#giant foxtail

[unexpectedplantblr]

I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT PLANTS. UNSOLICITED ADVICE ABOUT ANYTHING PICTURED ON THIS BLOG EAGERLY WELCOMED.

running list of identified plants on my property:

fruiting

lemon 🍋 (myers suspected)

cherry 🍒 x 2 (one is tagged rainier cherry)

peach 🍑 x 3 (one is tagged black boy dwarf peach)

apple 🍎 x 3 (one is tagged vanilla ice cream apple, which i suspect is a unique hybrid.)

pear 🍐 x 2 (one i am still not positive of)

plum x 3 (one is tagged coe’s golden drop)

pomegranate

fig (and fig and fig and fig. i see chainsaws in my future)

mulberry x 2 (will remain in their pots until further notice)

lemon cucumber 🥒 (new addition, my garden pick)

cherry tomatoes 🍅 (new addition, my moms garden pick)

grape 🍇 x ? (1 found living vine, tagged thompsons seedless. other vine scraps pulled that may not have quite given up yet)

flowering

rose (tagged david austin)

hydrangea

easter cactus (struggling. was my grandmas)

daffodils (were flowering before house purchase now wildly overgrown)

geraniums (hot pink!)

false shamrock

gardenia

redvein chinese lantern

chrysanthemum

friends

giant sequoia

aloe vera x 5+

foxtail fern

teensy lil asparagus (not very edible)

venus flytrap

[blackswallowtailbutterfly]

Native Plants I’ve Actually Seen Growing Wild in Southern Ontario

Acer saccharinum (silver maple) --along the sides of highways

Acer saccharum (sugar maple) --GTA ravines

Achillea millefolia (yarrow) --GTA ravines

Allium schoenoprasum (wild chives) --GTA ravines, Ridgetown

Allium tricoccum (ramps) --Niagara region escarpments

Amaranthus retroflexus (redroot amaranth) --fallow areas in the GTA

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) --fallow areas in the GTA

Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed) --parks in the GTA

Amelanchier spp. (saskatoon/serviceberry) --GTA ravines

Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) --GTA ravines

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) --ravines and parks in the GTA

Asarum canadense (Canada ginger) --GTA ravines

Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) --fallow areas, ravines, and parks throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Asplenium trichomanes (maidenhair spleenwort) --Niagara region escarpments

Betula spp. (birch) --ravines and parks throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Bidens spp. (beggar ticks) --GTA ravines

Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh) --GTA parks

Ceratophyllum demersum (hornwort) --GTA ravines (native in freshwater across the globe anyway)

Circaea lutetiana (enchanter’s nightshade) --fallow areas in the GTA

Commelina spp. (dayflower) --fallow areas in Windsor

Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda dogwood) --GTA wooded areas

Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood) --GTA ravines and in Windsor riverside parks

Crataegus spp. (hawthorn) --GTA ravines and parks

Echinocystis lobata (wild prickly cucumber) --GTA ravines

Elaeagnus commutata (silverberry) --GTA parks and fallow areas

Epilobium ciliatum (fringed willowherb) --fallow areas in the GTA

Equisetum spp. (horsetail/scouring rush) --GTA ravines and fallow areas

Erigeron spp. (fleabane) --GTA parks and fallow areas, Ridgetown

Erythronium americanum (trout lily) --GTA ravines and parks

Eutrochium maculatum (Joe-Pye weed) --GTA parks

Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry) --fallow areas in the GTA

Geranium maculatum (wild geranium) --Windsor green spaces

Geranium robertianum (herb robert) --Windsor green spaces

Geum aleppicum (yellow avens) --GTA fallow areas

Geum canadense (white avens) --GTA fallow areas

Geum macrophyllum (large-leaved avens) --GTA fallow areas

Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky coffee tree) --GTA ravines

Helianthus spp. (sunflower) --GTA fallow areas and parks

Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip) --GTA ravines

Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) --GTA fallow areas

Humulus lupulus (hops) --GTA ravines

Hydrophyllum virginianum (Virginia waterleaf) --GTA ravines

Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) --GTA ravines and in Windsor riverside parks

Juglans nigra (black walnut) --GTA ravines

Lactuca canadensis (Canadian lettuce) --GTA fallow areas

Lilium michiganense (Michigan lily) --GTA ravines

Lupinus perennis (sundial lupine) --GTA parks

Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower) --GTA ravines

Maianthemum racemosum (starry false solomon’s seal) --GTA ravines and parks

Maianthemum stellatum (starry false solomon’s seal) --GTA ravines

Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern) --GTA ravines

Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot) --GTA ravines and parks

Morus rubra (red mulberry) --fallow areas in Windsor, GTA parks

Myosotis laxa (smallflower forget-me-not) --GTA fallow areas

Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) --GTA fallow areas

Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) --GTA ravines

Oxalis stricta (yellow wood sorrel) --fallow areas and ravines throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Parietaria pensylvanica (Pennsylvania pellitory) --GTA fallow areas

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) --Windsor fallow areas and GTA ravines and parks

Persicaria lapathifolia (curlytop smartweed) --GTA fallow areas

Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) --GTA ravines and parks

Portulaca oleracea (purslane) --fallow areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA (native globally anyway)

Potentilla norvejica monspeliensis (ternate-leaved cinquefoil) --GTA fallow areas

Prunella vulgaris (selfheal) --fallow areas and ravines throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Prunus virginiana (chokecherry) --Windsor fallow areas, GTA ravines and parks, Niagara region escarpments

Pteridium aquilinum latiusculum (western bracken fern) --GTA parks

Quercus spp. (oak) --wooded areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac) --parks and fallow areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to Collingwood

Ribes spp. (currants) --GTA ravines and parks

Ribes spp. (gooseberries) --GTA ravines

Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) --GTA ravines and parks

Rosa spp. (roses) --GTA ravines, parks, and fallow areas

Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry) --ravines, parks, and fallow areas in Hamilton and GTA

Rubus odoratus (purple-flowered raspberry) --GTA ravines and parks

Rubus strigosus (American red raspberry) --GTA parks

Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed susan) --GTA parks

Salix spp. (willow) --GTA ravines

Sambucus canadensis (common elderberry) --Windsor riverside parks, GTA ravines

Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry) --GTA ravines and parks

Smilax spp. (greenbrier) --GTA parks

Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod) --parks and fallow areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Sorbus spp. (mountain ash) --GTA ravines and parks

Streptopus spp. (twistedstalk) --GTA parks

Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry) --GTA parks

Symphyotrichum ericoides (heath aster) --fallow areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England aster) --fallow areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk cabbage) --GTA parks

Tilia spp. (linden) --GTA ravines

Trillium grandiflorum (white trillium) --parks throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) --GTA parks

Typha latifolia (broad-leaved cattail) --marshes in Essex county and GTA

Urtica gracilis (slender nettle) --GTA ravines

Uvularia spp. (bellwort) --streams in Windsor green spaces

Verbena hastata (blue vervain) --GTA ravines

Viburnum lentago (nannyberry) --GTA parks and Ridgetown ravine

Viburnum trilobum (highbush cranberry) --Ridgetown

Viola sororia (wood violet) --fallow areas and wooded areas throughout southern Ontario from Windsor to GTA

Vitis riparia (riverbank grape) --GTA fallow areas, ravines, and parks

Waldsteinia fragarioides (barren strawberry) --GTA ravines and parks

Xanthium strumarium canadense (Canada cocklebur) --GTA parks and fallow areas

I’ve likely seen many others and just couldn’t identify them, but there are a lot I’ve never seen growing wild. What I’m hoping is that some of the native species I have in my garden will make their way to the nearby ravine. If I get around to it, though, I might just take a walk with some Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) seeds in the fall. They certainly seem to successfully germinate in my garden whether I want them to or not (don’t have space for them to go crazy). Can’t see why they wouldn’t in a natural swamp area.

[moths-wc-aus]

ROOTCLAN

RootClan lives in a small forest, camping out in a rocky gorge and eating mostly frogs and salamanders. They're skilled tunnelers, and their territory features a brook that mysteriously bubbles...

Leader; Amberstar Formerly named Amberdaisy, Amberstar is a gentle and cheerful calico tom. He's pretty big and fluffy, and well-beloved by his Clan.

Deputy; Speckledsmoke A pale calico tabby, Speckledsmoke is a skilled tracker and a very stealthy boy. He's a good deputy and takes his job seriously!

Healer; Marmotscreech Marmotscreech is a stout and friendly chocolate-point tom. He is VERY vocal about things, especially things he likes! He likes to chat, and will talk your ear off if you allow him to

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BRANCHCLAN

BranchClan makes their home on a rocky beach. Their camp is a clearing surrounded by trees, with nice, soft sand beneath their paws. They mostly eat eels and minnows.

Leader; Whirlstar Formerly called Whirlpetal, this red and white tabby lady is very elegant and graceful. She's the oldest leader of the surrounding Clans, and has a very soothing presence.

Deputy; Mottledpelt There... is not much to say about Mottledpelt. He's a very average guy; he's good at hunting and fighting, but not extraordinary. He's not very bold or particularly courageous. He's just kind of.... here.

Healer; Robinpool Marmotscreech finds himself in good company with Robinpool! Those two will chatter the night away. Robinpool is wise and level-headed, and a very gentle healer. She's a particularly good singer, as well!

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LEAFCLAN

LeafClan lives in a marsh, and eats mostly fish and bugs. They have a bit of an issue with rats at the moment, and there's this strange violet-coloured pond within their territory...

Leader; Cometstar Formerly Cometstream, she's a brown and orange tabby who is quite loud. She's not afraid to make her opinion known to everyone. She's pretty bold and brave, traits that are admired within LeafClan.

Deputy; Foxtail Foxtail is HUGE. She is giant and fluffy and SUPER intimidating, even to cats within her own clan. She's pretty clever, too, but it's more her stature that makes her scary.

Healer; Molestalker Molestalker is a very quiet cat, and she knows EVERYTHING. There is not a single thing you can hide from her. She used to be a warrior, but became interested in medicine after her son got very sick. He recovered, thankfully, but she never wanted to feel that helpless again.

SPIKECLAN

SpikeClan lives on a moor, their camp covered with heather and gorse as a shield from predators. They eat mostly hares and small birds, and has recently been struck by a deadly illness, wiping out most of the Clan.

Leader; Jasminestar Jasminestar is the youngest leader of the surrounding Clans, barely even a warrior. She's already lost two of her lives to the illness, and is really struggling with the idea of leadership. I mean, she's never even had an apprentice before!!

Deputy; Amberice Jasminestar's former mentor and father figure, Jasminestar picked him as deputy for his experience and calm, easy-going nature.

Healer; Speckledwhistle Speckledwhistle is stressed tf out, man!!!! His mentor, Firestripe, was one of the first victims of the illness, and Speckledwhistle barely had half his training! He does his best to be cheerful, but it's so so hard right now. He's so tired. Let him rest please.

[gallopinggold]

Wild looking at the difference in Mary from various winters in different boarding situations.

