#elderberry wand

[bacchettemagichemb]

Wood magic wand Elderberry wood and ziricote wood, with aluminium details BacchettemagicheMB.etsy.com

[fantisyoflove]

more neville works please!! love the way you portray him <3

*fans face dramatically* phew don't freak out don't freak out.

Thank you so much and yes of course!

By the Lake

Neville had taken off his shoes and socks by the tree roots. He had taken to hiding them under the roots because some people thought it was funny to take his things and hide them or chuck them into the black lake. He could not handle another howler from his gran if he had to write home asking for another pair of shoes! He rolled his pant legs up past his knees and wadded into the waters edge.

It was cold, especially in the shade of the trees, but he didn't mind even if his wand wouldn't cast a proper warming charm for him. One day he was going to save enough money to get his own wand. Having his dad's was nice but it didn't answer to him worth a lick of salt.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed while he was searching along the shore line for elderberries as well as taking note of the other local flora and fauna.

You carried a small bag and two of the texts Professor Sprout had suggested to you down to the lake to join Neville. He didn't even look up as you set your things down and began taking off your own shoes and stocking. Finally as the water rippled around him he glanced up to see you. A confused look was quickly replaced with pure joy.

"Y/N! You came!"

"Well of course I did! Did you think I wouldn't?"

Neville got a funny look on his face, "well no I just... you know.. I wasn't.. not that you don't" he was sputtering as you wadded as gracefully as you could to his side. You reach out and touch his hand giving it a squeeze.

"I like spending time with you Neville and I really like plants too! I will always be up for going with you." You give him a soft smile and he returns it sheepishly. The pink tint to his cheeks stands out even in the shadows.

"I brought tea and that book Sprout was talking about. I figured we could picnic and look at it after this."

Neville nodded tucking his wand behind his ear. "That sounds lovely. I already found some of the plants Sprout was talking about during class yesterday. I wanted to see which ones could be transplanted and still survive."

"Brillant! Do you have some jars?"

"Under the tree roots"

"Perfect, let's get started." You shivered again against the cold water and cast a warming charm over yourself and Neville. His head jerked up at the sudden warmth but you had already turned away and didn't get to see the flush of his cheeks spread to his ears and the adorable grin he had for the rest of the morning.

{}

The sun was high in the sky when you both decided to call it quits. You had helped Neville fill 6 jars with different plants and shrink them down for him to bring back to the castle.

You had been practicing your extending charms and managed to fit a whole blanket into your small bag along with tea for both of you.

You handed over the copy of the book you brought for Neville.

"The library had two copies?" He asked as he starts to skim through the pages.

"Oh umm.. no not exactly. I couldn't find it at the library so I went into town and got them."

Neville baulked at that. "Y/N you didn't need to buy me the book. I could have just waited for it to be returned to the library or just ...."

"Nope. Think of it as a late birthday gift. I won't accept anything else."

Neville hung his head suddenly overwhelmed. The book felt like it weighed a thousand pounds and he could barely hold onto it. His mind was racing. You bought him a book. You bought him the same book you bought yourself. You bought two books so you both would have one.

"Neville?" You reach out and touch his cheek drawing his face up to look at you.

"Thank you." He says so softly. You scoot closer so you are leaning into his side and open your book in your lap.

He stiffens at first, nobody has ever been this close to him before, but his body starts to relax into the touch. He tentatively leans back against you and opens his own book to read. The warmth from your body heats something deep in his chest and his body realises how truly touch starved he is.

He could definitely get use to this.

[exhausted-archivist]

The Foods of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

This covers all the new foods mention in the game, unless noted otherwise, these foods are considered universal as they don't have a specific place of origin mentioned.

New Ingredients:

Alubia carilla - Antivan, aka blacked eyed peas

Antivan Lemon Thyme

Apricot

Cheese Curds

Chocolate, Dark

Clinging Morsel - a hearty fungus that is common in rural cuisine

Cow Heart

Cream, Heavy

Dragon's Bounty - known for its health benefits, it has tough green skin that opens and reveals dozens of tart arils.

Dragon Pepper - Rivain

Dragon Root

Dwarf Spice Collection - contains eight different spices.

Flax Seed

Figs, Purple

Ginger Root - a popular ingredient in Qunari cuisine

Gingerwort Truffle - common in the Anderfels and the Arlathan forest. When made into a tea it can have some magical side effects.

Green Cabbage

Horned Melon

Human Spice Collection - a collection with two spices

Kale

Lineseed

Mangos - Tevinter

Melon

Nocen Bass - a hearty denizen of the Nocen Sea

Nocen Shrimp

Olive Oil - Antivan

Pineapple - Tevinter and Rivain

Potatoes, New

Potatoes, Sweet

Pumpkin, Warty

Rialto Trout - a fish featured in both Antivan and Rivaini cuisine

Rivaini Pitaya - a colourful fruit with a sweet, delicate flavor. Though pitaya refers to dragonfruit family, the fruit doesn't look like dragonfruit.

River Salmon

Saffron

Sea Bass

Seere Peppers - Rivaini

Short-grain Rice - Antivan

Spearmint

Spicy Spice Collection - contains fourteen jars

Spring Onions

Striped Cod

Sugar, Brown

Sweetmelon

Tomatoes, Cherry

Vinegar, Dark

Vinegar, White

Walnut

Yam

New Foods:

Aged Antivan Cheese

Antaam Provisions

Antivan Dressing

Antivan Seafood Soup - uses sea bass, nocen shrimp, striped cod, squid, saffron, and salt

Apple Cake - Fereldan

Apple Cheesy Butter Noodles - Fereldan, a recipe made by Harding

Apple Dumplings - Fereldan

Apricot Liqueur

Armada Special - a Rivaini sandwich comprised of meat and cheese, it can have greens, pineapple, and more meat and cheese added. Or one can make it "Nevarran" meaning vegetarian.

Bran Cookies

Breaded Cheese Wands - Rivain, sticks of cheese breaded

Breadstick

Bronto Steak

Bug-cakes

Candied Sage Leaves - a popular Nevarran snack

Carta Fries - a Riviani dish, served as a side

Cheesy Toast

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Churro - Antivan

Cider Porridge

Citrus Bagna Cauda - Antivan, a citrus sauce with anchovies

Coffee Ice - a frozen Minrathous treat, served with cream and toffee sauce on top. It is "like snow" but tastes of coffee

Cucumber sandwich

Dalish Seafood Soup

Deep Roads Crispers - a Rivaini dish

Demon-hair pasta

Eel Soup - Qun

Elderberry Pie - served in Ferelden and Tevinter

Elfroot Jelly

Fish Head Stew - Qun

Fish of the Day with Pear Slaw - Tevinter

Fish-fry

Free Marches Mash-up - a Rivaini dish

Fried Bread

Fried Bread with Herbs

Fried Leeks and Potatoes

Fried Peppers

Fry-bread - Tevinter

Gooseberry Pie

Gravy on Fish

Greens - salad

Greens with Antivan, Orlesian, or House Dressing

Griddle Cake

Grilled Fish Kebab

Grilled Halla - Dalish

Grilled Skewerd Squid

Grilled Treviso - Antivan, a fish named after the city

Grilled Treviso with Citrus Bagna Cauda

Hal's Fried Fish - Tevinter

Halla Cakes - Dalish

Ham and Herbs

Ham and Jam Slam - a Fereldan sandwich comprised of toast, butter, ham, and jam. Made by Harding.

