#dock beetle

[kittehbiscuits]

Doc Ock Beetlejuice... aughh... I rendered something for the first time in a really long time and I am very sleepy now uhhnsncjk I hopenyou like the gtuy

[owormy]

dock beetle 🪲

[heather-rajendran]

Green dock beetle (Gastrophysa viridula) photo I took on Friday

[dansnaturepictures]

A look back on my 2024: Part 2 of 3-Mammals, dragonflies and damselflies, beetles and others

Another very strong mammalian year in which I saw my highest ever amount of species in a year centred on adorable Red Squirrels as I was lucky to observe them in Scotland and on Brownsea Island. Scotland was an incredible time with so many mammals observed; Stoat and Brown Hare adding to the magic of the wild cottage with lots of wildlife around to see that we stayed in and simply breathtaking wild experiences watching Bottlenose Dolphins on the Moray coast and a Mountain Hare in the Highlands. Roe Deer at the cottage and Red Deer during the week were other highlights with both species key to my year overall with amazing local Roe Deer views and the Bushy Park Red Deer and Fallow Deer experience which was great again in September. I had an amazing year for Stoats seeing two at Rutland Water in July as well and as my fortunes of seeing these species has taken an upturn the past year and a half we got fantastic Weasel views at Bempton Cliffs. We saw Field Voles really well there and got exceptional immersive views of Grey Seals at Flamborough Head. It was a splendid seal year with superb views of Common Seals on the Beaulieu River and in Newtown Harbour on the Isle of Wight on a boat trip in a strong run of mammals standing out in September. A Water Shrew was a surprise first for me as I waded through a flooded path at RSPB Radipole Lake in January and I was overjoyed to see a Water Vole at Rutland Water. Closer to home Fallow Deer and Sika Deer have been great to see in Hampshire and Dorset, with impressive home views of Hedgehogs and I had a magical year of observing beautiful Foxes with top sightings at Southsea and Hook-with-Warsash.

Perhaps unexpectedly again with similar to butterflies as mentioned in my last post a few species I really needed to work for this year I saw my highest ever amount of dragonflies and damselflies this year. It was a green dream for odonata in 2024 with a big moment seeing my first ever Downy Emerald dragonfly at Bentley Wood in May and both Emerald Damselfly and Willow Emerald Damselfly seen at Thurley and Fishlake Meadows respectively. Common, Ruddy and Black Darter gave me thrilling moments this year as did Black-tailed Skimmer with an especially good view of a female at Testwood Lakes and Keeled Skimmer. I was captivated by watching Golden-ringed Dragonflies at Winnall Moors, Testwood Lakes and Fen Bog Nature Reserve. Hawkers owned the summer with a strong couple of months or so seeing Migrant Hawkers and Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker enjoyed too. Azure, Blue-tailed and Large Red Damselflies were also very pleasant to see.

Beetles I suppose took another step up in importance for me this year as I kept a year list of ones I could identify for the first time ever recording twenty species. Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil, Violet Oil Beetle, Bloody-nosed Beetle, Tawny Longhorn beetle and Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle were some of my favourite finds. Once again cantharis rustic soldier beetle, Common Red Soldier beetle, Red-headed Cardinal beetle, Black-and-yellow Longhorn beetle, Swollen-thighed beetle and treasured views of epic Green Tiger Beetles at Bentley Wood in my home area, Strathdearn in Scotland and Fen Bog Nature Reserve in Yorkshire brough vibrant colour to my spring and summer. Dor beetles, ladybirds, Garden Chafer Beetle and Common Malachite Beetle were more delights seen this year.

Some other key species of my year included fascinating Hornet Mimic Hoverfly and Lesser Hornet Hoverfly in the summer, Marmalade Hoverfly, a notable amount of Common Lizards in the summer, frogs and frogspawn, the indomitable Long-winged Conehead one of my key crickets/grasshoppers of the year at Lakeside and Milford on Sea, Mottled shieldbugs, Dock bug, Forest bug, Grey Silverfish and spiders including Long-bodied Cellar spiders at home, lots of snails enjoyed at home and a fascinating Ambersnail seen at Winnall Moors in the summer.

The photos in this set are of; Keeled Skimmer dragonfly at Brownsea Island in September, Common Darter dragonfly at Lakeside in August, Willow Emerald Damselfly at Fishlake Meadows in October, Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island in September, Stoat at Rutland Water in July, Garden Chafer beetle at Magdalen Hill Down in May, Tawny Longhorn beetle on scabious at Shipton Bellinger in August, Hornet Mimic hoverfly at Stockbridge Down and Ambersnail at Winnall Moors in August, Fallow Deer in the New Forest on Good Friday and Long-winged Conehead at Lakeside in August.

[sandpaperoctopi]

little guy who fell out of my hair and then went for a stroll on my sleeve

[worstgenerationloser]

Need some fluffy tooth rotting luffy headcanons for Luffy please 🙏 🙏🙏

Fluffy-ish Luffy Headcanons! (x Reader? im superrr tired...)

look at this guy and tell me you dont love him..... (luffy haters DNI!!!)

Luffy is a handful in more ways than one, considering the fact that he has almost no concept of personal space, he can and will be slingshotting himself towards you at record speeds for a hug.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

You raise a brow, hearing what you think is the sound of an object shooting through the air, but the question was, what was it? Your eyes dart around the deck, failing to notice a familiar figure on the crows nest descending rapidly.

"Y/N!!"

Oh no.

"Wh- LUFFY?!" You screeched so loud you accidentally caught the attention of an enemy ship.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

Chopper was very worried when you seemed to magically appear infront of him with your captain wrapped around you like a snake, and a large knot forming on your forehead from where he collided with you.

Luffy is horrible at lying. You happened to stumble upon this little bit of information by closely observing the way he pursed his lips to the side whenever Sanji asked him where all the food went, resulting in Luffy having one too many knots on his head. Consequently, when he has small things planned for you, he just can't seem to keep his mouth shut, although he seldom tries to shut his trap, he tries for you.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

"Luffy? Why can't I go into my quarters?" You questioned, wrapped up in his arms yet again.

"Because... Theres.... A.... Big.... Snake!" Luffy began to sweat profusely, earning a eyebrow raise from you. Was he busted? He hoped not!

"...Really?"

"Uh-Huh! That's right, Y/N! And I definitely didn't ask Sanji to cook you your favorite dish! Also, I guarantee that—" His face goes pale as he clamps his hands over his mouth, eyes widening at the realization he blabbed a little too much, but you just smiled at him.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

Although Luffy can hardly stay still most of the time, his insatiable lust for adventure never stops him from mellowing out from time to time when it's just you two. He actually enjoys naps and sleeping alot more if you're there with him, resting his head on your chest, stomach, lap, your shoulder, all over you basically. He snores alot and he always has a little snot bubble coming up... He's so adorable.

Luffy is unapologetically himself, no matter who tries to put him down, he will always get back up. That being said, he often does get a little anxious when things get unpredictable, but his fears can be quelled the second you pop up, like clockwork.

The second you dock on a new island, he will always grab your hand and drag you off with him, no matter how eerie the island seems, he happily trots away with you, leaving the reasonable crew in the dust.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

You had zero clue where you had just docked, but there was no port, and zero signs of life. You peered into the dense jungle in the distance, spotting what seemed to be a giant swarm of beetles flying in the distance. Suddenly, with an arm around you, your captain appeared, eyes shimmering in awe at the sheer amount of beetles. If theres one thing you knew about him— He loved beetles.

"Y/N! Let's go catch beetles!"

Without another word, you were shot into the air while Luffy kept his arm coiled around your middle section, unfortunately flying into the swarm of beetles who just so happened to be some odd species that made Luffy break out in hives. Luffy was a knucklehead, but he was your knucklehead.

•❀━━•°•°❃°•°•━━━•❃°•°❀

THANK YOU FOR REQUESTING! i think i might actually rewrite this since its like 1am for me, and my brainis all jumbled, sorry, ik its sorta ass....

[greenwitchcrafts]

March 2025 Witch Guide

New Moon: March 29th

First Quarter: March 6th

Full moon: March 14th

Last Quarter: March 22nd

Sabbats: Ostara- March 20th

March Storm Moon

Also known as:  Crow Moon(Ojibwe), Hard Crust on the Snow Moon(Ojibwe & Chippewa tribes near the Great Lakes), Hrethmonath, Lenten Moon, Little Sand Storm Moon(Zuni), Moon of the Whispering Wind(Hopi), Moon When the Leaves Break Forth(Pueblo), Moon of the Winds, Sore Eyes Moon(Sioux, Lakota & Assiniboine of the Great Plains, northern plains, & Dakotas), Sap Moon(Shawnee of Ohio & Pennsylvania), Spring Moon(Inupiat in Alaska & the Passamaquoddy of the northeastern US), Storm Moon, Sugar-Making Moon(Ojibwe of southern Canada), Wind Moon(Choctaw, Cherokee of the southeastern US & the Catawba of South Carolina), & Worm Moon

Element: Water

Zodiac: Pisces & Aries

Nature spirts: Air spirts, water spirts & mer-people

Deities: Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Cybele, Isis, Luna & Minerva

Animals: Boar, cougar & hedgehog

Birds: Sea crow & sea eagle

Colors: Pale green, red-violet & yellow

Trees:  Alder, dogwood & honeysuckle

Herbs: Apple blossom, high John root, Irish moss, pennyroyal, wood betony & yellow dock

Flowers: Daffodil, jonquil & violet

Scents: Apple blossom & honeysuckle

Stones:  Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, red zircon & topaz

Issues, intentions & powers: Astral, banishing, beginnings, empowerment, fertility & purification

Energy: Balance, beginnings, dream work, energy breaking into the open, exploring, growth, inner development, prospering, spirtual debt & truth seeking

March’s full Moon is often called the Worm Moon. It was thought this name referred to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring.

However, In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) & other Native American tribes & wrote that the name Worm Moon refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees & other winter hideouts at this time.

• Storm moon comes from heavy rains & gray skies abound — the earth is being showered with the life-giving water it needs to have a fertile & healthy growing season. This is also a time of equal parts light & darkness, so a time of balance.

