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darkforestfae-tea · 3 months ago

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𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲!

Mabon marks the Fall Equinox! Typically observed on September 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, Mabon spans from September 21 to September 29. It is a time of balance, when day and night are equal in length, symbolizing harmony and equilibrium. Many cultures celebrate this period as a time of thanksgiving and reflection, honoring the bountiful harvest and the changing of the seasons. Traditional festivities might include feasts with seasonal foods like apples, pumpkins, and squash, along with activities such as gathering with loved ones, giving thanks, and preparing for the colder months ahead.

People often take this opportunity to connect with nature, perhaps by taking walks in the crisp autumn air, collecting colorful leaves, or setting up altars with symbols of the season. It's also a time for introspection, to consider what has been achieved over the past months and to set intentions for the future.

In modern times, Mabon encourages a moment of pause in our busy lives, reminding us to appreciate the abundance around us, to cultivate gratitude, and to seek balance in our own lives. Whether through quiet reflection, community gatherings, or simply enjoying a warm cup of cider while watching the leaves fall, Mabon offers a beautiful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the ever-present opportunity for renewal and growth.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆ Picture from Pinterest

This post will consist of several sections:

Correspondences

Activities

Common Rituals

Broom Closet

and more! Ready to begin?

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𝓒𝓸��𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼:

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Animals:

Coyote

Blackbird

Owl

Goose

Stag

Squirrel

Wolf

Symbols:

Cornucopia

Pentagram

Herbs:

Rosemary

Safflower

Thyme

Rue

Rose Hips

Marigold

Saffron

Dried Apple

Oak Moss

Crystals:

Amber

Amethyst

Tiger’s Eye

Citrine

Garnet

Peridot

Yellow Topaz

Ruby

Decor:

Apples

Autumn Leaves

Acorns

Animal Bones

Sunflowers

Pine Cones

Gourds

Balance Scales

Harvest Foods

Pomegranates

Grape Vine

Themes:

Harvest

Gratitude

Balance

Reflection

Shadow Work

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𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓸𝓷 𝓡𝓲𝓽𝓾𝓪𝓵𝓼:

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-Adorn your space with seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkins.

-Reflect on what the summer season revealed to you about yourself.

-Create an "I let go" list of things you wish to release from the summer.

-Simmer cinnamon to attract abundance.

-Establish your goals for the Fall season, which extends until December 21st.

-Ignite a candle and meditate to catch a glimpse of what the upcoming season holds.

-Tidy up and declutter your home, then pass a cinnamon broom for abundance.

-Indulge in a flavorful spiced tea or coffee. Savor each sip. Take a moment to reflect on your blessings and what you are grateful for.

-The Fall Equinox is on September 22nd at 9:04 pm (EST). Set a reminder and declare, "This season will be my best one yet."

-Trim your hair to release old energy.

-Recharge by visiting a pumpkin patch, farmers market, or spending time outdoors.

-Place an apple beside a coin for good luck and prosperity.

-Create a besom and utilize it to cleanse your home of negative energies.

-Create your own custom Mabon Incense mix.

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𝓜𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓷 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶 𝓒𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓽

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This list is for those witches who may still be in the closet. These activities can pass as “Autumnal Activities” to others! Here are some subtle yet enchanting ways to celebrate your craft:

Nature Walks: Collect leaves, acorns, and other natural items to use in your spells and crafts. It’s a great way to connect with nature and gather supplies without drawing attention.

Pumpkin Carving: Carve symbols or sigils into your pumpkins. Not only are they festive, but they can also serve as protection or intention-setting.

Candle Making: Create your own candles with herbs and essential oils. You can infuse them with specific intentions and use them for rituals later on.

Baking: Make seasonal treats like apple pie or pumpkin bread. Incorporate herbs and spices that have magical properties, such as cinnamon for prosperity or nutmeg for luck.

Herb Drying: Harvest and dry herbs for your witchy cabinet. Hang bundles of rosemary or lavender in your kitchen to dry; it looks like you're just readying them for cooking.

Gardening: Plant bulbs or prepare your garden for winter. This is a great way to work with the earth and practice your green-thumb magic.

Reading: Dive into books about folklore, mythology, or herbalism. It’s a cozy way to expand your knowledge and connect with ancient traditions. (Kindle has a phone app, if you cannot have physical books)

DIY Crafts: Make wreaths, potpourri, or sachets with found natural items. These can be used for decoration or as part of your magical practice.

Tea Time: Brew different herbal teas. Experiment with blends that have magical properties to set intentions or simply relax.

Moon Watching: Keep track of the moon phases and spend time outside during the full moon. This can be a meditative practice and a way to align with lunar energies.

By incorporating these activities into your routine, you can celebrate your witchy side while blending seamlessly into the autumnal festivities. Happy enchanting!

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𝓜𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓐𝓹𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓼

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Apples are a common symbol of Mabon/Autumn Equinox for many pagans, wiccans, and witches. They can be incorporated into many different kinds of spell work for abundance, health, renewal, planting the seed of an idea/intention & knowledge. Apples can be used in magick by cutting them in half horizontally to reveal the star inside. Spell ingredients can then be sprinkled on top. Other ways of using apples is to dry then to decorate your altar or space with. You can gather apples to return to the Earth by burying them to give thanks for the Harvest. Cooking with apples is a perfect way to celebrate Mabon. Whether you make a warm apple pie, a spiced cider, or a savory apple stew, these dishes can be shared with loved ones to honor the season. The act of cooking itself becomes a ritual, infusing each dish with your intentions and gratitude.

Additionally, apples can be used in divination practices. By peeling an apple in a single strip and tossing the peel over your shoulder, the shape it forms when it lands can reveal the initial of a future partner or give you insight into a question you hold in your heart. Scrying with apple seeds is another method; by placing seeds on a hot surface and watching their movement, you can glean messages and guidance.

Incorporating apples into your daily routines during Mabon can also help you remain connected to the cycles of nature. Enjoying a fresh apple as a mindful snack, reflecting on its journey from blossom to fruit, can be a simple yet profound way to express appreciation for the Earth's bounty. Decorating your home with apple-themed items, such as candles, wreaths, or even apple-scented essential oils, can further enhance the seasonal ambiance.

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𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓜𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓷

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Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, is a significant festival in the Wheel of the Year, celebrated by many Pagans and Wiccans. The name "Mabon" itself is relatively modern, coined by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s, yet the festival's roots stretch back to ancient times. It marks the second of three harvest festivals, following Lammas and preceding Samhain. Occurring around September 21-23 in the Northern Hemisphere, Mabon represents a time of balance when day and night are of equal length. This event symbolizes the gradual descent into the darker half of the year, as the days grow shorter and the nights longer.

Historically, many cultures have celebrated the equinox with various customs and rituals. In ancient Greece, the festival of Eleusinia honored Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and her daughter Persephone. The myth of Persephone's descent into the underworld and her eventual return is a powerful allegory for the changing seasons and the cycle of life and death. Similarly, in ancient Rome, the festival of Pomona celebrated the goddess of fruits and orchards, reflecting the importance of the harvest season. In the British Isles, the equinox was a time of thanksgiving and community gatherings, with people coming together to celebrate and share the bounty of the harvest.

Modern Mabon celebrations often involve giving thanks for the earth's abundance, reflecting on themes of balance and gratitude, and preparing for the coming winter months. Rituals may include offerings of fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as meditative practices to honor the seasonal shift. Many contemporary Pagans and Wiccans also incorporate elements of ancient traditions, such as feasting, storytelling, and connecting with nature. Mabon serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of living in harmony with the rhythms of the earth.

𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴. 𝘉𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘩𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Thank you for Reading! I absolutely love sharing my knowledge & learnings with others. I try to make posts a few times a week! & they are all organized on my profile.

Until we cross paths once more! Best wishes to all you wonderful witches! Warm regards, Tea.

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Pagans & Witches Amino @ darkforestfae

#mabon #sabbats #witch #pagan #pagan witch #paganism #witchcraft

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ahsokathegray · 9 months ago

Text

Fruitful, Fruitless

Pairing: Rexsoka

Prompt: Rexsoka Monthly Feb. ‘24 - Give Me a Reason

Summary: The tension between spring and summer permeates the air of Pabu, breathing softly against the ocean, fresh fruit, and the tender lips of two lovers. But even on the most blissful days, the cold snap of tragedy can bite back.

Tags: 18+ smut, language, established relationship, whump, allergic reaction, gardener!rex, sex and fruit don't mix, or do they?, pwp

Word Count: 8,075

A/N: written for my friend @whyamismall as part of febuwhump! (@rexsoka-monthly)

read on ao3! / masterlist

It wasn’t quite summer just yet. The air blew warm now but the ocean was as icy as ever. If a cloud happened to pass overhead, creating shade from the sun, a small chill would still skirt across one’s skin.

Ahsoka had never fretted over clothing options before and she found herself shuddering over her past choices as she currently debated between her coveralls or a sundress.

It was the opening day for Pabu’s summer garden market. She’d be there supporting Rex. Naturally, the sundress won, even if it meant a brisk breeze every now and then up the light marital.

Caf was already prepared when she made her way into the kitchen, the aroma of the ground beans wafting through the air. Her favorite mug sat waiting for her on the counter, steam dancing above it. Ahsoka smiled and opened a window; the various scents of flowers and the salt of the ocean wafted in, mixing with the smell of homemade caf.

Store bought caf could never rival the rich flavor that Rex’s had. Something truly was magical about it, whether it was because it was being grown in their back garden or perhaps just by Rex’s hand specifically. She’d maintain that it was him that made it so special.

It was a surprise to them and the Batch that he had turned out to have such a green thumb. After years of violence, he could finally lose himself in something soft.

He’d probably argue with her now though that gardening wasn’t the only soft thing that he was losing himself in.

Ahsoka savored her morning caf and forced herself not to leave the shared home too early, giving Rex time to settle in and acclimate to a rhythm. Showing up at the market too soon might throw him off his game.

Large butterfly wings tickled her insides as she grabbed her woven basket a while later. She then adjusted her braided headdress and exited through the door. It was a gorgeous day. The musical sounds of laughter, music, and waves licking at the beach filled her montrals. Not a single cloud dotted the sky. Ahsoka exhaled and grinned to herself. There couldn’t have been more perfect conditions for the market’s opening day.

She had to stop herself from walking up to the festivities so swiftly, neither Rex nor it was going anywhere anytime soon.

