#but we took the train up the mountain and. god it was so beautiful

[wekillitwithfire]

okay physically i’m right here but mentally i’m back in New Hampshire standing atop Mount Washington feeling like the world is the largest it’s ever been

[acourtofmarvels]

Patience - Cassian

No OC this time, just your average Cassian x Reader (I used she/her pronouns but please use any you would like to.)

Summary: Y/N has been apart of the IC for 100 years after they saved her from a horrible incident that left her broken and traumatized. Cassian knew she was his mate from the second he saw her. Though he never could tell her, not after everything she endured.  They put her back together. She loved them and they loved her. Her family. Though, in the recent couple years she developed feelings a little stronger toward the male who she would soon find out to be her mate. 

Warnings: hints of abuse and assault. fluff

Word count: 3369

Cassian

"Why haven't you told her?" Rhysand asked me. I looked at him like he was crazy. He must be. Thinking I could ever tell her.

"How could I put that on her? After all she's been through. She's open to us now. She's stronger, braver. She's finally starting to learn to cope with her trauma. I don't want to scare her with something so... intimate."

I saved her. I have kept her safe. I helped her, trained her. Held her when she needed it, gave her space when she needed it. Those 50 years when Rhys was under the mountain she never left the House of Wind once. She didn't feel safe without her High Lord here. Even though Az and I were always with her.

"Cassian..." Rhys started.

"You kept it from Feyre, why? Cause you wanted to keep her safe, you didn't want to scare her. You wanted her to be ready for it. Thats exactly what I'm doing." He's being so hypocritical. How could he think I could just spring this on her?

"You've know for 100 years-"

"I knew the moment I saw her. She was covered in her own blood and vomit, bruised, broken and bare. You didn't see her, Rhys. You didn't feel-" I felt sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I was the one who covered her, brought her to Valaris to be healed and saved."What those monsters did to her..."

"They're dead now. They'll never hurt her again." Yeah. I killed them all. Made them suffer. Had them begging and pleading for their lives.

"She's still healing. I'd wait another 100 years if had to." 

Her POV

"We can go back if you want," Mor said quietly to me. We walked down the cobblestone sidewalk through the markets in the town square. Her arm linked in mine, her way of letting me know she wasn't leaving my side.

"No, I feel... good. It's a beautiful day. Everything feels like it's fitting into place. I've noticed these past few months that I finally feel like my old self again. But.. better."

It felt so good getting out of the house. Walking down the streets of my home. Home. I'd been here for a century. I've found my family here. People who love me, scars and all. And I love them. They're my rock. I wish I could say that I put myself back together after being broke for so long but it was them. They hold me together.

"Have you gotten all your gifts yet?" It was solstice this week. Everyone's favorite time of year.

"I have." I smiled at her. "And I'm not telling you what I got you." I knew by the tone in her question that's exactly what would lead next.

"Come on! Did you get it when we were together? I always take you shopping. How could you have possibly gotten my gift?"

"Cassian took me yesterday." I didn't like going out by myself. Too much anxiety. Mor or Feyre always go shopping with me in the markets. The boys take me other places, exploring Prythian if I please.

"Cassian never goes shopping with me! Gods, how did you convince him to do that?"

"I just asked him and he said yes." I shrugged. Cassian has always been sweet. He never tells me no. I feel guilty about it sometimes. I don't want to bother him.

"You have him wrapped around your finger, I swear." Mor groaned and I laughed.

"I do not." My face felt warm as a blush crept up upon my cheeks. Me blushing for a male? That hasn't happened since before... "Cassian just worries about me."

"Yeah worries a little too much." She rolled her eyes playfully. "You're staying at the town house with all of us this week right?" Rhys and Feyre mentioned they wanted everyone there this week. It was kind of tradition but this was the first solstice since the war and it just felt a little extra special.

"Of course. And I will also be drinking my weight in wine."

"Oh gods, a drunk you is never good." Mor and I both laughed loudly. I didn't drink much. Only with them. And usually on special occasions.

***

"Leave! You'll see us when we are ready!" Feyre yelled through the door. Rhysand wanted to see which dress she picked. He was being very persistent. It was so cute.

"Just a peak, my love," he said. I could practically hear the smile in his voice. I felt a weird pang in my chest. That was weird.

There was some more playful arguing between them before Feyre finally came back over to the vanity where I was sitting as Mor was doing my hair and makeup.

"He's acting like a child and I just took away his toy," Feyre mumbled, "Illyrian baby."

Mor was the first one of us who was ready. She was wearing a long black silk dress with her signature red lips. Feyre was wearing a dark blue sparkly dress. It took me a while to pick which dress to wear. Feyre insisted on the maroon one, while Mor wanted me to wear the emerald green. I am bad at making decisions so I let Elain pick and she favored the maroon one more like her sister. 

"Mother above we look hot," Mor whistled as the three of us stood in front of the giant mirror in Feyre and Rhys room. 

The door squeaked as it opened, Elain slipping through. "Stop being annoying, you swear you've never seen her dolled up before." She mumbled to whom I could only assume was Rhysand. She closed it behind her, pressing her back to it. Elain was in a pale pink dress. She favored the lighter colors. "The boys are getting rowdy and insist we go down to eat dinner."

"They're children, I swear." Feyre rolled her eyes but she was smiling, as was I. Feyre followed Elain out the door. I briefly heard Rhys say some curse words at the sight of his mate before Feyre shut the door behind her. 

Mor reached for the handle of the door but paused when she noticed I was hesitant to follow her. I could tell she was immediately worried for me. "What's wrong?" Was I really that transparent? 

I couldn't lie to her. She can always tell when I'm lying or hiding something. "I am nervous." I admitted, my hands gripped the fabric of my dress nervously. 

"Why? Has something happened?" I think I was the closet with Mor. She was there since the beginning. For the first few months after the incident I was to afraid to be around males. Mor never left my side. She didn't even know me yet she cared so much. 

"Nothing has happened. Just, something feels different." I could feel the aching in my chest. I had noticed it every time I was around Rhys and Feyre, I didn't understand. 

"A good different or a bad different?" She took ahold of my hand, a comforting gesture she did to know that she was there for me and she wasn't leaving. 

"I'm not sure. I think what I'm feeling is good but it hurts sometimes." She gave my hand a small squeeze. 

"Do you want to leave? I can winnow us out right now. No questions asked. You say the words and we're gone." I smiled at her. 

"No I don't want to leave. I just... I had that on my chest." I took a deep breath. She continued to rub her hand over mine. She always held my hand when I was anxious or feeling emotional. It was comforting, to know she was always by my side when I needed her. 

The door burst open, in came an angry looking Amren. Her hand was gripping the doorknob so hard I thought she might pull it off. "If you don't get downstairs in the next two seconds I'm killing them all." She glanced down at Mor holding my hand and Amren's face actually softened. It wasn't often I saw any other sign of emotion on her face that wasn't anger or annoyance. "What's going on? Are you alright, Y/N?"

I let out a small laugh. I love that they all worry for me. But it does get annoying the amount of times a day I hear Are you okay?  "I'm quite alright, thank you. Let's eat, I'm starving." 

Amren went first, Mor following and myself close behind. The biggest smile formed on my face the second I heard the low, loud, voices of the rest of my family downstairs. I don't even know what they were saying but Cassian's voice stood out to me. My heart sped up and I ignored it like I always did. It was a weird feeling I didn't understand. It always happened around him or even to the thought of him. 

"The night has barely begun and you're already giving me a headache," Amren grumbled as she hopped off the last step. The room grew quiet as Mor and I came into view. My eyes locked onto Cassian's first. There went that feeling again. He pushed his chair back, standing up straight. I noticed Rhysand and Azriel were standing up to. 

"Now don't stop the party on our account," Mor said. 

Rhysand was the first to speak out of the males. "You both look marvelous." He then looked at down at his mate who was sitting in the chair beside him. He must have said something to her for only her to hear because a slight blush freckled upon her cheeks. 

Azriel approached both of us, complimenting us. He hugged Mor, then looked at me for permission. I smiled at him and opened my arms to give him a hug. "Thank you, Az." The males were always hesitant to show any type of affection toward me. I understood why and I was grateful for it. 

As Azriel walked back over to where he was sitting previously at the dinner my eyes locked once more on the Illyrian general. 

"Y/N you look-" Cassian choked on his words. "I mean y-you both look, um, wow." He motioned to Mor and I. I'd never seen him so nervous. 

"Settle down Cass, you might just woo them away." Rhys said making Az laugh. Cassian's face turned red as he sat back down in his seat. Feyre swatted his arm and scolded him silently. 

The night continued on as we ate and drank. I sat at the end of the table with Elain on my right and Mor on my left. The smile on my face only grew bigger as the night went on. 

I kept the smile on my face as I glanced at Rhys and Feyre, who were talking quietly to each other, stealing kisses back and forth. I wanted that. That love that they share. That was the first time I was admitting it. I think I just realized why I felt that pang in my chest every time I looked at them together. That connection was what everyone craved. That unrelentless love. I didn't even know I was ready for that but I now realize that I do. 

I looked away from them. I couldn't watch anymore. I needed to focus on something else before they noticed my change in demeanor. 

I couldn't help but look at Cassian. He could always calm me down in the worst of times. It was like he knew I was watching him cause the second he looked at me every thing changed. It felt like the world stopped and something shifted. It started in my chest, a glowing warmth that began to sooth my aching heart, like a bandage to a wound. The warmth spread outwards, moving to my limbs and beyond my body, forming a bridge between us. 

The second that connection snapped I stood up abruptly, the chair beneath me almost falling back I pushed it back so quickly. The tears were already falling down my face. "You-" I couldn't even form a sentence. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to prevent myself from sobbing then and there. Cassian was standing too, worry all over his face. But he knew. I knew he knew. 

I couldn't breath. I knew people were calling my name. I knew Mor was by my side but everything felt numb. I needed to get out of here. 

I didn't look out as I ran out of the townhouse. Into the cold air, through the falling snow. He's my mate. Cassian is my mate.

"Gods, Y/N, you're gonna catch a cold out here." His voice alone soothed me. He appeared in front of me, wrapping a cloak around my shoulders to keep me warm. 

"How long?" I looked up at him, his face blurry through my tears. 

"Let's go back inside, I don't want you to get sick out here," he avoided the question, which only made me angry. 

"How long have you known, Cassian?" I raised my voice. I wiped my tears away so I could see him better. The sun was beginning to set but the faelights outside were shining on his face. 

"I knew the moment I saw you. It snapped immediately." He said quietly. He looked down at his feet, not daring to look at me. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" My voice was barely above a whisper. I was trying to hold it together now but my voice was failing me. 

"How could I?" Cassian looked up and it was then that I noticed the tears in his eyes also. "After what they did to you. After everything you've been through... I couldn't put that burden on you."

"A burden? You feel being my mate is a burden?" 

"No, never." He reached his hands out like he wanted to hold me, but he lowered them and took a step away from me. "I didn't want to scare you. I wanted the bond to click into place for you. I wanted you to be ready. But I will never force anything upon you. If you want to reject it, I will be okay." It was hard for him to say that. I know he didn't mean to but I could feel him send his sadness through the bond. 

I stepped directly up to him, he straighten up but didn't move away this time. He was watching me nervously. I wanted him to hold me. I needed him to make the first move. I don't want him to be scared either. 

