#autumn critters my beloved

[notasapleasure]

Come on a walk with me

It was a gorgeous morning so I took some pictures to send to @stripedroseandsketchpads , then I got carried away and thought maybe you all would like to come for an autumn walk with me and my beloved fools?

Introducing the fools: Shay (r, red harness) and Bart (l, off-lead because he's a good boy)

You can hear a bunch of birds, but it was the buzzard at the beginning I was trying to catch

Anyway! It was the kind of morning where the light was spectacular on the autumn colours, mild but not mild enough for midges, the leaves were trickling down like we were in the last era of fading Lothlorien, and the shapes and forms and textures were all beautiful.

Huge sweet chestnut leaves and larch needles in lime green; the wild geraniums growing up through the leaves.

Trees are so good you guys. Look at the forms and the colours! There's a wee river just down to the side of the path.

Look at that line of sycamores (I think!) like sentinels on the other side of the river. Hi friends!

Let's pause for a drink and a sniff.

Fallen trees and overhanging branches and light catching the canopy down the glen :)))

You could almost convince yourself there were elves there somewhere, right?

She doesn't shave why should you?

We had some high winds recently and the tops of the larches seem to have been battered worst, so there are bits of larch in all kinds of improbable places. Also good ferns! But greyhounds don't care about this, hurry up mum, I'll pull you up the hill!

Y E L L O W!! Also some really platonic examples of holly trees here.

A wee stream going under the path.

Higher up where more sun gets through the wild geraniums are still flowering! The ivy's taken its toll on things too, but it'll make so many little guys and critters happy over winter with its berries. Also a peek-a-boo gap in the hedge.

Loooooook! at the itty bitty baby ferns!!!

majestic. can't get enough of this shit.

However, tumblr tells me that's Too Many Pictures.

So if you're enjoying this walk with me, come back for part 2!

[how-serene]

From The Stars

Pairing - Abner Krill x Neutral!Reader

Summary - A strange terror befalls your beloved town Crescent Cove, one you aren't sure you'll survive.

Word Count - 1k+

Warnings - killer klowns crossover, fluff, slight angst, no use of y/n, a little goofy in some parts, established relationship, set in the 80s

A/N - please enjoy this incredibly stupid fucking idea I had that proceeded to haunt me for about a month.

August, 1988

The aromatic smell of hotdogs, and buttered popcorn wafted into your nose. Despite the intoxicating bouquet of savory food, only a quarter of the park was filled. Friday nights at Crescent Cove’s local drive-in theater were usually packed, and swarming with vehicles. However, for the past year crowds were beginning to thin. What was once a hot spot for rowdy teenagers and awkward first dates, had slowly dwindled and was now home to outside critters and the occasional couple. 

“I think this is the worst turnout they’ve had so far,” you said, scanning the mostly deserted parking lot. A few cars were spaced out amongst the dried grass, crushing dead daisies and dandelions beneath their tires. You spotted an elderly couple, sitting in the front seat of a turquoise Chevrolet Bel Air. 

“Is it usually busier than this?” Abner asked, from beside you. His shoulder bumped against yours, as you two sat on one of the rickety wooden benches surrounding the screen. 

“When I worked here during high school, the place was always crawling with people on the weekends,” you explained, suddenly feeling melancholic. Memories of being a child, weaving through the cars to rush to the snack bar washed over you. At the time, the field seemed so vast as the line of cars stretched on  forever. The lawn was more vibrant, and green than what it was now. You blinked at the prickly sensation of tears in the corners of your eyes. 

“What is it?” Abner asked, turning to face you.

You took a deep breath. “I just remember when my friends and I used to drive out here, after school. My friend, Janet, at the time had this hideous orange pick-up truck. We used to pile blankets in the back and watch Alfred Hithcock’s Psycho for the dozenth time.” 

Abner warmly smiled at the memory, even though it didn’t belong to him. Sometimes he was reminded that you lived an entire life before you two met, one that widely differentiated from his. Your lives did not mirror each other, and although there was a loneliness in that, he was grateful for it too. 

 “It’s weird having so many memories tied to this place, only to watch it slowly die out.” You contemplated, leaning into Abner’s side. He smelled of mint, and rosemary.

Abner nudged his nose against the side of your head, placing a faint kiss on your temple. 

You stared up at the screen. A black and white flick you couldn’t recall the name of played against the blank canvas. Overhead, August’s night sky enveloped the town as a dusting of stars blinked down at you two. Despite the false hope blooming in your chest, those memories were a lifetime ago and should remain as nothing more than what they are. A part of the past. “Drive-ins have been shutting down since the mid eighties,” you said, shrugging. “I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised.”

Abner hummed, glancing up at the screen as well. The last remnants of August were officially dying out, as a cool breeze ruffled the back of his hair. Soon, everyone would be mourning the summer season as it slowly broke away into autumn. He would have to say farewell to the long humid nights, where it felt like the world stretched on endlessly. When the slow descent of a drowsy setting sun meant there was more time in a day, to not worry so much. 

Abner felt his throat lodge, as another gust of wind passed. 

When a sudden shrill scream pierced the air, cutting through the fuzzy audio playing through the speakers. 

“Christ, what was that?” You whipped around, looking over your shoulder. Several other heads turned, peering through their car windows out at the dimly lit field. There was nothing but dark shrubbery and trees beyond the chain-link fence that surrounded the park. 