Top photo is from the Jan of 2018 at CBCF, and Mary had been at that farm since Jan 2017. I had moved her from the previous barn, MHF, after she lost a ton of weight and developed quite a few health issues because of how poorly managed the farm was. One of Mary's old pasture mates, Dreamy, owned by the farm owners, essentially starved to death, after they bred her and didn't provide any forage. She wasted away to nothing, and died days after having her foal because she was so malnourished. So I moved Mary to CBCF, and she thrived there for a while. However, that didn't last, as the owners of CBCF had only owned the farm for a few months before I moved Mary there. The farm was well maintained by the previous owners, so the quality pasture was inherited. The second photo is still at CBCF, but in Jan of 2019. By that point, the farm owners had done nothing to maintain the pastures since purchasing the farm, and the grass had been taken over almost entirely by weeds and mud. The hay, when they actually fed it, was low quality and filled with foxtails. I spent months arguing with them, trying to bring in my own hay, move Mary into a better pasture, ect, before I realized any promises from them were empty and there would be no changes. In February of 2019, the farm owner's personal horse died from colic, likely because there was no forage available in her pasture. The horse had been nicknamed Skeletor by the other boarders, because she had continuously lost weight because the owners went days without feeding her.

I moved Mary to TWRD, which was a private farm that was essentially a retired couple's hobby farm. I loved this farm, and Mary's care was excellent. The pastures were mowed and weeded regularly, and they kept a strict ratio of how many horses could be in the pasture so that it wasn't overgrazed. The third photo is from there, taken in Jan of 2020. They didn't feed a lot of hay in the winter, but there was always some amount of grass available, no matter the season, because of how well it was maintained. Mary stayed fat and happy at this barn, and I would probably still have her there to this day if I hadn't moved after graduation. The owners did not have any personal horses, and no horses died while I was there.

Mary and I moved in Jan of 2021 to a new city, and thus a new barn, Ohboro farm. Photo 4 is from Jan 2021, and when Mary had only been at Ohboro for a few days, coming from the very nice TWRD. I've pretty well documented the issues I had with this farm, but like MHF, it was another farm that I was paying to feed my horse, that wasn't and was lying about it the whole time. Photo 5 is March of 2021, and you can tell Mary had lost a significant amount of weight in just those short months. After months of vet appointments trying to figure out what was going on with Mary, I finally caught that farm in the lies about feeding. They had stopped haying in January, and were feeding my supplied grain and hay pellets to their own horses, and not Mary. Since I've left, they've had multiple horses die or almost die. One horse had to have exploratory surgery, and they discovered he had a giant mass of gravel and asphalt in his gut because he had been starved and was eating and anything he possibly could. Another horse died in the pasture for "unknown" reasons, and was only found multiple days later by another boarder, not the barn staff, and had been partially eaten by coyotes at that point.

I had learned my lesson by that point that once you find the red flags, the only option is to get out as soon as possible, so I moved Mary once again, this time to HBFarm. This barn wasn't perfect, but was generally okay. An excellent barn in the summer, there was plenty of grass and the staff was incredibly consistent with grain feedings, Mary did really well there. However, they definitely followed the philosophy of over blanketing to compensate for low amounts of hay in the winter, and just thought you should add fat supplements and up the grain significantly. Mary wasn't terribly skinny in photo 6, taken Jan 2022, but thinner than I would have liked. It made me nervous, that's for sure, but there weren't really any other good boarding options in the area, and there were other aspects I really liked about the care at this barn, so I made due by feeding hay pellets myself as much as I could manage in a week. Horses at this farm definitely developed anxiety behaviors during the winters and lots showed stereotypical signs of ulcers, no deaths or colics though.

I honestly probably would have stayed at that barn and just spent the winters on edge, other than the fact that we finally purchased our own land this past fall. Mary moved to my backyard this November, and had been on free choice grass hay since day 1. I've blanketed her for 2 days total since then, and have only been feeding hay pellets as training treats or on the occasional snow day to increase water intake. She's on the same small grain ration she stays on during the summer. Photo 7 was taken a few days ago, January 2023.

Anyways, this was a giant post to say its wild how much the management styles at different places affected Mary's body shape. It became super obvious which operations were just milking every last drop of profit at the horses expense, those that were doing it out of love and joy for the horses, and those in the middle. TBs are such a mirror of a breed, they show their cards right on the surface.

[zmeyel]

Funny that Kazura herself is not only a fairy but she's also a raccoon/tanuki as well. Since her third component is actually the tanuki who disguise itself as a giant foot.

Tanuki vs Kitsune battle in Foxtail sooon?

She just can't win. Not only is she "merely" a fairy compared to her sisters' goddesses but her only defense against being a giant foot is being a creature famed for its enormous balls. Her fgo profile really shows why she's a good contrasting final boss for Tamamo given both of their complexes and self-contradictions.

[ofsupernovcs]

The day after (Nova's version)

Cw: Unreality Ctrl + F for 10:00 am Abe household to skip

15:00 pm Rainbow Valley, High Priestess Abe Shrine

The high priestess was running frantically through the valley. She was late for her meeting. Nova whistled and summoned the giant salamander.

The high priestess entered the hall. There she saw the heads of each species in the village. The Death Oracles, The Undead, The Giant Salamanders, The Fire Buckets, The Winged Otters, The Fiery Knight, The Shogunate, and some empty chairs.

"Priestess Abe." The fiery knight bellowed in the hall. "It is time for you pick the alliance."

The high priestess shook her head. "I can't do that the rules of neutrality sta-"

"The laws of this land don't apply when there's a war especially after what you did to the Death Oracle."

As the high priestess noticed the Fiery Knight holding the stunning death oracle'shand. That was his wife. Nova knew she was in trouble.

"That was a 1,000 rotations ago but I do regret my act-"

"SILENCE." The death oracle said. The high priestess bowed to the ground.

There was a beat.

"Get back up." The fiery knight commanded. The high priestess did as such.

"Now you have been with the metallic jester correct?" The Fire Bucket asked

The priestess nodded.

"He aligns himself with the shogunate are you not aware." The Undead remarked

"I am but I promise he has been-" The priestess said

"So align yourself to the shogunate-" The shogun warrior said "No! We mikos will never align with any party!" The priestess yelled.

"That's why your kind was wiped out High Priestess." The Winged Otter said There was a stunned look on her face.

"You said I was the chosen one." She whispered

"We said that because we needed someone to keep harmonic convergence." The giant salmander admitted The tears were now streaming down her face as she pleaded with them. When there was a loud bang. It was the Metallic Jester and he was on fire. "Kuso (fuck)." The Metallic Jester pointed his sword at the Fiery Knight. "Shinitaidesu ka (do you want to die?)"

There were whispers before the priestess did the quick spell. The Jester's costume seemed to transform of that of a fox.

"It couldn't be from legend....to continue what was started. The bringers of choas disguised as warriors." The undead whispered.

Before the high priestess could respond the Foxtail Jester picked up the high priestess. The foxtail took off his mask and looked at the high priestess.

"Nagisa." He whispered before pulling her into a kiss. "I will love you despite what the destiny says about us."

As the high priestess kissed back waiting for a long time for this. She looked at his face.It was handsome. "Mighty Jester I will always love you even if you are a harbringer of choas." "N-nagisa I-I'm turning." The Jester reeled a the nine tails came out. The high priestess went forward but was pushed back.

"Go High Priestess. Go fulfill your destiny." The Jester said before turning into the white fox. There was a yiff as it started snowing. The high priestess could only gasp as the giant salamander picked her up.

"Foxtail Jester, Fiery Knight, and everyone on the council I promise restore the harmonic convergence."

She said as she rode into the six ringed sun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10:00 am Abe household

Nova woke up in a cold sweat in her childhood bed. There was a groan when she realized the tv was on. She couldn't sleep at all last night after all.

The witch rubbed her eyes and picked up her cat Takeru. She looked around before falling off her bed spotting the familiar lawyer. Nova screamed.

"Mistress Abe." The lawyer said. "You are to stay here until the end of the week.Your father is extremely worried for you." Nova sighed.

"Where's T-"

"That riff raff is not here." Nova scowled

"He's not riff raff. He's my boy-"

"I know he will interfere with our ad-"

"What Ad???"

Before she got an answer the door was closed.

Nova sent a message to everyone, including the blocked contacts.

SOS IM STUCK IN HOUSE SOMEONE COME PICK ME UP, BRING A LADDER

[mapzot98]

How Small Coffee Chains are Stirring Up the Market in 2024

In a landscape once dominated by corporate giants, small coffee chains are making a significant impact in the coffee shop industry. As we delve into 2024, these entrepreneurial ventures are not only carving out their own niche but are also redefining customer experiences and business strategies. With a focus on unique offerings, community engagement, and strategic site selection, these small coffee chains are seeing unprecedented foot traffic and visits.

The Surge of Small Coffee Chains

According to recent market research for coffee shops, small coffee chains have experienced a 15% increase in foot traffic year-over-year. This growth is driven by a combination of innovative business models and an ability to quickly adapt to consumer preferences. Unlike larger counterparts, smaller chains can offer a personalized touch, fostering a loyal customer base.

Key Factors Behind the Success: 

Unique Customer Experience

One of the standout features of successful small coffee chains is their ability to offer unique and memorable customer experiences. This includes everything from locally sourced beans and artisanal brewing methods to cozy, Instagram-worthy interiors. Customers are seeking more than just a caffeine fix; they want an experience that feels personal and authentic.

Strategic Site Selection

Effective site selection is crucial for driving foot traffic and ensuring the sustainability of any coffee shop. Coffee shop site selection software has become an invaluable tool for small chains, helping them identify prime locations based on demographics, competitor analysis, and traffic patterns. Utilizing advanced analytics, these tools can predict the success of potential sites with remarkable accuracy.

Community Engagement

Smaller coffee chains often thrive on their ability to connect with the local community. Hosting events, partnering with local businesses, and supporting local causes can significantly boost visibility and loyalty. This grassroots approach not only attracts customers but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Coffee Shop Industry Analysis:

The coffee shop industry in the USA is booming, with projected revenues of $48 billion in 2024, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Small coffee chains are playing a pivotal role in this growth. Here are some key statistics:

Market Share: Small coffee chains now hold 22% of the total market share, up from 18% in 2023.

Average Visits per Day: The average small coffee chain location sees around 350 visits per day, a 10% increase from the previous year.

Customer Retention: These chains boast a customer retention rate of 65%, significantly higher than the industry average of 55%.

The Role of Technology

Technology is a cornerstone of the modern coffee shop industry. From point-of-sale systems and mobile ordering apps to advanced market research for coffee shops, technology enhances operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Small chains are leveraging these tools to streamline operations and provide a seamless customer experience.

Delving deeper, we explore five flourishing yet lesser-known coffee companies to uncover the distinguishing factors that propel them ahead of the competition.