Warmth spread through my body as he gently placed his hand on the side of my face. I let out a small cry as I placed my hand on top of his, wanting him closer. I looked up at him. "You do not scare me, Cassian. There is no one in this world that makes me feel safer than when I'm with you. And I am honored to be your mate." 

Cassian let out a cry of relief as he pulled me into his embrace. We both stood there in the snow, holding each other so tightly, crying with one another. After a few minutes he pulled away first, both his hands cupping the sides of my face now. His thumbs wiping away the few tears on my cheeks. "The honor is mine. And I will give you the everlasting love you deserve, for eternity."

"As will I," I reached up and wiped his tears also. "I will need your patience. I would like to go slow." 

Cassian's eyes went wide and he took a step back from me. "Of course." 

I laughed a little and grabbed his hand pulling him back to me. "This is just fine." He smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist. "And I would like you to kiss me." A blush formed on my cheeks as I said that. I hadn't kissed a male in over a century. 

"You sure?" He asked. I nodded slowly, he leaned in closer and when he was just mere inches away from my face I closed my eyes. Finally his lips found mine in an achingly slow, gentle kiss. He was holding me so softly, as if afraid he would hurt me. "You're it for me. I'm never letting you go." I leaned into his touch, wanting to be as close to him as possible. 

"Should we go back inside with the others?" I asked, nuzzling my face into his chest. 

"Yeah, we should." He replied but neither of us made an effort to move. "They're watching us from the window." 

I whipped my head around to look at the house behind me, multiple heads jumped away from the window. I laughed and shook my head. "They're always so nosey."

"Let's go. It's getting cold." Cassian and I held hands as we walked back inside. He took my cloak off for me and hung it up. Everyone was sitting at the table acting totally normal. 

I noticed Mor has taken my seat, pretending to be in a serious conversation with Elain. Rhys was trying to hide his smile behind his drink. Cassian pulled out the empty seat from beside him, allowing me to sit down before he took his seat. My face was red as a tomato but Cassian had a smug grin on his. They were all pretending like nothing happened, that this was all totally normal. 

"Did you guys know it started snowing outside again?" I spoke up finally, a smirk on my face.

 "What?" "No way." "I had no idea." They all said as a chorus. Then we all started laughing. Thank the mother for that. 

Cassian grabbed the edge of my seat and pulled me closer to him, wrapping an arm around the back of my chair. I grabbed his other hand and held it in my lap with both of mine. I need the connection.

"So did you all know?" I had to ask. I wasn't mad. I found it funny actually. 

"Know what?" Rhys asked, playing dumb. Then a devilish grin formed on his face. 

"I told Rhys the moment I knew, Az suspected the same day." Cassian told me. 

"I figured it out easily," Amren said, her arms crossed over her chest and a bored look on her face. "He stares at you constantly."

 "I do not!" Cassian said loudly and everyone laughed again.

"She does the same, don't worry." Mor smirked at me and my eyes went wide. 

"I do?!" I didn't even realize. My face was so red right now. 

"Oh, all the time," Feyre spoke up. Cassian squeezed my hand, begging me to look up at him. When I did his face was so full of happiness, my heart felt like it was melting. 

He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Do I have permission to kiss your cheek?" I giggled, literally giggled. Who am I? Where did this side of me come from?

"You have my permission and may do so anytime you want," I whispered back. He kissed my cheek with glee. I was so happy. I loved the affection he was giving me. He was respecting my boundaries and accepting that I wanted to go slow. But I now understood that with me wanting to accept the bond he was gonna take any affection he could get from me. I wanted to give him everything but I need time. 

"I think we can all agree, Cass and Y/N, we are very happy for you both." Rhysand raised his glass to us. Everyone copied, raising their glasses as well. 

Acotar Masterlist

[viesanterieures]

𝐓𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏.

William Killick (The Edge of Love) x fem Reader

next chapter

note: This story is set in May 1936, William is about 27 and it takes place years before the actual movie.

summary: William Killick takes a break from his London life and spends a few weeks at the country estate of the wealthy Hallward family. The family take an instant liking to William and try to get him to marry their beautiful daughter Norma. Also on the estate is the reader, who works as a maid. When William receives anonymous poems, he ends up falling in love with the mysterious writer instead of Norma.

word count: 2000+

warnings: … none!

masterlist

"Excuse me sir, we've reached the end of the line." Yawning, William opened his eyes as he heard a voice behind him and stretched sleepily, curious to see who was speaking to him. A woman in a uniform with a dark skirt and matching hat stood beside him. "Are we there yet... What time is it?" he asked her. "It's just after half past seven, sir," the train attendant replied with a friendly smile. As William straightened up in his seat and then saw that the landscape before him had changed from the brown roofs of London to green hills and beautiful mountain scenery with small lakes. "My God... I must have slept for hours." The train attendant smiled at him kindly and wished him a good journey.

William felt the train slow down and grabbed his suitcase from the luggage rack. Once outside, he set it down on the floor and took a deep breath. The air smelled fresh and the wind blew through his hair. Although he had never been to this place before, he had the strange feeling that he belonged here. He closed his eyes for a moment. The orange light of the setting sun shone through his eyelids. The green hills of the Scottish Highlands stretched out before him, surrounded by a light mist. Green meadows, colourful flowers and streams dominated the landscape. The sky was cloudless and the air smelled of fresh moss. William could hardly look away. It was so different from London. The grass rustled softly under his shoes as he made his way to his accommodation for the next few weeks.

Curious, he looked up at the big building. It was built entirely of stone, with small windows adorned with red, ivy-covered shutters that glowed in the evening sun. William dragged his suitcase up the stairs that led to a wide wooden door. The muffled sound filled the silence as William knocked on the door. It opened with a squeak to reveal an older, very elegantly dressed lady with shoulder-length curly hair.

"Good evening, you must be our new guest, Mr Killick, aren't you?" Her voice sounded friendly and welcoming. "That’s right. And you must be Margaret Hallward, the owner of the estate," William replied. The lady nodded. "I am. Come in, you must have travelled a long way, sir." William followed her into the warm house. Mrs Hallward disappeared for a moment behind a wooden counter and handed William a key. "Room seven is yours. The dining room is in the ground floor and the common room is on the second floor. Breakfast is tomorrow from seven to half past eight. YN, would you be so kind as to accompany our guest to his room? And take some of his luggage."

"Of course, Mrs Hallward," a quiet voice sounded behind them, and William turned around curiously. In front of them stood a young woman in a red apron and white blouse. William smiled kindly at her. "No, wait, I can carry that," he interrupted her when she tried to take the suitcase off. Shrugging her shoulders, she finally gave up and told William to follow her. They walked along a corridor decorated with old paintings and photos of the country estate and stopped in front of a room door with the number 7.

"Thank you so much, Ma'am," he said, putting the room key in the lock. The young woman smiled and wished him a good night before disappearing without another word.

****

William had slept very well that night. It was probably because he was quite tired from the long journey. When he finally entered the dining room for breakfast, it was already quite full. He took an empty seat at a table where an elderly man was still sitting, reading a newspaper.

"Tea, sir?" It was the young woman again who had shown him his room yesterday. "Yes, thank you“, he said. "What was your name again?"

"YN," she said quietly, and poured some tea into a small cup.

"Beautiful name."

William could clearly see her cheeks turning slightly pink at the words. "Thank you, sir." But they were interrupted by Mrs Hallward, who approached the table with a big smile. "Good morning, Mr Killick! Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, Mrs Hallward," he replied. "I don't think I've slept as well as I did this morning for months. So I'm really going to enjoy my holiday."

"I'm glad to hear that." She laughed. "Oh, I'd like to introduce you to someone, wait a moment please " She turned to one of the tables and called out in a loud voice. "Norma! Will you come here, please?"

"Yes, Mother." Another woman joined them at the table, she was about a year or two younger than William. She had white-blonde hair, red lips and was wearing an elegant purple dress with ornate embroidery. She was very pretty, William realised.

"Mr Killick, this is my daughter Norma. She lives in Glasgow at the moment, but is here for a few weeks. She grew up at the country estate. If you like, she can show you around the neighbourhood and the town."

"It would be an honour. How about we meet outside the estate at three this afternoon?," Norma chuckled softly as she twirled a strand of her blonde hair between her fingers. William was very happy about the Hallward's hospitality and gratefully accepted the offer.

"But now we won't bother you any longer, Mr Killick. Enjoy your breakfast," Mrs Hallward said with a smile as she took Norma's arm and led her away from the table. As they walked, he heard them whispering to each other, catching bits of sentences like 'isn't he lovely' or 'he looks like a prince from a fairytale'.

Slowly, William turned in the direction where YN had last been, but she was gone.

***

William spent the morning in the garden of the country estate, sitting on one of the benches beneath a cherry tree. The weather was warm, and the birds chirped softly in the treetops. Eventually, he closed his book and stood up to return to the house. As he passed one of the large flower beds, he paused. He saw a person sitting there, gardening.

"Nice to see you again, Ms YN," he said kindly. She didn't seem to notice his arrival and flinched when she heard his voice behind her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," William apologised immediately. "It’s alright, sir," she said, turning her attention back to the bed.

"Call me William, please."

She immediately looked at him in surprise. She had never expected that. A gust of wind came up and brushed through William's dark hair, and his bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.

"Shall I help you?" he asked her, pointing to the bucket of weeds. She immediately declined his offer. "No, William, you're here on holiday. Not to work." William shrugged. "Anything where I don't have to be in London is a holiday for me. I really love this city, it's my home. But sometimes I really need to go somewhere else." YN nodded briefly. "I've never been to London or any other big city. I imagine it's stressful."

He laughs and shrugs. "I can't deny that it's stressful sometimes." Slowly he knelt down beside her and began to pluck the weeds from the ground in front of him. "You don't have to do that," she said quickly. "It's okay," William replied quietly, continuing to work.

YN laughed. "This has never happened to me before. A guest helping me with my work. If Mrs Hallward finds out, she'll scold me." William smiled a little. "Tell her I did it voluntarily. "You already have enough work." When they were finished, the young woman smiled briefly, then took off her gloves, stood up and reached for the bucket. "I have to go now."

"Wait, don’t you want to stay here a bit longer?" William asked hastily.

"Sorry, I've still got a lot to do. But thank you for helping me, that was very kind of you." She waved goodbye to William and finally turned round. William looked at her for a moment, a bit disappointed. Then he glanced at his pocket watch and flinched. It was ten minutes past three, Norma was probably already waiting for him.

He quickly grabbed his book that was laying in the grass and hurried to the front gate. Norma was waiting there, her arms crossed over her chest, looking at him with raised eyebrows as he finally greeted her completely out of breath. "Sorry I'm late."

She finally smiled and said in a friendly voice, "It's okay." Her hair was pinned up in an elegant braid, her lipstick was the same colour as the new pastel pink dress she was wearing, and she carried a matching handbag.

"I was in the garden talking to YN. I must have lost track of time."

One of her blonde eyebrows immediately raised again and she looked at him as if he had just said something completely stupid. "You're talking to household staffs? They're working for us, it’s far below our class."

He looked at her, confused. "But why shouldn't I talk to her? She's really nice."

