#family moments

[thepastisalreadywritten]

💙🫶💙

[bigassmoonchild]

this may have been in my head for a few days

but

everyone thinking simons in charge in the household and that hes the one to tell off the kids and everything but they find out that no hes the laid back parent and the head of the household is this 5 foot 8 woman who ends up keeping the boys in line and simons just there smirking at them for thinking he was the bossy one

i keep saying i love the ideas you guys have, but you all are honestly doing so good with these (keep them coming, i'll try to actually answer my inbox when i don't feel like dogwater <3)

you'd bugged and pestered and fought simon for nearly two weeks before he'd finally allowed you to invite the 141 for dinner. 'i just want to meet your other family, si,' you whispered to him one night. 'just wanna know the people who are saving your ass,' and he huffed and nudged you.

after weeks of fighting with him, the taskforce was finally allowed into his home. 'what d'ye think his missus is like?' soap nudged gaz, snickering from the backseat. they were all buckled up, as simon was driving them because he knew the way home. price had made sure they'd buckled up.

'i dunno,' gaz answered simply. 'she's gotta be a beast to be able to deal with the lieutenant,' he added. soap shrugged, gave a noncommittal noise.

'feel like l.t is the one running the house. he's got the military training, after all,' and simon had to stop himself from laughing. him? running the house? that you took care of when he was away? and the kids, who were sometimes the literal spawn of satan? it was funny. genuinely.

and as he pulled up the driveway, he watched as you came onto the front porch. a nice little sundress, one he especially loved on you, and some little kitten heels. christ, he'd have a hard time keeping away from you today.

parking the car, he opened the door and was the first one to greet you. pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek, and allowing you to greet everyone. price gave you a soft handshake, thanking you for inviting them all over. soap, the bastard, pressed a kiss to the top of your hand. your eyes rolled, a little smile forming on your face.

gaz gave you a little wave, smiling softly. he was always rather quiet, but from what simon had told you he'd warm up. you invited them all in, sliding your heels off before stepping fully into the house. simon followed suit, pulling his boots off as price followed his lead.

soap, on the other hand, tried to walk on your freshly cleaned floors. you stopped sharply, staring the man down. 'if you get mud on my clean floors i will wipe it clean with you,' and he blinked at you. there was a few little giggles from upstairs, and you gave simon a little gesture upstairs.

'i can get you guys something to drink? water, maybe some whiskey?' you asked, waiting to move until gaz and soap had both taken their boots off. gaz shook his head, muttering something about being okay.

'water is fine for us, ma'am,' price spoke for him and soap. there were more little whispers and hushed whines coming from upstairs. soap peaked up the stairs, but they turned just at the top so he couldn't see what was happening.

you gestured to the living room around you. 'please, make yourselves at home. simons home is yours, afterall,' and they thanked you. simon had come back down, helping you hand waters off to the others. a few little footsteps came from upstairs, and two little girls appeared there.

'i tried to tell them that the makeup wouldn't work today, lovie,' simon whispered, just loud enough for soap to hear. he turned to see bright pink blush spread across their faces, some lipstick spread halfway to their chins. they watched you take a deep breath.

it was silent for a moment, a little smile coming from you. 'how did you get into my makeup?' and neither of them answered. 'while it is quite pretty, i'm sure our company would much rather see your pretty faces without anything,' and they stood there for a moment.

you stared at the two kids, who looked at their feet. simon stifled a little laugh as the 141 turned to look at him. 'upstairs,' you told them. 'clean that off, make yourselves presentable and come back down when you're ready,' you spoke calmly. they huffed a little, heard a hum from you and hustled on upstairs.

for some time, the group of you spoke. you'd talked about how simon had reacted in the hospital room ('christ, john, he actually passed out. full on, and the nurses just left him there,') and the group cackled.

simon had taken to helping you plenty, keeping the kids humored enough to not begin complaining, refilling drinks and helping set the table.