Foxtail Coffee Co.: Sustainably Delicious

Foxtail Coffee Co. has swiftly expanded throughout Florida, driven by its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and strategic site selection. With ethically sourced beans and eco-friendly practices, Foxtail resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. They prioritize community events and workshops, fostering a strong local presence. Leveraging advanced coffee shop site selection software, Foxtail strategically places its outlets in high-traffic areas, resulting in an average daily foot traffic of over 400 visitors. Their impressive customer retention rate of 70% reflects the success of their personalized approach, contributing to a growth rate of 18% from 2023 to 2024.

Buddy Brew Coffee: Ramping Up Growth

Buddy Brew Coffee, originating in Tampa, distinguishes itself through its focus on quality, technological integration, and innovative spaces. Their small-batch roasting ensures each cup is of the highest quality, appealing to discerning coffee enthusiasts. By leveraging sophisticated market research for coffee shops, Buddy Brew understands customer preferences and optimizes operations accordingly. Each location features a unique design, enhancing the customer experience and encouraging repeat visits. With an average daily foot traffic of 350 visitors and a customer retention rate of 68%, Buddy Brew has seen a steady growth rate of 15% from 2023 to 2024.

Perq Coffee Bar: Artisanal Excellence in Every Cup 

Sarasota’s Perq Coffee Bar stands out for its innovative brewing techniques and minimalist, chic environment. Their commitment to quality and aesthetics has garnered a loyal following among coffee aficionados. Sleek, modern cafe designs create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying artisanal coffee. Regularly updated menus and special events keep customers engaged and returning. With an average daily foot traffic of 280 visitors and a customer retention rate of 66%, Perq Coffee Bar has experienced a growth rate of 13% from 2023 to 2024.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into 2024, the outlook for small coffee chains remains optimistic. Continued innovation, effective use of technology, and a deep understanding of their customer base will be key drivers of sustained growth. For those looking to enter the coffee shop market or expand their existing operations, there are valuable lessons to be learned from these small but mighty players.

Conclusion

The success of small coffee chains in 2024 is a testament to the power of innovation, community engagement, and strategic site selection. By leveraging market research for coffee shops and embracing advanced technologies, these businesses are not only surviving but thriving in a competitive landscape. For anyone interested in the coffee shop industry, these chains offer a blueprint for success that is both inspiring and instructive.

[minister-erik]

GIANT FOXTAIL (also known as japanese bristlegrass, nodding bristle-grass, chinese foxtail, chinese millet, giant bristlegrass, giant foxtail or nodding foxtail) - Composition Monday

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

[bakalterasia]

So, I’ve gotten two cockatiels about three weeks ago.

It was not planned on my part. They were a gift, something that I’ve vocalised thaf I would like in the distant future. Came home to two. Never had bords to be solely my responsibility before and my week was very hard. Uni was killing me, my personal life was killing me, I was sick… but there they were. Two lives, depending on me to step up.

I’m prefacing this. I think myself a shit bird-mom.

Their cage was too small, so I’ve ordered a bigger one. I’ve grumbled when I was doing so. I don’t have a job, all my savings were scraps I managed to put away. I was saving up for a gaming pc, something I’ve wanted since I was twelve. I told myself, “you can get money again, this is their home.”

I grumbled still. I didn’t want these birds but I did but I DIDN’T— I looked around the city, counting pennies and looking at shops to see if I can spare some money. I couldn’t find one big enough without reaching lower in my pocket. I was angry. I grumbled and came home and I’ve ordered that cage online and felt like shit, looking at them every day in that small cage until the bigger one arrived. I’ve put it together myself. I’ve never done anything like that. I was scared I would fuck it up and wouldn’t be able to afford another one. The legs didn’t want to fit and I wanted to cry so I called my fiance and laughed instead. He listened to me put it together. Ramble about shit to alleviate my anxiety. “Do you hear them, love? They are chirping so loud. They want their new home.” The birds did not know what I was doing. Only I knew and I hoped it would be enough.

Then they’ve gotten a new home. It was so empty. Depressing to even look at it. “We need more stuff for you.” I went and spent again, buying them several toys and new feeders, better food, treats, even some yellow foxtail millet to get friendly with them. They don’t like them. At all. Two weeks and they’ve never even looked at them. So little time, you say. Yet so long for me. I’m ancient compared to them, but I’m impatient. “Be my friend” I’ve begged, whispering as I held out the treat and watched them nibble on it yet flinch away when I moved a little. “Please, be my friend. Love me.”

I let them out in the room.

It’s a small room but it’s big for them and I’ve thought let them just stretch their wings. They’ve hurt their little noses. I’ve cursed at myself and cowered all the windows. “It’s dangerous out there” I’ve said as if they would understand. To them, I was the danger. Giant and stressed and locked together with them in this little room. They eventually went back into the cage to eat and sleep. I closed the door and cried. “I’ve just wanted to help you. Why can’t I do this right, I just wanted to give you something good.”

I’ve talked to a friend who has experience. Watched videos with tips, realized how many time I’ve fucked up and cried again. “You deserve so much better”. I whisper at them every night before going to sleep. “You could’ve had so much better than me.”

I was not angry anymore. I didn’t care about the money anymore. I only cared when I thought I could make their life better. It was all meaningless when I realized that I was probably hurting them. Scaring them. The guilt… it so tight in my stomach I can’t even look at them.

And then they’ve gotten sick. They were sitting low on the branches, quiet and sleepy. Digestive problems. I’m a med student but I don’t understand birds. I sat on my bed, looking at them and with my phone in hand ready to call the vet. I was scared again. Selfish again. “I’ll have to tell them how I fucked up. This is my fault. I’ve did everything wrong and now I have to confess it to the doctor and ask for help.” I was so ashamed of doing this all wrong. My hands were shaking when I called them.

The first vet talked to me for about two minutes. They were nice, but off. I’ve told them everything and they reassured me, told me that they must be stressed because of the new environment. Told me tips I’ve already started and told me they cannot take them because they might get too scared and we would do more harm than good. I’ve put down the phone. “I didn’t fuck up so bad, right? The vet said I’ve did good.” It felt liberating. It felt like comfort.

I was fine. My birds were not. I’ve looked at them, their little sick bodies, puffed up low in the cage, blinking slowly in broad daylight. It was not fine. Nothing was fine. I’ve called another vet. This one called me in, gave me medicine and explained to me how to administer it. They were nice to me, but this was not about me and they knew. They gave me meds. My birds got better in three days.

They are before the window now. I’ve dragged their cage to the light and warmth to give them something good. One of them looked at the trees outside and cried. So shrill and so insistent.

They want the outside. Away from the monster in the room. They want to go and be free like the rest of the birds who had been born free, raised free. Free from a prison they must despise.

Only I see the horrors on the other side of the glass. The cold, the weather, the lack of food, the predators.

How much they must hate me! I’m the one who stands between them and what they want. I’m the omnipotent, cold being who says “No. you will stay in my cage and I will protect you. I love you.”

My love is cold to them. Chains to them.

I look at them and I think.

“Whose cage am I sitting in?”

[confusedlittleguy]

reblogging these with images of what theyre based off

Abalone - an abalone (aka ear shells or sea ears)

order: lepitellida

family: haliotidae

Addax - an addax (aka white antelope, aka addax nasomaculatus)

order: artiodactyla

family: bovidae

Admiral - i actually cannot fucking remember wtf i based this bitch off of, the day i was designing them i used a reference of what said was an admiral butterfly (from pinterest) but NOW i pinterest is showing me a completely different looking butterfly so now i have no clue what he is, sorry and the image i used is completely gone from my phone so idfk

^ heres a blue admiral tho (aka kaniska canace)

order: lepidoptera

family: nymphalidae

Agave - foxtail agave (aka lion's tail, aka agave attenuata)

order: asparagales

family: asparagaceae

Alba - barn owl (aka tyto alba)

order: strigiformes

family: tytonidae

Albatross - laysan albatross (aka phoebastria immutabilis)

order: procellariiformes

family: diomedeidae

Allknowing - red fox (aka vulpes vulpes)

order: carnivora

family: canidae

Queen Anaconda - green anaconda (aka giant anaconda, aka emerald anaconda, aka common anaconda, aka common water boa, aka eunectes murinus)

order: squamata

family: boidae

Anemone - nudibranch (aka phyllodesmium poindimiei, aka spun of light)

(at the time i did not know that this was a nudibranch, when i searched up 'anemones' this was one of the results)

order: nudibranchia

family: myrrhnidae

blep

click image for better quality

all wof characters in alphabetical order

1/???

next

[annwynisland]

Crafting Catalogue

Regular DIY and food recipes in single list. All items in alphabetical order, recommended to ctrl + F to search. Names spelled in US English.

