#green tea pods

[sollowellness]

Fill Refillable Pods with Ground Coffee for Keurig and Enjoy the Real Taste of Coffee

Are you looking for the real taste of coffee and want to enjoy it in a cop of hot coffee that is freshly brewed and prepared in a few seconds?

Choosing ground coffee for Keurig will be the right option to enhance your experience. Ground coffee for Keurig provides a range of benefits including a wider variety of choices, cost-effectiveness, reduced environmental impact, customizable strength, and a fresher coffee experience.

In addition to this, ground coffee for keurig also allows you to enjoy the convenience of a Keurig machine while savoring the flavors and aromas of your preferred coffee brands and blends.

It is one of the best ways to think beyond limiting to pre-packaged pods. There are a number of benefits of using ground coffee for Keurig.

You will get amazing and greater variety options. With ground coffee for Keurig, you have access to a wider range of coffee options. You can choose from an extensive selection of coffee brands, blends, flavors, and roasts.

Whether you prefer a bold dark roast or a smooth medium roast, you have the freedom to experiment and tailor your coffee to your taste preferences.

Not to mention the way to save more. It is one of the cost-effective ways to enjoy hot coffee with the real freshness. There is no denying the fact that pre-packaged coffee pods can be convenient, they can also be more expensive in the long run. Ground coffee for Keurig is a more economical choice since you can purchase larger bags or cans of coffee and use them over an extended period. This is especially beneficial for individuals who consume multiple cups of coffee daily or have a larger household or office with frequent coffee drinkers.

According to the researches, single-use coffee pods contribute to plastic waste, as most of them are not easily recyclable.

On the other side, you can reduce your environmental footprints to a great level by simply using ground coffee for Keurig with a reusable coffee filter. Using such options for your coffee is a more sustainable option – allowing you to enjoy your coffee while minimizing plastic waste.

Adjust the Amount of Ground Coffee Used in the Filter to Make Your Coffee Stronger

When using ground coffee for Keurig, you have more control over the strength of your coffee. You can adjust the amount of coffee grounds used in the filter to make your coffee stronger or weaker according to your preference. This flexibility ensures that you can create the perfect cup of coffee that suits your taste buds.

Ground coffee offers a fresher and more aromatic experience compared to pre-packaged coffee pods. By grinding the coffee beans just before brewing, you unlock the full flavor potential of the coffee. The enticing aroma fills the room as the coffee is brewed, enhancing the overall coffee-drinking experience.

[trinitycove]

Matcha for the K-MINI

[what-marsha-eats]

Contains two ways to make Thai iced tea: by using a pre-blended mix or by using black tea with various whole spices.

[lightseoul]

prove it

synopsis. bakugou katsuki starts acting differently after your last conversation. you finally arrive at an agreement. (part 1) (part 2)

cw. fem!reader, worker!reader, prohero!katsuki, aged-up (~24 yrs old), lots of cussing

word count. 3.6k words

a/n. the last part of the series! thanks so much for all the love on the first two parts, everyone! i had such fun writing this <3 again, reblogs, tags, and comments will be highly appreciated!

You barely slept a wink that night.

After that exchange with Bakugou, you immediately left his office, not even bothering to greet his secretary (partly because you couldn’t bear the possibility of her overhearing), and headed straight to your desk.

A feeble attempt at going back to work was made, but you’d be lying to yourself if you said you actually got something done.

Even as you commuted your way home and got ready for bed, your brain wouldn’t stop replaying the conversation, lingering especially on his loaded confession.

He still loves you.

What now?

Sadly, just because you're marred by sleep deficit and boy problems doesn't mean you get to miss out on work. You now walk down the hallway of your floor on the way to the break room, desperate to inject some caffeine into your system to get you through the day.

And to help you focus and get your mind off of Bakugou fucking Katsuki, thank you very much.

You’re one foot into the room when it suddenly dawns on you how you consumed the last pod of your favorite brew yesterday (before all the shit went down), which means that you’re now out and caffeine-less.

Fuck.

“Well, don’t you look like shit.”

Mikuri hums from her favorite spot on the sofa, a cup of what you think is green tea in her hands.

“Thanks?” you mumble begrudgingly as you plop yourself across from her, mood growing sourer by the minute.

“What’s up with you?” she sounds amused, a brow quirked in question.

You sigh, smoothing the wrinkle on your blazer you didn’t have the energy to iron out that morning. “Am sleep-deprived and out of coffee. Not everyone can be chipper like you on this fine day, I guess.”

“No, you’re not?”

You sit up, eyes narrowing, “You mean to say I look like shit normally and not just because I didn’t get enough sleep?”

She frowns, “You know that’s not what I mean. What I meant is that no, you’re not out of coffee.”

“Look,” she gestures to the beverage area with her free hand.

Your brows shoot up in response as you take in the freshly stocked shelf.

Weird, you think to yourself.

You were normally the one to restock on that specific flavor, being the only one on your floor who is partial to it.

Unless…

You shake your head to rid yourself of the unwelcome thoughts, willing to crush the butterflies erupting in your stomach.

Mikuri doesn’t get the chance to comment on your unusual behavior because the Performance Management head of your HR team pops in through the door, a grin adorning his face.

“Good morning, boss! See you in 15.”

Yamakawa, the Recruitment head, rifles through her documents before standing up to distribute them to you and the other sub-department leads.

She goes around the room to hand you what seems to be a substantial amount of pages, “Here’s the status report on Bakugou’s new sidekick.”

“Already?” you splutter, gaining the attention of your direct subordinates. You straighten up, slightly embarrassed. “I thought they’re just starting today?”

“Yeah, well. We figured you’d want to hear it,” Yamakawa says as she gets seated and goes through her copy.

“Get this,” she continues, “he’s way more cooperative than we predicted him to be. Moriyama-san, or Water Jet Hero: Aqua Girl, is already in his office, discussing—” she glances at the report, “—battle strategies and joint training schedules as we speak.”

The others hum in acknowledgment as you sit there, still struggling to wrap your head around what was just said.

“And no one coerced him to do this?” Tanaka, the Performance Management head, pipes in. You whip to look at Yamakawa, anticipating her answer.

“Apparently, he emailed Moriyama-san yesterday himself to set the meeting.”

Delighted noises erupt across the room as you stare at the Recruitment head in disbelief.

“This is great news, right?” the Socialization head exclaims. “If we’re talking long-term, Bakugou’s workload will definitely lessen with a good sidekick around, meaning we’ll get fewer angry outbursts and a more decent-to-be-around boss!”

You know they’re making sense, and that this is supposed to be amazing news to hear as the HR department head, but you can’t help the tinge of anticipatory dread rising in your gut.

“Why don’t you seem happy?” Tanaka asks you, before turning to the others. “Hey, why isn’t Y/N happy?”

The unusual events don’t end after that.

To your surprise, Bakugou starts to attend meetings that concern him, instead of the usual—letting Kirishima do all the coordinating with you and your department. He’s even offered to help you with your analysis report on his new sidekick (quite awkwardly, at that), which you so quickly and frantically declined in front of everyone.

You suspect your subordinates are starting to deem you as weird, too.

If they only knew.

Regardless, with each passing day, you seem to be seeing more and more of him around the office, and needless to say, it’s messing with your head.

The always-stocked shelf of coffee isn’t helping either.

It’s gotten to the point where it’s starting to affect your sleep as well, with how much you overthink these sudden changes in his behavior.

In an attempt to get your mind off him and the confusing mix of hope and dread circling your stomach, you start to drown yourself in work.

Ah, your ever-trusty friend: avoidance.

You stand by the coffee machine as it does its magic, your foot tapping against the floor impatiently. You glance at the wall clock, which reads 8:01 PM.

You sigh, grabbing the freshly brewed beverage not even a second after the machine dings.

It’s been two weeks since that heated conversation with Bakugou, and one since your self-mandated oath to bury yourself with work, at least until your thoughts get a little bit less muddled and Bakugou stops acting differently.

“You’re still here?”

You startle from your absentminded stirring and look toward the source of the voice.

Speak of the devil.

Seeming as though he’s fresh from a shower, you stare at Bakugou as he stands by the doorway of the break room.

You eye the duffel bag that’s slung over his shoulder.

“You’re leaving already?”

Fuck, you think to yourself. Now you feel like a creep for knowing that Bakugou leaving two hours after his shift is considered early in his dictionary.

And now you feel stupid for answering his question with another question.

What’s gotten into you?

“Yeah,” he answers curtly, not offering much of an explanation. “What’re you doing working overtime?”

You place the mug on the marble countertop and cringe when it makes a loud, clashing noise.

You turn back to face him. “Have to work on the biannual report.” You shrug, as nonchalantly as you can, “It’s due soon.”