You shifted closer to Abner, keeping an eye trained on the border of the fence. His hand reached for yours, interlocking your fingers together in a tight grip. You noticed your own hands were trembling. 

“Could be someone messing around,” he said, squeezing your hand. Whether for his own reassurance or yours, you couldn’t tell. 

Suddenly a woman stumbled out from the dark abyss of trees. A tangled mess of bleached hair fell around her striking pale face. Even from a distance, her wild frantic eyes immediately sent the hairs to rise on the nape of your neck. Fresh tears ran down her cheeks, as she frantically sprinted towards the cars. 

Just a few feet behind her, was a���

“Is that a fucking clown?”

Abner squinted, staring at the massive figure, “Not a normal looking one.” 

“Please, help me!” The woman pleaded, slamming her hands against the back windshield of the elderly couple's car. They stared at her like a deer in the headlights.

As the clown approached, you began to see what Abner meant. Its tall round body loomed over the girl, and the hoods of the cars. The thing wore a bright blue patterned jumpsuit, and had tufts of lime green hair sprouting from its cone shaped head. 

“My god,” you muttered, going wide eyed. 

Its large, wide red mouth was split into a smile, as if someone had taken a razor blade to the sides of its face. In its enormous gloved hands was a ray-like weapon – it resembled something out of a science fiction movie – with red spots painted over its bulb-like body. 

You didn’t even have time to process what happened next, before Abner was yanking you down to the floor. The terrorized screams of the others drowned out the music of the movie. You peered through the gaps of the bench, watching in horror as a beam shot out from the oddly shaped gun, mummifying the woman in a suffocating, pink cocoon. 

“What is that stuff?” Abner whispered, unable to peel his gaze away from the bizarre sight. 

People spilled out of their cars, stumbling their way through the parking lot. Their cries drilled into your head, echoing in the corners of your mind. The clown swiftly turned, aiming its weapon at another innocent victim. Before you could think to do anything, their pleas for help were swiftly silenced. 

“There’s more of them,” Abner noted, pointing toward the fence. 

Two more clowns suddenly appeared, stepping out from the inky blackness of the woods. They were different from one another, one short and round, and the other tall and thin. In an array of brightly colored jumpsuits that was nauseating to look at. They both wore the same grotesque smile, permanently stretched on their faces. 

“Shit, shit,” you muttered, quietly panicking to yourself. 

“Maybe we can make a break for the entrance,” Abner said, looking toward you. 

You shook your head, “My car is parked near the back, if we make it we should be fine.” 

“If?”

“Poor choice of words, sorry.” 

His wide eyes bore into yours, a frown pulled on his thin pink lips. You sighed, brushing back his black hair that hung over his eyes – he had been growing it out lately. 

“I didn’t mean it like that,” you explained, softly smiling at him. You grasped his hand, ensuring a tight grip before taking a deep breath. 

Abner and you remained hand in hand, as you made a dash for your car parked at the end of the row. Its silver body stood out like a star in the night sky, so close it was almost touchable yet so far all at once. From the corner of your eye, you spotted a young man fall to the ground, before becoming encased in the cotton-like substance. 

It’s almost like cotton candy. 

You and Abner weaved through the cars, ducking behind the doors to avoid the eyes of the clowns. 

“Almost there,” you whispered, glancing back at him. Abner kept his eyes trained to the ground, focusing on the heels of your shoes. His tenacious grip in yours was beginning to hurt. 

You waited, as people rushed past you, their sobs echoing in the open field.

“Okay, go-

You pulled Abner with you, momentarily leaving your space of cover. A spike of hope pulsed through you, the car was so close…

When one of the clown’s stepped in front of you, blocking your view. Its hair resembled a blazing ball of fire, as its plump pink lips snarled down at you. Its saturated pink suit stood out like a stain against the backdrop of the night. You felt Abner tense up behind you, his hands coming to grasp at the back of your jacket. It towered over you, the deep corners of its mouth somehow stretching, widening into an even more sinister smile. The ray was aimed directly at you, its bulb beginning to glow as the weapon whirred to life. 

You sucked in a breath, preparing for the thing to envelope you in its fluffy-pink consistency. When suddenly you were pushed, the soft grass cushioning your fall. Abner laid on top of you, having knocked you both out of the way. The clown made a series of frustrated noises – ones you couldn’t comprehend – as it swung around to face you two again. You swiftly got up, dragging Abner up by his arm with you. Without another thought, you began to run, hightailing it in the opposite direction. 

“What about the car!”

“Screw the car right now, we can make it back to town through the woods.” 

Abner’s feet ran alongside yours, his soft pants ensuring he was there beside you. Dirt and grass began flying by your heads, as the clown haphazardly aimed and shot at you two. 

Lord, I’ll be so good and kind if you get me out of this. 

You grabbed at Abner’s hand again, pulling him past the chain-link fence. The screams of the civilians grew more faint as the woods swallowed you up. Low-lying branches scraped at your cheek, as the overwhelming darkness made it difficult to see. You could feel them snagging at your clothes, trying to pull you back. The disorienting buzz of insects and small animals filled your head – causing you to not notice a hand slipping from yours. 

