#breezy excursion

[girlwtdragontattoo]

Yeah uhh can you make yandere fae and yn female nsfw??

hiii! :) i wasn't too sure what you meant by "fae", but i just made him an elf with wings haha.

Warning: 18+, nsfw, non-con, touching in sleep, obsessive behavior

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You were wandering through the forest as a sunset slowly formed. The orange rays enveloped the trees with a sense of wonder, the small specks of dust and flower seeds snowing in the light.

You loved coming here at this time of day, sometimes you got lucky and met fascinating creatures. More often than you’d like to admit, you were unlucky and had to run like a maniac back home to avoid the clutching fangs of an angry predator.  

Not knowing what today’s excursion would bring, you trailed through your usual route, foraging some mushrooms and fruits you found along the way. It was fun to experiment with new ingredients you discovered here. Although you had regretted finding that green looking one a while back. It had made you convulse and hallucinate all night long.

Sliding down by the roots of the big tree you visited often, you examined your findings. What a lucky harvest this was: so many precious berries and meaty shrooms. You couldn’t wait to test them out. Listening to the gentle whistle of the wind through the large trees, you felt your body yearn for a brief respite. You had been hiking for hours today and with more vigor than your previous visits. You had barely slept the night before, so your body was exhausted. A short nap would help you get back home safely. Surely this area was safe enough.

Burying yourself in your coat and leaning back against the mossy trunk, you felt yourself slowly drift away into the kind embrace of sleep. The air in this forest was odd, as if weaved with sprites of calm or surrounding by a strange bubble that made everything feel so breezy. The soft wind bristled across your face, providing the comfort of coldness.

You didn’t know it, but you were always followed when you entered the woods. Not just by predators or curious little animals, but by something you only believed existed in old tales. He had been watching you behind a nearby tree, blushing excessively when you bent over to pick up any items you were collecting.

He had discovered you a while back, while he was attending to a group of withered trees that cried for attention. His ears had picked up on something stumbling. As he turned, he saw you had plopped over a large root, the interior of your little basket had spilled on the ground and you were carefully picking your findings back up. His keen fae eyes could see quite a long way, but even from the distance he was completely enamored with you. He had tolerated humans walking around this forest for eons: he loved scaring them when they were being disrespectful. But you…the way your face lit up when you found something that sparked your interest. You were the first visitor to make his nascent wings jitter.

You were asleep. This hadn’t happened before. He was normally so distraught when he saw you make your way home, not being able to follow you further. He needed to stay in his realm and couldn’t enter yours.

He felt his body move closer towards you. He needed to look at you up close, a chance he may never get again. The fae had never interacted with a human before, unless it was to taunt them out of his home. Your bodies were much different from his kinds, it was truly a marvel to him.

Your face was tilted slightly to the side, breathing deeply in and out, your arms hanging loosely in your lap. He crouched down and stared at you, examining your features. How glorious your face was, so different from his. The glittering lips seemed to call him forward. He hadn’t seen a human like you before. Normally, they disgusted him. You made him feel dizzy.

With a shaky hand, he stretched his arm towards you, gently brushing your cheek. Your skin was so soft and chilled due to the evening air. You were completely still, the rest direly needed, except the gently lifting of your chest as you breathed in and out. His eyes wandered down to your neck, rippling down to your slow-moving breasts that created little mountains in your coat.

Without thinking, the hand on your cheek drifted down your neck and glided over the peaks on your chest. Noticing you didn’t seem to feel his touch in your slumber, he dared to squeeze slightly. His body felt hot, how soft they were. His other hand joined and cupped your other breast, pushing them together. He clasped them a bit harder, letting out involuntary raspy moans at how amazing this felt. He wanted to see what they felt like without your garment, but he was too afraid you’d wake and run if he attempted to remove it. You let out a soft, breathy, moan at his touch, but remained still. His body was shaking, wanting to relieve himself all over you.

Still squishing your breasts intensely in his hands, he rocked himself forward. His face was now so close to yours and he inhaled your unique scent. You smelled so amazing; it made him want to taste you. He felt your calm breath on his ethereal skin, it made his wings flutter in anticipation. Did you have body parts for pleasure? Was that something he could even do with you?

He was so close; his breath was intermingling with yours. One more short movement and he would taste you.

His lips grazed yours. He felt his lower half explode with excitement.

Your eyes were fluttering and panic joined in with his pleasure. You stirred. Your eyes barely opened and you saw a divine visage before you, bright and starry eyes peering into yours. Before you could fully open them and decide if this was still a dream or reality, the fae had fled. Flying frantically through the dense foliage, he settled on a high branch obscured by the fading light and dark branches, still able to see you from afar. Did you see him? Did he scare you?

You rubbed your eyes and looked around you. There was no sign of anyone. You let out a big yawn and decided that you probably hadn’t finished dreaming yet, seeing that beautiful face before you.

Standing up and brushing the dirt off your backside, you picked up your basket and satchel to make your way home.

The fae’s breath halted seeing you leave. He wanted you to stay. He had been so close to tasting you, he would never get that chance again.

He looked around frantically. What could he do to prevent you from leaving?

You were walking swiftly. The sun was almost completely gone and you didn’t want to be in the woods at night. Folk warned that the faeries would get you, perhaps an old wives’ tale, but you never knew. Plus, there were predators here anyway.

Suddenly, you heard a crash and a whimper. Turning to the noise, you thought you saw large, translucent wings, flapping weakly behind a bush. The sounds seemed pitiful. Hurt.

You approached carefully and pushed the branches aside.

Before you, lay a creature you had only seen illustrated in fantasy novels.

He looked up at you, unable to stop his face from blushing again, pretending to have hurt himself from a fall.

This plan had to work.

[midwinterrmemento]

Flower Language

➢ pairing: Leonardo x MC [Ikemen Vampire]

➢ word count: 1,413

⚠️ content warnings: None!

This is my entry for @ikemenlibrary's Ikemen Valentine Gift Exchange, dedicated to @sunnyikemen! I have never written for Leo before, but I had a lot of fun with his character, and I hope that I did well enough to make for an enjoyable read at least! Happy belated Valentine's Day, Sunny, and here is some Leo fluff for you :)

Being around the most famous polymath in history, there was always a new surprise in store.

Leonardo da Vinci seemed to know everything about everything. Perhaps it was because of his endless knowledge, gathered over the course of centuries, or perhaps it was because of the air of ease that surrounded him—but it did not escape his notice how the newest resident of the manor seemed to gravitate toward him upon her unexpected arrival. 

He never denied her his company. At first, because he knew she was frightened and disoriented.

For a girl who had found herself transported into another time period in the blink of an eye, there was only uncertainty around every corner. Yet Leonardo's breezy personality and apparent ability to handle anything with minimal effort brought her security, as well as distraction. He knew this, and so he made it a note to help her throughout her time in the manor, keeping her mind off her troubles.

You're restless and wish to get out of the manor, cara mia? Well, then, let's take a day outside Paris. The French countryside is an equally worthy sight for a time traveler, and it'd be a shame not to have you visit. Hm? Where to? Well, it's no fun if I tell you all the details, now, is it? 

How to paint, you ask? Why, you wish to prove a point to Theo? Ha! Don't pay him too much mind, 'knabbeltje' is merely a term of endearment, I'm sure. But if you really wish to learn, then I am glad to be of service, morso mio. ...Hm, no, of course that's not the same as what Theo says. Would you accuse me of such a thing? 

So, you want to hear about Florence back in those days, then. I hope this isn't because of any gossip you heard from the noble Comte. ...Alright, alright. Come, sit. I suppose I ought to make an effort to salvage my good name, at least.

Days turned into weeks of trying to make himself available to her, helping her calm down and settle into her new life at the mansion. He had sworn to himself that was all it was. But as wary as he knew to be of the passage of time, somehow he found it creeping up on him again. Even after she was already well settled, he continually found himself at her side, as if naturally drawn there.

He didn't realize until too late, one afternoon when they were sitting out in the mansion's gardens together.

A certain flower had caught her eye—a yellow daisy—and Leonardo had commented, absentmindedly, "Ah, yes. Joy and friendship."

It was an innocent remark, accompanied by a little chuckle. It made sense to him that this should be the flower that struck her. He had come to associate her with such qualities, after all, because they were what she brought to him. Every little inconsequential story he shared with her, every time he allowed her to watch him paint and work, every time he whisked her out on some spontaneous excursion, it was often met with that look of intrigue, that little excited glimmer in her eyes. 

Yet he was somewhat surprised when his passive comment earned him that same look.

Humming to herself, her eyes scanned over the other flowers in the garden and came to rest on another. “And that one?” She nodded her head towards the flower in question.

“Which, the marigold?” 

She glanced back at him expectantly and nodded once more, seeming quite eager to hear his explanation. Leonardo, now acutely aware that he was being tested, smiled a little.

“Marigolds represent grief. Or the passage from one life to the next.”

“Really? But they seem so much brighter, warmer���”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you doubting me, cara mia?”

And for that remark, he found himself rewarded with soft laughter. Despite himself, and despite everything he had assured himself about maintaining his distance, he could not help but feel his heart squeeze. Spending an idyllic afternoon wandering around the mansion’s garden, chatting among the flowers as they bloomed with the new season, it all felt so warm. 

“No, no…” She shook her head, still smiling. “It’s just unbelievable, that’s all…”

“So you are doubting me.” Leonardo tsked in faux disapproval, savoring the little back-and-forth of the moment. “Alright, now it’s a challenge, then. Ask me about another.”