Bakugou grunts in acknowledgment, shifting on his feet.

“Well, thank you for your hard work,” he offers. “And for—uh—helping me choose my sidekick.”

Your stomach whirls in delight despite yourself.

You clear your throat, “Again, I was just doing my job.”

At that, he deflates ever so minutely, so you follow it up with: “But you’re welcome. I heard you’re thinking of hiring another one?”

“Yeah, just to help with the workload,” he nods. “I met him yesterday.”

“...You’re right, by the way,” Bakugou adds after a few seconds pass without you saying anything.

“Huh?”

He looks away, breaking eye contact. “I don’t like how similar we are. But he’s good.”

You have no idea how he knew you said that.

Scratch that—it was probably Kirishima.

Damn that meddler.

You clear your throat again in an attempt to change the subject and drop the conversation in its entirety.

“Well, I hope you have a good rest of your night.”

Bakugou meets your eye again, and for a moment he looks like he’s about to say something, then hesitates.

He opens his mouth ever so slightly before closing it again, eyes still fixed on you, before simply saying: “You too.”

At that, he turns on his heel and trudges towards the elevators.

Once you’re sure he’s out of sight and earshot, you bring your hand up to clutch at your heart, which is going at an alarmingly fast rate.

“Shit.”

You can’t still be in love with him?

“What?!” Mina hops on her feet, almost knocking your glass of iced tea off the table.

“Dude, you’ve got to stop doing that,” you seethe, looking around your go-to café. It’s unusually barren on a Saturday afternoon.

You look back at her, “People stare, you know. And besides, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL?!” she parrots incredulously.

“Just—” you scramble for words, “please sit back down?”

At your pleading tone, Mina finally gets seated, but her pinched eyebrows tell you she’s far from being done with the conversation.

“Fine,” she relents, “but you’ve got some explaining to do, missy.”

You sigh, “Okay. What do I have to explain to you?”

“Wha—” she starts, aghast, “I mean—first of all, why the fuck are you asking me to contact your blind date when three weeks ago, you were practically disgusted with the idea of going on one?”

“We talked,” you shift your eyes away from her. “Bakugou and I.”

Mina snorts.

“Let me guess. You realized you still love him?”

Your head whips to look at her, “Mina!”

“What?” she spits back. “Don’t use that accusatory tone on me.”

“I have the right to use this accusatory tone on you. I have a feeling a certain someone broke her promise about not saying anything about our last conversation with Bakugou.”

At that, Mina visibly cringes.

“In my defense,” she starts, voice raised, “it was only because that cemented how you’re both still into each other!”

You scoff.

“Aren’t you?” she presses, shooting you a pointed look, “Still into him?”

“I—I don’t know okay,” you raise your voice, inadvertently catching a few café-goers’ attention. You sink back into your seat in embarrassment.

“All I know is that the circumstances between us still haven’t changed. And that this shit is confusing—he’s confusing.”

You wave your hand around vaguely, “He’s been acting all weird and stuff.”

“How so?”

“Well, for starters…”

“Hmmm…”

“What do you mean, hmmm?” you ask, exasperated.

She rolls her eyes at you, “Hasn’t it ever occurred to you that he’s trying to prove you something?”

At that, your heart leaps in your throat. You push it down, though, as best as you can. Crossing your arms across your chest, you huff.

“If he thinks restocking my coffee for me is proving something, he’s got another thing coming for him.”

Mina guffaws, and you can’t help the smile that creeps on your face. Once the laughter has died down, though, she eyes you for a moment before sighing in resignation.

She picks up her phone and thumbs out something on her keyboard.

“Well, you’re in luck,” she starts, “Daichi-san is still interested in meeting you.”

You don’t know whether to be annoyed at Mina for ignoring your earlier request to cancel or be grateful for indulging you on your current one.

Not wanting to change her mind, you merely opt for mumbling a quick ‘thank you’, glancing at your phone as it dings with a message from her containing the engineer’s number.

You look around the interior of the restaurant, past the windows of the private room you’re in where a beautiful traditional garden lies, illuminated by the dim orange outdoor lighting.

You chance a peek at Daichi, who is already looking at you when your eyes meet.

Embarrassed, you look down at your ridiculously elaborate main course, finding yourself grateful that you opted for the fancier of your two dresses earlier this evening.

“So,” he breaks the silence as he pours you a glass of wine whose name you can’t even begin to pronounce. “Ashido-san told me you work at the Ground Riot agency?”

“Yes,” you smile gratefully as you bring your glass to your lips and take a sip. “I’ve been working there for a year now.”

“Must be exciting, huh?” he adds pleasantly, “working for top Pro Heroes?”

Man.

You purse your lips together, not wanting to seem stilted by the question. “It is. It can get quite hectic, though.”

He hums in agreement, “I get that.”

Daichi then proceeds to talk about the agency where he works, and normally you’d be kind enough to actively listen and throw in some follow-up questions, but your mind is now drifting towards Bakugou and your last encounter at the mention of the Pro Hero.

What did he want to say to you?

“L/N-san?”

“Huh?”

Daichi chuckles awkwardly, “I was just asking if you wanted some spice on your salmon."

Spice.

Bakugou would’ve wanted some.

Bakugou, you think to yourself.

Bakugou.

“Bakugou?”

You gape at the figure looming over your dining table.

The very man is standing there in his regular clothes that would’ve disguised his identity if it weren’t for his distinct blonde hair and hulking figure.

“What are you doing here?!”

“I need to talk to you.”

You nervously glance at your date, who seems to be starstruck by the Pro Hero in front of him.

“I’m kind of in the middle of something?” you whisper-shout.

Bakugou barely pays him any attention—gaze remaining on you. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think an unspoken ‘please’ lies at the tip of his tongue.

You shake your head in bewilderment, or in an attempt to shake off these thoughts—you don’t know.

“Don’t you have the night shift? And how’d you know I was here?”

He exhales heavily, jaw tensing.

“I had Kirishima cover for me. And…” He looks away for a brief moment, before turning back and fixing his gaze on yours. “I asked Mina, and she told me you’d be here.”

You don’t know what comes over you, but at that, you stand up on your feet and stare him down.

“You can stop now, Katsuki,” you hush, wary of your date eavesdropping on your conversation. “Quit wasting your time on me just to prove a point and go back to the agency. You’ve done enough.”

His eyebrows furrow in what you’ve grown to identify as defiance, but he doesn’t make a move to fight back or leave.

Instead, he says through gritted teeth: “I’m not just trying to prove a fucking point, Y/N.”

“Then what are—”

“Excuse me?”

You both whip your heads in the direction of the voice, only to see Daichi sporting a sheepish look on his face as his eyes dart between the two of you.

A pang of guilt courses through you at the sight.

He clears his throat, “Do you guys need a minute alone?”

“No, we’re just—”

“Yes.”

You turn back to look at Bakugou in angry confusion. To your astoundment, he leans in ever slightly, mouth nearing your ear. From how close you are, you see how his Adam’s apple bobs as he gulps before speaking.

His voice is barely above a whisper when he says: “I can’t pretend that this isn’t bothering me.”

You jerk away at the sensation and take a step back, flustered. Before you can even gather your bearing, Daichi speaks up again, albeit quite hesitantly.

“I know I’m supposed to be the one leaving here, but if you want some privacy, this restaurant has a private patio right to your left.”

“I can’t believe you interrupted us like that,” you spew as you step out into the restaurant’s patio, which is fortunately empty except for the two of you.

Bakugou follows behind you, trying to catch up as you speak.

“I just needed to talk to you.”

At that, you spin around to face him, and he halts in his step in front of you.

Incredulous, you stare at him for a few seconds.

“Talk,” you finally command.

His eyes widen in surprise, and you can tell he didn’t expect this conversation to arrive at this point so soon.

A moment passes, but not a single word is uttered. Bakugou’s mouth opens and closes, opens and closes, as he attempts to get a word out but to no avail.

“What, now you don’t have anything to say?” you ask pointedly, irritation bubbling in you by the second.

You wait for a few more, excruciatingly quiet seconds before huffing in defeat. And disappointment—you finally admit to yourself.

“If you’ll excuse me,” you turn on your heel, “I have a poor date to return to.”

You start to head for the restaurant’s back door when Bakugou makes a grab for your hand, spinning you around to face him.

“Just—wait.”

His voice is pleading now, frustration and desperation evident in his tone. You’re itching to yank your hand back, which is getting alarmingly clammier by the second, but you fight the urge.

The pained look on Bakugou’s face is enough to freeze you solid.

This time around, you patiently wait for him to gather his words with his hand still wrapped around yours and your heart betraying you, beating at an abnormally fast pace.

What feels like an hour goes by before he finally manages to speak.

