#c: saffron

[crownrots]

PHILLIPA MARWOOD (BG3) | DELANEY T’ORGH (BG3)

AERONA ZONVASSES (BG3) | SAFFRON INGELLVAR (DATV)

VICTORIA THORNE (DATV) | SERENA LAIDIR (DATV)

🏆 bonus nina bc mood

TAGGED BY @queennymeria , @lilywatt , @risingsh0t & @leviiackrman to use this picrew, thank you! xoxo

TAGGING —

@shadowglens @simonxriley @thedeadthree @arborstone @josephzeppeli

@countessrooster @lucky-107 @pavus @rhetoricalrogue @loriane-elmuerto

@roberthouse69 @erinkeenan @shellibisshe @auricfog @arthrmorgann

[ratan0706]

Which face serum is best for your skin type?

Not always an easy find is the appropriate face serum, but sometimes it’s simply the only key to healthy, glowing skin. Serums provide direct delivery of powerful ingredients into the skin for targeting very particular problems that require addressing, like dryness, dullness, fine lines, or uneven skin tone. We, at LEAFOBERRY Skincare, believe that choosing the best serum for proper hydration of the skin will change your beauty routine and help you get as much as you can from skincare.

Importance of Face Serum in Skincare Routine

Face serum is a concentrated product with very active ingredients, penetrates deeper than would have been possible by moisturizers or creams, on the contrary, a face cream would hydrate and protect the outer barrier of the skin. A face serum works on issues beneath the surface, whether it’s a serum to brighten your face, fight dullness, or hydrate your skin. The right serum will make an enormous difference for the look of your skin depending on you skin concerns. Like the Citrus Blast Face Serum With Hyaluronic Acid and Rose | Vitamin C Face Serum is the best serum to address dark spots and pigmentation.

Identify Your Skin Type

Before venturing out to pick your dream face serum, first, know your skin type. It is a fact that every kind of skin has specific needs, and it will be best you get what will target your skin concerns. LEAFOBERRY has the best skin care line suitable for your skin type and concern.

Face Serums for Dry Skin

Hydrating serums are needed for dry skin. Such skin is often pretty tight and flaky or even rough to the touch, and it’s always tending to look a little dull. Hydrated face serum that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides are the best for dry skin.

Our LEAFOBERRY has the best serums for face containing hyaluronic acid to draw moisture in the facial skin that leaves it to stay plump and hydrated throughout the day. Moreover, it naturally contains oils that feed your skin and make it elastic again.

For a stronger hydration effect, pair your serum with an organic face cream. It will lock moisture into your skin and give you long-lasting smoothness. Hydrating face cream for women usually prefers matching the kind of hydration that the serum provides.

Face Serums for Oily Skin

Oily skin is annoying to put with, but the right face serum can help that out by controlling it and balancing that excess oil for your skin. Recommended are light, non-comedogenic serums, not those that may clog pores but rich in ingredients controlling your oil production that usually have active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc. A good skin serum for oily skin should combat breakouts, minimize pores, and maintain hydration balance of skin. Avoid rich or greasy products as it can easily clog pores and make skin greasy.

Face Serums for Combination Skin

Combination skin is perhaps one of the trickiest balances of areas because you have oily parts, generally the T-zone, and dry parts, like the cheeks. A good face serum should be hydrating where needed but not oily, so pores do not clog up. Consider an organic serum with hyaluronic acid for hydration and niacinamide to control oil. Serums designed to focus on balancing moisture in the skin, while also reducing pore size, can be highly effective as well.

Face Serums for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin easily gets irritated, flushes, and reacts to harsh ingredients. To choose the right face serum for sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and licorice root are known to help ease the irritation and inflammation. Select a facial serum which calms and strengthens the barrier function of your skin, reducing with time. Try LEAFOBERRY face serums, they are the perfect options to soothe your skin and address your concerns. Now you can also buy LEAFOBERRY serum for face online.

Combine it with gentle face cream that doesn’t contain chemical compounds or fragrances for best performance for sensitive skin.

Face Serums for Aging Skin

Mature skin would need serums designed to target age-related concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced elasticity. Keep an eye out for serums that are filled to the brim with anti-aging ingredients, like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, especially vitamin C. This should be promoted using a serum that would work on mature skin to enhance cell turnover, stimulate collagen, and also prevent environmental damage to the skin. Serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid is also important for hydrating mature skin so it remains plump and young. LEAFOBERRY’s Timeless Skincare with q10, Allantoin and Flaxseed | Anti-Aging Face Serum is a must try. Match this serum with a rich, organic face cream, which will hydrate and restore the skin’s elasticity for optimal results.

Steps to Use a Face Serum No matter whether you are dealing with dry, oily, or combination skin, proper application of the face serum is very important to maximize its use. Here are some do’s when applying your serum: Cleanse: This is done to start on clean skin so that the serum will penetrate more into your skin. You would require a gentle cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil, and makeup. Apply Serum: By dropper or pump, apply a few drops of serum to your fingertips, and massage over the skin. Pay attention to areas where there may be dry spots as well as oily patches. Apply Moisturizer: After about 15 minutes, apply your face cream to lock in all those beneficial serum ingredients. Use an organic face cream for an extra dose of nutrition. If you are purchasing a serum for face online, always check the customer review and know your product is from dependable manufacturers such as LEAFOBERRY, we are known for creating fine, organic, and natural skincare products.

Why Choose LEAFOBERRY Skincare

With LEAFOBERRY Skincare, we believe that every skin type deserves its best. Our best skin care line is drafted using natural ingredients with the aim of working harmoniously with your skin. It may be a brightening face serum or a deep hydrating serum-the choices are great from the spectrum of a perfect-looking glow to hydration. The secret of a successful skincare routine would depend on the best serum for face that is applicable for your type of skin. With LEAFOBERRY Skincare, you can be sure it’s giving your skin precisely what it needs most, the finest ingredients to bring out the best in you.Start your skincare journey with the best serums for face from LEAFOBERRY today! Browse our range online and find the perfect match for your skin type.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine with a Soothing Face Cleanser

A good cleanser is at the root of a good skincare routine. A soothing face cleanser is the first step to achieving healthy skin, it cleanses, removes dirt, excess oils, and impurities clogging pores, leading to conditions on skin. A good cleanser does not only cleanse but respects your natural moisture balance as well, so for the achievement of soft, clear, and radiant skin, it’s a must for a good skincare routine. It is a fundamental step that LEAFOBERRY Skincare understands and instills the importance of using a gentle face cleanser that suits his specific skin type and concerns. Let’s see how elevating your skincare routine can be assisted with a soothing cleanser, what kinds of cleansers are available, and how do you pick the right cleanser for your skin.

Why is a Gentle Face Cleanser necessary?

A gentle cleanser is formulated to clean pores and not strip its natural oil. Usually, the conventional cleansers have strong chemicals that may dry out or even irritate the skin, leading to worse dilemmas such as redness, breakouts, or dullness. That is why the product for sensitive skin is mild yet effective. The best advantage of the right cleanser is that it prepares your skin for better intake of the subsequent skincare products. So, the best face wash will thus leave the skin feeling clean but not even tight and dry. Opt for LEAFOBERRY’s Luscious Face Cleanser with Kashmiri Saffron and Wild Turmeric to get the relevant combination of cleansing and moisture retention.

Types of Face Cleansers

Not all cleansers are created equal. Different skin types and issues have varying types of cleansers that will suit you better. Let’s have a look at some of the most common types of face cleansers and what makes each one special.

1. Gel Face Cleansers

The gel cleanser is thick and paste-like in texture, and it would come in handy especially for oily or acne-prone skin. It not only cleans pores deeply but also manages to remove dirt and oil. Ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil are usually added in gel cleansers since they may offer many benefits towards the eradicating of the acne promoting effect on any type of skin. If you happen to have oily skin, then a gel cleanser is the best cleanser to wash your face.

2. Foame Face Cleansers

Rich in foams when mixed with water, such foaming cleansers can be used for oily or combination skin types since oil and impurities are removed in the overall cleansing process. But some of the foaming face cleansers may be rather drying to the skin, so you can opt for a mild one if you feel that your skin is sensitive or prone to dehydration.

3. Cream Face Cleansers

Cream cleansers are thickly textured, very moisturizing, and best for dry or mature skin. It washes the skin lightly while hydrating so that the skin feels smooth and nourished at the end of a wash. Using this kind of face wash is perfect if you have dry patches or if you need a face wash for sensitive skin.

4. Micellar Water Face Cleanser

Micellar water is a very gentle, no-rinse cleanser that will remove dirt and oil using micelle molecules. Using this liquid can lift away makeup and other impurities without harsh scrubbing or rinsing water. Hence, it’s extremely friendly to those with sensitive skin types, needing a strong cleanser but can’t tolerate harsh rubbing and water which sometimes can cause irritation. This product of micellar water comes in handy for any skin type but is perfect for those in a hurry who need a gentle cleanser and easy cleansing solution.