Looking around again, she settled on a vibrant purple bud and pointed to it. 

“Ah, crocuses stand for young love,” he answered knowingly. “There is an old Greek legend that Crocus was a mortal lover of Hermes, and the god was so devastated when he died that he had him transformed into a flower. The red on the inside, there, is supposed to represent his blood.”

She seemed quite taken by the story as he explained. Ah, he would never tire of seeing that look on her face, when she was so absorbed in what he was saying, when he knew she was hanging on every word. But arguably, it was even better to watch her fluster when he concluded his tale with a triumphant smirk.

“Alright, don’t get too arrogant, now.” She pointed to another flower. “What about that one?”

“Sweetpea, gratitude.”

“And the lily?”

“Purity.”

“And the white camellia?”

“You’re adorable.”

For a moment, silence fell between them. Even the great polymath had his limits, and he did not realize what he was saying—or how it would be construed—until he glanced at her curiously and found her staring back at him.

Oh.

“No, I mean…” He coughed. “That… is what the flower means.”

She blinked. Quickly returning to her senses, she began to shake her head, as if to simply laugh off the misunderstanding. “Yes, right.”

For as much as he was inclined to laugh along with her, however, he found himself unable to do so. Once more he felt his heart squeeze in his chest—though this time, it was a more uncomfortable feeling. Uncomfortable in a familiar, sinking way.

“Well, anyway… I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you’ve studied flower language at some point as well. You’ve studied practically everything else,” she said, attempting to keep the mood light and teasing. “At times I wonder, is there anything you don’t know?”

Leonardo found himself staring at her a moment longer, somewhat troubled by that old feeling in his chest, and taken aback by the realization that he did, in fact, find her quite adorable. Not wanting to keep her waiting for a response, lest she start to suspect there was something on his mind, he sighed and managed a little smile.

“...Actually, cara mia… There are plenty of things I don’t know.”

With that, he reached over and carefully plucked one of the little flowers nearby. He tucked the flower behind her ear, grinning with satisfaction as he watched her demeanor brighten again. 

“Hm, that’s better.”

“That was a pink camellia, right?” She gazed back at him with that curious look he loved so much to see on her.

“Maybe so.”

An ambiguous response, as if he had simply chosen the flower at random, when they both knew that wasn’t the case.

“What does that one mean, then?”

Something in Leonardo’s grin became a bit more wistful. There was another beat of silence, and then, suddenly, he reached out and lightly ruffled her hair.

“...I concede defeat,” he said, after pretending to think for a moment. “I’ve forgotten.”

Laughing at his actions as she tried to fix her hair, she seemed quite pleased by the thought of having gotten one over on him. So pleased that—much to his relief—she let it drop, and did not question him any further about the flower’s meaning.

Leonardo watched her smiling, standing in the sun with a flower in her mussed-up hair, and studied her as though she were one of the wonders of the world. There was no longer any doubt in his mind as to what exactly this feeling was, weighing so heavily upon his heart. And there was no doubt that he had chosen the right flower to express it. 

Even if he could never say it to her face—his lovely Crocus, who had so miraculously appeared in his life across time and space, and who was bound to one day return to her own world beyond that door—he could not deny it.

This unspeakable feeling, represented by a pink camellia.

I long for you.

[kmomof4]

Destination Dream Weddings, Driving Disasters, & Dented Derrieres: A Fic Collaboration Between @kmomof4 @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose and @jrob64

Ready for Ch3, y'all? Here we go! In today's installment, we are heading to Savannah for sightseeing and the bachelor and bachelorette parties!!

Rating: T

Words: 3700 of approx 21k

On ao3 and ff.net

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

The second full day of their vacation dawned bright and sunny without a cloud in the sky.  It was a gorgeous day, and Emma found herself looking forward to their planned excursion in Savannah.  She donned a breezy, sleeveless, white sundress sprinkled with yellow sunflowers and her favorite pair of comfortable strappy white sandals. 

While normally one to simply toss clothing options into her suitcase, she’d needed to put a little more effort into packing on this trip with all their scheduled adventures, and today’s outfit was no exception.  They planned to spend a fair amount of time walking around Savannah today, and then she and Ruby had organized a bachelorette party for tonight.  Given the itinerary, she’d needed an outfit casual enough for a stroll through the city and yet dressy enough for a night out with the girls.

“You look tantalizing enough to tempt a man to stay home and have his wicked way with you, Swan,” Killian said, coming up behind her in the living room, wrapping his arms around her middle and nosing at her hair, before placing a not-quite-chaste kiss at the base of her neck.

She shivered in response.  When he used that tone of voice, all low and gravelly and full of sin, she nearly forgot her own name.

“What, and miss out on Savannah?” she asked, her voice far from steady.

“I’ve no doubt Savannah has many charms, Love,” he said, still peppering her with kisses, “but she couldn’t possibly hold a candle to you.”

“Oi! Get a room you two!” Will said, opening the cottage door and breezing in.  

“They already have one,” Regina said with an eye roll as she came into the room where they were all gathered, “and if we have to wait for them to make use of it, we’ll never get to Savannah, and I, for one, am looking forward to touring the cemetery.”

“That’s not creepy at all,” Emma said under her breath.

“It’s actually not creepy at all!” Belle said, standing close enough to her friend that she heard exactly what was said. “The cemeteries there are so old, there’s so much history!  It’s fascinating.”

“I’m interested in taking a stroll along the river, getting a gander at the establishments and riverboats,” Liam said.

“I’d like to walk through the squares under the shade of all of those big, beautiful live oaks,” Mary Margaret said.  “I wonder why they’re called live oaks?”

“It’s because they are semi-deciduous,” Graham said. “They never lose all of their leaves.  There’s also a bit about the Spanish moss that clings to them–which is neither Spanish, nor moss, by the way. It got its name because…”

“Let’s save the botany lectures for the road,” Regina said dismissively.  “It’s an hour and a half drive, and if we wait for everyone to share all their collective knowledge, we’ll never get there.”

“Regina, did you just call us smart?” Will asked.

“You’re the exception that proves the rule,” she snarked.

With only one day to spend in Savannah, they knew they couldn’t possibly see everything they hoped to see, and so they planned on splitting up - Emma, Killian, Elsa and Liam taking the riverwalk, Regina, Robin, Roland, Belle and Will touring Bonaventure Cemetery, and Graham, Ruby, Mary Margaret and David strolling through the various squares and touring the shopping district.

With their plans made, they headed to their respective cars for the drive north.

Two hours later, Emma and Killian walked hand in hand down the sidewalk overlooking the river.  It was a beautiful day, quite mild for Savannah in July and with a refreshing light breeze.

“So, you’re having dinner at The Melting Pot, right?” Killian asked. 

Emma nodded. “Then Ruby found something for dessert that she’s refused to tell even me.”

“Any idea what it might be?” he asked.

“Nope,” Emma chuckled.  “Knowing Ruby, it’ll be as risqué as she can possibly get by with and still remain within Mary Margaret’s requirements.”

“Was Ruby particularly disappointed with her stipulation against strippers?” he asked with a grin.

Emma laughed.  “Actually, it was the opposite.  She just shrugged and said it’s no big deal.  She’ll have Graham give her a strip tease when she gets home.”

Killian laughed. “And I’d assume the man in question went quite vermillion at that?”

“Naturally.”

“Killian, look at that,” Liam said, gesturing to the row of shops and restaurants across the street. “Who in their right mind would choose to name their establishment The Broken Keel?”

Killian shook his head derisively, “Bloody fools, that’s who.”

“So, I take it you aren’t interested in going there for lunch?” Elsa asked slyly.

“No!” both men shouted emphatically, causing the women to go off into peals of laughter.

The foursome continued their walk, enjoying the company and the sights of the historic district, the men particularly interested in the majestic river boats docked and awaiting passengers, and the women more interested in the shops and sculptures.

Emma had been fascinated listening to an old man with a long, white beard play his saxophone as he sat on a bench near the river.  From the alleyway behind came the sound of a man singing, clapping, and tapping his feet.  The city was so vibrant and alive and full of joie de vivre.

She turned around to comment about it to Killian, but her boyfriend was nowhere to be found.

“Looks like we lost your brother,” she commented to Liam.  “Let’s hope he didn’t fall in the river.”

Liam laughed and then gave her a look she couldn’t interpret. “I believe he headed toward the riverboats to make some inquiries.”

“Inquiries about what?” she asked.

Liam merely shrugged and then determinedly changed the subject.

Suspicious. Very suspicious.

But then Killian was rejoining their group and they were off again, and Emma put the strange incident from her mind.

~*~*~

As the day settled into evening, the men and women met up again to head to their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. While the men had reservations for a dinner at the historic Pirate’s House, Ruby announced the locations of the bachelorette party with a mischievous look in her eye.

“First, Emma made dinner reservations for us at The Melting Pot. But no dessert,” she continued, shaking her finger at them all as they ooo-ed and ahhh-ed over Emma’s choice. “I found somewhere else for that. It’s this amazing place called Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant.  Who doesn’t like their cake with a spicy dose of innuendo?”

Mary Margaret groaned…although if the dessert was as good as all that, she wouldn’t complain about their plans for the night. After taking a few moments to say goodbye to their men, the ladies made their way to The Melting Pot.

