#colorful mural festival

[grusik]

Highwood, Illinois by drew*in*chicago

[longlistshort]

This mural was created by Claudia Walde, aka MadC, for the 2022 edition of SHINE Mural Festival in St. Pete, Florida.

For more of her work, also check out her website and Instagram.

[tinkaaabutt]

FOR THE FIRST TIME— Jinx

The hum of city life buzzed faintly beyond your apartment windows, the occasional car horn breaking the rhythm of your quiet sanctuary. The vinyl you��d been spinning crackled softly as “For the First Time��� by Mac DeMarco started to play, its dreamy melody filling the space.

Jinx, sprawled across your couch in her usual chaos, was mid-rant about a graffiti project she wanted to try on an old factory wall downtown. Her electric blue braids spilled over the armrest like rivers of rebellion, and her hands gestured wildly, fingers tattooed and perpetually smudged with paint.

“You don’t think I’ll get caught, right?” she asked suddenly, her bright eyes darting to yours.

You looked up from where you sat cross-legged on the floor, moisturizing your legs. The scent of cocoa butter and shea wafted into the air, mixing with the faint tang of paint fumes that always seemed to cling to Jinx.

“Girl, with the way you move? They’ll see you coming a mile away,” you teased, smiling.

Jinx pouted, sitting upright. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re loud,” you said, pointing at her with a raised brow. “Like, loud loud. You’re not exactly subtle.”

She stared at you for a moment before bursting into laughter, throwing her head back. “You’re not wrong,” she admitted. “But that’s why I’ve got you. You’re my quiet one. The stealthy one.”

You smirked, reaching for the bonnet on the table and pulling it over your freshly twisted hair. “Don’t drag me into your mess.”

“Oh, please,” she said, sliding off the couch to sit next to you on the floor. “You love my mess.”

She wasn’t wrong.

Jinx had burst into your life like a hurricane, colorful and chaotic in a way you’d never known before. You were the type to keep your head down, to mind your business and focus on your art, the vibrant canvases scattered around your apartment proof of your creativity. But Jinx? She was the opposite—loud, wild, unapologetically herself.

She’d spotted you at a street art festival a few months back, admiring a massive mural with a skeptical look on your face.

“You don’t like it?” she’d asked, suddenly at your side, a grin tugging at her lips.

You’d blinked, caught off guard. “It’s… fine. Just not my style.”

“Oh, so you’ve got style?” she’d teased, her eyes narrowing playfully.

That was how it started.

Now, she was practically a permanent fixture in your life, crashing on your couch whenever she felt like it and pulling you into her world of chaotic creativity.

“Why do you always put that on before bed?” Jinx asked, motioning toward your bonnet as you leaned back against the couch.

“Because I actually care about my hair,” you replied, rolling your eyes. “Unlike some people.”

Jinx gasped, feigning offense. “I care about my hair! Look at these braids—they’re flawless!”

You gave her a look, your lips quirking into a smile. “Yeah, because I did them for you last week. You were crying about your arms getting tired.”

“Okay, fair,” she said, leaning closer. “But that just means you’re amazing. And you’re, like, totally obsessed with me.”

You snorted. “In your dreams.”

Jinx fell silent for a moment, her teasing smile softening. “Actually… yeah. You kinda are.”

Her voice was quieter now, the usual wild energy in her eyes tempered by something you couldn’t quite place. She reached out, tracing a finger along the edge of one of your small, framed paintings leaning against the wall.

“I’ve never met anyone like you,” she said softly, her eyes still fixed on the painting. “You’re just… different.”

You felt your chest tighten at her words, at the way her voice seemed to hold an unfamiliar vulnerability. “Different how?”

She finally looked at you, her gaze steady in a way that made your heart race. “Like… good different. Like when I’m around you, I don’t feel like I have to be this… crazy version of myself all the time. You don’t look at me like I’m broken or too much. You just… see me.”

Her words lingered in the air, heavy and raw. The song on the record player swirled around you, its dreamy tones a perfect backdrop to the moment.

“Jinx…”

She leaned closer, her blue braids brushing your shoulder. “You feel it too, right?”

Your breath caught. You did feel it—the magnetic pull of her, the way she lit up your world like neon against a dark sky. But you’d been afraid to name it, afraid of what it might mean.

Now, with her so close, her sharp edges softened by the dim light of your apartment, you couldn’t deny it any longer.

“Yeah,” you whispered. “I feel it.”

Her grin returned, softer this time, almost shy. “Good. ‘Cause I’ve been dying to kiss you.”

Before you could respond, she leaned in, her lips brushing yours. It was soft at first, hesitant, like she wasn’t sure you’d let her stay. But when you kissed her back, her hand found your cheek, pulling you closer.

When you finally broke apart, she rested her forehead against yours, a laugh bubbling from her lips. “Damn, I should’ve done that sooner.”

You smiled, your fingers tangling in the fabric of her hoodie. “Yeah, you should’ve.”

Outside, the city continued to hum, but for the first time in a long while, you felt like everything else could wait.

Authors note:-Let me know if you’d like more posts that are modern 😘 oh also if I should create a tag list and start having emoji anons.!

[purplealmonds]

Continuing to fire on all cylinders to make this Sky 🤝Mononoke collab a reality! 🐲⚖️🌊

Process GIFs and artist commentary below the cut. ⬇️

Left: Process GIF Middle: Just the background, cos I really like how it looks! Right: Illustration without the collab logo

And here are my notes on my inspirations and references. There's a lot of 'em, so instead of embedding relevant images one by one I put them in a callout sheet! For accessibility, I also included transcript (with bonus ramblings) below each sheet.

Ofuda circle modeled in Google Sketchup 2017, then lightly transformed in Photoshop to flare out. I tried my best to hand-draw these, but it the results came out really clunky and stiff. I figured if Mononoke shamelessly utilizes 3D in their show, I can too!

Krill and sky kid composition roughly inspired by the Ayakashi DVD cover illustration. On the surface level, the krill's black-and-red color scheme mirrored that of the bake-neko. Not to mention, in the world of Sky, the krill would be the best fit of a mononoke-like entity. The red background is also a nod to the red skies seen during a shard eruption in Sky.

Sky kid gesture based on the Festival Spin Dancer's Tier 3 poses and the Medicine Seller's iconic pose in the Zakishiwarahi episode as inspiration. This was the idea which springboarded this illustration into existence. I wanted to do my take of the Medicine Seller's pose, but in a more dynamic manner: rotate the pose to a profile position and set the ofuda in a diagonal, flared out arrangement.

Cape inspired by tenbin design featured in the 2024 Mononoke movie. This one's an interesting one - I wanted the cape to be a stiff material that doesn't "flap" when in flight - similar to the Aurora wing capes. It ended up looking like a kite of sorts, which I'm not entirely opposed to! I haven't had the opportunity to showcase the back view of this cape design, but I envision it having some mechanical aspects to it - the "wing" which are flared out in this illustration fold in like moth wings, and a little bell is attached to the "tail" part and it jingles a little whenever the sky kid flaps!