Acorn pochette

Aji fry

Anchoas al ajillo

Apple dress

Apple jam

Apple jelly

Apple smoothie

Aroma pot

Axe

Backyard lawn

Baked potatoes

Bamboo bench

Bamboo doll

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo hat

Bamboo noodle slide

Bamboo shelf

Bamboo sphere

Bamboo stool

Bamboo-slats fence

Bamboo wall decoration

Barbell

Barred-knifejaw carpaccio

Barrel

Basement flooring

Basket pack

Beekeeper's hive

Big festive tree

Birdbath

Birdhouse

Block fence

Bone doorplate

Bonfire

Bonsai shelf

Bread

Bread gratin

Brick fence

Brick oven

Brick well

Brown sugar

Brown-sugar cupcakes

Campfire

Cardboard chair

Carpaccio di capesante

Carpaccio di marlin blu

Carrot bagel sandwich

Carrot cake

Carrot potage

Carrot scones

Cherry dress

Cherry lamp

Cherry pie

Cherry smoothie

Cherry speakers

Cherry umbrella

Cherry wall

Chic tulip crown

Clam chowder

Classic pitcher

Clothesline

Coconut juice

Coconut pudding

Cookies

Cool windflower wreath

Corrugated iron fence

Cosmos crown

Country fence

Cute lily crown

Dark wooden-mosaic wall

Decayed tree

Deer decoration

Destinations signpost

DIY workbench

Document stack

Donation box

Drinking fountain

Festive rug

Festive top set

Festive tree

Festive wrapping paper

Fish and chips

Fish bait

Fishing rod

Flimsy axe

Flimsy fishing rod

Flimsy net

Flimsy shovel

Flimsy watering can

Floral swag

Flour

Forbidden altar

Fountain

Foxtail

Frosted pretzels

Fruit cupcakes

Fruit scones

Frying pan

Garbage-heap flooring

Garbage-heap wall

Garden bench

Garden wagon

Gear tower

Giant ornament

Giant vine

Gift pile

Glow-in-the-dark stickers

Glowing-moss boulder

Glowing-moss dress

Glowing-moss pointed cap

Glowing-moss stool

Gnocchi di carote

Gnocchi di patate

Gold armor

Gold bars

Gold-screen wall

Golden altar

Golden arowana model

Golden decorative plate

Golden flooring

Golden garden bunny

Golden gear apparatus

Golden gear tower

Golden piggy bank

Golden vase

Grass skirt

Gratin

Green bamboo fence

Green bamboo mat

Grilled sea bass with herbs

Hanging terrarium

Hay bed

Hearth

Hedge

Hedge standee

Holiday candle

Hyacinth wreath

Illuminated present

Illuminated reindeer

Illuminated snowflakes

Illuminated tree

Iron-and-stone fence

Iron armor

Iron fence

Iron hanger stand

Iron wall lamp

Iron wall rack

Iron worktable

Ironwood bed

Ironwood cart

Ironwood cupboard

Ironwood DIY workbench

Ironwood kitchenette

Jingle wall

Karei no nitsuke

King Tut mask

Ladder

Large cardboard boxes

Large lattice fence

Leaf

Leaf umbrella

Libra scale

Log bed

Log bench

Log chair

Log dining table

Log fence

Log garden lounge

Log pack

Log round table

Log stakes

Log-wall fence

Log wall-mounted clock

Manga-library wall

Manhole cover

Mermaid bed

Mermaid chair

Mermaid flooring

Mermaid screen

Mermaid wall clock

Mini DIY workbench

Mini golden dharma

Mixed-fruits crepe

Mixed-fruits pie

Mixed-fruits sandwich

Mossy garden rock

Mountain standee

Mush lamp

Mush log

Mush low stool

Mush parasol

Mush table

Mushroom curry

Mushroom potage

Mushroom wand

Mushroom wreath

Natural garden chair

Natural garden table

Natural square table

Net

Nice branch

Ocarina

Old-fashioned washtub

Olive-flounder meunière

Open wooden shelves

Orange end table

Orange hat

Orange jelly

Orange pie

Orange rug

Orange wall

Organic bread

Ornament crown

Ornament mobile

Ornament tree

Ornament wreath

Outdoor bath

Pancakes

Pansy table

Pansy wreath

Park fence

Paw-print doorplate

Peach chair

Peach rug

Peach smoothie

Pear hat

Pear jam

Pear jelly

Pear tart

Pesce all'acqua pazza

Pizza margherita

Plain scones

Plain sink

Plain wooden shop sign

Plate armor

Pot

Potato curry

Potato galette

Potato potage

Potted ivy

Pound cake

Pretty tulip wreath

Pretzels

Pull-apart bread

Pumpkin bagel sandwich

Pumpkin curry

Pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pound cake

Recycled boots

Recycled-can thumb piano

Red-leaf pile

Ringtoss

Robot hero

Rocking chair

Rocking horse

Roost sablé cookie

Rope fence

Rope-net flooring

Round glowing-moss rug

Ruined arch

Sardines in oil

Sauna heater

Sautéed olive flounder

Savory bread

Scorpio lamp

Sea-bass pie

Seafood pizza

Seaweed soup

Shell bed

Shell fountain

Shell music box

Shell partition

Shell rug

Shell speaker

Shell stool

Shell wreath

Shovel

Silo

Simple DIY workbench

Simple well

Skateboard wall rack

Ski-slope flooring

Ski-slope wall

Sleigh

Slingshot

Small cardboard boxes

Snowflake pochette

Snowflake wreath

Spaghetti napolitan

Spooky arch

Spooky candy set

Spooky carriage

Spooky chair

Spooky fence

Spooky garland

Spooky lantern

Spooky lantern set

Spooky scarecrow

Spooky standing lamp

Spooky table

Spooky table setting

Spooky tower

Spooky treats basket

Spooky tree

Spooky trick lamp

Spooky wand

Squid-ink curry

Squid-ink spaghetti

Stack of books

Stacked shopping baskets

Stall

Standard umbrella stand

Star wand

Stone arch

Stone axe

Stone fence

Stone stool

Stone table

Stone tablet

Stone wall

Stonework kitchen

Succulent plant

Sugar

Swinging bench

Tabletop festive tree

Tall garden rock

Tall lantern

Tension-pole rack

Tiki torch

Tiny library

Tire stack

Tire toy

Tomato bagel sandwich

Tomato curry

Tomato juice

Tomato puree

Traditional balancing toy

Trash bags

Tree standee

Tree's bounty arch

Tree's bounty little tree

Tree's bounty mobile

Turkey Day casserole

Turkey Day chair

Turkey Day decorations

Turkey Day garden stand

Turkey Day hearth

Turkey Day table

Turkey Day table setting

Turkey Day wheat decor

Vaulting pole

Veggie basket

Veggie crepe

Veggie cupcakes

Vertical-board fence

Vine hanging chair

Vine outfit

Watering can

Wave breaker

Western-style stone

Whole-wheat flour

Wild log bench

Wooden-block bookshelf

Wooden-block chair

Wooden-block stereo

Wooden-block table

Wooden-block toy

Wooden box

Wooden bucket

Wooden chair

Wooden end table

Wooden fish

Wooden ladder set-up kit

Wooden low table

Wooden-mosaic wall

Wooden simple bed

Wooden table mirror

Wooden wardrobe

Zen fence

Zen-style stone

[awkwardbotany]

Ground Beetles as Weed Seed Predators

Ground Beetles as Weed Seed Predators

As diurnal animals, we are generally unaware of the slew of animal activity that occurs during the night. Even if we were to venture out in the dark, we still wouldn’t be able to detect much. Our eyes don’t see well in the dark, and shining a bright light to see what’s going on results in chasing away those creatures that prefer darkness. We just have to trust that their out there, and in the…

[valentineforlemonandcherry]

Foxtail & Wolfsbane Part 15

Summary: Your lifelong obsession to hunt down the Nine-Tailed Fox has not gone as expected, and seventeen years later, you find yourself coming back to the place where it all started: Hogwarts. However, with Sirius Black’s escape from Azkaban and Headmaster Dumbledore’s hire of a certain Professor R. J. Lupin, you suddenly find yourself intertwined in the fates of those with whom you thought you had parted ways with long ago. [Multi-Post Story] [Rowan Scamander x Reader] [Remus Lupin x Reader] [Young Sirius Black x Reader] [Tristan Graves x Reader] [Severus Snape x Reader] [Warning: Story Contains Explicit Smut.] [Warning: Nonconsent.] *Note: Rowan Scamander, Tristan Graves, Susana Holmes, Cas Carneirus, Henrietta Weiss, and Thomas Picquery are OC characters. *Please do not repost or copy my work without my permission. Thank You!

☾ Click Here for Foxtail & Wolfsbane Home Page (All Chapter Links) ☾

June 1977.

Knock, knock.

Tristan Graves looked up to see his old childhood rival, Rowan Scamander, standing in his doorway.

“Ah, come back to the States? Did Dumbledore finally find enough sense to kick you out?” Tristan said, by way of greeting.

“Something like that,” Rowan replied, amused. 

Without waiting for Tristan to ask, Rowan entered the office and sat back comfortably in the chair across from Tristan.

Tristan paused. His eyes fell onto Rowan’s dirt-caked boots. 

Seeing Tristan’s grimace, Rowan followed Tristan’s line of his sight. Realizing that Tristan was staring at his boots, Rowan grinned. “At least I’ve done something in my life. Look at you - same office, same chair, same everything. Only your suit is different. Finally grown out of the kid’s department?” 

Tristan snorted, entirely unamused. “I’m not here to banter with you, Scamander.” He continued quickly in a clipped, matter-of-fact voice, “I’m sure you’ve already heard, but I’ve a mission for you and your father.”

Rowan nodded. “I did hear. I even left Hogwarts because of your ‘mission.’ So, it better be good.”

Tristan raised his eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you have graduated by now? How many years of training do you need?”

“I’m four years younger than you, you fool,” Rowan reminded Tristan.

“Anyways,” Tristan said crisply, while sliding a folder across the desktop, “take a look at this list of Dark Creatures. I need you and your father to track every single one of these populations.”

Rowan flipped open the folder. “Dementors, acromantulas, giants, basilisks…” Rowan paused, suddenly falling silent.

“What? You have some objection?” Tristan asked.

Rowan said softly, “Under mythical, you wrote ‘Nine-Tailed Fox.’”

“No.” Tristan sighed. “Your father wrote that one. Insisted on it. I tried to override his edit, but your father was insistent…” Tristan shook his head both in annoyance and resignation.

“Well, it’s real all right,” Rowan said quietly. He shut the folder. “But I won’t go after it.”

“What?”

“I won’t go after it.”  

“Why not? Too scared?”

A soft smile appeared on Rowan’s face. “You could say that.”

“Really?” Tristan said, surprised at Rowan’s admission.

“Scared, yes. But not of the Nine-Tailed Fox.”

“Of what, then?”

“The Nine-Tailed Fox already has a self-proclaimed hunter. I wouldn’t fancy getting in her way.”

“A hunter?” Tristan’s expression turned serious, as he inquired, “Who? A Dark Wizard?”

“No, it’s nothing like that,” Rowan said. “Actually, you’d like her, Tristan. She has the same energy as you.”

“What does that mean?”

“Your singular focus. She has it too.”

“Stop talking in riddles,” Tristan demanded sharply. “Tell me straight. Who’s this ‘hunter?’”

Rowan took his time answering, pondering what to say. Finally, he said neutrally, “A classmate of mine. It’s her life’s mission to find the Nine-Tailed Fox, and I reckon she’s well-suited for it. She’s clever, and she’s tough. Besides, the Nine-Tailed Fox is known to prey on men. Mythical creatures are stronger than humans are, so - ”

“- You mean, mythical creatures are stronger than Muggles,” Tristan interrupted.

“No. Mythical creatures are stronger than all of us, Tristan,” Rowan said firmly. “In a game of souls, we will always lose to a mythical creature. But if anyone can overcome the Nine-Tailed Fox, it’s this girl of mine. I mean - ” Rowan softly cleared his throat, as he corrected himself, “this girl, a friend of mine.”  

“And you’re just going to give up on finding the Nine-Tailed Fox? You’re just going to let her win this race?” Tristan challenged.

Rowan smiled ruefully. He stood up and began to leave the office when Tristan called out to him, “Scamander, what’s gotten into you? It’s not like you to accept second best without even trying.” 

Rowan stopped at the doorway. His lower face was obscured by his jacket collar, but Tristan saw Rowan’s eyes crinkle as he shot him his trademark warm, charming smile before he stepped out of the office altogether.

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

October 1979.

Tristan gazed down at you. You were asleep besides him, pressed tight to his side – well, you had to be, since the two of you were sharing the tiny space of the sofa to sleep on. Your head was resting right on his shoulder, nearly on his chest.

Her hair is back to blue… Tristan blinked tiredly. Then, he shifted so that he laid your head down on the pillow that he had been using, before he pulled his robe around him and headed for the kitchen.

As soon as he stepped outside, your eyes flashed open. You hadn’t been planning on taking advantage of him, but you knew: This is my opportunity. Now or never.

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Tristan stared at the newspaper laid out in front of him. He was having his morning coffee at the dining table, and reading his paper and letters, as he always did.

Twenty minutes ticked by. How long does she plan to sleep for? Tristan thought, irritated.