Norma stayed silent, grabbed his arm and pulled him along without a word. She led him through the Scottish Highlands, down a small forest path, until the roofs of houses appeared in the distance. This had to be Tobermory. The air smelled of salty sea and a fresh breeze as they walked along Tobermory's coastal road, lined with colourful houses. High mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in a gentle mist. "Wow, it's beautiful!" marveled William.

"I know, right?" Norma replied giggling, taking his hand and pulling him towards a small café.

"My aunt works there," she said. "She makes the best cakes." They entered the café and sat down on a corner bench by a small window. "Norma, how lovely to see you again." A lady with bright red hair came up to them and pulled her niece into her arms, laughing. When she noticed William, she looked him over from head to toe, smiled and turned back to her niece. "And who is that handsome young man next to you? Did you meet him in Glasgow?" Norma shook her head, laughing. "No. He's a guest of Mother's. She asked me to show him around."

"Oh, how lovely. You know, Norma, it's time for you to get married. Can I bring you both some of my Dundee cake?" William frowned slightly when she mentioned marriage. Did the Hallwards already see him as their future son in law?

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the little café, William telling Norma about his home in London, his job, his family, and she seemed to be very interested. But William hadn't forgotten her nasty comment about YN. He was torn by Norma.

After they said goodbye that evening, William went to his room tired. In the corridor he saw Mrs Hallward talking excitedly to YN. "You forgot to fluff up the pillows in Room 9! How many times do I have to tell you?" she snapped at her in a harsh tone.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Hallward, I..." But she didn't let YN finish, because when she noticed William, she put on a big smile again: "Oh, Mr Killick, how nice to see you. Did you have a nice day with Norma?"

"Yes, I did, thank you for asking," he replied. He looked at YN, but she avoided his gaze, holding a white sheet in her arms.

"You know, Norma is still not married and we're looking for a suitable husband for her. Or do you already have a wife?" Mrs Hallward wanted to know. William shook his head slowly.

"She is such a beautiful young woman. But no man has ever met her standards. You're the first one she has shown interest in", the lady explained to him. "Come, YN, you need to get back to work now, the dishes need to be washed."

"Good night, William," YN said to him as he walked past, nodding to him.

"Good night," he replied.

As soon as he entered his room, he took off his jacket and shirt and yawned softly. He intended to read, but he was so tired that he just wanted to lie down in bed. Suddenly he heard something crunching under his feet and looked down in surprise. There was a small piece of white paper under his shoe. Someone must have slipped it through the gap under his door. He bent down and picked it up carefully. It was no bigger than William's hand, made of good quality and written in black ink.

Holding his breath, William began to read:

𝓣𝓸 𝓦𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓶 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮

ℐ𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝒹𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝒹𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒, 𝒶 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝒷𝓎 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒.

𝒲𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀 𝒽𝒶𝒾𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒, 𝒷𝓁𝓊𝑒 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝓇𝑒𝒻𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝒸𝑒.

ℋ𝒾𝓈 𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽, 𝒽𝑒'𝓈 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝓊𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒, 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓇𝑒.

Confused, he turned the letter over in his hands. Was it from Norma? But she had been with him all afternoon, hadn't she? Who else was writing him poems?

****************************************************

Thank you so much for reading! If you want a part 2, let me know! 🖤

[gigiprinceton]

After an amazing day yesterday, the following morning Fluffy and I boarded a train once again and this time we are headed to the Famous Bukovel Resort in the Carpathian Mountains Fluffy tells me.. This is going to a much welcomed trip, compared to all the walking around we’ve been doing in the hustling and bustling cities.. I tell you, I’m ready to be lazy for some needed rest and relaxation for a change…

Our train ride took around 12 hours and with all that time we enjoyed chatting, eating, and meeting many new and interesting people… Mostly though, I enjoyed spending my time reading, and just looking out of the window allowing life to pass me by while enjoying the beautiful scenery as it flew by..

In the early evening our train pulled into the Tatariv-Bukovel station in the small town of Polyanytsya.. When we disembarked Fluffy and I had to hurry up to catch our bus that would take us to the resort… Another beautiful trip as I was mesmerized by all the rivers and lakes surrounded by these majestic mountains..

As we stepped off the bus, I could smell the fresh, clean mountain air, mixed with the incredible smell of pine all around.. “This is truly God’s Country” I thought to myself..

Fluffy booked us into one of the beautiful wooden log chalets.. The views of the mountains were spectacular not to mention that the ski runs were literally a few steps from our front door..

After a quick bite to eat, we decided to go for a hike since it was still early in the day, so we set out to explore a nearby forest.. I mean I’ve hiked before, but not like this.. Even though I knew I was at a resort, I truly felt as if I was in the wild.. As we hiked trough the forest on paths that were barely visible, I couldn’t help but think this is a bird lovers paradise for we beautiful saw golden eagles gliding above us in the sky in search of prey, and heard the distinctive drumming of woodpeckers making their nest holes in the trunks of trees, and heard all around us the melodious songs of the song thrush…

We discovered beautiful mountain springs bubbling up from the ground which fed into mountain waterfalls.. We came across spectacular flowery meadows that were rich in berries and mushrooms…

Fluffy explained to me… “That the berries and mushrooms here are considered to be the greatest treasure of the Carpathian mountain region and are often referred to as the "Carpathian Gold"… Fluffy continued.. “That among these ancient trees and springs; they grow rich in minerals and nutrients”... I listened intently as I sat eating a handful of wild raspberries…

When we returned to the hotel, after our amazing day Fluffy and I decided to relax a little and he suggested that we sit in the hot tub.. I looked outside and told Fluffy that we don’t have a hot tub, He chuckled a little, pointing to a huge round vat outside on our porch full of water..  Fluffy gathered up some firewood and placed it under the vat and then lit it.. After about an hour the water was ready.. I wouldn't say the water was very hot, but sitting in it with good company, and a glass of wine in hand was quite relaxing…

After a good night’s sleep, the following morning Fluffy and I set out to do a little hiking and mountain climbing...

Our resort offers the use of their ski lifts for a wonderful aerial scenic tour up to the top of their ski runs as well as hiking and climbing combination tours to different summits in the area which we took full advantage of..

Fluffy and I chose to hike up to the top of Mt. Hoverla which is the highest mountain in Ukraine at 2061 meters..    But not before enjoying an amazing scenic view of our surrounding area by riding 30 feet off the ground on the ski lift to the top of their highest run..   

It was a beautiful sunny day as we began our trek up the mountain.. The air was cool and refreshing on this October day as we made our way up through the forests of pine and beech trees, rocks covered in green moss which shimmered under the sun…  Along the way we came across more spectacular flowering meadows, beautiful brooks, waterfalls, and pastureland... We ate berries along the way, chatted about our lives at home, and of the fun that we have shared so far..

When we finally reached the top, which felt like forever by the way, we were both amazed and simply floored by the breathtaking panoramic view.. So much stunning beauty of this whole region all around us..

After about an hour resting admiring the beauty, I finally asked Fluffy when the helicopter is coming to pick us up…. “No helicopter”.. he replied with a grin “We go back down the way we came up”.. “Don’t worry, we’ll make a strong Ukrainian woman of you yet”…

I grumbled.. “What?  No Lift Either”?   All Fluffy could do was laugh the whole time when he caught me grumbling to myself while we picked up our things and began our long journey back down the summit..

*Note to Self*: No More Mountain Climbing without Optional Transportation..  

By the time we got back to the chalet it was almost sundown and I had to pack yet for my train to Poland and my flight home tomorrow.. So after our showers, Fluffy and I relaxed and sat down to an exceptional final dinner of Borscht, which had fast become one of my favorite meals while here in Ukraine… We made a toast to each other at the end of the night while we sat by the fire, and vowed that we would get together and do something like this again real soon, and I told him that he is always welcome to visit me in the United States… And that it will be my turn next time to show him around..

And with that, we fell asleep in each others arms laying in front of the fireplace while reminiscing about all the fun times we spent together..

With Gratitude, Credit, and Many Many Thanks to @fluffyfaza

A Great Big Thank You to Everyone who participated in helping me to make this the Best Virtual Vacation Ever..

@softsmooth69 @dryndelicate @fluffyfaza @alyssa-ai @celestmilena @angelmiledg @danni-gurrl @amazonqueencindy @bob--and--friends

[bitchinbarzal]

rotwm series: mountain with a view — q.hughes

based on mountain with a view by kelsea ballerini

-

It's 7 a.m. and I'm on a mountain with a view. I'm the only one, alone, at a table meant for two. Big Sur looks beautiful this morning and I should be missin' you, I should be missin' you.

You sat in the window nook of your Airbnb. In all your time travelling around after Quinn you’d never truly experienced California, how beautiful it was.

It was the same Airbnb that you’d stayed in together on your honeymoon.

The honeymoon you had to settle for when your luxurious all inclusive honeymoon was ruined. Quinn had decided to go back to Vancouver early to start training and after a lot of back and forth arguments he agreed to a long weekend in California.

You thought you’d be sad to return, this time without him but you weren’t. You did everything you wanted to the first time round that Quinn deemed

“Not fun”

“Boring”

And “a waste of time”

You didn’t miss him and you felt so happy.

You're across the pond at a show, I think, in Amsterdam and the pictures look pretty, at least they do on your Instagram We say good morning, then goodnight I wonder if you even know where I am, where I am

You couldn’t even remember where he was playing tonight. You were only reminded when you saw he had reposted a picture from Brock’s story onto his.

They were out at some restaurant all smiling and laughing.

You’d actually only checked instagram when your mom had asked you where Quinn was playing that night and you couldn’t even answer her.

You used to follow him around when he went on roadies, travelling to New Jersey and Toronto just to support him and now you didn’t talk whenever he was on the road, he’d ask what you got up to whenever he got home but you knew he didn’t really care and just wanted to fill the silence.

I'm wearin' the ring still, but I think I'm lyin' Sometimes you forget yours, I think we're done tryin' I realize you loved me much more at twenty-three I think that this is when it's over for me

Whenever you did finally do something together it was a work event — the canucks annual charity ball.

“Oh my goodness I can’t ever get over how gorgeous this ring is!” Brock’s girlfriend smiles, grabbing your hand and admiring your wedding ring.

“Thank you!” You replied, blushing and leaning into Quinn’s side.

She scowled “Quinn you’re not wearing yours?” You looked down at Quinn’s left hand to find the gold band gone.

“Oh! I must’ve forgot it” he brushes it off, giving a tight smile.

You didn’t reproach the situation that night.

But you watched him across the next few weeks every morning as he brushed over his wedding band in your jewelry box.

He never put it on.

“Hey, why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring?” You asked one morning, brushing your hair in the mirror.

“It’s not a big deal” he grumbled.

“It’s our wedding rings Quinn, it is a big deal!”

“God why are you such a bitch lately? Why can’t you be chill like you used to?”

You look at him, wide eyes “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!”

“Like why can’t you just be like when we first got married? Silent and Supportive!”

You didn’t even reply, simply turning to leave the room before you burst into tears.

I think that this is when I cut the ties I think that is when I set myself free One day you'll ask, "When was it over for you?"

I'm takin' the ring off, I'm finally cryin' Don't try to find yours, no reason to fight it

You'll say I'm crazy for bein' the one to leave Scream I'm just like my parents and givin' up easy

But you never took that last flight to see me.

“Babe come on you don’t have to do this!” Quinn cries, following you through the house.