'sam, honey,' simon spoke up. 'please don't play with your food, if you don't want to eat it, that's okay. we should save it if not,' and she gave a little huffed whine.

'but daaaad,' she complained. 'there's nothing else to do,' and the group watched as you looked to said girl.

sam looked down at the food, dropping the fork. 'sam, apologize to your father,' and soap found himself stifling a laugh. a little girl, apologizing to the big, bad ghost? she did it, rather unhappily, but perked her voice up after you gave another look.

outside of that, dinner went quite well. the other little girl, sara, had kept to her manners. simon took to taking them to get ready for bed while you cleaned dishes with the help of soap.

'diddnae think that you'd be the one to be uptight with the kids,' he spoke softly. price and gaz were in the other room, helping to clean up the living area. 'thought it would've been simon doing all a' that,' you gave a little laugh.

shaking your head, you handed him another plate to dry. 'no, he's the cool parent. he doesn't have to take care of the kids early during school. he gets lucky, they're real bastards when they want to be,' and you gave a fond little laugh. 'love them to death, believe me, but they really take after their father,' and soap laughed with you.

christ, the 141 hadn't been expecting this at all, but it was different seeing their lieutenant be the relaxed person. it was nice, honestly. seeing him finally relax fully in the comfort of his little family.

'don't tell him i told you, but there's another on the way,' you whispered into soaps ear and he spun to look at you, surprise etched on his face.

[missedmilemarkers]

[evenceflux18]

Let's have a family picture before whooping your grandson's sense back😂 (jk) anyways, ciao! Have some Mrs. Lovat and Wybie pic!

(His grandma gave him the pink apartment when he was 20 btw)

[acquariusgb]

During the pandemic, when our frenetic travel schedules came to a sudden stop, we spent more days and nights together than we had in decades. We put together puzzles of all sizes and degrees of difficulty with our family. Chelsea and Bill were, by far, the most prolific. My favorites were the Zen puzzles with wooden pieces. For a time during COVID, Chelsea, Marc, and the kids moved in next door so we could all be together in a “pod.” Bill and I loved it. Many mornings before eight a.m. our grandchildren came over to play or eat breakfast. It was sacred time. No Zooms, no calls. Just family. At home we’re not Mr. President and Madam Secretary, we are Pop Pop and Grandma. There’s nothing better. We spent our secluded days playing countless games of hide-and-seek or Tiger, which consisted of Bill or me pretending to be a tiger pursuing Charlotte and Aidan. We spent long summer afternoons in our pool, introducing Jasper to the water and watching his brother and sister gain confidence as swimmers. Water fights and dunking contests kept us all laughing. We even produced our backyard version of The Wizard of Oz. I searched online for a much-abridged children’s version of the script, ordered costumes, and convinced everybody to participate. Charlotte played Dorothy with her family Yorkie, named Soren, playing Toto. Aidan was the Scarecrow; Bill, the Lion; Chelsea, Glinda the Good Witch; Marc, the Wizard; and little Jasper, a flying monkey. Other friends in our pod played the Tin Man and the Wicked Witch. I was (no surprise) the director. It went off without a hitch but closed after only one performance.

Something Lost, Something Gained - Hillary rodham Clinton

[spacevixenmusic]

Source: Avatar: The Legend of Korra [2014]

[1ris5starlight]

I made a little thing from yesterday SAMS episode.

(I know it didn't happened like this this, but I like it anyways).

[crimson0lake]

Bad dreams? Not today, Not when I'm here with you

A child in BSD!!

Main Masterlist

Child in BSD M.list

A.n: yeah I kind of forget about this comic for a while- yet here's another part of the two!! Just a small information, this comic won't include any ship except the canon ones, this is mainly focused on the backstories, and family bonds.

[beautifulsnake2162020]

We have it all (Hualian adopted daughter fanfic) Chapter 3

Gif by fyodcrs

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I only do this for fun.