Bandana is based on the Scaredy Cadet's hairstyle from the Season of Assembly. Mask design utilizes the 2023 Days of Style mask and the Nintendo Pack mask as bases. Pretty self-explanatory. I basically went onto the Sky wiki and found the cosmetics that most closely matched what I was looking for. Then if necessary, I went to the Office space to do photoshoots to get the appropriate camera angles for them all.

Seasonal pendant inspired by the classic Medicine Seller's necklace and the eye motif featured in the 2024 Mononoke movie. Possibly the only one-to-one homage to the classic Medicine Seller design here, but his garnet necklace was too good of a match to the seasonal pendant. A side tangent: does the new Medicine Seller possess a necklace, let alone a mirror? So far all the shots of him don't feature it. Fascinating.

Dark dragon krill anatomy references a custom figurine crafted by @/escaflowne_n07 on Twitter. Until I found this, I was honestly at a loss finding reference for this - be it on the internet or during in-game photoshoots. The lighting on the krill in-game focused on its menacing silhouette rather than its structure. And not to mention, getting a close-up shot almost always set off the dark creature's aggro. I have no idea how this guy found the references to put this model together - well done!

Mantas, elder constellations, and sun dog references murals in the Cave of Prophecy. Krill aside, the overall illustration was leaning a little too much towards Mononoke so I tried finding opportunities to insert more Sky into it. Added bonus is that now there's storytelling in the background: during a shard eruption, a giant krill rises from the frothing waves of dark water to hunt down a flock of mantas.

Clouds behind the sun dog reference the ones featuring heavily in the Umibozu episode. This illustration has a lot of ocean theming, so I figured this would be appropriate.

Rendering style of the background is lightly inspired by the 2007 Mononoke illustration. Mainly having a 2D inked style to contrast with the more polished render of the sky kid. Funnily enough, this was a tertiary inspiration, which lead to the discovery in the next point!

Dark water waves and sun dog composition heavily references Hokusai's "The Great Wave". The waves were modified to be bottle-green of the Golden Wasteland's dark waters. The sun dog is in the spot where Mt. Fuji is in the original composition. these were all hand-drawn by the way! I merely emulated the style of the source material. As a side note, I also borrowed the spotted sea spray rendering for the krill's red spotlight.

Background pattern taken from the ofuda design featured in the 2024 Mononoke movie poster. Mainly to add some gritty texture to the sky. I worked pretty hard to replicate this ofuda design as a high-res asset so I wanted to use it more!

[thesassypadawan]

Christmas Tree (Hayden x FemGremReader)

Summary: Wanting to have a little holiday date, you decide to mix things up a bit.  Do something from the usual corny movie, cocoa, and cuddling.  That involves two of your favorite passions and some paint with a twist.

Warnings: 18+ (mdni), because there sooo much of the smut.  Fun on top (ride it), some interesting body paints, big Christmas tree and balls, a little star, cheesy puns, and, as always… Hayden’s big, fat dick.

Notes:  Happy Holidays, lovelies!  Welcome to track two of my special holiday mix, Christmas Tree! ❤️💚

(Merry Christmas, @anakinsbbgirl! 🎅)

- “Stop, no peeking…”  Dipping your brush into, swirling it around in another color.  “Stay still…”  Look of concentration, brow scrunched.  “You’re going to make a mess of all my hard work…”  While you block out and ignore the sound of his low hisses, soft grunts.   “Few more and…”  Carefully doting, creating lines of glittery red on his jingle balls.

- “There, finished!”  Squealing, squeaking happily you sit back on Hayden’s thighs.  Admiring your handiwork, how the whole scene seems to twinkle in the tree’s light.  Bouncing a bit for joy…maybe a tad too much.  Mighty booty causing a small ‘oof’ to escape him; painfully, hard cock twitch.  “You can look now!”

- “All right…all right,” he mutters, hint of intrigue in his gravelly voice.  As he slowly eases, props up onto his elbows.  Those blue orbs opening a crack, chin tilting down slightly…to take all of your ‘masterpiece’ in.  “Let's see what we got.”

- Instantly a bemused smile spreads across his face, crinkles the corners of his eyes.  Gruff chuckle rumbles deep in his elaborately decorated chest.  “Wow, grem; great job…”  Hand blindly reaching for his phone, trying not to destroy the festive mural painted on his upper body and lower.  “Definitely one of your best, but they all are…”

- Always so sweet, dorkingly adorable.  Between hearing his words of praise, which are never far apart or in short supply.  And watching him struggle to snag a pic; tongue peeking out, leaning awkwardly in an attempt to get it entirely in the shot.  You couldn’t help but have your heart melt, bust out in a small fit of giggles… 

- You can’t help but have your heart melt, bust out in a fit of giggles.  “Here, Hay; let me do that…”  Teasingly you offer, plucking the device from his clumsy hold.  Blowing him a little kiss for good measure.  “…before you drop it.”

- “Yeah…thanks,” he slowly replies. Grin widening, warm palms coming to rest and settle on your plush waist.  Giving each handle a gentle, affectionate squeeze…eliciting a small coo and jump from you, curves jiggling.  “These big mitts can be awkward sometimes…ya know?”

- Snapping a few quick ones from multiple angles.  Capturing the ‘beauty’ and ‘essence’ of your magical, wintery landscape.  “Mmmh, I wouldn’t say that.”  Including and giving extra attention to the LARGE tree that stands proud, tall over it all.  Decorated so prettily with mini ornaments, strands of golden garland, and glistening globs of runny snow.  “I think they’re actually very skilled…in certain areas of expertise.”

- It really was perfect, except…

- “Wait, it’s still missing one thing though.”  Setting his phone off to the side, tucking it safely underneath the branches of your real tree.  Amongst all the other brightly wrapped trinkets and treasures.  “The thing that really makes it feel extra  jolly.”  You submerge your fingers into the paint pot once more; thoroughly coating them, drawing on your tiny paunch a haphazard…  “Star.”

- Hands wander lower, cupping and kneading your plump cheeks.  “A star, huh?”  Firmly, enough for your pillowy flesh to spill out between the cracks of his long fingers.  “And, let me guess, it needs to go on top of the tree…right?”  While Hayden pulls, urges you to lift that ra-pa-pum-bum of yours a bit.

- Eagerly and joyfully you do so.  “Yeah…”  Shifting forward; fingertips press, dips slightly.  Imprinting unique, metallic splotches on his toned yet soft abdomen.  “…you get it.”  

- Glistening core aligns with, hovers above…grinds against.  “Every oversized tree needs a little star…”  Spreading some of that runny snow around your naughty entrance.  “…to fit snugly, tightly on its’ thick tip.”

- Gaze locks with his and you sink down agonizingly slow.  Enjoying that familiar feeling of your gummy walls struggling from the blissfully uncomfortable stretch.  “Especially one…”  That look of barely withheld restraint on his handsome face, clearly fighting the urge to not just thrust up.  “…that’s as majestic as…”  The moment both of your sexes are overtaken and overwhelmed by the intense icy, tingliness of the peppermint infused chocolate body paint. “…y-yours.”

- Sucking in sharp breaths together, panting softly in unison.  “So, what do you say…”  Goosebumps pebbling on and across both your skins.  “Let's fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la all night long…”  You begin to cant, grind your hips with some help from those ‘big mitts’.  “See who can light up who the most…”  Taking your time, soaking in the shared moment of him being underneath your Christmas tree.