Hazlenut Torte - Nevarran

Honey Cake with Figs - Tevinter

House Dressing - a Rivaini dressing

Isskap - a Qunari dish, that uses melons

Jam Pudding - Fereldan

Jam Tart - Fereldan

Jam, Apple

Jam, Cherry

Jam, Strawberry

Khachapuri - Tevinter, there is a three cheese variety

Lavender Cream - Antivan

Mince Pie

Mutton Stew - Fereldan

Mystery Stew

Nevarran Tomb Cheese

Non-Seafood Paella - Antivan

Noodles and Gravy

Nordbotten Cream - made of brined sheep's milk from Nordbotten

Orange Liqueur

Orlesian Dressing

Orlesian Sauce

Pasta Made of Peppers and Oil

Peanut Butter and Sausage Special - Tevinter

Pear Slaw - Tevinter

Peppered Steaks

Poached Crustaceans - Tevinter

Pork Dumplings - Fereldan

Pork Hand Pies with Fresh Herb Sauce - Tevinter

Potato Stew

Poutine

Rarebit - Nevarran

Raw Oysters on Ice with Lemon and Mint - Tevinter

Rhubarb Pie - Tevinter and Fereldan

Roasted Cabbage

Roasted Cabbage and Gravy

Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken Salad

Robust Loaf - a crusty, wholesome brown bread

Rolled Noodles

Salted Meat, Halla

Sauced Eels - Qunari

Sausage Sauced with Nut Butter Stuffed in a Bun - Tevinter

Savory Pie with Spinach - Tevinter

Scorpion Pasta - Tevinter

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled Eggs and Gravy

Sea Monster Kebab - Rivaini

Seafood Paella

Seleny Ham - Antivan

Smoked Trout

Souffle

Spiced Fried Lentils - Tevinter

Spiced Porridge

Spit-Roasted Nug - Tevinter

Strawberry Tart

Street Meat

Sugar-biscuit Candy

Tarta de Limon - Antivan

Taste of Ferelden Bread and Cheese Spread

Tentacle Salad - Tevinter

The Divine's Hat - An Orlesian soft cheese molded to resemble the Divine's crown.

The Revered Mother's Knickers - Fereldan

Treviso Ham - Antivan

Turnip Stew - Fereldan

Vanilla and Nutmeg Tart

Venison Souffle

White Sauce

Wild Meat and Mushrooms - Dalish

Yam and Jam Slam - a Fereldan sandwich comprised of toast, butter, yam, and jam. Made by Harding.

Zeff's Fried Fish

New Drinks

Andoral's Breath - a type of coffee common in Treviso

Antivan Heritage Brandy

Antivan House Wine

Aromatic Coffee - Antivan

Assembly Ale - Dwarven

Cioccolata Calda - Antivan

Daisy Fun-Time Lemon Gin - Antivan, a juniper spirit flavoured with local flowers and fruit.

Dew of the Dales - Elven, Antivan. Spirits for the spirited, an elven elevation of the brewing arts only sold in Antiva.

Dock Town Homebrew - Tevinter

Dragon Piss Ale

Dwarven Stout - an Orzammar recipe, brewed by the dwarven Ambassadoria

Fire Brandy - used to flambé desserts

Ginger Tea

Gingerwort Truffle Tea

Grappling Hook - a white liqueur with hints of elderflower. Served with three coffee beans

Halla Milk

Kirkwall Select 9:36 - after the Kirkwall Rebellion, few barrels survived.

Lavender Tea

Lemon Gin - Antivan

Minrathous Red - hints of plum and spices

Minrathous White - a light and refreshing drink for humid Tevinter summers

Nevarran Red

Pomace Brandy - Antivan, brandy made from the pomace leftovers of wine making

Qun on the Rocks - Antivan, rum is matched with salt water and presumably seasonal fruit from Par Vollen.

Rivaini Moonshine - home-distilled Rivaini moonshine not for the faint of heart or stomach

Starkhaven Lager

Teven Lager - popular Dock Town amber brew

Vint-6 the common Red - thick and sweet, it is served by the sip. Tradition says that the more who partake, the greater the fortune

Vyrantium Brandy

[siriuslychessi]

For September's @jilychallenge partner @petalsthefish

Wordless

AO3 | FF

Prompt: A new teacher for DADA assigns partners for the year and you are partnered with your worst nightmare (your crush’s best mate or your crush him/herself)

Magnus Elderberry had been Hogwarts’ 6th DADA Professor in as many years since the class of ‘77 started attending it. It seemed that no matter what the school could not keep a Professor for that class no matter how good they were. They were not sure if it was the lack of payment, or if the rumour that the job was cursed was true. 

The older man was strict but he made sure that along their rigorous syllabus they would also have practical lessons. 

“This first term you will be paired with the same classmate, the distribution will be aleatory as we do not play favourites in this classroom. You will all learn nonverbal spells and since this is a taxing endeavour your partner will become both an ally and a competitor. At the end of term there will be a nonverbal duel tournament, the best partners will gain 100 points to their houses.”

A collecting murmur could be heard through the classroom, there was something terrible about being stuck with someone you despised, but the promise of 100 points for duelling had the class excited. 

The names were taken out from a bowl one by one, and Lily watched every piece of paper with such force she actually thought that she would be able to change the name on the paper if needed. 

Last year she had a fall out with her best mate, Severus Snape, and after that she did not want to be stuck with him as a partner for the next foreseeable future. Yet the name that was paired with hers was not a Slytherin, but a fellow housemate. 

Sirius Black, one of the top students of the class, great marks and James Potter’s best mate approached the place where she was standing and smiled at Lily. “Evans, this is going to be interesting.” he smiled, his hands in his pocket as he waited for her to say something. 

They didn’t use to get along, Sirius and her. Mostly because he loved to mess with Severus, as much as Severus liked to mess with him, and Lily as a good friend always sided with her oldest mate, instead of his housemate. That was until the mudblood incident, and ever since then Lily’s life had seemed to change 180º, her and Severus did not speak anymore, and Sirius…

She was not sure about Sirius.

Today they were practising just simple nonverbal protecting and disarming spells, to start the terms, something to warm them up for the things to come. Apparently in preparation for their NEWTs they would get nonverbal and wandless classes, and this was just a small step in that direction. 

“The motion of your wand needs to be more precise when words are not used, at first they would try to conjure the word in their heads, which was good practice, but in time;” Professor Elderberry said, “it will come as easy as walking, you won’t think about the word, but of the use of the spell. Making your magic work seamlessly with your thoughts.” As he finished the explanation he summoned one book from the other end of the classroom, demonstrating what he meant, and then put them to work. 

The class spread around the classroom to start practising. Lily did not dare to look at Sirius, not because she disliked him, but because she was afraid that he would see something in her that she was not sure was anything. It was probably nothing.

Well it was something if it bothered her so much, but it was probably not anything consequential. Or was it?

She had been so confused since last year that just thinking about sharing the class with Black would end her. She had enough on her plate with the broken relationship with Snape, Petunia’s ever growing disdain and now… well… it did not matter.

Sirius stood in front of Lily, wand in hand and looking at the shorter woman a bit amused. Lily was a brilliant witch and hilarious when she was not in a crusade to try and justify Snape’s decision and actions, but he did not remember the last time they were paired together. He was about to ask how they should go about it when a loud “I won’t spend the rest of the term working with him!” could be heard from where the Professor stood. 

“Mr Snape, as explained, there is no favouritism in this class. Groups are not to be changed for the remaining term. What was not clear.” The Professor said calmly.

Snape looked at the Professor and at James Potter, who stood next to them waiting for the scene to play out. 

“Professor, it was clear, but you can not expect me to work with Potter, that is not possible.” Snape said quieter, just so the professor could hear.

“May I know why you think that?” The Professor asked, once again, calmly. He could be persuaded but it seemed that Severus Snape did not have a proper reason to give.

If it were any other Professor they would know why Snape and Potter could not work together, but the new DADA Professor was just clueless. Explaining how Snape and James did not like each other and kept hexing each other whenever they got the chance would make Snape confess to things he did not want faculty knowing, as he played innocent in those occasions, 

“Are you not up to the challenge?” James’ voice was almost teasing, but he was not dumb enough to get detention. He had no issue working with Snape, he disliked him, but he was not going to cause a scene just because he got to learn how to hext and disarm him without even saying a word. 

James was also clear that even with the small tantrum, Snape was not dim and he would probably also master the spells quick enough for there to be any serious trouble. The main issue was, how long would they last before they would be at each other’s throats? How many points would they get deducted that the 100 points from the assignment would seem like child’s play in comparison? 

Neither of them were sure, but at the moment James seemed to have the proverbial upper hand facing the Professor and Snape was not liking it. 