Premise: Not long after comforting a bullied girl named Meng Ai, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian find themselves adopting her and together they form a family they didn't know they had needed for awhile.

Story/Genre tags: Slice of life-ish (mainly), Family focused, Hua Cheng's houses finally become homes, there may be an overarching story but that's not the focus, Hualian being parents, Fengqing being uncles, Lang Qianqiu falling in love with someone who was raised by the Xianle squad, technically post-canon (though I haven't read the books so if there are some ooc moments please forgive me).

AO3 Link

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Follower tags: @anonimgato1507

Chapter 3

Blood for blood, blood that you take will be cured from the blood that you give. That was both the solution and the condemnation Xiwangmu's oracle gave their family as they gather once again to make their sacrifice. Ji Huifen despised this but he had no choice but to attend to even know the criteria that they chose. It killed him to be away from his wife and child but for the sake of their future he needed to attend.

He passed by the temple of Xiwangmu and prayed for forgiveness for the crimes his family has done against her. He asks her for strength to endure what is to come.

"You need not attend that gathering." The priest serving as an oracle says. There is a feminine touch to his deep masculine voice. Ji Huifen has learned from experience that it is Xiwangmu speaking through him.

"Your holiness I must, for the sake of the child you have gifted to me."

"Then sit on front of my priest and we will attend within the safety of my temple." He does so and the priest presses his thumbs against his forehead.

He breathes and shakes his head at the memory.

He was here to do his job, as a mage serving in Xiwangmu's name. And everything that she has given him has been a product of her mercy. It is only fair that he uphold his end of the agreement. The fields of Jingdezhen have begun to lose their fertility and so he was sent to help restore it.

As he began walking through a narrow path surrounded by a forest and from the city proper he began feeling one or two presences. They weren't distracting so he ignored them for the mean time.

Until he felt himself pulled away by a seemingly sentient silk bandage.

"What the-"

And then the spot he had once been walking on was now occupied by a small needle like object that undoubtedly carried poison. Soon however he finds his way to Jingdezhen blocked by a rain of arrows and needles. He quickly forms a magical barrier to act as a shield.

"Thank you for saving me." He says reverently to the sentient bandage which seemed to nod back. It seems he had been more attuned and concerned about otherworldly threats that regular assassins became his blindspot.

One of the assassins comes out of hiding and continues to block his path to Jingdezhen.

"Prince Ji Huifen, we come here under the orders of King Ji Bocheng of Fu Dao. Tell us where the princess is and we'll leave you alone."

He narrowed his eyes at this.

"Tell my grandfather I would rather die than let him anywhere near her."

"He told us that you would say that." Another assassin says, he doesn't bother turning to where.

"He tells you to stop being stubborn and that the sacrifice is necessary for the curse to be lifted. Other people's lives are at stake."

"He is wrong - he knows what needs to be done. And it has nothing to do with the princess."

The assassins that now surround him begin to unsheathe their weapons.

"Last chance Prince Ji Huifen, where is your daughter? Surrender her to us and you and your wife will remain unharmed for the rest of your lives."

He prepares the magic he uses in his attacks.

"No torture or deathblow will make me give her to you." No matter what happens.

______________________________________________________________

"How did you two meet San Lang and Xie Lian?"

"Um - well."

"It's complicated." Mu Qing finishes while looking at the little girl. There was no doubt that she was one of the few mortals who could sense their otherworldly presence. But of all the questions that she had to ask them did it have to be that one?

"Huh? What's so complicated about it? Don't people just meet each other?"

"Let's just say that we have both known Xie Lian far longer than San Lang." Feng Xin says trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice. Hopefully that would satisfy her curiosity.

It didn't.

"So the three of you knew each other when you were mortal and you met San Lang after you became spirits?"

"Huh, what gave you that idea?" Even Mu Qing began struggling to keep the mask of calm indifference.

"Well he just said that you both knew Xie Lian longer than San Lang so my guess is that you all knew each other when you were still mortal since you both seem to be very close with Xie Lian but only familiar with San Lang."