This month's full moon is a blood moon which is a full moon that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. This moon can have an unusually reddish appearance

•There is a partial solar eclipse on March 29th

• There is a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14th depending on where you are

Ostara

Known as: Alban Eilir, Lady Day, Spring Equinox & Vernal Equinox

Season: Spring

Element: Fire

Symbols: 8-Spoked wheel, butterflies, chicks, decorated baskets, eggs, feathers, hares, rabbits, seeds, shamrocks, spring flowers & sunwheels

Colors: Green, light-blue, indigo, pink, red, silver, violet, white & yellow

Oils/Incense: African violet, apple blossom, columbine, crocus, daffodil, daisy, florals, ginger, honey, honeysuckle, jasmine, jonquil, lilac, lotus, magnolia, narcissus, orange blossom, primrose, rain, rose, sage & strawberry

Animals: Bees, boar, butterflies, hare, hedgehogs, horse, rabbit, ram, sheep & snake

Birds: Chicks, cormorant, hawk, robin, sparrow & swallow

Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, red jasper & rose quartz

Mythical: Pooka & phoenix

Food:  Asparagus, dairy foods, dill, eggs, fruit, honey, honey-cakes, lamb, leafy green vegetables, mead, pine nuts, pumpkin, radish, seafoods, spring onions, sprouts & sunflower seeds

Herbs/Plants: Acorn, broom, ginger, gorse, hyssop, high John root, Irish Moss, lemon grass, olive, strawberry, woodruff

Flowers: Apple blossom, columbine, crocus, daffodil, dandelion, daisy, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, jonquil, lilac, lily, linden, orange blossom, narcissus, peony, primrose, rose, snowdrop, tansy, tulip, violet

Trees: Alder, apple, ash, birch, dogwood, hawthorn, maple, yew

Goddesses: Aphrodite, Amalthea, Ariadne, Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Blodewedd, Coatlicue, Cybele, Demeter, Diana, Eos, Epona, Flora, Freya, Gaia, Guinevere, Hera, Idunn, Iris, Ishtar, Isis, Juno, Libera, Maia, Minerva, Ostara, Persephone, Rati, Renpet, Umaj, Venus, Vesta & Vila

Gods: Adonis, Aengus MacOg, Attis, Celi, Cernunnos, Coel, Dalon ap Landu, The Dagda, Dumuzi, Eros, The Green Man, Kama, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Ovis, Pan & Thor

Tarot cards: The Empress, The Fool, The Magician, The Priestess, Strength, Justice & The Star

Spellwork: Altar rededication, beginnings, fire magick, new employment & new projects

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, balance, beauty, fertility, growth, life, light, love, rebirth & renewal

Activities:

•Go on a hike/walk & look for signs of spring

• Add Ostara symbols to decorate your altar space

• Plant vegetable &/or flower seedlings indoors after blessing the seeds

• Color bight, decorate & hunt eggs

• Set your intentions for the weeks/months ahead

• Start a new class or hobby

• Create eggshell candles

• Make plans & new routines for the future

• Participate in rituals & ceremonies that connect you with energy & the life force of nature

• Have a feast with your friends &/family with sprouts & leafy greens

• Bake hot cross buns

• Clean & de-clutter your home

• Try a re-birthing/ renewing ritual

• Bring fresh flowers or plants into into the home

• Host a spring & floral themed tea party

• Make egg based food dishes & desserts

• Assist houseless individuals as most temporary shelters will soon be closing

Ostara gets it's name from Eostre, however the celebration isn't based on her even though she is said to be interpreted as the goddess of spring, fertility & the dawn. There is very little information on Eostre and none have shown up before the eighth century because of disagreements on she had Celtic or Germanic origins.

People tend to believe Ostara is an ancient holiday at it's core with an ancient goddess, but that may not be the truth. While most gods & goddesses have many myths & stories surrounding them, the same cannot be said about Eostre

It is still up for debate whether or not this goddess ever existed or if she was revered & celebrated the ways she's been in the more recent years.

•Like many other spring celebrations in other cultures, Ostara symbolizes fertility, rebirth & renewal. This time of year marking the beginning of the agricultural cycle when farmers would start planting seeds.

  There is no evidence that the ancient Greeks or Romans celebrated Ostara, although they did celebrate their own spring festivals, such as the Roman festival of Floralia & the Greek festival of Anthesteria. It was a time to honor the returning sun, fertility & rebirth.

Related festivals:

• Nowruz: March 20h-

Nowruz marks the first day of spring & renewal of nature. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox. It is also celebrated as the beginning of the new year by people all around the world for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East & other regions.

It promotes values of peace & solidarity between generations & within families as well as reconciliation & neighbourliness. Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect & the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. 

Traditional customs of Nowruz include fire & water, ritual dances, gift exchanges, reciting poetry, symbolic objects & more; these customs differ between the diverse peoples & countries that celebrate the festival.

• Holi: March 14th-

Holi is a popular & significant Hindu festival celebrated as the The festival of colors, Love &Spring. It commemorates eternal and divine love of the deities Radha & Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it celebratess the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Holi originated & is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of Asia & parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.

The festival has many purposes; most prominently, it celebrates the beginning of spring. In 17th century literature, it was identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture, commemorated good spring harvests & the fertile land. It's believed to be a time to enjoying spring's abundant colours & say farewell to winter. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark an occasion to reset & renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts, & rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past

It also has a religious purpose, symbolically signified by the legend of Holika. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Little Holi. People gather near fires, sing & dance. The next day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated.

•Easter: April 20th-

Also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival & cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, & penance.

Easter traditions vary across the Christian world & include sunrise services or late-night vigils, exclamations & exchanges of Paschal greetings, flowering the cross & the decoration and the communal breaking of Easter eggs (a symbol of the empty tomb) among many others. The Easter lily is a symbol of the resurrection in Western Christianity traditionally decorates the chancel area of churches on this day & for the rest of Eastertide. Additional customs that have become associated with Easter & are observed by both Christians & some non-Christians include Easter parades, communal dancing, the Easter Bunny & egg hunting.

Other celebrations:

• Festival of Luna: March 31st-

Is a feast day honoring the Goddess Luna who is seen as the divine embodiment of the Moon.

The Temple of Luna was a temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome, dedicated to Luna, the moon goddess. Its dedication was celebrated on March 31st, thus the celebration.

According to Tacitus, it was built by king Servius Tullius. However, the first confirmed reference to a temple to Luna dates to 182 BC & refers to one of its doors being knocked off its posts by a miraculous blast of air & shot into the back of the Temple of Ceres. That account probably places the temple at the north end of the hill, just above porta Trigemina. The temple was struck by lightning around the time of the death of Cinna, as was the temple of Ceres. After the destruction of Corinth, Lucius Mummius Achaicus dedicated some of his spoils from the city to this temple. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD & not rebuilt.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2025 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

https://www.learnreligions.com

Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials: Ostara

[hellsitegenetics]

This Valentine's Day I'd like to express my love for my favorite species, the common carp. While they aren't as colorful as other fish, they still have a place in my heart. Their majestic barbels, the way they eat popcorn off docks... they're just adorable. They may be invasive bottom feeders but they're just so lovable to me. The way they can adapt to everything. The way you can tell an ecosystem isn't in great shape if all the carp die off. Their lil faces that make them look like they've just bitten into a slice of cake only to find out it's expired. I love carp.

String identified: T at' a ' t at c, t c ca. t a't a c a t , t t a a ac at. T atc a, t a t at c c… t' t aa. T a a tt t t' t a t . T a t ca aat t tg. T a ca t a ct 't gat a a t ca . T ac tat a t t' t tt t a c ca t t t' . ca.

Closest match: Crioceris asparagi genome assembly, chromosome: 2 Common name: Common asparagus beetle

[tf-rechargeandrebound]

Ok I redesigned them for the last goddamn time

TFR Autobot designs ^^ (I'm sorry if the colours look fucked up idk how to fix exporting stuff)

Character profiles beneath the cut

Optimus Prime

Allegiance: Autobot

Alt mode: Freightliner semi truck

Occupation: Autobot commander, current Prime

Likes: Cybertronian history, reading, Earth’s general vibe, long drives, peace and quiet

Dislikes: His position as Prime (he’s not very vocal about it though), snakes, icy roads, large social functions, taking breaks from all that gosh darn paperwork

Once a humble dock worker named Orion Pax, Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobot Resistance, and is being counted on to save his home from the Decepticons. Any Autobot would describe him as wise, kind, stoic, somewhat stern, and a great leader who can sometimes get grumpy when stressed or tired. His most trusted officers and family, such as Elita-1, know that he’s also rather socially awkward and a bit of a bookworm. He cares deeply for every single Autobot under his command, and has grown to care for Earth as well. He generally dislikes needlessly reckless behaviour from those around him, as he can’t bear to see even more lives lost to the war. He often doubts himself, his role as Prime, and his actions, even if they were right. At the end of the day, Optimus wants nothing more than to live a quiet life with his loved ones.

Elita-1

Allegiance: Autobot

Alt mode: F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet

Occupation: Autobot commander

Likes: Astronomy, meteorology, flying, Earth rain, stargazing

Dislikes: Megatron (everyone hates him but she hates him on a very personal level), confined spaces, caves, snowstorms

Before she was Elita-1, she was Ariel, and before she was Ariel, she was a miner designated AR-1. After escaping the mines when she was young, she was taken in by an old dock boss named Kup who offered her a job at the docks, where she met a young mech named Orion Pax. Elita and Optimus Prime are both co-commanders and conjunx enduras. She’s much more of a social jokester than he is, and is extremely popular amongst the troops. She’s cunning, loyal, intelligent, and a fierce warrior who always stands up for what’s right and puts others before herself, all while being someone who’s willing to lend an ear to anyone who needs to vent. She’s truly the definition of an Autobot.

Bumblebee

Allegiance: Autobot

Alt mode: 2017 Volkswagen Beetle

Occupation: Special Operations scout

Likes: Earth pop culture (especially video games and 80s music), open roads, making friends, adventure, summertime, stories about pre-war Cybertron, carwashes

Dislikes: Being teased for his height, sharp objects, confinement, failing a task or mission

Bumblebee is one of the youngest and most promising soldiers in the Resistance. Raised by Optimus and Elita, he chose to join the fight against the Decepticons once he came of age, a decision that they respect but don’t fully approve of. His oddly small stature makes him ideal for espionage-based missions, and he’s nearly mastered using his size to his advantage while in direct combat. Bee is an extremely upbeat and friendly bot, and while he may be small, he has a big spark that cares deeply for everyone around him. He often recklessly puts himself in danger to protect others, which usually gets him injured, but the injuries are worth it, in his opinion. Overall, Bumblebee is a dependable, determined, and brave Autobot, just like his caretakers.

Wheeljack

Allegiance: Autobot

Alt mode: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado

Occupation: Autobot Science Division, Chief Engineer

Likes: Science, inventing, researching, stunt driving (he doesn’t do it much anymore, though), lab work, reading scientific reports, explaining things he’s invented or fixed, explosions

Dislikes: Listening to his body when it tells him to take breaks, not knowing about a subject, distractions from his work, long fights

Wheeljack is one of Cybertron’s greatest scientific minds. He’s a brilliant, eccentric engineer and a good-natured bot who others like to be around. He can easily become engrossed in his work, and has little regard for his own personal safety, as he frequently patches himself up and regularly visits the medbay after his daily experiment blows up in his face. He often looks out for the youngsters around him, and ends up fostering a strong paternal affection towards his human ally Sadie. While he’s not on the front lines as much as he once was, he’s still quite a capable fighter and a force to be reckoned with.