“Just a little farther,” you muttered, pushing through the suffocating night. Your skin stung, as the woods fought against you, their branches leaving behind marks. It felt as if your lungs were on fire, as the path before you seemed to stretch on forever. You pushed yourself forward, wanting to put as much distance between you and the drive-in. Up-ahead, headlights cut through the trees, illuminating your way for a split second. 

It must be the road. 

You broke out into a grin, stumbling your way through until you stood at the edge of a poorly paved road. Dim streetlamps shined down on you, lulling you into a sense of safety. The sounds of cries and mayhem were entirely gone, as if they weren’t there in the first place. As if the whole night could be chalked up to nothing more than a bad nightmare. You were panting, hunched forward as you gathered yourself. It was serenely quiet. 

“Abner, are you okay?”

There was no answer.

You whipped around, to find nothing but the woods shadow bending over you. 

And a sudden silence that now rang in your ears. 

[delopsia]

delly 🍓✨ i’m glad you’re feeling better 🌻

let’s say rhett and bobby are late coming back from the stadium… reader has hopped in a bath with all the fixings when—just as they’ve reached maximum relaxin’—the beloved husbands come (lovingly) barging in with a big basket of goodies from the mortons (y’all missed the first farmer’s market of the autumn season), and bobby (for once) is trying to get one (let’s be real, two) of those giant chocolate chip pumpkin cookies right now. that is, until they see you, looking pretty as a picture, glistening in the warm glow of the lights. are they trying to climb in the tub with reader, or are they content to sit beside the tub and hold reader’s hands while telling them about what they missed down at the stadium with archie?

💐 t

ps. OMG THEY (WE? lmao) GOT MARRIED!! I’M SO HAPPY!! I LOVE THESE THREE AND THIS STORY AND YOU FOR SHARING IT WITH US OMG 🌻💛🌻

pps. i love your CREEPIN IT COUNTY header omg 🧡

I'm glad that you like the Creepin It Country thing because that was my first and only attempt at making my own header 😭🧡 But yes!! Omg, I'm just glad that the wedding is finally over 😭 because now I can finally move on to expanding on the rodeo stuff and formally introducing the Floytt family critters.

I have this image in my head of Bob freezing mid-bite when he sees the Reader in the bath. Full on deer in the headlights type thing. Just a few seconds ago, he was half-assedly trying to evade Rhett (because, for some reason, that menace doesn't want one of the cookies in the container; he wants Bob's cookie), and now he's just barged in on the Reader's bath.

Rhett's the one that breaks him out of it. Finds the perfect chance to swipe in and steal a bite big enough to take a fourth of the cookie and just bounces right on in. Watcha doin'? How long you been in here? What all did you use? He's already curled up next to the tub by the time Bob remembers that he can move.

Truth be told, Rhett really wants to climb in, but he waits to be invited, sits there like a big ol' puppy dog until the Reader actually opens their mouth and tells him that it's okay to join them.

Bob very well could fit, too. Technically speaking, this thing can fit Reader, Rhett, Bob, and Mr and Ms. Morton (this was learned when y'all were experimenting to see if this tub would be big enough before buying it), but Bob is a little more content to watch and show off everything they brought back.

There's all kinds of stuff in this wicker basket. A little gnome with leaves on his hat, a tiny pumpkin, three of those locally made ceramic mugs that sold out in the first hour, a few bath bombs from the little business across the street from the farmer's market.

Pumpkin bread, apple cobbler, pumpkin bundt cake, way too many cookies to count, oh, and Willow (Archie's wife) sent a whole tray of her homemade maple cinnamon rolls!

There's so much that they nearly forget about the rodeo in its entirety. They had a bull nearly break through the fence, and another one decided that he was not going to be wrangled out of the arena. Rhett brought Maeve, Isabella's filly, out for the first time to try and get her used to the environment, and she...may have gotten into trouble for poking her little head over the fence and trying to bite the horse Bob was on.

"She's still a baby," Rhett grumbles.

But Bob just glares at him. "She's a menace."

...he says as if he didn't just buy her a new custom halter because she outgrew the other one. And there's definitely not a bag of treats for her downstairs...and he definitely did not buy those for her right after the biting incident...definitely not.

The bickering about how he's unintentionally spoiled that little horse continues long after Reader has gotten out of the bath, crawled into some comfy pajamas, and snuggled up in bed to watch a movie.

[remadra]

FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR?!

it's a tie! spring and autumn my beloveds! I love cool weather and storms and changing leaves and long twilights and foggy sunrises and mushroom hunting and active critters and patched jackets!

[belaljaigirdar2015]

Peace of Mind Guaranteed! Hemel Hempstead's Top-Rated Pest Control

I remember the first time I discovered an uninvited guest in my home. It was a brisk autumn evening in Hemel Hempstead, and I was enjoying a quiet night with a book and a cup of tea. Suddenly, I noticed a small movement out of the corner of my eye. There, scurrying across my living room floor, was a mouse. My peaceful evening was quickly replaced with a sense of urgency and mild panic. Little did I know, this experience would lead me to understand the importance of effective pest control in Hemel Hempstead.

In the days that followed, I realized that I wasn't alone in facing this issue. Friends and neighbors shared similar stories of unexpected critters making themselves at home. It became clear that pest control is an essential service in our community, one that requires both expertise and a compassionate approach. I embarked on a mission to find the best solutions for pest control, starting with understanding the local options available.