5. Oil Face Cleansers

Oil base face cleansers essentially remove the makeup, sunscreen, and extra oils by dispersing and breaking them down without stripping it of all its good stuff. Oil cleansers are suitable for oily, acne-prone, and most types of skin due to the balance they provide with oil production. Lately, oil cleansing has become so popular that it is especially famous in double-cleansing routines where a water-based cleanser follows an oil-based one.

6. Clay Face Cleansers

Clay face cleansers are excellent detoxifying agents that help draw out impurities out of the skin. It is best for oily and combination skins. However, for those with dry and sensitive skins, it might be too harsh. So get an ideal formula according to your needs.

Selecting the right face cleanser for your skin type is critical for maintaining a balanced and healthy complexion. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

Oily Skin

Excessive oil produced by oily skin can cause blocked pores and acne. Some ideal cleansers for oily skin are gel and foam face cleansers, as they clean out the pores well and at the same time control excessive oiliness.

Dry Skin

If plagued with dry skin, a gentle face cleanser that hydrates while cleansing would be a must. You’ll love how cream cleansers and oil cleansers can provide moisture while giving your skin the feeling of not tightening up after washing.

Sensitive Skin

This type requires extra care, hence, the face wash used on it should not contain any harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or irritants. Micellar water and cream cleansers seem to be the best cleansers for sensitive skin because of their mild formulas.

Combination Skin

It can work best with gel cleansers or a mild foaming cleanser, balanced between hydration and oil control. These two will clean the oily part of your face, which includes your T-zone, while hydrating the drier part of your face.

Advantages of a Soothing Cleanser

A soothing cleanser is more than a simple cleaner. It is calming, especially if you have sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin. Here are some advantages of using a soothing cleanser:

Reduces redness and irritation: A soothing face cleanser is one with ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and oatmeal that are known to reduce redness and soothe irritability on the skin.

Retain natural moisture: Harsh cleansers may break off the natural oils, leaving your skin dry or irritated. Soothing cleansers preserve the balance of moisture in the skin, hence making it soft and moist.

Prepare the skin for other products: Let’s be clear, cleansing is the first step of any skincare routine and with a right cleanser you will get the skin ready to take on other products like serums, moisturizers, and treatments.

Everyone needs a soothing face cleanser regardless of their skin type, from gel cleansers that you can use to remove makeup and impurities from your greasy skin to cream cleansers that can moisten and nourish dry skin-the right product could put all your skincare routines in order and bring out clear and healthy-looking skin. By using LEAFOBERRY’s gentle face cleanser, your skin texture, hydration level will be balanced. So remember, a good cleanse is the foundation of great skin, choose the best and benefit from great skincare.

[waltzshouldbewriting]

And every team needs a cook, right? And this team has Saffron.

ID start: picrew of someone from the shoulders up. They have tan skin, light brown eyes, and short brown hair. They have an eyepatch over one eye, a purple button up shirt with a gray blue jacket, and a silver earring. They are grinning, and they have a pimple on one cheek. The bottom corner has a watermark reading “fuzenia.” End ID

[lewisvinga]

yo voy | lewis hamilton x fem! reader

summary; lewis was used to having women throw themselves at him and try to seduce him for a night in bed. however, only one is able to have him completely wrapped around his finger.

warnings; mentions of drinking

word count; 788

taglist; @namgification @louvrepool @locelscs @thehufflepuffavenger1 @minseok-smaus @goldenmclaren @ollieshifts @lavisenri @graciewrote @xoscar03 @c-losur3 @fall-bambi

note; ella hace todo por seducirme, yo voy voy voy

masterlist !

back to old school masterlist !

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

Lewis wasn’t stupid. He knew he was good-looking. He knew that the moment he stepped into a room, eyes would be on him. He knew that whenever he’d go to a club, women would try to grasp his attention.

Although he was used to women trying their hardest to get with him, he usually wasn’t fazed by them. Keyword; usually.

However, the smell of woody jasmine floral perfume paired with red lips that curled into a smile was quick to gain his attention.

Lewis was sitting in a booth with a few other drivers, celebrating yet again another race. Usually, he went out with another crowd but he couldn’t turn down an invite from his future teammate.

He was minding his business and listening in to the drunk driver's conversations while drinking a cup of almave when he noticed a girl clad in gold jewelry passing by him.

Her perfume was strong. A woody floral scent with hints of Jasmine and Saffron. He immediately recognized it as Baccarat Rouge. His eyes followed her as she walked to the bar, her long dark hair swaying behind her.

Lewis keeps his eyes on her, watching as she orders a drink. The moment her hand reached out to grab her fruity cocktail, she turned around and her eyes immediately met his. She brings the straw to her red-stained lips and takes a sip as the corner of her lips curl up into a smile.

He swore he felt his heart skip a beat for a second. He was used to women trying to talk to him, trying to buy him drinks, trying to be all over him and it never worked. Somehow a smile from across the club was enough to entice him.

Her outfit interested him as well. The plain black halter top and denim mini skirt were elevated by the stack of gold bangles decorating her wrists. She was covered head to toe in gold with multiple necklaces, gold hoops, and even gold embellishments on her black heels. Even her long acrylic nails had gold charms on them. The color suited her sunkissed skin that glimmered under the club's lights.

Y/n knew she already had him wrapped around her finger. She could tell by the way his dark brown eyes seemed to darken even more. He had his lips parted as she raised her finger and motioned him over. He didn’t even excuse himself from the group. He immediately got up to go to her leaving a group of drunken confused drivers.

“So, guapo [handsome], what’s your name?” She asked, bringing up her straw to her red-painted lips once again. He was still distracted, entranced by her even. He kept his eyes on her lips before meeting her eyes.

Lewis didn’t know why he was suddenly feeling like a nervous teenage boy. He was a man who emitted confidence. Hell, he was amazing with women. He didn’t know why with her he felt so nervous and aware of everything around him.

“I-“ He gulped, wiping his hands on his baggy jeans. He cleared his throat and stood up straight. “Lewis. What about yours, darling?”

She lets out a soft chuckle at him hiding his nervousness. She flipped her long hair over her shoulder before replying, “Y/n.”

Y/n leans in closer and brings her hand up to his shoulder, her golden bracelets clicking against each other in the process. “Y’know, you’re cute. Wanna get out of here?”

Usually, Lewis was never quick to agree to leave with someone, especially not a woman he met less than 5 minutes prior. However, her smile, her perfume, everything about her was seducing him. He couldn’t turn her down.

“I do actually.” He responded, the corner of his eyes crinkling up as he smiled at her. After all, being with her wasn’t a crime so who was he to deny her. She let out a hum of satisfaction and took one last sip of her drink.

“Vamos, guapo.” [let’s go, handsome.] Y/n swung her bag over her shoulder as her other arm reached for his arm.

Lewis glances back at the table he was sitting at and receives a thumbs-up from a drunk Charles. Her hand squeezing his muscular arms brought him back to reality as they made their way out of the crowded heated bar.

“Let’s go to my hotel, yeah?” He suggested, focusing on how her heels clicked with each step and how her nails clicked as she adjusted her jewelry.

Y/n noticed a braid had fallen over his face, escaping itself from being tied in a bun. She reached over and gently pushed it aside. “Sounds perfect to me, señor.”

[bebemoon]

look for the name MADELINE (requested by anonymous) | sea ny "vale" capelet dress in white, antique dutch day cap w/ lace (c. possibly 18oo's), atelier inscrire "calypse" linen and pearl boots, place des lices "safran gourmand" eau de parfum (almond, toffee, vanilla, saffron, sandalwood, cedar, milk), ecclesia "high mass" long hand-knotted freshwater pearl necklace

[whencyclopedia]

Beauty in the Bronze Age - Minoan & Mycenaean Fashion

Dress and appearance in Bronze Age Greece (c. 3100 BCE - c. 1100 BCE) played a part in defining gender roles and emphasising idealized beauty that planted the seed for modern-day standards. The Minoans turned the island of Crete into a Mediterranean powerhouse and dominated Aegean culture until around 1450 BCE when the Mycenaean civilization from the Greek mainland peaked and wrested control. Frescoes and figurines uncovered from this era reveal a fabulously colourful society that expressed itself through fashion, hair, and accessories. Both Minoan and Mycenaean women sought a pinched waist to achieve the epitome of a feminine aesthetic. The fashion of Mycenaean men, however, expressed their warlike temperament, in contrast to their Minoan counterparts, who embodied display and splendour.