Ratchet

Allegiance: Autobot

Alt mode: MXP-170 ambulance

Occupation: Chief Medical Officer

Likes: Peace and quiet, napping, organizing his equipment, Engex, bossing people around

Dislikes: People or bots who annoy him, his equipment being disorganized, comments about his age (unless he makes them), hotshot young bots (except for Bee), busy cities

One of Iacon’s best and most dedicated medical professionals, Ratchet is an elderly, cranky old medic who’s constantly trying to keep his fellow Autobots out of trouble. He’s no stranger to wartime, as he's a veteran of the Quintesson War that took place before the majority of his comrades were even protoformed. Having raised both Optimus and Wheeljack, they’re two of the only bots who know that, despite his prickly exterior, Ratchet is actually quite a softie deep down. Still, Ratchet has a nasty temper, and he often doesn’t work well with others, preferring to do things “his way”. When the situation is dire enough, however, he’ll accept help from those around him. Occasionally, he’ll be relaxed enough to lightheartedly joke around with those he’s closest with, but overall he’s a tough, no-nonsense, hard working old bot.

[onenicebugperday]

Hiii Onenicebug!!

I'm a really big fan of insects, but I live in a city! I used to live near the woods with all kinds of cute bugs, but now it's difficult to find much beyond the occasional silly grasshopper or trash-loving fly. The only thing interesting we get is cicadas in the summer! I dunno what else there is here in northern Texas..

This is all to say that I really appreciate your blog! I love being able to see silly bugs!! I'd also like to ask, do you have any bug finding tips? I'm certain where I live isn't completely devoid of cute creatures, so they gotta be hiding somewhere! If you ever go bug hunting, where do you search? :))))

Hello :) Certainly you can find bugs in cities, though it can be more difficult obviously and you're not going to find the diversity you might outside of the city.

Some places to look, though - during the day on sides of buildings, often the side facing the sun, and around window sills. These are especially good places to look for jumping spiders, but also some true bugs and beetles will congregate there to warm themselves. Look at the same places at night rather than during the day and you'll see different friends, often orbweavers and moths if there's a bright light on the building. Any lights around entrances or patios or balconies will attract friends. Hanging a white sheet outside and shining a bright light on it can attract all sorts of dudes if you want to get that into it. Different lights attract bugs better, so that's something you'd need to look into first.

Look in landscaping around buildings, especially if there's mulch or rocks or lots of plants. If you can do it without getting in trouble or causing any damage, lifting landscape rocks or edging bricks that line walkways will almost certainly reveal some critters - mostly isopods, snails, slugs, millipedes, and centipedes, but sometimes wolf spiders or other cool fellas. Obviously just be very careful when replacing the rocks so you don't squish anyone. Digging around in mulch or leaf litter is a good way to find the same pals.

In landscaped areas around buildings with flowers or in small city parks, check the tops of flowers and all over the stems and on the undersides of leaves during the day - but be thorough, take your time and look very closely, you'd be surprised who's hiding in and around flowers that aren't immediately noticeable. This is almost always how I find things like crab spiders and ambush bugs, but of course you'll also find all kinds of flower beetles and plant-feeding true bugs. Seed bugs, aphids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, froghoppers/spittlebugs, etc can all be found on flowering plants, or mantises if you're lucky. The taller/denser/weedier the area is, the more pals you'll likely find, assuming it hasn't been sprayed with pesticides.

In addition to the friends crawling on those plants, you'll likely find some pollinators flying around them. Bees and wasps and butterflies of course, but also lots of different flies - especially hover flies and long-legged flies, which are small but super pretty up close and fun to watch.

On trees pretty much anywhere, look all over the bark of the trunk, especially underneath any pieces of bark that are lifting, or on/under any fallen branches.

And of course water attracts all kinds of bugs, either to live in, drink from, or hunt near. Runoff ditches on the sides of roads are often full of all kinds of different bugs, but it may be difficult to get close enough without getting your feet wet. Stagnant water will tend to have different bugs than fast-moving water does, so check out both if you can. Sitting near the water and just looking into it is a good way to spot lil friends creeping around in the muck on the bottom or skating around the surface. If your city has a lake or a river, docks and piers are a great spot to find spiders, especially at night, and of course during the day dragonflies and damselflies will be near water, too.

Hopefully that was somewhat helpful! That was just a brief overview of some of the easier places to look, but if you're observant enough, you'll find friends literally all over the place.

[damneddamsy]

renegade | aemond targaryen x oc (part ii)

My friend, I am writing this to you from the depths of the forest behind the castle. A thrush builds a nest far over my head while a violet beetle strums a tune, and nearby, a brown hart crosses a brook with her doe. It rains more often, and I stroll in it, wet to my bones. I alone bear witness to the marvels of my home. I cannot sit idle in my chambers anymore when no one seems to care about my whereabouts. Write soon, I eagerly await your tales of voyages on Vhagar. Yours, Aemma.

You should've seen him, the way Aemond Targaryen appeared when he unfurled the little scroll. It was a habit now. He would read and read it, for hours, a single wistful eye going back and forth on the page, mulling over each painstaking word, tracing her name, inhaling the scent of the soil on Dragonstone, before rolling the paper and depositing it with the others in his wooden chest for safekeeping. This letter found him over three moons ago. He had written back, twice, all to be met with nothing. He took to heart the gloom that seeped through the paper, unlike the bewitching girl he had heard from ages ago. She used to speak of collecting dragon eggs, running off with a boat into the sea, and exploring the caves beneath the courts. What was she up to now? What did she look like now? What were they doing to her?

Far away, on Dragonstone, Aemma's days evolved into boredom, a mere observer of the storms that raged. She grew further apart from her still-devoted mother, biding in heartbreak and loss while the princess enabled the household with Prince Daemon. Aemma couldn't help but see her father, Ser Laenor, everywhere. In the salt of the sea, in the misty eyes of his dragon, Seasmoke, in the boats that were docked at the bay, and in the sea glass that washed ashore. She became more disturbed, more evasive, and similarly, more accustomed to her smarting headaches. You could tell the days of her girlhood and absurd adventures were behind her.

There were times when her dear brothers would find a way to shed some light in her life by taking her to the watchpoint to have her see them glide above the ocean, mounted upon Vermax and Arrax. She had once ached for a dragon of her own, but she had given up as the years rolled into others. It didn't seem to matter, nothing changed in the way her family saw her.

Other times, she'd think of her dearest friend, Aemond, across the reach, training hard, fighting battles, riding Vhagar—he felt like a distant dream. A wish that would never quite be. Writing to Aemond brought back serenity to the young princess' mind. The quieter times were behind her. Her getaways were discounted now, but she'd continue to search the island for new excitement just for him. He was a gentle reminder that it was never too late to take action on what she had once dreamed herself to be.

On the morning of her father's observance, Aemma was informed that the princess would like to break bread with her. She didn't know what to expect. So she dressed in her best silks and joined her mother at the overflowing table. Aemma engaged in silence, scraping her fork against the plate, unable to hold her mother's expectant eyes. She wanted to share her troubles, talk about the past, and remember him the right way. Nothing came out except—

"I've missed you," Aemma managed to speak. It was the truth, she'd missed her mother's presence around her dearly.

"Then why have you been shying away from me?" her mother returned, her voice gentle. "Tell me, Aemma. What have I done to receive your silence?"

She met her mother's gaze, stronger now. "Nothing."

Her mother breathed a sigh. "I have not forced it upon you to wed a strange lord. Daemon often prompts me on this, but I refuse it because I know your heart. It belongs to no one but you." She reached across to warm her daughter's cold fingers. "Your brothers worry that your woes have become too deep these days. I share this concern with them, my love. I know you ache for Laenor—"

And the whisper-thin weir broke loose. Aemma's face crumpled into distress, using a hand to muffle a soft cry. She hasn't heard that name around here. No one would dare speak it. This has been a long time coming.

"No, mother," Aemma wept.

"Oh, Em. Even after all these years." Rhaenyra stood up to bound to her side, pressing her daughter into a tight embrace against her chest. "I'm here. Unburden yourself."

"Why doesn't it hurt as much for anyone else?" she asked through her tears, her shoulders shuddering. "Not you, Jace or Lord Corlys. Why me?"

"You loved your father more fiercely than any of us." Her mother stroked her fingers through Aemma's braids softly. "In time, you'll learn to make peace with the memories. Just as we have."

Aemma nodded, eventually finding it in herself to take solace in her mother's careful words. She felt a soft nudge against her stomach, moving out of her mother's arms to touch her swollen belly. Another addition to the family.

"I still want you to take a husband in marriage, Aemma, at your own will and time," her mother said to her, more serious now. She brushed a finger over her tear tracks.

"It does not interest me, mother," Aemma confessed with a sigh. "I've said this plenty."

"Yes, I know."

"Spare me the argument then."

"At the very least a kind, respecting companion who will support you in upholding your duties and protect your ideals, just as your father did for me," she insisted.

"If I were to wed, you would make me a pillar in a dismal court at King's Landing," she tried to explain, but her anxieties piled up to rush out in a mess. "Name me heir to the throne, face all those vile aspersions with a stone heart, and have me mindlessly plough out babes which I don't think I'm capable of for the life of me. I will not be made into a husk of my—"

Rhaenyra caught her chin to interrupt and glared her daughter straight in the eye. "You will not be heir."

She blinked once. "Mother."

"You should be, as my firstborn. I don't deny it. I've fought the very Gods for this privilege my entire life." Her mother palmed her cheek, her expression softening. "But it does not outweigh my oath to you and myself when I first held you in my arms. That I would never subject you to what my father had me brook, a mere political headache until I couldn't see past myself on the throne. I see my misplaced youth in you, daughter, and I want you to prevail for the both of us. Live as you please, captain a ship, voyage as an explorer, and not a tongue will raise against you. I will see to it."

Aemma stared at her mother, her words dripping into her mind one by one. She hoped she heard all of it right.

"For that, Jacaerys will be named my heir," the princess affirmed. "Although, as your brother's kin, you have to take to husband. I cannot have Jace's claim questioned any further. I can only grant you so much latitude on this, not freedom. I am sorry, it's all I—"

Aemma leapt at her mother to swallow her in a delighted embrace. It felt like a warm sunrise after a cold, unclear night, and it carried all before anyone. She pushed her face into her mother's neck, squeezing her as close as to pour her graciousness into her. She would never forgive herself if she were to do wrong by the princess, someone who trusted their years of deprivation and defeat to her.

"Thank you, my princess," Aemma whispered.

Her mother exhaled a laugh, smoothing many kisses against her cheek. "I am all but worthy of you."

"But, mother," she drawled and pulled away to show her the confusion. "How am I to move forward with this?"

"We can do this slowly. I will soon send word to a few great houses in Westeros. Essos, too, if you'd like," her mother divulged, smiling. "You will treat with them until you find someone who agrees with you. I won't bestow you upon them as a broodmare, they will value you as a princess and a lady. Take all the time you need, and satisfy your discretion."

"You make it sound so effortless," Aemma muttered.

"It will be, Em. Don't think too much, speak your mind, if you must. Someone who does not squinch at your wishes is most suited for your hand."

She shook her head. "I am not confident about that."

Her mother kissed her cheek again. "Simply let it happen, my love. Good things will follow."

X

As it turned out, the word of mouth of insurgency and challenges of Prince Lucerys' claim to the Driftwood throne brought the Dragonstone Targaryens back to their home on King's Landing. The young princes and princess were to stay with the rest of their kin after a long period of separation. A union for the ages.