Tag List: @espinathena-17, @myheartwillgoon2022, @laylaplease, @princessswifie, @kenobiskywalker16, @loverforoldermen, @jediavengers, @anisangeldust, @fredswrite, @xhunnybeeex, @vaderswifey, @anakinstwinklebunny

  @hearts4sammonroe, @pitas-star, @sythethecarrot, @naberriess, @steven-grants-world, @valyna27, @elcaballerodragon, @yayyy5678, @anakinsrilgirlfriend, @padme-urlove,  @brattyyybbg, @mrschr1stensen, @rosie-chan92, @beresfordsgirl, @darthdaddi

[fatchance]

The Tucson Museum of Art is currently exhibiting lithographs by artist Carlos Mérida depicting the Mayan creation myth, the Popol Vuh. On the opposite gallery wall, muralist Justin Favela has created a cut-paper installation that riffs on the colors and forms of the Popol Vuh plates. Favela's paper mural is 53 feet long (16m) – an immense, festive piñata. Up close, the cut colored paper makes me think of the layered scales on butterfly wings.

[54prowl]

!!! SPOOKY SCARY COSTUME PARTY !!! [CLOSED]

Get dressed for the creepiest and crawliest event of the season! Do you wish to attend? Just answer the google form HERE and DM to reserve a slot. Payments will only be accepted via ko-fi. Have any questions or clarifications? Send them my way!

—

Other notes:

Organized and sufficient references make an artist happy.

Styles are templates; only gestures and designs can change.

Other details in the Gform!

—

!! please follow and reblog !!

twt | ig | ko-fi | past comms

—

image texts below the cut

—

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A

SPOOKY SCARY COSTUME PARTY

54prowl's Halloween Event 2023 September 13th - October 31st

Reserve slots via Gform and DM Payments accepted through Ko-fi

ASK GAME: Join the Haunt! rb + follow + send a ghost + fav emoji

—

ATTEND THE FESTIVITIES

Arrive in a pair (30USD) or trio (45USD)...

Cauldron

Broomstick

Ghost Hunt

...or go solo (15USD)

Trick-or-Treat (Mural 1)

Potion Bottle (Mural 2)

Batch orders of 4 get a solo icon for free!

—

EXPLORE THE VENUE

Gallery (100USD) - Solo

Ballroom (180USD) - Pair

Study (250USD) - Trio

A4 illustration | full color, bg, and props | character insert template | pose adjustments OK | complexity fee may apply to outfits/design

PROCESS

Answer the form and DM for a slot

Clarify details and send proof of payment

Wait around 2+ days for icons; 2+ weeks for illustrations

Receive your artwork! Post and tag me <3

[dusky-dancing]

Love and Light

Summary: In the future, Sora takes Kairi to a festival he knows she'll love. Amidst the merriment and festivities, the pair reflects on all they'd been through together.

Length: ~2500 words

Pairing: Sora/Kairi, minor Rapunzel/Eugene|Flynn

Written for @twosidesfanzine.

The banner and all spot art was done by @nosieposie! Please check out her page and see her main piece for the zine as well!

————————————————————————

Kairi half-mindedly wondered which world Sora would take her to as she leaned against the glass dome of the Gummi Ship, more focused on the space dust and starlight around them. 

Sora had promised her that she’d love every world they visited, and he had yet to be wrong. She was in no rush to see them all at once, but waking up and leaving on time that morning had been a first for Sora. He was determined to get there quickly, so whatever world it was must be good.

“I told you, it’s a secret,” he’d playfully reply every time she’d asked. It didn’t mean she’d stop trying. With all their teasing and laughing, their ship wouldn’t run out of fuel anytime soon.

Once they touched ground, gripping one another, Kairi barely had time to recover from teleporting before the world drew her in. The smell hit her first, of grass, bark, and wildflowers. Birdsong surrounded her, and Kairi didn’t have to guess what kind of world they’d landed in before opening her eyes.

The familiar oceanic breeze swept over her as she found herself standing on a narrow shore. Treetops and shimmering grassy hills stretched behind them, and across the bay before them sat a town built on a hill. Kairi turned to Sora, only to find him watching her in anticipation. 

“I love it,” she said with a cheer, and his head lifted with pride. 

He stepped forward and threw his arms out wide. “Welcome to the Kingdom of Corona!”

Sora being free and happy and…himself, filled Kairi with more joy than he knew.

She stared in awe as they walked along the shore to a stone bridge. Despite the kingdom’s size, the warm colors and atmosphere welcomed her in. Even along the narrow bridge, the cobblestone bustled with friendly faces and joyful chatter.

With several eyes turned to them and their other-worldly clothes—and Sora too busy watching Kairi to notice—Kairi teasingly pulled him aside and suggested they try to blend in. Lucky for them, clothing vendors lined the streets for some kind of festival.

Kairi fitted herself into a light pink corset dress, tight in all the right places while still fun and flowing. When Sora emerged from the changing tent, he sported a strapping dark brown vest covering a blue tunic and long, tan trousers.

In retaliation for all his staring, Kairi openly admired him. At heart, he maintained the joy of a child, but times like this reminded her of just how much he’d grown. When he found her and faltered in his steps, she wondered if he had similar thoughts.

Smiling, she approached and straightened his vest. “So fancy, but one thing’s missing.” Dipping her fingers beneath his collar, she sought his silver chain necklace and pulled the signature crown from underneath. “All better!”

“T-thanks.” He blushed under her attention, but made her red in return when he added, “You look beautiful, Kairi.”

A nearby flower vendor, excited over Kairi’s red hair, kindly offered to braid some pink and white flowers into it. She accepted and soon felt like she stood out even more. 

Before food vendors could grab her attention, Sora took her hand and led her to an open town square with a tall mural depicting—she assumed—the royal family. Below the mural sat a half-empty box of colored chalk. Sora took some pieces and turned to her excitedly.

“Let’s draw!”

She giggled and took a yellow piece. Together, they found untouched cobblestones and began drawing. Without looking, Kairi guessed what Sora chose to make and risked matching it. Sure enough, when they revealed their pieces to one another, two paopu fruits extended to sketched versions of themselves, just like in the Secret Place.

They caught one another’s gaze and smiled, sharing a non-verbal how did you know? between themselves.

Kairi broke the silence when she shrugged and said, “If only they sold paopu fruit here.”

“I have something else planned for dinner anyways.” Sora winked.

Before Kairi could ask, live music began to play nearby—bright string and wind instruments trading the melody. Sora perked up, grabbed Kairi’s hand, and pulled her towards the sound, forgetting about their chalk-covered hands.

Already, a crowd of townsfolk had gathered, clapping and dancing along with the music. 

“Don’t worry, it’s easy,” Sora said as he encouraged her further into the crowd. Kairi would never refuse a dance with Sora, so she followed eagerly when he spun her in close. Despite the free style of it all, the dance had some structure to the steps and spins. “When the music signals, we change partners.”

Kairi pouted playfully. “But what if I want to keep dancing with you?”

“I wish.” Sora leaned in closer and reassured her. “I’ll find you by the end, promise.”