“Shut up, Potter. Let’s finish this.” Snape reluctantly went to another corner of the classroom for them to do the exercises. 

At the other end of the room Lily Evans was watching them, she had been so focused on not getting Severus that when she got Sirius she forgot that someone would get her former best mate. If she would have had to guess who would be paired with Severus, never in a million years she would have imagined James. Both boys were catalysts for each other’s worst qualities. 

“Worried about your mate, Red?” Sirius said behind her, looking in the same direction where Snape and Potter were standing in front of each other, the tension palpable as a bomb about to explode. 

“I’m sure James will be okay.” Lily said dismissively, because Snape certainly was not her friend anymore. 

A smirk formed on Sirius’ lips, now focusing his attention on Lily rather than his mate and the git. “So, it is James now?” a teasing tone could be heard in Sirius’ voice and Lily had to mentally hit herself. She had been so close to not show any kind of change or favouritism towards James until she managed to find exactly how she felt, but her mouth had to slip at that very moment. 

“Well, I don’t call my mates by their last name, Black.” she replied, trying to be nonchalant, yet a small blush crept to her cheeks betraying her.

Sirius put a hand on his heart, fainting hurt, “You don’t consider us friends, Red, that’s hurtful considering I rather like you.” and he was sincere, Lily could be a lot of things, but she was a nice bird with a decent sense of humour and a nice head above her shoulders. He was annoyed at Prongs’ crush on her, but Sirius could not put that blame onto the redhead. 

“Let’s just try to get through this class and maybe my fondness for you will grow.” she joked, making Sirius chuckle and nodding, letting slide just this once that he saw more than a friendship growing between Lily and James. 

Sirius took out his wand but did not raise it against Lily at first, he seemed a bit bored of the class already and Lily found it nice that they were not just doing lectures but actual practice. Yet, the older Black seemed to be done with the class already and that peeved Lily. “Do I bore you so much already? You haven’t even given me a chance to do anything.”

Sirius arched his brows in disbelief, “Red, I have nothing but respect for you, but I’m afraid the lesson is not quite as thrilling.” he admitted, making sure that his face showed more than just boredom. He was so used to being around people that knew that Blacks had just the same resting face that he forgot other people might not be. 

Lily looked at her fellow Gryffindor, not sure what to think. Sirius did seem to be making an effort, and she knew that for all his flaws he was rather honest, sometimes brutally honest. “You think the practice lesson is boring? Nonverbal seems like a challenge.”

It was true that for most young wizards nonverbal spells were a challenge, Sirius was not the exception, even with his brilliant mind it took him a while to master them. But he and his friends were trying to become animagi, and that was something that used nonverbal and wandless spells, plus potions and a lot of preparation.

Lily Evans did not know that.

“They are,” he admitted, “but does not mean we all learn it at the same pace.” he admitted as much, as he could not admit trying to become an animagi.

“You already know how to do nonverbal magic?” Lily said impressed, even when she tried to get ahead on her studies to not be the only clueless muggleborn in the school, yet no matter how far she went it seemed that she was always behind.

Sirius just nodded for a reply, he did not want to reveal much, not every pureblood decided to practise ahead, even if you had the advantage of doing magic at home while others might not. He tried changing tactics, because otherwise it sounded like bragging, “Your mate James can also use it.” he teased a bit, hoping they could move forward from the reason why he knew certain things.

“He does?” Lily asked, turning to look in James’ direction. Like an invisible force would not allow her mind to think in anything else other than James for more than 5 minutes. 

At the other end of the class Severus and James were moving, almost mirroring each other. Severus was trying to disarm James, while James defended himself and also tried to disarm Severus. It was like a  mesmerising dance, where you could not help to get invested, as both wizards were skilled and their movements were fluid. You could not catch one spell when the other was already being casted. 

“Seems like Snape also knows a thing or two.” Sirius admitted. In reality Sirius didn’t think Snape was an idiot because of his ability to learn, it was on what he chose to learn and who he associated with, but that didn’t have anything to do with that particular class. 

Watching the two wizards fight made Lily feel something, and not, it was not whatever was feeling for James, but a kind of envy. Severus seemed always so knowledgeable and taught Lily many things, but she also realised that he was hiding much more than his hate for the people of her kind. She felt him patronising her for what felt like the millionth time, and he was not even talking to her!

“Sirius, we can’t let them win.” Lily was determined, he could not let Snape win, nor James, even if he was a bit better than before, his ego was big enough. “I want those 100 for us, not Gryffindor, us.”

Sirius laughed at Lily’s determination, not mockinly but amused that seeing two people duel ignited in her the need to win and be better, that was exactly the Lily he liked to see. “Let’s do this, Red, we’ll wipe the floor with them.” and with that they set up to work. 

Learning how to master the nonverbal spells took longer than she wanted. Sirius was a great partner, he was supportive but he did not take it easy, he was driven and he did not let her slack in any sense, yet he understood that she was starting in a path he already mastered. 

By the end of the class Lily was almost able to wiggle Sirius’ wand without saying the word, but the spell was not as strong as it should be. Sirius could have let her take his wand easier, but that would not do her any good, she needed to actually master the technique. 

“That was progress, Red, I could feel you almost pulling it that last time. Some people could not even get to do it on their first attempt.” Sirius praised her as they gathered their things.

“Not good enough, I want to be able to do it by next class.” Lily had decided that she did not want to feel left behind, that Severus had some sort of advantage over her, she hated to feel like that, she justified it all her life due to him having a witch for a mother, but not anymore. “Do you mind meeting a couple of times before the next class to practise?” she hoped he wouldn't, but she knew that he might not like to do this, after all he was already bored with the lesson.

What didn’t Lily expect was Sirius liking that passion of her, determined to do better and to take no for an answer. Lily was far from dim, Sirius knew as much, but this new facet of her intrigued him as much as he liked it. 

“You’ve got it.” He smiled at her, “We can figure a schedule later, now if you don’t mind I’m famished and supper is calling my name.” he winked at her and left to join his friends. 

Their first Defence had been a Thursday, that meant that their next one would be a Tuesday, they had 4 days to get this sorted and Lily was going to take advantage of it. On Friday Sirius appeared in the empty classroom as promised, they talked for a bit and then started practising. Sirius kept encouraging her but it seemed that no matter what she did not manage to get the spell right. 

They tried again on Saturday, and it was not for Lily’s lack of enthusiasm and hard work, or Sirius’ will to help her and explain. The results were the same, she did not budge Sirius’ wand from his hand, and she was getting frustrated with the whole situation.

“You are thinking too hard about this, tensing up won’t make your wand respond like you wish to.” Sirius had offered as advice before they went their separate ways; she needed to relax but she could not do so, which frustrated her even more.

Lily tried not to think about it, she tried to go about her day as usual, and just focus on the spell once she met Sirius. She arrived at their usual empty classroom and sat on top of the teacher’s desk as she waited for her partner to arrive, and while she did so she thought about the class and how it seemed that she was the only one that could not master the technique. 

Sirius was usually very punctual, but Lily noticed that it was 10 minutes past their meeting hour and she got worried. Did he grow tired of teaching her? Wouldn’t he tell her that they were done and they would not continue the tutoring? She thought Sirius’ would, but they were not exactly closed. 

Lily was about to give up on waiting and just go back to her dorm, maybe ask one of her dorm mates to help, when the door cracked open.

The person at the other side of the door was not Sirius Black, he was almost as tall as Sirius, and had jet black hair, but it looked like swept by the wind. His eyes were not grey, but hazle, and there was a small blush around his cheeks as he entered the room. “Evans?” he called before opening the door completely, his expression apologetic, “I’m so glad you are still here, Sirius told me he promised to help you out, but he also promised Remus.” James excused his friend, “Remus is abysmal at potions and Sirius is the best we’ve got.” he admitted, “Sirius sent me to help you, said you needed help with Defence?”

Sirius was a dead man walking. Lily had decided there and then, because he somehow knew and still sent James Potter to help her, when she was trying to defeat his big head and Severus. No matter how much wandless magic the Black heir knew, Lily would kill him.