Soon enough, that word grew old and what delighted the realm was the pleasing news that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen of Dragonstone was arranging matters with a select few houses to place suitable marriage prospects for her eldest daughter, Aemma Velaryon. At sixteen years of age, her flowering into maidenhood had made her more beautiful. She would eventually draw the eyes of many young lords in the kingdom. Hightower, Blackwood, Arryn and Stark were among the favoured handful.

This matter did not escape Prince Aemond's ears, but he remained impassive to it. It shouldn't bother him, why would it? He knew it was only a matter of time before Aemma would be within these castle walls and he would heed her words before all else. This must be foul play from his sordid half-sister Rhaenyra. The Aemma Aemond knew would never stand for this plight. She would stand before him and remind him of his promise all those years back, they would mount Vhagar together and take to the open seas. Of course, he remembered. He always knew this day would come.

The morning Aemma arrived at the Red Keep, Aemond stood atop the verandah past the courtyard with his brother and sister, his head held high to show his duty and not his deference. But his eye searched and hungrily awaited the sight of her again. What did she look like? Was she as nimble and reserved as they said? That she was the epitome of a true Targaryen princess? Or perhaps—

"Whose eyes does Aemond One-Eye seek?" Halaena droned quietly, taking his attention for a moment. That title irked him.

The carriage was emptied and already making for the gates. Had he missed her arrival? No, she was too hard to miss.

Halaena took his arm, leading him back into the entrance doors. Aemond wavered, his sights still on the courtyard. Why hadn't she come? Where had she gone?

"Come, brother. She'll join us later, I'm sure of it."

He was having none of it. People expected Aemond to simply go about his day as if Aemma's disappearance from the occasion was irrelevant. He was ushered to break bread with his family in a rather torrid affair and train with Ser Criston in the undern when all of his thoughts were linearly on the young princess. Where, where, where.

He sweated out his anguish, battling hard, swinging his sword in lithe twists until Cole's sword was knocked out of his fingers with Aemond's simple outmanoeuvre. While the sparse crowd clapped for him, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two of Aemma's brothers. The bastards of Dragonstone. The ones who cost him his eyesight. He'd been through a world of pain since that night. He would not let that slide, not so soon.

"Nephews! Have you come to train?" Aemond called out, hoping to get something out of them. Any one of them would know where Aemma had run off to.

Jace's gaze sharpened with a black stare as Aemond approached them in fleeting steps. Jace put himself protectively in front of Luke. Aemond scoffed through his nose and dropped his sword on the table nearby.

As if he'd venture to cut the throats of the princes of the realm. In front of all these witnesses. How unseemly.

"Aemma," he declared. Her name left his lips like a plea.

"What about her?" Jace sneered.

Oh, he was not making this easy. "The princess was missing this morning."

"Why would I ever—"

"She went to the stables to see her direwolf," Luke said instead, catching his eye. Aemond wanted to carve out his skin every moment the boy lingered unpunished. "She didn't arrive with us because... she didn't want the attention."

This piqued him. "Why not?"

"Seven hells, Luke," Jace hissed.

"You know how much sister cares for him," Luke mentioned.

Jace sighed, sensing his fairness, and spared Aemond an apprehensive look. "Aemma's not in the mood to speak to anyone. In fact, she should've stayed back. My poor sister had an unfortunate incident attempting to claim the Bronze Fury not long ago."

X

Aemond wasted no time in tracking down her chambers from her brother's directions. With bated breath, he burst through the doors—"Aemma?"

His dread intensified when he noticed her belongings still stacked in spotless trunks in the corner by the vanity as if she were planning to leave as soon as she came. No, he simply would not allow it.

He carelessly pushed the curtains of the bed aside to find it untouched. The room was freshly scented of lavender oil; she had recently taken a bath. Her cloak hung off the edge of her dining chair. Her gold jewellery was left scattered on the table. She had been here.

"Aemma!" he called aloud again.

"Aemond?" Aemma's delicate dulcet reached his ears.

From the short balcony, she finally presented herself before him, coming between the sunlight and him. Indeed, the rumours were true. Gone was the tempestuous little girl from his treasured memories and instead, in her place, stood a lady so impressive he couldn't believe it was Aemma. She had come into her own beautifully, in the graceful slopes of her breast, waist, nose and lips. There were still traces of that young girl which refused to give way, blessed in her doe eyes, sun-kissed skin and—her hair.

This was what her brothers had vaguely mentioned to him.

Her silvery-blonde hair, that usually flaunted intricate braids or hung in pretty ringlets around her waist, had been completely singed off by dragon fire, all the length and volume lost to a limp mess of curls around her neck. Her mother must have attempted to cheer her up by fashioning a delicate crown of braids around her head.

Aemond didn't care for any of it. She could've stood there with a third eye or a cock in her hands—this was his Aemma, in the flesh. Six years he had gone without her. Nothing could stop him now.

He couldn't contain himself any longer, he strode across the floor to bear her in his arms. As tightly, closely, and intimately as his strength allowed. This had not changed at all, she was as warm as the day she'd parted him.

"It's really you," Aemond exhaled with a faint, incredulous laugh. He spun her around in just as much elation as when he had first dismounted Vhagar and taken to her celebrations.

When he set her on her feet, Aemma had laughed in delight and taken his face into her palms, her dark eyes observing every tick of muscle in his features with a disbelieving smile. Even if his ghastly scar had startled her, she didn't show it.

"I've missed you every day, my friend," Aemma murmured. Gods, you could see his chest swell with satisfaction. It was exactly what he wanted to hear from her.

"How you've grown," he commended, warmly stroking her waist. "So tall and elegant... no wonder all the realm is vying for your hand."

Even the words tasted like poison in his mouth. His expression soured a little.

"And you! I never thought I'd live to see the day your hair was longer than mine own," she exclaimed back, overlooking his mood shift. She held his broad shoulders, measuring the distance between her hands. "You've come to be with the power of a true dragon-rider. I am proud. How goes Vhagar?"

"Insatiable." Much like him right now. "Come with me. I'll fly you over the bay for as long as you'd like."

He'd like to get the word out to the smallfolk, that the princess has been taken to another prince more deserving of her.

"Oh, no. I don't think I can even see another dragon without pissing myself," she told him, her eyes set on their feet. Discomfiture was evident on her face. "I tried to mount... Vermithor upon Daemon's guidance and my hair—" she sadly touched the soft trims around her neck "—I lost it in doing so. If it weren't for him, I would've lost my life, too."

Aemond's arms tensed under her touch. The thought of it was excruciating. What was his uncle thinking, putting such a hysterical little girl in front of a beast as large as Vhagar? And what was Aemma thinking, that such a ferocious beast would bow to someone with her merciful attitude?

She looked up at him, heavyhearted. "Do I look dreadful?"

Aemma could not begin to question that when he had been stricken by her fortitude all those years ago. No burned braids, dirtied skirts, or lost dragons could make up for that.

"I'm certain it'll alarm the lords but not me. You were always glorious to me, princess," he appreciated her, not-so-subtly.

She threw her head back to laugh freely. "Then I must tell my mother to cease this weary pursuit to find me a husband. At least until my hair has grown to an adequate length."

That sounded like a great strategy. It gave him enough time to plot a controlled plan to relieve Aemma of this pressure.

"Have you met with anyone?" he asked, his voice calculating.

She made a face. "Not yet. Lord Blackwood has written to my mother. But..." A lightness overtook her features. "After my stay has ended, I'll be heading north to treat with the Lord of Winterfell."

"Winterfell?" He made the word sound like filth on his tongue. "Those vulgar cunts will cut you up and stuff you in a pie before you can wish them good morrow."

She snickered. "Lord Cregan Stark, my mother tells me, is a gentle giant. No older than I am. I hear from my grandsire that he is an honourable king to his people." She twiddled her thumbs to hide a smile. "Lord Stark wrote to me a while ago. He is rather charming."

Aemond couldn't stand her growing fondness for that filthy northerner. "You write to each other?"

"It was only one letter," she denied. "To pursue familiarity? In any case, my family are thrilled. House Stark is an invincible, age-old power."

Aemond sneered under his breath. A mere word of mouth had swayed her affections to the cold deadness of the north. As if Aemma would last a single winter up there. Warm and beaming in that Stark's arms... he wanted to gouge his one remaining eye out and douse it in acid.

His vindictive thoughts faltered to the Aemma in front of him, who was lulling him to immodest thoughts at the way she stroked her finger down the long scar on his cheek. His eyes almost shut at the bittersweet sensation.

"Jace told me what happened that night with you and Luke," she professed, sadness enveloping her expression. "I never got to tell you how sorry I am, my friend. You must've been in great pain."

He gulped down the bile that rose to his throat at the mention, but he maintained his calm demeanour. Instead, he brought her fingers on his cheek to his mouth and, without thinking, lay a delicate kiss.

"Long forgotten," he lied.

He didn't miss the way Aemma's lips fluttered with a sharp inhale and slipped her hand to her side. She massaged the wrist with a flustered chuckle.

"The eyepatch is... different," she said breathlessly.

Aemond was affecting her, quite obviously. Just not enough. He glanced from the corner of his eye, smug, as she walked around him and toward the bed.

"You might not like what lies under it," he said. "Besides, I'd say we match for life now."

If only she read into what he truly meant. She knowingly touched the noticeable scar that cut through her eyebrow with an absentminded smile. "Yes, we do."

He couldn't wait on this any longer. The words were bursting at the seams, coming undone. "I must talk to you at once."

Aemond took her hand to hasten her to sit beside him on the bed. He entwined his fingers between hers and held it to his chest as he asked her, enunciating his words carefully. She watched him with all her focus.

"Do you truly want to be wed? Have they imposed this on you? You can tell me, Aemma, I will do anything in my power to stop this insanity. I will burn down that damned Sept for you if that's what it takes."

She smiled at him. "Don't fret for me. I am content."

"Surely you lie. 'Tis not good for you." They're not good for you, he wanted to say.

"My mother is right, my dear friend. If I can find someone who can understand what I want out of the marriage, I certainly couldn't ask for more. An honest relationship," she whispered intently. "It's all I want."

Her words burned him more intensely than any inferno in the world. Because she never saw him as a prospect. He would make her see him.

"Whatever fucking happened to fighting for your liberties? To not run in the face of adversity?" he snapped, dropping her hand from between his. "You said it to me, did you not?"

"I have done my part. I've deferred it fairly," she stated, slightly staggered at his tone. "This is a resolution."

"You've given up."

"I have not."

"They've turned you against me," he muttered.

"Oh, spare me the theatrics. Am I to remain a maiden all my life?" she asked, laughing.

He reached out to clasp her chin, but he made sure to be gentle how much ever he raged on the inside. Her smile fell to confusion, her gaze flickering to his fingers and then his eyes.

"You said we'd travel the world together. That we'd ride together on Vhagar, feast all we liked, row boats, build tents, see the world's wonders—am I to consign those ideals to nought? Have you filled my head with meaningless fiction?"

She breathed out a short gasp of incredulity before relieving his grip on her in sharp movement. She stood up to slant by a pillar, pushing her head into her hand. She was a picture of perfection toiled in a peculiar sort of misery. Beauty became her.