"Damn she's quick."

"At this rate we might as well tell her that the three of us are Gods."

"Don't be ridiculous Mu Qing!"

"Well it won't be long before she guesses anyway!"

"It doesn't mean we have to confirm it."

"Also you two have the same type of spirit that Xie Lian has. I don't know what type it is yet but you both have a heartbeat but there is a light but powerful aura that doesn't cling to anything. Meanwhile San Lang is a ghost because there is a clinginess to keep his form and he doesn't have a heart beat. He's also powerful since he was able to carry me, but his spirit type is definitely different from you two and Xie Lian's. Um why are you two staring at each other angrily?"

"Oh just reminding him of something. Nothing to worry about Meng Ai." Feng Xin turns to face her not minding the pointed look that Mu Qing is giving him.

"So what do you want to do? Do you want to go to Puqi village?"

"Um I think it's better if I just stay here. Mama says that once I go inside Puqi shrine to not leave the grounds until she comes later to pick me up. She must have seen something in her visions this morning so I would rather follow her."

"How nice of you - see Fu Yao, there is still some good in this world."

"Of course there is, it just doesn't apply to you."

"Why you-"

"Meng Ai, if there's anything you should learn from today, it's to be better than Nan Feng."

"Better than him at what?"

"Honestly, be better at him in anything that you do. So anything else you want to learn from us?" She thinks for awhile as Feng Xin curses him through their telepathic channel and he replies with a snarky laugh.

"Do either of you know how to play Go or Xiangqi? I've always wanted to learn but Baba is busy with his work and Mama only knows Coan Ki." Feng Xin immediately brings out a Go board with enthusiasm.

"Meng Ai, prepare to watch as I make him eat his words."

"We're supposed to teach her how to play first you idiot. How is she going to understand the game if she doesn't know what's going on?"

"Nan Feng, how do you carry a Go board and Go pieces with you around?"

"Taoist magic. And since you want to learn how to play how do you want us to teach you?"

"Um can you explain it to me while I play against one of you?"

"Sure, why don't I teach you while we play against Fu Yao?"

"That would be unfair to her. I'm just going to end up beating you anyways."

"I thought this would be teaching her how it's played first!"

"It is! That's why she should play with me against you first."

"I have an idea! What if I spin this chopstick and whomever the narrower part points to will play with me."

"Hmph seems fair enough."

"Of course she's fair, she's nothing like you."

"PARDON ME!"

"I'm going to spin it now." Meng Ai couldn't help but giggle as she spins the chopstick.

"Ha! See that, the universe chose me to play with her."

"Doesn't mean that you're going to win." Feng Xin says as he crosses his arms as Meng Ai sits beside Mu Qing.

"Um do we play as Black or White?"

"White so that you could make the first move." "Black so that he could move first." Meng Ai laughs and spins the chopstick around again.

______________________________________________________________

Is this how it ends? Ji Huifen asks himself as another wave of assassins emerge from the trees. He's exhausted, and it seems his new friend the magical silk bandage can only do so much. And before he knows it he ends up on the ground and turns to see his would be killer.

Using the last of his energy he blasts them away and knocking them out with his spell. Fortunately it seems that the pathway to Jingdezhen is now open and he takes his chance as he creates a quick mist to cover his escape. Unfortunately he also loses the sentient silk bandage in the midst. He'll thank the being who sent that to him later when he reaches Xiwangmu's temple grounds. The closer he is to the temple, the closer he is to safety. He needs rest more than ever since making the portal going here from Hu village came at a high cost for his energy.

He reaches the city and quickly asks where Xiwangmu's temple was located. Thankfully, he was directed where to go and was quickly taken in by the priest.

"Rest. I have questions but it seems you need rest more than ever."

"Thank you, your Holiness."

And he allows himself to fall into the realm of sleep.

Just outside the temple were two figures, one in crimson and the other in white.