Tristan asked Susana to provide you with a change of clothes, which was barely concealed code for “wake her up.”

But Susana came back only a few minutes later. She looked quite nervous as she reported, “Sir… She’s not in the library. Nor is she in her room.”

“What?”

“She’s not there.”

“She was just…” Tristan’s brow furrowed, and a flash of understanding suddenly passed over his face. He cursed, “Fuck. Don’t tell me she...”

“Sir?” Susana wrung her hands anxiously.

Tristan growled, as he leapt to his feet and raced back to the study. Susana panted as she tried to keep up with her young master’s swift gait.

Tristan threw open the doors to the library that the two of you had occupied last night – only to find the curtains billowing around a wide-open window.

“She’s gone.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Susana apologized. “I should have put up stronger wards. I was only thinking about attacks from outside, not escapes from within. I apologize, sir.”

“No need. It’s not your fault,” Tristan replied. His voice became heavy, as he remarked, “Let’s just hope Picquery doesn’t find her before I do.”

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

“Freedom,” you breathed out.

Inside of your oversized robe (which you’d taken from the Graves’ residence), a soft yelp sounded out, as Artemis agreed with you.

“You didn’t like that house, either, huh?” you asked her. “Too gloomy, and  frightfully severe. Rather like Graves himself.”

You felt Artemis nod her little head against your side.

Yes, you thought, freedom – or at least, some form of it. Seriously, what the hell have I gotten myself into? I can’t make any sense of what’s going on. I’m in the United States, and I’ve been interrogated and under surveillance by MCUSA. I don’t even know why. My head is spinning with questions. I need to just sit down somewhere and think about what I need to do. But I can’t afford to stop. I have to get out of the U.S.

“We’ve got to get back to London, Art,” you mumbled aloud. “I’ve got no friends here. No contacts.”

However, even as you said that, you realized that you were wrong. You did have a potential contact in the States. 

“Wait…” you murmured, “Rowan. Isn’t Rowan in America?”

But you’d barely felt your very first flicker of hope at getting out of this mess, when a stranger raced up to you and shoved you into the nearest alleyway.

Artemis squealed, as she felt a strong hand suddenly pressing painfully hard against her entire body.

You shouted loudly, “Get off of my fox!”

Since you were deprived of your wand, you swung your fist hard at the person’s face.

The person cursed, “Damn it, calm yourself!” and ducked, but your knuckles grazed his cheek, and it felt like a burst of fire suddenly torched across your knuckles.

“Ow - !” you started to cry out, but just then, that person clamped his hand over your mouth and shoved you until your back hit the wall.

That was when you realized who it was.

“Gwaves?” you mumbled out, trying to speak against his hand pressing down hard on your mouth.

Tristan raised his other hand, which was holding his wand, and he pointed out at the alleyway. “Look,” he hissed.

You turned your head as much as you could to see the familiar figures of Thomas Picquery and Henrietta Weiss, out in the street where you just were. They were looking up and down the street, as if they were confused as to where someone had gone. Ominously, they were both holding out their wands.

“That was close. Very close,” Tristan breathed out.

You suddenly realized how warm his hand was against your lips, and how he was panting slightly. He must’ve run quite hard to get to me.

You started to speak, but just then, Tristan mumbled, “If Cas is around, we’re dead. We need to get out of here now.” He dropped his hand from your mouth and grasped your wrist.

“Hey, what -?”

Crack!

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

The two of you appeared back at Graves’ estate.

“What the hell?” you shouted, frustrated with Tristan. Damn it, I just spent all morning escaping this place, you thought to yourself. I can’t be back already.

“How did you even know where I was?” you asked Tristan accusingly.

Tristan sighed. Reaching over, he gripped your wrist and held it up. Your oversized sleeve fluttered back to reveal the thin, silver bracelet that he had put on you last night.

“Did you forget? You’re my charge,” Tristan explained shortly.

“Oh,” you said shortly, disgruntled.

Artemis pawed at you softly.

“Yeah, you’re right,” you told her, “it works like the bell I put on you.” 

Artemis’ ears popped up softly as she cocked her head at you. Then, she pointed her nose at Graves before looking pointedly up at you again.

“No,” you stressed. “I am not his pet.”

Tristan had now entered his house once again, and as you stepped in, he shut the door behind you suddenly. Then, whirling around to face you, Tristan said to you coldly, “You don’t seem to understand how dire the situation is.”

“Oh, really?” you said sarcastically.

But Tristan answered seriously, “Because you don’t seem to realize that I just saved your life.”

At this, you fell silent for a moment. Artemis looked curiously up at Tristan again. Her ears twitched, as if to say, Why are you angry with us? We didn’t do anything wrong.

Finally, you replied, quite irritated, “Well, of course I don’t understand what’s going on. No one’s told me a bloody thing since I got here. I’ve been stripped of my belongings, had my clothes searched without consent, been interrogated as though I were some criminal, and still, no one gives me the time of day for any explanation.”

You started to shove past Tristan, but he suddenly grabbed your arm, holding you in place before him. “I know you don’t trust me, and I understand that. You’re frightened. You’re angry. I would be, too. But you need to listen, or else even I won’t be able to do you any favors.”

“Why would you do me favors?” you asked him, untrusting.

“Because,” Tristan replied, “I’m the only one who actually believes that the Nine-Tailed Fox truly exists. The others on the Magical Law Enforcement committee, they don’t care for myths and fantasies. They much prefer to believe the simpler story.”

“Which is…?”

Quietly, but matter-of-factly, Graves began to speak. “I’m sure you know this already, seeing as you knew what a Death Eater was, but a Dark Wizard who calls himself Lord Voldemort is gathering followers. Not just human followers, but all manners of Dark Creatures. Giants, dementors, and even kappas, are launching attacks against Wizarding and Muggle populations alike. To save these populations from future attacks, we have to strictly regulate animal trafficking. Then, I hear that a young woman, coming from Japan and returning to England, is evidently carrying an XXXXX-level creature on her. Now, you tell me whether or not I should be concerned.”

You blinked, taken aback by the sudden wave of information you’d been given. How did I get wrapped up in all of this? you wondered, stunned. I was just going after the Nine-Tailed Fox. It had nothing to do with Lord Voldemort. And yet, it’s true that if I was in Graves’ shoes, I would have been wary of someone like me. Still…

You reasoned slowly, “But… I’m not carrying a creature.”

Tristan gazed down at you, and for a long moment, you could neither make heads nor tails of his gaze.

“What?” you pressed defensively.

Tristan seemed to weigh his words in his mind, before he finally told you, Two years ago, I sent Rowan Scamander and his father on a mission to track every listed Dark Creature out there, because, as I said, we had begun to notice Dark Creatures beginning to behave differently. When his father, Newt, mentioned the Nine-Tailed Fox as a dangerous creature, for its ability to take on human form and suck the souls out of humans, Rowan said that the Nine-Tailed Fox usually went after men, so for that reason, it was best to leave the hunt for the Nine-Tailed Fox to a young woman. I see now that that young woman must have been you.”

“Rowan mentioned me?” you said, confused.

“Yes, I thought it strange, too,” Tristan replied. “But Rowan’s always been strange. But if he so believed in you, then I find it difficult to believe that you didn’t find the Fox.”

You flushed. Letting Tristan believe that the Nine-Tailed Fox was one thing, but having him know that you had really encountered the Fox was a completely different risk, and one that you were not prepared to take.

You tried to divert. “So, then, why are those two Aurors trying to kill me? Aren’t they under your control? Why would they disobey you and come after me?” You tried to play on Tristan’s pride, trying to put him in a position where he would feel the need to justify himself, and therefore forget about what he was asking you.

Tristan sighed. He didn’t seem fazed at all by your challenging him, but he answered you nonetheless, “Let’s just say… They don’t believe in the Nine-Tailed Fox. So, they wouldn’t believe your story.”

“But what’s an Obscurial? Once that word came out, it was like everyone suddenly wanted to kill me,” you inquired, repeating your question from yesterday.

Tristan merely shook his head. “Anyways, now that you understand, you realize that you must stay with me.”

“No,” you pushed back, “I’d be safer if I were home. Why can’t you just let me go?”

Tristan’s eyes turned stern and unrelenting. “You have a choice here: you either stay with me and have some modicum of privacy, or you remain in the MCUSA prison, where the likelihood of getting assassinated runs quite high. Which will it be?”

“Neither, because neither gives me any freedom to live my life,” you protested. “You say I can stay with you, but in doing so, I’m subjected to all of these conditions!”

“Well, yes,” Tristan conceded. “You must acquiesce to surveillance by me. You mustn’t try to run and you cannot attempt to contact anyone.”

Indignantly, you spat out at him, “That’s my entire life!”

“Exactly!” Tristan said back, through gritted teeth. “It is your life on the line, and I am trying to help you.” Tristan stared at you harshly as he repeated, “I’m the only one who’s trying to keep you alive.”

You stared back at him, but your gaze was confused. I still don’t know what’s going on. Why is he insistent on keeping me here? And why won’t he tell me what an Obscurial is?

Realizing that he wouldn’t budge on this topic just yet, you went for another line of attack. You tried not to appear too ashamed as you asked him, almost condescendingly, “And keeping me alive has nothing to do with the fact that we slept together last night?”

Hopefully, this question embarrasses him so much that he’ll be obliged to answer my questions, you thought grumpily.

At this, Tristan blinked. “What did you say?”

Oh, God, don’t make me say it again, you groaned in your head. But you steeled yourself as you repeated, painfully, “Keeping me alive - it’s got nothing to do with the fact that we had sex last night, right? I mean, you’re not some sort-of creep, are you?”

“For fuck’s sake,” Tristan said, shaking his head at you. “What on earth do you take me for?”

“I don’t know who the fuck you are,” you hissed back angrily. “Apparently, you’re the Head of the Aurors for MCUSA, but you can’t even control your own Aurors. You live in this huge estate, practically alone, except for Susana, and - ”

“I could very well give you to my Aurors, and then, I would have complete control and loyalty from them,” Tristan snapped at you, finally splintering that seemingly untouchable resolve of his. “Is that what you want?”

“No,” you shot back. “And don’t pretend this is about what I want. It’s not my fault you’re an incompetent Head of Aurors!”

Tristan’s voice became utterly scornful, as he suddenly said to you, “You know nothing about persuading people, do you?”

“What does that mean?”

“Exactly what I said,” Tristan told you. “You’ve never thought about negotiation or compromise. You live life on your own terms, and you think, ‘to hell with anyone who doesn’t understand me.’ Isn’t that right?”

You blinked, as his words washed over you. Is that true? Well, at school, yes, I was very temperamental and I was only concerned with myself, but that was because so many people bullied me. But with Remus, I tried to compromise. I gave him all I had. I even stayed for him… But… Did I fail? I suppose so. There’s really nothing else to call it but failure…

You had fallen silent. Artemis whined in concern and butted her head against your chest, but you didn’t respond to her.