Minoan Women

Women are heavily represented amongst the archaeological finds from Knossos, Akrotiri, and other Minoan hubs. One of the most beautiful examples is the Snake Goddess Figurine which depicts the archetype of Minoan dress. This woman wears a flounced, layered skirt that falls to the ground. Her bodice has short sleeves and a scalloped neckline which reveals and accentuates her breasts. This is mirrored in the colourful frescoes which emphasise bright, eye-catching fabrics dyed a myriad of colours. Bold primary colours – reds, yellows, and blues − dominate the pattern scheme. To get these shades, the Minoans took advantage of the available natural resources. Saffron – now the world’s most expensive spice – was used to acquire yellow and murex sea snails created a rich purple.

One of the most interesting aspects of female dress was the use of corsets or tight thick belts to create an hour-glass figure. Artworks suggest that the wasp-waist was highly idealised in Minoan culture and body modification may have been implemented to achieve this. Corsets have, of course, gone in and out of fashion in the thousands of years since their early Cretan use. Minoan women also wore jewellery to frame their features. Hoop earrings, necklaces, and bangles were all popular forms of expression and decoration − gold and glass beads were used to give outfits that glamourous touch.

In the frescoes, women have black hair braided into long tendrils or locks. Their skin, in contrast, is typically a pale white, implying that the ideal women would have spent significant time indoors and that the archetype of feminine beauty could be obtained by focusing on domestic duties.

Continue reading...

[mtchacffinz]

of the greed in spirit

prompt! Jing Yuan's a service dom (real) + what's he like in bed?

content! NSFW, pillow princess!reader, soft service dom! jing yuan, headcanons ahead, praise, face riding, c^m eating, mentioned sq^rting, p^ssy drunk

note! [opens curtains] slutting this general out (im kidding) im rambling here, so its a bulleted fic 🩷 enjoy my thoughts!! i have so much to say..

With him, you dont need to say nothing. Unless it's the first time Jing Yuan's been with you on the sheets, he's the type to retain minor details on how you like your things through clothings, and even your preferred fancy interiors of different wares. Having said that, he definitely knows how to keep you going.

Foreplay is important. Heck, Jing Yuan does it so well you'd think it's the main course! Unknowingly, he'd approach you slowly— enticing you with his sweet coos and hums right next to your ear. Jing Yuan's big palms travel to your hips, you gulp almost nervously. His hands are tracing circles on your back. Jing Yuan's touches are featherweight, it feels agonizing, electric.

"Everything alright?" He's a little cruel. After subtly riling you up, he's going to ask for your welfare. That doesn't matter. What happens is, no matter how you reply, you always find yourself under his figure.

Jing Yuan's charm is in his subtleness. His presence may be grand, but those small antics he does greatly helps with his lovely expressions. The way he nibbles on your neck while you entangle your hands on his grey hair, when he gives you the sweetest kisses on your knuckles everytime you reach over to him, nuzzling deeper into your palm there right after.. you can tell the general just thrives on pleasing you.

You noticed he barely pays attention to his needs as well. He's so busy eating your cunt out you could only imagine how suffocating it is to have his erection confined in his pants. The thing is, Jing Yuan doesn't even mind. His cock can twitch and leak precum all it wants, the general's grip on your thighs were still firm, unrelenting.

You'd squirm and whimper, god he loves hearing you when you do. He'd reward you with praises that even if you just finished, your sex would just twitch in anticipation. Maybe if you soil his fingers with your juices, he'd even put up a show for you eating his fingers out clean.

If there's something he's not willing to do in bed, that would be hurting you. As soon as there's even a hint of discomfort in your side, Jing Yuan would immediately halt any activity to see your condition. Despite being a general, usually known for his accomplishments in a very stern and relentless environment, his eyes could get so soft. It never fails to melt your heart everytime he looks at you with those saffron optics. You can't help but reach over to his frame and shower his face with butterfly kisses.

Jing Yuan doesn't say it, but he doesn't need to verbalize it when he's basically grabbing onto the plush your ass when you sit down on his face. He loves it when you sit. Even when he's gasping for air, especially when he's gasping for air— he'd be holding onto you for dear life like your his life line. Something about you riding yourself senseless on his nose while his tongue's chasing after those sensitive nerves on your slit has his dick twitching. As soon as he hears you utter the words "Lay down" from those pretty lips of yours, he wastes no time ♡

Another thing is when you cum so hard you twitch and lag into his arms. Gripping the sheets, eyes decorated with dried tears, a broken moan breaking out of your throat.. it's like a celestial noise no one can recreate but you.

He's fond of giving. Shen it's his time to be receiving, his demeanor doesn't change much. He's still gentle, guiding you to what he wants. You absolutely love how he communicates. Jing Yuan asks for requests with term of endearments and pairs with with handful of praises. Maybe this is why you try your best when you service him? After all, he does so well with your body, its only fair you'd return his diligence, right?

When he moans, Jing Yuan doesn't whimper, no. He groans deep. Sometimes he'd attempt to curb it, but after finding out that it actually gets you off— he can't help but let it out once and a while. He'd be putting away stray hair strands from your face when his cock is deep all the way to your throat, trying your best to take it in.

As soon as theres that knot below his stomach, waiting to snap, you always insist on taking it from your mouth. You love it when he breaks in you, broken moans intensifying just as he grips your head down his crotch. When he finally catches his breath after moments of breathlessness, Jing Yuan makes sure you're okay, profusely apologizing.

He understands you get tired, so he always prepare something for you after every session with him. He views this time with you as intimate, sacred of heart. There'd be scents you'd like around the room, may it be incense or candles, sometimes he'd even massage any muscles you find sore or tired. But often times, you'd just want him to clean you up and stroke your head while cuddling him up— just listening to his heart beat accompanied by the calming rise and fall of his chest.

so how was it? (⁠*⁠˘⁠︶⁠˘⁠*⁠)⁠.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡ i saw this man right up my alley and went "oh no" cus i know I'm gonna write atleast ONE thing about him!

[melbatron5000]

Two Crowleys

A while ago, the wonderful mind of @noneorother posted this meta about the puppets in the magic shop.

The observation that there appear to be two Crowleys in the shot of the puppet arrangement had me absolutely scratching my head and thinking they must be mistaken somehow.

(pic from @noneorother)

But then I got my hands on some of the Amazon X-ray extras, and discovered these little gems from the album covers in Maggie's record shop:

Now, going back to our color-coding for a moment, we may not know what all the colors in Good Omens mean, and we may not have all the colors down. But we do know a few, and we know that color-coding in Good Omens does exist, and that it matters.

Auburn and vavoom yellow are Crowley's colors. They are the colors of his hair and eyes. Black and scarlet red are the colors he wears. So those four colors are Crowley-coded colors. Okay.

Thus, these two record albums from Maggie's shop are Crowley-colored. Now, notice something important? Well, two things. The first -- Raga Koboj has TWO little sharp-clawed critters peering out at us from behind blinds. I daresay they are meant to be little cartoon demons, yes? And CT Bazz: Dank Balaclava features a face in a red ski mask. People usually wear ski masks if A. it's cold as tits outside, or B. if they're trying to hide their identity. So both albums feature Crowley colors AND images of hiding -- plus one features an image of twinsies.

The other important thing takes us back to color-coding. What other color do we see here besides our well-known Crowley colors? On Raga Koboj, the auburn and vavoom yellow blend into each other -- creating orange between them. And Dank Balaclava features a cigarette being lit -- with a little flair of orange fire.

(Edit to add: The name of that first album is Raga Koboj, which is a style of Indian music. A very famous tale in India is of the Warrior Goddess Kahli fighting demons who kept replicating themselves. Every time a drop of blood would hit the ground, a new demon would spring up. She went on a rampage trying to destroy them all, and her husband had to throw himself in her path to stop her. Hmm . . .)

This leads me to believe two things: Yes, TWO Crowleys. One Crowley in hiding, the other a twin. And that orange is Crowley's secret color.

Where else do we see orange?

Yep, the pillars in Aziraphale's shop. Which we also know is painted Crowley Auburn on the outside and Vavoom Yellow on the inside. With accents of this nice saffron orange on the pillars.

Want more proof? Okay.

Several people have noted that Aziraphale and Crowley keep to each other's right and left, respectively. Aziraphale on the right, Crowley on the left. In season 1, whenever they are on the opposite sides of each other, something's up. Not wrong, necessarily, but not in proper order. As in the image-swap/body-swap. Several people have also noted that Crowley is on Aziraphale's right far more frequently in season 2. And look here:

Aziraphale looks instinctively to his left when Crowley approaches -- only this Crowley, the twin, is not approaching on Aziraphale's left. This happens in more than one scene.

And when Aziraphale introduces Crowley to Nina in the coffee shop in episode one, he says, "This is, um, Crowley." As if he's quickly deciding how to name this individual who looks like his demon but approached on his right. Aziraphale "ums" and hesitates a lot this season, but he's also lying a lot. Hesitation and "um" is one of his tells.