"Good work Ruoye." He gave a little pet to the silk band as he and Hua Cheng enter into the temple grounds. Hua Cheng being in the guise of San Lang. An adept greets them in the entrance.

"Good day you two, how may we help you?"

"We were wondering if you would allow us to stay for a while? My husband and I are exhausted from travelling and we believe we are meeting someone here?"

"Of course, let me check with his Holi - "

"There would be no need adept." The priest who was in charge of running the temple for the day says in a distinctly feminine tone despite the priest's masculine voice.

"Get them some of the best rooms as accomodation. I've already informed the others of their arrival."

"Of course Great Mother." The adept says urgently as they hastily depart from them to do their task.

"So this is how they know it's you." Hua Cheng states in a neutral tone.

"I don't always possess the bodies of my priests and priestesses. But I like to do it every now and then to let everyone know that there is a difference between my being and the mortal body who delivers my messages. Besides, we all have a vested interest in you two learning more of why we want you to adopt Meng Ai. And Ji Huifen cannot do that when he is dead unless he himself chooses to become a ghost."

"Did you know about the assassination attempt?"

"I had a feeling it could happen, Dianxie. But it was only the night before that the possibility became higher. And so I sent an urgent vision to his wife to get both of you to save him." The same adept returned them and began leading them to their accomodations.

"Oh speaking of his wife, I have also sent her to take care of your shrine at Puqi and to also serve as a temporary caretaker in your absence. She'll be there once she has finished her duties for my temple. Since Meng Ai is there, and Feng Xin and Mu Qing are now officially competing on who is the better teacher, I think it shouldn't be that much of a problem."

"Hopefully those two don't destroy the shrine when we return." Xie Lian says sheepishly.

"That's why Meng Ai is there. The little girl has a talent for diverting their otherwise destructive tendencies."

"Ji Huifen is currently resting and regaining his energy. You might be able to meet him later when he awakens. If you need anything else, you need only ask an adept, a priest or a priestess."

"Of course, thank you Xiwangmu." And on front of them she departs from her priest's body who massages the temples of his head for a bit.

"Do you need help?"

"Oh no it's fine, sometimes she's abrupt in leaving our bodies. But nothing that can't be solved with Ginseng tea." His voice now lacks the feminine tone that was present when Xiwangmu was present.

"Anyway here are your accomodations good sirs, dinner will be in a couple of hours. We could send someone to escort you to the dining area."

"Thank you once again." The priest bows to them before making his leave. The accomodations while not as grand as their bedroom in Paradise Manor was still more than adequate but still overall modest.

"Do you think we could discuss things here?"

"We're in a room in a temple of a popular Goddess, there's too many ears for a discreet discussion."

"Hmm good point. Who knows what anyone might do with such information."

"Well." Hua Cheng sits on the bed then pats the space beside him. His expression was affectionate, mischievous and suggestive all at once.

"I don't think anybody could eavesdrop if we whisper. We both also need our rest after we took care of those assassins together." Xie Lian chuckles as he eagerly joins him. They settle in a comfortable position as Xie Lian rests his head in the crook of Hua Cheng's neck and the latters hands are around his waist while his was on Hua Cheng's chest.

"Fu Dao, they were a trading spot that Xianle began trading with. I remember getting excited when one of my uncles would arrive at the palace filled with new goods from there."

"From a trading spot to an entire kingdom. One of the richest since it is through there that foreign goods from the silk road more often than not enter."

"Hmm, but why would the royal family need to make a sacrifice involving Meng Ai? Or more importantly what type of sacrifice would the king interpret to need his great-granddaughter? Surely a wealthy and thriving kingdom like Fu Dao wouldn't need to do human sacrifices."

"We can't rule it out Gege. Who knows what goes on in those walls."

"Hmm." Xie Lian snuggles closer, he finds Hua Cheng's hand and intwines their fingers together. Not to arouse but to savor in the intimacy of the moment.