After their delicious and rather entertaining meal, they walked down the street to the dessert bar. Ruby had reserved a table for a private party, and as soon as the ladies arrived, their friendly, smiling waiter led them up to a room with red walls, plush carpeting, opulent chandeliers and gauzy white curtains covering the windows and ceiling. The room was dimly lit by flickering candles that lined a long banquet table, the chandeliers being more for ambiance than illumination. The smooth jazz music issuing from the sound system completed the atmosphere, and Mary Margaret rather felt as though they were having dessert in a very fancy boudoir.

“Are you ladies celebrating anything in particular tonight?” the server asked, glancing around the group.

“It’s her bachelorette party!” Ruby announced, pointing one exquisitely manicured finger in Mary Margaret’s direction. “She’s gonna tie the knot the day after tomorrow!”

“Congratulations!” the server beamed, “and might I say, you’ve come to the right place. I’m not just saying this; these desserts are to die for. I’ll give you a chance to look over the menu.”

“Order anything you want,” Belle said to Mary Margaret, as soon as the waiter withdrew. “It’s on us; we’re all pitching in.”

Mary Margaret took a sip of the water sitting before her place setting just as she began to peruse the selections, and she almost spit out the sip she’d taken. 

“Oh my! These dessert names are…quite something,” Elsa said with a little chuckle.

“That’s one way to put it,” Mary Margaret agreed with a smile and a shake of her head. The selections on offer had spicy names such as “Pound Town”, “Berry Bondage”, “Naughty by Nature”, “Man Flowers” and “Peanut Butter Perversion.” The descriptions themselves were so steamy they wouldn’t have been out of place on the pages of one of those bodice ripper novels with a half-naked Adonis on the cover.

After some deliberation, she decided to go with the titillatingly-named Hot Sex in Savannah. “Your wildest fantasies have come true!” the menu read. “Georgia peaches have gotten frisky with a little bourbon, pecans, and roasted habanero to reproduce a smokin’ good time. As if you weren’t already having a ball, we’ve added a friend for you to flirt with...... a tickle of our house-made bacon ice cream.” 

“What’s everyone getting?” Ruby asked. “I decided to go with the ‘Between My Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake’.”

After a little discussion, everyone made their selections. Regina ordered the ‘Missionary Crisp’--an apple and cake-like confection. Emma opted for the ‘Morning After’ to no one’s surprise–it, after all, consisted of a chocolate and brie grilled cheese. Elsa chose the ‘Perfect Partner’, essentially a sundae made from vanilla bean ice cream and white chocolate. Belle rounded out the order with the very suggestively titled ‘Caress My Carrot’, perhaps the most decadent slice of carrot cake ever baked.

The restaurant was so very committed to its naughty puns, it had a note at the bottom of the menu that said 'and no suggestive dessert is truly complete without an equally racy cocktail'. They ordered such colorful drinks as ‘Midnight Vixen’, ‘Love Potion 69’, ‘Minty Moaner’, ‘Tingly-Tini’ and ‘Peanut-Tration’.

Mary Margaret noticed that Elsa was discreetly perusing the section almost tamely-labeled ‘for virgins.’

“So….you’re foregoing the alcohol tonight, I see,” Mary Margaret said, drawing out the first word meaningfully.

“I’ve never found a cocktail I really like,” Elsa said, studiously avoiding her friend’s gaze, a small, secret smile on her lips. “And besides, we need someone to be the designated driver.”

Mary Margaret wasn’t buying that for a moment, but before she could dig deeper to find out whether the secret hunch she’d carried since overhearing Elsa and Liam’s conversation was correct, their food and drinks arrived, and with that, all other thoughts were forgotten.

For long minutes after their desserts were served, the only sounds to be heard were soft exclamations, hums of satisfaction, and moans of ecstasy. There was no doubt about it, Mary Margaret decided. These desserts did not oversell themselves. How they’d managed to turn what was essentially a peach cobbler into such a rich, decadent, and spicy explosion of flavor on her tongue was beyond her.

“So what did you think?” Ruby asked. “Did it live up to its name?”

Mary Margaret thought for a moment. “It was good. It was very good,” she repeated, “but better than sex?” She shook her head with a smug smile. “Not a chance.”

“I did not need to hear that,” Emma muttered.

But in the end, all the ladies had to agree.

~*~*~

The men emerged from their vehicles in the parking lot of The Pirate’s House, the world famous restaurant housed in one of Savannah’s oldest buildings. The structure, only a block from the riverfront, was originally built in 1734 - a year after the town’s founding - as the quarters for the keeper of the Trustees’ Garden, the first public agricultural experimental garden in America. By the early 1750’s, Savannah was a vibrant and thriving port city and The Herb House, as it had been named, was converted into an inn that attracted sailors and pirates alike. Legend said the infamous Captain Flint actually died inside the historic building. 

“And perhaps, lingers still,” Killian intoned, his eyebrows waggling in intrigue at little Roland, whose eyes resembled round saucers.

“Really?” His high pitched screech made the men chuckle. “Is it haunted, Papa? Are we gonna see a ghost?” His voice got impossibly higher as he all but jumped up and down grabbing the hem of Robin’s shirt. “ARE WE GONNA SEE THE GHOST OF CAPTAIN FLINT, PAPA?”

“Not quite, Roland,” Robin explained. “Uncle Killian doesn’t quite have his facts straight.”

“Oi!” Killian protested.

“Captain Flint wasn’t a real pirate,” Robin continued, as if Killian hadn’t spoken at all. “He wasn’t even a real man. He’s a character in the story of Treasure Island written by Robert Louis Stevenson back in the 1880’s.”

“Wowwww,” Roland breathed. “So when you and Uncle Liam were little?” he asked, innocently. Loud guffaws burst out of Killian and Will alike, with Graham and David able to contain their mirth a little better, hiding their laughter behind their hands, their eyes dancing in amusement. Liam snorted and shook his head.

“We’re not that old,” Robin chuckled, ruffling Roland’s curls, “But it is said that The Pirate’s House inspired Stevenson to write it, using a fictional Captain Flint to set the story in motion.” 

The men and little boy stepped onto the porch and through the door of the establishment to be greeted by the hostess. The exterior was gray wooden clapboard with light blue shutters over very weathered red brick, but when they stepped inside, the dark wood paneling, low wooden ceilings, and various piratical accoutrements scattered around were enough to make one feel as if he really had stepped back in time a couple hundred years. 

In the corner across from the door, a life-sized carved wooden pirate stood sentry at the crossroads between the bar (for Thirsty Pirates, according to the small sign above the hostess station pointing left), restaurant (for Hungry Pirates, according to another sign pointing to the right), and the stairs leading up to the second story where the gift shop could be found.

Roland was beside himself and begged Robin to take his picture with the statue who could only be Captain Flint before being let loose in the gift shop to find pirate toys to play with back at the cottage. Robin waved the others on, telling them they’d catch up in a few minutes. 

It only took Roland about ten minutes to fully outfit himself with a plastic sword and hook, a pirate hat, and an eye patch, as well as a door hanger with the Jolly Roger flag on it and the caption NO TRESPASSING PIRATE’S TERRITORY. The men all laughed and cheered when he and Robin made their appearance at the table.

“Arrrrrrr, me hearties!” Roland growled, jumping out from around the corner as Robin made his way to an empty seat. He prowled around the table, swinging the sword this way and that until his father admonished him to be careful not to hit anyone or anything with it. Once he was seated, David showed him the kids’ menu and helped him pick his meal of the Frozen Rainbow- a very fruity frozen drink- and Bold Billy Bones, which consisted of fried shrimp and special Pirate’s House fries.

Once all their orders were placed and their waiter withdrew, a female pirate approached. She had long strawberry blonde hair and wore a bright red long-sleeved blouse underneath a leather vest and tight leather pants.

“Ah ha!” she gasped, focusing on Roland at the other end of the table. “It be the villainous Captain Hook.”

Roland didn’t miss a beat. He jumped to his feet, brandishing his sword and challenged the female pirate to a duel. She drew her own blade, and they proceeded to cross swords for just a few seconds, the men whooping and hollering encouragement to Roland before the lady was disarmed. She smiled proudly at the boy and declared him a master swordsman to have defeated the most famous female pirate of all time, Anne Bonny.

She offered to show Roland around the Pirate’s House, and Will jumped up and took Roland by the hand to go see some of the historical artifacts and the rum cellar, stating that he was sure Belle would be interested to hear about it. 

While Will and Roland were gone, their drinks arrived. The pirate theme was pervasive throughout the restaurant, and the guys had had a great time choosing their respective drinks. First, they ordered two Diplomatico Rum Flights to share between them all. Well, David and Robin as the designated drivers didn’t indulge in the rum flights but focused on a single cocktail for the evening. David had the Savannah Tea while Robin chose the Savannah Storm. Killian had trouble choosing between Pirate’s Pleasure and Release the Kraken, but finally settled on Pirate’s Pleasure when Liam chose the Kraken. But once the drinks were delivered and Liam offered Killian a sip, he opted for the Kraken as well to accompany his meal. Graham chose the Raspberry Mojito because it reminded him of Ruby, and Will ordered the Skull Crusher in a souvenir skull mug.

A few minutes later, Anne Bonny, Will, and Roland returned to the table, Will sporting quite a goose egg on his forehead over his right eye.

“What happened to you?” David asked loudly. Roland ran to Robin talking a mile a minute.

“Uncle Will was going down the stairs to the rum cellar and was telling me to watch my step and didn’t see the… the…”

“The bloody roof of the cellar, or floor we’re walking on, whatever,” Will interrupted.