It was good enough for Kairi. She nodded with a smile, and soon the music picked up. With a wink, Sora spun her away and released her hand.

She found the gaze of an older blond man and, with an open-handed invitation, initiated the next dance. This continued for several more rounds, and she traded both male and female partners. So many people were dancing that Kairi never had the same partner twice.

Each one seemed eager to dance with her, until she flew into the arms of a tall, handsome man. His gaze wandered over the crowd, obviously looking for a specific person. Kairi cleared her throat to get his attention.

“Sorry.” He shot her a charming smile before beginning the dance. “Not that you’re not a lovely young lady, but I’d like to make my way over to dance with my wife next round.” He gestured with his head over to the side. “The jumpy brunette, can’t miss her.”

Sure enough, Kairi spotted the woman twirling and dancing with more energy than anyone else. Laughing alongside her as she danced—coincidentally—was Sora. Pride filled Kairi’s chest, not only from Sora getting to be himself, but also spreading that joy to others. He tended to have that effect on people. 

“Of course.” Kairi turned back to her dance partner with a smile and followed his lead. 

When the music crescendoed, her partner prepared to spin her out of reach, but froze.

“Sora?!” he asked, puzzled.

Kairi turned, and recognition showed on Sora’s face.

“Eugene, look who it is!” His wife grabbed Sora’s arm and pulled them all out of the crowd.

“You know Sora?” Kairi asked, unsurprised considering Sora made friends everywhere he went.

“We sure do, gosh it’s been years!” The woman beamed. “You must be a friend of Sora’s too?”

At that point, Sora swooped between them and put his arm around Kairi. “More than a friend actually,” he said proudly with his whole heart. “Rapunzel, Eugene, this is Kairi. Kairi, these are my friends here. Rapunzel is the princess!”

“Nice to meet you.” Kairi smiled and offered her hand to each of them.

Eugene took her hand and bowed apologetically. “If I’d known you were with Sora, I wouldn’t have brushed you off. Sorry about that.”

“I can’t blame a man for wanting to dance with his wife.” Kairi winked.

“Wife?!” Sora startled beside her. “You guys got married? Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Rapunzel giggled and shared a knowing look with Eugene before showing off her ring. “I was about to.”

Grinning, Sora pulled them all into a group hug, mumbling congratulations into their shoulders.

Pleasantries were cut short, however, when the clock struck the hour. Sora pulled back. “I’d love to keep dancing, but we’ve got a dinner reservation.”

“We do?” Kairi asked.

Rapunzel and Eugene chuckled, sharing another look before Rapunzel spoke. “Don’t let us keep you from your fun. Enjoy the Festival of Lights, and visit the castle before you leave, okay?”

“We will,” Sora promised, then Rapunzel swept Eugene back into the fray.

“You reserved dinner?” Kairi teased.

“It’s a surprise.”

With that, Sora led Kairi through the town until they reached a restaurant on the water. With a look of recognition, the host led them past the main dining area, up a narrow flight of stairs, and through double doors to a balcony outfitted with a single table. Candles lit the environment against the evening as they took their seats. 

Kairi could feel Sora watching her just as he’d been doing all day, priding himself on her reactions. Soon, the chef came out and personally served them the prepared dinner, a golden braided pasta dish. Maybe it was just the brightly colored flowers accenting the food or the rich scent of lemon and parmesan, but it seemed to hold a glow on its own.

“Rapunzel’s Gemelli,” the chef explained. “A dish named for the princess, inspired by how her long golden hair first captivated the kingdom and lifted our spirits.”

As lovely as the dish’s presentation was, it smelled even more delightful and didn’t keep the pair from digging in for long. The perfect al dente noodles mixed satisfyingly with the lemon garlic sauce, leaving behind a citrus tingle. Before she knew it, Kairi was halfway through, singing its praises with Sora the whole time.

Then Kairi paused for a moment, recalling the chef’s words. She could see how the pasta could resemble hair, and no doubt Rapunzel’s presence would inspire any artisan. But one detail confused her.

Kairi leaned closer to Sora and asked, “Isn’t Rapunzel…a brunette?”

Realization crossed his expression and he lowered his fork. Kairi had a feeling there was a story to this.

“She is now, but it wasn’t that way before. Her hair used to hold Light, so it was golden. If it was cut, it’d lose its magic, so you can imagine how long it used to be.” Sora chuckled at that last bit.

The mental image both amused and bewildered Kairi. She’d heard of magic living in strange places, but never someone’s hair. Then, the connection with the royal family mural clicked.

“So…why’d she cut it?”

Sora’s gaze fell, as did his smile. “She didn’t. Eugene did. An evil woman held Rapunzel hostage, using her hair to stay young forever. Eugene tried to rescue her but was injured. Instead of letting Rapunzel use her hair to heal him, he cut it to set her free.”

“How heroic and selfless.” Kairi leaned on her hand, fully enraptured by the story. 

Sora nodded in agreement. “Without magic, the evil woman died, and Eugene nearly did too. But there was just enough Light left to help Rapunzel’s love bring him back.” He shook his head. “I witnessed the whole thing. He was willing to sacrifice himself for her freedom.”

Kairi giggled lightly and reached across the table to brush his hand. “Reminds me of someone else I know.”

Sora smiled bashfully. “I could say the same. At that point, I already knew that I loved you. But after witnessing that, then seeing you use your Light to save me—and everyone—after that wave of Heartless…I realized that maybe you loved me too.”

His gaze drifted, fixating on painful memories, so Kairi squeezed his hand to return him to the present. “You were right, and I still do.” She smiled. “Thank you for taking me here. I can see why you chose this day.”

Sora glanced out the balcony for a moment before turning back to her with a gentle smile. “There’s one more thing tonight.”

But they’d already done so much. Wordlessly, Sora stood and led her to the railing. Below, the water shimmered, and the evening sky opened above. The kingdom darkened with the setting sun.

Kairi held onto Sora and followed his gaze up to the castle. Suddenly, a single light dotted the sky from the top balcony. A golden lantern. 

She watched as it slowly floated up and away from the castle. A moment later the entire kingdom was illuminated as hundreds of identical lanterns were simultaneously lit and released into the sky. Before she knew it, they were all around her, so numerous that she couldn’t tell they were lanterns anymore. They reminded her of the lights that fell upon Destiny Islands as it reformed before her eyes.

Sora stepped aside and offered an unlit lantern. She held the fragile paper in her hands while he lit it with a simple fire spell. 

“These lights once called Rapunzel away from her captor and back to her kingdom,” Sora said. “In the same way, you’ve called me back. Rapunzel’s home now, and thanks to you, I think I am too.”

For all the words Kairi had written to Sora over the years, she now stood speechless while holding the warming lantern. All she could do was smile and try to fight back the tears that she knew Sora could see in the light.

He held the lantern with her, and together they released it to join the symphony of floating lights above them. Empty hands soon found one another as the couple allowed the evening’s peace to fill them. Kairi silently vowed to always guide him home, while praying she’d never have to again.