"We were children," she mumbled. "Priorities shift over time. I am a princess, a Targaryen no less, sans a dragon. I am without worth if not for my mother, and so are my ambitions."

He scoffed. "Maybe to you. I have counted on every letter, every fucking word, you've penned to me like a madman. You've grown a hunger in my heart and now you mean to crush it with your unfeeling hands."

"I don't understand what you want from me," she spoke, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I want you!" he growled, pushing to his feet.

She turned to stone before him. Perhaps she had not heard him properly. Aemond took a calm breath inward. No turning back from this anymore.

"Wed me, Aemma," he said, surer of himself. It felt right to say those words aloud, in that exact order. He had never imagined saying it to any other lady except her.

Aemma eventually thawed and lifted her head to stare at him. As if she was waiting for something. He couldn't get a read on her. Her immense, dark eyes softened and smouldered and ravaged his mind.

"Wed me and make me yours," he persuaded softly. "I will protect your honour, our dreams, and our future together better than any foul-mouthed, fat swine lordling this realm has to offer. May the Gods help anyone who stands in my way."

"Aemond," she whispered with an edge of hysteria in her voice.

"Aemma," he murmured.

He sauntered closer to her, leisurely dragging his knuckles down her forearm all the way to her wrist. She had the softest of skin, unblemished, kissed by daylight. He elicited a shiver from her, an abrupt action pressing her closer to his chest.

"I've waited a lifetime for this. For us," he confessed. "I have known no other hope that was not you. Now that I have you, my hope is not misplaced."

The little vestige of control he had on his self-restraint began to splinter and then it would be damaging for him to be around her. It was only right to give her some leeway to consider his transparent proposal.

Aemond deliberately stepped away, tucking his hands together behind his back. "But I am a man of virtue. I will never push you to do something you disfavour."

Her lips parted as air shuddered back into her, a hand supporting herself over the stone pillar. She kneaded at her forehead, soothing away a headache.

"I... need to think."

He beamed brightly. "Yes, good. 'Tis a lot to fathom. A night's rest should do nicely. On the morrow, I shall revisit you, and we shall break our fast together."

Her brows furrowed when she understood. "You mean to court me."

"Apparently so."

"You will cause indecent speculation," she warned.

He pursed his lips, unable to contain his amusement. "Hmm. Why can't a prince and his dear niece dine together after all these years apart?"

Aemma uneasily bit her lip.

"We disregard their baseless whispers as we always have."

X

The hearsay of Prince Aemond and Princess Aemma breaking bread together and alone swept like wildfire around the Red Keep. It was said that among those the news had stunned, it was Prince Jacaerys who had taken this as a slight. Meanwhile, the Princess of Dragonstone and her consort, Prince Daemon, weren't certain of the positive response on this matter. One night, a thoughtful conversation in High Valyrian was heard from their shared chambers.

"Laenor had always sworn that Aemma was for Aemond," she pondered out loud to Daemon. "They've been following each other around since they could walk. We all saw this coming."

"She has hardly met with any other men," he said. "Offer her other options. Taste the local flavours. I hear Lord Stark has been quite pleased. He wrote to her personally, didn't he?"

"Aemond is what she wants," she sighed.

"She takes after her mother," the prince teased. "Seeking out her uncle."

"Daemon."

"Then make her see that the boy is not what he seems. Our girl has purposes that do not conform to his own. She intends to be like me," he chuckled, "and he is loyal to his sword."

"I will not twist my daughter's mind into submission," she grumbled.

"Gently dissuade."

The princess laughed quietly, stroking her pregnant belly. "Or it would do good for us to form an alliance with Alicent and the king. Protect our lineage from within. And with it, strengthen my claim to the throne."

Daemon hummed, mulling it in his mind. "He is only the second son after all. It is that drunken cunt who will be a threat."

"Precisely. I intend to hit two birds with one stone."

X

you can continue to read part iii here! and here's my masterlist!

hope you like the way this is progressing! do let me know what you'd like to see ~*

[coffeethathurtsyou]

The Inescapable Voluptuary

Sometimes also known by Zagel.

Pronouns: he/him or unsure/stuttering Profession: Crooked Cross (+ Silverer, technically) Actual 9-5: Runs a scandalous... "Salon" Ambition: Nemesis [completed] Attributes: Persuasive > Dangerous >> Shadowy > Watchful  BDR: Dreaded > Bizarre >> Respectable  Major Advanced Skills: Monstrous Anatomy, Mithridacy, Glasswork Main Quirks: Daring, Ruthless, Hedonist Closest To: Rubbery, Tigers Other Favoured Factions:  Church, Tomb Colonists, Docks, Hell Age: 27

The Inescapable Voluptuary is well known for defying the norms of Victorian standards when it comes to everything between actual scandalous affairs to how much skin he choses to show at any given time, and is completely unrepentant about that. He likes to paint a picture of being some kind of sexy cartoon villain, someone with unmatched flirtation confidence. He likes when people believe he's untouchable in power and emotion, and is willing to use underhanded techniques to hide that he's not. Ultimately, a lot of this comes from the reasons he arrived in the Neath in the first place. With the only two people he ever cared about being taken from him, and the world bathed in sunlight not quite as accepting of mutants, Zagel came to the Neath looking for vengeance, believing that the only reason he survived was to complete this task. For years, he shut down every personal desire and possibility for happiness to exist in his life, knowing that the moment he found that he could be comfortable without his other side, he'd lose the will to follow through. Now that he's managed to complete his ambition, he's struggling to figure out what his actual purpose for being alive is.

Important Physical Details:

Zagel has a gap between his two front teeth. This is very important to me.

Eyes are rainbow shimmer but in the way like a beetle shell or an oilslick.

Scar across face is like a dagger, the initial strike is a sharp slice, the rest is artfully carved.

Black markings on left arm are like tentacles going up to elbow. They shift over time so there's no one right way to draw them.

His mouth and breath glow slightly from his lungs being full of sunlight it's fine. You can really only tell in the darkest darkness.

Also his tongue is longer than usual. He was just born with it, actually. Now it has a weird tattoo on it that kind of looks like the bazaar spires.

Zagel was also born with a black reptilian like tail, and now has grown it back after an interesting circumstance happened in parabola.

[simmervlogs]

Reine & La Rue

Hello Simmers, have a drink and wind down at Reine & Rue Lounge in Sah Myshuno.

Reine & La Rue is slick lounge and a famous spot in the bustling city of San Myshuno. Sitting alongside the waterfront docks, this luxurious lounge offers you the escape you need. A long, sleek room, its curved ceilings are adorned with taxidermy beetles, making for an eccentric, stylish space. The drinks offering is unique, as rather than a menu the team offers a 'Cocktail Concierge Service', meaning your bartender will talk through your likes and dislikes before designing a bespoke drink just for you. There’s a light and airy central public bar, sky-high ceilings and indoor and outdoor seating options — including a rooftop dance floor and chilling area with panoramic views of the city skyline. A modern theme continues throughout with warm interiors. If you are looking for something more intimate, a private room awaits you on the second floor. This property is perfect for a girls night out or a date. There are many spots guaranteed for the perfect Simstagram shot.

Please note almost everything is CC and the items were not created by me! Please do support and directly download from all the creators mentioned! I have attached the CC folders convenience ONLY.

Get together required for Dance floor to function.

Do check out my Tiktok, live almost everyday building!

Note: Some of the cc could not be shared- please download below separately

Wicked whims (pole)

Nickname (Bar drinks from the Bar set)

Afrosimtricsimmer (Alcohol bottles, free on their Patreon) 

INSTRUCTIONS

Please directly move all the files in CC zip folder to your Mods folder.

Please move  Tray files (Tray files folder) to your Tray folder (enable bb.moveobjects on).

Gallery ID-  SimmerVlogs (Enable CC)

TikTok- simmervlogs

Note-  I have placed this down in San Myshuno (multi use lot) 30X30

Thank you once again to all CC creators!

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[lightan117]

Mourn Watch Headcannons 2

I had to make more now that I've finished the game....

As a reminder - this is based on the character that I've used, but I've mostly tried to keep Rook's gender natural.

Mourn Watch in general:

Students 100% ship Myrna and Vorgoth together. They also have little betting pools on which professors sleep with whom. Many students also end up as couples that eventually lead to the next generation.

Speaking of students - the students are the entire gossip pool of the Necropolis. The teachers get their information from the students.

Nevarran beetles are 100% pets (think Scarabs). Mourn Watchers will try to have different colors and species. Golden beetles are rare, but green ones are common.

More on the Grand Necropolis is Hogwarts - first-year students ALWAYS get lost, and search parties always stand by the first few months to find the ones who are. Spirits who are restless might "lure" people away and just peace out when they are well and truly lost (Vorgoth is never happy when this time rolls around)

If students get in trouble, their punishments are to deal with the gentry and clean their tombs. Ever want to hear a spirit complain about how students are not cleaning their tomb correctly? No, didn't think so.

Everyone knows that Markus Pentaghast is dead or undead. It may not be confirmed, but low-key, everyone knows that man is not really "alive." Emmrich confirms it with Lucanis, but we all know Mourn Watchers just know in general just by reading the news. The king was poisoned again? Of course, it didn't work—the man is already dead, guys. Take a hint.

They love to throw any type of fancy party to one-up each other. If someone is having a fight, they don't brawl - they throw the biggest party to show off.

Mourn Watch Rook:

Mourn Watch Rook, when traveling to Treviso, will always look to see if there is anything that they can bring back for Myrna and Vorgoth (Big sister and brother energy). Def will try and get Vorgoth and Viago together to talk about paintings.

There is a scene where Harding mentions Rooks' speech not being as proper unless they are talking to a fellow mourn watcher—THIS IS ON PURPOSE, NO ONE CAN KNOW THAT THEY ARE VERY PROPER IN SPEECH! They worked really hard that first year with Varric to be "normal." They can switch back and forth really easily.

Minrathous is the place they dislike the most due to their view on spirits and power. Feels bad for those in Dock Town - hate everyone up top. Politics are almost the same but not as bad I feel.

Would pester Emmrich (in the best way) about what they missed in Nevarra and any lessons he could teach them. Lessons from one of the top professors in the Mourn Watch? Why the fuck not?! They can also nerd out together about all things undead.

Assan and Manfred are the favorites of the whole group

Rook has beetles in their room - fight me - everyone knows and thinks its weird when they show up at the lighthouse with a glass case full of beetles. Spite thinks they're cool.

(End of Game) Mourn Watch Rook and dating:

If Mourn Watch Rook is dating Lucanis, they would have a hard time once everything is...normal I guess? I'm sure the Mourn Watch would give the nobility the middle finger if they protest Rook coming back to Nevarra (they would be welcomed back with open arms - Rook just made them fucking famous). Their role, they take seriously, but they would find some common ground to meet in the middle. I could see that the Mourn Watch would allow Rook to work out of Treviso but have to make trips home for rites/reports/gossip. Rook is the only exception tho, everyone is shit out of luck until Rook decides to put forward change. Lucanis and Rook do end up getting married and having a bunch of kids (adoption or by natural).