And what comes out of his mouth throws you right off.

“I strengthened our coordination with the other agencies around the district.”

“...What?”

You absentmindedly touch your face with your free hand.

You can’t be having a stroke right now.

Bakugou shifts on his feet, a nervous tic you’ve noticed developed over the years.

Okay, if you’re coherent enough to observe that, maybe you’re not having a stroke.

“I mean—” he scratches the back of his neck with his free hand. “—Shitty Hair and I, we clarified jurisdictions around the area so that the two of us won’t be the go-to contact every time there’s a villain around.”

“I’m still not following, Katsuki.”

He ignores your comment, choosing to continue on his tangent instead.

“And I started seeing my therapist again. That damned hag went on telling me she was glad I’m getting help again like she was my mother.”

You blink at him as the gears start turning in your head.

Jurisdiction.

Less overtime.

More sidekicks.

Therapy.

Communication.

Suddenly, everything clicks.

“Maybe I am trying to prove a point,” Bakugou mumbles, more to himself than you.

“But it’s not just that,” he continues, looking back at you and not letting you get a word in.

“I’m here to tell you that I can’t promise that I’ll be perfect. Despite all the adjustments I’ve made, there are still gonna be days when I have no choice but to prioritize my duties as a hero over you.”

He looks down at your joint hands and squeezes, “Over us.”

“But I’m trying my best,” he declares with such certainty it knocks the wind off your lungs. “And I’ll keep doing so, if you’ll give me a chance to prove to you that I can do it.”

A million questions race through your mind. Why couldn’t he have done this for you the first time around? How is this time going to be any different? Are the changes going to be enough?

But he’s staring at you with such longing and hope and determination that the only thing you can think of is: How can you not?

Dizzy from the revelation and robbed of all words, all you can do is nod in affirmation as the tears you didn’t even notice were there start falling down your cheek.

A sigh of relief wracks Bakugou’s body as he scoops you in his arms, engulfing you in an embrace that has you sobbing even more on his shoulder.

The wet sensation spreading on your bare shoulders tells you he’s crying, too.

After what feels like an eternity of shedding tears and being wrapped in each other’s arms, Bakugou finally moves to unwrap his limbs around you, now holding you at an arm’s length.

Now not in spite of yourself, your hand shoots up to wipe off the tear streaks on his face, which he leans into.

“I’m sorry, by the way,” he whispers after a moment.

Your hand freezes in its track. “For what?”

“For not being able to immediately answer back when you asked me if you loving me changed anything.”

He looks down at his feet, uncertain. “I think—I just—” he stutters, “Fuck.”

You can’t help but chuckle in response, and he looks up at your face at the sound. He’s trying to playfully pout, but you can tell by the look on his face that he’s feeling the farthest from playful.

Flashing him what you hope is a reassuring smile, you reach for the hand on your shoulder and squeeze it. “Go on, Katsuki.”

He sighs for the nth time at your coaxing, the slightest bit of relief flashing across his features.

“At that moment,” he finally continues, voice raspy, “I guess I was just scared shitless. I was paralyzed with doubt—in myself, in my capability to not mess up the second time around.”

He huffs, eyeing you, “Didn’t occur to me how stupid that was until I was walking home later that night.”

You’re about to reassure him when he snorts. “The fuck am I saying—I’m still scared.”

At that, you audibly laugh, running your fingers through his hair in an attempt to soothe him. He visibly softens at the gesture, lids fluttering shut for a moment. When he opens them, you then look him straight in the eye—the laughter long gone, now replaced with a palpable seriousness.

“I’m scared, too,” you say, voice quiet. “But we’ll try and make things work. Right, Katsuki?”

He nods vigorously, hand clenching yours and his crimson orbs filled with nothing but sincerity that all the apprehensions floating in your mind suddenly disappear.

“We will.”

tagging. @katsukis1wife @rinalou @bakugouswh0r3 @poemzcheng @lovra974 @jasmixs @xoneaboveallx @bontensh0e @kooromin @sirenmoi @buzzbuzz-hm @xzsanaa @baddecisionsworld @iam-thevillain-of-thisstory @i-simp-to-much @goldenglow149 @fixed211 @zenxvii @roses-arerosies @tiredjuniper @curbstompedrice @loverboyrin @brunnetteiwik @bkgnotsuma @6423btw @kaeremin @ghastly-san @jasmixs @javochqaa @nnubee @just-ambxrr @idk-sam @dream-walker-cat @kitthepurplepotato @endlessfreaky @myrunawaysweets @bxbyyyjocelyn @smolbeannnn @seabass17 @serendipitous-fernweh @the-weeping-author

[seandwalsh]

The culture of Lakitus in the Mario Universe

Lakitus are a species of Koopa that are often seen riding around in clouds with faces, throwing items like Spiny Eggs, Piranha Pods, Hammers or Coins at the people below them and using fishing rods to hold or catch all sorts of things. Many Lakitus work as Bowser's Minions, though we've also seen Lakitu reporters, such as the Lakitu Bros. in Super Mario 64, and the referee Lakitu who runs the Mario Kart tournaments and various other Mario sports events.

While most Koopas are ruled directly by Bowser, the Lakitus have their own ruler, King Lakitu, implying they may be more distant culturally from the others. While King Lakitu and his people clearly serve Bowser in modern day, this may have been an alliance that formed in more recent history.

Throughout various Mario games, the Lakitus are connected to the Chinese-like culture in Mario’s World. In Dragon Driftway from Mario Kart 8, a course with Chinese-style architecture, murals of Lakitus practicing Kung Fu can be seen on the interior.

Lakitu’s name written in Chinese characters ("朱盖木") can be seen on lanterns, signs and murals in Dragon Driftway as well as Dragon Palace, where Koopa Troopas can be seen practicing Kung Fu. Lakitu emblems (depicting a Lakitu's Cloud) and statues of Lakitus practicing Kung Fu are both featured prominently in both Dragon Driftway and Dragon Palace.

A poster for a movie called “Kung Fu Lakitu” with the subtitle “Dragon Driftway The Movie” can also be seen in GBA Ribbon Road.

Dragon Driftway appears to have been built in the image of an ancestor of Gobblegut, from Super Mario Galaxy 2, which had four limbs. Gold and silver statues resembling a version of this this Gobblegut ancestor, with a shorter body and "whiskers" resembling those on Draggadon, can be found in the courtyard of Dragon Palace.

This civilisation may also have built Pagoda Peak, which features Chinese-like architecture and a large green dragon structure with orange horns, very similar to Gobblegut. Pagoda Peak is said to be 4000 years old and is inhabited by Kung Fu Koopas and the Koopa Master. Perhaps the Koopa Troopas seen training in Dragon Palace will go on to become Kung Fu Koopas.

Glitzville from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an “exotic” floating city with Chinese-style architecture, presumably modelled after a different region.

The city is named “Oolong Town” (ウーロン街) in Japanese after Chinese oolong tea. Glitzville is inhabited by many Lakitus, with both guests and local reporters being members of the Lakitu species.

At least a quarter of the Glitz Pit audience is comprised of Lakitus. Perhaps the sky-high location and cultural theming make it a popular draw for Lakitus in the region.

In Super Mario Land, the bosses faced in the Birabuto Kingdom, Muda Kingdom and Easton Kingdom are depicted as the leaders of a specific faction of enemies faced earlier in their respective kingdoms.

The boss of the Chai Kingdom, Biokinton, initially appears to be an exception to this, not bearing a resemblance to any enemies faced in the Chai Kingdom. Biokinton is described as shy and said to be hiding in a cloud which resembles a Lakitu’s Cloud. Rocketons are airplanes piloted by "soldier guards" faced by Mario immediately before Biokinton.

These guards strongly resemble Lakitus with their yellow skin, goggles and short, round noses. They may have a connection to Biokinton given their close proximity and matching name endings in both English and Japanese. “Biokinton” (パオキントン), “Rocketon” (ロケトン).

Perhaps Dragon Driftway, Dragon Palace and Pagoda Peak are actually in the Chai Kingdom, and with the alliance between King Lakitu's and Bowser's families centuries ago, Koopa Troopas began training in Kung Fu and Lakitus began serving in the Koopa Kingdom army.

Thank you to Sophie of @cartographers-office for pointing out the resemblance between Lakitus and the Rocketon pilots, this has been a fun one!

[xnoctifers-eveningx]

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼 Wild Plant Lore 𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼

Some notes from my BOS of weeds / local plants that can be used in one's craft. Includes magickal correspondences, traditional uses (medicinal and culinary), and some of their folklore.

Disclaimer at the end !!