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Epilogue:

The sights, smells, and sounds when first landing in the Kingdom of Corona would never grow old to Kairi. Even all these years later, the same wildflowers bloomed as the trees around them grew taller, and she swore the birds passed their melodies down to their offspring. It was so different from their home, yet it filled both Sora and Kairi with a similar peace. Some years had made it more difficult to travel than others, but for the past ten years, Sora and Kairi had always set time aside to visit Rapunzel’s kingdom for the Festival of Lights. The two couples had become close friends, and the continued tradition was living proof that the worlds were safe and healing. Above all else, the jubilee made them feel like kids again, not that Sora ever needed help. His childlike wonder never left him, a trait Kairi loved about him more and more each day. Even now, as their eldest bound down the grassy hillside, Sora’s competitive urge overtook him, and a race ensued. Another clung shyly to Kairi’s skirt for a moment before the hill called to him as well, leaving Kairi alone with the small bundle against her chest to take in the view. Cobblestone paths withstood years of heavy traffic, and besides some homes and fishing docks being built along the shore, much of the kingdom remained the same.The local shopkeepers, who simply knew them as visitors from another kingdom far away, had begun to recognize them after a few years, and greeted them more warmly with each visit. Kairi bought a bundle of primrose and gently tucked a stem into her daughter’s beanie so it poked out just above her ear. She smiled at the sight as her winded family joined her side. “Welcome to the Kingdom of Corona.”

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A/N: Thank you so much for reading, and Happy Holidays! I'm later to publishing this piece than I normally would be, but I still want to take a moment to express my whole-hearted appreciation to the @twosidesfanzine team for accepting me to this project, to @phoenix-downer for beta-reading this piece at every step and offering invaluable feedback, to Liv for formatting the final product, to adri(@/faedriana on twitter) for the delicious gemelli recipe, to @nosieposie for the beautiful banner and spot art that helped bring this story to life, and to every zine contributor who read and reviewed this piece while it was in-progress,.

Some author's notes for anyone interested: Tangled is my favorite Disney movie. As soon as I knew I'd be writing for this world, I knew I wanted to have Sora and Kairi visit the Festival of Lights a few years post-KH3 (a trip to the Snuggly Duckling was tempting too). Even though Sora and Kairi didn't get to enjoy the festival in canon (yet), I knew that these two would fit perfectly into the world with Rapunzel and Eugene. Both couples are so romantic but also silly and fun-loving. It was a challenge to stay under the word limit because the possibilities are limitless with the Festival of Lights. Ultimately, I knew SoKai would never resist a dance, and I thought the idea for the Secret Place sketches with the street chalk would be really cute too.

I also wanted to draw on the themes of Tangled, which are very similar to that of Kingdom Hearts. Light is more than just photons, instead acting as an ensouling entity and a powerful source of magic, symbolizing healing, goodness, and purity. The title, "Love and Light", comes from the fact that the two forces often intermingle and strengthen one another. Rapunzel's love for Eugene not only drove her to trade her freedom for a chance to heal him, but it allowed her last drop of Light to bring him from death. Likewise, Kairi's pure heart of Light and love for Sora restored him from his Heartless form, brought him and Riku from the Realm of Darkness, and saved him and the other Warriors of Light after they were first defeated by Organization XIII. Sora himself drew this connection when, as Kairi led him hand-in-hand to safety, he recalled witnessing Rapunzel save Eugene. In my opinion, this is when Sora realized Kairi loved him as more than just a friend. This is also why I chose to have Sora and Kairi be in an established relationship for this story. After that "light in the darkness" scene in KH3, the barriers between them began to fall. They were holding hands and hugging like crazy (thank you, ReMind). After a few years, especially after Sora returns/is rescued from Quadratum, it's safe to assume they're well-established ;)

I believe there's also a parallel between the lanterns' lights calling Rapunzel home, and Kairi's light guiding Sora home. We don't know how Sora will find his way home from Quadratum yet, but I'm hoping the Light from Kairi's heart plays a primary role, as she always has in the past.

[weandthecolor]

“Daydreaming”: Ricardo Gonzalez’s Captivating Mural at Hoodoo Mural Festival

More here.

Follow WE AND THE COLOR on: Facebook I Twitter I Pinterest I YouTube I Instagram I Reddit

[remy-lupin]

Theme: Pride Month

For my lgbtq+ best friends and my friends online and anyone else I do not know yet <3

person A nervously joins person B at their first Pride Parade. The day is filled with vibrant colors, cheers, and acceptance, and by the end, person A feels an overwhelming sense of belonging and joy, their hand lingering in person B’s.

person A decides to come out to their family during Pride Month, and person B is by their side every step of the way. Their unwavering support and encouragement help person A find the courage to be true to themselves.

person A and person B collaborate on a Pride Month project, such as painting a mural or organizing a charity event. Through their shared efforts, they deepen their bond and celebrate their identities together.

person A plans a surprise Pride-themed date for person B, complete with rainbow decorations, themed snacks, and a cozy evening watching LGBTQ+ movies. person B is touched by the thoughtfulness and love behind the gesture.

person A and person B participate in a Pride Month photoshoot, capturing their love and pride in a series of beautiful, candid photos. The experience strengthens their relationship and creates lasting memories.

person A and person B volunteer together to give talks at local schools about LGBTQ+ history and rights. Sharing their stories and educating others brings them closer and reinforces their commitment to advocacy.

person A and person B run a booth at a local Pride festival, offering information, resources, and handmade Pride merchandise. Their teamwork and shared enthusiasm make the event a huge success.

During Pride Month, person A struggles with acceptance from their family. person B provides unwavering support, organizing a small, intimate celebration to remind person A they are loved and valued just as they are.

person A creates a Pride Month playlist filled with empowering and uplifting LGBTQ+ anthems. person B listens to it, feeling deeply connected and seen by person A's thoughtful gesture.

person A and person B spend an evening reflecting on their journey, discussing how far they've come and what Pride Month means to them. This heartfelt conversation strengthens their bond and reaffirms their love and support for one another.

[canadianno]

I am eating your au. Devouring it. I continue on with questions;

How are the bishops with their own domains (prior to the lamb killing em)

Do you have an idea of what the faiths/cultures were like in their domains?

How do the bishops feel about narinder now?

I continue with the yapping below the cut! Yet again! Roan I love you so much rn!!!!

How are the bishops with their own domains prior to their first death...

Well, it's important to note that in the time of 5 bishops, the realms were of Order, Sate, Cure, Peace and Death. After Narinders' attack, however, the 4 realms were Chaos, Famine, Pestilence and War.

As one can imagine, this is because something was now Horribly Wrong!

The bishops became paranoid, angry, afraid. They believed themselves to be safe from Narinder for a few centuries, until Shamura received word of prophecy from Haro- a lamb would come along, new bearer of the red crown. Suitably, the bishops lost their shit and became ever more strict. Tradition was cast aside for the sake of hunting down every single sheep, their people indoctrinated into the armies en-masse, those who weren't were threatened with death if they were caught harboring sheep at all. The lands of the old faith were riddled with fear, seeded by the betrayal of their beloved brother.

Darkwood traditions consisted of mostly aligning events with celestial patterns- Leshy was the best at watching the stars, after all. Full moon rituals full of flowers and mead, ceremonies to wish a constellation a good rest every winter as it dips below the horizon, and celebrations every spring as it rises. Their traditions were routine- orderly if you will. Part of everyday life.