“Yeah, what Uncle Will said,” Roland said, turning back to Robin and continuing his monologue with hardly a breath in between. “And bam, Uncle Will hit his head and then fell on his bottom on the stairs and bump-bump-bumped down to the bottom,” he said, with appropriate sound effects included. “The first step was really big, and Pirate Anne was holding my hand so I didn’t fall, and Uncle Will turned back around just in time to hit his head. He says his noggin is fine, but his butt is sore. Again.” It didn’t take much imagination for the men to realize that those were the exact words out of Will’s mouth when the accident happened, and they all broke into loud laughter.

Will sat down - slowly and carefully - and immediately took a sip of his drink, waving aside the skeptical look Killian shot him. 

“I’m fine, Mate,” he said. “But look at the skull! How cool is that?”

“And it’s not even cracked like yours, Mate!” Graham cackled.

The other men all laughed as Will grumbled under his breath before taking another sip.

Roland proceeded to recount all the history and things they’d seen and experienced during their private tour, with Anne Bonny staying at the table to fill in details that Roland missed. 

“There was definitely something weird over in the corner of the rum cellar,” Will interjected when Roland was telling them about the giant Jolly Roger flag down there and how there were chains suspended from the ceiling that just started swinging all on their own. “Where the tunnels led down to the river,” Will continued. “Just like an electrical current, felt kind of odd. Not cold, but odd. I don’t know if it was a ghost or not…”

“Of course, it was, Uncle Will!” Roland interrupted. “Captain Flint,” he said, attempting to make his voice low and gravelly. “He died here, remember? It had to be his ghost.” 

Everyone laughed good naturedly, then Anne spoke. “No, not Captain Flint, me bucko,” she said, her rich Irish brogue dripping from every word, a mischievous smile on her face, “but perhaps the Rowdy Ghost who usually haunts the Captain’s Room next door. Ee’s been known to follow patrons down to the rum cellar and play tricks on ‘em. Now this room that y’ere in is haunted by the Friendly Ghost. It’s a bit of a misnomer. Ee’s not exactly friendly, but more of a prankster. Ee’ll switch drinks around, steal food, that sort of thing.”

Just then, their meals arrived. Once everyone was served and beginning to dig into the delicious looking and smelling banquet, Liam announced loudly, “Well, I don’t believe in ghosts.”

No sooner had the words left his lips when his plate of parmesan crusted tilapia flipped over, depositing his meal on the surface of the table, the upended plate landing on top. There was stunned silence for a moment before Killian spoke up, hoping to diffuse a potentially traumatic occurrence for the precocious and brave, but still very small, boy in their midst.  

“That’ll teach you to say you don’t believe in ghosts inside a clearly haunted house, big brother,” he teased. Roland’s eyes were still as huge as saucers, his mouth hanging open slightly, but he laughed when everyone else did as Liam turned as red as a ripe tomato. Robin shot Killian a grateful look, and Anne grabbed Liam’s plate.

“Aye,” Anne agreed, “It’s never wise to express disbelief in the resident spirits in a haunted house. I’ll just fetch ye a new plate, Sir.”

Once his replacement dinner arrived, Liam joined the rest of them in enjoying the excellent repast. No more ghostly incidents occurred, much to Robin’s relief, and by the end of the meal Roland was yawning nearly every thirty seconds.

Anne appeared again as they were all rising from the table. “Ah, me bucko, I see that ye have cleared yere plate of Bold Billy Bones’ fried shrimp and special fries. And your Tiny Tim dessert as well! Ye’ve earned a trip to Billy’s treasure chest in the lobby.” That got Roland’s attention quickly, and he perked up and took her outstretched hand, following her through the restaurant until they emerged in the lobby. He hadn’t noticed it when they came in, but there in the corner was a real wooden treasure chest filled to the brim with lollipops.

“Can I have one, Papa? Can I?” Roland begged.

“Sure,” Robin agreed, an indulgent smile on his face.

After Roland picked his treat, they all emerged into the night, piled into their vehicles and went to pick up their ladies for the drive home to the cottages.

~*~*~

Notes

As with previous chapters, most of what we had our characters do in this chapter was taken from our actual adventures.

We met Giennie for the day in Savannah and she took us on a tour of one of the very old cemeteries (although our excursion was in Colonial Park Cemetery. We didn’t have time to tour Bonaventure Cemetery like Regina and Robin did). We also drove around some of the squares with the magnificent live oaks and Spanish moss.  

With a little bit of time to kill before our reservations for the evening, we took a walk by the river and saw many of the same sights Emma, Killian, Liam and Elsa saw– The Broken Keel, street performers, river boats and memorial sculptures.

We did indeed eat at The Melting Pot, but our dinner was on the way to our rental on the first day of vacation rather than during our primary Savannah day. Unlike the ladies in our story, we opted for the full 5 course celebration rather than the cheese and meat courses alone.

Better Than Sex: A Dessert Restaurant is an actual Savannah restaurant, and while we discussed going, it wouldn’t fit in our schedule. The descriptions of the private party room as well as the names and descriptions of the desserts and cocktails were taken from the restaurant’s website. When we were planning this fic, we had fun choosing desserts and cocktails for the characters.

The Pirate House is also a Savannah restaurant, but this one we did visit. Our evening involved not only dinner at The Pirate House but a haunted tour of the city beforehand and a tour of the (now rum-less) rum cellar. Our table was in the Herb House, which is the oldest part of the restaurant, built in the 18th century. Our waiter was not, in fact, Anne Bonny - historical female pirate - but she made a nice addition to our story. Was she really there? Was she a ghost? Was she a waitress in costume? I guess we’ll never know. The large first step and the low entrance to the rum cellar were real. As we descended the stairs, we immediately knew Will had to crack his cranium one more time as a callback to last year’s fic in addition to denting his derriere. Again. We were also told stories about the ghosts that haunt the Pirate House–from floating orbs to the ghosts named in the story. None of us had any kind of paranormal experience – although one of the guys in our tour group tried to trick our guide into thinking there was – by setting some chains in motion when the guide told us they sometimes move on their own.

Up next on Thursday: Big moments for all of our couples! The most significant being David and Mary Margaret’s wedding, of course – but there are several other secrets revealed, as well as a life-changing moment aboard a riverboat.

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing! We'll be back with our final ch on Thursday!

[deadweight-at7am]

My friend from work is in Iceland right now and I'm living vicariously through her. She's sending me picture updates on her excursions and she was just at Reykjavik (the black sand beach). I never considered Iceland was a place I wanted to go but it looks INSANE. I'd love to see that in person. She was just in an ice cave. Besides the odd food, Iceland sounds like a great place to me lol

I'm enjoying this absolutely gorgeous weather here at home. All my windows are open, it was 58 last night, breezy and sunny. So, so gorgeous. Perfect fall day.

[avampyone]

Prompt#30: Serenity

Characters: Hemlocke, mentions of Olivia.

Synopsis: With a new adventure ahead, Hemlocke is determined to write a letter he's put off for far too long.

Setting: Tuliyollol, The For'ard Cabins.

Warning - None

Having acquired an inn room of his own upon setting foot in these new lands, Hemlocke was in awe to see the generous space granted to each of them truly too great for one person alone – but in truth, it was nice at the same time. A part of him did not mind the feel of luxury quite as much as it used to bother him.

At some point, the memory of times when such riches had felt more like shackles had begun to ease like an icy weight jarring loose from his chest. It was all too easy to get caught up in bustle of either the Ossuary, from behind a bar, or any other such venture that he sought to busy himself with – For once, he thought to embrace the prospect of a break and welcome the venture into an unknown that he could lose himself within.  

From the sweeping view beyond, Hemlocke’s crimson gaze lifted with a thoughtful gleam to take the open sight of such from the balcony of the inn room with the beginning pinpoints of blinking stars coming into sight as the gentle waves of the ocean below them grow ever darker.

Luckily for them, the full moon lifting above promised to give the aid of illumination. Although they had arrived earlier on the long journey there, his friend, Seiro and all their comrades were keen to go on an evening excursion to the beach and the restaurant there rumored to prepare some of the best local cuisines and drinks.

Leaning forward to rest his elbow against the table, Hemlocke tucked the breezy black duster a little more around him in the front, wearing his tank top underneath, shorts and sandals having been prepared when he heard there were gorgeous beaches in Tuliyollol.

Despite knowing he needed to meet the others at the hour they had agreed on, he remained there settled with his metal quill in hand and the rough feel of parchment underneath the pads of his fingertips. For the last hour, he had been mentally urging himself to write out the thoughts that had been weighting on his mind for some time now. He had believed embracing travel into these new lands might grant him new perspective and the courage to do so.

This was a letter for one who would never be able to read it – or perhaps it was for his own weary heart, but he felt compelled to write this out, nevertheless. Finally resolved, he refreshed his ink to place pen to pencil, writing in a flurry of motion:

---

Dear mum,

               Although I feel these words may never find you, wherever you may be, it has always been the greatest wish that you may one day find peace in the beyond and know the welcoming comfort of Halone’s halls. Many times, I have read the letter you left in the knowledge that Gloucent held ill intent toward you. How it has troubled me to know you took all the blame upon yourself in falling for another man and all other sorrowful events of the past.

How could I ever be a judge of that? How could any? You fought many unseen battles that I nor anyone else could ever know and even gave your own life to save mine. Such is the true mark of a warrior if I ever knew one that I know the Fury must smile upon.