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Acorns- the nuts of oak trees. They're made of one seed covered by a tough shell with a cap on top. These nuts can be eaten and are turned into flour to make breads and pastas. Much about acorns are unknown as they are mainly unused in everyday life, but we do know that they contain a high fiber content which has been used to treat bloating, diarrhea, stomach pains, and other digestive issues. Because these nuts come from oak trees they’ve been a symbol of great wisdom and longevity in many cultures such as Celtic and Nordic. Many people have worn necklaces with acorn charms on them to bring protection

• Protection, prosperity, growth, wisdom 

Bull nettle- Thick stock and toothed leaves with stiff prickly stinging hairs, the flowers are small, white, and covered in hispid. The seed pods are lightly coloured and cylindrical, containing ~3 seeds. Touching this plant will cause a stinging, burning, or itching sensation that will last for hours. The seeds from the seed pods are edible and taste nutty but need to be harvested with extreme care as to not sting yourself. The seeds can be roasted or ground into a "cornmeal." The root of bull nettle is edible, it's similar to a potato but tougher and the core is so tough it should be discarded.

Binding, banishing, warding, baneful (to cause pain)

Cattails- Cattails are semi-aquatic plants that consist of multiple long spiked leaves with one center spike holding a sausage-shaped head that is filled with cottony seeds. Their rhizomes can be turned into a flour with a high protein content and the shoots can be cooked and eaten. The stems and leaves can be turned into paper. A poultice from the roots can be used as an antiseptic, for burns/cuts, and to reduce inflammation. When harvesting this plant please do not overharvest, it’s a very important part of a wetland’s ecosystem ! Also, always make sure the water near the cattails is clean because cattails filter pollutants out of the water so if you plan on consuming the plant, you could also be consuming those pollutants. 

Fertility, growth, prosperity, peace, water-associated magick, cleansing

Catchweed- Also known as cleavers, hitchhikers, goosegrass, or sticky weed. Catchweeds are branchy, square stems that latch onto other plants and buildings with small hooked hairs on their leaves and stems. They have tiny, star-shaped, green or white-ish flowers with four petals. They also have small burrs that contain a few seeds that are covered in hooked hairs so they can latch on to animals to disperse seeds. For those who want to risk getting pricked, catchweed is edible. Young leaves and stems can be cooked and eaten like spinach. This plant is also in the same family as coffee, meaning that you can dry and roast the seeds in their burrs to make a lower-caffeine coffee substitute and teas. Poultices have been made with the whole plant, as with tea washes from dried leaves, in many cultures for light burns, small wounds, and eczema. It has a cooling effect so it’s also used in infusions for bug bites, stings, and poison ivy. 

Energy, binding, commitment, protection during travel 

Chickweed- Also called chickenwort/weed, winterweed, and simply ground cover as that’s its primary use in modern society. Long stems with pointed, oval-shaped leaves and tiny white star-shaped flowers that resemble carnations. Its star-shaped flowers earned it the botanical name “Stellaria media”. Its flowers and leaves are both edible and are very popular in salads, soups, and stir-fries. It has a taste similar to sprouts that you’d use in a salad. Chickweed salves are used for skincare, poultices for poison ivy, and teas for digestion. Historically, it's been used for skin ailments like itching, dry skin, and even bruises or bug bites from a tisane/tea of the stems applied to the affected area. In European folklore, it was said to help promote a happy, balanced family and love life. This is believed to come from how chickweed grows so closely with all its stems intertwined but in a way that promotes each part to grow healthy, so it promotes everyone in a household getting along with one another while having their own sense of individuality. It’s also associated with perseverance (like most weeds I’ll admit), this is because chickweed is seen growing everywhere, in yards, in forests, on piles of dirt. If it sees an opportunity, it’ll take it and thrive year-round. 

Love, stability, loyalty, communication, lunar-associated magick 

Clovers- white, balled flowers with three to four small, round leaves. Every part of this plant is edible, the leaves and flowers are sweet and vanilla-y so they are good in teas and sweets. Clover has been used to ward off fevers and used in tisanes/teas for inflammation. Clover has been associated with good fortune for centuries, especially four-leaved clovers. A shamrock is a symbol of a three-leafed clover representative of the Christian Holy Trinity, it’s also believed that the Celtic druids thought shamrocks to be significant because they had three leaves possibly representing the underground, earth, and sky. 

Luck, prosperity, happiness, faith

Creeping Speedwell- Teeny tiny violet/baby blue flowers with light yellow middles, it is incredibly fast-growing and can be found in most yards. Speedwell is edible and good in salads, pestos, and smoothies. Tea is made from the leaves and flowers to help clear congestion, allergies, and coughs. Some add it to their baths to help with their allergies and inflammation, inflammation is also helped by a poultice. In some folklore, it’s said that a tea or ointment from speedwell could help one with psychic visions and faerie sight. Before I truly knew the folklore behind speedwell I had this sense that it would help with your clairsenses. 

Abundance, divination, psychic/clairsense work

Creeping buttercup- Buttercups are toxic and will leave blisters when raw so they must be cooked or dried before being consumed, even then it's not recommended to eat. A poultice of the (boiled) leaves is used for inflammation and wounds and a tea from the plant is used for its analgesic properties, but be wary of the blisters that may occur. Buttercups used to be used to ward off faeries, many farmers would plant these around their cows to prevent them from being stolen from the fae. There are a lot of stories relating buttercups to cows which is very very cute but ironic because buttercups are actually toxic to many animals! For its many associations with children, fairies, and coyotes across various cultures it can also be related to mischief  

Youth, happiness, love, protection from fae, mischief (jinxes/hexes/glamours) 

Creeping charlie- Also known as ground ivy. Creeping charlie has square stems with dark, rounded or fan-shaped, toothed leaves. It has small blue or lavender, funnel-shaped flowers that grow in clusters of two or three in the spring. Creeping charlie is edible and has a long history of being used in beer and cheese, it tastes subtly minty as it's in the mint family. Young leaves are good in salads to freshen them up and it's also really good in teas and sweets. There is a risk of it being toxic if consumed in large quantities though. For centuries now it's been used in teas to calm a cough, been said to help with headaches, and has been used on the skin to reduce pain and soothe inflammation. Some have turned it into a snuff and used it for congestion, kind of like Vaporub. It was actually brought over from Britain to the Americas for its medicinal uses, now it’s one of those weeds people will spend tons of money trying to get rid of. Alike creeping buttercup, it’s said that some may have used this to ward magick from their livestock and themselves. Some say it’s good to use to find out who has cursed you or sent the evil eye your way and in some stories, people would drink it as a tea to get rid of their shyness. 

Protection from magick and spirits, divination, clarity, courage

Deadnettle- My favourite weed :) Square stem, fuzzy leaves that occasionally are red/purple at the top, with tiny tube-shaped light pink flowers. Despite technically being a nettle, it’s not a true nettle so very few people will have a reaction when touching this plant. Deadnettle is part of the mint family and every part of it is edible, despite that though it's not very minty and is floral and sweet. My favourite parts are the tiny pink flowers which have sweet nectar in them and are good in teas, syrups, sweets, and jams. The leaves are good in teas, smoothies, pestos, and salads. A poultice or salve can be made from the leaves for wounds and teas can help with allergies. This plant is sometimes called purple archangel because it pops up around the Feast of the Apparition when it was said St. Micheal appeared. It’s associated with determination because this lil dude will grow anywhere, even in spots with the worst quality soil. 

happiness, determination, peace, healing

Dandelion- Dandelions are bright layered yellow flowers with toothed leaves that grow pretty much anywhere there is enough dirt to get their roots in. The entire plant is edible, the flowers are slightly sweet making them good for salads, syrups, and sweet. The leaves are slightly bitter but that can be lessened when harvested young or boiled, they're good as spinach replacements and can be dried for teas. The flowers can also be turned into dyes. The plant's name can be literally translated to 'healing herb' as it has been used in many cultures for it's gut health and detoxifying properties. Teas and tinctures from leaves are made for a diuretic and flowers are made into salves or beauty products to treat acne/eczema and to reduce inflammation. About dandelions being diuretics - the name dandelion comes from the french name dentdelion (tooth of the lion) but there’s actually a second French name, “pissenlit”, which means piss the bed !!

luck/wishes, communication, balance, courage, youth

Daisy- Daisies are low-growing flowers with thin, long, white petals and yellow disc florets (middles). Common daisies are edible, these are really found growing anywhere even in your lawn. Leaves can be used in salads or stir-fries and flower heads can be pickled or used in salads. Wines, soups, and teas are also commonly made from daisies. The flowers have a slightly bitter taste but look pretty in dishes. Daisies have been used in teas for coughs, bronchitis, and common colds. It's also been used to "stimulate the digestive system" to promote appetite. Daisies have been into lotions and other skincare products to treat rashes, eczema, and other skin issues. Daisies came to be associated with love and motherhood through it being the flower of Freya, innocence/purity through the story of Vertumnus and Belides where the flower gets its scientific name, and purity the popular phrases like “fresh/clean as daisies”.

