter.”

“I don’t see it that way at all,” Rachel countered. “You give from the heart, Lisa. You’ve always been the generous type. And with Fairfield’s success came bigger ways to show that generosity. To be honest, I was a bit jealous of your giving nature, too.”

“And if I’m going to be honest, I was a bit jealous of you,” Lisa said seriously.

“Of me?” Rachel said, clearly shocked. “Whatever for?”

“You left home. Had a child. You... didn’t have the weight of responsibility for Fairfield that I had,” Lisa admitted. “I have loved building up the business into the success it is today, but I also thought kids would naturally come along when I was married to Dan. When that didn’t happen, I thought about you and how easy it seemed for you.”

“It wasn’t easy at all, especially when Gary walked out on us,” stated Rachel emphatically. “And I thought I’d have more kids too, when the ex-who-shall-not-be-named came into the picture and seemed like he’d be a great step-father to Ben. We all know how that turned out.”

Lisa bobbed her head slowly, knowing no further words were needed on the subject of the breakup of Rachel’s marriage.

At length, Rachel murmured: “I’m glad I came out here one last time. There was a time I couldn’t wait to leave; relieved you were the older daughter that Dad would look to for running the business. I don’t think I’ve ever truly appreciated how much of a burden you’ve shouldered.”

“We’ve both had our burdens and hardships,” Lisa said, looking at the glowing embers in the fireplace.

“I mean it, Lisa,” Rachel insisted. “Thank you for being there for Dad, and for running Fairfield all these years. It’s just a shame he didn’t live long enough to see the success it’s become.”

“A success that’s now coming to a close,” Lisa said quietly. “When I pick up stakes and move to Avignon, it’s going to be a whole new business.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Rachel commented. “You haven’t heard from Jack. You said it yourself that it’s time to make a fresh start.”

“I know,” Lisa said. “And you’re right. But being here in Hudson, well, it’s brought back a lot of memories with him. Good memories. It hurts to finally realise that there won’t be any more of those.”

“Well, who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a fine French gentleman in Avignon,” Rachel said with a mirthful chuckle.

“Oh, no! The last thing I need is to turn into Aunt Evelyn,” Lisa scoffed, chagrined at her sister’s comment. Her thoughts suddenly took her to Toulon and the foul experience she had with Alphonse. It struck her his marriage to the young Audrey had come and gone that spring, and their baby was probably due any time. I sure dodged a bullet with that one, she decided, even if my “friends” thought we would make a good match.

“You could never be like Aunt Evelyn,” Rachel said. “You’re not a gold-digger, and the money you’ve made came through hard work. And the money doesn’t really matter to you, either, does it?”

“I won’t lie,” Lisa replied. “The money matters, because I got to do things and go places I always dreamed of doing and seeing when I was a kid. But what’s money if you don’t have people you love to share it with?”

Rachel looked at her sister with sympathy. “You really did love him, didn’t you?”

Lisa returned Rachel’s glance. “With every fiber of my being. My whole world stopped when Lou told me about his heart attack. Nothing mattered after nearly losing him like that. I just wish I had the chance to tell him so.”

“Look, it’s not my place to tell you what to do or what not to do, Lis,” Rachel said. “But you’re here in Hudson now, and he’s here. This could be your last chance to tell him.”

A slight shiver ran down Lisa’s spine at the notion of facing Jack and baring her heart as she had tried so many months ago, when she made the horrible mistake of renting the hospital bed for him. “I already squandered that ‘last chance’, Rach,” Lisa said sadly. “It’ll take a miracle to convince Jack to see me again. I blew it, and now I’m paying the price.”

Thanksgiving dishes were washed and put away; night checks on the horses were finished; everyone was tucked away in bed. Jack, however, lingered by himself in the living room before the fire, sipping on a hot toddy. There was indeed much to be thankful for, he knew, particularly when it came to his own life. There’s much to regret, too, he thought, watching as the flames licked at the seasoned logs. While life moved on, his heart still pined for her. He was still stuck in a place of uncertainty and inaction; of wanting to reach out and of pulling back again. It’s been ten months. Lisa has moved on, surely. It would be wrong of me to call her now, after all that’s gone on between us, and mess up whatever it is she has going. I should be thankful we had whatever it is we had and let her go. With that, Jack pulled himself up from the couch, doused the fire, and crept into his bedroom. As he closed his eyes, his last thought before falling asleep was that given his angry parting words with Lisa, spoken in the heat of the moment, he was undeserving of a second chance with her. Nothing will ever bring us back together; that’s a bridge too far.

*To my non-Canadian readers: Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of October.

TBC

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