One of the first places I looked into was a premier pest control Hemel Hempstead- Solace Pest Control. Their reputation for thorough and professional service was evident in the numerous positive pest control Hertfordshire reviews I found. People spoke highly of their attention to detail and their commitment to solving pest issues efficiently. This company, among others, has become a trusted name in our area, providing residents with peace of mind and a pest-free environment.

As I continued my research, I also explored pest control services in nearby Berkhamsted. Just a short drive away, this quaint town faces similar pest challenges, and the need for reliable pest control Berkhamsted solutions is just as crucial. The professionals in this region are well-versed in handling a variety of pests, from rodents to insects, ensuring that homes and businesses remain safe and sanitary.

One of the concerns I often hear from pet owners is whether pest control methods might harm their furry friends. I had the same worry, especially about my two beloved cats. It's a common question: will pest control hurt cats? The answer largely depends on the methods and products used by the pest control service. Solace Pest Control company, in Hemel Hempstead, for instance, prioritize using pet-friendly solutions. They employ integrated pest management techniques that minimize risks to pets while effectively targeting pests.

The experts I've spoken with explained that most modern pest control methods are designed with safety in mind. They use targeted treatments that reduce the chance of exposure to pets. However, it’s always wise to communicate with the pest control professionals about your concerns. They can provide specific guidance on keeping your pets safe during and after treatments.

One memorable experience I had was when I decided to call a pest control company after spotting a wasp nest near my attic. The team arrived promptly, assessed the situation, and assured me that their methods would not harm my cats, who love to explore every nook and cranny of the house. True to their word, the treatment was quick, effective, and my curious cats remained unharmed and content.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that the key to effective pest control lies not just in the products used, but in the expertise and approach of the professionals. Solace Pest Control services in Hemel Hempstead offer a blend of knowledge, experience, and genuine care for their customers' homes and pets. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive pest control Hertfordshire reviews that highlight their reliability and effectiveness.

In conclusion, dealing with pests is an inevitable part of homeownership, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting one. By choosing reputable pest control services in Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted, we can ensure our homes remain safe, clean, and pest-free. Whether it's a mouse in the living room, a wasp nest in the attic, or any other unwelcome guest, there’s peace of mind in knowing that professional help is just a phone call away. And for pet owners like me, it's comforting to know that with the right pest control service, we don’t have to worry about our beloved animals being put at risk.

So, the next time you find yourself face-to-face with an unexpected pest, remember that you’re not alone. Trust in the expertise of local pest control professionals and take comfort in the fact that they have your best interests at heart.

Contact Solace Pest Control

Call us Now On: 01923 961177

[kaylans-imagines]

belamour

this is a blurb from my favorite little family.

read the cooking class here :)

have any blurb ideas? send them in

belamour: one who is loved; a beloved person

If there was one lesson Autumn Holland took and understood with everything in her being, it was how to love and be loved. It was a lesson her father and everyone in her life had implemented in her from the day she was born. There was never a day where Autumn Holland didn’t know she was so irrevocably loved. She knew a father’s love, one so fierce and ready to go to the ends of the world to make sure his baby girl was all well and happy in her little world. She knew a grandmother’s love, an irenic love that chases away the bad with a well-read story and a kiss on the head. She knew an uncle’s love, a playful love that creates mischief and new memories to cherish. She never felt as if she was void of an emotion people searched the ends of the earth for until she met Lucas, who had a mother’s love.

A mother’s love. She never felt as if her life wasn’t plentiful, but seeing the way Y/N give Lucas a love she had never received, changed that thought. A mother’s love was passionate and provided security. It was the first emotion that a child feels from their mother. A bleeding love that sanctifies and creates halcyon moments. It entertained fantasies and stories of dragons in caves and pirates out at sea, looking for a lost gold. It stuck plasters on scraped knees with a kiss on the cheek and a push to get back on the bicycle until they learn. It helps conquer fears but remains vigilant should it become too much to bear. She hadn’t known about this love until she met Y/N Y/L/N, a mother who wore her heart on her sleeve and took on the scary world for her son.

Autumn knew Y/N loved her the way any mother would love. She got the same treatment Lucas got from the woman she grew to cherish. She got fables of princesses who led their people into prosperity and female warriors who fought their enemies and came out on top. She had a hand to hold when she walked into her year one class the first day of school and skipped in when her father’s girlfriend promised to be there after, eager to hear about her day. Y/N gave her sweet treats during their tea parties where they were not to be disturbed. She gave Autumn a listening ear when the little girl enthusiastically told her about the little critters she collected outside—something she couldn’t do with her father because he ran away and squealed at the sight of anything that crawls or flies. She gave Autumn a mother; something she didn’t know caused a void in her heart until it was taken from her.

The little girl had been planning to call Y/N ‘mummy’ for ages, feeling it was long overdue. It was a matter of finding the right moment; Autumn was a perfectionist. Y/N was a perfect mum, and thus, calling her ‘mummy’ had to be perfect too. It was merely a word, but Y/N wasn’t just a woman. She was a woman who loved her father with her entire heart and loved his flaws. She was a woman who took care of Autumn like she was her own and appreciated the little girl’s look on life. She was the woman who gave her an older brother to play with and look up to. She was the woman who changed her life for the better and patched the hole in her life—and her father’s—she didn’t know she had. She was everything to the little girl and more.