Happiness, cleansing, love, purity (cleansing), motherhood/childbirth

Feverfew- Feverfew are daisy-like flowers with bright yellow middles and white petals, with yellow-green leaves in a feathered arrangement, that grow in small bushes together. Feverfew is edible but many will steer clear of it as it has a very bitter taste. It’s often made into teas and used in pastries. Although feverfew isn’t used to reduce fevers anymore, there are still many health benefits and medicinal uses of the plant, some people even calling it ‘medieval aspirin’. People will take feverfew pills or apply a poultice to relieve pain from arthritis and inflammation. A poultice can also be applied to minor cuts, scrapes, and bug bites. Teas can be made for headaches and some use it to help with menstrual pain. Feverfew is also known to show some skin benefits by reducing redness and inflammation. Feverfew may increase bleeding as it acts similar to an anticoagulant, because of this it is advised that if you are taking a blood thinner like aspirin, Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Heparin (Innohep), or others, you talk to your doctor before taking feverfew. This plant has more medicinal uses than references in mythology but I did find a few references to it being believed to be able to save the life of someone that had fallen from the Parthenon, a temple to Athena, which gave it the scientific name parthenium.

Healing, curse-breaking, love

Lesser celandine- Also known as pilewort or sometimes fig buttercup. Pilewort is a plant on the buttercup family that has dark, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers with glossy petals. Despite its pretty exterior, touching the plant could cause rashes or blistering especially when the plant is crushed. Ingesting the plant can cause dizziness, vomiting, and worse. While there may be ways to cook out the toxins, I cannot advise anyone to consume this plant without proper experience. This plant is also known as the spring messenger as it's one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. Lesser celandine was referenced a lot in literature, most being about love and foreshadowing happiness alike how it signals spring. 

Joy, love, Spring associated magick

Maple seed pods- Maple seeds, also known as helicopters or samaras, are the seed of maple trees, as one would assume. These are winged pods consisting of a papery tissue surrounding a single seed that is usually joined together in pairs of two. The seeds are edible once the outer covering has been removed and taste better while young, becoming bitter as they mature. Some say that smaller pods taste sweeter and larger ones taste more bitter. They're good in roasts, stir-fries, and salads. They can also be dried and pounded into flour ! Much of what we know about maple seeds are simply culinary and there's not much information on their medicinal uses. The majority of the correspondences of maple seed pods come from maple trees which represent balance and longevity. They also are associated with childhood after the many many years of children playing with these helicopter-like seeds. 

Longevity, growth, balance, youth

Mulberries- Mulberries come in three different colours which are red, white, and black. Different mulberries grow on different mulberry trees. Black mulberry trees have an orange-y-toned bark with toothed, heart-shaped leaves. White/red mulberry trees have a greyish bark with large, deeply lobed, oval-shaped leaves. Mulberries look very similar to blackberries but longer with each cluster of fruit containing a seed. Mulberries are edible, black ones taste the best and can be both sour and sweet and the white/red ones are duller in flavour but sweet. These are made into jams, syrups, wines, sweets, sorbets, really anything sweet and it tastes great ! These berries are more known for their culinary uses but some studies suggest that they can help reduce cholesterol and improve digestion. In Greek/Babylonian mythology, red mulberries came from white mulberries that were stained red from the deaths of the star-crossed lovers Pyramus and Thisbe which gave them the association of love and death.

Love, death, faith, wisdom

Osage oranges- Also known as horse apples or hedge apples. Osage oranges are a yellow-green fruit with a very rough and bumpy peel. These oranges grow on trees called Maclura pomifera. The wood of these trees are used for very good firewood and yellow-green dyes. The Osage natives would use the wood from the tree for many things like bows and boats as it’s very flexible. The roots of the trees are sometimes made into water infusions to help with eye conditions. People have also used the wood, or even sat out the fruit, to deter insects. Osage oranges are edible but most people, and even animals, will avoid eating them due to their dry and bitter taste. They taste like very bitter and citrus-y cucumbers. These oranges can cause skin irritation to some. 

Warding, protection, strength

Pinecones- Pinecones are geometric cones that come from conifer pine trees that produce pollen or seeds depending on their sex. Pinecones symbolize fertility and life in many cultures and have been used in artwork for centuries. The pineal gland in the brain was named after pinecones because of its shape, this gland is sometimes referred to as the “third eye” and some believe that it acts as a witch’s eye would; this is how pinecones were tied to the idea of enlightenment and rebirth as well as the fact that they have been around for so long. Some conifer cones are edible (some aren't!) but they are very tough to chew so you must boil them before eating, pinecone jam has been commonly made from young cones. Pine has been used in teas, tinctures, resins, and many other things to treat coughs, allergies, and help with sinus infections. 

Fertility, creativity, prosperity, enlightenment, rebirth

Prickly lettuce- a quite tall, red stem that contains latex with large tooth-shaped leaves that have prominent veins and spikes lining its edges and main vein on its underside. When it blooms it has small, pale yellow flowers. This plant is edible and is pretty much used like normal lettuce while having a slightly bitter taste, as usual, this gets less noticeable as it matures. Leaves can be eaten in salads or cooked/steamed and the root can be made into a tea. The latex substance that comes out of the leaves and stem when injured is called lactucarium which is known as lettuce opium due to its sedative and pain-relieving properties; the process of harvesting this substance is tedious. This can be used to help people sleep, relax, and relieve pain. Lettuce in general has a great amount of significant historical usage. Lettuce came to be associated with sex because an Egyptian fertility god, Min, was associated with lettuce as it was known as an aphrodisiac that was ritualistically ingested before sex. These effects were due to the lactucarium. In Hellenism, when Adonis died he was laid on a bed of lettuce along with other fast-growing plants. In festivals for him, they would burn withered lettuce and mourn his death, this related lettuce to death. 

Necromancy, offerings for the deceased, fertility, sex

Queen Anne's Lace- Also known as wild carrot. A tall flowering weed with a thin, stiff stem and tiny white, clustered flowers. The flowerhead consists of a bunch of separate flowers, some plants may have a singular purple/pink flower.  Queen Anne's lace's root is edible which is actually where it gets the names wild carrot and Daucus Carota, it's good steamed and boiled. It is pretty stringy and if you wait too long to harvest it can become very hard and woody. This plant is NOT safe to consume for those who are pregnant ! The stem is known to cause skin irritation and rashes to people with sensitive skin. Despite being edible, most wouldn't suggest eating it because it looks almost identical to poison hemlock which if consumed could be fatal. It also looks a ton like wild celery but that's less of an issue. Historically, the seeds of wild carrot were used as an abortant in a "morning after pill" type of way. Wild carrot was named Queen Anne's Lace after Queen Anne of England who was a great lace maker, there is a legend that when making lace one day she pricked her finger then a single drop of blood fell on it and that's why the flower has a single purple flower. Because of the association to Queen Anne, some would use it to try to attract love or make themselves look more beautiful. Wild carrot is also called bird's nest or the bishop's flower which ties it to themes of safety and sanctuary.

Beauty, love, glamours

Rosebay willowherb- Also commonly known as fireweed for its appearance or bombweed because it began to heavily grow in bomb craters/sites in WWII around the UK. The rosebay willowherb has tall reddish stems and willow-like leaves with long magenta flowers. Traditionally it's been used in teas, jellies, and salads. It has a pretty bitter taste so you need to harvest it young and cook it before eating. It's used in teas for its demulcent properties, to treat certain stomach conditions, and has been used in skincare because of its astringent properties. There’s not much folklore about this plant but it’s well known for appearing after events that devastated an area, it was one of the first plants to start growing after Mt. St. Helens, after colonizers burnt down forests, and after bombs dropped in WWII. I’ve also heard it’s bad luck to pick its flowers, either stating that a storm will occur or your mother will fall ill.

Courage, perseverance, change, bad luck

Stinging nettle- tall, heart-shaped, toothed leaves. The leaves are covered in small stinging hairs that when touched will inject chemicals into one's skin and cause slight stinging sensations. Young stinging nettle has widely been used in dishes as soaking/cooking it takes away the sting. It is very similar to spinach in taste, texture, and nutrients. Ointments are made to treat arthritis and inflammation, teas are made from dried leaves and flowers to treat allergies and hayfever. Poultices of the leaves were used for stiff joints and muscle pain by helping blood circulation in that area. Be wary of using stinging nettle on your skin as it can cause rashes and blisters. Some Native American groups used it in teas as a stomach tonic. In Celtic folklore, it was said to keep evil spirits and illness at bay, it also says that when you see thick strands of nettle it means that faeries are nearby. 