I believe Aziraphale knows this isn't Crowley 1.0. But he acts and talks to this Crowley as if it's Crowley 1.0, so I don't think it's an imposter or someone pretending to be Crowley who isn't. I think Crowley's split himself in two. Am I sure about that? No. But it's where I'm leaning at this moment.

But Crowley 1.0 isn't missing entirely. Look here:

Aziraphale is looking over his left shoulder for his demon, and Crowley's right there, where he should be.

So yeah, TWO Crowleys.

Now where the heck is Crowley while his twin is out walking around on Aziraphale's right side? I really don't know what he might be up to, but I think he's in contact. Reachable, at least.

Let's look at this one again. Who's this?

No, not the guy in the foreground. The guy in the back. No, not the dude wearing tartan, the other guy. The guy in front of the ORANGE pillar, the guy on Crowley-twin's LEFT shoulder.

Is that Crowley 1.0? Or at least, a way for Crowley to be in touch while he's off doing whatever the heck he's doing? I think it is.

Would you like some more proof?

Okay. How about another record album from Maggie's shop?

Back to color-coding again. That baby-blue/red combo seems to indicate Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship together. The baby-blue is the color of Aziraphale's shirt, while the red is one that Crowley wears, mostly around his neck, although it also appears elsewhere in his costuming.

Au Revoir, Fingers! Crowley's just a head now. But a head has ears and eyes, so Aziraphale can communicate with it. As I suspect he tries to here, before Jim interrupts:

But wait. Back to Au Revoir Fingers for a moment. Red Eye Smile?

And red eyes? Fuck me.

A very few people have pointed out that there are lots of dual red taillights in multiple shots, frequently framed rather carefully. I had dismissed it, as I usually do when something turns out to be freaking important.

Someone's watching. I think it might be Crowley 1.0.

Then there's that bit where he's driving back to Whickber street, after coming back from Hell, and he first zooms around a bus with red taillights and says, "There's only room for one of us in this lane and it's not you," then he changes a pair of red stop lights to green and says "Don't you even think about it. There, that's better." Is he arguing with himself?? Telling the Other Crowley that it's his turn right now, not his? Of course I can't find a GIF or picture of that right now, but you know what I mean, right? Neil had to cut a bunch of material out of the finished show to fit Amazon's time limit requirements. That scene would seem to be an easy cut to make -- unless the scene matters to the overall plot too much to cut.

I also suspect that Crowley might be talking to himself in the book shop at the end of season 2. You know, when he turns Aziraphale's chair around to face the right way, but when Maggie and Nina come in it's facing the center of the room again? I suspect Crowley 1.0 and 2.0 had a chat. I do not know about what. Just sharing information?

I also wonder if Crowley 2.0 might have his own POV scenes -- thus confusing the already complicated POV situation even more. The white head statue sure gets several shots where it's in center frame, as if it is the POV character in that scene.

That's what I got, my fellow brain rotters. There's my evidence.

In conclusion: Two Crowleys. Yeah, I think so. Now, for the big question:

WHY???

What is Crowley doing that there needs to be two of him? And is it just twinsies, or is that someone else pretending to be Crowley and I'm wrong? Aziraphale definitely seems to know that's NOT his original Crowley, but tells the demon important information without hesitation, so I'm still suspecting Crowley twinned himself. But what if I'm wrong? Who is it then? And why are they pretending to be Crowley? And why does Aziraphale seem to know it's not Crowley, but still talk to him like it is?

I have no answers.

Thanks for crackpotting and going nuts with me, yet again. I hope this keeps you up at night like it's done me.

[blissfullyecho]

I missed you!!! Can you tell me your favorite skincare products? I’ve been on the hunt for something new! I have very congested skin and I’m 28 so I’m interested in anti-premature aging :)

preventing premature aging 🥥🤍

great question! i'm also working diligently to prevent premature aging in my twenties and i've been using all of these products for at least 3+ months and have noticed a huge improvement on my skin.

morning routine + products:

cleanser: la roche posay purifying cleanser

toner: the ordinary milky toner

vitamin c cream: twent1 saffron + squalane radiant cream

vitamin c oil: twent1 vitamin c enzyme oil (SO good and very lightweight)

spf: supergoop glow screen

evening routine + products:

cleanser: same as above

toner: same as above

moisturizer: cerave daily lotion

retinol: twent1 indian bakuchiol oil (this is a retinol alternative and it’s just as effective imo).

extra helpful skincare tips:

facial steaming 1-2x per week (i like to steam with matcha powder and himalayan salt after i cleanse)

putting an oil on AFTER creams. oils don't hydrate, they seal.

learning to sleep on your back. i like to put 2 claw clips on each side of my face to avoid me rolling over to the side!

taking a collagen powder in my morning smoothie.

doube cleansing with my cleanser. i don't buy an oil cleanser.

[thecapricunt1616]

Saffron - c.b. one-shot

𝓢𝓷𝓲𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓽 (𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓑𝓣𝓒): “I want to” the words left your lips without even needing to think and with your permission he watched your blissed out expression in the mirror as he spread your folds with his fingers, before dipping his digit in your slick and swirling it back and forth gently over your swelling nub. He placed a sweet kiss to your shoulder, his breath hot and sending goosebumps spreading over your skin. 

♡ O/S Inspo: For thousands of years, Saffron has been used to boost libido in both men and women. In Greek mythology, Zeus himself used the spice as a sexual stimulant. Traditional Eastern medicine also recommends it as an aphrodisiac.

♡ Summary: You have just been invited to star in your very first music video as a dancer - so of course you're a bundle of nerves, but your lovely Bear knows just how to help you relax.

♡ W/C: 1,947

♡ Posted Date: 05/16/2024

♡ A/N: Hi, Hey, Hello all! Hello to all my new followers omg 💖 I am so happy you’re here! This one shot is based on ♡ this ♡ request by @bbyseojun ! I hope this is what you were looking for when you requested it 🫶 I'm so so soooooo sorry that this got lost in my docs! Eek sorry about that :( Per usual requests are OPEN! I love doing them, I hope to get more in the future (promise they won't take as long as this one hehe) ☺️💖

♡ Warnings for BTC: smut smut smut - more smut - swearing (not edited that well SORRY) - tis all I believe! No use of Y/N & Black!Fem!Reader friendly. ♡ 𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 ♡ ➵ 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 / 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵 ♡ ➵ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 ����𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 ♡ ➵ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 ♡

You had finally gotten your big break. Today was the first day of your music video shoots for one of the biggest up and coming female rappers in the industry, and you couldn’t be more stoked. You could hardly sleep last night due to your excitement.

You had been a dancer in Chicago for 4 years now, well - not full time. You of course between gigs waitressed @ The Beef — which is where you met your beloved boyfriend. You had worked for Mikey for about a year before he took his life. That was the thing that no one saw coming. When you came in to work the night after it happened and Richie wasn’t there - you knew something was extremely off. 

When Carmy came back to Chicago you were a bit shocked that he actually accepted the offer of taking the restaurant over. You two got close very quickly, and you were able to help fill in the gaps of what Michael wasn’t telling him so he could better process his death. 

Your romantic relationship bloomed faster then Carmen expected - but if he was honest he couldn’t get enough of you. The days you were off doing auditions or gigs he found himself missing you around the restaurant, giving you little playful spanks as you shuffled past him at his station while running food to the front of the restaurant, as well as sneaky make out sessions right before lunch or dinner rush in the dry storage. 

Your alarm went off at 4:55 and you hopped out of bed, starting the shower and Carmy was still snoring. He had no alarms set because he was taking you today, and would be on set with you. You at first had felt like he was babying you, or felt as if you couldn’t handle getting there yourself because you’d expressed confusion about the set location. 

He’d explained after a heated screaming match after closing one night last week, that you ‘weren’t allowed the time off if y’were gonna be a brat ‘bout him comin w’you’ and that ‘he knows models who have worked music videos and there are fuckos and pervs he doesn’t want you around’ so he was simply going to ‘keep you safe’ 

He took you at the expo table after you’d expressed if he just said he was doing it because he loved you and not because he thought you were incompetent you would have submitted to his request. That led to his thick hand around your throat and lips to the shell of your ear hissing into your sweaty skin

“Y’need me t’show you how much I love you? Mmm? Want me t’show you how I own this fuckin pussy? Huh? That big fuckin mouth isn’t runnin’ T’much now that I’m givin y’what y’been beggin me for all fuckin day yeah?” 

 By the time you’d finished your shower, Carmy was up, drinking his black cold brew packed with ice in a 32 oz deli container as you buzzed around the bedroom, toothbrush in your mouth and fluffy black towel wrapped taut around your figure. 

“Y’know it’s only 5:40, right?” He said, looking up from his phone. He was likely checking his emails, or obsessively texting Sydney - making sure she was awake and headed to the restaurant to be there for truck since today was the first day he was leaving her on her own. 