That was why she found herself getting upset when the word she had been saving for a good time slipped out of her mouth. It was a designated Y/N/Autumn day in their household. Tom had taken Lucas out of the house and to the golf course, which left Autumn and Y/N cuddling up on the couch, watching a Disney movie. It wasn’t as fancy as their other pseudo-mum/daughter dates were, but it was the perfect set-up for the two of them. Autumn knew that that was why the words slipped out of her mouth because she was comfortable, but it didn’t stop her from chastising herself for letting them slip so quickly.

“I love you, mummy,” she had whispered after Y/N planted a kiss on the top of her head after they cuddled up against one another. Autumn lay her body against Y/N’s side, tucked away safely under her arm. She felt Y/N still beside her, and for a second, her little body filled with worry. Autumn Holland inherited a lot from her father. She was cursed with his fear of rejection. She was scared of many things, but nothing could top her fear of being rejected by the woman who cared for her in a way no one else had. She couldn’t lose that feeling, and she couldn’t be the reason her father lost it either.

“I,” Y/N paused, looking down at the curly-haired girl tucked under her arm, desperately trying to keep her tears from spilling from her honey eyes. “I love you, too, pumpkin.”

“Can I call you mummy?” Autumn whispered, a slight airiness floating through her at Y/N’s declaration of love.

“Of course, my darling,” she smiled, “but only if I get to call you my daughter.”

“Yes, please,”

Autumn had many things, and now she had a mother’s love. She had a mother who did everything they were meant to do and more. She had a mother who taught her about the stars and showed her how to create delicacies. She had a mother. She had a mummy who loved her. And that was more than she could ask for.

[hongssami]

Come Over

why do i always end up titling fics after dean’s songs?

// no warnings apply; kind of a special for Mabon (a pagan harvest festival which is celebrated on the Autumnal Equinox each year),,, but this mostly revolves around mc and Seungmin’s interactions. mc is a fictional witch, not to be confused with the kind of witchcraft actual Wiccans practice. Also, happy birthday Seungmo!

fluff, established relationship, drus(male dryad)! seungmin and gn! witch reader (part of the skz forest au)

description: Seungmin just wants to spend time with you. And you just want him to know that he was beautiful.

w.c.: 959

***

This year’s Harvest Moon came early in September, which meant the New Moon would peep around the middle of the month; just in time for gathering a new batch of Moonwater for Mabon. The only thing off for your preparations was that the Moonrise would occur behind the town’s forest, meaning your usual place where you’d leave out your container for Moonwater would be obstructed by the ancient treetops of Chan’s forest as you literally lived next to it. Normally you’d just climb to the rooftop of your neighbor’s house (with their permission of course), but you’d just moved to this new cottage and have not even interacted with any of your neighbors once.

“Spend the night with me then,” Seungmin proposed one particularly chilly afternoon, the clouds looming threateningly over your heads. Albeit you welcomed the rain whenever it may choose to grace the land, you couldn’t help but frown when a few raindrops had curiously kissed your cheeks as you looked up at the Sky. “I would not mind you staying under my care. In fact, I would be elated.”

He smiled down at you in his arms, “To spend a night with my beloved when the Moon is New?”Lifting a scarred hand to cup your cheek, he sighed dreamily.

“Why Seungmin, that sounds rather scandalous of you,” you laughed. “I see no need to stay a whole night when I only have to find a suitable location to gather Moonwater.”

“Can I not see my lover in the stars presence?” Seungmin, suddenly dejected, pulls away from your embrace. “I see, you are ashamed of me.”

Letting out a small bout of giggles, you encased him in another hug (although a very poor attempt to keep him still as your arms could never hold him still whenever he was pouty) and stared him down. “Seungmin, my precious Creature of the Earth, my dearest love. I could never be ashamed of you. Not in this form nor the other.”

And if Seungmin wasn’t sure of his love for you, then he was then. For the way you swayed him side to side in a silent dance where your music was the rustling of passing leaves and critters’ cries was enough to tell him that his love was true, as was yours. He payed little heed to the growing storm ahead and rested his forehead in yours instead, content right where he was. Then, “You’re beautiful.”

Seungmin closed his eyes, embarrassed to see your honest eyes gazing lovingly at his. You were unbelievable - just when he thinks he can’t love you even more, you go ahead and prove him wrong. “Flattery is not going to save you this time around, silly mortal.”

You hummed, absentmindedly rubbing circles on his back. “I do not reckon I’m in any trouble at all, kind forest spirit.”

Seungmin couldn’t help but smile wide, head thrown back yet arms still wrapped protectively around your form. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re truly beautiful.”

The rain fell gently and uncertainly over you two that afternoon, almost as if the Sky hated to see you two part again.

***

One thing you loved about visiting Seungmin was that he was always waiting for you on the grass near his Oak tree, sometimes surrounded by friendly critters or just cloudgazing. But that was in the daytime.

This time around, you had to bother Chan to guide you to his tree in the dark. (He didn’t mind though; he always loved seeing Seungmin so lively. Especially so when he was with you.) You invited him to spend your little celebration-slash-picnic together but opted not to when he saw the drus over the Moon to see you at night.

“I thought you needn’t spend the night?” He smiled and you almost found yourself shivering at its intensity; genuine and full, and especially more endearing when you gather yourself enough to realize that the bark of his skin almost seemed iridescent under the minimal lighting of whatever filtered light that came from the bustling town.