Troves of people filled the square when she arrived, milling about under colorful canopies, tents, and decorated stalls. A hefty portion of Pabu’s inhabitants had to be up here. She laughed, thinking how Wrecker would be none too pleased that he was missing this. He and the Batch had been gone for two weeks and were scheduled to return home later in the evening.

Perhaps she should’ve crafted a larger basket to account for so many mouths to feed.

It was because of Wrecker specifically that Ahsoka was thankful to have some time without the boys every now and then. Their stock of food was always running low, so a few weeks with full cabinets had been nice. It was also partly due to Wrecker that Rex decided to take up gardening. Credits were in short supply, they had seven people in the house, and he said he needed something else to keep his hands busy.

He could only clean his blaster so often.

His fruits and vegetables were impeccable in both growth and flavor. He couldn’t plant or harvest them fast enough, as the Batch and a growing Omega seemed to inhale them. Rex had been particularly excited for Ahsoka to try his avedame fruit, but they’d been devoured so quickly that she hadn't had the chance. The next time they sprouted from soil, he had personally brought a bowl of them to her room — already washed and ready for eating.

It was the best thing she’d ever put in her mouth. He told her to just wait, as he’d set more of the fruit aside to ferment into avedame wine.

After that, Rex tripled his efforts and wound up with a surplus of produce. He’d gift it to the neighbors until other islanders were knocking at the door requesting them and even offering a generous amount of credits.

Hosting a stall at the summer market was the solution. Pabu’s mayor, Shep Hazard, had even started it a month earlier than years past due to high demand.

Ahsoka stood on her tiptoes to look over the heads of the market goers, trying to see if she could spot a certain blue decorated stall. She had no such luck in finding it so she set off, starting from one end and making her way around.

A second basket was added to her other forearm before long, carrying all sorts of goods but mostly food. A new throw blanket was placed on the bottom — Omega’s tooka had claimed her old one, various breads sat atop that, and several spices were tucked amongst the loaves. In the other basket, she had fresh fruits and vegetables that Rex did not already cultivate in their back garden. A third basket was looking to be a real possibility soon.

She meandered along the stalls, conversing with acquaintances and nurturing potential new friendships. Phee Genoa waved her down and placed some found blue jewels into her headdress while Lyana slipped a handmade bracelet over her wrist. Both of them ushered her to their own stall of jams and cheeses, stuffing them into her mouth and baskets alike.

Lyana also had a small jewelry section at the stall, which she proudly displayed her and Omega’s joint creations. The credits made would be split between the girls. Ahsoka bought another bracelet even though she had already been given one as a gift.

Phee was quick to rescue her and walked them back to a stall that Ahsoka had purposely skipped over just earlier. “Now, are you going to tell me why you passed this one?” the woman asked, smirking. “Or am I gonna have to get it out of you? You turned a shade of orange I didn’t even know existed.”

Ahsoka flushed deeply, displaying again the shade of orange that Phee mentioned. “You saw that?”

The older woman crossed her arms and stopped before they reached said stall. “It’s the pretty one, isn’t it? The blonde. How long has it been going on?” She wore a proud smirk, taking great pleasure in the face Ahsoka made at the mention of Rex.

A cool breeze ruffled Ahsoka’s dress and she was thankful that it relieved her full bodied blush. She swallowed thickly and averted her eyes from the stall filled with lacy little things.

“It’s difficult to say exactly,” Ahsoka revealed, looking around for the other party of which this conversation was concerned. “But when the boys left recently, it just—”

“Oh, I see. They don’t know about this little thing going on between you two, do they?”

“No, they don’t.”

“And the kid?” Phee cocked an eyebrow.

Ahsoka took a breath, “I think she suspects.”

The woman laughed in triumph, “I figured as much. There’s not a lot that gets by that one.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Ahsoka said. “But nothing really… happened until the night they left.”

A knowing smile was directed towards her. She knew exactly what that meant. “Well, you want my advice?” Phee’s expression turned somehow more smug and she gave one more nod towards the intimidating little booth. “You’ve got a few more hours until they’re back. I’d be making the most of my time.”

This was perhaps the most bizarre… yet oddly validating conversation Ahsoka had ever had. Her face must’ve said it too, as Phee placed a maternal hand to her shoulder and smiled, “Just an old woman’s rambling.”

With that, she disappeared back into the crowd to find wherever Lyana had run off to.

Ahsoka stood in the middle of the market with her baskets hanging low. That was maybe her third conversation with Phee total and the woman had already observed that much. Surely, before today she had an inkling or two about her and Rex. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so… direct. The woman’s advice wasn’t solicited, but not entirely unwelcome either. Ahsoka glanced at the discreet little stall again and her heart rate increased as she actually considered stopping at it this time. Would it be too forward too soon? It had only been two weeks that she and Rex had been phsyic—

“No, you have to come to this guy’s booth. He has the best avedames you’ll ever eat. I’m not kidding,” an enthusiastic Rodian girl told her friend.

Without another look at the little black stall, Ahsoka turned and hurried to follow them, weaving in and out of smaller crowds. Soon, she found that she was at the back of a sizable line. A grin consumed her face when she saw him, placing large orders into bags and chatting excitedly with people. The majority of his stall had been cleared of goods. He’d nearly sold out of everything she’d helped him load up the night before.

Her smile did not diminish a bit as she inched closer in the line. If anything, her face started to ache with the sheer amount of happiness lifting her cheeks. Rex had managed to do it all without help. A small amount of guilt dug a hole in her chest as she found herself wishing she’d come sooner. He might’ve let her bag items or restock what he’d sold.

In no time, she was the next customer in line. Rex was tidying his space and had yet to look up. “Welcome! How can I help you this morn—” his words failed him as he turned and saw who exactly his waiting customer was. That endearing half smile spread over his pretty lips. “Hi. I don’t believe we’ve met, Miss…”

Ahsoka giggled to herself and played along, “Ashla Tano. And you are?”

He pointed to the sign she’d helped paint that hung over his stall. “Rex. It’s an immense pleasure, Miss Tano.” His hand was extended, palm facing upwards.

She placed her hand in his and he lifted it to his mouth and kissed her knuckles, his amber eyes fixed on her the whole while. The darkening of her lekku nor the fluttering of butterflies in her stomach could be quelled.

“What can I get for you on this fine day?” he asked.

The selections behind him were minimal, but Ahsoka had made her decision. “Could I get you, by any chance?”

It was his turn to blush, the red coloring creeping up from the collar of his shirt. He cleared his throat and gave his reply in a much lower voice, “That’s reserved only to select clientele, ma’am.”

A shriek of a child’s far off laughter lifted the spell between them. Rex straightened and released Ahsoka’s hand, which neither of them realized he’d still held.

“Well, Miss Tano. We don’t have too much left, I’m afraid. I’ve completely sold out of my stonepeaches, but you have to try the avedames instead. I think you’ll like them.”

Ahsoka’s brow markings raised and she sat her baskets on the table. “Alright then,” she smiled.

Rex turned to sift through a crate and spent a few moments looking for the best one. He presented it to her but pulled his hand back as she reached for it. A devilish grin played at the corner of his mouth, “May I?”

“Oh, I’d be delighted,” Ahsoka said, continuing to play this game he’d created and bending at the waist.

She opened her mouth just so and Rex placed the avedame between her plump lips. Ahsoka kept her eyes locked on his the entire time, unblinking, and fluttered her lashes as she bit seductively into the innocent fruit. His own lips parted at the mere sight of it, the muscle in his jaw flexing visibly. She moaned at the taste and watched as the sunny amber of his irises simmered.

After what seemed like forever, she pulled away and composed herself, acting as though she hadn’t just done what she did. “Rex, that was the most delicious fruit I’ve ever tried. I’ll take a small case off your hands. Name your price.”

“Thank you, Miss Tano,” Rex said, clearing his throat and expertly shifting his pants around. “For you? The cost is just one date.”

“Just one?” Ahsoka asked playfully.

He could play too. “Unless you think two is fair.”

“I think two dates is a fine price,” she agreed, nearing him again.

Rex wet his lips. “It’s settled then. But before you go, it looks like you have a bit of the avedame juice just there,” he said, pointing to the corner of his mouth.

Ahsoka perked up and wiped at the wrong side, looking for his nod of approval, only finding that it didn’t come. “Here. Allow me,” he breathed, leaning forwards and swiping his thumb over her supple skin, being sure to graze her bottom lip in the process. He retreated from her bubble all too soon and popped his thumb past his lips to clean it, maintaining eye contact as he did so.

Revenge was literally something sweet.

She caught herself in a blinking fit and squeezed her thighs together, adding the berries to her basket. “I hear avedames make for a sweet wine.”

Rex smiled at the smallness of her voice. “The sweetest. I’ll see you later for our date, Miss Tano,” he said darkly. “I reckon’ I’ll be finished here in about an hour. I’m looking forward to it.”

“As am I,” she squeaked, thanking him and promptly booking it to the little black stall of Phee’s recommendation.

Ahsoka burst into the seaside home some fifteen minutes later, throwing her baskets onto the counter and rushing for the laundry room. She glanced at the chrono and decided she had just enough time before Rex returned home. Her new purchase was snatched from the discreet black bag and thrown into the wash as she set to unloading the rest of her items.

Her heart hammered in her chest as the time ticked by both way too slow and somehow way too fast. It was just one item. It wouldn’t take long to wash and dry, surely.

The washer dinged once she finished putting up the majority of the groceries, signaling the end of the cycle. Ahsoka then popped the lacy scrap of fabric into the dryer and used the Force to push the start button. If Rex wasn’t already headed down to the house, he would be very soon.

Wanting to be as prepared as possible, Ahsoka went ahead and slipped her underwear down her legs, adding them to her basket of other things needing to be washed. Her face flushed with the action and she smoothed her dress down. The garment’s replacement would be finished soon anyway and this only bought her time.

Ahsoka glanced around the house. It was silent and empty now but wouldn’t be for much longer. She did a quick scan to see if there was something else that could be done before Rex’s arrival.

She eyed some of her market finds that still had yet to be put away and it was then that the idea dawned upon her. There was no telling when the boys of the Batch would be gone again. Borrowed time was all she and Rex had while they were around. It was the boys’ house first, after all. She’d been bunked up with Omega for months now and Rex with Tech. Neither of them were too pleased with their sleeping arrangements. Only so much could be done about three bedrooms and seven people.