“Fiffe footy?!?” You exclaim through toothpaste and dropped your towel, his pupils going twice their size as your breasts bounced around while you hopped into a clean pair of seamless painties, before grabbing a bralette from the top draw. You slipped it on, rushing and sitting on the bed and he clips it for you by nature before you adjusted your chest and skittered back off to the bathroom

“Start the fuckin car!!! Jesus!!!” You snap, stressed and annoyed he was still laxely sprawled on the bed enjoying his coffee and catching up on his phone. 

“Fuuuckin Christ!!! Y’gonna be like this all day?” He huffed, opening his draw and grabbing a pair of jeans and a white shirt, slipping them on. “Lucky I take my showers at night” he grumbled. 

“Scuse me?” You snipped with a slight smile “who’s lucky for what?” You challenge. 

“Nothing” he scoffed, knowing if he tried you he’d not be touched for a week. “I love you” he said to try to smooth things over as he grabbed the keys and went downstairs to start the car and you smirked to yourself, slipping on your grey sweats and tank top before slicking your hair into a bun. 

By the time he was back, he comes and gives you gentle kisses on the back of your neck, gently rubbing over your belly and finding purchase on your hips before squeezing sweetly. “ Is someone nervous? Mm?” He mumbled into your skin and trailed his fingers underneath, goosebumps appearing on your skin at the contact. 

“Why wouldn’t I be nervous? And you’re movin’ all slow” you whine and he gently kisses your bare shoulder, trailing gentle pecks up to your neck 

“Relax” he said in that soft sweet way, tucking his fingers in your waistband. “Y’know we don’t have to be there till 8:45. It’s not even 6 baby the drive won’t take that long” he kissed that sweet spot right under your ear. 

“How am I supposed to relax when I’m about to do the biggest gig of my life this is like- this is like you with your stars!” You watch him in the mirror, gently nibbling on your earlobe gently, sucking on it. He stopped to chuckle lightly and you slap his thigh 

“Babe I know, I know it’s important - ‘s just funny cause you never know when Y’gonna get tested t’get a star it’s not like a fuckin…bar exam ‘er somethin. But y’gotta relax sweetheart” he dipped his fingers in the waistband of your panties “lemme help yeah? Make y’feel good?” He mumbled into your skin. 

“Carmy” you breathe as he rubs his thick calloused fingers over your mound. “Carmy” you drop your head back on his shoulder, guard falling down immediately. Every thought melted from your mind, your knees went wobbly, toes curling slightly. He knew exactly how to get you going, exactly which buttons to push. You felt his lips trail your jaw, careful to not nip hard enough to leave a bruise. 

“You know what to say if Y’don’t want me to” he reminded you, stilling his fingers for a moment to give your thoughts a moment to clear. You opened your eyes once more, seeing his piercing blue ones wide and enlarged with desire, tip of his nose red from the chilly morning air and lips slightly swollen from his inability to keep his lips from trailing your skin. 

“I want to” the words left your lips without even needing to think and with your permission he watched your blissed out expression in the mirror as he spread your folds with his fingers, before dipping his digit in your slick and swirling it back and forth gently over your swelling nub. He placed a sweet kiss to your shoulder, his breath hot and sending goosebumps spreading over your skin. 

In the mirror you saw your nipples had become rock hard beneath the fabric of your bralette, your eyes trailing down to see Carmy’s hand working beneath the soft fabric of your sweatpants. “Feel good baby? Mm?” He asked gently, pressing you more against the counter since your knees were getting weaker. You responded with a breathy moan and gentle nod, grinding into his hand. “Wait- wait princess won’t feel as good mm? Trust me” he stilled your hips and continued rubbing wide, gentle circles into your folds. 

“Please need you so bad-“ you whined out, feeling as if you sounded a bit pathetic but you didn’t care - the only thing bouncing around your mind was you needed release, and soon. 

“I know princess, y’gettin there” he drags your juices up to your clit, circling gently at first but quickening his circles before switching to strokes back and forth that had your hips bucking forward and a sharp gasp passing your lips. “See” he said gently, a smug smile on his lips as he rubs down, feeling over your entrance and teasing it with the pad of his finger. You bit your lip, looking at him in the mirror. 

“You’re such a tease” you whined out, and he thrust his finger inside you, causing your jaw to drop and a whimper to fall out of your mouth, gripping the counter with white knuckles for stability 

“Am I?” He mused, pushing past the first knuckle, then the second, achingly slow. He curled it in, trying to find that special spot “You look so pretty when you relax like this, mm princess?” He kept your gaze in the mirror, watching every twitch and gasp. You felt his cock pressing hard against your ass, you could only imagine the wet patch on his sweatpants and it made a wave of warmth flood your lower belly at the idea he’s going to have to change them before you leave. 

“You wanna fuck me? Huh? Right here in front of the mirror?” You asked, voice breathy and needy. He found the spot and pressed it with the pad of his finger, rolling your clit under his palm - the sensation on both ends of your most sensitive bit was enough for you to see stars in your vision at the stimulation. You leaned on the counter feeling weak and he lifted you with his other arm, holding you flush to his chest and wrapping his hand around your neck just enough for your head to feel light.

“You think you could handle me kitten?” He asked in the shell of your ear, adding his ring finger and thrusting them quicker. You went to moan, but you were so blissed out it came out more like a squeak. “Huh? Did ya’ say somethin’ pretty girl? Could barely hear you y’pussy is so wet” he teased, curling and uncurling his fingers to exaggerate his point, the squelch of his fingers nearly drowning out your whimper that soon followed.

“Cumming” you moaned hotly, resting your hand on his forearm, squeezing gently to tell him to add more pressure on your throat. He got the message of course, he always did. He had your body memorized as well as he did every cooking temp in the book. You leaned into the counter as your knees shook and he supported you with his arm, working you through it and whispering praise into your skin.

“See? Thas’ my good girl yeah? Jus’ needed some help lettin’ go mm? Feelin’ better now princess?” he worked you down, rubbing you gently. Your hips twitched and he chuckled a bit “Needa sit?” he asked gently and ran his hand from your neck down your chest, rubbing over your ribs sweetly. 

“No-” you said once you got your mind right again whining a bit when he took his hand out. “M’sorry for being mean” you said softly, looking at him in the mirror. He gently kissed the top of your head, lingering for a moment and closing his eyes. You closed yours as well, leaning against him and savoring the moment. You did feel much better, you felt much lighter, even though there was an infrequent twitch between your legs as your body rode out the wave. It was all pleasant, though.  “Y’aren’t mean baby. Just a little sassy” He spanks you lightly. “I’m gonna shower, go stretch out n'we can leave when m’done - ye’?”

[novankenn]

Imagine the Arc sisters(Harley arc family) Each pick a girl they think would be best ro date their brother while the girls look on in confusion and Jaune is just blushing in the corner. (Bonus points if none of the crazy sisters pick Pyrrha but Saffron quietly tells Pyrrha she is rooting for her. Also everyone dunking on Weiss.)

Jaune was hiding, behind the locked door of his dorm's bathroom, as the entirety of his immediate family... YES all of them... was currently having a "discussion " in the common room about his love life.

Mama (Harley Quinn) Arc: Girls... GIRLS!

The arguing voices quieted.

Mama Arc: Now we ALL know that our love-bunny-wunny has a hard time speaking to girls, and let's be honest that's because of us. I mean how can he EVER hope to find anyone as perfect for him as we are!

Arc Sisters: DAMN RIGHT!

Mama Arc: Now, be that as it may, our puddin' needs someone to watch over him, to cuddle, pamper and hold him when none of us are around... so... please present your personally chosen candidates. Jinx...

Jinx: That's me!

Mama Arc: You're first.

Jinx: the choice is simple. He needs someone chaotic and energetic. Someone that will always remind him of us so... I chose...

Nora: ME??? But I'm with Re...

Jinx: We offer explosives, pancakes and breaking stuff!

Nora: That include legs?

Jinx: Of Course!

Nora: I'm IN!

Mama Arc: Interesting choice. Tiny Tina you're next. Who do you...

Tiny Tina: SHE WAS MY CHOICE!!!! Mom Jinx took my idea!

Jinx: Snooze you loose!

Mama Arc: Girls behave! No fighting!

Jinx & Tiny Tina: Sorry.

Mama Arc: Do you have a second choice?

Tiny Tina: Well...

Ruby: ME!?!?!?

Tiny Tina: Yeppers.

Ruby: Why?

Tiny Tina: You're smart, cute, adorable, and like guns. You're almost as perfect... no on second thought you are PERECT!!

Ruby: Um... thank you?

Mama Arc: You are right she is adorably cute, and oh I can just see the GRANDBABIES!!!

Ruby: EEP!!!

Mama Arc: Saphron, you're next.

Saphron: I refuse. We have no right to be interfering in Jaune's love life, and besides we came here to SEE Jaune, not matchmake!

Mama Arc: We can do both dear, but I accept you decision.

Saphron: (Whispering) You better make your move soon red...