He’d come home from practice to find your suitcases by the front door and you standing at the kitchen counter waiting for him.

He asked why your suitcases were outside, what was wrong. You never answered, simply sliding your wedding ring along the granite and he groaned lowly.

“Baby…”

“Don’t Quinn!” You snap “It’s over”

“It Just just be over!” He screams “We are married!”

You look at him waving his arms around wildly and tears drop down your cheeks

“Quinn… let me go please”

His eyes soften and he steps around the counter “Baby please… why?”

You looked at him, he could feel the pain you were in just by your face. He wanted to reach out and hold you.

“Quinn… you never come home anymore”

“I’m always home?!” He screams, hands waving around.

He wasn’t screaming in anger, he was scared screaming. Screaming to hold onto what was slowly slipping away from him.

You sniffled, hands shaking as you reached up and held his face

“I don’t know the man that walks through those doors anymore… but it’s not you that comes home to me”

The tears were streaming down his face as well as yours as he mumbled

“You can’t leave me”

“Quinn I should’ve left a long time ago”

[dailydragon08]

The Right Moment

Pairing: Luke Skywalker x F!Jedi!Reader Summary: You and Luke try to improve your track record with cliffs--and he has a not-so-little surprise in store for you. Warnings: none, other than maybe a steamy makeout session and tooth-rotting fluff. A/N:  "Remnants" is a series of one shots in no  particular order about the budding relationship between you and Luke as he trains you in the ways of the Force. Also windswept Luke is so adorable I can’t get over it (please tell me I’m not the only one).

***

You tugged Luke’s hand as you climbed the crudely made mountain path to what was now one of your favorite spots on Ahch-To. You’d discovered it while exploring the other day as Leia, Han, Chewie, and the others finished getting all the information they could from the abandoned imperial base. Luke had been meditating and you didn’t want to disturb him, so went off on your own and found the most peaceful spot with the best view. 

“Are you sure about this?” Luke asked as he trailed behind you. “We don’t have the best history with cliffs, you know.”

“I know, but I wanted to change that—and you’ll love this view, I promise.”

You felt him squeeze in close behind you as the path narrowed. “I like my current view just fine.”

You turned to give him a fond eye roll and shake of your head as he grinned. You suddenly gasped as you stumbled slightly and may have even plummeted down the rockface if it weren’t for Luke’s strong hands steadying your waist. 

“Careful, starflower.” He chuckled. “See? Terrible track record.”

“Well, it’s your fault,” you grumbled, taking his hand and resuming your trek with your eyes now firmly focused on your feet. 

He laughed and his voice rose an octave. “What? How is it my fault?”

“Well, if you weren’t so hot, I wouldn’t have gotten distracted!”

“Oh, look who’s talking.”

You chuckled as you reached the landing you’d spent so much time on earlier. The vast ocean waves crashed against the mountain below, their gentle thundering relaxing your mind. You glanced up as a bird took flight from a nest in a ledge above you, its babies following awkwardly behind it. You breathed deeply and smiled at their cute, fuzzy bodies doing their best to stay afloat on the wind. 

You turned to see Luke staring out over the waters, completely mesmerized, but found you liked this view even better. As the sun began its descent, it cast everything aglow and he looked almost God-like in the golden light, his blue eyes bright and soft hair blowing in the wind. He took a few steps in front of you, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. He’d forgone his jacket and was just in a simple black shirt and you couldn’t help but admire the strong curve of his back through the fabric. He inhaled deeply before blowing it all out in a calming exhale and you could tell he needed this just as much as you. With the empire nearly gone and the New Republic ready and waiting in the wings, you were all so close to your goal, but now deeply felt your exhaustion. 

The wind picked up and you dropped Luke’s hand to gather your hair behind you. Before you could slide the hair tie off your wrist, however, he turned to you and gently grabbed your wrists. “No, keep it down. It’s pretty.”

You laughed. “It’s going everywhere and is probably a mess.”

He moved to stand directly in front of you so both your sides were facing the ocean and smiled softly, gently moving some hair away from your neck and tucking it behind your ear. “No, it’s beautiful…like the rest of you.”

You stared at him for a moment, sure the love in your eyes was mirroring his own. You took a step closer and pressed your chest flush against his as his arms wrapped around your waist. You let yours slowly slide up his chest to rest on his shoulders and couldn’t help but just stare. You’d brought him up here to admire the scenery of Ahch-To, but now it felt more like a backdrop for him. His eyes looked especially blue in the setting sun’s light, and you marveled at the way his golden hair danced across his forehead. 

Your eyes followed your fingers as they weaved into the hair at the nape of his neck before meeting his eyes again. Your face fell as you noticed the intensity of his gaze and the tears pooling at the bottom of his eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

He shook his head and laughed as you gently wiped a tear away. “Nothing, you just…you look so beautiful. I love you so much.”

You struggled to hold back your own water works. “I love you too, handsome.”

“I mean it, you look…” he paused and let out a shuddery breath. “Maker, you don’t even look real.”

You beamed, laughing softly and cradling his face in your hands. You tilted your forehead against his and he sighed, holding you even tighter as his cybernetic weaved into your hair. He’d forgone the glove like he always did when it was just the two of you, and gently stroked your jaw with his thumb. He planted a soft, but passionate kiss to your lips, lingering against you and sighing into your mouth. 

There was silence for a moment after you broke away. You let yourself sink deep into the Force and enjoyed the feeling of him around you and could feel him doing the same. “You really do look…just…in this lighting…”

You opened your eyes and pulled back to look at him, tracing the curve of his neck with your fingers. “Look what?”

He shook his head, at a loss for words for a moment. “Ethereal.”

You blinked and bit your lip, your cheeks now sore from how much you were smiling. “You’re gonna make me cry.”

His thumb traced a path under your eye to gently flick your earlobe. “I’m not trying to. I just…We’ve all been so busy and things have been so dangerous the last few years. Just knowing it’s finally coming to a close is…” he laughed, “inspiring me, I guess.”

You couldn’t resist kissing him again. “It’s been a lot. But…I’m glad I did it all with you.” 

“I’m so glad you’ve been here. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

You stared at him for a moment, committing the sky blue of his eyes to memory before laying your head against his chest and watching the sun sink even further below the horizon. He kissed your forehead before pressing his cheek to your hair, his hands moving to smooth up and down your sides and back. 

After several minutes—you weren’t sure how long—of silence, you finally said, “Is this easing your fear of cliffs?”

He laughed. “I don’t have a fear of cliffs. We just seem to always get in trouble on them.”

You hummed as you nuzzled into his neck. “I’ll try not to fall off this one.”

He snorted. “Don’t jinx us.”

You tilted your head up to look at him and he met your gaze, a smile gracing his face as his eyes held you softly. He seemed to have a talent for holding you in his eyes—something you’d never experienced with a lover before, and you would forever cherish it. You tangled your fingers in his hair again and kissed him, reveling in the feel of him squeezing you tightly and returning the gesture with enthusiasm. You doubted you’d ever tire of his taste, his smell, or the feel of him both under your fingers and through the Force. After three blissful years, he felt like a part of you and had admitted on several occasions that he felt the same about you. You tried your best to convey that with your body as his lips slid in perfect synchrony with yours. You gently reached out through the Force and could feel his love flow back to you, along with a sudden nervousness that perplexed you. 

Your lungs finally burned enough to force you to break for air. He panted a bit with you and laughed breathlessly. “You all right?”

“Yeah,” you replied, just as out of breath. “I just wanna kiss you forever.”

He held your gaze for a moment and your heart skipped a beat at the blush that suddenly bloomed up his neck and the tips of his ears. “You could…if you wanted to.”

Your eyes narrowed slightly in your confusion. “Kiss you? I thought that’s what I was doing.”

“No, I mean…” he took a deep breath, “the forever part.” Before you could formulate a response, he continued, suddenly shy. “You’ve made my life incredible and I’m so glad I found another Jedi—and that Jedi was you. You’re so…” he stuttered an inhale again, his eyes glassy, “brave and selfless and kind and just…you have the most wonderful soul, wrapped in the most beautiful person in the entire galaxy.”

You didn’t bother to hold back the sudden flow of emotion from the Force. “Luke…”

“I…” he glanced behind him and stepped out from the circle of your arms. “I didn’t really have a plan fully formed yet and I hope this is all right, but…this just feels like the right moment.”

You frowned. “For what—” You felt your eyes nearly bug out of your head as he got down on one knee, pulling a small box out of his pocket. Your hand that wasn’t clasped in his flew to your mouth of its own accord. “Kriff, Maker, Luke.”

He gently flicked the lid open to reveal a simple, elegant, and timeless band with three stones in the middle: a circular centerpiece with two smaller stones bordering it, all your favorite color. 

You were already nodding before he could even say anything and he emitted a watery laugh. “Will you marry me?”

“YES!” You crashed against his chest, sending you both tumbling to the ground. 

He held you tightly and laughed, and you could feel his elation through the Force. “Yes?”

“Yes,” you repeated, pulling back and kissing him hard. 

The beam that overtook his face would’ve been enough to make anyone giddy—and knowing it was now all yours, forever, made your stomach somersault in a way that jerked tears from your eyes. He carefully sat you both upright and took the ring from the box, tenderly sliding it on your left ring finger and letting out a relieved breath. “Perfect fit.” He reached up to wipe a few of your tears away with his thumb. “Do you like it?”

You nodded. “It’s perfect. Where did you even find this?”

“Do you remember when we went to Naboo and the Naberries gave Leia our mother’s wardrobe? This was one of her rings. She couldn’t wear it since their marriage had to stay a secret, but my father bought it for her for their wedding ceremony.”

Your heart swelled. “Are you sure you want me to have it? Leia’s okay with this?”

He nodded. “She even helped me pick it out.”

Your mind flashed back to your most recent Naboo excursion. “Wait, when she very loudly said the ring didn’t fit her, shoved it on my hand, and yelled out the size—”

Luke chuckled. “We may have been conspiring.”

You laughed and shook your head, sniffling as you admired how the last rays of sun reflected off his cheekbones. “I love you so much.”

He rested a hand on the small of your back as the other cupped your cheek. “I love you, too.” He laughed. “And I can’t wait to marry you.”

You buried your face in his shoulder as he squeezed you tightly. You would’ve been content to hold him forever, but darkness was beginning to settle over the planet and traveling the already hazardous footpath in the dark probably wasn’t the best idea. “So does this mean you like cliffs better now?”

He laughed, giving you a gentle pat on the butt like he always did when it was time to extract yourself from his lap. The pair of you helped each other stand and he placed one final kiss on your lips. “Yes, this definitely helps the track record—but we should head back before something happens, just in case. Plus, Leia’s going to be thrilled.”

[cherry-colored-petals]

“Think of Me. ”

Synopsis: There's many things that catch your attention when it comes to Albedo, and you can't help but let your eyes wander when you're both together. However, you aren't the only one who keeps thinking of him.

C.W.: Nothing! Just tooth-rotting fluff, both you and Albedo are absolute idiots /aff, gender pronouns unspecified because we love no specific gender~ (if you squint, you see bits of crack and reader being a simp).

How much can one take when admiring someone they love?

That is the question no one knows the answer to- or, well, to you at least.