Now that things had started between her and Rex, adjusting that to their normal schedule would be tough. Being that this was their final night alone, it had to be special…

The new bloom fruit stared back at her and she caved before she could talk herself out of it. This had most certainly not been part of Phee’s advice, but Ahsoka felt that it aligned similarly. She set some aside in a glass dish, slightly embarrassed as she did so. The power Rex exerted over her with his fruit display had been provocative to say the least. It was her turn this time. She’d take the lead. Just the sheer idea of it charged her nerves more positively, but the sudden sound of the door opening caused her mind to go blank.

The dryer hadn’t finished yet. Her time had run out.

Rex burst through the door with several empty stacked crates in his arms, which were hastily discarded on the floor in the foyer. He strode with purpose into the home, out of breath, and with a feral glint in his eye that only doubled when he set his sights on what he desired most. His head cocked to the side and a sinful smile curled at his lips, accompanied by a hungry laugh.

Ahsoka was like an entranced kybuck faced with an approaching speeder.

“Not having second thoughts about our date are we, Miss Tano?” Rex growled, towering over her and taking her lips for his own in a searing kiss.

Oh, how delightfully gone were the days in which he called her Commander.

His hands slotted themselves under her jaw as he kissed her ravenously, drinking in her little gasps. Rex’s mouth was demanding, insatiable; his body moved with him, almost cradling hers. His touch moved quickly from her jaw down the length of her neck, trembling despite the speed at which he moved. Large fingers fiddled with the hem of her short dress. It was as if he had ten hands. He couldn’t touch all of her fast enough.

“This karking sundress was testing me on every level imaginable,” he breathed, squeezing her ass through the fabric. His lips ghosted over her montral, “Is that what you wanted? For me to lose all composure in public?”

A choked moan rattled from her throat. “Am I that easy to read?” she teased, running her hands along his chest, fingering at his buttons.

He didn’t miss a beat. “I think you should be directing that question to the avedame from earlier.”

“You mean the one you fed to me?” Ahsoka asked, speaking hotly into the kiss.

Rex swiped his tongue along her bottom lip then tugged lightly at it with his teeth. “I want you to look at me like you did with that avedame in your mouth, but this time while your pretty lips are wrapped around my cock,” he murmured against her, matching the force of her desperate kisses.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” she challenged. “Feeding me in that way.”

He groaned and nipped at her montral, “I’d like to fuck you in this short little dress.”

Her thighs squeezed impossibly together at his words and that familiar throb in her core now demanded attention. Rex couldn’t have been more in sync with her body’s needs. One of his hands ran over the full extent of her backside before drifting under her dress, cupping her pussy, and finding it bare.

Ahsoka shuddered at the touch and Rex’s mouth separated from hers just barely. His lips were swollen with the throes of passion and a chapped, playful smirk adorned his features once the shock subsided. “You’re not wearing anything?” he asked breathily. The pulse point near his jaw visibly picked up in pace.

She bit her lip, prepared to admit what she’d done. But the explanation never came as Rex returned to her with new, intensified need, his tongue combating hers for dominance. Ahsoka was fighting a losing battle, something she was never meant to win — completely by Rex’s design. Her moans were left strangled in her throat as his fingers teased her entrance. The amount of excitement coating them nearly caused his knees to buckle beneath him.

Ragged breaths tumbled past her lips as Rex inserted a single, thick finger. A satisfied groan vibrated against her jaw as he began to move, leaving her cunt drooling in his palm.

Ahsoka stumbled into him, using his body weight to keep herself upright while her hand searched blindly for the apex of his thighs. He hissed through his teeth when she found what she was looking for and she ground against his hand, seeking more. “Fuck. So eager today, ‘Soka,” he breathed.

She nodded furiously, unable to access her words, using her free hand to tug at his wrist, begging him to add another. He was unable to deny her. A gentle kiss was placed the montral cradling his jaw. His spare hand joined the other under her sundress, gripping her hip as a second finger was guided into her wet heat. Ahsoka squirmed, rocking her pussy into his palm as he stretched her.

“Give me one good reason not to fuck you right here in this kitchen,” he growled as her cunt suckled at his fingers. Lewd sounds came from between her thighs as Rex pumped in and out of her.

He felt her clench around him. “I can’t. I— We haven’t done it in here yet.”

A carnal growl emanated from Rex’s chest and he made quick work of his pants fasteners, not even bothering to shove them all the way down. Orange fingers latched instantaneously to his throbbing cock, rubbing the pad of her thumb over his glistening slit and spreading the excitement down his shaft. Rex’s abs contracted with the contact and her lips were seized once more.

His ministrations never faltered, determined to work her until she spasmed blissfully into his hand. He adjusted his palm so that the heel of it was pressed flush to Ahsoka’s swollen clit. She cried out in response, biting down on his shirt briefly. Rex was quick to rid himself of the hindering material, tossing it to the floor. If she wanted to bite something, she could bite him instead.

Irises that were once blue now appeared black as Ahsoka drank in the image of his toned chest, still sprinkled with love bites from the night before. She bit her lip and ran her hands along his abs, dipping between the lines defining his muscles and traveling back down to his weeping cock. Her grip was determined and Rex growled as she began to pump. There was a fiery glint of competition in her eyes.

No.

Rex promptly pulled her hand away, taking hold of her wrist and pinning it at her side. His fingers were removed from her sticky cunt, wet and claiming her other wrist, but not before he sucked them clean of her mess. Ahsoka whined at the loss but her protests were swallowed with the force of Rex’s mouth, turning into sweet gasps as the head of his dick teased her hole.

“Please,” she begged against his lips as he slowly, teasingly slid in and out of her thighs.

He nipped at her bottom lip once more, “Are you going to be a good girl and let me make you cum?” Her hips bucked and he laughed darkly.

“Yes.”

With that, her wrists were released and Rex sheathed himself inside her, the both of them a mess of pitiful noises. Watching her adjust to the feel of him was something entirely cosmic, how her face twitched with each stretching inch of him, how her brow markings knitted together, and how her bottom lip wobbled. His eyes drifted downwards, sparks going off behind his navel as the edges of her short dress showed him where they were connected.

He bottomed out inside her with ease, moaning as her tight pussy hugged his full length. Suddenly, his hands were shaky again as he lifted the material of her sundress, revealing an unobstructed view of where his cock sat inside her. Ahsoka’s pretty cunt was glistening, spread around him like the flower of a fruit in his garden. Rex’s pupils were blown wide as he brushed over the white markings that framed her opening, grazing the nub of her clit in the process.

Ahsoka’s eyes were glassy when he finally looked back up at her. Her chest was rising and falling heavily, her hands pressed into the surface behind her for support.

“Oh, mesh’la,” he whispered, starting to move to provide her with relief.

Their shared vigor returned, his thrusts and the roll of her hips picking up at record speed. She met him with each movement, the sounds between their thighs beginning to echo in the kitchen.

Her dress flapped violently with the intensity of their passions, giving Rex a peep show of sorts as he fucked up into her. It wasn’t long before his wandering hands slid up under the material, large palms spreading out over her abdomen.

“Don’t– don’t rip it, please,” Ahsoka panted.

Rex chuckled darkly, pressing his forehead against hers, “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it. How else would I be able to take you in it again?” He lifted her shaky arms up over her head and made quick work of the little dress, leaving it to join his shirt on the floor.

That thing was going to be the death of him one of these days, especially if she wore it when the boys got back. How was he supposed to behave?

Ahsoka grabbed for the hand nearest to her, pulling it and directing him to where she wanted it most. He chuckled darkly and wrapped his fist around the width of her lekku, squeezing gently at the sensitive appendage. A broken gasp was ripped from her throat and her entire body fluttered with the sensation.

Finding out how reactive to touch her lekku were had been one of Rex’s favorite accidental discoveries so far. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about her.

She was close now, he knew by the way her thighs started to jerk. Rex pressed himself back against her and slammed his hips into her smaller ones. An arm wrapped around her lower back and held her close, but no amount of contact was enough. Ahsoka’s breaths were becoming more shallow and kissing him was becoming the most impossible task to complete. Rex nipped at her jaw and hoisted her feet off the ground, holding one slender orange leg around his waist and bringing her home.

Her body shattered around him, her hips an erratic bucking mess as she still sought friction. Rex fucked her through her orgasm, his brows knitted together with the way her pussy clenched and unclenched around him.

Ahsoka’s head fell into the crook of his shoulder, her full body weight now his to bear. He didn’t mind, especially as she peppered little kisses to the skin around his collar bones, nipping lightly.

“You still have some left in you?” he laughed, squeezing her ass and helping her to wrap her other leg around his waist. They both moaned as his cock was still buried to the hilt within her.

She giggled, regaining her speech, “I’m not done with you just yet. I still have a promise to keep, remember?”

He gave her a gentle little thrust in response, “Keep talking like that and I’ll finish right here inside you. That’s a promise.”

Rex began to carry her out of the kitchen and towards her bedroom when she squeaked out, “Wait!”

He hummed in question, pulling back to meet such striking blue eyes. Oh, she was blushing big time. His genuine concern shifted, turning to the thing she was eyeing on the tabletop. “And just what are we going to do with these?” he asked, taking the whole bowl of mysterious little fruit.

Ahsoka put her tongue in the pocket of her cheek, refusing to divulge such information. Rex knew well what she had intended to do with these. Again, a low, almost animalistic noise caused his chest to vibrate. She was handed the bowl and he made long strides to her door.

She was laid down gently onto the mattress, both of them whining at the disappointment of being separated. As soon as he was out of her, Ahsoka tugged him down to her level and pressed a searing kiss to the corner of his mouth, guiding him to lay back on the bed.

He swallowed thickly as Ahsoka straddled his lap, the unidentifiable berry between her lips, her slick folds brushing over the underside of his dick. Rex’s hips lifted, his need for her indescribable. She finally took pity on him, taking her seat over his cock, her cunt spreading over his girth and her clit kissing the head. His eyes nearly rolled into the back of his skull.

“It’s my turn now,” she said, leaning in and presenting him the berry between nimble fingers.

Ahsoka took immense pleasure in the way he looked up at her, his long eyelashes fluttering and amber eyes alight with anticipation.

“It’s called a bloom fruit,” she provided. “Regarded of high value by Dathomirian night sisters and said to enhance the senses.”

He hummed, rolling his hips against her hot core, “Does it taste as good as you do?” The low lighting didn’t allow him to see her blush, but he knew that it was there.

She licked her lips, “I'll let you tell me.”

Rex opened his mouth and allowed her to pass the fruit between his lips. He bit down and moaned, watching as Ahsoka removed it and then bit it herself behind him.