“I wanted to spend Mabon with you though,” You motioned for him to join you on the little cloth you set on the grass, hands actively trying to busy themselves in attempt to mask your jittery heart. “But the townspeople kept me busy the entire day.”

It’s been too long since you’ve seen him like this - in his fragile, almost powerless form. Shakily, you breathed out, “But now I’m here.”

He followed suit, tilting his head to get a glimpse of your tired face. Reaching out to grab your wrist, he almost pulled back when he noticed the contract of your smooth skin compared to his rough bark. “You wanted to see me after the Sun had gone?”

You nodded, gently placing a hand over his. “That’s just what I said, is it not?”

“Why?”

“I already told you before,” his eyes showed hints of confusion and doubt, but you were quick to ease him. “Because I love you in this form and the other.”

People often said you were crazy for loving a tree spirit. And perhaps they were right, you were crazy in love for Seungmin.

But he was also crazy in love with you.

[leahdarkspear]

Paranormal Picnic

As promised, a short story detailing Ja’mez’s appearance from beyond the grave!

It felt odd, putting on her old commander’s armor, her Darkspear tabard. She looked at herself in the mirror - Leah, daughter of Zin’Taj and Ayi’da, huntress of the Darkspear Tribe, Spear of Vol’jin, Commander of the Horde - all of those titles seemed miles away from her and the life she had lived in Zuldazar over the past year. 

Her uniform fit a little less snugly than it had in the past. Even though she had been trying to do better about taking care of herself and having regular meals than she was after Ja’mez’s death, she still found she didn’t have much of an appetite and occasionally still forgot to eat. Leah smoothed out her Darkspear tabard as she inspected herself. She really should get a new one made, this one had faded a bit over the years. Still, it would do for now.

The huntress moved from her bedroom down the long, winding staircase of her treehouse. In Leah’s mind, the living house seemed less vibrant than it had when Ja’mez was there, and she wasn’t sure if it would ever seem quite as alive again.

Down in the kitchen, Leah prepared a picnic basket with a few slices of raptor haunch, some fruit, a loaf of bread, and some cheese. After packing the plates and utensils, she set out toward the eastern outskirts of Dazar’alor, to the burial shrine where Ja’mez’s remains lay.

As she had many times before, she sat before the shrine. “Hey, love,” she said, speaking to a mate who could no longer hear her. “I, uh, was just comin’ by ta tell ya dat I might not be around for a while. De scourge be back… somehow.” 

Leah shook her head. She had thought, like many had, that when Arthas was defeated, the threat had been eliminated, and yet here the Scourge was again, attacking outposts like the Crossroads and Razor Hill. And like many others, she was growing weary of the constant calamities that plagued Azeroth. The huntress sat in quiet contemplation of the situation before slowly beginning to put out two place settings from the picnic basket. “It’s just one thing aftah anothah,” Leah sighed.

“What be in de basket?”

“What de?!” Leah’s ear twitched in the direction of the sound. Immediately, she snapped her head around to look. Though it had only been a whisper, it was a voice she could never mistake. Her brow furrowed as she scanned the nearby area. Finding nothing, she shook her head as if to shake away the confusion, then resumed setting out her picnic. “Anyway, I'm not sure how long I'll be away. I'm leavin' de critters at de Kraal just in case…”

From out of nowhere, something whirled around Leah. She looked up to find Sun, the tiny celestial cloud serpent, her mate’s boon companion, who hadn’t been seen since Ja’mez’s death. Before she could address the little serpent, she noticed the hazy outline of her beloved druid reaching out to pet his friend. The ghostly silhouette looked her way and waved.

Leah squinted hard. The look on her face wasn’t one of fright or shock; instead she looked rather perturbed. This was it. She had finally cracked. She heaved a weary sigh. “Ya know...I kinda always assumed my grief would eventually drive me crazy, but I figured it would take longah…”

“I be ‘ere, Leah.” Great. Now her hallucination was trying to speak to her. She leaned back and folded her arms across her chest. “Oh really?” Her voice dripped with skepticism. “Dis ain’t my imagination?”

Ja’mez broke into a wide grin. “Nope!” he chuckled.

Leah’s face twisted into a scowl. “YOU LEFT ME!!” She screamed as she grabbed the plate in front of her and stood to chuck it at Ja’mez’s head. Then she turned away and folded her arms over her chest to pout.

Ja’mez didn’t try to dodge or even flinch as the plate flew through his body and crashed on the urns behind him. He seemed perfectly accepting of Leah’s anger. The druid tried to smile as he stepped toward her. “I thought ya’d be happy to see meh.”

Leah turned back to face her ghostly mate. The pain on her face was evident. “Well, I'd have preferred seein' ya alive, I gotta be honest. Ya broke my heart, love.” She flopped back down on the ground next to the picnic basket and sighed. “Sorry I threw stuff at ya.”

“It’s okay,” Ja’mez smiled. “I deserve it, I think. Though,” he said as he looked around, “I’m not sure exactly how ta handle dis.” 

Leah cast him a sympathetic glance and gently shook her head. "I'm not mad at ya. Not really. It's just been hard. I miss ya so much. You been okay?"

The question seemed to catch Ja’mez off guard. He looked down and tapped his chin as he gave it thought. “I suppose I'm as good as a dead guy can be.  It's just too good ta see ya, love."