You've always admired the prince a lot, perhaps much more than anyone would ever think. The way he looks was one thing, and although you were aware that he looked beautiful just as is, you had seen more sides of him that he hides from others.

Just from his body language and behavior, all the way down to his mannerisms and speech... He became the apple of your eye.

A fleeting interest that had developed into something more.

The one thing that had you mesmerized the most was his eyes, though.

The way his eyes would sparkle when he saw something interest, how it would dim when he has to face with matters that he was less pleased on, and even down to how it would show bits of his emotions and soften when looking at things he adore, like Klee...

You would always catch yourself staring at his eyes, studying them like you would for a test. His eyes were so interesting to look at stare at, and certainly pretty for that matter.

How unfair. You have to stop yourself from literally telling the man he looks so, so gorgeous with it alone. Many times, of course.

His hair was another thing you always watched- it looked so pleasing, even if it was tousled and messy in some days. When you get to work with him at the earliest hours of the morning, you would sometimes catch sight of Albedo with his hair down and not in its usual braid.

You couldn't help but laugh when he asked you for help, adding that he didn't had the will to do it himself as he had many other things to get to.

It was the few times you had to sift through his locks, and Gods, it felt nice.

You can tell he took care of it himself, with how it looks healthy under a trained eye. The way it would also frame his face perfectly and the locks looking natural in it's own state, with some poking out of it's braid during the day...

You truly, truly are so down bad for this man. It's a crime.

Albeit he has been teased by others for his height, he seems to mask it with his nonchalant behavior. He would always carry the aura of professionalism when during work hours, and when you catch sight of multiple people coming by, he seem to act differently.

It's always fun to watch when he sees Kaeya, or even Klee. Those two received different forms of treatment from the alchemist, and you swore that- for a mere moment- the Cavalry Captain had all but pissed him enough to be treated so coldly.

But to those like Jean and even the traveler, his mannerisms were more different. It's mostly evident to the latter, as they would often talk in private about things that seem serious- sometimes it can be outside of alchemy and to the realms of travelling, while in other times, it can even be about commissions.

That's when you truly see Albedo loosen up the professionalism and act more composed, maybe even careless in his own way. It made you smile sometimes when you see it.

He needed someone to break his shell, anyhow.

Though, amidst all that, you knew he had secrets from you and everyone. He kept them hidden, despite the way the distance between you two doesn't seem to be as big as most people.

You don't ignore the way that he seems to act when it comes to privy subjects, and even down to the past of the mountain and the fables of the dragon.

You don't ignore the way his eyes would shift and show a glimpse of solemn, or even a small hint of regret in those eyes- even down to how he would change the topic after entertaining such questions.

You can tell it pained him, but you didn't say it. It must be private, you thought.

Although, unbeknownst to you, you never seem to catch on Albedo's eyes watching and focusing on you when you're with him.

It was an impulsive thing at first- he would only seek you out if he needed your help on something he's focused on or even your inquiry on an experiment. Little things that the alchemist chalked up to being normal.

After all, what was so unnatural about asking a fellow alchemist for their inquiry?

Though, it simply developed more than just a simple impulsive decision. He began to take note of you more: your mannerisms, little ticks, speech, and even down to your little habits and things you enjoy.

Again, it was those little things that he thought once were normal that became more and more than what it seems.

He would sometimes find himself taking note of those things, and although he'd try and brush it off, he found himself struggling to brush off the thought of you on his mind. It even came down to him struggling to stay focused on his research, since you run on his mind so often.

It was, for the lack of better word, driving him mad.

But maybe it wasn't a bad thing, Albedo concluded, his eyes drifting to you when you were busy talking to the traveler. Watching your lips curl to a smile made his heart flutter, and he couldn't help but grab his corkboard with his pencil.

With a smile, he turned his gaze to the page and began to draw.

He wanted to savor this moment forever, and for once, all he could mutter were the words.

"Think of me, for I shall think of you, too."

© ᴄʜᴇʀʀʏ-ᴄᴏʟᴏʀᴇᴅ-ᴘᴇᴛᴀʟs : 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹 ♡ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ʀᴇᴘᴏsᴛ ᴏʀ sᴛᴇᴀʟ/ᴘʟᴀɢɪᴀʀɪᴢᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ♡ ʀᴇʙʟᴏɢs, ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛs, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀsᴋs ᴀʀᴇ ʜɪɢʜʟʏ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ

[nuri148]

My Trip to Japan! ⛩️ Part 4

19.12.

We woke up early, had the funny breakfast, and took the suburban train to Nara. The impression we got from it is that it's a "normal" city. There are no major shopping miles like in Tokyo or Kyoto, just regular streets, even the pedestrian market-street. There are no shopping malls or big stores in the city center, only on the outskirts. We left our luggage at the hotel and went straight to Kasuga Taisha. It’s a beautiful Shinto shrine boasting more than 3000 votive fretworked bronze lamps, each of them different designs, hanging along the galleries of the main temple. These are only lit three times a year, but the shrine has a dark room with a few lamps lit for visitors to enjoy its magical appearance. In a corner of the garden, there’s a cedar tree about 1000 years old, depicted in a 14th-century scroll. A juniper tree grows diagonally from the roots of the cedar, for which part of the roof of the adjacent pavilion was cut to avoid hindering its development. In the same garden, in front of the goshuin office, there’s a gazebo with a 700-year-old wisteria.

The shrine is at the foot of another sacred mountain, Mount Kasuga or Mikasa (Yes! Mikasa!), a place just as moving as Fushimi Inari. Several pavilions and shrines rise around the main hall, always at the foot of the mountain, which simple mortals cannot access because it’s the dwelling place of the gods. One of these subsidiary shrines is the Meoto Daikokusha, dedicated to two deities, husband and wife, so people come to pray for a happy marriage. The complex started to grow in the 8th century, when the emperor certified the sacred nature of the mountain and prohibited hunting and logging, which preserved the native forest in its primeval state to this day. Moreover, deer are considered messengers of the gods enshrined in the main hall, so this contributed to the unique fact that deer roam freely throughout the park.

Nara Park is a bit like Hampstead Heath: it extends over many hectares, crossed by several roads, and houses various temples and buildings. The difference is the deer, which are really everywhere (we even saw a stray one near our hotel!). I feared they would be vicious; I’ve read some alarming accounts, and the warning signs didn't help, but fortunately, they were pretty civil (for a wild animal ofc). Obviously, they’re on the hunt for crackers and always on the lookout for anyone who can give them a snack, but people respect the rule to feed them only the special deer crackers sold in shops and stands all around the park. The deer, meanwhile, aren’t stupid at all: although they flock around you the second they see you holding crackers, they leave the vendors alone, even if they have piles of crackers in plain sight. The deer also give up bothering you quickly once they see you’ve run out of "shikasenbei" (I’ve no proof and no doubts they’re formulated to have a very faint smell that doesn’t cling to hands).

After visiting the shrine, we went up a bit a street that was supposed to have a lot of restaurants, but most of them were closed, we assume, due to being low season. The only place open was a souvenir shop with a diner area at the back. It was a typical roadside dingy diner, with a concrete floor; authentic 1970s furniture complete with Formica and fake leather; a mishmash of wonderfully kitschy decorations including, but not limited to, discoloured posters, deer antlers, various trinkets in their cellophane bags, statuettes of very questionable taste, cabinets that have never seen a duster, a sarong hung like a tapestry, a kerosene heater like my grandma's had, old furniture and stuff piled up in a corner, and a painting of a tiger so ghastly it gave Husband mild PTSD. In this unique place, we enjoyed one of the best meals, if not the best, of the whole trip: homemade katsudon and oyakodon, very tasty, with the ever-present miso soup on the side, and the Ojiisan making random comments ("Spain? Oh yeah, I visited Madrid long ago. Pesetas, they had." "Argentina, football"). And all for the price of a McDonald's menu in Europe. In the back, you could see a huge dining room, so during high season, the crowds must be significant.

After eating, we went to Kofuku-ji, which was a bit of a downer as the main hall wasn’t worth the ¥500 entrance fee (unless you're a huge Buddha fan ig). We could have just seen it from the outside and walk around the minor halls, which are free. We then took a bus to the outskirts, to the ruins of the Nara Imperial Palace. It’s a gigantic site (about 145 hectares) where, for the past 25 years, they have been slowly rebuilding the dependencies of the ancient palace, one pavilion at a time. It's an impressive job of archaeology, engineering, restoration, and craftsmanship, and it’s entirely for free though we wouldn't have minded paying an entrance fee here. Currently, there are three pavilions rebuilt, and they’re building the fourth under a roofed scaffolding with a platform for people to peek into the building site. 21st-century engineering and safety standards meet 8th-century construction techniques to achieve a reproduction as close to the original as possible. We also saw the reconstruction of the service dependencies and the museum space they have around the archaeological excavations. We didn't cover everything; it would have been a titanic undertaking, and the cold and wind were starting to take a toll on us. So we returned to the city and went to see the shops, staying mainly on the covered pedestrian street because of the drizzle. It turns out, everything closes at seven in Nara (except for large drugstores, gachapon, and the like), so we got into a ramen place for dinner. It seemed like the safest bet, but it wasn't. What a let down! The broth was so bland not even soy sauce made a difference. It was the most disappointing meal of the trip. How can you open a soup joint and not have a decent broth?

20.12

We started the day at Todai-ji. The entrance fee was high compared to what we'd been paying elsewhere. I get the feeling that the people of Nara might still be a bit salty about losing their status as capital city of Japan, which they held for only 75 years in the seventh century. Nara is only an hour away by suburban train from Kyoto and Osaka; it’s not on the Shinkansen line. I think this must result in most visitors coming just for the day. There probably aren't many like us, spending two days there while exploring all the heritage sites, and that's why the city lacks the touristic infrastructure of its neighbours.

The main hall of Todai-ji, the Daibutsu-den, houses a 15-meter bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. It was destroyed twice. The third and current building, built in the 18th century, is 30% smaller than the previous one, and yet still manages to be the world's largest wooden structure. Behind the Buddha, one of the columns has a 50 cm wide hole at its base—the size of the Buddha's nostril. It is said whoever manages to pass through the hole will attain enlightenment. After visiting the temple and the museum, we spent some time strolling through the park and feeding shikasenbei to the deer. We had a delicious lunch at a yakitori place, Shikamaru, which played the whole Beatles discography on full random.

In the afternoon we went to Horyu-ji, outside Nara. This Buddhist temple is made up of the oldest wooden buildings still standing: from the 8th century to our days. Again, though the entrance ticket price was normal to cheap for European standards, it was expensive compared to other temples. Still, the temple’s very nice, and even being a novice in Japanese architectural heritage you can tell the style’s a bit different from newer ones. We also were treated to a glimpse of Japan way off the beaten track: Horyu-ji is in a semi-rural village, complete with a handful of run-down shops around the train station, many of them closed; supermarkets and warehouse-type businesses along the main road, or shops scattered without a defined shopping mile. Low houses, vegetable patches, kids on bikes, very few people on the streets. I’ve seen a lot of little towns like this. I  like it how some places are the same everywhere you go, no matter how different we make them out to be.  