Tristan’s eyes were cold, as he said to you, “If you truly wanted my help, the proper response to my saying, ‘I’m trying to save your life,’ is to say, ‘thank you.’ Regardless of what you felt was the truth, regardless of whether you intended to kill me in my sleep or not, you should have made me feel like I want to help you. But you’re too honest. Consequently, I feel no desire to help you whatsoever.”

“Then don’t,” you said hotly. “Don’t help me. I never asked for it.”

Tristan’s eyes flashed angrily at you.

You glared up at him. “Why are you even helping me in the first place? No, even before that, why should I trust you?”

Tristan was quiet for a long moment. “I don’t know how to convince you to trust me, except that I have saved you time and time again, even if you don’t realize it.” Then, he murmured, almost grudgingly, “As for why I’m helping you… I suppose it’s because, if nothing else, I trust Rowan Scamander.”

Your brow furrowed. “What?”

Tristan looked up at you. His steely emerald eyes flashed in the dim lighting of the doorway. “Never mind,” he sighed heavily. “Let’s leave this discussion for now.”

Tristan began to sweep past you, leaving you behind in the doorway. But just before he turned the corner, he looked back at you and he remarked coldly, “And we didn’t sleep together last night.”

With that, he was gone.

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

You frowned. We didn’t sleep together? But then, how come I remember…?

Flashes of the night before – a black robe dropping to the floor, followed quickly by your smaller, silk white robe falling and nestling within the larger black robe; cold, yet not unkind fingers touching you, delving into your warmth and turning it into wetness; uncertain, stuttering kisses that somehow continued, like too many commas in a sentence – went through your mind like a series of arrows fired at the back of your mind.

You bit down on your lower lip. Well, maybe we didn’t have sex, but we certainly did something, didn’t we?

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Once he left you standing in the doorway, Tristan returned to his room and he flopped back in his chair.

Tristan Graves wanted this entire debacle to be over. He wanted sleep. He wanted rest. He wanted the unquestioning loyalty of his Aurors once again. He didn’t want to waste his time and energy on one poor girl and her fox. He had better, more important things to do – like fight the rising Dark Lord, for instance.

Rowan, you ass, Tristan thought in his head, I wish you’d never told me about the Nine-Tailed Fox and this girl in the first place. Damn you.

Tristan tiredly rubbed his eyes. He’d barely slept at all last night. He’d been too busy musing over what had happened with you.

Last night…

Last night, Tristan had said to you, “It’s nearly two in the morning. Return to your room, and go to sleep.”

He started to turn away from you, with every intention of returning to his room, but he suddenly felt himself jerked back a little, for you were clutching onto the end of his sleeve. When Tristan turned back, you were looking straight into his eyes. You whispered, in a voice that sounded strangely unlike you, “But I can’t. And you wouldn’t leave me all alone like this, would you?”

Your gaze was so very seductive. You were blinking as though you had his very heart in his hand, and you knew very well that you could make his heartbeat pulse to the same time as yours, if you so chose.

For a moment, Tristan swore that he could see a silvery spark of light dancing around your irises.

“You said you’d give me what I want,” you whispered, speaking not as though you’d met just this afternoon, only hours ago, but as though the two of you were lovers from a prior lifetime, and he had promised you something once.

Tristan’s heart stopped for a moment. Nothing in his expression betrayed it, but suddenly, a very precious memory was playing out in his head, a memory of a certain girl whispering to him, both shyly and indignantly, “You said you’d give me what I want.”

You spoke again, and your voice, so silky and yet very bright, suddenly melded with a voice speaking directly to Tristan’s mind. Tristan Graves, I hear the pain in your soul, a woman’s voice whispered directly into Tristan’s mind. Come, let me heal your wounds… I promise to bring you pleasure, if only just for the night…

Pleasure. It was a foreign word to Tristan. At least, it had been a long time since he’d felt anything close to pleasure. Not since he’d lost her. Not since he’d lost…

Before Tristan knew it, he had reached for you, and now, his hands were buried in your silky, silver hair, and he was pulling your head back to push your face up. He gazed into your eyes intensely, and he found exactly what he expected – that pleased, seductive gaze that was both you and not you.

But before he could react, your hands were already slipping into his robe, at long last touching his bare chest. Your fingers slipped over the small silver padlock lying on his chest, and Tristan let out a sharp breath.

Yes, the voice whispered, I know. I know what you’ve lost. I cannot give you back what you once had, but I can comfort you tonight.

“Comfort…”

Yes.

“Tristan,” you whispered aloud, resting your chin on his chest and looking up at him. “You said I was your charge. Will you do as you promised, and look after me?”

Tristan neither moved towards you nor away from you. He remained as steady as a rock, simply letting you lean into him.

“You do understand that you’re the one who’s coming onto me, right?” Tristan murmured softly. “So, let’s be very clear. Do I have permission to touch you?”

Your head went up and down once.

“Speak up.”

Something inside of you purred, very much liking this charismatic man. You felt a nudge inside of you, and you suddenly found yourself pressed up against Tristan, with your hands gathered between his chest and your breasts, and your blushing cheek pressed flush against his chest.

Irately, Tristan said, “What do you think you’re doing? Did you even hear a word I said?”

You shook your head. No.

But a silvery voice whispered inside of your head, yes. The answer is yes.

“Y-Yes…”

Ask him for help. This man will give it to you. He is worthy of you, of us.

Us?

Us.

“Please…”

A long moment of silence followed. It took you five long seconds to realize that that was your voice, begging.

Tristan looked down at you, and he saw in your eyes, blinking up at him, just as much surprise and confusion as he was feeling.

“Just a moment,” Tristan told you. He made a sudden motion, raising his hand into the air and beckoning with his fingers. In an instant, the door of the study shut behind you.

You paused, gazing up at him hesitantly. He performs wandless magic so easily.

“Now,” he whispered to you, “come closer.”  

You let out a soft breath as you reached out and grabbed the front of his robes. You pulled yourself closer to him, though the couch still separated the two of you. But like this, Tristan was able to reach down and slip his hand under your sleeping gown.

You held your breath as you felt Tristan’s hand push under and up your gown to touch your thighs.

You bit down on your lower lip to keep yourself from making any sound, while his fingers inched up the plush inside of your thigh, coming closer and closer to where you needed him most.

But he paused, just as his fingers grazed your panty line.

He whispered to you, “Do I have permission to make you cum?”

“Yes,” you whimpered, before you could help yourself. My whole body’s on fire. My mind is all fuzzy. I just need… release.

Tristan nodded. Then, he wrapped one arm around your waist, picked you up, and set you down gently on the edge of the sofa.

“Open your legs a little more,” he said, and he spoke to you unexpectedly gently.

You slowly began to spread your legs for him. In your mind, you were thinking confusedly, Relying on a stranger like this - What am I thinking?

But you’d been fighting your desire to be touched for hours now, even since Tristan had cast that spell on you in the Aurors’ Chamber.

Yes, this must be the effect of the spell, your mind whispered to you. So, this is his fault. And it’s only right that he helps me now, you thought, desperately trying to justify this strange situation. Right?

A soft, cruel laugh rang out in the back of your head.

At the same time, you felt Tristan’s eyes slid down your body, from your face to between your legs. You felt suddenly embarrassed. Who is he to look at me this way?

Confused by all of the noise in your head, you leaned forward and buried your head against Tristan’s shoulder, against his robe. At the same time, Tristan was beginning to slide his fingers up towards your center, when your thighs suddenly clamped shut on Tristan’s hand, stopping him from touching you.

“No…” you moaned softly. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. It’s just – I can’t – What are we doing? Why am I like this right now?”

Perhaps it was because Tristan had heard Rowan talking so warmly of you, or perhaps it was because Tristan had inherited some of his late father’s sense of responsibility after all, or perhaps it was simply because your vulnerability was slipping out so obviously at the moment, but Tristan couldn’t help except to see you underneath all of your disguises and layers. And you were clearly struggling.

“I’ll be gentle,” he whispered to you. Though you didn’t know Tristan at all, you could sense the promise in his voice.

“But… It’s still… We can’t,” you still protested.

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t just make love with a man I barely met,” you finally admitted aloud.

“Of course we won’t make love,” Tristan said matter-of-factly.

“We won’t?”

“No. We’ll only go as far as you want.” Tristan asked you straightforwardly, “Don’t you want to be touched?”

You hesitated. “Yes, but… You don’t want anything from me?”      

Tristan gazed at you for a moment. If you had known him between, you would have recognized how he was calculating his moves. But you didn’t. “No,” he said finally. “I don’t.” His voice hovered slightly in the air, as though he wanted you to catch him in his lie.

Tristan even gave you a moment to respond, but when you neither moved nor spoke, he said, “So, we’re settled, then.”

Then -

“Ah!” you gasped loudly as you felt Tristan’s fingers finally push up against you. His hand was cold, and when his hand pressed against your burning, wet little pussy, even though it was still through your boyshorts, you gave a little jolt.

“Mm, you do need to be touched,” Tristan whispered, surprised by how wet your little pussy was.

You groaned softly, and you buried your face back against his shoulder, whimpering slightly.

“You’re very wet. In fact, you’re dripping,” Tristan murmured, gently pushing his fingers against you, feeling exactly how wet you were. “Are you always like this? Always so needy? We just met, you know, but your need to be touched is so… intensely palpable. You make it so very obvious. Is that on purpose? To mess with my mind? Is it a play, or rather, a plea for chivalry?”

“Hm?” As Tristan pushed you for answers, he pressed his fingers against you harder.

“O-Oh…!” You whimpered louder and gripped onto the front of his robes, overwhelmed by the sense of desire crashing deep in your little tummy at Tristan’s barest touch. But you were also so confused. I didn’t mean to… That wasn’t me saying, “Please.” No, that wasn’t me begging.

“N-Ngh,” you mumbled out, through gritted teeth. Tristan’s fingers were working your little pussy busily, reveling in how wet you were. Quickly, – too quickly, you thought – he pulled aside your boyshorts, yanking them to the side in one, sharp jerk. No, why is he -? Remus took his time with me. He wasn’t so – so fast. I don’t like this… Only Remus… It’s only Remus that I want to touch me.

Tristan made to touch you bare, but you suddenly yelped out, “Wait!”

You abruptly made to rip away from him, but you were still clutching onto the front of his robes, so as you pulled yourself back, you accidentally dragged him forward.

Startled, Tristan instinctively reached out and he held onto you, suddenly putting his arm around your waist and drawing you in to him.

“What is it? Are you all right?” he asked you, watching your face carefully for any sign of hesitation, upon which he would immediately pull away from you.

A fiery blush blossomed fervently across your face. Somehow this – being held, being asked so gently what you wanted – it all felt more intimate than being touched between your legs. Because it reminded you of someone very dear to your heart.

No, why can’t I get away from Remus? you thought in your own head, exhausted with yourself. I don’t want everything to remind of him. But I can’t help it. I thought that hunting for the Fox would heal me, but it doesn’t stop me from missing Remus. I miss him so much.  