I do my best to aspire to be worthy of your sacrifice every day. Honestly, there are times when I feel that I have fallen far from what I promised you to become – Seraphine, one of the most polite gentlemen in all Ishgard. In these new lands, they speak of a brave warrior of two souls that share one body – resolve and reason. In my own way, there are times when I feel..splintered myself – Seraphine and Hemlocke.

I thought it was in my best interest to leave that part of myself behind with all the other memories in the manor fire and move to embrace a new life. But with each new day, the recollection of painful memories behind the name lessens and I feel it may be safe show myself fully. Seraphine was the only part of me that you had ever known after all..Still, I hope that you might be proud to simply know me as the mage named Hemlocke as well.

I often wonder if I may come to be the best of myself should I ever come to let the past go completely and embrace both one day. Maybe when I am brave enough, little by little. Every day I do feel myself becoming stronger with each new experience in life – the good and bad. That is to say if you do happen to come across this letter – please know that I shall be all right and it is okay to find your well deserved rest now, mm?

Sincerely,

Your loving son.

---

Having intentionally left off any signature, Hemlocke thought he might finish such another day. Perhaps even rewrite the whole letter entirely. Still, a look of satisfaction lit up his features with a small smile, delighted in the knowledge he had been able to finally speak to her in some way. Feeling a little lighter, the elezen lowered the quill carefully to lay atop the paper to head out and meet his friends for the evening.

[the-larxist-manifesto]

GameGirl28 ~ Conquering the NSO GameBoy library

Okay... so... Hello! This is my cool and awesome gaming blog where I'm gonna write my thoughts on my current gaming excursions, because I type really fast and I have a lot to say and I love video games!!

Here marks the inaugural post in a series I like to call:

~GameGirl28~

~The premise~

I grew up playing and loving Nintendo games. However, there lies a blind spot in my history with them right about where the GameBoy existed. I was too young when it was still getting games to appreciate or be any good at beating them, but only grew into gaming as a hobby when the GameBoy was considered extremely uncool. By the time I was going to the shop to pick out my own games for getting good grades in school, it was all about GBA and DS games for me. The GameBoy, as I famously say, lies slouched in the corner as the poopy predecessor to a golden era of portable gaming. I've never taken the thing seriously, and I think it's about time that I change that.

~Why now?~

When the Nintendo Switch Online service added GameBoy (GB) to the growing list of retro games, I thought for the first time that the subscription was worthwhile. It's one of the most accessible ways Nintendo has ever allowed fans to play a sampling of games fundamental to their success as a company today. Seriously, there's never been a good way to play GB before. No one's paying $5 a pop for an old game on 3DS that doesn't even have color. But now, anyone can play 21 of the GB's games whenever they want, on-the-go as originally intended, for a measly $20 a year. Since I was already paying for the service to smash noobs in Mario Kart and play SNES Yoshi's Island, I figured now was the time for the little gray box to shine.

~GameGirl28?~

You're probably wondering why the name of this project sounds like a username you might see in the YouTube comments 10 years ago under an AMV of Pikachu dancing to Butterfly.

Well, the name has a pretty simple meaning. I'm playing the GameBoy. But I'm a girl, so I gotta yassify the name. And, as of right now, I will be playing 28 total GB games. That number comes from the 21 offered by NSO, in addition to 7 other GB games I happen to own after years of collecting video games. Yeah. Seven. You can probably tell how much I cared about this console until now. I own almost 500 video games total btw the GB doesn't even make up 2% of that

Here's a little visual guide to which games I'll be playing, in order!

As for this particular order, I grouped them up loosely according to theme as well as pacing out the kinds of games I'd be playing. Since the challenge is to beat an entire library of games, there will be games that I hate, or even objectively horrible games, sprinkled in there. So, generally speaking, each row contains a little mix of every type of game. For example, "Precursor to greatness..." includes an adventure game somewhat familiar to me (Zelda), a fun, breezy, and familiar romp (Kirby), an adventure game completely new to me (Castlevania), and another easy one that I have a history with (Wario Land). The goal is to keep the challenge fresh by flowing between the new and the familiar, spacing out the stinkers with the classics, and escalating the excitement as I progress further!

~Conclusion~

This blog, my larxist manifesto, will be for more than just posting about GB games. Posts about this challenge in particular will be titled as such, and I'll probably make more cute accompanying graphics to illustrate how far along I am as well. Actually, as of right now, I'm almost all the way through "Welcome to GameBoy!" I'll make some recap posts very soon about that. So yeah, if you are also curious about a console essential to video game history that has been kinda swept under the rug (or you just wanna see me go off on fiery rants and post funny screenshots), look out for future updates!

And if you wanna see what other manner of silly things I can yap about forever, stay tuned! My next post will be sort of an overview about why I'm even blogging in the first place. ^^

[burlveneer-music]

Bantu Spaceship - s/t LP - an Afrofuturist odyssey helmed by Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza and featuring Thandi Ntuli

Bantu Spaceship will have listeners embark on a journey. A journey that feels like you are being taken through a portal into another time, Afrofuturism. The rhythms give you a sense of the past, while you also sense the future with all the synth sounds. This album will have you playing it on repeat while you are travelling from town to village and vice versa. The temptation to call this work a masterpiece will be permitted if not echoed by audience members onboard. This combination of artists is rare. Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza, the craftsman behind sound production, is no stranger to providing out-of-this-world audio scenes, as evidenced by his past work as a member of alternative hip-hop band The Monkey Nuts. His work on the Bantu Spaceship proves that he has a knack for venturing out of his comfort zone and traveling through time and space. The rhythm of the project is upbeat, cruising within the mid-tempo range for the most part. The synths and voices offer a cool breezy, ambient atmosphere, making the project ideal for mood setting. Chiundiza's production sounds like something that was picked out of the archives of the mid-eighties Jit and Chimurenga music and then carefully blended with elements of Disco and Electronic sounds. His mix makes for a beautiful excursion through a landscape of memories lived and futures imagined. Ulenni Okandlovu, serves as the voice, the Captain of the ship, guiding us by way of Ndebele chants, laid back melodies and poetic verses. His calm nature enhances the experience as it sits comfortably on the music, creating the illusion that making music like this is an easy feat; it isn't - uniqueness never is. Featured on the album are the voices of Thandi Ntuli (who also contributed piano keys); Kwela Sekele; musicianship of DJ Kid Fonque; Sungura guitarist Sam Mabukwa; and a Robson Banda sample.

[celedyn]

May DWC 2023

Day 2: Divine, Tragedy

((For the characterizations in this story it’s important to note that this takes place decades prior to Hakkar’s rising obsession with sacrifice and the resulting Gurubashi Civil War. Aji is not a malicious character, and the things he says are true to his lived experience and understanding.))

Celedyn wrinkled his nose, shaking his head in startled displeasure like a kitten who had just been unexpectedly cuffed. “What do you mean, ‘loa of blood?’ I don’t want to go to go to a bloodbath! I’m not dressed for a blood festivity! A sanguine celebration! I’m dressed for a breezy tropical excursion to the shaded streams of the capital! This is polychrome damask silk! Do you know how difficult it is to weave polychrome damask silk? I don’t! But it looks very!!” 

Aji’s warm laugh rolled out like thunder and he tipped slightly in his saddle, prompting his raptor to sidle up to Celedyn’s own mount so that he could ruffle the high elf’s hair. 

“It’s not like that, little bird. The loa of blood is… he’s not something to take so literal.” He let his hand drop lower, briefly cupping the high elf’s cheek, then lower still, pressing the warmth of his palm into his chest. “Hakkar’s power is in the heart beat, the way your pulse races in passion, the thrill of being alive, the energy of a battle, he’s much more than… hm.” The troll stopped, his gaze on the path ahead. Celedyn leaned, following his gaze, but there was nothing more remarkable than a shrine bearing a quartet of masks, the foundation below piled high with flowers and offerings. Aji tipped once more and his raptor turned, its companion following suit. “… much more than simple blood.” 

Celedyn squinted, twisting  back to look behind them as the pair set off in the opposite direction. “What was that?”

“I like taking you on the scenic route.” The high elf frowned, leaning and ducking to make sure that Aji could see it. The troll tried to subtly avoid his face, shifting one way or another to block him off, but finally sighed as it became evident that Celedyn would not be dissuaded. “…They didn’t want to be seeing you.” 

“They who? The tiki traps? Am I going to be setting off the temple defenses?”

“Those ones aren’t tiki, little bird. Those rush’kah are honored guests from the Jintha’Alor ziggurat. Old fetishes.”

The high elf opened his lips, a dirty joke already on the tip of his tongue before the words caught up to him, chilling his blood. He sat up straight in his saddle, blinking, then leaned in with an alarmed hiss. “Jintha’Alor? You mean they’re Amani?” 

Aji gave a soft grunt as he gave one final glance behind them and steered their raptors around the bend and out of the shrine’s line of sight “Jintha’Alor hasn’t been part of the Amani Empire more than a thousand years, little bird.”

“And how old are those rush’kah? More than a thousand years?”

“Old enough to know the old loa. Old enough to know the ways of the lost city.” 

“You mean Zul’Farrak?” Celedyn’s brow creased as he tried to sort out history into its proper order, like herding a vast field of cats. 

Aji gave a soft sound of confirmation and climbed smoothly down from his raptor, placing a large hand on the high elf’s waist. “And old enough to have already been old when your flock first came to our shores, little bird.” 