Fuck.

“It’s sweet, but nowhere as sweet as what’s between your legs,” he decided.

She beamed sheepishly. “Well, I quite enjoy it… so much so, that I think I’d like to lick it off of you.”

He nearly choked at her words, clearing his throat and taking a deep inhale, giving her a speechless yet eager nod. Revenge was indeed so sweet. Ahsoka grinded her aching pussy against his rigid cock as she brought the fruit to his lips again, waiting for him to take a bite before dragging it down his chin and neck. The gasp that left Rex’s mouth was sinful and Ahsoka dipped her head to kiss it off his skin, darting her tongue to lick along his jaw and down the prominent cord of his neck. She latched onto the place where muscle and bone met and sucked.

Two strong hands shot up and took hold of her waist with bruising force. Ahsoka let out a surprised yelp and looked to find his eyes half-lidded and swollen lips trembling with his ragged breaths. That spot had clearly been sensitive.

“Fuck, ‘Soka,” he said. “How did we ever wait this long?”

She took another bite from the bloom fruit and pressed it to his chest, spreading the juice over his pecs and nipples. He shivered.

Her grin was wicked, “There’s no stopping us now, is there? Just wait until you see the little number I bought today.”

Rex’s response was a thumb to her clit and she gave him a pitchy gasp, leaning down to clean the juice from his chest, making a show of it and looking him in the eyes the whole while. His jaw flexed and he made a feral noise in his throat, moving his hands to take hold of her ass and kneading, pressing her further against his throbbing member.

She let him have control for just a few moments, rocking her along the underside of his cock and watching as her breasts bounced.

But Ahsoka found herself throwing her head back and so she was quick to resolve the situation, moving further down his body. Rex grunted in protest but quieted himself as he saw where the fruit’s next destination was going to be.

Ahsoka pressed it to his skin once more, trailing it down his toned abs, relishing in the way he twitched and jumped. The head of his cock teased her neck and collar bones, his excessive precum decorating her sienna skin in a thin sheen. She only hummed and pressed a chaste kiss to his needy head.

The amount of self control within Rex was dwindling. He first bit his heavy tongue then clenched his teeth, forcing himself to lie still instead of grab her and switch positions so that he could fuck her into the mattress.

Instead, he looked up, said a brief prayer to her Force, and released a broken moan when Ahsoka’s hot tongue trailed down down down. She lapped up the juice, flicking her tongue and journeying to where his happy trail led. He was embarrassed at the way his body jerked, but Ahsoka couldn’t have been more pleased with her handiwork.

She was eye level with his cock now, looking on as it leaked like a sieve, throbbing and angry and needing her.

Fek, it was getting hard to breathe.

Rex swallowed and spoke around his tightening throat, “‘Soka please.”

There was that lip bite again. She pressed the berry to the base of his dick and he hissed at the contact, holding back whines of desperation as she moved it along the length of him, careful to avoid the head. The juice trailed down him, gathering at his balls.

Ahsoka had, in just two weeks, managed to figure out how exactly to get him where she wanted him. And all she had to do was be in his presence — all of this was just a bonus.

Maybe he’d hold off on telling her that for now though.

After what felt like hours of tantalization, Ahsoka removed the fruit and considered it. It was coated in a mixture of its own juice as well Rex’s; Ahsoka had no hesitation in popping it into her mouth.

It was the most obscene sight he’d ever seen and fuck he very much wanted to see it again.

She descended upon him, her plump lips wrapping around his cock, looking up at him in exactly the way he’d requested earlier. Ahsoka was going slow, painfully slow, moaning around his length and swirling her tongue around his sensitive head.

Rex coughed, overcome with the sensation. His skin burned; he burned for her.

The sounds she made taking his cock caused him to start panting, desperate for something that oxygen couldn’t provide him.

She lifted from his length with a pop and wiped the mixture of arousal, spit, and fruit juice from her chin. “Most delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth,” she said huskily, taking him yet again.

His cock disappeared once more behind her lips and all self control was lost.

Rex was a mess, thrusting up into her hot mouth like his life depended on it. He was whimpering, face screwing up as he lost control, reaching for her montrals with weak fingers. His vision was going, orgasm imminent, hips bucking erratically as he rasped her name, finishing hard on her tongue and crying out as she swallowed around him.

His eyes closed and he became one with the mattress, hand twitching and body spasming as he experienced a wave of aftershocks. A cool hand was placed on his forehead, accompanied by a sweet kiss.

“Rex?” she asked, her voice sounding like it was under water.

The only answer he could give her was a weak, half smile that faded as quickly as it came.

He faded as quickly as he came.

“Rex?” Ahsoka asked again, her satisfaction faltering.

His erratic breathing had ceased all too soon.

Knocks never came to the front door as Phee let herself in, running. Ahsoka had only left Rex once to retrieve their clothes and Rex dressed from the waist down. She was frantic and most thankful for the woman and her very convenient power chair. Their earlier conversation was now a blessing.

Rex’s unconscious body was placed in the seat and Ahsoka strapped him in, careful to avoid the rash that had bloomed across his body — everywhere she’d touched the fruit to his skin.

The lights in her bedroom had been so low and the curtains drawn. It had spread so fast and without her knowledge.

“How far is the hospital?” Ahsoka asked, trying and failing to regulate her breathing.

“Not far. Come on. They’re expecting us and have agreed not to ask questions,” the woman explained, leading Ahsoka out the door and into the bright afternoon.

Ahsoka ran behind Phee, using the Force to breathe life into Rex. The streets surrounding their home were empty and Ahsoka was most grateful that everyone was still gathered up by the market. Birds still sang and music still played, the distant echoes of laughter reaching her montrals. They were quite the sight running through Lower Pabu, a stark juxtaposition of terror against the backdrop of what was otherwise a perfect day.

Phee took a sharp left turn and Ahsoka maneuvered Rex’s hover chair, holding his head to prevent any possible whiplash. She’d never felt so careless in her life.

He’d made much more noise than what she learned to be his usual that afternoon in the bedroom than he had over the past two weeks. How much of his cries had been due to pleasure versus… Force, she hoped he hadn’t experienced any pain. She didn’t feel anything remotely of the sort from his Force signature. It had unmistakably been from pleasure.

They then burst through the doors of the hospital not long after, the emergency staff already transferring Rex onto a repulsorlift stretcher.

“His name is Rex. Put it under Phee Genoa. I’m with his friend, Ashla. He’s having a reaction and hasn’t responded in—” she turned to Ahsoka.

Her chrono was already out. “Nine minutes now. And his breathing is obstructed. Please help him,” she begged.

“We’ll do all that we can,” the worker said, wheeling Rex down a long, stark hallway. Another worker gave Rex’s party the go ahead and Ahsoka and Phee both rushed after him, following where he’d been heading into a nearby room.

He was hooked up to their machines with unrivaled speed and the medical droids were already prepping their tests. Multiple screens filled the room and Ahsoka bit at her nails — something she hadn’t done in years.

“The patient is suffering a severe allergic reaction and is experiencing disruption to his breathing pathways. I do not know how he has remained alive. He is unresponsive and must be given the proper combative injection or else faces imminent death.”

Hot tears welled up in Ahsoka’s eyes as she witnessed his unconscious body be poked and prodded. His skin was inflamed and blotchy from the mouth down. She couldn’t even react to her desperate use of the Force being the only thing that kept him alive for those few, long, detrimental minutes.

He could be dead. She would’ve been the one to kill him.

The shot was already on hand due to the description Phee had provided to the staff when she called, as well as their physical assessment of Rex upon his arrival. A distressed little nurse droid produced the shot for the medical droid and stood back as it was administered, beginning to articulate to Ahsoka and Phee what it did.

Rex’s chest instantly filled with air, his lungs and passageways opening at last. He fell into a coughing fit and his eyes shot wide, pupils shrinking with the severe light overhead. His body thrashed on the table and a gurgling noise sounded in his throat.

Ahsoka’s sobs were instantaneous and Phee wrapped her arms around her, welcoming the younger girl to cry into her shoulder.

She didn’t know if she was crying more so because it had almost killed him or the fact that he was finally free from the life-threatening reaction. But her chance to expel her emotions were cut short by the nurse droid, tugging at the hem of her dress. Ahsoka sniffed and looked to where it was pointing at the door, the full Batch standing and peering into the small window.

Her eyes closed briefly as she exhaled her frustration and Phee grabbed the door, walking her out into the hallway.

“Is Rex alright? We were landing when Omega saw you guys running,” Echo said, evidently the most distraught of the men.

The words alone were enough to make Ahsoka want to burst into tears again. Phee noticed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “He’s going to be fine. Just a little allergic reaction is all.”

“Allergies? From what? I thought regs didn’t have allergies?” Hunter asked.

Tech, as always, was quick to provide an explanation. “Regs typically do not have allergies, correct, but Rex’s signature blonde hair color does not come from any chemical. Perhaps this too is another outlier gene he developed in incubation.”

Phee smiled at the man she referred to as “brown eyes” and agreed, “Couldn’t have said it better myself. We’re just lucky that Ashla here noticed his reaction to the fruit in time.”

“Oh no,” Wrecker said, “Rex isn’t going to stop gardening is he?”

Ahsoka couldn’t help but laugh a little past her drying tears, “No, it wasn’t one of his. It was one that I bought from the summer market.”

He gave a big sigh of relief and promptly left with Omega, as they’d arrived just in time to still get to go.

Moments later, Rex was wheeled out of the room, barely awake and weak. He smiled anyway. Everyone had shown up for him. His appearance was jarring for his brothers, who hadn’t yet seen the extent of his condition.

The medical droids had laden him with bacta patches going down his front and disappearing into his pants. For his mouth, there was a salve applied. “All this for me?” he asked jokingly past swollen lips.

Ahsoka’s heart ached but she laughed despite it all.

Rex winked at her and then turned to the boys, “Don’t tell me I look as bad as your faces say I do.”

Hunter glanced between Rex and Ahsoka and attempted to stifle the knowing smirk spreading over his lips. Echo, observant as ever, caught it at the last second. His jaw hung open as he put two and two together, almost getting left behind as everyone made their way to the exit.

The presence of the boys back in the home was a welcome one. Neither Ahsoka nor Rex realized how much they’d missed having them around. It did mean less copulating in every room and on every surface in the little home, which was a downside. But everyone, even Rex, was laughing about the incident in no time.