“Evans?” James’ voice was soft, hoping that he did not come out as a git, he already had done so in previous years and after talking to his mum he thought he could do better. 

“Uhm, yeah?” she replied, looking at him, not knowing he needed an answer to anything.

“I’ve asked if you don’t mind me helping you instead.” James' eyes seemed almost pleading, she remembered him asking her out, but last time it felt like a dare, this time his plea seemed different.

Lily shook her head and moved down from the desk, “Not at all, but you are teaching me to beat you.” she warned him as she stepped to the place of the classroom without furniture.

“Is that so?” James asked amused, taking his cloak off, preparing himself for a session of spell practice.

“Yes, I’m taking those 100 points.” Lily smiled, daring him to question her drive and her capacity to do so, positioning herself a few feet from him, wand in hand.

James chuckled and shrugged. “I won’t give up that easily.” he replied, not belittling her but actually taking her seriously. She was not sure when was the last time she had a study partner that took her as seriously as Sirius and James had done so. Maybe Mary and Remus, but she usually studied with Severus, trying to spend time outside of the classrooms. “Come on, Evans, show me what you’ve got.” he dared her, and she complied.

Lily had tried with all her might to disarm James, as she had done with Sirius. She was willing the spell out of her, thinking it loud enough, but the wand in James’ hand did not move from there. 

Once more, she moved her wand in a spiral, as the spell required. It was a clear motion, maybe a small one, but you could see her trying to cast that spell with all her might. And once more James’ wand did not move.

James moved from his defence stance to a normal one, and looked at Lily. They had been going at it for a while and there was no progress, which made Lily almost want to cry of frustration, but she couldn’t, not in front of Potter, maybe when she went back to her bed. 

“You are giving up on me, aren’t you?” she said softly, putting her wand away.

“What?! No!” James shook his head and approached her, trying to comfort her in some way, but James Potter was clueless in comforting girls, much less Lily Evans. “I was not, I promise.” he said sincerely hoping she would see that it was true, that his words were not empty. “I was just wondering what is going through your head when you try to do the spell.” James explained looking at her, waiting for an answer.

Lily looked at him, and furrowed her brow trying to think. Her hands moved again, her wand making a smaller spiral motion as she closed her eyes for a second trying to focus on what she usually did when trying to disarm James, and not in his cologne, or how close to her he seemed to be. After a few moments she opened her green eyes and looked at his. “Just the spell, nothing much, I also think of the word, as the Professor explained.”

James nodded understandingly, and moved backwards again. “I think that’s the problem, you are thinking of a word, but not what the spell does. Remember when Flitwick was teaching us the levitating spell?” he asked, excited that he thought he figured out what was wrong with Lily’s technique.

It took the smaller witch a moment to get it but then it hit her, “Imagine where you want the feather to go,” she replied, getting to what James was saying.

“Exactly!” he beamed at her, “So we need you to remember how the spell feels. I want you to try to disarm me, like normal, forget about this being nonverbal, do it a few times, until the word loses meaning, but pay attention to everything else. How does the spell feel, how your wand pulls, how the magic flows.” he explained, going back to his defensive position, waiting for her to take the lead. 

Lily nodded at his instructions, they seemed mad, but at this point she was willing to try anything as long as she was able to learn this. 

“Expelliarmus!”

Her body moved as usual, she remembered how she used to feel the wand pull, because the word helped her to make it come to her. But when they took the word away all she could think was of the aid of said word and not what it was supposed to do. She repeated the spell a few more times, sweat going down her forehead as the wand in James’ hand moved but it was not enough to move it, but the smile on James’ face grew with each attempt, Lily might have not made it yet, but she was getting close with each cast.

Eventually James’ wand flew from his hand, and a victorious Lily smiled at him. It felt like a simple spell but it had taken so much effort she was not sure what had changed. 

“Now give it back, and remember that feeling.” James instructed and she followed his instructions, as it seemed it was doing something more than whatever her and Sirius were doing previously. 

They were back at their places, Lily preparing to attack, James preparing to defend. And Lily moved her wand again, this time not repeating the spell in her head, but pushing towards what she wanted, James’ wand, which was moving more than the previous attempts. 

It took him a couple more times, Lily was beginning to lose faith once more, but then, when she least expected it, James’ wand was flying towards her, and all she could do was catch it and laugh.

“Yes! I did it!” she celebrated, moving closer to James, giving him his wand, “Thank you!” she said excitedly and bounced in her place before turning and giving James a hug. Getting the spell had felt so amazing, like a barrier had been lifted and now she could do more than she ever imagined, but it took her mind a bit to catch up on what her body was doing. 

She was hugging James Potter. 

James, who had been a git up until now, who was always bragging on how amazing he was and it was to be a Gryffindor, who had also helped Mary when Mulciber had attacked her. Who stopped hexing younger students for the fun of it, and started fighting the injustices he saw. And who made her feel confused, exasperated and elated, all at the same time.

She could feel James’ arms around her, and asked herself when they had become so toned, because he was a lanky 14 year old boy not so long ago. She wondered when he had gotten so tall, and when did his jaw became so pronounced that she could see him clench it a bit before speaking? 

He was trying to be so careful of not breaking whatever was happening that it took Lily a second to understand that he was speaking again. “I knew you could do it, Evans.” he smiled at her once more, and she unwrapped her arms from his neck, feeling awkward to have hugged him so suddenly. 

“Thank you, you were the one that broke the code.” she admitted, smiling back at him, trying not to blush.

“You did all the work, it took you less time than me to get it working.” he conceded, “So technically, you’ve won.” He was joking, she knew that much, but he was not mocking her and her effort, just her competitive vein, a tad bit. 

“I have.” she replied proudly, but not because of managing a spell (even when it felt amazing) but she had finally understood what she was feeling for James Potter, and that was a win on its own.

[luc3]

Black Elderberry. [French Folks Traditions]

In the 19th century, the peasants of France still attributed magical properties to the Elderberry, and its wood was sometimes used to make sorcerer's staffs and divinatory wands.

In the legend, Judas, after having betrayed Christ, would have gone to hang himself from an Elderberry branch. Thus, it is said in Vienne, that the person who breaks an elderberry branch in the garden of his neighbors will betray this one in the year, even without wanting it and without knowing it.

It should also be noted that in certain regions, Elderberry served as a panacea : everything was good in Elderberry for healing, in the past. But that following the curse linked to Judas, its powers had been supposedly removed.

Protective Magic :

Côtes d'Armor : Elderberries are planted near houses to ward off evil spells and snakes. It is also used to protect livestock (diseases and evil spells) by placing a branch in the cows' litter.

Yonne : Pick up a branch of Elderberry on the passage of the Corpus-Christi procession and then place it in an apple tree, it'll protect it against caterpillars. (?!)

Lower Brittany, Côtes d'Armor : You should never hit a cow with an Elderberry branch, it will make it sick, or cause its milk to dry up. Same thing for pigs. Moreover, if you burn Elderberry wood, you risk preventing the hens from laying eggs.

Magical Medicine:

Côte d'Armor : It is said that the Dlderberry is a "doctor", because the fairies took refuge in the flowers to flee the world when it became too mean. (a special one for my dear @lailoken )

Vienne, Vaucluse : the patient who touches an Elderberry will get better in the next few days, and to cure fevers you have to slip his name and date of birth into a previously hollowed-out elderberry tree.

The feast of Saint John is (of course) favorable to the Elderberry, whose virtues it multiplies.

In the Gospel of the Cattails it is said that warts are cured by rubbing it with an Elder leaf on the eve of Saint John, a leaf which is then buried. As the leaf rots, the wart dries out.

In Upper Brittany, Elderflowers collected on Saint John's Day are used to make an herbal tea to treat sick eyes.

Witchcraft :

Jura : We know the story of a sorcerer who introduced a little excrement from the person or animal he wanted to bewitch into a hollowed-out elderberry stick. He then fixed this stick in running water while reciting a prayer. The victim had stomach aches as long as the water agitated the stick.