Anura traditions centered alot around singing and alot around food. Heket was known for her enchanting voice, leading tables of feasts in songs before, during and after their meal. Farming traditions were common here- bury the baby teeth of your eldest below your barn before its built, and your crops stored inside will never go sour. Things like that!

Anchordeep traditions were centered around art and storytelling. Kallamar was known to host the best speeches of all the bishops. They bore large extravagant festivals, waters dyed hundreds of colors, crystal walls painted with murals of stories that were planned to be told. It was tradition in Anchordeep for history to be passed down mouth to mouth, as books do not store well in wet climates.

Silk Cradle traditions consisted mostly of older traditions of gods past- traditions inherited to the oldest of the realms. Their bishop had the best memory, of course, and was alive to see the traditions past in their prime. Traditions varied, and Silk Cradle never really had specific traditions of their own, developed for themselves. They do have a few, however. It's always good luck to spin the wheel of your spindle thrice before you sit down to spin. Good fortune comes to those whos' hair/fur braids without getting knotted. It's traditional to confess feelings to lovers under the watch of a crescent moon.

[grusik]

Highwood, Illinois by drew*in*chicago

[chinesehanfu]

【Historical Artifacts Reference】

Murals in the Tomb of Princess Xin Chang, Liquan County, Shaanxi Province/陕西省礼泉县新城长公主墓壁画 （663 AD）

[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907AD) Traditional Clothing Hanfu & Hairstyle Based On Relics Murals in the Tomb of Tang Princess Xin Chang

Women’s Clothing, Hairstyle in the Early Tang Dynasty Period （663 AD）

—————-

【History Note】

After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, with the completion of the great unification and the recovery of the social economy, the stable status of a big country brought a confident and enlightened cultural atmosphere, which was fully reflected in clothing and social customs.

At that time, all the noble ladies in the palace liked towering hairstyles, and advocating slender clothing was the fashion, showing a tall and elegant temperament as a whole. In such popular aesthetics, the combination of high buns and inter-color skirt became all the rage and became a representative attire in the early Tang Dynasty.

In addition, the makeup gradually deviates from the relatively plain style in the past, and develops into more gorgeousness. The red makeup that put on the cheeks becomes thicker and the range gradually expands. The shape of eyebrows has changed from slender eyebrows to bold thick eyebrows, and face decorations such as Huadian(花钿) and XieHong斜红() are also more prominent.

※ Huadian(花钿) ：traditional Chinese ornamental forehead makeup

※ XieHong (斜红) ： a special kind of face decoration in ancient times. When dressing up, a red crescent is drawn on both sides of a woman’s eyes.

In this set of attire, the model hair in a double bun, wears a narrow-sleeved blouse with brocade margins on the inside, half-sleeves with brocade margins on the outside, and a inter-color skirt,a light gauze wrap around her body. It was a popular dress in the Tang Palace during this period.

On the occasion of the Spring Festival, 裝束复原 Team wishes more people get to know about the traditional Chinese costume culture. At the same time, wish every friends around the world have a happy New Year!

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Recreation Work： @裝束复原 ​​​ & @桑纈

🔗Weibo：https://weibo.com/1656910125/Mpl9wlxE5

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[richincolor]

9 QTPoC books for your 2023 Pride Month TBR

Happy Pride Month! Every year, I do a little round-up of YA books starring LGBTQ and BIPOC characters that have come out so far this year. This year was particularly exciting -- there were so many books that I loved or have at the very top of my TBR! So, without further ado, here's 9 of them for your TBR!

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

On Mar León-de la Rosa's 16th birthday, el Diablo comes calling. Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen pirate hiding a magical ability to manipulate fire and ice. But their magic isn't enough to reverse a wicked bargain made by their father and now el Diablo has come to collect his payment: the soul of Mar's father and the entire crew of their ship. When Mar is miraculously rescued by the sole remaining pirate crew in the Caribbean, el Diablo returns to give them a choice: give up your soul to save your father by the Harvest Moon or never see him again. The task is impossible--Mar refuses to make a bargain and there's no way their magic is any match for el Diablo. Then, Mar finds the most unlikely allies: Bas, an infuriatingly arrogant and handsome pirate -- and the captain's son; and Dami, a genderfluid demonio whose motives are never quite clear. For the first time in their life, Mar may have the courage to use their magic. It could be their only redemption -- or it could mean certain death.

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians in this heartfelt, joyful paperback original rom-com that follows an aspiring chef who discovers the recipe for love is more complicated than it seems when he starts fake-dating a handsome new customer.

Dylan Tang wants to win a Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake-making competition for teen chefs—in memory of his mom, and to bring much-needed publicity to his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn.

Enter Theo Somers: charming, wealthy, with a smile that makes Dylan’s stomach do backflips. AKA a distraction. Their worlds are sun-and-moon apart, but Theo keeps showing up. He even convinces Dylan to be his fake date at a family wedding in the Hamptons. In Theo’s glittering world of pomp, privilege, and crazy rich drama, their romance is supposed to be just pretend... but Dylan finds himself falling for Theo. For real. Then Theo’s relatives reveal their true colors—but with the mooncake contest looming, Dylan can’t risk being sidetracked by rich-people problems.Can Dylan save his family’s business and follow his heart—or will he fail to do both?

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa Aristotle and Dante meets The Hate U Give meets The Sun Is Also A Star: A stunning YA contemporary love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy.

Finding home. Falling in love. Fighting to belong. The Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, is all Ander Martínez has ever known. The smell of pan dulce. The mixture of Spanish and English filling the streets. And, especially their job at their family's taquería. It's the place that has inspired Ander as a muralist, and, as they get ready to leave for art school, it's all of these things that give them hesitancy. That give them the thought, are they ready to leave it all behind?

To keep Ander from becoming complacent during their gap year, their family "fires" them so they can transition from restaurant life to focusing on their murals and prepare for college. That is, until they meet Santiago López Alvarado, the hot new waiter. Falling for each other becomes as natural as breathing. Through Santi's eyes, Ander starts to understand who they are and want to be as an artist, and Ander becomes Santi's first steps toward making Santos Vista and the United States feel like home. Until ICE agents come for Santi, and Ander realizes how fragile that sense of home is. How love can only hold on so long when the whole world is against them. And when, eventually, the world starts to win.

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran A house with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.

When Jade Nguyen arrives in Vietnam for a visit with her estranged father, she has one goal: survive five weeks pretending to be a happy family in the French colonial house Ba is restoring. She’s always lied to fit in, so if she’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough, she can get out with the college money he promised. But the house has other plans. Night after night, Jade wakes up paralyzed. The walls exude a thrumming sound, while bugs leave their legs and feelers in places they don’t belong. She finds curious traces of her ancestors in the gardens they once tended. And at night Jade can’t ignore the ghost of the beautiful bride who leaves her cryptic warnings: Don’t eat.

Neither Ba nor her sweet sister Lily believe that there is anything strange happening. With help from a delinquent girl, Jade will prove this house—the home her family has always wanted—will not rest until it destroys them. Maybe, this time, she can keep her family together. As she roots out the house’s rot, she must also face the truth of who she is and who she must become to save them all.