At that very moment, a voice hissed in your head, What are you doing, crying over an old love? You have a man in front of you.  

All of a sudden, a rush of tingling sensation, and the deep desire to be filled washed over you.

Oh, God, you moaned in your head. What is going on? I feel so – so flushed…

Trying desperately to ignore the little thumping going in between your legs, you murmured, “I’ll just – um – I’ll just go to bed.”

“Can you?” Tristan asked you, and if you weren’t wrong, there was a glint of amusement in his eyes, and the tiniest smirk at the corner of his lips. “Can you go to sleep when you’re all… worked-up like this?”

His fingers suddenly pushed again at your warm, dripping cunt.

You gasped. “I – I – Uhn…” Your pussy throbbed wetly, and you moaned softly.

“You’re so sensitive right now, aren’t you?” Tristan murmured, watching all of your reactions to his simple touches. “I bet I can make you cum without even touching you.”

“Wha – Ah!”

Tristan suddenly pulled your panties up, pulling them up between your wet pussy lips until the thin, soft cloth was tugging at your little pussy, especially against your clit.

“A-Ah!” you stuttered out. “What are you d-doing?”

“I’m…” Tristan paused, as he chose his words carefully, “… helping you.”

He glanced down to see your hips shivering, and your soaked-through panties snug against your clit.

“Mm,” he breathed out softly, in spite of himself. He pulled at your panties a little harder, fisting them, pulling them up sharply against you.

You cried out loudly, “Ah!” as the taut, sharp pressure of that thin line of fabric pressing right up against you made a jolt of pleasure run right through your sweet cunt, right up into your tummy. Your hands flew up and you gripped at Tristan’s shoulders hard.

Tristan kept rubbing your panties against you, yanking at them a little over and over again, so that the fabric was rubbing your clit all over and even tugging right up against your pussyhole.

Oh God, you moaned to yourself in your head, don’t tell me I’m going to cum from this.

But you couldn’t help it. Tristan was yanking at your panties harder and harder, taking you higher and higher, making that golden feeling in your tummy become more and more intense – until –

“Uhn!”

Suddenly, your thighs trembled. A second later, hot, wet cum splashed onto your thighs, leaving your now stretched-out panties just as dripping wet as your pussy was.

You breathed out harshly, so very relieved. Inside of your soul, too, you felt a distinct trembling, as you finally came.

Tristan’s eyes flashed, as he saw what he wanted to see, what he wanted to confirm – your form not only shivering, but changing.

A blank, silver haze infiltrated your mind, and the pleasure that you normally felt from cumming was heightened. It was all soft, soft as snow, and yet… your entire body was buzzing from pleasure.

Your pretty mouth opened a little as you let out a little breath of relief. “Ah…”

You didn’t realize that you were panting so prettily, nor that you were tugging at the front of Tristan’s robe again, but he acquiesced and bent his head down to kiss you, as you so clearly desired.

“You’re trembling. Calm down,” Tristan whispered to you. At the same time, his finger finally slipped inside of you, to feel the heat inside of you.

“Mm,” you huffed out. Your eyes were closed, and you were still panting, but you managed to whisper back, “I – I am calm. I’m just – um - ” you swallowed.

“You’re warm,” Tristan finished for you. “All warm and soft and like.”

“I… am?”

“Well, your little cunt is,” Tristan told you, smirking ever so slightly.

“Oh…” For some reason, his praise made your cunt flutter.

Tristan breathed harshly into your kiss, as he felt your wet, soft pussy still pulsing gently around his finger.

Yes, she’s unexpectedly warm when she’s like this. So very warm, he thought blurrily. And slowly, Tristan, too, began to see nothing but a landscape of brilliant, white snow, and his sense of pleasure at your pleasure heightened.

“Graves…”

“It’s Tristan.”

“Oh, um. Tristan…”

“Yes?”

“I – ah…”

You broke off, as Tristan gently and quietly slipped a second finger inside of you, wanting to feel more of your warm little cunt around his fingers, all dripping with your cum.

Feeling Tristan’s fingers starting to gently spread you open, it felt like he had suddenly pressed his fingers right up against the fuzzy outlines of your very soul.

“Uhn, h-how many fingers...?” you panted out, as your thighs began to quiver.

“What?”

“How many fingers do you have in-inside of me? Hah... Ah... Nngh...” 

“Only two.” 

Only two? But it feels so good, and so - so... Uhn, how do I describe it? It startled you, nearly terrified you, to have this complete stranger suddenly affecting you in such an intense way. The only man who had ever made you feel this way was…

No, you groaned in your head, not again. Please don’t let me think of Remus again.

Embarrassed and yet too exhausted to fight it any longer, you fell forward against Tristan’s chest. However, that motion caused your lips to graze the silver lock lying on Tristan’s chest. Strangely, it burned, and you cried out as you quickly turned your head away.

“Ah!” At the same time that the locket burned your lips, you suddenly released, and you creamed a beautiful white cum all over Tristan’s fingers.

Tristan groaned when he felt you cum so heavily. With his other hand, he quickly reached up and took your chin in his hand, making you look up at him. You swore something brushed the top of your head as he pulled your head back gently, but you were confused. He was quite a bit taller than you, so what had you brushed up against?

You paused, blinkingly confusedly. Oh, it must be my hair, you realized. It’s probably a right mess. You started to let go of Tristan and reach up to feel the top of your head, to pat down your hair.

At that moment, Tristan reached down and gripping your hips, he pulled you forward and slid you onto his thigh. 

“Did you cum from only two fingers?” Tristan asked you, amused. 

"What? No, I...”

But you did, a voice whispered in your head.

You hesitated, biting down on your lower lip.

“Let me feel just how wet you are,” Tristan murmured to you. “Rub yourself all over my thigh. I want to feel that cunt  of yours spreading cum all over me.” Even though his voice was barely a murmur, it undoubtedly carried all the authority of a command.

Still, you were hesitant. You slid forward, but you lifted your hips a little, so that you weren’t actually sitting on his thigh.

But just then, you felt Tristan’s warm, strong hands grasping at your hips to hold you against him, and you were suddenly sat right down on his thigh.

“Ah!” you gasped, as your wet little pussy pressed right up against his thigh and your pussy lips spread until Tristan could feel your wetness on his thigh.

Tristan groaned softly. Still holding your hips in a grip so tight it nearly hurt, he made you rub yourself back and forth on his thigh.

You couldn’t deny that it felt so good to finally let go like this. But, when Tristan kept holding onto you, not letting you go, your heart thumped painfully. He’s gripping my waist so hard. Remus would never… And it’s not Tristan’s lap that I want to sit in…

Suddenly, your mind conjured up a soft, blurry, sun-lit memory of hugging Remus while slowly and sensually pushing your hips against him. He’d hugged you so tightly, but so gently, and encouraged you to cum for him in that sweet, gentle voice of his. When you’d finally cummed all over him, you tried to catch your breath, but you were barely being able to take a little swallow of air before Remus’ mouth was pushing softly and adoringly against yours. Your heart began to rise in happiness - But then, the memory sank quickly into dark waters, and suddenly, a vision of dead ferns resting atop black lake water flooded your mind.

You shivered. No, stop that, you admonished yourself. You closed your eyes, and you reminded yourself, That path is gone now.

Yes, it is, little bird. Follow the path before you now. Stop resisting.

You reached up, and wrapping your arms around Tristan’s neck, you kissed him. It felt so cold, so devoid of everything that made a kiss special. Still, his lips parting slightly to grasp back at yours made something purr happily in your chest, and you couldn’t help except to turn your head to kiss him deeper.

“Mmm…” you breathed out.

“So wet,” he whispered against your lips. “And I didn’t even touch you to make you cum the first time, let alone fuck you.”

Tristan seemed to smirk, as he murmured, between kisses, “If I fucked you, you would squirt, wouldn’t you? I can just tell.”

You scoffed, but Tristan’s smirk only deepened.

You started to push him away indignantly, but he didn’t budge, he didn’t even notice you trying to push at him. Instead, you accidentally pushed Tristan’s robe off of his shoulders. It slid off of his built, svelte body, and fell to the floor.

A moment later, Tristan, thinking that you wanted the two of you naked, quickly reciprocated, making short work of the knot at the front of your own robe. That was how, only a second after Tristan’s black robe dropped to the floor, your smaller, silk white robe fell, too, falling right atop and slipping inside of his black robe on the floor.

Tristan wrapped one arm tightly around your waist and with his other hand, he cradled your head. You shivered when you felt his cold hand touch the back of your neck, but there was no time to think about it, for he was slowly but firmly pushing you down onto the sofa behind you.

“What are you doing?” you breathed out, as you fell back.

“You should lie down,” Tristan told you. 

“Well, then, you’re coming with me.” You pulled Tristan down with you, and you pressed your lips against his again. 

Tristan hesitated. But then, he closed his eyes and let you have your way with him. He returned your kisses, every one, though they were uncertain and stuttering kisses. 

It was a strange encounter for the two of you. For while it seemed patently clear that the two of you had absolutely nothing in common; yet, it also seemed clear that this wasn’t just some hook-up, because despite the fact that it was plain that the two of you would not have sex tonight, you and Tristan were still wrapped up in each other’s arms, sharing the tight, thin space of a sofa, and kissing each other as though you were young, first-time lovers. 

Silk robes on the floor, collections of ancient books lining the walls, and a velvet sofa in front of a fireplace... The fire provided the only light in the room. You and Tristan were but silhouettes - uncertain, shifting shadows trying to figure each other out. Illuminated and defined by the flickering flames behind you, the shadow of your body shape was softly outlined against his broader, stronger frame. Captured in that moment, you and Tristan could have been the subjects of a still painting - except that you were still moving, still kissing each other. 

“Mm…” you breathed out softly, your warm, little mouth still captured in his careful, yet tender lips. 

Tristan’s head shifted back slightly, and then forward, to kiss you more deeply.

“Mm…” you murmured again pleasantly. Your eyes slipped shut. 

Soon, your soft, warm, little moans faded away into soft breaths.  “Mmm…”

“Are you falling asleep?”

Am I? I suppose so. I’m tired. Exhausted, actually.

“…Yes.”

A moment later, you felt a warm hand on your face.

“You’re crying. Why are you crying?”

You hesitated. Is this still Tristan, or am I imagining Remus?

“Shush,” you whispered to your imagination.

“Tell me.”

You sighed. Oh, Remus, it’s you, isn’t it? I can’t get my mind off you.

“Because,” you confessed in a whisper. “I did everything I could, but I’m still not free. And I’m lonely. I never knew loneliness like this before.”

“You told me not to save you. You said that I should let you die. Did you mean that?”

You paused. Wait, this isn’t… Oh God, is this still Tristan? Is this even reality anymore? Am I dreaming?

Confused, you mumbled out, “…You ask too many questions. I’m tired.”

“Who are you right now? …Silver, not blue.”