He’d been quick about crafting a story — one that didn’t involve being naked in Ahsoka’s bed and having her quite literally suck the life out of him. Rex stood by his tale about attempting to bake something with the bloom fruit, getting it on his clothes, and continuing on in the nude. Conveniently, in this story, Ahsoka was up looking for him at the market and not yet realizing he’d already returned home.

It was quite unconvincing, as there was a hole in the poorly weaved lie. What if Ahsoka came back to find him baking and dancing sans any clothing? Rex just argued that the fruit had already begun to take a critical effect on him.

Wrecker was the first one to dive into the pantry, excited to make himself (and reluctantly everyone else) sandwiches with the new bread. Hunter set to unloading their cargo and Echo began with laundry.

Rex sat with Ahsoka on a cozy little sofa, purposefully choosing the item of furniture due to its tight squeeze. They were thigh to thigh and conversing quietly. Thankfully, the blotches on his skin had greatly started to subside and his lips were no longer swollen. He sounded like himself again. Especially when he whispered out of earshot of his brothers, “They gave me a bit of the salve to take home.”

“Did they? What about a few of those shots? Those would be more than helpful to have so this doesn’t spring up again and get out of hand. I’m so sorry this happened, Rex,” Ahsoka whispered.

He skirted his index finger along the hem of her dress, “Don’t worry about me, Ahsoka. I’m fine. I’ve survived worse attempts on my life.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “I was wondering though… if you’d give me a hand with the salve.” The darkening in his honey colored irises was unmistakable.

Ahsoka feigned any awareness of what he was getting at, “It looks to me like your swelling has gone down.”

“Has it?” he quipped breathily, flicking his eyes down to his lap. The bulge there dried her mouth and directed the moisture elsewhere.

She pressed her lips together to fight off her imminent grin, but the flush in her lekku gave her away. “I’d be happy to give you a hand. Maybe though, from now on we will stick to salves and creams instead of fruit,” she said lowly.

“Oh I beg to differ,” Rex said. “So long as we stick to avedames instead.”

“Deal,” she agreed.

They were broken from their intimate little exchange by the clearing of Echo’s throat. He was standing at the dryer with its door open, a lacy red thong dangling from his scomp hand. “So about that story,” he started.

Rex and Ahsoka both flushed a deep crimson. Their attempts at crafting their earlier cover story had been fruitless.

“Didn’t you say Ahsoka bought the fruit that gave you that reaction?”

Ahsoka was speechless, mortified and looking anywhere but at the former ARC. The man seated next to her wasted no time in taking her hand and interlacing their fingers.

Wrecker gasped.

“Oh please don’t try telling me they’re your—”

But Echo’s words were cut short as Wrecker let out a hearty laugh resembling that of a child with a deep voice. “Rex, no wonder you got that rash if that’s what you’re wearing!”

“As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what happened,” Rex said proudly, wincing as he stood and winking at Ahsoka. Wrecker was the only one who bought the absurdly evident lie and Rex strode with a limp to Echo to retrieve the dainty little item. His brother wore a shit-eating grin, not altogether surprised that his Captain and Commander had developed such a relationship.

Rex beckoned for Ahsoka to follow him into the temperate Pabu night and she fell into a fit of giggles once the door closed, “Rex you did not have to do that for me!”

“Of course I did,” he smiled, shrugging. “I owed it to you if buying that little number was even as half as embarrassing as that back there was.” The red lace was threaded around his fingers and stuffed into his pants pocket.

Ahsoka hummed.

“You like that?” he teased, pressing a chaste kiss to her montral. She nodded against his lips, taking his arm. “Good. You’re wearing them for me tomorrow. As soon as my dick is clear I’m finishing what we started.”

She shook her head in laughter and in disbelief at how lucky she was. They were finally where they both wanted to be and had the rest of their lives to express their love in any and every form. The air was salty, the waves lapped at the island, and lights decorated every inch of land they could see. Spring flowers were in full bloom. It was still a perfect day. “Where are we going on this fine evening?” she asked, rubbing his bicep.

Rex pointed to a house with a little blue roof, “Phee Genoa’s place.”

“How come? I’m pretty sure she asked you quite specifically to stop thanking her.”

“That’s not exactly what we are visiting for, though I do plan on sneaking in another thanks.”

“Then what?”

He smiled and stopped in the ambiently lit street, tracing the braids of her headdress and touching the new stones that had been added. “Well, she set the boys up with their own house, didn’t she? I’d like to ask her for one for us. So that I can grow fruit that I’m not deathly allergic to in our garden and share avedame wine with you, take you in every room of the house, and bake naked if we must.”

Ahsoka found her eyes hot with tears for a second time that day, this time with a smile wobbling on her lips. “We must.”

#rexsoka #rexsoka fic #rexsoka monthly #february 2024: give me a reason #my fic #fruitful fruitless #ahsokathegray

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harmonyhealinghub · 4 months ago

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Lughnasa: The Festival of Transition Shaina Tranquilino August 1, 2024

As the sun reaches its zenith and summer begins its slow transition into autumn, many cultures around the world celebrate the ancient festival of Lughnasa, also known as Lammas. This festival, rooted deeply in Celtic tradition, marks a significant point in the agricultural calendar and symbolizes a period of transformation, gratitude, and community.

Origins and Significance

Lughnasa, celebrated on August 1st, is named after Lugh, a prominent deity in Celtic mythology associated with the sun, light, and skill. It is believed that the festival was originally dedicated to Lugh’s mother, Tailtiu, who was honoured for her contributions to agriculture. The name Lammas, derived from Old English “hlaf-mas” (loaf mass), reflects the Christian influence on the festival, focusing on the first harvest and the blessing of bread made from new grain.

Celebrating the Harvest

At its core, Lughnasa is a harvest festival. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the earth and to celebrate the fruits of labor. Traditionally, communities would come together to share the bounty of the harvest, with feasts featuring freshly harvested grains, fruits, and vegetables. Bread made from the new crop of wheat was a central symbol of this celebration, signifying both the sustenance provided by the land and the communal spirit of the festival.

Rituals and Traditions

Lughnasa is rich with rituals and customs that honour the changing of the seasons and the cycles of nature. Here are a few traditional practices associated with the festival:

Harvest Feasts: Preparing and sharing a meal made from the season's harvest is a cornerstone of Lughnasa celebrations. Dishes made with freshly harvested grains, fruits, and vegetables are enjoyed by family and friends, reflecting the abundance of the season.

Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a common practice during Lughnasa. These fires symbolize the sun’s energy and warmth, and they serve as a way to honour the light that has nurtured the crops. Dancing around the bonfire is also a traditional activity, representing the joy and vitality of the harvest.

Games and Competitions: Historically, Lughnasa was a time for community gatherings and games. Athletic competitions, storytelling, and music were integral parts of the celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.

Nature Walks and Offerings: Spending time in nature and making offerings of gratitude to the land are practices associated with Lughnasa. People might leave small tokens or offerings at sacred sites or in natural settings as a way to honor the earth and express thanks for its bounty.

Modern Observances

In contemporary times, Lughnasa has experienced a revival as people seek to reconnect with ancient traditions and the rhythms of nature. Modern celebrations often blend traditional practices with new interpretations, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable living and community-building.

Many people today celebrate Lughnasa through gatherings that emphasize local and seasonal foods, and they may incorporate rituals that honor both the agricultural significance and the spiritual aspects of the festival. Community events, farmers’ markets, and harvest festivals often feature elements of Lughnasa, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The Spirit of Transition

Lughnasa is not just a festival of harvest; it is a celebration of transition. As the days gradually shorten and the first signs of autumn appear, Lughnasa reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change. It is a time to reflect on the past season, give thanks for what has been achieved, and prepare for the shifts that lie ahead.

By observing Lughnasa, we connect with an age-old rhythm that has guided humanity through the ages, reminding us of the ever-changing dance between light and dark, growth and rest. It is a celebration of life’s abundance and a testament to the enduring power of tradition and community.

As you prepare to celebrate Lughnasa, whether through traditional practices or modern interpretations, take a moment to appreciate the seasonal transition and the opportunities it brings for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

#Lughnasa #Lammas #HarvestFestival #SeasonalCelebration #CelticTraditions #SummerToAutumn #AncientFestivals #HarvestSeason #CommunityGathering #BonfireCelebration #GratitudeAndTransition #NatureRituals #ModernLughnasa #FestivalOfTheSun #AgriculturalTraditions

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caxycreations · 9 months ago

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Food Distribution on Relan

Since @thetruearchmagos seemed interested, thought I would do this haha.

Info and Worldbuilding under the cut

I'm just gonna go over Ferusian food distribution, as it's the leading nation for food practices, and most other nations emulate (to varying degrees of success) these practices.

I may also go slightly off topic, though still relevant, so bear with me.

Ferusian Food Distribution

Ferus is the leading nation for food distribution practices. There are very, very strict laws in place that severely punish poor practice.

Ultimately, this is how food is managed in Ferus:

Food is produced by farms, hunters, and reserves.

Farms specifically deal in crops. Fruits, vegetables, berries, and other plant-based food sources. While some are specialized (the third largest farm in Ferus is 22,000 acres and is dedicated entirely to the growth of corn), others grow a variety of crops (the largest farm in Ferus is approximately 45,000 acres and the land is divided between apple and pear orchards, as well as potato, carrot, and onion fields) for the nation. These farms supply Distribution Firms with the crops, which are then delivered via specially designed trucks to local markets, manufacturing plants, and other such places to be sold or refined.

Some of these trucks are designed for long-distance travel and, through the Speedway that stretches across Ferus, deliver their cargo across the nation to other Distribution Firms, which then deliver the goods to the nearby businesses and markets.

Then there are hunters. In Ferus, "Hunter" is still very much a viable career path. Hunters are employed by the Ferusian Wildlife Management Force (FWMF), and are tasked with preventing overpopulation of invasive species. The FWMF specializes in a practice known as "controlled invasion", wherein they will introduce a small number of a species into an environment where their unique evolutions make them hyper-suited to thrive. This creates an invasive species "problem", and when numbers reach problematic levels, the FWMF deploys waves of Hunters to thin the herd. This manufactured cycle allows Ferus' wildlife to thrive freely in environments suited to them, without allowing any one species to completely dominate all others in an ecosystem.

It also allows the Hunters to hunt year-round, though with a monthly limit on each species.

Species hunted under the authority of the FWMF include, but are not limited to: deer, elk, boar, greatwolves, rabbits, moose, pheasant, duck, and bear.