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore, Elliott McLemore Keep your enemy closer.

Cade McKenna is a transgender prince who’s doubling for his brother. Valencia Palafox is a young dama attending the future queen of Eliana. Gael Palma is the infamous boy assassin Cade has vowed to protect. Patrick McKenna is the reluctant heir to a kingdom, and the prince Gael has vowed to destroy. Cade doesn’t know that Gael and Valencia are the same person. Valencia doesn��t know that every time she thinks she’s fighting Patrick, she’s fighting Cade. And when Cade and Valencia blame each other for a devastating enchantment that takes both their families, neither of them realizes that they have far more dangerous enemies.

Cowritten by married writing team Anna-Marie and Elliott McLemore, this is a lush and powerful YA novel about owning your power and becoming who you really are - no matter the cost.

You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie A queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy .

Valentina “Vale” Castillo-Green’s life revolves around soccer. Her friends, her future, and her father’s intense expectations are all wrapped up in the beautiful game. But after she incites a fight during playoffs with her long-time rival, Leticia Ortiz, everything she’s been working toward seems to disappear.

Embarrassed and desperate to be anywhere but home, Vale escapes to her beloved childhood soccer camp for a summer of relaxation and redemption…only to find out that she and the endlessly aggravating Leticia will be co-captaining a team that could play in front of college scouts. But the competition might be stiffer than expected, so unless they can get their rookie team’s act together, this second chance―and any hope of playing college soccer―will slip through Vale’s fingers. When the growing pressure, friendship friction, and her overbearing father push Vale to turn to Leticia for help, what starts off as a shaky alliance of necessity begins to blossom into something more through a shared love of soccer. . . and maybe each other.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush - perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy!

“Welcome to the first ever Junior Irish Baking Show!”

Shireen Malik is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true! Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

Things get complicated, though, because Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the very outgoing Niamh, a fellow contestant who is becoming fast friends with Shireen. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen. As the competition intensifies, Shireen will have to ignore all these factors and more― including potential sabotage―if she wants a sweet victory!

My Dear Henry by Kalynn Bayron In this gothic YA remix of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, a teen boy tries to discover the reason behind his best friend's disappearance—and the arrival of a mysterious and magnetic stranger—in misty Victorian London.

London, 1885. Gabriel Utterson, a 17-year-old law clerk, has returned to London for the first time since his life— and that of his dearest friend, Henry Jekyll—was derailed by a scandal that led to his and Henry's expuslion from the London Medical School. Whispers about the true nature of Gabriel and Henry's relationship have followed the boys for two years, and now Gabriel has a chance to start again. But Gabriel doesn't want to move on, not without Henry. His friend has become distant and cold since the disastrous events of the prior spring, and now his letters have stopped altogether. Desperate to discover what's become of him, Gabriel takes to watching the Jekyll house.

In doing so, Gabriel meets Hyde, a a strangely familiar young man with white hair and a magnetic charisma. He claims to be friends with Henry, and Gabriel can't help but begin to grow jealous at their apparent closeness, especially as Henry continues to act like Gabriel means nothing to him. But the secret behind Henry's apathy is only the first part of a deeper mystery that has begun to coalesce. Monsters of all kinds prowl within the London fog—and not all of them are out for blood...

As You Walk On By by Julian Winters The Breakfast Club meets Can't Hardly Wait with an unforgettable ensemble cast in another swoony YA contemporary from award-winning author Julian Winters!

Seventeen-year-old Theo Wright has it all figured out. His plan (well, more like his dad's plan) is a foolproof strategy that involves exceling at his magnet school, getting scouted by college recruiters, and going to Duke on athletic scholarship. But for now, all Theo wants is a perfect prom night. After his best friend Jay dares Theo to prompose to his crush at Chloe Campbell's party, Theo's ready to throw caution to the wind and take his chances.

But when the promposal goes epically wrong, Theo seeks refuge in an empty bedroom while the party rages on downstairs. Having an existential crisis about who he really is with and without his so-called best friend wasn't on tonight's agenda. Though, as the night goes on, Theo finds he's not as alone as he thinks when, one by one, new classmates join him to avoid who they're supposed be outside the bedroom door. Among them, a familiar acquaintance, a quiet outsider, an old friend, and a new flame . . .

[themakeupbrush]

Miss Supranational Curaçao 2023 National Costume

KAYA KAYA

Kaya Kaya is a community building tool in Curaçao, focusing on the clean up & beautification of the 'Otrobanda' district. Kaya Kaya is a one day festival, however in the months leading up to the festival we engage and work together with the neighborhood to transform the area with art, colorful murals, music, culture and more. The Festival also aims at boosting the economic, social and cultural opportunities of the district by providing a platform for vendors and artists from- and outside the district. Celebrate 'Kaya Kaya' in Curaçao

[ashwritesmonsters]

The Thru-Hiker (interlude)

Female Reader x Male Mothperson (Desmond)

Prev: [Part 1] Next: [Part 2]

Words: 2k

Note: Just thought I'd put out something sorta cute and short to set up for the rest of Desmond's story! There's more coming, I'm just slow 😭

Long before Willow Grove wakes, Martha has already begun her day. The sky is still painted with stars when she ascends the spiral stairs of the old lighthouse.

Inside her cozy studio, built into the circular brick room just below where the lighthouse's lamp used to be, she brushes a hand over her equipment, the cool metal as familiar and comforting as an old friend.

She pours herself a steaming cup of coffee blacker than night. With the practiced ease of decades, Martha adjusts her headphones, the soft padding a familiar weight against her silver-streaked hair. She takes a moment to gaze out of the window at the slowly brightening sky. From here, she can see the town stirring to life - an early bird Selkie heading out to the sea, the night-shift Mothman flying home, a Lupine yawning on a porch.

As she takes her last sip of coffee, she turns the dials on her control panel, and with a deep breath, she begins another day in Willow Grove. The gentle crackle of the airwaves, then her voice, warm and comforting, fills the silence.

"Good morning, Willow Grove! It's your favorite voice, Martha, back again to brighten up your morning here on WG 98.5. What's the buzz around town, you ask? Well, let's dive in with the morning news!

Remember the Langston's garden gnome that mysteriously disappeared last week? Yes, that cherubic one with the red pointy hat. Well, it's been found! Our mayor's son, Desmond, found it perched on a pine tree during his nightly flight. Nothing like some harmless mischief to add a dash of excitement to our lives, isn't it?

Now, our Selkie friend, Bella, deserves some applause. She's just returned from a successful sardine run. Ah, to be blessed with such fresh catch for the upcoming town bake-off! Do drop by the dock to show some love. I'm sure she's got something delicious in the works.

On the Lupine side of things, have you seen the majestic new mural on the side of the grocer's? Talented painter and Lupine, Marla, has been adding the finishing touches under the moonlight. Don't miss it when you're in town for groceries, it's a true masterpiece.

Now, for the drumroll, folks! In just under two weeks, our favorite time of the year will be upon us. That's right, the annual Founding Festival is right around the corner! I can already taste the moon cakes and hear the shell flutes piping. Mothpeople, Selkies, Lupines, and Humans alike, let's get ready to celebrate the vibrant tapestry that makes Willow Grove our home. So, mark your calendars, folks!