We spent the rest of the afternoon window-shopping - On the plus side, there was this gacha at the local Animate! ⬆️

[elizainjapan]

June 7th- Mt. Takao Day Trip

Today we spent pretty much the whole day walking and hiking Mt. Takao. The weather was such a change from yesterday because it was gorgeous out. We had a nice late start to our day, and then we traveled by train for about one and half hours to our destination. By this time, we were all a little hungry, so we split grabbed lunch. My group had Riki in it (YAY RIKI), and we ate at an Italian place nearby. We were all so sick and tired of soba that we wanted to try something new, and the restaurant did not disappoint. I had some sort of alfredo pasta and it was delicious. Unfortunately, it sad like a brick in my stomach for most of the hike. We took a chair lift up about half of the mountain and then hiked the rest. The shrines were beautiful, but the hike back was brutal on my knees. I definitely broke a sweat when I ran part of it. The entire hike was close to 4 hours too, so I worked off my pasta for sure. When I got home, I showered, and now I’m at Vishnu’s birthday dinner where he’s having A5!

Academic Reflection-

Japan’s forest preservation techniques have kept Japan so beautiful for centuries. We learned that the many policies put in place to promote wood for samurai to build their castles. The Japanese didn’t seem to care much about the ecosystem, but they did have sacred forests for when they’re Shinto gods in trees. Those forests could not be cut down, and priests must come to bless the tree for cuttings. Even today we say an octopus tree that was 450 years old that they could not cut down. Because so many people would rub the tree for luck, they made a small statue of an octopus that we rubbed instead. There were also multiple black orbs on the trail, and I wasn’t too sure what they did, but they used to be able to be spun as an alternative to saying the sutras.

We walked through multiple shrines today, and I gave an offering to help me on the quizzes for this class. In the Edo Period, forestry management was divided through administrative tasks, and public and private properties were still important. The soil was very fertile, making the land very valuable.

[plushhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

I microdosed today and cried looking outside.

My friend Mimi wrote this book “Be Not Afraid of Love” and it’s doing really well and since I’ve been in Syracuse I’ve been slowly taking it in and reading to it on audible. And I feel like I’m walking with my friend as they guide me through 10 chapters of the past few years. They talked about a train ride they took across the country that they’ve always wanted to take and I remember seeing it on their stories and it just looked beautiful and so peaceful they recalled a story with people they met on a cart 3 elders and they would have conversations that wouldn’t seem to have any end and as I listen to Mimi explain the story it sit outside my mothers balcony. We grew up poor my mother had me at 16 her having a view like this is a testament to her commitment to living a life she’s always wanted. We’re all still working class people and it seems like the work will be endless for the time being. Mimi says during their trip they 4 of their cart mates had dinner and they fell onto the topic of God. Apparently it was a tense moment and they all grew quiet but then began to share their perspectives despite their differences. It’s funny because it’s parallel to the experience I’m having in life. Mimi asked them when they all have felt or experienced god and they all simultaneously point to the sun.

As I get this part of the story I cry the micro-dose is starting to make sense. As I sit outside the balcony I see the snow dusting the trees and look at the ground and see pops of green and brown. I see birds weaving around each other returning to or leaving from their nests in unison. I see a tower that sits at the top of the hill of one of my favorite places to walk in the city, peeking behind it is a mountain covered with snow. There’s a moment I become overwhelmed as I begin crying I hear Mimi on the audiobook describing where they are and how we are there together. For the first time in a long time I experienced God.

[callinglifehello]

it started here

I've never used tumblr before. This is my first time and it may be my last. Only time will tell. I don't know anything about tumblr. What it is, what you do or how it works. But i have heard about it in various forms of media.

And sometimes i need a space where i can share everything from the fucked up place i call my brain. Everytime i start to think about my life i say a tired "nope" and immediately put on a dumb youtube video to quiet my thoughts.

I'm gonna tell you a bit about myself . Not that it matters but just to give you soem context before you read my posts.

I've pulled the short stick in life because i am a teenage girl living in the middle of fucking nowhere. Being a teenage girl is shitty itself, that's just a fact. I would deem these years the worst and best ones in my life. Those two condradicting statements are what makes it really shitty.

My life is beautiful. I have a strong and healthy body and can still eat a lot of junkfood without being fat. I know that won't be the case when i'm older because of genetics.

I don't have to pay for housing, food or electricity. I don't have a house to clean, a dog to walk or any social events in need of attending. Other than school.

But when you see all of this, a carefree life full of opportunities and so much more to discover and combine this with anxiety, laziness, a phone addiction, problems with anger and several undiagnosed disorders, you know what a joke life has played on me. All the time but never the energy.

So i stay inside, hoping that someday i'll have the energy to throw away my computer and start life as a productive and strong person. Even though i know that that day will never come.

I said before that i live in the middle of nowhere. And when i say this i don't mean the classical "i'm a sad teenager living in a small town in idiana with only a mall, a cinema, a church and a waterpark *gasp!*"

I mean that my closest neighbour west lives 1 mile/1,5km away. The nearets bus stop is 2 miles/3km away, along with the nearest grocery store and theres about 50 people living in my village.

I think a lot of people either invision that i live in africa (which i don't) or that i live in the middle of the us, surrounded by desert and mountains (which i also don't).

I live north above the equator (very north) and experience four seasons and snow. I live somewhere predominantly christian and i am going to get confirmed next summer, even though i don't believe in god.

My parents used to be super strict, and still are in some ways. But in a lot of ways they're chill. They let me have sleepovers and tries to stay out of our way during them. They drive my sister to parties they know people are going to drink at because they also know my sister is a nerd and a sportsfreak that would never drink because it could interfere with her training and she's responsible.

My parents regularly try to get me out of the house, to get me to exercise or do anything healthy. But i always manage to escape their tries.

I have five close friends. One is from my old school. It had seven different grades but there were only 50-60 students because that school was also in the middle of nowhere. My friend from there, let's call her Emma, and i only became friends in 5th grade. This was strange considering that we had been in the same school since she was six and been in the same daycare attached to the school since i was two.

She's a year younger than me which means we weren't in the same class. This shouldn't have been a problem since the grades are so small the school often combine two or three into one big class. But fate would have it, it took several years before our grades got pushed together. And after a couple of weeks we got put together for a group project and i hung out at her house that day.

I graduated from that school 1,5 years ago and now we only hang out once in a while, maybe every three months. I like being with her and she likes being with me, yet i never snap her or ask to hang out. I get scared and it feels like a daunting task. And later i hate myself for not asking her because she's my best friend.

I don't think we're best friends actually. Because of two reasons. 1. Because we're no longer in the same school so now she hangs out more with her other friends 2. We've never really been "best friends". We were each others best friends for two years, but we never really had that energy that normal best friends have. We were always just each others best option.

I have three other friends from my new school. Lets call them Alice, Nellie and Mia. Almost everyone in my class didn't know anyone when they started. Only a few people recognized each other from their old schools but no one really knew anyone else. Among the girls no one knew each other. At first i hung out with two other girls, but only for a while. It felt like i was always too much with them. Everytime i got excited they would stare, comment about it and i would hate myself. So when i talked with alice a few weeks in and we connected i started hanging out with her. She, Nellie and Mia had been hanging out since the first week so we became a group.

We love having sleepovers, studying at cafés and doing secret holidays, Secret holidays are like secret santa but for different holidays. It started christmas last year and now we do secret valentine, secret halloween, secret friendsgiving and of course, secret santa. I tried suggesting a secret holiday for every month but they quickly shut that down since it would drain us of any money we ever managed to save.

This was just an introduction, but i hope i may share my shitty thoughts with you in the future.

Until then, what now?

[libidomechanica]

I took him out

A limerick sequence

               1

I took him out. While times endure to give up smoking for the iewell. And    none a word. For Love may    die. That a matter what you say. To me aside each other.

               2

Is worse from God than from all high places, lived upon the swamp for a frog.    With meaning to you changed    yourself arriving at your lovesick land that quickly fades.

               3

And of my rurall musick holdeth scorne at me: for pittied is mishappe,    that Ill may turn beside    remote Shalott. With somebody else all night not go free, ah!

               4

The garlands fade that hour with love. With anguish in. That soothe the same. And struggle    on without a toga    or a scarf on a couch as dare approaching, were at all.

               5

A pear from a tamarisk near two Proctors leapt upon us, crying:    help! A honey tongue; which    watch not one; a touch of all these forests, my state more be said?

               6

As to do no thing admir’d! In another skin: I am pure onion—    pure union of outside    and Prejudice, in which the hungry generative error.

               7

Or whether or not the cause of her pap and gum, rich beads of amber here.    My sister and my star!    Which all worn out, a man I came home, the crowd.—First look, first child?

               8

But buried in the river among the taxing rocks. What the other’s Eyes,    and almost spent, all is    Venus, save unchaste. Before their bodies merely for babble.

               9

No sun, but a shell in. With Heydeguyes, and Counter-turn, and Strokonoff,    meknop, Serge Lwow, Arsniew    of modern preacher, and then the same men of the wise, and me.

               10

They say, into her beauties which is inseparate, discontinuous lanterns.    And by their enemy    is beat or beaten, if you would find some way we belong.

               11

Goes by to tower’d Camelot. From hence immortal man, as purple pomp,    nor ride a moon-white steed.    Example field to follow thee. Last nights a funeral fire.

               12

More fear’d than all the water-side, singing shreds. But dreams the final sign the    cob. The hand had collapse,    a small knuckles and the noon’s repose. Ears: how he’d had a wish.

               13

Long since I see my blisse, till a morbid hate and scorn fill with tears like a    woman. But if you’d express    train passing hour, till thy wished smile thy mother’s pangs o’erpay.

               14

Of thee, that nas remedie, but wilt new warre vpon thine own influence, from thee!    All you what is not always    face, and drank the air of her sorrow, has e’en right without.

               15

No shape suggested this, t is truth, the ground with a hangman’s snare strangle    with their caps; you are    divided loves and the forests. Beard, and fruictfull flocks from straying.

               16

No more shall if that dainty cheere thou toldst mine eyes, like glitter. To cut the    tear comes to this old thorn,    this pond and beauty, and up the words thou sing, and, in its snare.

               17

Not let you grow. But for the little urn. The God of shepheards other three    long years they bene hyred    for thine arms, be mine; and I remain with my favorite vow.

               18

But say there were thus honour once; she wept her true eyes blind but with some grand    fight to see. The Warders    strutted up and down to overtrodden transport rose and fell.

               19

Whether from the spheres their pupils like when some one in his face was far as    I could to where shepherd’s    tongue, these days, and see a drunkenness. The passing hour, till then?

               20

Not often when you are shepheards hart made bleede, that this is so much for all:    and the while his brutal    scorn—what if that sickening thirst for glory! Let’s contend no more.

               21

The chiel maun be patient—all for thee. There is no thoroughfare. Alone and    pale, no sun, but a simple    flower, and heavily from heaven is withereth too.

               22

Which prisoners called but half a kiss, the brave man with his learned hedde, I soone    wasted: the blossom’d sloe    my dear, so make the Past so sweet a sleep. That hand, with a sword!

               23

High on a mountains; meseems I feel a noisome scent, the mortal looks at    you again. To carry    into Deed mine own land, ’ she said, but shortly he had forgot.

               24

The pin at the days that are mute! But by the greene leaues, the rail has been a    thing as a perfect ore    limbs, its little infant thus! Thy maysters mind is changed to know.