Binding, protection from baneful magick and evil spirits, strength, curse breaking

Sweetgum seed pods- Also known as witch’s burrs or witch balls. Sweetgum seed pods are hard, spikey seed pods with small holes where the seeds once were. These fall from sweetgum trees after they mature and disperse their seeds. These aren’t edible nor really used for any medicinal purpose. They’re often placed around plants to protect them from animals. Magickally, you can place them around your space to ward off unwanted energies and entities or even grind them into a powder for banishing or protection. These things hurt like hell to step on so they’re also good to use in baneful protection magick, like baneful wards or return to senders. 

Protection, warding, binding, baneful protection

Violet- There are many species of violets so I'm going to cover them in a broad sense. Violets are usually small, light purple flowers with short stems, little shrubbery, and heart/kidney/scalloped leaves. In many species of violet both the leaves and flowers are edible and contain high levels of vitamins A and C, but make sure to properly identify your plant before consuming. These can be made into teas, sweets, salads, etc. Violet syrup is my favourite ! Some leaves in wild violets will taste quite soapy, so try them out before cooking them into anything. Violet leaves have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties so they are used in poultices, salves, compresses, and oils for scrapes, burns, and bug bites. Violets have traditionally been used in teas or tonics for coughs and swollen lymph nodes. There is a lot of folklore and mythology that this flower is a part of. Violets are largely associated with modesty and innocence and this stems from two main stories; Persephone was said to be picking violets when Hades kidnapped her to live in the underworld and in Greek mythology when Apollo pursued a nymph, Artemis/Diana turned her into a violet to protect her. There are also stories in The Bible that associate violets with modesty like when Archangel Gabriel tells Mary she is pregnant, violets bloom around her. This is why sometimes when a child dies, violets are put on their grave as a representation of their innocence. There are many other popular stories of violets turning to tears when someone is crying. They’re also associated with love from a story of Venus and Cupid and were believed to be an aphrodisiac in the Middle Ages. 

Femininity, respect, wisdom, modesty, divination, love 

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Disclaimer !!: Before you consume or use a plant medicinally, make sure you are 100% sure on the ID. Speak with a doctor before using a plant, especially if you’re pregnant, and make sure you aren’t allergic and that it won’t interact with any of your medications. Do not substitute legitimate medications with herbal remedies, this is not medical advice. Always do your own research before consuming or using a plant medicinally. Some of the plants, while generally safe for humans, are not safe for animals and children. As a general rule of thumb, younger greens will taste better. As the plant matures and bears fruit it will typically become more bitter, so the best time to harvest most of these is before it bears fruit. Make sure to avoid areas treated with pesticides and always wash your takings before use. And make sure you're never over-harvesting, always make sure there's another 'patch' of the plant your taking !!

[theblueflower05]

You Get Me So High

Drabble in the First Love/Late Spring series

A/N: A little bit of a filler- I just wanted an excuse to fit this little scene into this story. It didn't fit in the last part but I loved it too much to let it go.

Word Count: 2k+

Warnings: FLUFF(I know we’re all surprised, but I need a break from the angst) Minors can interact with this one. PG-13 forsure.

Summary: You unearth a gift that you forgot to give your mate. A small peek into You and Neteyam’s slow mornings. Domestic bliss and herbal tea flavored kisses. Neteyam x Reader

If you want to catch up on how we got here, here's the Series Masterlist

Previous&lt;: Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea

The morning eclipse washes over Awa’atlu, drenching it in the striking colors of the peaking sun. The sea glitters, awake before the village. Never ceasing its constant, rhythmic movement even as the people still lay dormant, tucked in tight with their loved ones.

Your status in the clan and the duties that came with it had always forced you into being an early riser, though there is nothing you loved more than digging yourself deep into your bed and slumbering for as long as possible.

You loved being comfy, feeling safe. Got stuck in behind your eyelids, in that hazy peace that only moments before the dawn could bring. Many times Ronal had dragged you from the family Mauri, huffing about the late hour and fretting with your unruly hair.

You don't wake to the hustle and bustle of your childhood home anymore.

It had been that way for the past month or so. Fertility Season had come and gone, and you and Neteyam had spent the time after adjusting to the new normal.

Both of you had grown up in loud, full homes. Surrounded by family, never a moment of quiet to be found. The still silence in your shared Mauri had been a bit unnerving at first. It was just the two of you in these walls after all.

Now though, you craved these moments. They felt private and sacred as you and Neteyam prepared for the day, for the long hours usually chalked full of duties that would keep you busy and separated.

Your mate is a man of routine, you’d picked up on the fact quickly.

He woke as soon as light begin to dance in the many sun catchers and wind chimes that littered the entrance to your Pod. Once the Fkio(birds,gulls) began to squall, he was rising. Gently untangling his limbs from your own and hurrying over to the firepit to bring it back to life.

He’d open all of the blinds to let the air in, the salty ocean breeze filling the space with a freshness that could only come with a new day.

Then comes washing up, changing into a clean tweng and re-adorning all of his jewelry, leaving the intricate battle band and layered choker for last. He liked it when you helped him fasten all of those hard-to-reach ties.

He brews strong tea in the clay pot that his mom had passed down to him. It reminds him of the ones that his grandmother had kept in her hut. Extremely detailed, crafted by an Omaticaya Ceramist. Jade green in color, jungle flowers etched into its sides.

Neteyam lets you get your fill of slumber. Enjoys watching you as you doze, curled up on the bed mat. Your features loose and lost to dreams, occasionally tensing with off scrunches or your nose or twitches of your ears. It’s only when the sun reaches a certain place in the sky that he goes to wake you. Knowing he can wait no longer before you’re late.

You love to sleep, but you absolutely hate being late.

His difficult little munxtate(wife).

He’s so gentle, every time.

Rousing you with soft touches and hums right into your skin. Even before you’re fully coherent you reach for him, greedy fingers. Pursed lips.

The piping hot tea is energizing, you nurse your cup as you go through your own little patterns.

Neteyam knows, now, that you are not particularly chatty until you’ve fully woken up. He doesn't mind the comfortable quiet, busies himself with cleaning his riding gear, readying for a day of patrolling and hunting.

You prepare a quick breakfast before bathing and dressing. Easily clocking the way Neteyam’s amber gaze fixes on your hips when you shimmy into your skirt. Reach behind yourself to twine the strings around your tail. Heat blooms across your cheeks, it’s too early for him to look at you like that. He grins when you roll your eyes and mutter something that sounds a lot like “insatiable skxawng”

The two of you have been working on getting everything organized, and the Mauri is finally coming together. Homey and colorful, filled with little trinkets and pieces of both of your cultures. You were still working on cataloging your wardrobe, untangling the many dangling tops and layered necklaces- it was a pain and you really needed to make time to get it done.

So focused on getting your herbs straightened, prioritizing assisting your heavily pregnant Aunt with healer’s errands that you’d honestly put it off.

It’s your own fault that you need to untangle the top you want to wear from various other pieces of jewelry. You can't be frustrated with anyone but yourself, you fingers work at the knots until you free the article of clothing.

You’re working the crocheted straps over your shoulders when it catches your eye.

Gleams in a beam of sunlight that streams in from the opened windows.

A low gasp escapes you as you reach for it fast.

Between the emotional chaos that had come with the misunderstanding between yourself, Neteyam and Seychelle and then haze of Fertility Season, you’d forgotten.

In the quick paced move into the new Mauri- it had been lost, buried in the messy overfilled baskets of your belongings.

It’s the armband that you’d made for Neteyam.

You enjoy making jewelry, liked the way it kept your hands from being idle. Could string delicate shells into a multitude of necklaces and bracelets and hairpieces that made good gifts for family and friends. There were villagers with more talent than you at the craft, sure, but you thought your creations were pretty enough.

This particular piece had given you a run for your money.

You'd wanted to make something that would remind him of home but the jewelry that the Sully’s wore were extremely intricate, daunting to even look at. The Omiticaya are known for their weaving skills after all.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You’d enlisted the youngest Sully to help you, a bit too shy to share the planned project with anyone else. Tuk loved crafting, frequently giving her creations to any and everyone. She had been thrilled when you approached her, practically shaking with excitement when you promised to take her out to the distant sandbars by Ilu back in exchange for her help.

Omiticayan patterns are hard to master, complex and layered. Leather isn't a medium you usually worked with and your fingers had felt clumsy as you’d attempted the multi strand braiding.

Tuk is patient and friendly. A brilliant teacher even at her young age. She’d spent hours tucked away on that private beach with you. Chattering excitedly as you began to pick it up and the band starts to take shape.