Pyrrha: (Whispering) What?

Saphron: (Whispering) You heard me. Make your move... I'm rooting for you.

Pyrrha: (Whispering) Ah... um... th...thank... you?

Mama Arc: Now while Saphron plots like a traitor, you're up Rebecca.

Rebecca: The girl I picked is the best! She's the strong silent type and kick ass enough to keep Jaune safe from everything, even man stealing homewrecking hussies!

Neo: 😵‍💫⁉️😵‍💫

Mama Arc: Is she okay?

Rebecca: She's... hey! Get back here!

Neo: 😝🤑😝

Mama Arc: No shooting in the hallways!!! Ah whatever. Joan...

Joan: Jeanne and I are making a joint choice for Jaune.

Jeanne: That is correct, and we expect everyone to respect and accept our... choice.

Mama Arc: You mean suggestion.

Joan & Jeanne: Choice.

Mama Arc: Okay. And who is this... choice?

Joan & Jeanne: Her!

Yang: ME?!?!?

Joan & Jeanne: Yes. You.

Yang: But I don't like VB like that!

Joan & Jeanne: VB?

Yang: It's Jaune's nickname...

Ruby & Weiss: Don't Yang!

Yang: ... Vomit Boy.

Joan: We may have made a mistake.

Jeanne: We must correct it.

Yang: Huh?

Joan: Burning at the stake?

Jeanne: It is fitting.

Jeanne and Joan each hook one of Yang's arms and start walking out of the room with her.

Yang: Hey! Unhand me! Let me go!

Mama Arc: Saphron, can you get Jaune and get a stay of execution, please dear?

Saphron: Yes, mom. Come on Red, let's get you... partner.

Mama Arc: Saphron.... any way. Utena you're next.

Utena: Jaune needs someone adventurous and exotic, and I choose her!

Blake: ME????

Utena: Yes.

Blake: But why?

Utena: Cause.

Blake: That's not a reason!

Mama Arc: Ah, Utena IF Blake is your suggestion, why are you holding Ms... Schnee's hand?

Utena: She's seen the error of her ways... but needs some more correction...

Weiss: Help me?

Mama Arc: Ah... Utena... fine. But don't break her too much. She has classes in the morning.

Weiss: Help me?

Mama Arc: Well as I have seen your choices, I shall reveal mine as well. I choose... HER!

Glynda: I... refuse! This is unacceptable!

Mama Arc: My puddin' needs a mature and motherly figure in his life. You're perfect and... this is non-negotiable...

[crownrots]

serena laidir (datv) | saffron ingellvar (datv)

victoria thorne (datv) | hectar de riva (datv)

ingrid einarsdóttir (tlk) | wynflæd of dorobrevis (tlk)

TAGGED by @lilywatt & @shadowglens to use this picrew (a million and one years ago 😪), thank you!

TAGGING —

@queennymeria , @risingsh0t , @thedeadthree , @pavus , @loriane-elmuerto ,

@shellibisshe , @florbelles , @simonxriley , @leviiackrman , @rhetoricalrogue ,

@arborstone , @arthrmorgann , @faerune , @frankwoods , @josephzeppeli ,

@roberthouse69 , @lucky-107 , @countessrooster, @auricfog + anyone else who wants to do it!

[vulpixisananimal]

[A:3 C:62]

(Siffrin) {Mal Du Pays} <Null> |Asterion| [Loop] [(Saffron)]

|Bring to a low broil, stir periodically, and wait. That was easy enough.|

|You place your hands on the counter next to the stove, and breathe. You could hear the rest of the party in the other room, they were giving you space. Stars. . . You appreciated it, a lot.|

{. . .}

|. . . The Shaded One was staring at you from across the headspace. It stood there, glaring at you. You had gotten to know this one quite a bit more ever since. . . W-well, even with how, intimidating it was, it was still much kinder, compared to the other one-|

{Stir.}

|Y-yes- you stir the pot a bit more. Making food was nice, distracting. It helps you think, relax, focus. It gives you time to. . . To figure out how to fix all this. Bri- Siffrin had refused to front, Loop was hiding in the tree, and Null was nowhere to be seen. You were here, as was Mal, as was Saffron.|

|. . . . . You lean back, breathing, you will be alright. Just focus on the food. You lean down close to the pot and take a sniff. Ah. . . Delicious, creamy, hearty, tomatoes, sweet, sugary, you’re sure they’ll like- sugary? You didn’t add sugar.|

{Sugar?}

|Yes, sugar. You step back and snuff again, sugar, strong sugar, burnt- THAT’S-|

{You bolt into the living room, the smell is getting stronger, everyone’s here, Bonnie, Nille, Mirabelle, Isabeau, O-- Odile? Where is Odile?}

“S-siffrin? What’s-” |Mirabelle starts.|

“SUGAR!!” |You reply, your stomach turned.| “B-burnt sugar I’m sure!! It’s, i-it’s-”

“I TOLD YOU!!” |Bonnie yells. Your stomach hurts.| “I TOLD YOU I WAS SMELLING SOMETHING!!”

“W-where’s Odile?!? Where-” |Too late.|

|You feel a tug on your stomach.|

|You bolt up from Isabeaus lap, gasping for air.|

“S-sif?!? Are, are you alright?!?” |Isabeau leans close, hand on your shoulder. It makes you jump.|

“L-loop, looped, l-loooped again I, I-I looped and it was, was-” |You’re trying to breathe.|

“Okay, breathe with me, breathe, breathe, okay?” |His hand is still on you. You keep breathing. In, out, in, out, in. . . . . . . . Out. . . . .|

|Just, just, breathe. . . Oh, dizzy.|

{You reach up and put your hand on Isabeaus. Warm, safe.}

|??!?!?!!!?!? M-mal? Ah, you-|

{Don’t say anything. Don’t look. Don’t tell others. You need this. You lean onto Isabeau, and hold on tight.}

“O-oh-!” {You place a finger on his lips. No talk.}

|. . . . .|

{. . . . . You take a breath, then shake your head. Take over.}

|You shakily pull away.| “. . . S-sorry, Mal, needed. . .”

|Isa smiled and waved away the statement.| “I gotcha, okay, so! Should I get everyone?”

“P-please.”

|Isabeau got up to get everyone together. You sat on the couch, and tucked your legs in close under your cloak. Stars. . .|

{. . .}

|. . .|

{. . . I believe you.}

|Wh, what?|

{I knew you were here from the moment you existed. I believe in your innocence.}

|T-then, why are you-|

{Mean to you? My job is to protect us. Being stern, controlling, menacing, all tools. You are new, need to learn.}

|. . . . .|

{. . . I will not hesitate to hurt you.}

|Your head snaps back up at some other voices, Bonnie and Nille were already here. Isabeau was walking down the stairs with Mirabelle. You blink, how long were they there?|

“I-is everything alright Asterion?” |Mirabelle asks, sitting down next to you, Isabeau was on the other side of you.| “What happened?”

“O-ohah-” |You didn’t expect her to tell who you are.| “I-I, looped back, o-out of nowhere.”

“Wuh oh.” |Nille grumbled, sitting up.| “Out of nowhere?”

“Yeah. . .” |You look away.| “I was making some food, and then. . . I’m back here.”

“Oh that is strange. . .” |Mirabelle put a finger to her chin.| “I wonder could have happened?”

“Wish ‘Dile where here.” |Bonnie grumbles, crossing their arms.| “Stupidface ‘Dile.”

“Woah, that’s a first.” |Isabeau chuckled.| “No-one let M’dame know Bonbon said that.”

|Bonnie stuck out their tongue, then pouted.| “I just wanna know why ‘Frins looping again!”

“W-well, Siffrins wish was to stay with us, right?” |Mirabelle was bouncing her leg.| “And the loops reset when that can’t happen! So then. . .”

“So, like when they believed we would split up at the end.” |Isabeau added on.| “And if they said something mean enough that. . . They’d think we don't want to travel stil?”

“And when ‘Frin died.” |Bonnie mumbled.| 

|Everyone was quiet for a moment, before Isabeay coughed and spoke up.| “U-uh, yeah. That.”

“What about, if something happened to one of you?” |You ask aloud.| 

“That would do it.” |Mirabelle was still bouncing her leg.| “Do you remember where everyone was?”

“The four of you were here.” |You count on your fingers.| “Ramos hadn’t moved, and. . . Where is Madame?”

“Oh yeah.” |Isa perked up.| “She said she was going to the library?”

“Really?” |Nille rolls her eyes.| “It’s not really the best time for that! Why didn’t you stop her?”

“I was sleeepyyyyy! I’m sorrryyyyy!” 

“Forgiven, for now.”

“S-so! Ramos and Odile, something happened to one of them? |Mirabelle stands up.| “We should move fast then!”