The high elf reached down, rubbing his fingertips into the warm velvet of his lover’s arm. Bit by bit his ears stood back up once more, like a dial marking his rising confidence. Finally Aji gave a gentle tug to bring his attention back to the present and Cele turned in his saddle, sliding down from the raptor with the taller man’s assistance before being circled in his arms. “Why don’t they like me, though? Things should like me, I’m an extraordinarily likable elf!” 

Again that rumble of laughter “I don’t know, little bird… and I’m not asking them, so don’t you go trying for it. I’m sure Hakkar will like you, isn’t that enough?”

“Of course he will! I’m fun!” Celedyn grinned, leaning up just slightly. Aji caught the gesture immediately and stooped just enough for the elf to comfortably plant a kiss where his lips curled over a thick tusk. 

“Yeah… yeah, you are” he agreed, taking the elf’s hand in his own and planting a fond kiss on the back of his skinny fingers. Properly assuaged, Celedyn stepped down the path, giving a single tug before allowing himself to be caught up to, the pair settling into an easy, familiar gait as they made their way down the winding trails of the temple city. 

@daily-writing-challenge

[ofglories]

There was always a seemingly endless amoutn of work to be done no matter the location or situation the Servants of Chaldea found themselves in. Even on supposed vacations like this one on a tropical island. Of course, Arthur had politely excused himself from the...treasure hunt his Master and most of the others brought along on this excursion were eagerly undertaking.

From personal experience the Saber had an aversion to hunting down any kind of unknown teasure.

So he had elected with a small group of others to remain and set up a sort of base camp. Though in actuality it was more a camp-camp. Breezy structures set up to block the sun while allowing the ocean winds, fruits and other foods being prepared in the unexpectedly prepared outdoor kitchen... Really it was the perfect vacation spot in Arthur's opinion!

Which was why he could only sigh as he was shoved into the jungle to "relax" by the others.

"I know we're not technically supposed to be working right now but..."

Arthur turned to Bedivere, his first and most loyal knight...and erstwhile forced relaxation partner for this trip. "What say you, Sir Bedivere? Shall we go search for a secondary source of fresh water? We're both in swimwear so maybe we could even swim for a while to satisfy the others."

|| @toadmiretoweepover starter time-

[prvtocol]

@badtrigger : 038, the beach in the late afternoon. // either of mine (santiago!), any verse (fc3) | set the scene ✿

A leisurely afternoon stroll down a breezy south side beach to stretch her legs ( after waking in a cold sweat from an impromptu jet-lagged-induced nap ) somehow turned into a discarded bottle pickup. With no rubbish bin in sight, a pile of amber and green glass begins to grow in a discarded open crate. This side of the islet is quiet and peaceful but not quite as pristine as one might expect for a remote beach on a sparsely populated island in the middle of the Pacific. It’s useless she knows, just a means to pass the time, to indulge in a penchant for tidiness, to stay busy. Rook requires her to stop and be alone with her thoughts more than she is used to. The constant hustle from meeting to meeting, the financial analyses and reports to finish, the travel to catch, and being always on until she hits the pillow at night gives her little time to breathe. But here she must wait more than she can work.

A gentle clank and another discarded bottle joins the growing pile. When she looks up, she spots the enforcer’s impressive physique against the backdrop of the white sands. Her gaze sticks and idles on his built form, those bare biceps, that stare she wishes she could read. Out of nowhere, her stomach flutters. Where before Mister Moncada’s presence made her uncomfortable, a constant fear of him silently scrutinizing her behavior, resenting her existence, and hating her presence in his shack, now it’s something else. He makes her uncertain but in a different way, but it's not unwelcome.

Out of all Pirates and Privateers she’s met, she trusts him the most. He’s protected her from danger. He unexpectedly took her on an excursion to see temple ruins, the likes of which she'll never forget. That she now waits for another invitation from him feels quite silly — but no doubt he finds her more insufferable after the last time.

Blinking out of it, she moves her forgotten legs towards him, tucking her frizzy hair behind her ears along the way. “Mister Moncada, good afternoon!” A smile brightens her face in greeting even though she suspects only a little nod in return (sight searches those brown eyes for any sign of emotion nonetheless). “You’re back early, which I hope is a good thing.” 

[linenconnections]

Top Ways to Style Sarongs for Every Beach Look

Any beach enthusiast should definitely have a Sarong since they provide amazing adaptability and style for every beach scene. Sarongs are the ideal accent to any summer wardrobe, whether your cover-up is laid back or sophisticated wrap. Sarongs have grown particularly popular in Australia, where beach culture is a way of life, for their utility and beauty. From vivid colors to distinctive patterns, you can find a beach sarong to fit any outfit or mood, so simplifying the creation of chic looks with minimum effort. Tying a sarong around your waist as a classic skirt is one of the easiest approaches to style it. Short beach visits or lounging by the sea would be ideal for this look. Wrap the sarong around your waist and tightly tie it either in the center or on one side. This produces a flowy, comfortable skirt that covers yet still looks great. Folding the sarong or tying it higher or lower on your waist lets you change the length, so providing you several ways to accessorize your outfit. You might turn your sarong into a halter dress for a more sophisticated beach outfit. If you intend to go from beach to lunch without changing, this is the perfect style. Holding the sarong behind you, wrap it around your body and tie the ends around your neck to design a halter dress. The end effect is a stylish, breezy dress that feels comfortable and looks naturally put together. Australia is particularly fond of this style since beachwear usually has to be flexible for several environments. Wearing the sarong as a one-shoulder dress is another quite common choice. This simple approach will help your beachwear to have some flair and elegance. Drape the sarong over one shoulder then wrap it across your body to achieve a one-shoulder look. Your stylish one-shoulder dress will fit any beach event if you tightly tie the ends together. For those who want simple beachwear choices, this look not only offers style but also somewhat more coverage. Try banding your beach sarong as a top if you're looking for something distinctive and current. For those who like to play about with several styles, this looks fantastic. To make a basic bandeau, fold the sarong into a strip, wrap it around your chest, and tie it either front or back. For a coordinated beach outfit, you might pair this look with shorts, a skirt, or even another sarong. Fun, young, and ideal for tanning the bandeau style is perfect. Additionally fashionable and useful, a beach sarong can double as a headscarf or hair accessory. As a bandana, just fold the sarong and wrap it around your head; alternatively, tie it into a headpiece. This not only gives your outfit a distinctive touch but also shields your hair from the elements. It's a simple approach to improve your beach appearance by including some personality and color. Try straying the sarong over your shoulders like a shawl for a romantic evening look. This lends some grace, particularly if you choose a sarong made of light fabric or a delicate design. For beach dinners or evening walks by the sea, this is a lovely choice where you might wish a little more warmth without compromising flair. One of the reasons sarongs are so popular is their adaptability. Any summer wardrobe should include sarongs since there are countless ways to style them. They can be dressed to fit any event, are flexible and easy to carry. From beach to boardwalk, sarongs make it easy to go from simple wrap to more complex look. Visit Linen Connections to explore a range of sarongs and choose the ideal beach for your summer excursions by discovering quality sarongs that fit every taste and inclination.

[avneesh10-blog]

Ultimate Guide to New Caledonia Beach Escapes

# Ultimate Guide to New Caledonia Beach EscapesIntroductionImagine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, offers all this and more for beach lovers seeking a paradise getaway. New Caledonia Beach Holidays are renowned for their pristine beauty and diverse marine life, making it a dream destination for those craving sun, sand, and relaxation.In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the enchanting world of New Caledonia's beaches, exploring the best spots, activities, and tips for an unforgettable beach escape.Best Beaches in New Caledonia#### New Caledonia's Iconic Beaches - Baie des Citrons: Known for its vibrant marine life and excellent snorkeling opportunities. - Kuto Beach, Isle of Pines: A picturesque spot with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.#### Beach Activities and Tours - Snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed Lagoon. - Kayaking expeditions to remote islands.Choosing the Right Accommodation#### Luxury Resorts vs. Budget-Friendly Options - Le Méridien Ile des Pins: Indulge in luxury and sophistication. - Gîtes (Local Guesthouses): Experience authentic hospitality at a fraction of the cost.Where to Eat and Drink#### Culinary Delights by the Sea - Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants. - Sip on tropical cocktails at beachfront bars.Essential Packing List#### Must-Have Items for Your New Caledonia Beach Holiday - Sunscreen with high SPF. - Snorkeling gear for exploring the colorful underwater world. - Light clothing for sunny days and breezy nights.Exploring Beyond the Beach#### Adventures and Excursions - Visit the Heart of Voh, a natural heart-shaped formation visible from above. - Trek through the lush forests of Grande Terre.Sustainable Tourism in New Caledonia#### Preserving Paradise - Responsible Tourism initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. - Local Conservation efforts to preserve endangered species.ConclusionIn conclusion, New Caledonia Beach Holidays offer a blend of spectacular natural beauty, exciting activities, and authentic cultural experiences. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine shores or adrenaline-pumping adventures, New Caledonia has something for every traveler.Remember, conscious travel choices can help protect these idyllic destinations for future generations. So, pack your bags, soak up the sun, and immerse yourself in the paradise that is New Caledonia!Frequently Asked Questions#### 1. What is the best time of year to visit New Caledonia for a beach holiday? The ideal time to visit for New Caledonia Beach Holidays is during the dry season from June to August when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.#### 2. Are there family-friendly beaches in New Caledonia? Yes, family-friendly options like Anse Vata in Nouméa offer calm waters and kid-friendly amenities, making it ideal for a family beach day.#### 3. Can I find secluded beaches in New Caledonia away from the crowds? Absolutely, hidden gems like Poé Beach on the west coast of Grande Terre offer tranquility and privacy for those seeking a quieter beach escape.#### 4. What water sports are popular in New Caledonia? Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding in the clear waters of New Caledonia.#### 5. Are there beach resorts in New Caledonia that cater to couples on a romantic getaway? Yes, luxurious beachfront resorts like Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort offer romantic packages and special amenities for couples seeking a romantic escape.Tags New Caledonia, Beach Holidays, South Pacific, Tropical Destinations, Paradise Beaches, Sustainable Travel, Luxury Resorts, Snorkeling, Adventure Travel. Read the full article

[jazzlrsposts]

Style Staples for Every Wardrobe

A classic piece of clothing, the black skirt fits a wide range of styles and situations and flows easily from season to season. The black skirt is your go-to item for adaptable styling, whether you're going to a beautiful evening event, a casual brunch, or the office. We'll look at a variety of black skirt styling options in this article, with outfit ideas ranging from traditional to modern, edgy to sophisticated.