The last branch of Ferusian food distribution is known as the Reserves.

Reserves are animal farms. Great swathes of land with a safe, peaceful environment where herd animals are raised. Reserves follow strict environmental policies, limiting the size of herds as well as the rate of growth of herds, ensuring the well-being of both local environment and global environment due to how large these Reserves would grow otherwise.

When a herd exceeds the maximum size, Reserve owners enact Culling, a process where they will humanely put down 2/3 of the population of the Reserve. The process for this differs from species to species and from Reserve to Reserve, but strict laws are in place that require methods to be painless and swift, to prevent cruelty.

The 2/3 of the herd that is put down is then delivered to Processing Plants where they are butchered, separated into the various meats and cuts that are available from the species, and prepared for sale and redistribution.

Side note: Due to Tangkorak influence on Ferusian law in the early days, there is a law that forbids waste of a slaughtered animal, and as such every aspect of the animal is used. Bones are used for broth manufacturing, excess fat is turned into cooking oils, and so on. Ferusian Law dictates no part of a slaughtered animal is to go to waste.

This is the first step in Ferusian food distribution.

Once food has been delivered to local businesses and Processing Plants, it goes through the next phase.

Those foods delivered as-is to businesses are simply sold and used by the populace (though locally-grown and locally-raised goods are always free, you only pay for food that was shipped from other parts of the country or other nations).

The food delivered to Processing Plants however is then processed into various forms. Crops are separated into slices, sauces, mashes, jams, jellies, juices, seeds, etc, and packaged as such. Meats are sliced, mashed, blended, shredded, etc, and packaged as such.

These processed forms of food are then distributed locally and across the nation.

It's worth noting that 60% of raw-form food (un-processed meat and crops) are distributed locally, with 60% of processed food also being distributed locally.

Due to the vast farms and reserves that produce food as well as the carefully maintained manufactured ecosystems by the FWMF, food is plentiful in Ferus and any excess is sold to other nations to avoid a hunger crisis and as efforts of good faith and peace between countries.

Note: If there is a specific question any part of this raises, by all means ask. I more than likely have an answer for it.

#relan #worldbuilding #tylvinian tales

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leighsartworks216 · 2 years ago

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The Viper: Rewritten

Chapter One

Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7

Jaskier x gn!Witcher!Reader

AO3 - I recommend reading it there bc it's kinda long lol

Warnings: swearing, brief mention of blood

Word Count: 3753

Masterlist

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You pushed yourself onto your tip-toes. The wood beneath your feet was warmed by the fire in the nearby hearth, and worn down with time. Your eyes barely reached over the tabletop. What miniscule strength you had in your arms aided in the effort, pulling you upward to peer even an inch more over the top.

Your mother chuckled at your efforts. From across the table, she had watched as you wandered from your bedroom, bright-eyed and eager for breakfast. With a smile on her face, she went back to ladling porridge into three bowls. Nimble fingers carefully laid down slices of wild strawberries, adjusting them all until it was perfect. Your stomach grumbled with hunger.

Mother wiped her fingers on a cloth at her waist. Mirthful eyes landed back on you. Finally, she pushed a bowl over to your chair. You wasted no time crawling into the seat and digging into the meal. She chided you softly on your manners, reminding you to use a spoon to eat rather than your hands.

She disappeared through the doorway to give Father his bowl. You almost finished eating by the time she came back inside, face creased with worry. She continued to smile, however, hiding whatever was troubling her.

After breakfast, you got dressed and ran outside into the mid-morning sun to help in the garden. Cold dirt pressed into your knees as you helped your father pull weeds. Sometimes, you wouldn’t be strong enough to rip the unwanted growths from the earth. Wordlessly, as if he always somehow knew, Father swooped in and plucked them out easily.

After weeding, you and Father would go to the well in the center of town. He carried both empty buckets there, but you always carried one sloshing bucket full of water back. Even if you did have to carry it with both hands, and even if water spilled over the sides onto the street.

Neighbors made way as you passed, giving you words of encouragement all the while. Sometimes they would stop Father for a minute to chat. You never really understood what it was they spoke about. Sometimes they would talk about an emperor, or pests that ate their crops. More frequently, they began talking about snakes. You’d never seen a snake before. You hoped you could see one, one day.

With a scoop, you and Father watered the fruits, herbs, and vegetables. You poured water over the base of the plants and watched the dirt soak it up. With wide eyes and a racing heart, you stared in awe as the dirt began shifting. You called your father over, but he just watched in amusement as a frog popped out from under the wet dirt.

As you busied yourself trying to catch the slippery creature, he tended to the farm horse. It was a big horse - much bigger than you - with huge feet and long hair around her ankles. According to your mother, you’d been really scared of it when they first got her. You cried and hid behind their legs, watching the behemoth to see if it would attack you. Now you weren’t as afraid. Sometimes, if you had extra, Father would let you feed her carrots, and she would nudge you with her big snout.

When you caught the frog, Father would tell you to head inside for lunch. Mother didn’t like frogs. You had to let it go.

Mother would already have food prepared. Warm bread that she made herself, sliced and with cheese from the market to go with it. Sometimes there would be fruit with it, or even a bit of fish. She would make sure you washed your hands before you could eat, though, especially if you caught a frog beforehand. She told you once that her cousin would play with frogs and then eat, and she got poisoned and died. It wasn’t enough to scare you from playing with the things, but you didn’t argue as much about washing your hands.

You’d look out the window as you ate. Or, sometimes the door would be propped open and you could look out into the street. Neighbors bustled about in the midday sun. Women washed and hung up laundry. Some worked with looms or spun their own yarn. Men tended to fields, built weapons and tools, or crafted tanned hides into gloves and aprons. They all passed through the village with grins, greetings, and pride in their work.

The village didn’t have much flora aside from the crops people grew. The grounds were formed with uneven dirt or slimy mud, with boots, horse prints, and cart wheels all leaving their marks in the roads. A little patch of grass sprouted in here and there, but it was trampled out within a week.

There was, however, one tree. It wasn’t actually within the borders of the town at all. No, if it had been, it would have been killed off. Rather, it stood up on a hill, visible from the kitchen window. There was forest spread out behind it. Dead or dying grasses and weeds flooded the field before it, in between your house and the oak. But the brown grass never touched that hill. As soon as the earth began sloping upward, the grass was lush and green. You vowed to one day leave the walls of the village, climb that hill, and see that tree up close.

One day.

You finished eating and climbed down from your chair. Mother put a plate in your hand, full of the same thing you’d just eaten, and told you to bring it out to your father. Father took it, ruffled your hair, and sat in a chair propped up against the house while he ate. He never said what he looked at. Your best guess was that he people watched just like you. Or maybe he, too, thought about seeing that great big oak tree up close.

You sat by the fire with your mother. Usually you would unravel and re-roll her balls of yarn back together. More recently, she helped you learn how to sew. She would pass you a shirt or pair of pants with a hole in them and show you how to thread a needle. She’d show you how to stitch up the hole so the thread was barely noticeable. When you inevitably poked your fingers with the sharp needle, she would kiss the boo-boo with a gentle chide to be more careful.

To pass the time, she would ask you about your morning. You would ramble on and on about the weeds and plants, how you carried a full bucket all by yourself, and the little critters you saw. If you didn’t know what they were called, she was always patient as you explained what they looked like so she could provide the name for you. Today you saw a ladybug, a cricket, and a spider. She already knew about the frog.

As the sun went down, Father stopped tending to the garden and animals. He would come inside, grab a bow and a quiver of arrows, and go off hunting in the woods. You asked once if he went by the hill. He just shook his head and said there were too many monsters over that way.

He would come back with fresh-caught game, if he was lucky. This time he carried a large doe across his shoulders. If the weight ached his back and creaked his bones, he didn’t complain.

Your parents worked together to prepare the meat from the catch. Father would skin it and carve out the meat. Mother would make a stew and show him where to hang up the pelt. You weren’t old enough to help out. Mother said she didn’t want you watching, either. Instead, while they cooked, you would go to your room and finish up fixing the clothes.

You’d all eat together once it was ready. Your tiny legs never reached the floor; they kicked freely under the table, almost but not quite scraping the wooden boards. Mother and Father spoke of the world. You didn’t understand. The conversation would slowly make its way to the neighbors and their lives. You understood some things, but other things went right over your head.

You finished your stew before they did. Your eyes drooped with exhaustion as your belly was filled. They would pause in their meals to carry you to your room. Father laid you down, but Mother tucked you in. They both kissed your forehead and blew out the candles around your room. The door creaked when it closed behind them.

You’d wake up tomorrow and begin the cycle all over again. It was perfect. The world was bright, new, and beautiful. Your hands had yet to form calluses. Your eyes were yet to dim with the harsh realities of the world.

That was all behind you now.

Cold nipped at your fingers and nose, intensifying as a breeze brushed past. You did not let it distract you.

The pendulums before you danced in a methodical tango. The spikes protruding from the wood were dulled with blood, and no longer glinted in the midday sun. Your piercing yellow eyes followed their movements, searching for an opening, timing exactly when they reached their zeniths.

“C’mon, Rat, we don’t have all day!” You cursed your brother. Your heart jumped with anxiety.

You would not allow yourself to fall again.

As the first pendulum reached its highest point to your left, you jumped through the gap. You felt the woosh of the second one as it passed mere inches from your face. You did not allow your feet to become unsteady on the unbalanced wooden beam beneath you.

The second and third reached their peaks. You seized the opportunity and leapt past both onto the next platform. In your eagerness, you almost got scratched in the face by the rotating wooden spikes before you.

You ducked down and passed through the gaps in between the layers. Easy. You let out a shaky breath as you turned to the pegs in the wall. The wood was worn down over excessive use, almost smooth now. You could slip and fall several feet into the hard concrete below- No. Focus.

With a deep breath in, you sprinted across the pegs. You nearly lost your balance on one, but pushed through to the next platform, where you almost skidded off the edge from your momentum.

“You’re almost there!” your brother called out again. You risked a glance down at him. Your other siblings had also gathered around, ready to watch you finally pass this training exercise, or fall flat once again. “Just don’t fall on your arse!”

Oh, you were so strangling him when you got down from here.

You jumped onto the swinging platform and stood at the front edge. You kept your knees loose, staying level with the motion of the swing.

Almost there.

The swing reached its peak, and you leapt for the ropes. Cold metal brushed your fingertips as gravity took hold. With barely a second to react, you curled into yourself, and landed on the hard concrete.