In addition, Collin de Plancy in his Dictionnaire Infernal reports that : "when one has received some curse from a sorcerer whom one does not know, one hangs one's habit from one ankle and strikes on it with an elderberry stick; all the blows will fall on the back of the guilty sorcerer, who will be forced to come, in all haste, to remove the spell."

I learned SO MUCH HERE (snakes / little neighbors / sick eyes) while I came confident and persuaded to find other things in these quotes... Thus I'll continue to thank and pay tribute by posting the work of J. Fournier on the subject. (Once translated.)

Pic 1 @incroyables-plantes ; pic 2-3 @lherbier-d-elsa

Quotes arranged by me from the Dictionnaire de la France Mystérieuse by MC Delmas.

Also @graveyarddirt, I know you have some and you'll like it Sis' &lt;3

[greenthey]

Healing altar for today 🫐

Card of the day is Queen of Pentacles. Here she also represents Hyldemoer, the Elder Mother.

Message from the Elder Mother: "I see you you've mastered peezing, the art of sneezing and peeing at the same time." (7 of Wands)

The guides are always telling me to piss out my demons. I forgot I meant to put motherwort on this altar for clearing & heart healing but I'll put it in my tea.

There's no elder in this playing card deck but I pulled sumac which is also a protective tree. 6 of Cups, a return to childhood?

7 of Wands appears as well in the Black Locust card, defending what matters. The black locust symbolizes action and inaction. I am in a place of inaction for now as I try to ground back into myself, my own will, and the sense of safety needed to make healthy choices.

Elderberry is poisonous raw but offers immunity when prepared correctly. Like my raw emotions 😶‍🌫️ which when processed mindfully and over time, thru art etc, can become catalysts of healing for myself and others.

Elder branches were used to make flutes. Music is often my way out of torment. The wood spits and screams while burning, nature demons being released. I'm working on some weird angry witchpop music

How can I let go? Of control, regret, etc. Three of Cups. I am allowed to feel joy. I am allowed to have fun. I don't need to suffer for my sins.

Cinnamon & tiger's eye to ground

[joy-haver]

My birthday is coming.

Gift Ideas; For the Woman Who is already In Everything

A real sword. Long, sharp.

More free slippers

A better shovel

machetes, no plastic on the handles

Tractional bows, long arrows

A hunting rifle, ammunition

A place to shoot them.

Every medicinal native plant

A baby

Chickens

Every edible native plant

More handmade pottery that has function

Religious texts

Books of anarchy, already broken in

A still

A spinning wheel

Wood. Always wood

Clay.

Tall sturdy baskets

All the many vinegars

Booze of any kind

Shoes. Real shoes. The kind that are supportive. That you can maintain and repair.

Wool.

Cordage of every kind of cording plant.

Willow wands.

Fiber spun from strings that pluck the song of the birds and the leaves.

Elderberry, dried.

Button down jean dress.

Pockets added on to many things.

A new corset.

A prayer to finally say how I feel about the sun.

A teacher.

Skirts that are long and flowing and cotton and fit me.

Warm wet pussy.

Sourdough bread.

Homemade cheese.

Stillness.

A mind that flows like water and a pen that writes on its own.

A pen that fits my hands.

Pillowcases, cotton.

Kumbucha, low sugar, ginger or cucumber preferred.

A key to the out building where god has locked away the font of grace.

Forgiveness, from within.

To know the means and the does-not-ends.

A ceramic tea kettle that’s strong and subtle.

Supple breasts.

Deer bones.

Animal hide.

A well fit dress.

A swimming hole to kiss you in.

A song that records itself.

A jam session.

A record player.

Records to put in it.

A new hat,

Or an old one.

A Mardi Gras outfit like those men who walk on horses.

An end to everything that the law calls justice.

Justice, the art of making things right.

Love.

Feeling alive.

Your homemade mosquito repellent.

Help pulling privet.

You to learn to sew.

Me to learn to listen.

Us to learn to stretch the day.

A night to sleep under the stars in Coden.

A trip to the country.

A kite to fly.

Stars, bright, peering out of the darkness.

To build a boat and sail the ocean.

Lao Tzu’s hand to hold,

A hug from Le Guin.

A moment at the grave of my Maw maw,

More kinship from my kin.

Found family to finally be more family than acquaintance.

A visit from all of my online friends.

An antique bed frame of solid wood, with four posts and a canopy to hide in.

Long handled pruners, stronger than bodark.

Something to make me sleepy after dark.

Internal temperance.

A tattoo.

Ideas for them.

The perfect stick for an atlatl.

A prefect stick to walk with.

The wisdom of the ages.

An anarchy inside of me that comes to be religion.

The ability to accept it.

The ability to stop talking, and just listen.

[steliosagapitos]

          Blessed Bealtaine/Beltane To All )O( 

         ~ “Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the beginning of summer.  It is one of the major festivals in the wheel of the year and is a sacred day and night of union between the Goddess and the God. Beltane in English, Bealtaine in Irish, Calan Mai or Calan Haf in Welsh, Bealltainn in Scottish Gaelic, and in Manx Gaelic Boaltinn or Boaldyn. It is one of the four seasonal festivals; along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh. This is a time of year when the veil between the worlds are thin and people would light bonfires on May Eve/Walpurgus nacht (April 30th) to ward of mischievous spirits, and to represent purification, tending the fire until dawn breaks. Historically in rural communities, cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease and evil spirits. It was also considered to be lucky to leap over the bonfire. The Maypole is a tradition that still exists today where people will dance around the maypole weaving ribbons (and magic) while they go. In Edinburgh, Calton Hill, there is a Beltane Fire Festival on May Eve every year with music, dance, fireplay, drumming, and immersive theatre that heralds the Goddess and God and the start of summer. It is a visually spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors and is not to be missed. There are celebrations throughout England; Thornborough Henge, near Ripon in North Yorkshire hosts a weekend festival of camping, stalls, a Beltane fire, with the main Beltane Ceremony observed on the closest Sunday to May 1st. Drummers, dancers and a mummer’s play are part of the festivities, with Handfastings performed by the local Druid by appointment in advance. Family friendly, pet friendly this is a celebration for all. Hastings, Sussex, celebrate the Jack in the Green festival over the May day bank holiday weekend which hosts live bands, dancing, social events and family fun. The main event is a procession through the streets of old Hastings town on Bank Holiday Monday. The procession is filled with unique characters such as drummers, mummers, Morris dancers, giants and the beloved Green Man. Glastonbury, Somerset, also hosts a variety of celebrations. There is a gathering to witness the Sunrise at Glastonbury Tor, followed by a procession in the town of Green Men, Morris dancers, Druids, Witches, and other Pagans, Dragons, and Maypoles. There are a number of artisan shops on the high street that sell Pagan wares, not forgetting the fantastic Artist Linda Ravenscroft who has a gallery and studio at the Market Place. Throughout Wales, there are parades, fetes, Morris dancing, music and singing of Carolau Mai, or May carols, the crowning of the May Queen and May King, and dancing round the Maypole which is  very much an essential part of Welsh culture. It would be fashioned out of birch wood and painted bright colours, adorned with ribbons and hoisted into the air and dancing would commence.The drinking of beers and elderberry and rhubarb wines were supplemented by metheglin, a variant of mead laced with spices. The drink had its origin in folk medicines, and traces its etymology through a combining of the Welsh words meddyg (meaning healing or medicine) and llyn (liquor). ‘May Day’ in Wales was also associated with festivities on the village green, or – to be more Welsh about it – the ‘twmpath chwarae’. Literally the ‘tump for playing’ was a place where people could gather in the evenings, long before television, for dancing or for sports. On Calan Mai, musicians would play while traditional dances were performed. One popular theatrical entertainment was the traditional ‘mock battle’ between two men dressed to represent Summer and Winter. ‘Winter’ would arrive carrying a stick of blackthorn decorated with pieces of wool to represent snow. He would inevitably be defeated by his garlanded opponent, willow wand tied with ribbons.  At the end of the fight, a May King and Queen were crowned and the serious business of eating, drinking and cavorting would continue long into the evening.In Ireland, Bealtaine is celebrated at the Hill of Uisneach. The Bealtaine Festival was revived on the Hill of Uisneach in 2009 and today’s' festival remains much as it was in ancient times, a chance to meet old friends and make new ones. A family-friendly event that welcomes all the different tribes to celebrate the beginning of summer at the sacred centre of Ireland. In 2017, the ceremonial fire was lit by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins; making him the first Irish Head of State to do so since the last High King, nearly a thousand years ago. It is  gathering where heritage, art, culture, music, fire-dancing, talks, workshops, wellbeing, yoga, story-telling, children's fun and food is enjoyed and celebrated before the great Bealtaine Fire is lit at sundown. Mayday celebrations vary from town to town, region to region but all have the same theme – the celebration of the start of Summer.  With the arrival of the annual of the April Lyrids meteor shower (April 16th – 25th) and the first Swallows and Bats sighted here on the Ards Peninsula this week – Summer is here ! What are the Bealtaine/Beltane/Mayday celebrations happening near you ? Get in touch as we would love to find out. However you choose to celebrate, have a magical weekend.  Love and bright blessings to all.” ~