“R-right!” |But, you needed a plan, uh. . .|

{If Ramos died, it’s medical, and just needs someone around. If it’s Odile, it’s the Monets.}

|S-so, then-|

{Nille and Bonnie here, low level and a child. Isabeau and Mirabelle with us.}

|R-right.| “Pétronille and Bonnie stay here in case Ramos needs help. A-and, Mirabelle, Isabeau, and I will take off after Madame. If we loop again, then we’ll have a better idea of what to do.”

“Smart stuff!” (Isabeau stands up too, he smiles at you encouragingly, before turning to the siblings.) “You two can deal with Ramos then?”

“Sibling squad’s got it covered!” (Nille jumps up.) “Y’think it’s those crabbing history nerds again?”

“I don’t know,” |You stand up confidently.| “But, let's prepare like it is!” 

>>>

|By the time the three of you were running to the library, the sun had set behind the buildings. Oh. . . If only you knew what time it was when you looped, aha, maybe you should get that pocket watch sooner than you were planning. Stars. . . Enough of that. Isabeau and Mirabelle were right at your back.|

|You turn to look at them. You. . . Oh. . . You could not tell them who you were. When you tried, over the past few days, it was like a coldness overtook your heart. They all said it was alright, to say in my own time, that they were supportive, but. . .|

|The Housemaiden of Change who froze the real you in time, and the Defender from Jouvente who would throw himself in front of danger for you. You. . . Stop! Just run, Asterion. Oh, leave these thoughts for later.|

|You were coming up to the library now, you were sure it was this way. You didn’t know how much time you had, but you had to be as fast as-|

“Blind it all!” |You mumble to yourself, slowing to a jog.|

|Merlon is sitting at the top step of the library. When they see you approach, they stand.|

|She looks. . .|

“Oh, crab is that-” |Isabeau starts|

“Merlon!!” |Mirabelle shouts, stepping past you, sword drawn.| “What have you and Perci done to Odile!!!”

“Nothing, yet.” |They hold up a hand.| “But I’ll assume that to you, we already did once.”

“Well it won’t be twice!!” |Mirabelle rushes forward to strike.|

|A spark of red comes from Merlons hand, and Mirabelle’s attack slams into a wall of pale white light. You can see sparks of red where her attack landed. She jumps back.|

|Merlon, she. . .|

{You think you recognise something.}

“Mira!!” |Isa rushes to her side.| “Are you hurt?!?”

“I’m okay.” |She takes a few breaths, glaring at Merlon.| “Why are you fighting us anyways!! You’re nice people, I know it!! So, s-so why. . .”

|Her grip tightens on her rapier, she takes a breath.| “Just, just why!! You told us when we first met all you wanted was to record the history of the island! Then, then why are you hurting people like this!!”

|You know that cloak, it’s like yours, it MEANS something! As does the star! But, but WHAT!!|

“I’ve not hurt a soul.” |Merlon replies, face steady.| “Neither me, nor my bonded. In fact, we’ve only helped, no?”

“That isn’t true!” |Isabeau steps forward now.| “It was because of you that Ramos got hurt!! That they turned into a sadness!! That, t-that they died once!!”

{To. . . Stay in isolation. Read, no, no to follow, translate, stars and. . .}

“We just-”

“NO!! |Isabeau cuts them off.| “I’m not listening to that helping excuse!! You didn’t help them change into who they want to be, or accept who they are now!! You just manipulated a vulnerable person into trusting you!!!”

|Merlon winces, you see her hand twitch.| “Don’t blame me for the blood on your hands.”

“We all have blood on our hands, Merlon.” |You step forward, next.| “Deny it or not, you are as much a guilty cog in this machine as the rest of us.”

|Merlon stares at you, that stare, that stare that means-|

{-Hope of being chosen? But, for what?}

“What is your name?” |She asks.|

“Asterion.” |You answer, words flying from your mouth.| “My name is Asterion, and I remember the names of the stars just as much as you. I make mistakes, like you. And I miss home, like you.”

|You glare at them, gritting your teeth. The words came to you faster than you could think.| “Our home is gone, Merlon. So, please can we just-”

“It’s NOT!” |Light crackles around her hand. Her mask of neutrality, cracked but for just a moment.| “. . . It’s, not, gone.”

“But, how do you know! How are you so sure!” |You feel some sense of dread within you.|

”I just know.” {Her sight is that of a teacher looking down at you. No, not a teacher, a housemaiden, head housemaiden. No, they’re not of Change. Someone in charge?} “I look to the stars and I see the truth, it’s out there, it’s still out there, waiting for us, calling for us.”

|Your legs feel like jelly, yet, you swallow your cowardice and continue. Merlon was someone important, but the memory of what exactly failed you.| “You, you’re not here to record the island’s history, you want to bring it back.”

“. . .” {Merlon is silent, Isabeau and Mirabelle had given you space. This was a talk between you, and her.}

“Merlon, Merlon you know that’s madness!” |You look up at her, summoning as much confidence as you could.| “A wish cannot be broken, you and I know that! So why even try!!”

“Because trying is all there is, Stargazer!”

{The word takes you both by surprise, stargazer, stargazer, you mouth it to yourself a few times. You knew that word, it fell onto your tongue as naturally as your own name. Stargazer. You glance down, then at them. Their face is neutral again}

“. . . Merlon-”

“That’s enough talking.” |She held a hand up, pointed at the three of you.| “Leave or die, that is your choice. If you do not wish to exhaust your Stargazer’s body to death with that time craft, I would recommend the former.”

|You look at Mirabelle, then Isabeau, they share the same look at you. You nod, then draw the pin knife, Mirabelle her rapier, and Isabeau taking a fighting stance.| 

“. . . I see.” |A sigh from Merlon.| “Since accidentally killing any of you will just restart this fight, I won’t hold back.”

|You smell the sugar, the hair on the back of your neck stood up. Every part of your being was screaming at you to not fight them. You ignored it, and held out a fist.| “And, and neither will we!!” |[Begging, pleading.] Three tears gently dropped from your fist and landed on you and your party. Speed up!|

“. . . Interesting.” |Merlon held out a hand and skipped her turn.|

|Mirabelle gives you a glance, then looks back to Merlon.| “I. . . I’m sorry for this!” |She held out her craft sign and stared daggers at Merlon. You smelt sugar.|

|Merlon’s eyes widened and that hand clenched into a fist. In a blink, there were sparks and cracks of red right in front of their face, and frozen tears glancing off of it.|

|Mira fell to a knee, and looked up in shock.| “Wh, what?!? How!!!”

“I wished to copy your shield spell, Mirabelle.” |Merlon says flatly,| “It’s a simple wish, if you know what to do.”

“But, that’s. . .” |Impossible! That, to, to word a wish, on the spot, and, so precisely!|

“C’mon Aster! Mira! Focus!!” |[WE! WILL! WIN!!!] You hear the faint sounds of cheering as you feel yourself boosted.| 

“Right!” |You grip the pin knife and rush in, stabbing at Merlon. She deflected your attack with a hand and that light.|

“. . .” |Merlon skipped their turn.|

“I-it, doesn’t matter if you have my shield! We’ll still beat you!!” |Mirabelle held out her hand sign, [Jolly Round Rondo!] Spinning discs flew at Merlon, while a few were blocked by that light, some found purchase, making the sage wince.|

|Isabeau rushed in right after, going to strike Merlon. But they deflected the blow with ease. Isabeau jumped back, glancing at you.| “Why aren’t they fighting back?”

“. . . I. . .” |You looked at her, how she was standing, looking at you all.| “I’m not. . .”

{Time.}

{You’re running, out, of, time.}

“She’s stalling us.” |You ready your knife.| “It’s all a play to stall for time.”

“O-okay, new plan then. Me and Isabeau will-”

|Mirabelle is cut off by a snap of fingers, and then the ground explodes.|

|As you tumble back, you barely hold in a yelp as you feel the sharp pain of a burned leg. You sat up as soon as you landed. Merlon was walking down the steps, Mira and Isa were a few feet to your left and right. The debris of the road was scattered everywhere.|

|You stand up.| “Merlon! I-”

|She snaps her fingers again, and this time you have the sense to jump forward as the stones erupt into light.|

|You need to think FAST!! You rush at them again with the pin knife. They block with that light, yet you keep pushing.|

“IS IT WORTH IT, MERLON!” |You yell.| “ALL THIS, IS IT WORTH IT?!?”

“What kind of stupid question is that?” {The pain in their voice cracked through the mask as she flung you back.}

|You land on your feet. Mirabelle rushes in with her sword from the side, Merlon moves back and with a slice of their hand hits Mirabelle back with that light. Isabeau holds out his fist for [SMASH!!!], and Merlon withstands it easily.|

|Oh. . .|

|It’s starting to dawn on you far, far too late, that Perci is by far the weaker of the two.|

{You take over and run in, dagger moving as fast as the air would allow. [Scissors.] The lightless slash of energy gets past their shield, cutting into her shoulder. She stumbles back before backhanding the air.}

{A wave of force pushes the three of you back. You and Mira land on your feet, but looking over, Isabeau was K.Oed. Stars.}

{Merlon stood there, arms held in front of her, waiting. She had their eyes trained on you, waiting for the next move. Waiting to decide how next to pick you apart like a spider she found on a windowsill. You [Breathe] and heal Mirabelle.}

“N-not good.” {She’s panting, you nod back.} “S-sorry, we might need to try again.”