"How about the royal family? Any idea what could possibly make their king hunt down his great-granddaughter?"

"There's no denying that at such a young age Xiao-Ai is skilled enough to see and talk to ghosts. That much is certain, then add the abilities of her parents and it's no wonder that to those who are discerning she's quite powerful. She just doesn't know how to use it or describe it. But she has great potential, especially if she'll develop new ones over time or if her powers will just grow."

"Do you think that's why they want us to adopt her?"

"Gege, you sound nervous."

"Considering my history of raising children, I'm nervous about making the same mistakes again. What if - what if she'll end up more confused like Ban Yue, or she'll end up too idealistic like Lang Qianqiu?"

"Gege." Hua Cheng shifts their positions bringing Xie Lian to rest on top of his as he caresses his back.

"You may have had a part in raising them, but even they are also the product of their own choices." He gives him a kiss on his forehead.

"Ban Yue is confused because she is still growing up. It's only recently that she is no longer in the influence of Pei Xiu that she's discovering who she is. And that boy who somehow ascended is idealistic and naive not because of anything that you have done, but because for a long time he couldn't comprehend nuance no matter how hard you tried. If you want to adopt her, I know things will be different."

"How?" Hua Cheng smiles as he caresses his husband's face.

"Because this time I'll be by your side, no matter what you decide." His heart was touched and he leaned in to kiss his beloved on the lips. He felt his lips open and he deepened the kiss. Doing anything and everything he can to express how much he loves San Lang. When they broke apart he leaned in to have their foreheads touch.

"San Lang?"

"Yes Gege?"

"We still have enough time for ourselves right?" Hu Cheng closes the gap between them as he brings him closer and sits up.

"Definitely, Gege."

_____________________________________________________________

"Hey! Stop coaching her!"

"I'm not coaching her, I'm telling her every possible consequence of every move she makes."

"How is she going to play on her own?"

"No, Fu Yao is being really helpful, I think I'm starting to understand a bit more now."

"See that Nan Feng, it's called teaching."

"Hello?" A woman's voice calls out from the entrance.

"Is anyone there?"

"MAMA!" Meng Ai jumps from her chair as she rushes out to embrace her mother. Mu Qing and Feng Xin looks out from the window as mother and daughter reunite.

"Oh my little darling how are you? Have you been good?"

"Yes mama, ask Fu Yao and Nan Feng!" Meng Ai leads her to them. Now up close they see that is is from her that Meng Ai gets her amber colored eyes and most of her features.

"Thank you so much for looking after her."

"It's no problem ma'am."

"Just doing our jobs, teaching her how to play Go was an amazing experience." Feng Xin gives him the side eye as he is feeling smug.

"Well I've been -" Her eyes begin glowing and her face goes into a trance.

"What's going on?"

"Mama is having a vision Nan Feng." A few seconds later she shakes her head and looks terrified.

"Aiai, stay inside the living quarters, I need to tell them something."

"Yes Mama." Once Meng Ai was inside she makes a gesture to them to follow her to make sure that her daughter cannot overhear them. She gives a brief bow before they see the seriousness in her eyes.

"General Xuan Zhen, General Nan Yang, there is going to be an attack tonight going toward this shrine."

"What did you see?" Feng Xin asks with the same amount of grimness.

"It seems to be a mix of soldiers, assassins, and magicians. It's the magicians that I'm worried about the most."

"Why?"

"I saw them control jiangshi and other types of monsterous creatures. I don't know how much time we have but if things get worse and should you need to make a difficult choice. Please promise me..." she looks toward the shrine where Meng Ai is. Her eyes begins to water at just the possibility of what may happen tonight.

"We will." Mu Qing says with sincerity as Feng Xin nods in agreement.

"Thank you for your vision, don't worry about us."

"Go to your daughter, we'll take care of everything here." Mu Qing says as Feng Xin begins sending a message through the telepathic matrix of the heavens.

"Thank you generals." She makes her way to the living quarters while they step out of the temple grounds.