Sun seemed determined not to be left out of this reunion. He whirled around the couple and came to a stop at Ja’mez’s side. The druid reached out to pet him again. Whether Sun could feel it or not, he seemed appreciative of the gesture, giving a few loop-de-loops in the air.

“Haven’t seen him in a while,” Leah gestured to the serpent, “he didn’t stick around aftah. ‘Course, he was always your baby, not mine.” 

Leah wanted badly to reach out for Ja’mez, to have him hold her. However, if the plate was any indication, it would be a futile effort. Also, his spirit was cold, and Leah could feel the chill radiating off him like an early morning fog in autumn. It would hardly be the warm embrace that she had yearned for the many nights since his death. She knew this, and so she refrained. 

Ja’mez also sat silent. Just like in life, it was imperceptible what might be going through his mind. Somehow Leah took comfort in the familiarity. And yet, there was something that gnawed at her.

“I got somethin' dat's botherin me. It's kinda a long story, but I suppose you got time." Leah cracked a smile at her own joke.

Ja’mez was glad to see his mate smile finally. He had never been one to handle sadness well. “Apparently I do. I don't even know what's goin' on fully though yet.”

Leah arched her eyebrow at Ja’mez. She wasn’t sure what exactly he meant by that. “Ah well, maybe ya can answer me dis, even so.”

Ja’mez shrugged. He would certainly give it his best. “Ya.”

“So a while back, before... ya know... I started havin' dese dreams. Like, I knew ya were in trouble, or ya were gonna be. What I didn't know at de time was N'zoth had gotten to me, I just knew I needed ta find you. Den aftah ya died, it got so much worse. He almost got me. My friends, dey stopped my heart ta get de corruption outta me. I was only out for maybe a couple minutes, but when it happened, I saw dis place.”

“What did ya see?” Ja’mez leaned forward with interest.

Leah pursed her lips. She didn’t like recalling her vision, but she had to know what it was, if Ja’mez could answer. “It was dark, and I knew it was somewhere I didn't wanna be. But I couldn't get away, it was pullin' me down. And I could feel so much agony. Like, dere be people down dere and dey all be sufferin'. What is dat? Dat's not where you be, is it?”

“Nah.” Ja’mez shook his head. “I wouldn’t be ‘ere if dat be de case.”

Leah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Ever since she’d had the vision, she’d been worried for Ja’mez. “Do ya know what it be, though?”

Again, Ja’mez shook his head. “Nah. But I know it’s definitely a place ya don’t wanna be.”

Now it was Leah’s turn to lean forward. “You’ve seen it?”

“For a bit I did,” Ja’mez nodded.

“But it tried ta pull me so strong. How’d ya escape?”

“Bwonsamdi. He be out dere doin’ somethin.”

Leah clutched her chest and exhaled with relief. “Oh, praise dat creepy ol’ loa! I knew he got de offerin’ I made for ya.” A smile spread across the huntress’s face. There would definitely be more offerings to be made in thanks. “So you be on de Othah Side den. Dat’s good, I be glad. Well, actually, I’m not. I prefer ya be here… Wait, so can I ask ya somethin’ else?”

“Of course, love.”

This question had burned at Leah since even before she learned of Ja’mez’s death. “Why didn’t ya take me with you? When ya went ta fight N’zoth? I mean, we made a good team, didn’t we? Maybe… maybe things woulda turned out different.”

“Ny'alotha is like de Nightmare,” Ja’mez explained. “I wouldn’t dare ask anybody I care about ta go dere.”

Leah glowered. “So what, ya think I be some frail human wife, sittin’ around frettin’ while my mon goes off ta fight de big bad?” She sucked her teeth. “Ya know dat ain’t me.” 

“Would ya let me go if we switched?”

The huntress had to stop herself from blurting out a yes. Would she really let Ja’mez go if she had the chance to keep him home, to keep him safe? However, after giving the question consideration, she found her opinion unchanged. “Yes.” Her tone was calm and resolute. “Because ya be de one I want ta have my back when things get rough. I mean, I kinda figured if we didn't grow old togethah, we'd die side by side on top de corpses of our enemies.”

Firm in his resolve, Ja’mez refused to relent. “It wasn’t pretty in dere, Leah. People lost their minds, turned on each other, even. I wasn’t gonna let somethin make me hurt ya.”

Leah cast her mon a reassuring glance. “You be strongah dan dat.” The look on Ja’mez’s face said that he wasn’t so sure. Leah sighed. “Eithah way, I would have rathah died with ya dan have ta live without ya. You were my everything, love. But I keep on goin’ because what de hell else am I s’posed ta do?”

Ja’mez didn’t speak. What he was thinking, Leah couldn’t say. Ultimately, she supposed, none of it mattered. None of the questions, none of the regret could change what happened.

A change of subject was in order. “So how come I just be seein’ ya now? Loas know I been comin’ here for months.”

Ja’mez shrugged. “I really got no idea. But it was much easier to show, now dat the veil be broken.”

“De veil be broken?” Leah parroted. “Like, between here an’ de Othah Side?

Ja’mez nodded. “Somethin be terribly wrong.  Bwonsamdi be doin all he can to save souls from da darkness.”

“Ah, shit…” The realization hit Leah. “I wondah if dis got anything ta do with de Scourge comin’ back…” 

“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Ja’mez replied. “But somethin’ gotta be done. De question is, what?”