“Who’re you making it for?” She’d questioned, pressing in that innocent, instant way that only a child could “I don't see anyone here wear jewelry like this, it's all so different from back home”

“Just for a friend” You’d paused for a moment, staring down at your slow working fingers. “I think these designs are beautiful, you’ll have to help me make more. I want an anklet just like yours”

She’d beamed, happy to show off the dangling jewels on her feet. She’d made it herself! She could make you one to match, easy!

Only when the horns had sounded, dinner going to start soon, did the two of you gather your belongings and head back in. Tuk had told her parents she would be with you, Jake and Neytiri had deemed you responsible enough to get her back safely. You wouldn't disappoint.

“I hope your friend likes it, Y/N! See ya tomorrow! Don’t be late- you promised we’d race to the sandbar! You can't go back on a promise!” She’d called to you as you’d reached the village, running off in a flurry. Energetic as ever.

“I would never! Get ready to lose, Tuktirey!”

Her twinkling laugh all the response she’d given you.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You’d worked so hard on the band. Meticulously incorporated pieces of shells into the leather. Turquoise, carnelian and topaz toned, to match the beads of Neteyam's choker. The shells were hard to find, but you’d scoured the shore for days, discarding the ones that weren't the right color.

A large blush colored pearl hangs from the center, the patterns of the banding circling it in delicate loops.

You run your fingers over it, recalling how much hard work you’d put into it. How many hours you’d spend having to undo and we braid the patterns-

You plop down next to your mate, near the fire. Legs criss crossed neatly and an eager smile on your face. Clutching something hidden in your fist.

“What?” Neteyam wonders as he eats his breakfast. He’d quickly become fond of the milky sweet rice and fruit that you made in the mornings, he shovels it eagerly into his mouth every time.

“I have a present for you”

That was the last thing he was expecting to hear. His eyebrows raise and his tail flicks, interested, behind him.

“Really?” he speaks with his mouth still full. He’s endearing, even when he’s gross.

“Yes, I am very late. I meant to give it to you long ago. But with the move and everything else it got lost. So lost, you’ve seen the chest where I keep my clothing. It really is a mess” you wave your free hand in the air, gesturing almost wildly as you ramble”- ugh. I forgot, I truly did”

He waits patiently throughout your little special, a small smile on his lips.

“You didn't need to get me anything…” he says, but you can see the concealed intrigue in his eyes. Dare you say it was excitement?

You're a bit nervous as you open your hand, revealing the contents inside, resting against your palm. Holding it out to him in offering. “I wanted to. Here, I really hope you like it”

Neteyam takes the armband between his thin fingers, brings it close to his face to inspect it. The whole time your heart races wildly and you stare at him for any inclination that he might not like it-

“Did you make this?”

“I did” you nod.

“But it’s- it’s Omiticayan design? How did you do this?”

“Oh, I know. It’s why it’s a little bit rough- I’d never made anything like it before. But Tuk was tons of help! She pretty much walked me through it all. We did it months ago but like I told you, I misplaced it”

Neteyam continues to stare at it, his eyes swimming with emotion. He runs his thumb along the weaved leather, over and over again. “The pearl?..”

“The one you found at the beach, in the clam, remember? You gave it to me but I wanted you to be able to keep it. I wasn't lying when I said they’re good luck when they’re that big”

His eyes go from the gift in his hand, meet yours instead. They’re shining. Happy, clearly and a grin breaks out across your face, able to read the wordless que's.

“Get over here” Neteyam reaches for you, hand cupping your face as he clutches you to him, almost right into his empty lap. Claims your willing lips with his own.

The kisses are smothering, consistent little pecking that makes you gasp. He tastes like creamy rice and sweet Yovo- you can feel his canines as he grin. Your hands tangle into his braids, clutching him right back. Your stomach flip flopping with the sheer joy of it all.

“You like?” you’re muffled by his lips, speak the question into his mouth.

“I” kiss “Love” kiss “It”

He doesn't bother to pull away until he's kissed you stupid. Long and thorough. Your head is spinning and theres butterflies erupting in your chest. Your lips feel a bit raw as you pant and lean against him heavily.

“I can't believe you took the time to do this. You are the sweetest, you know. So sweet to me I don't even know what to do with you” He beams and your heart skips one beat. And then two. His smile is a bright thing, his front teeth just a bit longer then the rest-

You hope your children look like him. You wish you could have seen him as a little one.

You caress his face, knuckling lightly at his cheeks. Watching, your hindbrain lighting up, as he slips the band up his arm until it sits snug around his bulging bicep, secured tight.

It looks so good.

You have the urge to make him endless ornaments. Maybe you'll start something for his hair? You could probably find feathers similar to the ones he wore now...

Everytime you think that you couldn't possibly get any happier, you do. You think that you might float away one day- filled to the brim with all of the buoyant love you have for him.

“Thank you, really Y/N. I-” his voice wavers a bit as your nose rubs against his. You’re content like this, in his lap. Pressed in close with your lover. “I don't know how I lived so many years without you. You bring me joy I didn't know existed”

His words echo your frequent thoughts.

The morning is soft and syrupy slow, like all mornings spent with your mate.

Waking up early did have its perks, after all.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

So Neteyam’s sisters X Y/N are some of my favorite dynamics. I can’t wait to write more Tuk & Kiri.

I got some asks after Part Three and I was like ohhhh no, everyone thinks they’re toxic but they’re really not lol they just need to learn how to not be idiots and communicate with each other.

Can we talk about how Y/N's love language is offering her self up to Neteyam on a silver plate? I'm pretty sure that could be translated to Gift Giving.

I’m thinking about doing a little filler/drabble like this every few chapters as a kind of pallet cleanser? There’s just so much about this world and these characters that I want to share with you all.

Also mango sticky rice is my absolute favorite and I’m a green tea girly. Of course I had to incorporate them somewhere😂

What are some of your favorite things that you’d like to see in this universe? Let me know!

[angelfic]

imagine learning that tim is just. constantly running on coffee bc of his lack of sleep so you make him chai instead of coffee one day and he just switches to that bc its healthier and also it reminds him of u so!! motivation (+ u have to teach him how to make it cuz … ik that boy still says chai tea theres no way he knows how to already (damian shakes his head every time he hears it))

just went crazy thinking about this. I’m never going to be normal about tim ever again.

He’s just baffled at the fact you’re not measuring anything and just eyeballing stuff. Not only does it turn out the same every time, but he’s tried measuring everything according to a recipe he found online, and somehow yours tastes better. Every single time.

He eventually gives up trying to meticulously measure out each part of it and tries to watch you do it. It’s extremely hard for him to try and imitate your methods, especially with the lack of measurements involved.

“Okay, add a couple pods of cardamom, and- A COUPLE PODS, NOT THE WHOLE JAR, TIM.”

He stands there looking guilty as hell as his hands are clutching the empty jar. He’s also slightly scared because you just channelled your inner aunty, but that’s beside the point. How else is he supposed to learn???

Anyway, because he’s going crazy without a recipe to follow properly, he also gets distracted easily and tries eating a cardamom pod.

“What the fuck did I just put in my mouth?”

He’s gagging and running to get a spoon to shovel some sugar in his mouth and he’s super confused because chai tastes good, so why on God’s green earth does the cardamom taste like it’s from the deepest, darkest, most evil part of hell imaginable. Core desi child experience, you explain to him.

Once he starts drinking chai, coffee starts tasting like shit and he develops a serious addiction and he eventually masters the skill of making proper, authentic chai, because, duh, he’s Tim (And he secretly asked Damian to help him learn. Damian was not as forgiving as you). Yours still tastes better, though.

[honeyspotpie]

Okay so I wish the Ninjago fandom made more names for platonic duos/trios :/ maybe I'm just a spoiled MonkieKidder who's used to every single character combination to ever be conceived in someone's head having a name lol... So as a gift to you all enjoy some of my Dragons Rising platonic (mostly duo) name suggestions! (I'm giving explanations for them just in case, even if most are obvious)

Arin + Sora = GrapeFruit Duo (I talked about this before but grapefruits are orange and (kinda?) pink just like them! Plus fruit themed duo names are my favorite ever :3)

Lloyd + Arin = ApplePie Duo (apples are associated green (like Lloyd!) and pies are Arin's thing! And I adore them and apple pie in general <3)

Lloyd + Arin + Sora = Hibiscus Tea Trio (this one just makes sense to me okay... The hibiscus flower is very Sora-Arin coded in my head and tea alludes to Master Wu therefore Master Lloyd blah blah you get it!!!)