One shared look and one shared nod was all they needed to begin making preparations.

AN:

Ji - Hope, huì fēn – bright philosophy

bó chéng–great success

Xiao-Ai - Little Ai

Aiai - Love love I'm not sure if people would actually do this with the name Ai specifically but I read that some names are repeated as nicknames.

Sorry if there is not much uncle moments with Fengqing. Hualian wanted to have a moment.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The Princess of Wales’s intensely personal video message is packed with symbolism and carefully chosen imagery.

The three-minute video, shot by Will Warr, the couple’s favoured film-maker, in Norfolk last month, focuses heavily on the importance of nature and family.

It depicts the Prince and Princess, tactile and intimate; their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, at the centre of their world.

The positive tone, the laughter and playful scenes, demonstrate that the Princess is looking to the future, hopeful that her darkest days are behind her.

The footage is framed around the theme of nature.

Since her cancer diagnosis in January, the Princess has found sanctuary in the natural world and is keen to reflect its importance.

She has previously spoken of “the power of nature” in maintaining both physical and mental health and the imagery reflects this.

The footage shows the Princess leaning against a tree, eyes closed as she looks to the skies, touching the bark of a tree as she gazes upwards.

In other scenes, she is walking through a field of wheat, caressing the sheaves with her hand, beaming as she holds a yellow butterfly before it flutters into the distance.

Nature was a key theme in June, when the Princess delivered an update on her health, revealing that she had “good days and bad days,” but was “not out of the woods yet.”

Her statement was accompanied by the image of her leaning on a weeping willow on the Windsor estate, again, taking strength and comfort in nature.

The joy and vitality conveyed in the latest footage is a far cry from the video message released by the Princess in March, when, seated on a bench alone looking pale and thin, she revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The film shows the Prince and Princess interacting in a way never seen before.

The couple, usually intensely guarded in public, offer a rare glimpse into their private world as they lean on each other, kiss and clasp hands.

In various scenes, the Princess leans her head on her husband’s shoulder, they lie together on their backs, arms wrapped around each other laughing, and the Prince affectionately plants a kiss on his wife’s cheek.

In the video the Princess recorded in March, when she revealed she was being treated for cancer, she said that having the Prince by her side was “a great source of comfort and reassurance.”

She mentions him twice in her latest statement as she shows how much she values his strength and support.

Their decision to let the world in on such personal moments might also reflect the “new perspective” they say they have each gained from their cancer journey, perhaps now recognising that others relate to such private experiences and vulnerability.

The Prince and Princess have always made clear that family comes first.

Family life is at the heart of this video as the couple spend quality time with their three children as well as the Princess’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.

There are delightful shots of the family, arms wrapped around each other and laughing at the camera.

The children wield cricket bats, climb trees and run through the waves in the sea. They are shown playing cards outside and enjoying a picnic.

The images reflect the Princess’s recognition of the “simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”

It is significant that the Middletons appear in one scene, playing a classic card game with the family around a dining room table.

The Princess is extremely close to her parents and they have rallied round in recent months to provide invaluable support.

Their inclusion in the video is a means of public recognition, a thank you for being there.

As an unprecedented glimpse into an idyllic family life, the footage is similar to that released by the couple in April 2021 to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

That film, also shot by Mr Warr, showed the family in Norfolk, frolicking in sand dunes, chasing each other through trees, and collapsing on the grass in giggles.

Much of the footage is shot in an old-fashioned grainy style, which harks back to royal videos of old.

The late Queen and Prince Philip often captured family moments on camera or cine film, and the style chosen by Mr Warr is reminiscent of that footage from Royal family holidays at Balmoral or on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The brief footage of the Princess driving a Land Rover through the Sandringham estate demonstrates that she is well enough to be back at the wheel and in control of her life.

It is also reminiscent of the late Queen and Prince Philip, who were often seen driving themselves around the royal estates.

The late Queen relished such independence, particularly in her later years.