[endlessly-cursed]

𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿��� 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿

"𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩."

BASICS

Full Name: Albert Edward Rosier 

Birthday: 30th of January, 1908

Weight: 86kg 

Height: 1.85m 

Faceclaim: Nicholas Hoult 

HOGWARTS 

House: Hufflepuff 

Wand: Elm wood, phoenix core, 11 inches, rigid flexibility 

The unfounded belief that only pure-bloods can produce magic from elm wands was undoubtedly started by some elm wand owner seeking to prove his own blood credentials, for I have known perfect matches of elm wands who are Muggle-borns. The truth is that elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. Of all wand woods, elm, in my experience, produces the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands (which, again, makes it highly desirable to those who espouse the pure-blood philosophy).

Amortentia (what they smell like): Fresno, expensive cologne, Earl Grey tea, gillywater and bourbon 

Best Subject: Herbology and Transfiguration 

Worst Subject: HOM 

Career: Marquis of Weltonshire 

Quidditch: Seeker 

Extracurriculars: Poetry club, duelling club, right hand of the Herbology professor 

FAMILY

Mother: Sara Josefina Rosier

Beautiful, sensual and intelligent, Catalina was a bright Ravenclaw witch with a quick wit and a tendency to make men and women in love with her. Of Swedish descendance, she grew up within the Sacred Twenty-Eight, though her affair with King Edward VII was infamous, especially when Albert and his sister were born of it. She re-met schoolmate Carmine Elderberry, who had been widowed and the two of them lived together. Catalina was obvlivious to their love until she had children of her own.

Father: King Edward VII

The infamous king, known as ‘The Caressed’, died when Albert was two years old, so he only remembers what is told of him, and is a bit embarrassed to be his son and never tried to make an appeal for a better life, having his own pride. He was well aware of his reputation and rumours, and somehow inherited his rizz with women, though he was like that unintentionally... most of the time. 

Sibling: Catalina Freydis Rosier 

Albert’s twin, she was his favourite woman in the world and always had a deep love for her. She was quiet, reserved and stubborn, but with a golden heart. At seventeen, Albert fell gravely ill and she nursed him back to life. Without her efforts, he wouldn’t have lived. They remained close for the rest of their lives 

Uncles: No uncles

Aunts: Carmine Elderberry ( @potionboy3​ )

Albert had always been a bit intimidated by Carmine, but came to love her as an aunt, and she grew up as a widowed aunt who was very much united to his mother. She provided for his education and even helped him with the hard subjects when Sara was away, and was the first to know the nature of their relationship, and though shocked, he was quick to accept it and support them in their late years. 

Friends: Ètienne Dubois 

Albert and Ètienne, though him being older, met in the society gatherings, for his family was an important one in the health business. Both of them had a similar sense of humour and lifestyles and quicky connected. Albert was also the reason he and Catalina married, though he scolded him for getting her pregnant at 18, and was the one to tell him to do the right thing and marry her. And so, he did, and all was well, loving his nieces and nephew very much 

Significant Other: Ruth Marchmont @potionboy3​ 

Albert was well aware of the fame of Ruth’s mother, Agata, thanks to the tell-all of the famous Ezra Greenaway, and it was Ètienne who thought it’d be interesting to introduce him to the daughter, Ruth. The two of them clicked and saw each other frequently, sparks clearly being there. When he fell ill, he whispered Ruth’s name numerous times, and Catalina urged her to his possible death-bed. After that, he realised he was in love with her. Unfortunately, he was not good at speeches, so he recurred to poems and flowers which language he always found fascinating. 

[More TBA] 

PERSONALITY

Three Qualities: Charming, gentlemanly, humorous 

Three Faults: Shy, clueless, a bit naive 

Guilty Pleasure: Smoking cigarrettes and drinking bourbon when stressed 

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn 

FAVOURITES

Colour: Green, golden, grey and white 

Music: TBD 

Food: Spaghetti al pomodoro 

Person: His sister Catalina 

Place in the world: Normandy, France 

Holiday: Autumn 

Hobbies: Drinking bourbon, play polo and cricket, studying flowers and poetry 

MISC

When he was young, he liked to play in the gardens and find out which ones were edible. One day, he cut himself with the roses and cried all day. His mother, Sara, found him and taught him the meaning and messages of the flowers, and he fell in love with it 

He always sent Ruth poems with flowers, each of them with a message he wanted to express 

He also made flower crowns to Catalina and Carmine, expressing his love for them 

When he was small, he suffered from a stutter and wasn’t cured until he was twenty-two. He still stutters a bit because of Ruth lol 

He also plays the piano and can sing, though he must be heavily persuaded 

He was deemed an ideal student and was a gifted child who became a burned out adult 

He always craved for academic validation 

His biggest dream was to meet Ezra Greenaway 

With the encouragement of his family, he published some of his poems, though most addressed to Ruth were kept in private, for he deemed them too intimate to the public eye 

They were later discovered by his descendants and properly published 

He also composed a song for Ruth that he sang to her days before proposing: “My Sweet, Wild Tulip” It represented his deep love for her and that she was his person. 

Every anniversary, he’d decorate their room with a 100 red roses that meant their love had lasted another year. 

He even dedicated a whole greenhouse for her that he named “Darling Ruth’s House of Greens.” 

He also installed all kinds of leaves and trees to the estate 

He has nicknames of meanings of flowers for each of his beloved ones 

He also loves making jewels and made her a necklace of beautiful pearls, amethysts, black onyx, citrine, emeralds, garnet and a red ruby. 

[bacchettemagichemb]

Wood magic wand

Elderberry wood magic wand - for witches & wizards - wiccan or cosplay

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BacchettemagicheMB

[mutantenfisch]

Today's "let's see what's in the fridge" meal:

Parsnip cream soup and fried potato dumplings

Recipe below

[[MORE]]

I used:

4 small chopped parsnips, thoroughly cleaned and with the peel still on

250 ml sour cream

500 ml veggie broth

500 g Kloßmasse

100 g fine bread crumbs

plant-based schmalz

salt, garlic powder, nutmeg, black pepper, tarragon, oregano, rosemary parsley

Hint:

If you can't buy Kloßmasse, which is a staple here in Thuringia, you'll need the starchiest yellowest potatoes you can find. Peel them, boil them, drain them and thoroughly mash them and let them cool down before continuing.