Disappointed sighs filled the courtyard as people left, until the only people left were you and your closest sibling.

Stuldweck leaned over your body, spread out on the ground. You looked past him to the sky, repetitively revealed and hidden as the swing shifted. He raised an eyebrow.

“Gonna get off the ground anytime soon, Rat?”

“No,” you sighed. “I’m just going to decompose, right here. Take care of Oalvir in my absence.”

He chuckled low and warm. “He’d be kicked out within a day.”

A slight grin found your lips. “Probably.”

Stuldweck held out a hand. You took it without further delay. With strength twice as great as your own, he lifted you back to your feet and slapped your back. “You gave it your best shot, Rat. Nothing else for it.”

“I was so close, Stul. So close! I touched the rings this time! I was right there!” You walked side by side with your brother as he guided you out of the courtyard and through the walls of Gorthur Gvaed - the Viper School. You grumbled, “And I fucked it up. Again.”

“You’ll get it soon!”

Stuldweck was your beacon of light in this shitty castle. Ever since you were little kids, he looked after you. You were the weakest of the bunch. The mages were surprised when you woke from the Trial of Grasses at all, and yet you still had to help dispose of the bodies of the dozens others who did not make it. Stul, arguably the strongest of the Adepts, kept you sane.

“How many tries did it take me?” he asked rhetorically. “Thirty-eight! You’re only at - What? - 19? And you’re faster than anybody else!”

“Because I’m a rat,” you teased. The nickname was given to you affectionately when you were younger. Because you were small and weak, your brothers would all say you could be eaten by a snake in one bite, like a sickly little rat. As you grew, however, it morphed into being more agile and sneaky than the rest.

He slung his arm around your neck, pulling you into a playful hug. “Exactly!” You shoved him off, laughing, as you both stumbled through the Keep. “And when you graduate, you'll be the best Viper around!”

A swell of emotion welled in your chest. It was warm and airy. Your smile became more muted as you looked at him. “You really think so?”

He smiled, genuinely. It was not a crooked smirk with teeth. His eyes were not playful or withholding truths in their depths. His dark skin crinkled around his mouth, and softened around his eyes. “Of course I do.”

Like a gas lighting aflame, the emotion in your chest burst into relief and joy. Before the soft moment between siblings could linger, he ruffled your hair and shoved your face away. “C’mon, Rat, you’re on kitchen duty.”

You chuckled and shoved him back. “Arsehole!”

“You’ve been creeping around all morning,” you pointed out. Stuldweck paused in the middle of dunking his bread in some warm broth, like a child caught breaking something. “Care to tell me why?”

He grinned knowingly. “You’ll see.”

You glanced to another table at the front of the banquet hall, filled from end to end with the mentors of the school. The Grandmaster, Ivar Evil-Eye, was engrossed in an ancient scroll, oblivious to the goings on before him. He was always like that. The mentors were truly the ones doing the heavy lifting, training students and doling out harsh punishments.

Lingering on the mentors a moment longer, searching for any hint they could be listening, you learned over the table and spoke in a hushed voice. “Is it another prank? Oalvir told me he had something in the works - is it that?”

Stul chuckled as he shook his head. You sat back on the bench with a huff.

“What is it then?” you demanded.

“If you get through the obstacle course - unharmed - I’ll show you. Until then,” he made a motion of zipping his lips together, “not a word about it.”

Two sets of yellow eyes stared into each other. You squinted, studying his face for any microexpressions. Though, of course, you’d been trained well not to give anything away under pressure. It was not training one so lightly forgot.

Admitting defeat, you heaved a sigh. “Fine. Let’s go then!”

Startled, he dropped his chunk of bread into his broth. “Now? You haven’t even finished eating!”

“I’ve had enough; I need to know what you’re hiding! So, c’mon, let’s go.”

You were already standing, pushing your bowl and plate away as all eyes became fixed on the sudden movement. Stuldweck stuttered, gesturing at his own food. “Take it with you! And try not to choke when I land on that final platform.”

Cold air brushed your cheeks once again as you stood at the starting line. Unsurprisingly, the whole school decided lunch was not as interesting as watching you fall on your arse would be. Even the Grandmaster set his scroll down in favor of joining the crowd.

Everyone could hear the way your heart stuttered under the scrutinizing gazes of your siblings. It filled your ears. Your hands became clammy.

No. Don’t panic. Stay focused. You trained for this - you can do it.

Your eyes shifted from the swinging pendulums before you to the crowd. Up front, arms crossed and brow furrowed, stood Stuldweck. He nodded assuringly to you. Almost as quiet as a mouse, his voice found your ears.

“You’ve got this, Rat.”

It was all you needed to hear.

You looked ahead once more. The cold air of the mountain valley dried the back of your throat. The pendulums taunted you with their repetitive dance. Through them, you saw the rusted rings. You weren’t going to let them slip through your fingers again. Not this time.

With a speed never before seen within these damned walls, you weaved through the pendulums and spinning wooden spikes. You hardly paused at all before sprinting up the pegs on the wall and turning sharply onto the swinging platform.

And now, the rings. You remembered last time, when your fingers brushed the cool metal as you fell to the hard stone floor below. Not this time.

Time seemed to slow as the swing neared your target. The nervous, short breaths of your siblings, the subtle scuff of boots against the stone as Ivar and Stuldweck stepped forward, the vultures and hawks screeching in the distance - it all fell on deaf ears. You braced yourself.

And then you jumped.

Only this time, you caught the rings and held on with a death grip. Your arms pulled on your sockets as your body weight listened to gravity’s beckoning call. You would not fall into her siren’s trap this time. You swung your legs back and followed through with the momentum as you were propelled forward, letting go of the rings at the forward peak of your swing. With a hard thud, you landed on the final platform.

Silence. Then, the cheers of your brothers was all you could hear.

Your heart raced with adrenaline as you climbed down the ladder, only to be swarmed with arms slung over your shoulders and pats on the back and knuckles digging into the crown of your head. Congratulations were thrown around like rice at a wedding. All you could do was smile and breathlessly chuckle like a madman.

As the commotion settled and your siblings departed to return to their now-cold meals, you turned to Stul, who embraced you with powerful arms. “Do I get to see what you’ve been up to now?” you asked.

He laughed next to your ear before he roughly pulled away to drag you back into the Keep and through the halls. To your surprise, he did not drag you to his quarters or even back to the banquet hall. Instead, he pulled you through to the front of the School, and through the grand front doors to the courtyard. He stopped you in the center of the barren yard, but moved toward the empty stables.

“I wanted to do something special for your eventual success,” he began. You couldn’t stop looking at the hand he had resting on a stall door. “So, I pulled a couple of strings and…” He took a breath. Was he nervous? He smiled. “Well, here you go!”

In one fluid motion, he pushed the sliding door out of the way. Standing in the strewn hay upon wobbly legs, was a foal. The small horse snorted and backed away from the door. He was… You had no words to describe the feeling within you. Adoration? Awe? Elation?

The colt watched cautiously as you slowly stepped forward. His coat was light and well-groomed, with grey mottling all down his body, and dark flowing hair. You knelt at the doorway. After a moment, the horse neared.

“You…” You swallowed, still in disbelief. “You got me a horse?”

“Well, a foal, yeah.” You could hear the wide grin in his voice. “What’re you gonna name him?”

The colt stepped forward until it was almost face-to-face with you. He watched and waited to see if you would do anything. You made sure he saw your hand as you slowly raised it up. When he did not react or jump away, you pet the soft coat along his neck. He snorted at the gentle contact.

“Bayard,” you decided. “I’ll call him Bayard.”

Stul snorted at the name. “Are you sure? You don’t want to call him Ard Feainn or something?”

You scoffed, leveling him with an annoyed stare. “I didn’t think you were so big on religion,” you teased.

“It’s a more powerful name than Bayard,” he mocked, albeit playfully. He held his arms upward in dramatic fashion. “The Great Sun! As mighty a steed as the Continent has ever witnessed!”

You hit his leg, causing him to laugh and drop his arms. The youngling horse became startled at the sudden movement and scampered back into the stall.

“Alright! Alright! Bayard it is then.” Stul crossed his arms and leaned against the door. He sighed pensively. “Just one more trial and we’re out of here.”

Oh the thought of being free from these hallowed halls - it caused your heart to flutter and yearn for the outside world. It was so rarely that any Adept could leave the school, even to hunt for game. The only times you set foot on real dirt ground was for monster training. And even then, you were not allowed to stray far.

One final test to deem you worthy, and you would be set loose on the world. You could accept real contracts, interact with real people, fight real monsters! Your head spun just imagining it.

“Does anybody know what the final trial is?” you frowned, looking up at your brother for answers.

He thought for a moment, a frown tugging his features down, before shaking his head. “No idea. I’ll try asking Oalvir - that nitwit can figure anything out.” He noticed the frown taking over your previously joyous expression. “Hey,” he propped a hand on your shoulder, “don’t worry about it. You’ll do great no matter what it is.”

You managed a weak smile. “You will, too, Stul. We’ll make it out of here together - or not at all.”

---

Tag List:

(Lemme know if you wanna be removed)

@writeawaythepain

@sleepyqueerenergy

@lex-caspartine

@lastwandastan

@adozenforks

@plaguedoctorsnake

@solomonssimp

#fanfic #fanfiction #the witcher #the witcher fanfic #the witcher fanfiction #the witcher fic #jaskier x reader #jaskier #jaskier the bard #witcher jaskier #the witcher jaskier #geralt of rivia #geralt & reader #x reader #gender neutral reader #x gender neutral reader #gn reader #x gn reader #cross posted on ao3

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cordeliahrose · 2 years ago

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Spring Equinox

The spring equinox takes place between March 19 and March 22. That may be the official date, but when does spring really start? When do you begin to notice that it's spring?

As we come into spring we start to notice things. Leaves growing back on the trees, birds coming back again, bugs starting to come out, maybe even flowers sprouting. But the weather is still quite cold, and we may think, Is it spring already?

I began to notice the incoming spring at the beginning of March. Birds were out rustling in the trees, butterflies, wasps, and bees came out, and my young blackberry bush began to sprout leaves. The weather also got about 10 degrees warmer. For me, this was the start of spring. But I still choose the celebrate the equinox on the official date. Why? Because I always have, and because it gives me to prepare.

And that's what the spring equinox is all about. Preparing to take action towards the goals you set during the winter. It's a time of sowing seeds, literally and metaphorically.

How Can You Celebrate The Spring Equinox?