That's all for the morning roundup, Willow Grove. Let's have a splendid day and remember - keep your smiles wide and your hearts open. Martha, signing off. Now, the music."

***

As you stand at the edge of Willow Grove, your heart swells with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The last leg of your hike along the Appalachian Trail has left you feeling haggard, your once-neat hiking outfit now with far too many holes, and the straps of your camera bag digging into your shoulders. But as you gaze upon the town, you can't help but feel that it was all worth it.

"Here goes nothing," you whisper to yourself, taking a deep breath and stepping onto the cobblestone streets.

The quaint charm of the town immediately envelopes you. The buildings are an eclectic mix of architectural styles – from Victorian cottages to modern storefronts, each adorned with colorful shutters and planter boxes overflowing with flowers. The scent of fresh-baked bread wafts through the air, tempting you to forget everything and eat your way into a carb coma.

"Wow," you murmur under your breath, already feeling your weary limbs lightening at the sight of this picturesque haven. It's unlike any place you've ever been before, and yet, it feels strangely like home.

You walk further into town, your eyes drinking in the lush, wooded surroundings. Leaves of every shade of green rustle gently above you, casting dappled sunlight onto the cobbled path. Birds flit between the branches, their cheerful melodies sounding suspiciously like a welcome. You can't resist snapping a few photos with your trusty film camera, capturing the beauty of this magical place. Maybe Desmond would like these shots; perhaps he'd be proud that you followed through on your promise to visit his hometown.

"Keep it together," you chide yourself, shaking off the butterflies threatening to take flight in your stomach. "You came here for a fresh start, remember?"

But even as you remind yourself of your initial intentions, there's no denying that the thought of possibly bumping into Desmond again sends a thrill down your spine. You went on this insane journey seeking solace in nature and photography after the breakup, but now that you're here, the possibility of rekindling things with Desmond is too close to ignore.

"Focus," you tell yourself firmly, snapping one last photo of a particularly charming ivy-covered house before making your way further into town. "You're here for you, not just for him."

With that in mind, you continue your exploration of Willow Grove, utterly enchanted by its beauty and magic. And as you wander the streets, camera in hand, you can't help but feel that maybe – just maybe – this place is exactly what you need.

"Excuse me," you approach a group of friendly-looking townsfolk, hoping they can point you in the direction of a place to stay. "I just arrived in town and was wondering if there's an inn or something nearby?"

"Of course!" one woman replies with a warm smile. "There's a lovely little bed and breakfast run by a Lupine named Evangeline. It's just down the road, on the left side."

"Thank you," you say gratefully, already feeling welcomed by their kindness.

"By the way," another person chimes in, "You're just in time for our Founding Festival! We're all getting ready for it, so there's a lot of excitement around town."

"Sounds like fun," you reply, imagining the celebrations and camaraderie that must come with a big event in a small town. "I'll definitely check it out."

With their directions in mind, you continue on your way, finding yourself in the town square not long after. A weathered, important-looking statue stands at its center, depicting a Mothman, a Selkie, and a Lupine, all standing tall and proud in unity. The plaque at its base is weathered to the point of being near-unreadable, but it's easy to gather that the town has been quite diverse ever since its founding hundreds of years ago.

Around the statue, townsfolk are busy setting up stalls and decorations, their laughter and cheerfulness filling the air. You can't help but feel a sense of belonging in this close-knit community, and the anticipation of the upcoming festival only fuels your excitement. You raise your camera to your eye, and unlike people in the big cities, the townsfolk don't mind that you're snapping a picture with them in it. If anything, you think they smile a little wider.

After taking in the scene, you make your way to the bed and breakfast, finding it as charming and inviting as described. The scent of fresh-baked bread wafts through the air as you enter, and a fire crackles in the hearth, welcoming you with its warmth. You can't help but smile as you approach the front desk, where a friendly Lupine woman greets you, her fur dark brown and shiny. She's slightly hunched over in a way that makes you think either the ceiling is low or she is huge.

"Welcome to my bed and breakfast," she says with a kind smile, tactfully baring only the faintest hint of her sharp teeth. "I'm Evangeline. How can I help you?"

"Hi, Evangeline," you reply, returning her smile. "I'd like to book a room for a couple of weeks, if that's possible."

"Of course! We have plenty of availability." She begins the check-in process by pulling out an actual paper and pen with her paws, and you feel a sense of relief knowing you've found a place to call home during your time in Willow Grove.

As you settle into your new lodgings, the excitement of the upcoming Founding Festival mingles with the possibility of seeing Desmond again. You remind yourself not to let that prospect overshadow the personal journey you're on, but there's no denying the allure of reconnecting with him. For now, though, you focus on the present — immersing yourself in the charm of Willow Grove, camera always at the ready for picture-perfect moments in this picture-perfect town.

The late afternoon sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room as you close the door behind you. Your new temporary sanctuary is cozy, with a plush bed and antique wooden dresser, adorned with framed photos of Willow Grove's natural beauty. The anticipation of meeting Desmond again brings a fluttery sensation to your chest, like butterflies dancing between each heartbeat.

"Alright," you say to yourself, trying to shake off the nerves. "Get it together."

As you unpack your belongings, your thoughts drift back to the night you shared with Desmond on the trail. In the grand scheme of things, it was so brief and quick. But between the vulnerability you both had exposed to each other and the heartfelt conversation around the fire (and the mind-blowing sex), you couldn't help but feel drawn to him. So deeply drawn to him that you were here now.

"Wish I could've called ahead," you mutter, placing your camera on the dresser. "Would that have been less... weird?"

You pause, staring at your reflection in the mirror above the dresser. A tired but determined face gazes back, and you take a deep breath. You paid for two weeks in this room—there's no turning back now.

"Okay, let's think this through," you tell yourself, sitting on the bed. "If Desmond thinks I'm crazy for coming here, I'll just... deal with it. We're both adults. Right? Besides, I didn't come all this way just for him. I came for me too."

You shuck off your dirty windbreaker, shaking your head. You're too tired to think things through. You lay back on the bed, the soft mattress embracing you like a specific long lost lover. The tiredness you feel goes beyond the physical. You're mentally and physically exhausted from living like a cavewoman the past few months. But here, in this cozy little room, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Willow Grove, you finally feel a sense of peace. The kind of peace that comes from being in a place that feels like home, even if it's your first time being here.

As you close your eyes, you think of Desmond, his chitinous features and piercing carnelian eyes. You can almost feel his touch again, his mandibles on your lips, his strong arms wrapped around your body, his proboscis... elsewhere. You let out a sigh, knowing that there's no point in kidding yourself. You came here for Desmond, and Desmond alone. You're not sure where things stand between the two of you, but you know that there's a connection between you that can't be ignored. Even if it makes you look a little crazy. Okay, a lot crazy.

But for now, you allow yourself to drift into a peaceful slumber. This is the first real bed you've slept in for months, and tomorrow, you'll take the first real shower in months. And also apologize to the kind Lupine lady downstairs for getting your filth all over the sheets.