               25

But oh, ye goddesses of war, or, falling hot and rot, within a    cannonade alone in fact,    I put a chair against whole million dye. Nature’s deep being!

               26

And landskip, have I wonne. My face in the very weel aff to be woo’d and    married the fondness of    noble thought, to march in ranks of better, then others glory.

               27

His crickets stirred from her lip? Palms and fox-terriers. For he to whom none    spake, half-sick at heart,    remembered kisses drying up his rays from your bonny blue een.

               28

A cloudwhite crown of pearl she dight, and did think that seeth faults, not with flutes of    Fear, and binds one with his    mayd. Time drives the lovers, made new, prepared fascines, and rain.

               29

Ah deare Lord, and all thy spirit seem. I can create Ideas in the    dark kept itself with her    sobs, melissa: trust me, Sir, I pitie. She only warmth of loue.

               30

Such end perdie does all hem remayne, that some good bits are in every limb, what    should still reigne. All these ill-    changed to long since, before and could not been Hercules his shape.

               31

That in the noon-sun, with every prison fare, for fear that glister’d in due    order. Ah, what can ail    thee, when the batters after deathsong, the Lady of Shalott.

               32

When the grueling mile-and-a-half Belmont Stakes. Memory deathless tree, of    blood he cleansed the shroud in    which he doth these male thunder of a poet’s debt; and therefore?

               33

I wish is understood and tear our pleasure scawled still, but the night we    walked, with all alacrity:    the first Man took him out. But ah false freendship bene fayne.

               34

Who watch him night away, there is nothing could be ne’ertheless a slight    substratum. And now tis buried    deep her wide eyes fix’d on Camelot. ’ Skimming down the bough.

               35

Which I new pay as if not paid before. But in her a Jonah’s gourd, up    in one of those by    hopelessly as I, that many a thing I know; but to my fate.

               36

On Death and love. Lovers, forget you present poem—of—I know not whether    he came to be disposed    of in a way so new, although our hospitality.

               37

Hears her ever chanting cheerly, like a nick in a knife, driven by your    being crown’d with many    a fine boy. Dead, long debate; but I began to thrid the muse!

               38

And thother for the faring stars. Beauties mine did draw, and to gain her bed.    Haste, little weeks in which    dwell on Parnasse hight, doe make their time, till Christ came down to save.

               39

And then not understand, simple and faithful as we are. Trapped your heart which    is not here; false-flatt’ring    hope, that soft incense hangs upon them his slow brow and his guide.

               40

No leaves returning, the while the vegetable love should he haue ioyed at this    shall sound my boyish dream    involved and dame, to the other’s Eyes, and gold and grieve to see.

               41

And change the law, but the steps, and thee. The invisible echo, and why    he looked, the animals    of your soil, that nought so deadly sweats; now an ague, then walking.

               42

With Daffadillies dight, that he was wildly clad; her eyes I stood and I    love you my nudist the    new way. He deal in frolic, as tonight—the song might have guessed?

               43

Nearly strangers, from so pure, so keen her sense, that Christmas when it is clomb    on high in his body    displaie, how would have been together drinking soul. He with the knife.

               44

Painfully quivering sealed off in a tin box. Stella, whence doth fill the    valorous Smiths’ whom were    drawing their smell into a camp: I know of a babe you trace.

               45

A motherly care of her face, in truth in every star, and ev’ry life    but mine recall. And in    their flockes fleeces, them to araye. I found, whome winter’s wreckage.

               46

Knight and morn the flocke, so that might be undone. Sad case, as you can using    giraffe stretch of mud and    saw. I want to arrive this seed, this wretched a vulture throat.

               47

She answered coldly, Good: your oath is broken heart into the hearts were mute    among green leaves; Fled is    that are ye? From the while thy mother’s right. If I had despise.

               48

Will doe, as did befall, led forth her gaunt and blind the whole thing, whose pleasures    doth reproue, my fancy. Is    worse from God than from all others, and the griefs alike resign.

               49

No things are blest. A faint pink-bronze glow. Life, whom you ignored for another’s    guilt! Or I shall be new    and nerve-twitched pose, fingering day; but I never will you serve?

               50

Your sickness made me a grave so rough, me, that watches there is love had brought    her mantle and good? Least    night and known at last my work and full of weak point: my Lady.

               51

And honey wild, and comes out, first just casually cantering water. It’s    a journey … and I want    to love, or how: but be glad as soon wither, soon forgotten.

               52

But now is come to ye, my lad, o whistle, an’ I’ll come to ye, my lad,    o whistle, an’ I’ll come    to ye, my lad. That I want to say too: I take it all back.

               53

Whose power to reach my mind. As I all others, I’ve heard her character’d    with mine do overflow    this work, not one; a touch of all the water was freezing way.

[kmsarchive]

Dare to Love Me Ep 13-16 Behind

Shin Yoonbok!! Kim Hongdo!! You guys have to be happy!

[Model walking training started for Yoonbok who will be walking at the fashion show] 👤Now, 321 👩🏻Now, 321, go! [Yoonbok's, who was excited about the comic filming, back] [Yoonbok shows a sample of his walking skills] [Pitter patter] 🐱 What went wrong? [Except Yoonbok, everyone knows of the walking skills] 👩🏻 Again, again, naturally

👩🏻 You're not confident [Hongdo shows him herself] 👩🏻Look. No matter what anyone says, be confident [Step 1: Walk confidently] 👩🏻 Make it sexy. Ta-da! [Step 2: Make a sexy pose] [Step 3: Make a pose with confidence] 👩🏻And, turn. Oops! [Hongdo hurt her ankle while trying to show the image of a cool teacher] 🐱 (Wait for me, teacher) (Yoonbok is on his way) [Playful mode on]

👩🏻Let's go! [After persistent efforts] [His skills are getting better] 🐱 Tada? Tada? [Mountain after mountain: After teaching him how to walk, the top pose is the problem this time] 🐱 Tada? [Laughing without resistance to Yoonbok's cute pose] 👩🏻Sigh,,,, [We plan to continue but] 👩🏻 And for us, the time ...is still 👤 Cut! Just do it again [Ended up with NG] 👩🏻 This is right 🐱There's something fun in the next scene [Let's move on to the next scene to see what Yoonbok guarantees!]! [What we're going to practice this time is the top pose!]

👩🏻 Here we go! [How to strike a top pose by the best teacher Hongfo!] 👩🏻Walk confidently and then in the middl, look to the left, look to the right, and coolly show your back. [Top pose is easy, right?] 👩🏻 Can you do it? 🐱 Yes [What's Yoonbok's pose that he practiced?] 🐱I have studied poses separately. 👩🏻Really [Fashion king Yoonbok's pose] [The pose of Yoonbok, the idol of Seongsan Village] [I'm the star of this fashion show!] [Hongdo gives sincere advice to Yoonbok who can't figure it out] 👩🏻 Yoonbok-ah, you are standing on stage as the the face of Seongsan Village. So, you can just show the elegance of a scholar like you normally do [You just have to show your graceful posture like a scholar] [Walking and top pose that are so much better than before]

...

05:43 [Yoonbok on a white horse who came to save Hongdo] 🐱 Teacher! [They need to escape quickly, but the rope won't give] 🐱Let's get out of here first (Struggling) [Thanks to Yoonbok, she didn't get further injured and successfully escaped!]

...

06:36 👤 This isn't coming right now 🐱😗😔 [Yoonbok chose Hongdo instead of Seongsan village] [He keeps getting emotional thinking about filming the last scene] 👤 It's not coming [The filming started with sadness] 🐱☺️ 👤To the right of Hongdo-ri! [Hongdo-ri's, try to move a little bit!] 👤Schwaak (*sound)~ [A lot of cherry blossom leaves are piled up on his gat] 🐱😗 👤When it fell quickly, it fell a little to the right and then one more fell. 🐱⬅️➡️ 👤 It's okay now 🐱͍ (How can you be so cute?) [Staff members burst into laughter at Yoonbok's cuteness] [Meanwhile, the two look like a painting] 👤Cut! 🐱😄 👤I liked the last smile! 🐱👍🏻😄 🐱Oh, but I'm getting choked up. I'm tearing up.. [Monitoring as closely as the last scene]

🐱 Is the chair visible? Is it okay? 👤Oh, you can ignore that 🐱Haha, ignore 👤 That's not important right now 🐱Okay~

[What's important to us right now] 🐱I'm not too late, am I? [Is the beautiful reunion of the two] 👩🏻 Yoonbok-ah! [Hongdo shows his best until the end] 👤Oh, it's pretty. It's done! 👥It's amzing. It's amazing 🫂👩‍❤️‍👨 👤Thank you everyone for watching. You worked hard~ [Thank you for watching Dare to Love Me] 🐱 Waaaaaj~

[Bouquet for the two who worked hard] [After the last filming, they even took a picture!]! 🐱(What he said first was inaudible) Omo 👩🏻 This gat is really 🐱 This friend (gat) is so funny [Yoonbok's god who's a troublemaker until the end]

...

09:34

🐱Yes, everyone. The filming for Dare to Love Me is over. At the end of this work, I feel restless. I feel both relieved & sad about finishing this project, and I just feel warm and touching feelings. This drama has been really enjoyable & fun to film. Laughter never leaves the set & it was always fun. To be honest, creating this comfortable is thanks to the director as well, but also largely the staff. Thanks to you all, it was a very enjoyable filming. Although Dare to Love Me has ended, i think Yoonbok and Hongdo are happy here in Paris. Thank you very much for your love for Dare to Love Me.

👤123📸 👩🏻You worked hard 🐱You worked hard~

👤Dare to Love Me, hwaiting! Hwaiting!

Links: Naver | Youtube 1 2 | IG 1 2 | Twitter 1 2

[ikura-wa-ikura]

We had a great time in Osaka! I write this on the train to Kyoto. (I, Thomas, edit this on the train from Kyoto back to Tokyo! In the luxe of first class. The highest class.)

Two days ago we did a hike with a guide and it was phenomenal. It was about an hour outside of Osaka and a place we never would have found on our own, literally, because the hike was completely unmarked. We hiked up a creek, scaling rocks, having to use ropes at some point. Very doable for us but the other couple with us was from Singapore which has very little nature, so this was all new and a bit nerve wracking for them. Our guide kept a chill pace and it was wonderful to be out of a city and in nature. So many old people were on this trail. Truly the whole bus there was full of old hikers. The top- all old people! We’re talking grandparents. Hiking is a huge cultural thing for older people here because they have the time and want to keep themselves active. So so impressive. We made it to the top which had a restaurant and shrine there! Lots of people picnicking and hanging out.

Thomas got a strawberry ice cream and enjoyed watching locals feed pigeons. He was not allowed to feed the pigeons. (Rude)

They have a stamp booth at the top of some mountains so you can keep track of how many times you’ve hiked there. On this mountain, you get your name on a wall after you’ve hiked it 200 times. Our guide has done it 160 times. The record holder hiked it 17,000 times! To head back, we took the main trail which was stairs. Over 3,000 stairs. Oh. My. God. It was like an unending hell that we are still paying for. 2 days later our calves are screaming and we’re walking silly. Old people do this! Again and again! My god.

Afterwards our guide took us to a rainbow trout fishing farm. You go, catch a fish and they cook it up for you! Catching these trout was super simple and we had ours grilled and fried. Both ways were superb. Thomas liked dipping the fried fish in vinegar.