If Mourn Watch Rook is dating Emmrich, they would move back to Nevarra to live together. Rook would be allowed back into the Mourn Watch cuz why the fuck not...

(Spoilers!)If Emmrich became a Litch - I would feel things would be difficult due that the man is undead and would outlive them (there is no going around that topic; it will be rough). There will be arguments and such, but after about, I would say, a year, things will die down into a routine. The topic of marriage might come up and there might be one. (Lots of convos about what happens when Rook does die). Emmrich might try to stay teaching students and opening up conversations with Litchs still having relationships with the living as per his relationship with Rook being an example. An uphill battle if you choose this route.

(Spoilers!) If Emmrich did NOT become a Litch - this route might be a tid difficult but not as much as if Emmrich is a litch. Since he's human with Manfred (Manny as I call him) you two are in your perfect little bubble that no one can pop. Emmirch would go back to teaching and Rook could do whatever they want. They could teach if they wanted, become an instructor, or even help Myrna. Emmrich does have fears of his death still but Rook would be there to help him along with Manny. When the time comes, Rook would not be left alone.

[fallingforfictionalcharacterss]

Hellooo! I really really love your writings so much! I wanted to request something but you don’t have to do it! I’m thinking about a Draco Malfoy oneshot where Draco and reader aren’t close then one day reader’s potion goes wrong and kind of blows up on her face and she somehow loses her ability to see so she’s going to be blind for a week or something and a professor chooses Draco to assist her around, walk her to the classes and meals, read the books for her aloud, practically they do everything together and Draco starts to like her and eventually fall in love ❤️

Thank you so much for your request, I really loved it. So I hope you enjoy reading!

I got you

A faint smile appeared on your face as you noticed the potion in front of you turning green when you added your frog brains, just like it was supposed to. By now, you had almost finished your potion. And you were quite good on time. While the brew would have to simmer over the fire for several minutes, you would be able to chop the beetle eyes, giving the potion the final touch.

You glanced over to your friend, who seemed to have some more problems than you did. You threw her an encouraging smile, before -unnoticed by Professor Snape- you passed her the leftovers of your own sliced frog brains, to save her at least some time and give her a chance to finish the potion until the end of the lesson as well. Not only because she was your friend, but also, because you knew how Professor Snape would react if a student wouldn’t finish their assignment until the end of the lesson. And you didn’t want to give him a reason to dock yet some other points from your house. What you didn’t notice however was that -as you sneaked the brains to your friend- the sleeve of your robe tipped over a small veil with an unknown liquid inside, a few drops of it running over the table, mixing with the chopped beetle eyes, you had already prepared to add to your potion.

When Professor Snape passed your table and inspected your cauldron, he didn’t say a word but you could see him raising one of his eyebrows slightly, which was for sure the biggest compliment you had ever received from the teacher. Motivated by this encouragement, you checked the bubbling potion in front of you once more and after you had made sure that everything went according to plan, you took the beetle eyes in your hand, throwing them into the bubbling liquid.

BOOM!

Your ears were ringing. Only muffled you could hear the screams of your classmates, and Professor Snape´s harsh voice instructing them to stay back. You remained frozen in place.

Only when you felt a strong grip on your arm, that pulled you away from where you were standing, you obeyed. And only then you started to feel the hot liquid that was burning your face and also covering most of your arms and upper body. You winced in pain, eyes squeezed shut and lips pressed together. But since the viscous potion was also covering your nose, it made it hard to breathe without opening your mouth.

“Hold still.”, you could hear Professor Snape barking and you just nodded, trying to stay as calm as possible, which was quite hard, since you were shaking frantically.

The Professor mumbled some words repeatedly and you heard a slurping noise as he slowly removed the potion from you, starting with your face, then your arms, then your upper body. You didn’t dare to move, keeping your eyes and mouth shut, trying to breathe as flat as possible to not take the risk of inhaling any of the potion.

But then the noise stopped and you felt your skin being freed from the liquid again.

“Done.”, Professor Snape stated. “You can move again. Get back in your place and clean everything up. And ten points from you. I thought worrying about Mr Finnigan blowing up this classroom would be enough, but apparently, we got a new expert now.”

You could hear some people laughing in the background.

Carefully, you took a deep breath and sighed in relief. Apparently, you were out of danger. But as you opened your eyes carefully and turned your head to the left and right to look at the damage you had caused, you couldn’t see any destruction. Neither you saw Professor Snape, who kept on ranting about the dangers of untalented people like you making even the easiest tasks life-threatening, nor your friend, touching your arm, asking you if you were alright.

And as you opened your mouth, your voice was surprisingly calm considering the panic rising up in you as you said: “I can’t see anything.”

“Do you see the light?”

“No Professor.”

Some incomprehensible whisper.

“Now?”

“Still nothing.”

“Can you blink?”

You did as you were told.

“Roll your eyes.”

In every other situation, you would be glad to once be able to roll your eyes in Professor Snape´s class for once, but now you would rather have it any other way. You were sitting on a chair in the front of the class, Professor Snape hovering over you, taking a closer look at your eyes. Because even though almost ten minutes had passed since the explosion, still, all you saw was darkness. It felt like a black curtain had fallen over the world, absorbing any source of light and with that anything you could see. When your friends had brought you to the chair you were sitting on now and Professor Snape had told you in a few words that he needed to examine your eyes, you had been positive that he would be able to clean them or fix them with a spell, but until now, he hadn’t done so. And with every minute passing you got more and more nervous. Your fists clenched around the wooden seat and you felt some cold sweat forming on your forehead. You felt helpless without your eyesight, felt the eyes of everyone else lingering on you, but you couldn’t return the gaze of any of them. Because even though your eyes were wide open and frantically darting from one point to another, you were surrounded by darkness. A pitch-black hole had formed around you, swallowing any visual stimulation.

“Get to Madame Pomfrey then. This seems to be a more complex medical issue. The others will clean up their cauldrons. Class dismissed!”

“And how exactly do you think am I supposed to get there, Professor?”, you asked, your voice probably sounding a bit too sarcastic for your own good.

You could hear some people snickering in the background.

“Since Mr Malfoy seems to take much pleasure in this, I am sure he will accompany you.”, Snape stated in an unfazed voice.

The class fell silent immediately.

“But Professor, I still need to clean up my things as well.”, you heard Draco Malfoy´s voice echoing through the dungeon. You couldn’t quite identify the sound of his voice. It irritated you to not be able to watch his reaction and not know what exactly was going on.

“Mr Zabini will take care of it. He shared your enthusiasm about the situation after all.” You wished you could see the boys´ faces now. You weren’t quite sure but from the giggling of the others you assumed they looked anything but pleased with the situation. “And you, Mr Malfoy, will take care of Miss (Y/l/n) until she is capable of doing so for herself again.”

Draco groaned.

“How long will that take?”

“As long as it is necessary.”

“But what if it takes days? Or weeks? Or maybe she will never be able to see again. What will happen then? Am I supposed to watch her for the rest of my life?”

Normally, you would be slightly offended by Draco´s unwillingness to spend any time with you. The two of you never had much in common, but in comparison to most of the other students -at least those who weren’t in Slytherin- the two of you got along quite well. Not that you had ever talked much with each other, but at least he had never insulted or bullied you. And that meant much more than it would in most other people. But now that Draco mentioned a possibility that you had tried to avoid thinking of until that very moment, your heart dropped. What if the damage the potion had done to your eyes was permanent? What if you would never be able to see again? What if the last thing you had seen in your entire life were the cold stone walls of the dungeon and the green of the explosive liquid that might now ruin your life?

“I suggest getting her to the Hospital Wing quickly then, so you find out.”, Professor Snape´s voice cut the boy off, leaving little room for a discussion.

And Draco seemed to notice that too because he sighed in defeat.

Then, you lost the boy in the murmuring of the other voices and the sound of the students getting to work and cleaning up the classroom. Only when you felt a hand touching your shoulder slightly, you found him again. You couldn’t help but flinch at this unexpected touch.

“Let´s get you out of here then.”, Draco mumbled, as he wrapped his hand around your upper arm, to guide you out of the classroom and to Madame Pomfrey, who you hoped was able to get you out of your misery again. And hesitantly, you followed him.

“Watch it, there´s a step.”

“And how exactly am I supposed to watch it if I can´t see a damn thing?”, you hissed.

While normally the way from the dungeons to the Hospital Wing would have taken you not even five minutes, by now you were on your way for at least ten. But obviously, you couldn’t be sure of that because you could read a clock as much as you saw the step Draco had told you about.

Your right foot bumped into the step Draco had warned you against. You stumbled slightly and if it wouldn’t have been for the Slytherin boy still holding onto your arm, you probably would have lost your balance completely. But the boy only tightened his grip when he felt you tumbling, slowing down his pace. You cursed under your breath. By now you were quite sure that Professor Snape´s order that Draco should accompany you wasn’t only a punishment for his childish behaviour but also for you and your negligence.

“You´re alright?”, Draco asked. You weren’t quite sure but for a moment you thought you could hear some concern in his voice, hidden under all of the annoyance.

“I would be if you would finally give me some proper orders.”

“Do you think I don’t have anything better to do than playing your guide dog?”

“And do you think I want you to do so? Merlin, if you want to get rid of me just push me down those damn stairs and don’t act as if you actually want to help me.”, you snapped back.

“Don’t tempt me (Y/l/n).”, Draco growled.

“It´s not like I think you wouldn’t actually do that. You already got a certain reputation.”

Normally, you wouldn’t be that harsh towards any of your classmates. Even when this classmate happened to be Draco Malfoy. But due to everything that had happened in the last few minutes, your focus didn’t exactly lay on your politeness. So for once in your life, you didn’t bite your tongue, even though you had to admit, that this was probably the worst timing. Because if you would annoy Draco too much, he wouldn’t even have to push you down the stairs. He could just walk away, leaving you here, completely lost. And then the chances were high that you either would break your neck or get totally lost in the castle if you would try and find the way to the Hospital Wing by yourself.

But instead of a snarky remark or just walking off, Draco just sighed and let go of your arm. But before you could protest, he laid his arm around your shoulders, his hand wrapping around the upper arm that was farther away from him, before he shuffled closer to you and wrapped his other hand around the arm closer to his body.

“Let´s just get you to Madame Pomfrey. I don’t think either of us wants to stay in this situation for longer than necessary.”

His mouth was now so close to your ear, that you could feel his breath hitting your skin. And even though you couldn’t see him, you still felt his warm presence right next to you. You couldn’t help the goosebumps creeping over your skin as you felt his closeness.

“At least one thing we can agree on.”, you mumbled.

Draco let out a small chuckle. But then his voice grew serious again.

“Okay, four more steps, right in front of you. You got that?”

You bit your lip nervously and nodded.

“Think I got it. You got me?”

Draco nodded and you could hear the smirk in his voice as he confirmed: “I got you.”

“Don’t worry my dear, you will be fully recovered again in no time.”, Madame Pomfrey chirped, after she had finally finished running her mouth about the dangerousness of the classes in this school and the missing protective measures.