{You nod again, quickly twirling your knife around and-}

{Snap, explosion. You’re thrown to the side, knife flying from your hands. You look up at Merlon, a twitch of a smile on her lips as she speaks.} “I won’t make that an easy trip. Get. Up.”

|You get up to one knee, you’re already starting to feel exhausted. Isabeau was out cold, Mirabelle was shaken, and you were being kicked around like a cat's favorite toy! It was three versus one and still you were but flies in a storm! You reached down and felt the burn on your leg, and winced.|

|You stand up, drawing Null's sword, the Airy Katana. All you can do now is try. And you won't give up until The Universe pulls you back through time!|

[timetraveltasting]

TEMPLAR BOAR WITH CAMELINE SAUCE (14th c.)

This past Thursday, the Corpus Christi public holiday in my part of Germany, known here as Fronleichnam, gave me a little extra time to make another Tasting History dish: Templar Boar with Cameline Sauce. The diet, eating habits, and table manners of the Templars were governed by strict rules, including only eating meat three times a week (two meat meals on Sundays). This dish was one of those they would have eaten for one of their meat meals during the 14th century. The spices present in the sauce would have been accessible to them during the crusades, but Cameline Sauce did become a popular dish in much of medieval Europe eventually. This dish is based on two 14th century primary sources: Le Viandier de Taillevent by Guillaume Tirel and Le Ménagier de Paris, a treatise written by an older man (as yet unnamed) to teach his 15-year-old bride how to run his household and please him, in every way (...yikes). The sauce, Cameline, is named as such due to the rich brown colour, which looks like the wool of a camel, also known as cameline. I chose to make this recipe next because I haven't made boar before, and the rich, silky, brown colour of the sauce made it look really tasty. See Max’s video on how to make it here or see the ingredients and process at the end of this post, sourced from his website.

My experience making it:

I made a couple changes to the modern recipe below. I used boar goulash pieces instead of tenderloin, because it was the only form of boar I could find at my grocery store. The white wine I used (and drank with dinner) was a dry Riesling from the Mosel Valley in Germany. The red wine was a Bordeaux Merlot. I used saffron powder instead of threads, and I did opt to add the optional tablespoon of red wine vinegar. the white bread I used was a classic French baguette.

I also made a couple changes to the method. Because I used French baguette, which has quite small slices, I hollowed out about half the baguette (since baguettes are mostly crust). I also simmered the sauce for much longer than Max says to, because it wasn't quite the thickness I was looking for. Otherwise, I followed Max's recipe exactly, probably to the detriment of my boar. Because I had used goulash pieces instead of tenderloin, I probably should have adjusted how I cooked the boar to accommodate these smaller pieces. Unfortunately, I didn't, and as a result, I was left with very chewy, dry boar. Basically, the sauce was the saving grace of the boar! I served the boar and Cameline sauce with some green peas, garlic bread, and a glass of the dry Riesling wine.

My experience tasting it:

I already knew I had ruined the texture of the boar, but I hoped that the sauce would help. I warned my husband. Luckily, the Cameline sauce did a lot of heavy-lifting to bring some moisture back to the board. The sauce turned out wonderfully - a beautiful, silky brown. Flavour-wise, it reminded me of a jus, but more heavily-spiced. I was worried the Cameline sauce would end up tasting sweet due to the brown sugar and several spices that are more often used in baking, but in fact, the spices were well balanced by the taste of the wine and vinegar. The sauce also went really nicely with the peas, and I imagine would also have tasted good with potatoes or other red meats. My husband and I dipped the garlic bread in it as well, which was really tasty. It went alright with the dry boar, but I would like to use the sauce with another, more tenderly-cooked meat. We had leftover Cameline sauce, so we will probably try that again tonight. If you end up making it, if you liked it, or if you changed anything from the original recipe, do let me know!

Links to harder-to-find ingredients:

Saffron

Templar Boar with Cameline Sauce original recipes (14th c.)

Sourced from Le Viandier de Taillevent by Guillaume Tirel and Le Ménagier de Paris respectively.

“Sanglier: Fresh Wild Boar Venison. Cooked in wine and water and boiled again; eaten with Cameline Sauce.”

— Le Viandier de Taillevent, 14th century

“Cameline. Note that in Tournai, to make cameline they grind ginger, cinnamon, saffron, and half a nutmeg, moistened with wine then taken out of the mortar. Then grind in a mortar untoasted white breadcrumbs that have been soaked in cold water, moisten with wine and strain. Then boil everything and finish with brown sugar, and that makes winter cameline. In the summer, they do the same but it is not boiled at all. ”

— Le Ménagier de Paris, 14th century

Modern Recipe

Based on Le Viandier de Taillevent by Guillaume Tirel, Le Ménagier de Paris, and Max Miller’s version in his Tasting History video.

Ingredients:

Boar tenderloin

Olive oil for searing

Equal parts wine and water for boiling

1 thick slice of white artisanal bread without crust

1 ¼ cups white wine

¼ cup red wine

1 tsp ginger

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

Pinch of saffron threads

2 tbsp brown sugar

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional)

Method:

De-crust the bread and break it into small pieces. Soak the bread in water for a few hours, then pour in the red wine for the sauce.

Heat olive oil in a pot then sear the boar on all sides.

Remove it from the pot and boil equal parts wine and water, then add the boar back in and boil, covered, for 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked. Then let it rest.

To make the sauce, mix the spices and white wine. Strain the bread/wine mixture from earlier into a saucepan, then press the bread through the strainer.

Add the spiced wine mixture and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 15 minutes, or until half reduced, then add the sugar and salt, and if you want, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Simmer until thickened.

Slice the boar and pour the sauce over it. Optionally, serve with roasted chestnuts and wine.

[the-mediaeval-monk]

Made myself a medieval dinner with recipes from a medieval cookbook.

Click on recipe images for the full thing.

I used dashi stock for the rice as I didn't feel like making a fish stock. I also skipped out on the saffron because that stuff is EXPENSIVE. I also didn't use a pound of leek as I am not going to eat all that. Also, I pan fried the salmon because I don't have a grill.

Overall, this meal was really good. The flavor combinations were interesting. I usually don't use cloves or cinnamon in savory foods, but it really worked. I was also a bit worried about stewing mushrooms, but I'd do it again. The wine sauce was really interesting in a good way.

I'll definitely be eating this again the next time I have left over red wine. (I don't drink, but got some strawberry wine for the hell of it in April. I had one glass and didn't drink it again, so I used some of the bottle for this recipe.) Also the wine sauce was good with the rice.

To be accurate, I only used a spoon and knife to eat this. (Ignore the fact I was eating on a ceramic plate that says "moo".)

This meal also gave me plenty of leftovers, despite not making things to the proper ratio. (Used two salmon fillets instead of four, the amount of leeks, the amount of mushrooms, etc.) Though, I think if I could cook this over a fire it would be even better.

Overall, I give this meal a 9/10.

(Minus a point because it took a long time to make.)

Sources for recipes: Brears, P. C. D. (2008). Cooking and dining in medieval England. Prospect.

[whencyclopedia]

Eos

Eos is the personification and goddess of the dawn in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and the sister of Helios (Sun) and Selene (Moon). Dressed in a saffron-coloured mantle, Eos rides on her chariot in front of Helios to announce the coming of the day. A common epithet for Eos was "rosy-fingered".

Cursed by Aphrodite to fall in love continually, Eos had many love affairs with beautiful mortal men, most of whom had tragic ends due to her attentions. Eos is depicted as a radiant goddess with soft hair, and rosy arms and fingers. Eos' Roman equivalent is Aurora.

Birth & Family

As mentioned in Hesiod's (c. 700 BCE) Theogony, Eos was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, the sister of Helios (Sun) and Selene (Moon), and the granddaughter of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth).

And Theia, mastered by Hyperion, Bore Helios the great, bright Selene, And Eos, who shines upon all men on earth And on the deathless gods who hold broad heaven. (Hesiod, Theogony, 372-375).

Eos was first married to Astraeus, a Titan and god of the dusk. Together they had the four Anemoi (wind gods): Boreas (North Wind), Zephyrus (West Wind), Notus (South Wind), and Eurus (East Wind). Some sources, including Hesiod, say that they were also the parents of Phosphorus and the stars. Eos was also the mother of Memnon, the king of Ethiopia who fought in the Trojan War.

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