Leah nodded in agreement. “Okay, well, I be goin’ ta Icecrown ta help handle dat situation, so maybe we can figure somethin’ out.”

“We gonna have to, ‘cause none a dis be right.”

The huntress held up a finger as a sudden thought occurred to her. She then motioned to Ja’mez’s remains. “So, dis is gonna sound dumb. Should I take you with me?”

Ja’mez looked at his body. “Dat… is a good question.”

“Well, I mean, can ya come back anywhere, or did ya only come back here because dis where ya body be?” Leah clarified.

“I ain't been dead long, so I don' know all da rules yet,” the druid chuckled.

Leah was already putting way too much thought into this. “I s’pose I can fold ya up real tight, stuff ya in my bag somewhere…dis gonna be so weird,” she muttered to herself.

“I would leave dem here,” Ja’mez stated. “Dey safe, yeah?”

“Of course.” Leah pointed to the large voodoo constructs patrolling just yards away.

The druid looked at his huntress. The problem was probably much bigger than either of them knew, he realized. “Ya know, whatever work needs done, it probably be on de Othah Side.”

He was right, of course, but that wouldn’t deter Leah. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Leah let her eyes linger over Ja’mez for a moment. “I’m guessin’ ya can’t stay?”

“I don’...” Ja’mez wasn’t given the chance to finish. His spectre flickered out briefly. He looked down at himself.

Sensing this was her last chance, Leah called out to him. “Hey.” Ja’mez looked at her. “I love you.”

His spirit was already fainter, but Leah could see him smile. “Love you too, Lee.”

[naturepointstheway]

“Seasons of Tea”(Beauty and the Beast, 2017)

My Muses decided that instead of writing something for my creative writing class, they’re gonna do this Potts family fic instead. @tinydooms @lumiereswig @astudyinchocolate @batbobsession @morgaine2005 @sweetfayetanner @prince-adams-japris

Beatrice is the birdsong stirring clear in an early morning heralding the first day of spring. She is the mother bird that takes care of her beloved nest, unafraid to defend those she loves. She is the warmth of the returning sunrise and the evenings lingering longer and longer, so missed during the winter’s short days and endless nights. She is the first blossoms on cherry trees that lean down to brush your shoulders as you walk under their heavenly arms. She is the happiness of young birds frolicking among the clouds and stirring the sun from its hidden abide where it has slept the night long. 

Her hair is like the brushes of leaves, auburn, gentle colours in a cooling sunset. She is the cups of steaming tea laid out near a fire with a few logs stacked nearby for the cooling evenings. The smell of belly-satisfying soups carried in on late autumn’s hints of winter in its nipping, whirling gales that chase leaves around castle spires and down village streets where children stamp and crunch the leaves with unbridled delight. She is the cosy warmth of a cup of warm chocolate on a blustery evening, and the comforting weight of a book in your hands while servants light the candles as the nights stretch again into what once was the daylight that belonged to summer. 

Dear Beatrice, she balances out the sunshine of summer and the cold of winter.

Chip is the laughter of a midday summer all bright and cheery, raring to embrace the sun and see animals scudding by in clouds puffing along the great blue sky. He is like the long hours of daylight, unwilling to go to bed, not while the light was still here to play. He is the playful young birds, just fledged from their nests, learning all the ways and whims of the great green and blue world that is theirs. He is the curious spring-born critters that poke twitching noses and young eyes into every interesting-looking bush, stopping to examine every type of flower, and exclaiming at the broad brush of stars painted over a late night sky. He is like the season that reminds you that, deep down, your inner child is still alive.

And this but leaves Jean who is the blistering cold that keeps everyone away. The hibernating and the staying inside where it’s warm--the world is too cold and dull to go outside. The layers of blankets and coats and socks and hats and gloves and somehow the wind pinches at bones and slaps at exposed skin, until you’re sure frostbite is about to set in. The befuddled lone bird that lost its way and found not its migratory destination, but a village in winter instead. But he is also, under what seems a dismissive and dismal season with no warmth, the inviting fireplace with armchairs sitting near, and the comforting read that lasts you through the season, and the hot tea to wake you up in the frozen morning, and send you to sleep in the night, snuggling up to the one you hold most dear. 

[nerdishpursuits]

Five things

Tagged by sassy Legatus @singing-supper; Gratias ^-^

Five things you’ll find in my bag:

one of my sketchbooks

a graphite pencil

a wee sharpener

a pocket hand sanitizer

one of my moleskine journals

Five things you’ll find in my bedroom:

my sturdy and beloved bunk bed

candles

my acoustic guitar

a lavender bouquet

myself, apparently (a critter of habit that dutifully returns to its burrow at dusk)

Five things I’ve always wanted to do:

have a decent sleeping schedule

be able to tone down my anxiety

sleep. sleep. sleep.

learn how to effectively fight depression

sleep. relax. sleep. relax … repeat. repeat. repeat …

Five things that make me happy:

lying in bed at night, window open, listening to a rain storm

misty autumn days

music

fic updates

tending to the garden

Five things I’m currently into:

fanfic

hiking

daydreaming

Scrabble

doodling

Five things on my to do list:

manage to go to bed before midnight (goals alright)

read the latest updates on two of my favorite fics

fold laundry (that adult life, I swear)

finish various edits I’ve started working on

paint

tagging snarkster @ad11, 💃