Sow your seeds

Literally: plant the fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, or whatever else it is you plan to grow this season. Get your hands in the dirt and connect with the earth and the new spring time.

Metaphorically: Set the intentions you have for this coming season. Quarterly goals are great for all areas of life. What goals do you want to accomplish in the next 3 months? Make a plan for what you're going to do to accomplish them. You might chose to keep your goals aligned with the spring season. In this case, here are some ideas:

~ New ideas and projects. That new art project you see in your mind, or that new business idea you've been dreaming up. Maybe someone asked you to collaborate on an idea, now is a time to say yes.

~ Growth. Personal, business, family, any goal you have that involves something growing and/or improving.

~ Gardening. Maybe you want to start a small garden, or add a new plant to an existing one.

~ Community. Litter clean up projects, community gardening projects, fundraisers for causes around your area. Spring is a good time to bring the community together.

Have a picnic or cookout with family and/or friends

Celebrate the spring time with your family and/or friends. Cook or bake some foods that are in season at this time and enjoy the weather together. You can find tons of lists with a quick search about what foods are in season. You can also visit a local farmers market if possible!

Spring cleaning

This is definitely one you hear all the time, but it's a good one! What better way to bring in the new season than getting rid of the dust and clutter from the previous? Here are some ideas:

~Physically clean your area. Your house, your yard, or even just your bedroom. Make a project of it if you'd rather. Pick a different area to clean each day, or whatever time block works best for you. Write them down on a checklist with the day you plan them, and check them off when you've done them. This will actually help you stay motivated for it too, every time you check one off the list.

~ Cleanse your area. Whether it be with smoke, sound, crystals, words, or whatever other method you choose to use.

~ Switch up or tidy up your altar if you have one.

~ Clean out your inbox. Emails, text messages, social media notifications, clean out everything you don't need. Unfollow those people who mess up your feed, block those negative messages, unsubscribe from unwanted emails.

Spend some time outside. Go on a hike, watch the sunrise or sunset, visit a local park. Stargaze after dark, look for constellations and planets. There's a couple of good apps that help with this, Skyview and Stellarium. I personally use Stellarium.

Do some magic. Spring is a great time to do manifestation, workings around friendship, love, and community, workings to bring in abundance and wealth, workings for health, and workings to aid in personal growth. I'll be posting one of my favorite spring time workings soon!

Give spring time offerings to the deities and spirits you work with. Flowers, leaves, acorns, honey, fresh fruits, baked goods, milk, spring inspired art.

These are just a few ideas that come from my view of spring. I encourage everyone to look at how they view the spring time and figure out what works for them!

#springtime #spring equinox #wheel of the year #witchblr #paganblr #witch tips #witches of tumblr #witchcraft #paganism #pagans of tumblr

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starbound-aria · 7 months ago

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So, seems this sectors anti-priate measures are lacking, and means getting a mech for space flight to handle them might be something I need to look into as the only protectorate captain here. Also means a lot of supplies the shipwright needs have had a "delayed" shipment, yay.

Though me getting lunch has given me a starting point for another report: While I was ordering the meal the person behind the counter knew I, as a saturian, am an obligate herbivore, and warned me that the dish I was ordering contained eggs. This is fine, despite being classified by most people as "meat" herbivores can safely consume eggs if properly prepared. The dish did not contain eggs, it contained eggshoot, which could be an issue for obligate carnivores.

Eggshoots, as thier name Implies are egg shaped plants most commonly found in tundra regions of planets, though these resistant plants can be grown on most planets, and can often be seen grown in Avian settlments.

Thier similarities with eggs do not stop with thier shape, mature fruit of this plant jave a soft white flesh, not dissimilar to a soft boiled egg, with a pocket of thick yellow nectar with in which the seeds float with in, giving animals of thier homeworlds both a meal and some liquid refreshment at once.

Thanks to thier low growth requirements and rather qucim growth cycles, they can often be found in markets as an animal egg substitute, and act wonderfully as such. If beat with a small bit of water, the flesh of an eggshoot quickly becomes a thin gel that works as a replacement for egg whites, and the necter can be used in place of an egg yoke as is, with the added benefit of being safe to eat raw, making them a near perfect substitute for eggs in vegan dishes. If you can safely eat plant matter that is.

Despite how well they mimic animal eggs, eggshoots are still plants, and can cause issues with carnivore stomachs if too much is used. While it's not life threatening if a carnivore eats eggshoot products (save for rare allergies) they should be avoided, unless some moderate or worse discomfort is worth it for your favorite icecream flavor.

Thankfully the manger of the food vender, who got a simular version of this, was smart and knew it'd be a bad idea to argue with a protectorate botanist and at least put up a warning sign.

#sbprompts24 #roleplay blog #starbound #starbound mod #starbound aria #playthrough

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astuteanalyticablog · 1 year ago

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Enhancing Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Guide to Sports Nutrition

Eating a healthy balanced diet is an essential component of any exercise program. The quality of the food people eat can break their progress toward their fitness objectives. Sports nutrition is the secret to peak performance and better health, whether they're a professional athlete or just trying to keep in shape. In this blog, let's know about the proper nutrition which fuels performance.

People's awareness of the value of exercise is growing, and the sports industry is developing swiftly. Thus, it is estimated to drive the market expansion. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Sports Nutrition Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% over the projection period from 2022 to 2030.

Sports nutrition's significance:

Athletes can prepare for and recover from workouts and contests with the help of adequate nutrition, which increases their total performance. Furthermore, maintaining body weight and increasing the workout effect requires an adequate intake of calories.

The focus of sports nutrition is on the particular dietary requirements for performance. Let's start by talking about which nutrients are crucial for athletes and whether certain supplements are required.

Fats:

Fat serves as the main energy source for low to moderate-intensity activity and fuels the muscles during endurance training. Additionally, it contributes to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, offers important fatty acids, safeguards vital organs, and improves satiety.

The recommended daily allowance for fat is between 20 and 35 percent of total calories. It is estimated that poly-unsaturated and mono fats make up about 15-20% and 5–10% of this total.

Seeds, nuts, avocados, fatty fish, and extra-virgin olive oil are a few examples of nutrient-dense dietary fat sources.

Protein:

Protein intake has been linked favorably to metabolic, bone, and weight control. Athletes' performance, lean body mass, recuperation, and strength have all been reported to increase with it. Furthermore, research indicates that consuming protein after exercise may maximize muscle recovery and improve strength.

According to research, active adults and athletes need 1.4–2.0 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to grow and maintain muscle mass. Higher protein consumption (>3.0 g/kg/d) may benefit body composition.

Red meat, poultry, dairy, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu, and fortified foods are a few examples of dietary sources of protein.

Food categories to eat:

Particular food groups should be a part of a person's diet when it comes to sports nutrition. It is possible to provide their body the energy it requires to function at its peak by consuming a range of nutrient-dense foods. The following foods are among the best to put in a sports nutrition plan:

Whole grains

Healthy fats

Lean proteins

Vegetables and fruits

The vitamins and minerals included in fruits and vegetables can assist the functioning of a person's body. Lean proteins and healthy fats can help them feel full and provide their body the resources it needs to stay healthy, while whole grains give their body slow-burning energy.

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breelandwalker · 1 year ago

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Strawberry Moon - June 3, 2023

Grab your baskets and your moon jars, witches - it's time for the Strawberry Moon!

Strawberry Moon

The Strawberry Moon is the name given to the full moon which occurs in the month of June in the Northern Hemisphere. The name is taken from the ripening of those little red heart-shaped berries we find in so many summertime treats. Strawberries are typically ready to harvest beginning around the summer solstice, though this will vary depending on variety, planting times, and local weather. The Strawberry Moon, sadly, does not turn pink to match the berries.

Other European names for this moon include Honey Moon, Rose Moon, and Mead Moon. Indigenous names for the June moon include Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe), Green Corn Moon (Cherokee), and Hatching Moon (Cree).

What Does It Mean For Witches?

Full moons are excellent times for bringing wishes to fulfillment and plans to fruition, all the more so under one named after a prolific berry. This is an optimal time to make things happen!

Your intuition may be stronger than usual during this time, so pay attention to those little inklings and gut feelings that won't be ignored. They might be telling you something important. Dreams may also be more vivid, though not necessarily more accurate or revealing.

This is a time to explore things that catch your attention or pique your curiosity, and to let yourself be open to new ideas and new opportunities.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

With a full moon in the sky and the summer solstice hot on its' heels, it's time to prepare for a full bloom. Here's hoping you've been nurturing those plans and seeds of growth you planted in the spring, because they're about to start flowering and the way is clear to sow the next stage of your plans. What they will be and what new prospects the summer will bring is entirely up to you.

With the moon in Sagittarius again this year, it's a good time to look ahead to the future. Think on the plans you have in process and let yourself dream of how things might turn out. If you're inclined to journaling, make a note of how things are going so far and how you hope they'll turn out. Pick your favorite divination method and do a reading for the month ahead. (Make sure you write that down too so you can check back later!)

This is a great time to go berry-picking or flower-gathering, so check your area for pick-your-own farms or farmer's markets with local produce. Have a picnic with friends or just enjoy a quiet afternoon with your own thoughts and a few favorite treats. Make a jar of sun tea or a sweet and summery berry salad. If you're partial to strawberries, indulge that sweet tooth!

Strawberries are also excellent ingredient in spells for love, beauty, fertility, and emotional healing. Create a charm for self-love or perhaps to attract a summer romance. Enchant your favorite makeup or skin care products with a glamour of confidence. Just as expectant mothers once carried strawberry leaves as a folk remedy for pregnancy pains, you can carry a clutch of them in your pocket to help heal a broken heart or assuage the pain of grief. A packet of strawberry leaves is also a potent good-luck charm. Snack on strawberries to bring fertile abundance into your life, whether you're looking for creativity or opportunity or perhaps hoping to grow your family this year.

Charge your crystals and spell jars and moon water under the light of Strawberry Moon to catch the energy of blooming flowers, ripening fruit, wishes coming true, and carefully-laid plans realized. (If you're planning to use it for any consumables, please make sure you're using fresh, potable drinking water rather than rain or runoff.)

Spend a little time reflecting on how your year has gone thus far. Try to focus on the things that have improved and how you've grown as a person and in your life journey. Reflect on your accomplishments and what you plan to do next. Take a moment to be unashamedly proud of yourself for everything you've done and for making it this far despite everything life throws at you.

Happy Strawberry Moon, witches! 🌕🍓