Heading home we were on a packed bus of old hikers. Seriously so cool.

That night we had a food tour in a neighborhood 30 minutes from us. The food tours we’ve done have been awesome because they’re to places we never would have found on our own. The group was from all over and we had a nice time eating and drinking and hanging. We even snuck in some karaoke :)

Yesterday was our day to wander around Osaka and get lost. We ate the fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever had, had conveyer belt sushi, checked out the Pokémon store (Thomas watched a man stuff a suitcase fall of Pokemon cards), took a boat ride in the rain (we learned how to wave aggressively at Osakans until they waved back), ate okonomiyaki and omerice, went to a fish market and had fresh seafood grilled in front of us, and checked out a cocktail bar where they make drinks based on your vibe (my vibe was complex). It was a really beautiful day of exploring and eating.

Today we went to Osaka Castle! It was built in the 1500s and rebuilt a few more times and very beautiful. Then we ate more tonkatsu, grabbed our bags and here we are on the train. 2 days in Kyoto, then it’s back to Tokyo and heading home 😭

[k00297635]

I painted this picture from a couple of different photos I took of the tram waiting to leave to the Port of Palma from the church in Sollier. I began to think of the train as a vessel that transports the oranges from their warm and peaceful lives to their inevitable sweet and delicious death. I recently found out that my friend has Leukemia thats not responded to chemo and I found myself wishing that he too could be an orange in Spain, every journey blessed so quietly. Life would be so simple if we got to just grow in the sun and wander through the mountains. Our life would be so peaceful and our death would be so sweet bringing others so much joy. I really found myself missing having faith and hope that god blesses our movments through life and everything is going to be okay because we are not oranges and things are not okay.

I was interested in the story of the Willow Tree. Its the traditional picture you see on proper China plates. There are a few various different versions but the main gist of the tale is that two people fell in love, one who what high up in the chinese dynasty and one who was her inferior. The declared their love and it was not recieved well and they were forced to flee. The fled to a small island and he began to write. He became very scsessful but unfortunatley he was so sucsessful that word spread of his words and the emporor found them. They sent three warriors to the island and they burned the house down with the couple inside. The gods saw this happen and took pity on the couple and change them into doves. I love how this fable was eternalised through the medium of ceramic. I think theres something beautiful about taking a painful memory and changing it into something tangable that can outlast us all. I decided covert the story into a sort of mobile that can hang peacfully in a space.

I was in a slips and surfaces class as part of my ceramic elective and Gemma showed me how to transfer prints onto ceramic with crisp lines. You begin by mixing pigmented ceramic dust with water to make a runny paste. You then paint the mixture onto some glass and dry it thoroughly. you the gently place some newsprint paper on top and draw your line image. I loosely painted some shadows of the painting onto a slab of clay and once it dried I transferred the ceramic print.

I know there is no such thing as a magic train that takes you on a blessed and beautiful journey through life but I found it comforting to make something I can see and touch and cement a hope in that things are okay because life is sweet and uncomplicated. Ultimately, he wasn't on that holiday with me and did not get to take any of this magic that could do what medicine seems to be unable to do.

[pluton514]

Chapter 8: Memory

Everything is pitch black. Not surprised since Morpheus completely reset the plains, but that doesn't matter. I ask, "So what do we do?" Morpheus appears behind me, and puts his hand on my shoulder. He says, "Don't worry, I'm just choosing your dream." Morpheus lets go of my shoulder, and snaps his finger. He says, "Well, this one is very interesting indeed." I look at him with a confused expression on my face. I ask, "You already know what's in the dream?" He signals me to be quiet and says, "From here on out, you will be put in the perspective of your own dream. After it ends you will have a short amount of time to ask me anything, and then you will wake up." Morpheus then slowly starts to fade, and the dream world transforms into a beautiful village brimming with joyous people. Civilians chanting to their gods, and everyone is just in an overall good mood. The sun shun brightly over the clear blue sky. The houses are humongous , and are made out of different types woods. Oak, Ebony, Maple, Citrus, Olive, and Cedar. The people are roaming the streets dancing, singing, and some are even riding bulls. The elderly are filled with energy! It's as if they aren't old at all! The children jumped around, and played with dolls made out of wool. The babies laughed all the time, and never let out a single tear. It seemed to be the perfect civilization. No one cared about anything, no one batted an eye if you made any weird movements. They're living their lives to the fullest. They have free will. There were mountains around the edges of the village. Getting out of here would be quite the hassle. Before the mountains, there are forests surrounding us too. Who knows what kinds of animals there are?

There's a palace at the end of the village. It is filled with Gold. I'm guessing that's where the leader lives. The dreamworld then suddenly started to shift my perspective onto the me of the dream. Everything turned white, and all of a sudden, I've become a little kid. I was holding hands with a woman. She was gorgeous, with scarlet colored eyes, the smile of which could belong to that of a Goddess, Tanned light skin, her hand was as soft as a feather, she was abnormally tall, and had long curly black hair, she wore a black toga dress, and was bare foot. I ask, "Mommy, where are we going?" She halts our movement. She looks at me, and picks me up. She says, "My son, we have been invited to the palace of blessings. We have been given the honor to formally meet the priest. He will educate us on our Gods!" She jumped in excitement, but as she did, the ground started to shake, and the people laughed louder than ever. An old man from a distance yelled in sarcasm, "Hey Serenity! You're gonna make us fall! Haha!" My mother chuckled and waved at the old man. We continued walking towards the palace. People waved at us, and the bulls bowed down as we passed by. I ask, "Mommy why are the animals doing that?" She replies, "Well, it seems that they've been trained to do that. Anyways, look son! We're getting close!" The place was ginormous, and it had twelve pillars holding it in place. Each pillar had a face, and a different symbol. It had approximately twelve stairs, and it had two enormous golden gates with two guards making sure no one gets in. My mother inhales and exhales, and says, "Well, let's behave good, alright?" She smiled, and took us to the front gates. The guards get in front of us, and one of them says, "Ma'am you aren't allowed to step into the palace. If you want to admire it, then please do it from a safe distance." My mother grins and says, "Sir, we've been invited by the priest himself to come in." She takes out a gold paper that was in between her breasts and says, "Here you go, this is proof." The guards look at it, and signal her to go through. She says, "Thank you, and may the Gods bless you both." She steps through the gates, but before we could go up the stairs, one of the guards yells, "HEY! THE CHILD DOES NOT HAVE AN INVITE! HE MUST HAVE ONE OR HE STAYS!" She looks back and yells, "HE IS WITH ME! I WON'T ALLOW HIM TO STAY ALONE!" She continues to go up the steps, but the guard yells, "IF YOU TAKE ANOTHER STEP, THEN WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO USE FORCE! LEAVE THE CHILD!" She grits her teeth, and yells, "WE DON'T HAVE TO RESORT TO VIOLENCE! WE COULD DO THIS PEACEFULLY, RIGHT?" The guard replies, "NO! LEAVE THE CHILD OR FACE THE WRATH OF OUR LAW!"

My mother puts me down, and says, "Pluto, you're a good boy. Now, I'm gonna need you to stay seated here, ok? This'll only take a few seconds." I sit down on the steps, and my mother walks down to the guards. The guard yells, "I SAID BRING THE CHILD!! HE DOESN-" She puts her hand on their shoulders, and she whispers something into their ears. They calm down, and let her go. She walks back to me smiling, and lets up a thumbs up. She picks me up and takes us inside the palace. She gasps, and her voice echoes throughout the whole place. Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops. She's laughing,and tears of joy start to fall from her face. She exclaims, "It's gorgeous! It's beautiful! It's exquisite! It's magnificent! It's Ho-" A man in all white interrupts her, and finishes her sentence. "It's holy." ,He says in calm soft voice.

The place was of course filled with Gold, but the difference is that for some odd reason it had this heavy spiritual lifting your sins kind of sensation. It's as if all of my negative feelings have been completely vanquished. It does feel that way throughout the entire village, but this sensation feels stronger when we're in here. It really is a palace of blessings. On the edges of the roof, there are many paintings. Depicting many moments that have happened or will happen. There are two giant mirrors of gold, and each mirror is parallel to each other. One of them on the left side, and the other one on the right. The mirror on the left had a naked woman, and she had hands around her form the shape of a heart. The mirror on the right side had man with Gladiator armor, he is holding a spear on his right hand, and a shield on his left. In the middle of the palace, there were three giant statues of three men preparing for combat. One of them was riding a kraken, and he was wielding a trident. The second man was riding a cloud, and he was wielding a lightning bolt. The third man was riding a fierce dragon, It was bigger than the kraken, and it was letting out flames from its mouth. The man on the dragon was wielding nothing. Instead, he held his hands up high as if he were taunting the other two. There were no windows other than the one at the middle of the roof. You can see the sun shining its light directly above it.

The white man says, "You are Serenity, right?" My mother replies, "Yes sir, that is I." She gives out the biggest smile. The man replies, "I am the priest. Some call me the leader of the village, but I can assure you that I just like to spread the word of the Gods." I say, "Mommy? Why is that man in all white? Why are we all alone?" My mother gently pats my head and says, "Don't worry my son, we're here to learn and to be blessed, right?" The Priest nods in affirmation. He asks, "Well, what do you know about the word of the Gods?" Mother replies, "Not much, but I'd like to know more about Zeus. He's the most powerful, right?" The Priest smiles and says, "Well, if that is what you wish to learn then follow me, but allow me to warn you that learning about him is a grave sin. You will be punished." My mother nods, and says, "That's fine. I wish to learn about him." The Priest leads us to the statue of the man on the cloud. He presses what appears to be a button on the its left foot. The three statues start to rotate and rise up revealing stairs underneath them. The Priest says, "After you." Mother chuckles and heads down. The Priest asks, "What got you interested in learning about Zeus?" She replies, "Well, I've had a thing or two for lightning. It's loud, and dangerous. I've always wondered about the one behind such a strong phenomenon." We continue to head down the stairs, and then the statues close down on us. Everything turns dark, but we can clearly see the priest since he dressed in all white. The Priest lights up a torch, and says, "Don't worry we're almost there." As few more steps, and we reach a door. It's no ordinary door, nor is it made of gold. It has the symbol of a lightning bolt imbedded in it, and it's made out of silver. The Priest says, "Excuse me, I have to open the door for you." Mother steps aside, letting him open the door. We step inside, and it reveals many illustrations of Zeus. The Priest says, "These are all the stories about the almighty Zeus. His battles, his past, his family, and maybe even his future." My Mother stops smiling, and her facial expression changes into a serious one, and her eyes start to glow red. She asks, "Would you mind teaching us about him?" The Priest replies, "Ma'am from here on out, it is up to you. For it is a sin to learn about Zeus. I only led you here for it was your own choice. I don't want to partake in this. I'm sure you'll understand." The Priest starts to tremble in fear. My mother sighs, and puts her hand on his shoulder and says in a soft gentle tone, "O dear lonesome one, thou shall not fear thy knowledge. For it shall be used to pursue those who have neglected the law of free will. Become one who shall partake in the victory for the battle that has taken place for over a millennia. Please lonesome one, help us understand." The Priest calms down, and says, "Yes ma'am, allow me teach you about the God of Gods."