Classic Office Chic

A black skirt is the height of classic sophistication when it comes to working. A neat white button-down shirt and a knee-length pencil skirt make an outfit appropriate for the workplace. For a more put together look, tuck the blouse in and draw attention to your waist with a thin belt. Add a structured tote purse and pointed-toe heels to finish the look. Wear your blouse with a fitted blazer on top for the cooler months. Choose muted colors like camel, navy, or grey to maintain a polished yet fashionable appearance. The perfect amount of elegance is added with a statement watch and simple jewelry, without overpowering the outfit's simplicity.

Weekend Casual

A black skirt can be toned down without losing its stylish charm for a breezy weekend ensemble. For a carefree look, go for a pleated black skirt or a flowing A-line skirt. Wear it with a plain white t-shirt or a graphic t-shirt for a carefree, laid-back look. For a fun touch, tie a knot at the waist of the t-shirt. For comfort and style, put on a pair of white sneakers or ankle boots. Add large sunglasses and a crossbody bag to complete the ensemble. This ensemble is ideal for shopping excursions, brunch dates, or city outings.

Edgy Street Style

A bold, street-style appearance can be achieved with a black skirt as the base of your ensemble if you want to add some edge. Choose a small black leather skirt and wear it with a fitted turtleneck or a band t-shirt. Keep the top tucked in to keep your silhouette slim. Wear a denim or leather jacket layered over your top to give it more attitude and texture. The edgy vibe will be amplified with combat or ankle boots, and the ideal finishing touches can be a crossbody bag with metal clasp and a choker necklace. This ensemble is perfect for going to concerts, going out, or anytime you want to feel like a rock star.

Effortless Elegance

You can never go wrong with a black skirt for an effortlessly stylish outfit. Pick a flowing black skirt, such as one made of satin or chiffon, that is either midi or maxi length. Wear it with a lace blouse or a dainty silk camisole. The blend of textures will provide a graceful, delicate form that is alluring to women. For a chic look, add a clutch purse and some stiletto shoes. Wearing delicate jewelry, such pearl earrings and a delicate necklace, will accentuate the outfit's elegance without drawing too much attention to itself. Date nights, weddings, and other formal events when you want to seem put together are ideal for this look.

Monochrome Magic

Try pairing your black skirt with a monochromatic ensemble for a sleek, contemporary style. Utilizing a variety of hues, textures, and materials within the same color family is essential to perfecting monochrome. Whether it's a maxi, midi, or mini, start with a black skirt and match it with a black top. This might be a flowy, flowing blouse or a tailored turtleneck. Use a variety of textures, such as satin, velvet, or leather, to give the ensemble depth and intrigue. For instance, a leather skirt and satin blouse make a stylish contrast. Wear black heels or ankle boots as an accessory, and use a belt or piece of jewellery to add a metallic touch. This chic and classy ensemble is completed with a sleek black purse, ideal for a night out or

Glamorous Evening

At your next evening function, make a statement by dressing a black skirt in a stylish way. A black satin or sequin skirt is ideal for introducing a hint of elegance. Wear it with a silk camisole or a fitted, off-the-shoulder top. The streamlined silhouette will look amazing, especially with high heels. Wear flamboyant cuff bracelets or chandelier earrings as striking pieces to accessorize. To complete this eye-catching look, add a metallic clutch and a striking lip color. This ensemble is certain to turn heads, whether you're going to a gala, cocktail party, or a special date night.

Cozy and Cute

You can still look stylish and stay warm with a black skirt when the weather turns chilly. Choose a thick knit sweater and a black skirt that is either mini or midi in length. For a more relaxed appearance, keep the sweater untucked. If you want to define your waist, tuck it in. For added warmth, use tights or leggings underneath. Ankle or over-the-knee boots complete the look. The ensemble will have layers thanks to a long coat or a warm scarf, making it ideal for winter activities, holiday gatherings, or even a relaxed day at work.

Playful Prints

Lastly, while dressing a black skirt, don't be scared to play around with prints. Bold, whimsical patterns can look amazing on a black skirt. Consider wearing an animal print, polka dot, or flower printed blouse with a black skirt. The striking print and the plain black skirt will contrast to produce a well-balanced and striking outfit. Select basic shoes that go well with the colors of your shirt for your footwear. Ankle boots, loafers, or ballet flats will maintain the emphasis on the print. Wear minimal jewelry and a complementary handbag as accessories to avoid overpowering the ensemble. This ensemble is perfect for weekends away, creative work spaces, or any other time where you want to create a playful fashion statement.

[lalalian]

let’s talk students: aethergarde dr (dragon rider school dr)

date: august 8, 2024

two people will be included in this post-- they're siblings but I didn't have as much down for them as the others.

also yes, ik i haven't been posting assignments regularly... I've decided that I'll post them sporadically instead. I will still grade them! No due dates.

anyway, please welcome Azelkariya and Asmokariya!

EDIT:

I was looking through this post for another ask, I realized I kept saying 'brother' instead of 'twin' when referring to Asmo in relation to Azel; I've since fixed those typos, I'm truly sorry for misgendering them :(

I'll make sure to refer to Asmo correctly in other posts I make about them!

pronunciation

azelkariya: (az-ul-car-ee-yuh)

asmokariya: (az-moe-car-ee-yuh)

Similar to Mongolian names, the twins to do not have separate ‘last names’, instead, their family name and personal name are joined together. Only friends refer to Asmokariya/Azelkariya as simply Asmo/Azel, people who are of a lower station or just unfamiliar with them refer to the twins as Asmokariya/Azelkariya respectively.

uh however, I will refer to them as Asmo/Azel in this character intro bc it’s easier.

appearance:

Azelkariya and Asmokariya are fraternal twins + they're both blind in one eye. Azelkariya is blind in her right eye and she goes by she/they pronouns (they are also afab). Asmokariya is blind in their left eye and they goes by them/them pronouns (they are amab).

They both look pretty similar because yk... they're fraternal siblings. The face claim below is most similar to what Asmo looks like; Azel's hair is a little longer-- I couldn't find a pic of what i thought her hair would've looked like, everything I found was either too fem or too masc 😭😭

They're both lean but muscular; Azelkariya has a large vertical scar (it's completely healed) on their left shoulder. She has two moles-- one on base of her neck and the other in the hollow of her collarbone. Azel and Asmo have both of their ear's pierced. Azel often wears a gold nose piercing, but will take it out when they need to fight. Asmo likes to wear simple long earrings.

sidenote (FIRST PHOTO): this model is actually half german half filipino, but I didn't base Azel and Asmo's ethnicity solely based off of only one culture, it's more of a mix + a lot of made up stuff! remember, this world is not the same as ours!

EDIT: Clothes style has been changed, based on the photos provided, a more complex and elaborate style is preferred in Azel and Asmo's culture. Long dresses and wide leg pants are commonly worn between both twins, though Asmo only tends to wear clothing like this during more formal events. Asmo tends to wear plainer versions of this style.

The clothing here will be what they would usually wear when you first see the two of them. I imagine they'd wear more breezy clothing than this, but honestly I still haven't established a specific style for them.

Asmo prefers:

-long pants

-darker colors

-not allergic to color like teagan

-leather

-practicality over style

Azel prefers to wear:

-tighter top garments

-darker colors, generally wears neutrals, especially brown and black

-likes wearing simple jewelry, especially rings

-wants more piercings

personality:

Asmo=Asmokariya

Azel=Azelkariya

Starting with Asmo, they're quiet, cold, and incredibly smart. I mean like prodigy level smart. Asmo's ever so slightly psychopathic, but mostly in the sense that they're the type to prioritize the people important to them in any way possible. They aren't unfamiliar to manipulation, as they've led multiple hunting excursions and even sat in their parent's meetings-- even going as far as to provide some insight on solutions to the issues discussed in said meetings. Needless to say, Asmo's got a lot of power in their kingdom. However, Asmo does not have experience in other places other than their own kingdom.

Asmo and Azel do not live in the Eudora Empire; they both had to go through several trials to be accepted into Aethergarde Academy to obtain a scholarship (like fighting and stuff, but yknow since it's aethergarde, it's harder than every other school). The twins both were offered multiple scholarships for their outstanding performance in the trials-- in fact, they will be the most well-known non-eudoran (not from the eudora empire) students because of all the articles written about them in the newspapers.