“And how long exactly will this be?”, you asked, still concerned, but for now relieved that the loss of your eyesight wasn’t permanent.

“About a week. Maybe two. But the latest in a month your eyesight will have fully recovered.”

“A month?”, you gasped. “But what am I supposed to do in all that time? I can´t see anything. How am I supposed to do my homework? Read the books I need for class? How am I even supposed to get to class? Or out of bed in the morning?”

“You will be able to see again much earlier. Simply not as good as you did before. If I got this correctly, Professor Snape has already instructed Mr Malfoy to help you out during that time?”

“He did, but…”

“Well, actually…”

“Very well.”, Madame Pomfrey cut the protest of you and Draco off. “Then this is set. I will give you a balm that you can apply to your eyes twice a day. It will support the healing process and prevent any infections.” She gave you a small veil and closed your fingers around it.

“But that’s… I can´t help her with… everything.”, Draco argued, while you nodded in agreement.

“Oh, dear boy, you won´t have to. Miss (Y/l/n) may not be able to see anything but that doesn’t mean she can’t survive on her own.”

“But we aren’t even in the same house. Wouldn’t it be better if someone from my house…”

But Madame Pomfrey cut you off again.

“As I understood this Professor Snape had a reason to put the two of you together. And I´m positive that everyone will benefit from this. Besides, you still have some friends who will be able to help you out if you will need them, don’t you?”

Of course, you had. You were sure that your friends wouldn’t mind helping you out in the upcoming weeks, but you were just as sure that Draco did mind. And the fact that he just huffed in response, confirmed your presumption. But since Madame Pomfrey as well as Professor Snape seemed to not have any argument, you just nodded defeated.

“Very well. Now off you go. I still have other patients I need to take care of.”

When the door of the Hospital Wing closed behind you, an uncomfortable silence spread across Draco and you. Then, finally, he cleared his throat.

“So, class is already over. Should I walk you back to your common room?”

You nodded.

“Yeah, that would be nice.”

Then, you fell silent again.

Only when you had reached the door to your common room -surprisingly without any greater incidents- you spoke up again.

“Thanks for bringing me.”

“It´s my job now, I guess.”, Draco grumbled.

“It probably won´t even take that long. I mean, I don’t need to see that much to be fine on my own again. So this will probably only take a few days.”

You didn’t know whether you tried to convince Draco or yourself.

“Yeah, probably.”

Silence.

“Okay, I got Quidditch practice now. So I´m at the pitch if you need something. Else I´ll get you for dinner. Is that okay with you?”

You nodded.

“Should I drop you off somewhere special?”

“Just get me through that door. Everything behind I know like the back of my hand.”

You mumbled the password and the door gave way to your common room. When Draco helped you over the door sill, you already heard some people muttering and quick steps coming up to you.

“(Y/n), are you alright?”, your friend asked you worriedly, as her hand closed around yours.

You nodded.

“Besides the fact I still can´t see anything. But everything else is fine.”

“I got her, you can leave now.”, your friend told Draco, who muttered a small goodbye before his steps departed.

And when your friend led you to one of the couches and you let yourself fall with a heavy sigh, you wondered how you would be able to survive the upcoming days.

Only a few days later, you were sitting in the library with Draco. So far, he had accompanied you to your meals, picked you up in the morning for your classes, and not left your side for the rest of the day. And even though you weren’t quite sure what to think about Draco as your chaperon for now, you had to give him the fact, that you hadn’t been late for a single appointment yet, even though it took you almost twice as long to get from one point to another than normally. But besides that, spending your time with Draco was rather awkward. Even though you knew him for several years now, you had barely ever talked to him and also didn’t know much about him, besides the things you had heard from others. And most of the rumours hadn’t been exactly positive. But until now, Draco had shown himself from his best side. He was for sure arrogant, and his constant snarky remarks got on your nerves, as well as his impatience, but in the end, he had been there for you and had prevented you from several collisions and stumbles.

And now you were sitting in the library by his side, while he explained your homework to you. You had to admit that his voice was rather soothing as he read a text to you out loud you needed for your assignment. You could have listened to his voice all day if it wasn’t for the fact that you still needed to pay attention to the words leaving his mouth and not only the sound of his voice lulling you in.

But then Draco lowered his voice until it was barely more than a whisper.

“Could you read a bit louder again?”, you asked, as he continued reading about the shielding charm.

“I thought you were blind, not deaf.”, Draco responded.

“Really charming. But if I don’t understand what you are saying, this doesn’t work out.”

Draco´s gaze shifted from you in the opposite direction. Because what you didn’t see was the librarian Madame Pince, who watched Draco and you with narrowed eyes and pursed lips.

And when Draco continued reading to you again, slightly louder than before, she finally had enough and came over to you. And she neither cared about Draco´s nor your protest as she kicked you out of the library, completely ignoring your question about how she thought you were able to read if you couldn’t see a thing.

When Draco and you made your way to the courtyard to continue studying, you gave finally free vent to your anger.

“What are they all even thinking about this? Madame Pince kicks us out of the library even though we just wanted to do our homework. I mean, do you think that any of the teachers will care about the fact that we can´t use the library? No, we still have to do our homework like everyone else. And Madame Pomfrey. I want to see how she would do her job if she couldn’t see a bloody thing. And don’t get me started on Snape. What was he even thinking to hand me you as a second pair of eyes? Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t against you, but against him. He always has to put his outsized nose in other people’s business.”

“(Y/n), you don’t really…”, Draco started, but you had gotten yourself in a rage already.

“Oh, I mean every single word of this. If this greasy-haired bastard wouldn’t have made such a fuss about…”

“Professor Snape.”

“Yes, Draco. Professor Snape. Or do you know any other teacher who is as incompetent and…”

“No (Y/n). Professor Snape. In front of us. In earshot.”

You froze.

“Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.”

You felt your heartbeat fasten. Your hand clenched onto Draco´s arm, holding onto him tightly as if the Professor´s favourite student could save you from what was coming for you if Snape had actually heard what you had been saying.

Disoriented you turned your head from one side to another, not sure from which direction the storm would release on you. Then you heard some heavy footsteps coming up to you. You gulped hard.

“Professor.”, you heard Draco´s voice, which sounded slightly nervous as well.

“Professor.”, you echoed weakly, still holding onto Draco as if he was your life belt.

“Mr Malfoy. Miss (Y/l/n).” Snape´s voice sounded as emotionless as usual, not giving away what he was thinking.

A few moments of silence passed.

“I am pleased to see that you are doing your job so well Mr Malfoy. Ten points to Slytherin. And please continue doing so. We don´t want our lovely Miss (Y/l/n) to get hurt, do we?”

You gulped again, even though your throat was dry and nodded.

But then you felt a draft as Snape passed you with quick steps, that slowly started to faint in the distance. Still, you remained frozen in place, not daring to breathe. Only when your ears couldn’t catch any hint of his presence anymore, you dared to speak up again.

“Is he gone?”, you whispered breathlessly.

Draco nodded. Only when he remembered you couldn’t see him, he added: “He´s gone.”

After this confirmation, you relaxed slightly and let out a heavy sigh.

“That was close. I really thought that this was it.”, you said, wiping your sweaty hands off on your robe.

When you heard Draco cackling, you turned your head in his direction, looking at him -or rather where you suspected him- in confusion.

“What´s so funny?”

Draco´s snickering only grew louder.

“Sorry, but this was absolutely hilarious. You should have seen your face.”

“Do you think he heard me?”, you asked in a worried tone.

“If he did, he hid it very well.”, he responded, before he chuckled again. ”Merlin, I wish I had a picture of this. I don’t think I have ever seen someone going pale and red that fast.”

“That isn’t funny at all.”, you responded, even though by now a small smile had made it to your face as well. “Can you imagine what would have happened if he heard me?”

“No, but I think it would have been rather interesting to find out.”, Draco said, the smirk in his voice still clearly visible.

You tried to nudge him but failed since Draco was quick to take a step to the side, only making him snicker again.

“I´m glad you´re entertained by my misery.”, you complained, even though Draco could see the corner of your mouth twitching.

And your smile only grew wider as Draco, not as usually grabbed your arm, but your hand and intertwined his fingers with yours, sending chills down your spine, as you followed him outside without hesitation.

“Trust me, darling, I am the last person to take pleasure in all of this.”, he smirked.

And even though you knew that this statement wasn’t completely right, Draco knew that -as he glanced down at you, still holding onto him with a small smile on your lips -you had no idea that it couldn’t be further from the truth.

The rain was pattering against the windows of the castle. But you couldn’t care less. If anything, it made the entire situation even cosier. You had huddled together on one of the couches in your common room, gnawing at some snacks the house elves had brought you. But what made the entire situation even better was the fact that you weren’t on your own. Much to the dismay of your housemates, Draco sat on the couch next to you, slickly ignoring the deadly glances the others shot him. He was focused on different things anyway. It was hard enough to concentrate on the book he was reading to you when you were sitting only centimetres next to him, eyes closed and your brows slightly furrowed, as you listened to his words attentively.

Little did Draco know that he could have read a recipe for pudding to you and you couldn’t have cared less. Because while Draco was still striving to help you out with your homework, the words he was reading blurred inside your mind anyway. You concentrated much more on the sound of his calm voice that lulled you in. And as it mixed more and more with the pelting of the rain, you slowly started to drift off into your own world, your thoughts much more concentrated on how close Draco was to you and how the sound of his voice was vibrating through your entire body. You barely even noticed how you started to doze off, your entire body relaxing.

Only when your head fell to the side, hitting Draco´s shoulder, you startled, suddenly wide awake again.

“Sorry.”, you mumbled. Your voice sounded slightly raspy.

You felt your face heating up from embarrassment. Not only that Draco was sacrificing his free time to help you out, but you also thanked him by almost falling asleep during his efforts.

“Am I that boring, hmm?”, Draco asked.

“No! No, not at all. I really enjoy- appreciate! I mean, I really appreciate that you´re doing that for me.”

“That´s why you´re almost falling asleep?”, the boy chuckled.

“No, sorry, it´s just… We´ve just been here for such a long time. And it´s so hard to remember everything when I can´t visualize it. I feel like my head is going to explode from everything I have to remember.”

“Shall we take a break then?”, Draco asked, slightly concerned.

“If you don’t mind. I know you probably got better things to do but if you can take that time…”

“Right now, I certainly got nothing better to do.”

You frowned.

“Are you sure about that? I mean you spend so much time with me. What about your friends and Quidditch? And you have to finish all of your assignments as well and…”

You were interrupted by Draco´s arm wrapping around your shoulder and pulling you closer to him again. Even though you were by now already used to his touch, you still felt your breath hitch at his unexpected closeness.

Draco smiled down at you as he felt you slowly starting to melt into his touch.

“Don’t worry love. I am right where I want to be.”