What you do:

Chop the parsnips into small cubes, melt a tablespoon of schmalz in a small pot and add the parsnip. Let them brown on low heat

Meanwhile, mix the Kloßmasse, breadcrumbs, garlic, half a teaspoon of salt and some rosemary in a large bowl and shape ping pong ball sized dumplings with your hands

Time to add the veggie broth to the parsnips, turn heat down to 1/3 if you haven't already, cover with lid and add more schmalz to a frying pan on medium heat. Once the schmalz covers all of the bottom of the pan, quickly place all the dumplings/as many as you can fit in one go and fry them, turning them around after a few minutes so that the sides get equally medium brown and crispy

Turn off the heat for the soup, pour in the sour cream and add nutmeg, pepper and more herbs to taste and take a magic wand to turn the parsnip cubes into a creamy homogenous mass

When the dumplings are thoroughly golden, pour some soup either on deep plates or into large bowls, top with dumplings and enjoy :D

Thoughts I had after finishing the cooking:

Some fried bacon would've been another nice topping too, if you eat bacon. Also, both the dumplings and the soup could be made including finely chopped onion. The dumplings could be filled with butter- or schmalzroasted croutons or a cheese cube. Another nice topping could be peanuts (go well with the sweetness of the parsnip) or chestnuts or even some elderberries.

[victorluvsalice]

Valerian Root, of course! And some more Mandrake, because it was available. If he’s growing plasma fruit for Smiler, he might as well get magical plants for himself! Even if he hasn’t really dabbled in alchemy yet. . .should have him get going on that! But yes, he headed over to the garden island to pick up all the unusual plants there, then proceeded back to HQ to search the bookcases for tomes. Didn’t find any, but he did find a fairy familiar orb! Which is nice, but -- I am going to just have to steal the dragon one in L. Faba’s quarters, aren’t I? I was TRYING to get it legit. . .

Anyway, after that, Victor chatted a bit with Simeon about magic and asked if he could get a new spell -- Simeon obliged by teaching him Delicioso, the food-creation spell! Nice. :) And from there he flew over to the shopping island, haggling with the ghostly Cameron at the Familiars, Wands, and Tomes shop before browsing the wares and realizing there was nothing he wanted there. Meeh. At least he got a cool fossil rock before he went back home! And the experience was apparently good for his taste buds, as he was able to taste and identify all the plants he’d picked up during his travels! (For reference, he has chamomile, fireleaf, morel mushrooms, false morel mushrooms, huckleberries, muckleberries, and elderberries.) I promptly put examples into the greenhouse for him to plant later once I got the planters sorted.

Meanwhile, Smiler felt the need to be social! With an ordinary human, specifically, thanks to their custom want. I had them fly over to where I could see Bjorn Bjergson wandering around, but by the time they got over there, the want had suddenly rerolled to “BECOME a human,” which, not happening. So I had them chat with their friend Sofia Bjergson (also wandering around), before whipping out the guitar and singing a few songs out in the countryside like a traveling bard. XD I mean, it DOES feel very Smilerish.

Alice came home around then -- without a promotion, boo. :( Gonna have to suffer the shitty bed for a little while longer, Victor! She was all about getting her paint on, so I had her go start a large abstract, while Smiler once again attempted to finish their mechanism, and ONCE AGAIN got zapped. I swear, that bench absolutely LOVES frying sims. *grumbles* So it was off to do yoga for Smiler to get their head in order. And to show off their ridiculous yoga outfit, which I kinda love. XD

[thecglcatalog]

The Punishment Pages: Laxative Discipline Basics

A very special way to help adult baby slaves learn to regret misbehavior, laxatives and diuretics revoke control of bodily functions and help place baby’s routines more firmly in your hands.  We know that your slave’s self-control is a privilege you grant to them, and our skilled molecular chemists are here to make it oh-so-easy to take it away again.

Laxative Baking Mix.  Innocent-looking box mix from the fictional Petty Cocker brand contains powerful, tasteless powdered laxative.  To use, calculate the amount of leavening in your baked goods (combine dry measurements of yeast, baking soda/bicarb, etc.) and simply stir in an equal amount of baking mix.

Rapid-Melt Laxative Tablets.  Naturally elderberry-flavored tablets with a faint metallic zing melt immediately on contact with the tongue, allowing mess-free dosing of slaves wearing ring gags.  Formula supports the immune system while producing an irresistible urge to poop in 15 minutes or less.

Hold-In Suppositories.  Long wands of suppository lubrication containing food-grade glycerin and coconut oil have comfortable, seamless ribbed handles.  Hold the handle in your fingers and insert the melting wand, or push it deeper so your finger is held by slave’s anus; either way, the wand should be kept in place until slave shows genuine distress.

Leave-In Suppositories.  A more convenient solution for the caregiver on the go, cork-shaped glycerin suppositories can be pushed up into the rectum and left to melt – a tougher outer wrap layer is just sticky enough to keep the suppository in place while slave’s body heat melts the active ingredients out the ends.  Uncontrollable defecation results within twenty minutes.  Outer layer dissolves more slowly, is passed with subsequent bowel movement.

Both-Ends Effervescent Tablets.  Drop these dissolving tablets in a glass of room-temperature water to create a sparkling liquid that tickles the palate … or something much deeper!  The liquid can be given in a bottle or cup, or infused as a douche or enema solution.  Either way, it’s a powerful diuretic and peristalsis inducer.  Make sure baby is well hydrated when dosed with these tablets!

Bulk-Up Enema Solution.  A hyper-concentrated solution can be shaken with plain tap water and infused into slave’s rectum.  Dry-mix suspension attaches to retained feces and swells, adding fibrous bulk and considerable water weight to the contents of the slave’s bowels.  Use at least twenty-minute retention for full effect.  Follow up with a suppository for a truly impressive solid diaper mess!

Rectal Fragrance Spray.  Classic atomizer bottle contains a powerful liquid irritant laxative – but it’s so strongly scented that baby’s subsequent intentional distress leaks out perfume to mask any barnyard smells!  Simply place nozzle at anus and squeeze the atomizer bulb twice.  Even a silent fart will become a highly noticeable perfume.  When bowel activity no longer produces artificial scent, the laxative spray has stopped its action and can be reapplied.  Specify scent: ripe cherries, rose garden, candy shop.

Deluxe Laxative Discipline Set.  Introduce laxative discipline to slave’s life with half-size packages of all of the above, packed in a lidded box with a spinner on the side.  Ask slave to flick the spinner to choose a laxative every time punishment is needed, or advance it one place each morning to establish the consequences of misbehavior that day.  Also includes a copy of our booklet, “Is Laxative Dependency Right for Your Baby?”  Specify box color: Fire Truck Red, French Blue, Princess Pink Sparkle.  

Laxative Dependency Set.  Round hamper basket in plastic faux wicker is thoughtfully packed with everything you need to deprive your slave of self-willed defecation ability.  Three sizes of silicone enema bags, steel anal dilator set, four douching bulb syringes, large gift box of laxative cake truffles, bottle of rapid-melt laxative tablets, box of hold-in suppositories, two different travel-size rectal fragrance sprays, and printed booklet offering easy-to-mix enema solution recipes for various needs.  Specify plastic/silicone color: Princess Pink Sparkle/Shell Pink, French Blue/Translucent Green, Yellow Confetti/Pastel Jade.

Days-of-the-Week Laxative Set. Snug briefs made from our special latex-like Rubberina material have the days of the week appliqued across the back, while a matching wet-erase wall board lets you write a corresponding list of laxatives.  Trial-size portions of all of the above laxative types are included.  Rubberina panties are multicolored with contrast lettering and can be worn either over a diaper or against the skin.  A sweet gift set, or the trappings of a severe punishment week for baby-slave?  You decide!

[jembli]

C’erano una volta tre fratelli che viaggiavano lungo una strada tortuosa e solitaria al calar del sole. Dopo qualche tempo, i fratelli giunsero a un fiume troppo profondo per guardarlo e troppo pericoloso per attraversarlo a nuoto. Tuttavia erano versati nelle arti magiche, e così bastò loro agitare le bacchette per far comparire un ponte sopra le acque infide. Ne avevano percorso metà quando si trovarono il passo sbarrato da una figura incappucciata. E la Morte parlò a loro. Era arrabbiata perché tre nuove vittime l’avevano appena imbrogliata: di solito i viaggiatori annegavano nel fiume.

Ma la Morte era astuta. Finse di congratularsi con i tre fratelli per la loro magia e disse che ciascuno di loro meritava un premio per essere stato tanto abile da sfuggirle.