Moving on to Azel, she is definitely more on the bubbly side, and often relies on her twin. Contrary to her twin, they're really great with people. Azel is quite good at calculating (math) and making things, especially herbal tonics; but she's a little insecure about her potions because her parents are pretty nitpicky when it comes to anything Azel does. Azel is far more familiar with the Eudora Empire than Asmo; she actually has several friends in the empire, which is great connections wise as she has their public and financial support in her endeavors at Aethergarde Academy. Azel can summarily be described as light hearted, independent, and self conscious.

relationship & status:

Asmo is emotionally closed off from his parents, but they do receive the most affection from them. Asmo dislikes the fact that their parents are unfair to Azel, but despite what Asmo tries to do to mitigate this problem, their parents never seem to sincerely return their affections to Azel. Asmo feels like their parents are forcing Azel to constantly be in their shadow; Azel would have to create tonics for Asmo (like their parents would tell Azel). Obviously, Asmo isn’t a fan of having their twin in their shadow.

The twins were shocked when they were found to be such highly ranked riders— Especially Azel. Azel never really dreamed about becoming a rider and was often too preoccupied dealing with her family. Luckily, they do have a few friends who are riders, but none of them are ranked higher than B.

As for each other, Asmo and Azel feel pretty close to each other, but Azel has more of a tendency to hide things from Asmo. She often feels like Asmo’s taking on too many things at once, which makes her less likely to express her own worries to them. Asmo has picked up on this, and tries to show her that all the things they’re doing isn’t much of a strain on them. Despite Azel having a comfortable relationship with Asmo, she still feels a hierarchy of sorts embedded in their relationship. Asmo does not feel this way whatsoever towards Azel; they do not view Azel has a servant/ or a being lower than them.

Azel is friends with Anoa Erving, but not like close friends. They’re more like former classmates; Azel met Anoa when she bought some herbs from her stall.

likes & dislikes

likes: (azel)

-crocheting

-archery

-fighting (fav is sword fighting)

-taming animals

-making tonics

-going on long trips to the eudora empire

dislikes: (azel)

-her parents

-cooking, she always ends up burning her food

-bitter smells

-a little picky, doesn’t the most commonly served vegetables in the Eudora Empire

-the ocean

-heights (she’s gonna have it tough out when she’s learning how to ride her dragon... me too tho... me too)

likes: (asmo)

-azel, their twin

-soft spot for varanidae (similar to ‘fish’ the plural version of varanidae is ‘varanidae’)

-spicy food (they have a high spice tolerance)

-cooking

-fighting (fav is martial arts)

dislikes: (asmo)

-bland food (they’re like allergic to non-spicy food, to them, if a dish isn’t spicy, it’s ‘bland’ 😭😭😭)

-bugs, but they’re not scared of bugs— like they’ve got an intense hatred for them; is there a roach in your room? They’ll be the first person to rush over to kill it… I do hope you have enough marks to repair any furniture if this does happen

-tight fitting clothing (namely pants)

aura:

Starting with Azel, her aura is categorized as an informal marble. She is dual-toned— the gradation’s a soft lilac (#b7a1cc) and the strings of mana are a greyish dark blue (#282936).

#b7a1cc

#282936

Moving on to Asmo, their aura is categorized as a vivid sun. They are dual-toned; the inside of their aura is a dark almost black crimson (#170404), while the outer section is a brighter shade of red (#a80f0f).

#170404

#a80f0f

dragons:

Asmo will bond to a female blue and coral Bakunawa, and will name her Loa. Azel will bond to a male green-yellow-orange Quetzalcoatl, and will name him Awgé.

strengths & weaknesses

strengths: (azel)

-great at sword fighting (she fights with a scimitar)

-makes really good tonics; uses certain rare and unique ingredients to minimize side effects and maximize intended effects

-not unfamiliar with dragon riders, knows some basic things about riders

weaknesses: (azel)

-because of her aura, her shields are weak

-not used to leadership; not the best leader bc like, no experience

strengths: (asmo)

-good leader

-incredibly strategic

-can mask their emotions well, so you don’t really know what he’s feeling

-really good at fighting + good at convincing ppl

weaknesses: (asmo)

-unfamiliar with eudora

-can be intimidating to talk to

fighting style:

Azel fights with two scimitars; her martial arts skills are also pretty developed. She also likes archery. Asmo primarily fights with one scimitar, but I'd say their marital arts skills are slightly better than their swordfighting skills.

when you shift here...

I keep forgetting abt this section 😭😭 the twins will be 1st yrs when you shift here.

wanna know more about my aethergarde academy dr? here's a masterlist with everything I've posted about it!

no poll bc only one student is left, Anoa Erving!

[palmrstyle1]

Elevate Your Getaway Style: Top Men’s Resort Wear Trends for 2024

Discover the ultimate in sophisticated resort wear for men at Palmr Style. Our carefully curated collection is designed to elevate your vacation wardrobe with pieces that combine luxury, comfort, and style. Whether planning a tropical getaway, a cruise, or a beachside retreat, our resort wear collection has everything you need to stay stylish and relaxed.

At Palmr Style, we understand that resort wear is more than just clothing—it's a statement of effortless elegance. Our selection features a variety of items, including breezy linen shirts, tailored shorts, lightweight blazers, and stylish swimwear, all crafted from premium materials to keep you cool and comfortable in the sun. Each piece is designed with the modern man in mind, offering a perfect blend of functionality and fashion.

Our linen shirts are a must-have for any resort wardrobe, offering a relaxed fit and breathable fabric that's perfect for warm weather. Pair them with our tailored shorts for a casual yet polished look that's ideal for daytime excursions or sunset dinners. For those special evenings, our lightweight blazers provide a touch of sophistication without sacrificing comfort.

Don't forget our range of swimwear, designed to make a splash at the pool or beach. From classic board shorts to trendy swim trunks, Palmr Style has options to suit every preference. Each piece is designed to dry quickly and resist fading, ensuring you look your best from the first dip to the last wave.

Shopping at Palmr Style means you can trust you're getting high-quality resort wear that stands out in both design and durability. Our commitment to quality ensures that each item not only looks great but also lasts, making it a smart investment for your vacation wardrobe.

Explore the full collection of resort wear for men at Palmr Style today and get ready to turn heads on your next getaway. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a night out, Palmr Style has the perfect outfit to make your vacation unforgettable.

[cruisepartyinsandiego]

Kayak Rentals in Mission Bay and San Diego Harbor Cruises

San Diego, with its beautiful coastline and vibrant waterfront, offers a variety of ways to enjoy the water. Two popular activities are kayaking in Mission Bay and taking a harbor cruise. Both provide unique perspectives of the city's stunning maritime landscape and are perfect for anyone looking to experience San Diego's natural beauty.

Kayak Rentals in Mission Bay

Mission Bay is a picturesque aquatic park with calm waters, making it an ideal spot for kayaking. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, renting a kayak in Mission Bay offers a fun and relaxing way to explore the area.

Why Kayak in Mission Bay?

Kayaking mission bay san diego allows you to navigate through serene waters, surrounded by scenic views and diverse wildlife. The bay's sheltered environment is perfect for leisurely paddling, making it a great activity for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

What to Expect

When renting a kayak in Mission Bay, you'll have access to various rental options, including single and tandem kayaks. Many rental shops provide all necessary equipment, including life jackets and paddles. Some even offer guided tours, giving you insights into the local ecosystem and history.

San Diego Harbor Cruises

For those who prefer a more relaxed way to enjoy the water, a San Diego Harbor cruise is an excellent choice. These cruises offer stunning views of the city's skyline, historic landmarks, and the bustling harbor.

Highlights of a Harbor Cruise

A typical harbor cruise in San Diego will take you past iconic sights such as the USS Midway Museum, Coronado Bridge, and the bustling Maritime Museum. You'll also get to see the diverse marine life that inhabits the harbor, including sea lions and various seabirds.

Types of Cruises

San Diego offers a variety of harbor cruises, from short one-hour tours to longer excursions that include dinner or sunset views. Whether you're looking for a quick sightseeing trip or a romantic evening on the water, there's a cruise to suit your preferences.

Combining Both Adventures

For the ultimate day on the water, consider combining a kayaking adventure in Mission Bay with a relaxing harbor cruise. Start your day paddling through the calm waters of Mission Bay, then head to the harbor for an afternoon or evening cruise. This combination allows you to experience the best of both worlds – the active exploration of kayaking and the leisurely enjoyment of a cruise.

Conclusion

Kayaking in Mission Bay and taking a San Diego Harbor cruise are two fantastic ways to enjoy the city's waterfront. Whether you prefer the hands-on adventure of paddling or the laid-back experience of a cruise, these activities offer something for everyone.

FAQs

Q: Where can I rent kayaks in Mission Bay? A: There are several rental shops around Mission Bay that offer a variety of kayaks for rent.

Q: Do I need prior experience to kayak in Mission Bay? A: No, kayaking in Mission Bay is suitable for beginners, and rental shops often provide brief instructions.

Q: What should I bring on a harbor cruise? A: It's a good idea to bring a camera, sunscreen, and a light jacket, as it can get breezy on the water.

Q: Are harbor cruises family-friendly? A: Yes, most harbor cruises are suitable for all ages and make for a great family outing.

Q: Can I see wildlife on a harbor cruise? A: Absolutely, harbor cruises often include sightings of sea lions, seabirds, and occasionally dolphins.