The days passed and by now neither Draco nor you could imagine your life without the other one being a part of it. But while you were fully aware of how much you depended on Draco, little did you know that by now, he felt like he depended on you just as much. Because even though his vision worked perfectly fine and he didn’t need someone to walk him around the castle, he still felt like you had opened his eyes. When Draco was around you, the world just felt so much brighter and more colourful. He wasn’t quite sure what it was -or at least he didn’t want to admit- but every time he saw you, he could feel that stupid little smile creeping on his lips and his heart beating so hard, he feared it might just jump out of his chest. And even though it scared him, he loved it. He loved the way you closed your eyes and slightly tilted your head when you were paying attention to what he was saying. He loved how prying and fearless you were even though you had just lost one of your senses. He loved how perfectly your hand fitted into his, how your fingers intertwined as if they were made for each other. He loved the way you threw your head back and your eyes crinkled when you laughed at his jokes, even though most of them weren’t even that funny since he tried way too hard to impress and entertain you. He loved how you trusted him with your life and followed him wherever he took you without hesitation. Yes, Draco loved everything about you. And maybe -just maybe- this was simply due to the fact that he loved you.

By now almost two weeks had passed since the accident in the dungeons. Every morning since then, just like clockwork, Draco had waited for you in front of your common room. And today was no exception. Every morning since then, just like clockwork, you had exited your common room and had taken Draco´s hand so he would lead you to the Great Hall for breakfast. And today was no exception.

When you opened the door, you smiled sweetly and greeted Draco, taking the hand that he offered you. But somehow, the smile on your lips seemed to be even wider today.

“Don’t you notice something?”, you said, smiling at him brightly.

Draco´s eyes darted from one detail of yours to the next. Normally, he noticed every single thing about you. It didn’t matter if you changed your hairstyle or tied your tie slightly differently, Draco was the first one to see it. But today, he didn’t notice anything.

“I… uhm…”

Draco flushed. What was so obvious that you thought that there was no way he could oversee it? And how in the name of Salazar could he do so nevertheless?

“C´mon Draco, I see the way you look at me.”, you grinned.

The blush on the boy´s face only darkened. You had noticed. He had been way too obvious about it, he knew that. He knew that all his friends had teased him about “the way he looked at you”, but still he had somehow hoped that you wouldn’t.

“(Y/n), listen. I can explain. It´s not…”, he stuttered.

You had doubted that it was even possible, but your smile grew even wider as you saw the boy´s confusion.

“I said, I see the way you look at me, Draco. I see it.”

“Yeah, I know and I…” And finally, the penny dropped. “You… You see it?”

You nodded proudly, returning his gaze.

“I see it.”, you confirmed.

And now that Draco looked at you, he wondered how he didn’t notice in the very first second. Your eyes still looked a bit out of focus, but you returned his gaze nevertheless. The Slytherin had spent much time in the last days, wondering how it would feel like when you would look at him for the first time. Not that you had never done so before you had gone blind, but you had never really seen him. In the last few days, so many things between the two of you had changed, that right now it really felt like you saw him for the first time.

Before either of you knew what was happening, Draco pulled you into a tight embrace. And after a second of surprise, you returned his embrace, burying your head in the crook of his neck, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

When you finally let go of each other again, you just couldn’t get enough of looking at him. Your vision wasn’t as good again yet as it had been before, but for now, it was more than you could have asked for. You took in every single detail of Draco´s face. The blue of his eyes, the red shimmer on his cheeks, his delicate facial features and -most importantly- the warm smile on his face as he looked down at you.

“How do you… since when… how do you feel?”, Draco stuttered.

You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at the perplexed look on his face.

“Just since that morning. I woke up and suddenly… I mean, it´s not perfect again yet, but it gets better. My vision is just still a bit blurry, and the lights are way too bright. I think I need to get used to it again at first.”

Draco nodded. But then another thought crossed his mind. One that wiped the grin from his face again and made him almost feel sorry that your eyesight had improved that quick again. Even though he hated himself for that.

“So… you won´t need my help anymore then, will you?”, he said, trying to hide the hollowness of his voice.

Your gaze dropped and you shrugged your shoulders.

“Well, I think so.”

“Great. That´s great.” But the look on Draco´s face seemed like he thought that this was anything but great.

“But if you don’t mind… I mean, you can totally say no, I would understand… but I still have a hard time estimating distances and honestly if I try to read the letters are all just dancing in front of my eyes. So… I wanted to stop by Madame Pomfrey after class. If you wouldn’t mind accompanying me till then? Just to make sure everything is actually fine again. Like I said, you really don’t have to, but…”

“I´d love to.”, Draco cut you off much too eagerly, a small smile creeping back on his face again.

You sighed in relief and returned his smile sweetly. Obviously, you could have asked someone else to have an eye on you for the rest of the time, but if you were honest, you didn’t want to. By now you trusted Draco more than you had ever thought you could and you couldn’t help but feel slightly sad that the time you had spent with each other would now come to an end.

Draco nudged you slightly and as you looked down you saw that he was offering you his hand. He looked at you questioningly.

“For old times’ sake?”

You let out a small chuckle.

“For old times´ sake.”, you agreed, before you took his hand and intertwined your fingers with his.

“A few more days and you will have fully recovered.”, Madame Pomfrey said only a few hours later, after she had examined your eyes closely. You had followed her instructions, but most of the time, your eyes had been fixed on Draco, who stood off the beaten track, hands buried in his pockets, not quite sure what to do. Now that Madame Pomfrey had confirmed that you were fine again and didn’t need a chaperone anymore, he looked facilitated, yet slightly disappointed at the same time.

After you had thanked Madame Pomfrey and left the Hospital Wing, the same weird silence fell over the two of you as it had done the first time you had stood here.

“So… you wanna get back to your dorm now?”, Draco asked, eying you from the side.

But you shook your head.

“I´ll get outside. I just… I missed seeing things so much. And now I feel like I just can’t get enough of it. Don’t wanna waste my time staring at some walls.”

“Just don’t overextend yourself (Y/n).”, Draco said and frowned.

You felt your heartbeat quicken as you saw him looking at you concerned.

“Don’t worry, I won´t.”

“Would you mind if I keep your company for a bit longer?”

You looked at Draco, pleasantly surprised.

“I thought after all this time you finally had enough and couldn’t wait to get rid of me.”, you said half-jokingly.

Draco rolled his eyes.

“As if I could ever get enough of you.”

You laughed.

“Be careful what you wish for, once I got used to you you might never be able to shake me off again.”

Draco smiled down at you sheepishly.

“That´s the plan, love.”, he responded, only chuckling as he saw your face flushing.

You were lying on one of the lawns on the school ground, looking into the sky, watching the clouds passing you. However, your gaze regularly drifted off, landing on Draco, who was sitting next to you, watching in amusement how you took in every single impression with the delight of a child, seeing all those things for the first time.

“Take a picture if you want to, love. It will last longer.”

You blushed deeply as you realized Draco had caught you staring at him once more. But how could anyone blame you? Draco was just the most beautiful human you had ever seen. You had been aware of the fact that he was attractive even before all of this happened, but since that morning you were convinced that you had never treasured his true beauty.

“You´ve been around me all the time for the last two weeks. My eyes have to catch up on that.”, you tried to defend yourself, making Draco only raise an eyebrow in amusement.

“Never said I mind.”, Draco responded. “And I mean, I get it. If I was you, I couldn’t take my eyes off me as well.”

You chuckled and sat up a bit, resting your upper body on your elbows.

“You´re a smug idiot, you know that?”, you said.

Draco grinned at you pretentiously.

“I know, but you still love me.”

You looked at him with widened eyes, caught off guard.

“I´m sorry, what?”

Draco, who only realized what he had just said rashly while teasing you, blushed almost as much as you did.

“I… shit… that was a joke. Nevermind.”

Silence.

Draco glanced at you, still looking at him with flushed cheeks which made you look even more adorable.

“Unless…”

You sat up completely, looking at Draco intensely.

“Unless what?”

Draco hesitated for a moment. You could see the indecisiveness in his eyes before he lowered his gaze.

“Unless you do.”

You felt your pulse speed up at his words. Draco´s gaze was fixed on the ground, not daring to look up to you again, while you felt as if you were hypnotized by him.

“And if I did?” Your voice was soft, almost a whisper.

Draco´s gaze shot up, meeting yours. Now it was you who found it hard to return his gaze.

“Do you?”, he said. You noticed how his voice shook slightly.

A shy smile crept on your lips.

“I think I might.”

Draco mirrored your smile as he shifted a bit closer to you.

“I think I might love you too (Y/n).”

And when he leaned in, your eyes stayed open until the very last second, not willing to let yet another moment slip away from you. But when his lips finally touched yours and your eyes closed fluttery, all your other senses made up for it a thousand times. You could feel his lips brushing against yours, his hands cupping your cheeks, heard his breath hitching slightly as you placed your hands on his chest, smelled his cologne, tasted him.

When you pulled back again, Draco looked at you in admiration.

“I can´t believe I thought that this might be the end.”, he panted as he pulled you closer to him again and placed a small kiss on your forehead, making you giggle.

And as you pecked the corner of his mouth and Draco smiled down at you, you could see all the emotions lying within his eyes.

“This is the end.”, you told him, making him frown before you added: “But I feel like this is the beginning of something else as well. And I really can´t wait to see how it will turn out.”

Taglist: @xodracomalfoyxo @marigold-morelli @army24—7 @lbhmoon @Cappgyuccino @writingwitch007 @myomy0ss @tinafuentes @dmslvt @slytherin4evaaa

[arithmonym]

i very much need to hear about canaan house but there are cats <3

this AU is ENTIRELY driven by my need for dulcie septimus to interact with cats and say “nyah” to them!!! and then she gets to meet camilla and palamedes, too, i guess. 😊😊😊

here’s a small snippet of what i’ve written so far:

Gideon knelt next to Harrow on the sun-warmed metal of the dock. As the Reverend Daughter prayed on her knuckle beads, Gideon relied on the obfuscation of her hood and sunglasses to discreetly observe their surroundings.

Seven shuttles had landed in all, but there wasn’t enough time to determine which House still remained in orbit. Someone was coming to meet them—and Gideon wasn’t referring to the little old man in priestly white robes, who had been sidelined on his approach by a starched-looking pair in silver and white. No—a sleek, quadrupedal creature stalked towards them, presumably drawn by the clacking of the Reverend Daughter’s prayer beads.

Gideon’s eyes widened behind her sunglasses. She recognized this animal! She’d seen a few depictions of cats in her magazines, but it was still hard to believe that she was seeing one in-person. (It was the first creature she’d seen, really—the Ninth House was depressingly thin on animal life, unless you counted the glow beetles, which Gideon didn’t.)

More cats were approaching the dock now that one of their number had bravely ventured forth. They lolled about, basking in the warmth of the sun, and it was evident from their outstretched limbs and contently-shut eyes that this was a favorite pastime of theirs.

The first cat drew near them without any fear whatsoever, and Gideon stiffened at its approach. Some species, she remembered, were poisonous. No one on the landing dock seemed overly concerned, but—

The cat struck, batting at the strand of knuckle beads with its paws, and Gideon reflexively reached for her rapier. For the first time in living memory, Harrow’s fingers stalled partway through her prayer.

“Griddle,” said the Reverend Daughter in her most forbidding tones. “Remove this creature from my presence at once, or I will delight in violence.”

Then, ruining the effect, she sneezed.

[wip title ask meme.]