A close-up of the Princess’s left hand on the gear stick shows she is not wearing her famous sapphire engagement ring.

[calmingram]

Monkey Bonds 🐒

I'm an autistic amateur photographer. Follow me on Tumblr and Instagram 📷

[missedmilemarkers]

In this adorable scene, a proud Canada goose strolls along the path, keeping a watchful eye on its fluffy gosling exploring the grassy edge. The little one seems curious, pecking at the ground as it learns the ways of the world under the protective presence of its parent. The bond between the two is heartwarming, a perfect reminder of the gentle rhythms of nature and the simple joys of family. Moments like these capture the beauty of wildlife in its most nurturing form.

[ga1axyranger]

Dad! I love youuu!

"..I love ya too, kid. Take care of yerself."

[thegothingtons]

The next day back in Glimmerbrook.

Clementine had slept very badly last night. An inexplicable fear flowed through her. Kolamano had not contacted her yesterday, which was not unusual. She knew he had to be careful when he contacted her or wanted to visit her. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened.

So she finally got up and wandered her restlessly through the house.

She was cleaning up the living room when Kolamano appeared unexpectedly.

At first she was startled. "Oh my watcher."

Kolamano: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." His voice sounded weak and he seemed paler than usual.

Clementine's throat tightened. "What happened?"

Kolamano: "Let's sit down on the couch."

As soon as they were seated, he began to tell. "We were attacked by the demon again."

Full of horror, Clementine breathed in.

Kolamano: "Me too. But for whatever reason, she let me live. The other two are dead." He shuddered. "Danielle spoke of a coldness that went deep into her soul." He began to nod vigorously. "I still feel it. It's more horrible than any Sims can ever imagine."

He looked at his wife, at his love, and for a fleeting moment he wondered if this demon was the Watcher's punishment for his decision to violate the existing rules of magic. He loved Clementine more than words could ever express. But their love for each other and Liora should never have been. A deep grief came over him.

Clementine: "What are you thinking about, honey? Talk to me, please."

Kolamano desperately said, "We cannot defeat this demoness and her power." He had lost all hope. "She kills indiscriminately and has now targeted us Sages. Through our connection to the magical source, she is becoming stronger and more powerful. We have no chance."

Clementine: "Maybe at the moment. But you and the other Sages will find a solution. I refuse to believe that this is the end of us and that of the magicians."

The two were interrupted by their daughter.

Liora: "Daddy." She smiled and the sight of her began to warm Kolamano.

Clementine: "Sit with us, little angel."

The little girl walked past them and climbed onto the couch.

Liora: "Daddy sad?"

Clementine looked at Kolamano. It was always surprising how perceptive her young child was. Liora seemed to have an unerring sense of how others around her were feeling.

Kolamano: "Yes, little angel, I'm sad. But now that you're with me, I'm already feeling better."

Liora beamed all over her face. "Stay with us, Daddy."

Clementine's heart was filled with love. Pure, unconditional love. She looked at Kolamano. "Why not?"

Kolamano gazed at his loved ones. Perhaps it was truly time to relinquish his position as a sage. But could he do it?

He had sworn to protect the realm and the magic in order to maintain the balance of all powers. The vampires and that demoness from hell threatened all life and magic, everything he believed in, everything he lived for. Could he live without the direct connection to magic, to power?

He cleared his throat. "Little angel, let me think about it."

[spamdumpwasteland]

*notice that the dandelion flowers are getting picked regularly, no signs of animal involvement*

Me: dandelions got picked again. I wonder who's been picking them.

Partner: it really doesn't look like the jackrabbit did it. Landscape maintenance company?

Me: maybe, or someone is enjoying access to flowers they're allowed to pick

Partner: ?_?... Who in the world would pick dandelions for fun?

*team confused look with processing blinks*

Me: ...did...did you just forget about the existence of children

Partner:...yes...yes I did

[peanutstudying]

Reference photos from Day 19