Colors… Colors… A vivid fragmentation of an emerald – that was how you saw Tristan Graves. That was how little you knew about him, anyways. His disarming eyes. The rest of him – his mind, his heart, his soul… you knew nothing of. All you knew was that this young man lying down with you was that, his eyes were strangely…

“…Vivid.”

“Hm?”

Yes, Tristan Graves was a stranger. That was why he felt so vivid to you. Because he was unfamiliar. Entirely unfamiliar. He wasn’t your home. Remus Lupin was.

“A vivid green,” you whispered again, feeling the cracks in your heart splintering wider and wider apart. It hurt. “But you’re not him. You’re not him.”

“You’re speaking in riddles.”

That void in your soul… Something was replacing it – water, or moonlight, perhaps – something silvery and soothing, a balm of heavenly waters, was cresting over your chest.

But it demanded one thing: that you turn away from understanding your own pain. That you turn towards pleasure, to mask the pain.  

So, you whispered, “Well, swallow them all tonight. Kiss me. I want your mouth on mine again.”

By now, somehow, you and Tristan had come to lie side-by-side on the sofa, and you were nestled in his arms. It was easy, far too easy, for the two of you to turn towards each other, and to kiss again… until finally, your head gently fell back against his arm, and your eyes slipped shut, and you fell asleep.

*    *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Tristan Graves stared at you, in your strange form. For you had white, fluffy ears on the top of your head now. In fact, they had appeared some time ago, and the feeling of your soft ears tickling his chin had been what had made Tristan grasp your chin and gently pull you away from his chest, so he could get a proper look at you.

Your face was still yours, there was no physical change there - but your gaze, the way your eyes tightened slightly, creating a seductive gaze that invited Tristan in - was definitely not yours, or at least not what you intended. What was more, that silvery light dancing just around your irises gave your normally dark eyes a fascinating, alluring glow. It mesmerized Tristan, and it would have all but hypnotized a lesser man; however, fortunately, Tristan had the sense to still be wary.

You had no tail, but still - Tristan felt that he had his answer.

See, Tristan Graves didn’t help you just to help you – mere responsibility for an individual would never move such a man. Instead, he pretended to give into you because he knew that he had to figure you out. Tonight’s events - playing into your little game and getting your heartbeat up and making you shiver, just as he had when he performed that low-level Electric Spell on you in the Chambers - was his little test to see if you would react the way you did back in the Chamber today; that is, whether you would change form.

Now as you lay on his arm and slept soundly, your form slowly changed back, but Tristan was sure of it now – somehow, the Nine-Tailed Fox had come to possess you.

Tagged Users: @areomalfoy 

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The Richness of Life

The Richness of Life

In the midst of walking toward the vantage point upon the Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg, Maine, grows a grass of distinction for its form, All fluffy and arced as the seedhead is, Giant Foxtail seems an apropos common name, though its known as a pest to farmers who grow corn. I’m struck over and over again as I walk upon the paved pathway, by the colors and textures of so many seeds…

[folklifestyle]

This is the point in the season where the garden surrenders to nature. The wilds of the morning glories take over, the foxtail runs free, the sun dries up the giant squash leaves, and there is a profound beauty in that surrender. The complete control of weeding and growing of the spring and early summer fades into the untamed and I am happy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQHrMWL3o-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rjshepofftheshits]

gonna be gross about luxu and the fortellers and talk about silent hill for a bit 0:)

tw for dubcon , tw for violence and sexual content below

also if u want a sfw version with just monster designs/ silent hill talk HMU

This was posted before I finished it (oops) so it's nonsensical and incomplete

Will sort it tomorrow

ok so like

they wouldn't call the foretellers names of the 7 deadly sins if they werent going to do something fucked up with it in the end right??? yall know me im a suck for some body horror, alt forms of chars etc. i know kh is a disney property ,so theres a limit to what they can show a pg audience.

So maybe give konami a turn??? There's so much insane shit in kingdom hearts and so many now traumatized characters it's practically crying out for a silent hill crossover!

I'm in a forteller mood so let's look at thems first

if i were in charge id have snake monster Invi, 4 armed wrath demon Ira, giant Black bear skin wearing Aced and Gula who eats and eats but is never more than a horrible rake like wraith.

and foxtail ava of course

im leaving luxu off the list because what is a lust monster? little bastard is that already

but more than all this, ive been in a silent hill mood recently ( trying to play it on ps4 but the only version is on freaking ps now and im not paying monthly for a game i already own) so because of that im thinking what if luxu was in silent hill? what would he see them as? people who go from human to monsters the longer hes there? Maybe just normal people who look like monsters to him as Eddie suggests in silent hill 2? There's a nice little bit of sanity questioning in that idea. What about becoming more uncanny the longer luxu looks at them? what would they do to him? would they see him as a person? treat him accordingly? or would they see him as a sin based monster, just like they are?

New game Kingdom of Silence, Luxu is the player character

also bc im in some kinda shipping mood i wana know how these monsters would fuck.

Invi

Invi is going first because she's the hardest to think of ideas for me. I've never been REALLY jealous of someone so I don't really know how it feels. To me, she gets more and more insufferable the longer she's there, refuses to leave luxu alone with the others because she wants to monopolize his time. She becomes more controlling and paranoid as the days wittle on. when shes around, the other world is filled with vines and barbed wire that blocks Luxu's path. he can hardly move for the stuff, it grows back right after he cuts it and seems to just get thicker and thicker every time he blinks. her otherworld is like a maze and shes determined to make luxu dependent on her to get through it. at the center invi is no longer human; jealousy has driven her mad and twisted her into something resembling a Lamia crossed with a dyrad. So controlling shes practically merged with her surroundings. With all the plant material she's practically green (with envy badumtss) If she was a game i think she'd be like Sepulchre from silent hill 4. she needs to be cut away from the vines that hold her and dropped into a pit to put her out of her misery

how does monster invi fuck? : well like a snake oddly enough. she twists herself around luxu until his ribs start to crack under the pressure. She wants his focus on her and her alone. i wouldnt be surpised if she could pull some sort of mind bending tricks like Kaa from jungle book; make luxu blind to all the danger aound him, put him in his happy place so he doesnt realise hes surrounded by monsters or that invi isnt human anymore. Hypnosis kink folks come get ya juice. I was going to give her 2 dicks or something but i think two tongues might be more interesting and not as over played. i mentioned she looks like a lamia but dont think that means shes got an entirely human face. shes all eyes and teeth and a mouth that has more than one way of opening, maybe something like mileena with the teeth. I can see why shes jealous of everyone and everything, i wouldnt like to look like that either.

the more im writing the more i think i might just draw these guys after the con on Saturday

Ira

silent hill is already a grotesquely violent place but something else seems to be eating at human ira. hes hearing voices whisper to him, sounds coming from behind walls that no one else seems to hear. hes usually slow to anger but now hes lashing out at everything, blaming luxu for all of it. Luxu really doesnt see it coming the first time Ira hits him, but it's certainly not the last.

iras otherworld seems to be out for luxu's fucking blood. everything is trying to hurt him, from the toxic plants, to the boiling water and every monster that seems to have a ping on his exact location. not to mention monster Ira. Strangly for the embodyment of wrath, hes sitting quite calmly in the middle of the street looking horrific. if i had to describe my mental image it would be akin to Goro from motal combat meets Resident evils crimson heads/lickers. Ira's helmet/mask has fused to his face, welded to his skin that's chapped and red raw around the edges. bone sticks from all angles of his body like armour. Around him are Plies of rotting corpses in various degrees of mutilation : luxu can't tell if they were human or monster. Now alone and with no one else to take it out on he seems to have turned his volence on himself, pulling chunks of skin from muscle until he's practically flayed himself alive. whether or not this monster can actually feel pain is anyones guess. in game i think he'd be too big to fight directly. You would need to trick him into one of the dangerous environment settings like the boiling lake Toluca or into the gas station before setting it alight.

How does monster Ira fuck? its less fucking and more slow murder with a lot of hip thrusting. Size difference galore in this fucked up pairing folks. think of that blood scene from AHS: Hotel except ira is now 3 times the size and has twice as many arms as normal. i think its less he wants to fuck the lust monster and more he wants to fuck him up. I'm sure I could sit here and wax lyrical about the relationship between sex, violence and death but it is 1130pm at time of writing and I'm tired. its a good thing you cant really die in silent hill ( well relativly speaking) because luxu would have been snu-snu'd to death several times over where Ira is concerned.

Aced

So aced was another difficult one because how exactly does your sloth affect others in the immediate. Since the word his name comes from in Latin means "without care" I'm choosing to interpret him as becoming completely apathetic towards luxu. He doesn't care he's in silent hill, he doesn't care the others are monsters and he certainly doesn't care to help luxu if he's hurt or being attacked. He just gets worse and worse until he doesn't even care to move, sitting down and becoming some hibernating bear.

Aced's otherworld is filled with goo and sludge, something like pure tar that slows luxu's movements to a crawl, makes running impossible. This isn't only dangerous because luxu can't escape from incoming monsters, but also because every movement requires so much effort that it's almost easier to just lay down and let the goo consume you. His powers remind me of the apathy Grimm from rwby. Fighting him would probably be a timed fight in game. I can see the environment changing like goo flooding into the room to slow you and eventually drown you. Aced himself is now almost a statue barely able to move. He's not as horrifc to look at as the others but the paniked way his eyes follow luxu is saying something disturbing. Monster boss Aced won't lift a finger to attack you, he's more of an environment obstacle boss and is non hostile. But also will he not lift a finger to help: he won't stand off the drain to save both himself and luxu from drowning and he won't use his size or strength to help luxu navigate the room faster. His apathy is essentially dooming them both.

How does monster aced fuck? Assuming he can, maybe in some Inbetween stage before losing all humanity, he seems like the kind of creature to get the other person to do all the work.perhals he employs an aphrodisiac, since sloth is failing to take action it could be a diddling while Rome burns sort of thing.i think he lies there and they bounce on his lap, he falls asleep as soon as he's done, fails to take action for his partner. Or on the flip side, maybe he's into sleep sex, drowsy half awake fucking, luxu's not quite sure if he's dreaming or not.

Gula

So I came up with a design for gula first but everything else after. Gula in silent hill is super selfish. He won't share information, supplies or even safe space with the others. He eventually resorts to stealing things from Luxu like the keys he needs to traverse silent hills many locked doors. Gulas other world is a literal trash heap, a junkyard filled with things he could never hope to use but still refuses to part with. The further in luxu goes the more the mounds of stuff become fleshy, as we see they become mounds of food. Gula has become this gangling zombie, thin as a rake but constantly gorging himself on anything he can get his hands on, animal or human, living or dead

Here's the problem with Gulas design. I wanted him to be influenced by w#ndigo psychosis, the actual disease/illness but not by w#ndigos themselves. I want him to have a wraith like look without looking like an antlered deer and I want him to be fleshy because he's based on a leopard ( which will often leave their dead pray in trees for a few days) not because of most depictions of w#ndigos as covered in blood. I have a design in my head I just don't want it to cross any lines. And I definitely dont Wana rehash previous w#ndigo type designs