Così il fratello maggiore, che era un uomo bellicoso, chiese una bacchetta più potente di qualunque altra al mondo: una bacchetta che facesse vincere al suo possessore ogni duello, una bacchetta degna di un mago che aveva battuto la Morte! Così la Morte si avvicino a un albero di sambuco sulla riva del fiume, prese un ramo e ne fece una bacchetta, che diede al fratello maggiore.

Il secondo fratello, che era un uomo arrogante, decise che voleva umiliare ancora di più la Morte e chiese il potere di richiamare altri dalla Morte. Così la Morte raccolse un sasso dalla riva del fiume e lo diede al secondo fratello, dicendogli che quel sasso aveva il potere di riportare in vita i morti.

Infine la Morte chiese al terzo fratello, il minore, che cosa desiderava. Il fratello più giovane era il più umile e anche il più saggio dei tre, e non si fidava della Morte. Perciò chiese qualcosa che gli permettesse di andarsene senza essere seguito da lei. E la Morte, con estrema riluttanza, gli consegnò il proprio Mantello dell’Invisibilità.

Poi la Morte si scansò e consentì ai tre fratelli di continuare il loro cammino, e così essi fecero, discutendo con meraviglia dell’avventura che avevano vissuto e ammirando i premi che la Morte aveva loro elargito.

A tempo debito i fratelli si separarono e ognuno andò per la sua strada.

Il primo fratello viaggiò per un’altra settimana o più, e quando ebbe raggiunto un lontano villaggio andò a cercare un altro mago con cui aveva da tempo una disputa. Armato della Bacchetta di Sambuco, non poté mancare di vincere il duello che seguì. Lasciò il nemico a terra, morto, ed entrò in una locanda, dove si vantò a gran voce della potente bacchetta che aveva sottratto alla Morte in persona e di come essa l’aveva reso invincibile. Quella stessa notte, un altro mago si avvicinò furtivo al giaciglio dove dormiva il primo fratello, ubriaco fradicio. Il ladro rubò la bacchetta e per buona misura tagliò la gola al fratello più anziano. E fu così che la Morte chiamo a sé il primo fratello.

Nel frattempo, il secondo fratello era tornato a casa propria, dove viveva solo. Estrasse la pietra che aveva il potere di richiamare in vita i defunti e la girò tra volte nella mano. Con sua gioia e stupore, la figura della fanciulla che aveva sperato di sposare prima della di lei prematura morte gli apparve subito davanti.

Ma era triste e fredda, separata da lui come un velo. Anche se era tornata nel mondo dei mortali, non ne faceva veramente parte e soffriva. Alla fine il secondo fratello, reso folle dal suo disperato desiderio, si tolse la vita per potersi davvero riunire a lei.

E fu così che la Morte chiamò a sé il secondo fratello.

Ma sebbene la Morte avesse cercato il terzo fratello per molti anni, non riuscì mai a trovarlo. Fu solo quando ebbe raggiunto una veneranda età che il fratello più giovane si tolse infine il Mantello dell’Invisibilità e lo regalò a suo figlio. Dopodiché salutò la Morte come una vecchia amica e andò lieto con lei, da pari a pari, congedandosi da questa vita.

[moeruhoshi]

A cute story while I'm sad

Lucy pursed her lips, staring at the brew bubbling away in her cauldron.

"Ugh...I knew synthetic dragon's blood wouldn't work." She groaned, turning away from her concoction. It was a love spell for a friend, though Lucy didn't like making them.

But Juvia was persistent, even bringing in a recipe she borrowed from a sea witch she knew.

Lucy didn't like using other people's work, but she didn't have anything like this in her repertoire.

It focused more on bringing out someone's true thoughts and desires for another. Gray was the perfect candidate.

Lucy rolled her eyes, but couldn't say no. Juvia deserved to hear what he really felt, though Gray also deserved to be kept in his right mind. And the only way to tweak the spell properly would be with dragons blood.

The only problem was, was that the blood was so unbelievably rare. Of course it was, who would ever be lucky enough to get their hands on it? You'd only ever see a dragon if you were stupid, everyone avoided them like the plague. It was a death sentence to even think about getting anywhere near where they lived.

Synthetic dragon's blood was popular, strong enough to replace the real thing if need be. Obviously not in her case.

Lucy chewed on her lip, there was no way she was going to die for a stupid love spell.

It felt cruel to leave Juvia’s situation unhandled, especially when everyone knew he was crazy about her.

And, technically, she knew where a dragon lived.

It was pure coincidence that she came across their home, something that she found while out on a hike looking for elderberries.

There was a poorly constructed sign poking out of the ground, old wood carved into with a shaky hand.

'Dragon territory. Turn back now.'

Lucy didn't think twice, hopping on her broom and getting the heck out of dodge. She wanted to die a normal death, thank you very much.

Lucy mulled it over, wondering if she went in with the right protection, maybe there would be no harm in asking. Or, maybe she'd get lucky and find some blood lying around from a scratch they'd accidentally given themselves.

A magic protection spell...and maybe an anti-squishing spell? So they couldn't stomp her to death. Or chew on her body...or drop her from a thousand feet in the air.

"Juvia really owes me now..." Lucy grumbled, securing the bag on her hip, making sure her wand wouldn't fall out. She walked outside, bracing the sunlight as she whistled for her broom.

She heard it cut through the wind, stopping abruptly below her waist, Lucy turning to seat herself sideways.

"We're booking it if anything goes wrong, don't forget that."

The closer she got, the more she wondered if she should turn around. No one knew what kind of magic a dragon used until they met them, not to say there were many survivors.

While dragons who used magic relating to earthly elements were more well known, there were scarier powers within their grasp.

Blood, darkness, space, crystals...things that not even a powerful witch like herself would know how to properly defend against.

"Juvia really freakin' owes me now."

It wasn't long before she was hovering over the ground, finding the same sign poking out from a bush.

She took in a deep breath before proceeding forward, tightening her grip on the handles.

The woods ahead were incredibly quiet, a distinct lack of birds chirping or animals rustling as they ran by.

There was a distinct smell of hot air and burnt wood coming downwind, Lucy feeling her stomach turn over.

"Just great...a fire dragon..."

They were some of the wildest, most erratic beasts around. Probably the worst out of all the elements she could've come across. Couldn't it have been a nice water dragon? Drowning sounded better than getting burnt to a crisp.

Even chaos dragons kept their distance from fire elements. They just weren't worth the trouble.

Lucy reminded herself that she could go home, there was still ample time to escape with her body intact. But that small glimmer of hope for a successful outcome kept her motivated. She was a good friend, how lovely.

She floated slowly toward the smell, figuring the stronger it was, the closer she was.

[elvisgrace]

139 followers gift, cont'd

Part I here.

EDIT: Looking at my preview pics in Tumblr made me a little unhappy with the quality of the walls/floors, so I gussied them up, replaced them in the zip, reuploaded, and updated the download links.

Hidimart Retail Display! The top picture is a scultpture, the bottom two are fully functional, slotted OFB shelves, brought into existence through the munificence of @hugelunatic's tutorial.

The Golden Meriklime Display. I wasn't able to make @faesims4 elderberry and grape seedlings look good in the game, so the elderberry seedling (above left) has been replaced with an edit of the TS2 hydroponic plant, and the grape seedling (above right) has been replaced with an edit of @sunmoon-starfactory's fantastic Grapes of Rad (credit provided in the item's catalog description).

Visions of Sugarplums Toybox, with My Little Pegasus, My First Wand, and Butterfly Wand. The animations for the toys aren't perfect, but the toybox is functional, and the animations are on point.

The Champignon Toadstool Chair and accessory toadstools. The chair is found in chairs, and the toadstools under Landscaping/Flowers.

In the interest of not having to hunt through every single category for this stuff, a collection file containing E V E R Y T H I N G above has been included - look for the icon above in your collections folder.

That's it! Huge thanks to @faesims4 for their amazingly, breathtakingly beautiful creations, and for allowing me to convert them, @jennifairy2000 for play-testing, and @purepanic for unswerving moral support, and all of you for following! THANK YOU!

SFS/Mediafire