Wyldfyre + Kai = Blaze Duo (speaks for itself)

Wyldfyre + Arin = Flicker Duo (just warmth, spark, light and all that... themcore... And simply calling them "Flicker" is so so cute)

Wyldfyre + Sora = PyroTech Duo (like pyrotechnics!! Kinda iffy on it I will see... Wyldcat is really cool too but it's more so their ship name^^)

Arin + Sora + Wyldfyre = Sunset Trio (I struggled with this one the most but I decided on Sunset because a) it reflects their colors (orange, pink and red are all sunset-y colors) and b) the sunset can represent the old ninja "setting" like the sun to let the new generation "shine" instead :D)

Sora + Nya = CatFish Duo (catfish are extremely silly I love them so much... cat because Sora's cat motif and fish because water/ocean so Nya!)

Arin + Nya = TidePod Duo (this was, no joke, my first thought when coming up with a name... I was thinking of orange and blue things and Tide Pods were the first thing that came to mind... Guess my humor is just forever stuck in 2019 haha)

Sora + Euphrasia = KittyKite Duo (kitty for Sora and kite because it flies in the wind so Euphrasia! This one rolls off the tongue :P)

Arin + Euphrasia = Tornado Duo (because Arin's Spinjitzu - spinjitzus are just mini tornados and tornados are air/wind disasters it just makes sense :0)

Honorable mention goes to the Geo + Sora duo (I JUST LOVE THEIR CANON INTERACTION AND THE WAY THEY PARRALEL EACH OTHER^^) I would probably call them something among the lines of "Repair Duo" or "RepairShop Duo" :]

Anyhow if you have any suggestions or ideas yourself, feel free to rb or comment!!!

[whoopseydaisy]

The Overflowing Heart

I will tell you how I made this witch’s token, but you will have to find a way of your own. It is as Grandmother Wren told us,

“Remember always that some portion of magic is yours to wield, and that the world contains many, many truths.”

the recipe:

3/4 oz Kazuki gin

1 1/2 oz. Sake + tea mixture

1 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit

3/4 oz. Strega

shake over ice, and serve in your finest or favourite tea cup

garnish with dried rose petals

notes:

Sherringham Kazuki gin— a collaboration of one of my favourite distilleries and my favourite local tea shop, Westholme Tea Farm. Made from Japanese cherry blossoms, and locally grown tea leaves with notes of yuzu, grapefruit, and juniper. I first visited Sherringham in a trio of my own, on a day long adventure, visiting a beach someway up the island. Westholme is run by an old coworker of my Aunt’s, and his partner who makes gorgeous pottery. I could not put words to my excitement when I first heard whispers of their collaboration.

Sake + Tea Mixture— I can never fully recreate this just the same. There is magic in that, I think. I have little left. I made it by taking a sprinkling of the following teas from Westholme, and cold steeping them in a mason jar with a large ice cube, topped with sake and a splash of moon bathed witch water.

featuring:

Blossom: (jasmine green, floral), for the cottage’s calendar

Bi Luo Chun: (green, delicate and earthy), for i thought it was grown here, over seven long years (I rolled a nat 1 on my perception check)

Pur-eh: (fermented, earthy), for its mushroominess and it’s connection therin

Dog: (black assam, vanilla and cardamon, from the Chinese Zodic series), the cardamom pod and a few leaves, for our beloved Fox

Witch Water: the witch water used in this potion was bathed in the Friday, October 13th New Moon (a day so witchy I thought for sure the class would be released that day!) in an empty kazuki gin vessel

~

Grapefruit— because it was pink and in season and a citrus I love dearly

Strega— the witch liqueur! According to legend, Giuseppe Alberti was given the recipe for this elixir after saving a witch falling out of the sacred walnut tree, under which witches would convene to dance and perform their rituals.

for the cocktail chapter of the @worldsbeyondpod unofficial cookbook

[fantasydreaamer]

I found this original short story written by the author of Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, Miri Mikawa. It's a story that's in the special edition Blu Ray bonus Vol 2. I had to share it with the fandom. This is in Anne's pov, Enjoy!

(Btw, this is just the first part of the story, I though it was complete, but it wasn't)

Anne and the Fairies’ Early Summer Tea Party

When Anne opened the window, the summer breeze caressed her cheeks, bringing with it the smell of fresh greenery. “Summer is nice, the wind is soothing.”

Anne narrowed her eyes and turned indoors. The obsidian fairy, Challe Fenn Challe, who was sitting on the bed, tilted his face up and looked at her. He eyed the sunlight filtering through the window and responded curtly. “That’s right.” His tone was cold, though his expression was calm, and his wing, which was lightly draped over the sheets, was a refreshing light green color that glowed faintly.

Although he doesn’t seem to express joy, it seems that he must be comfortable in the early summer breeze and sunlight. It’s been more than half a year since they started travelling together. Anne has come to understand his mood from the changes in his facial expression and the color of his wing.

“I love this season too!” a voice full of energy said, and then jumped on Anne's shoulder. It was Mithril Lid Pod, the small fairy with lake-blue eyes. Thankfully, his emotions were easily understood, unlike Challe's.

“I’m a little sad that winter is over because I can’t drink mulled wine anymore. But there are some things that we can drink at this time of the year. Anne, do you know?”

Anne arched her back a little. “Of course! Early summer is tea season. Do you know why we came to Lewiston?”

Mithril’s face brightens. “To enjoy the Early Summer Tea Festival, right?”

At the end of last year, Anne celebrated Ascension Day in Lewiston and spent the New Year Holiday there before continuing her journey. With the thousand cress she received from the former Duke of Philax, she is able to live comfortably until the next fair without working. However, it was not good to live a life of leisure. She needed to continue working to live a stable life. So Anne, just like Emma, decided to drive around small villages and towns selling sugar confections. The sales were decent.

Although, she didn’t have the title of Silver Sugar Master, rumors of the former Duke of Philax's sugar confections spread, so she attracted people’s interest when the name of Anne Halford was mentioned.

So relying on a map, on a whim, they came to Lewiston yesterday. They stayed at the affordable, safe and clean Weather Vane Inn, and it had been a long time since Anne had seen the friendly proprietress again. All of this, as a cheerful Mithril said, was in order to attend the festival in Lewiston.

“You two seem to know about the festival, don't you? It’s only held in Lewiston and Westol.” Challe said with a sideways glance at Anne and Mithril.

Mithril raised his chin proudly. “Heh, heh. Who do you think I am? I'm Lord Mithril Lid Pod. I've heard rumors that there will be such celebration.”

Anne also replied with the same arrogance as Mithril. “I heard about it when I was travelling with my mother. We enjoyed the tea of early summer when we slept outdoors.”

The tea that is generally consumed in the Kingdom of Highland is brewed from fermented and ripened tea leaves. When the leaves are harvested, there is only a small period of time where you can savor the rich aroma of the freshly roasted tea leaves. This is called the tea of early summer. This tea was common among the nobles, but not among the common people.

However, after the civil war of House Chamber, the country became more and more stable, and the lives of the common people settled down, and this entertainment of the nobles spread to the common people. More than ten years ago, the cities of Lewiston and Westol began to hold tea party celebrations. The tea festivals in early summer were held only in the larger cities. It was a very desirable celebration for the young boys and girls of the countryside. If someone goes to the festival, they will be the center of conversation for a month. The tea festival will start tomorrow and will last for three days.

Challe, looked at both of them who were puffing out their chests and asked with an expressionless face. “How do you plan on enjoying the early summer festival?”

Anne and Mithril exchanged a confused expression.

“This ...... since it's a festival ......” Anne then realized that she didn't know exactly what the festival would be like. It seemed that the same was true for Mithril who had a flustered expression. Both of them had heard of the existence of the festival, but they didn’t know much about it. It was a festival they had always wanted to attend, so now that they were travelling on their own volition, the three of them came to Lewiston wanting to enjoy it together.

An early summer festival… Now that you mention it, I wonder how it’s going to be like.

Challe saw through them and asked them with an exasperated look on his face. "How do you enjoy it?"

“Yes, yes, yes! Well, you know, you go into town, drink early summer tea, sing, dance, and even splash tea on each other! Mithril in a cold sweat invented something random.

Anne also stammered as she answered.  “I'm not quite sure, but I've heard that they enjoy the tea. Anyway, on festival days they go out into the city and have fun. Um... Shall we splash tea on each other?”

Challe held his forehead and sighed heavily. He was annoyed at them, because they were excited about the festival without even knowing the reality of it.

“You two should go ahead and have such a bizarre festival.”

“Hey, what do you mean? Do you know what this festival is really like, Challe Fenn Challe?”

“I know.” he answered dryly.

Mithril’s mouth opened wide before he muttered again. “N-no that’s a lie. How can the boring Challe Fenn Challe who has no hobbies, could know more than me, the one who loves theater and festivals?”

“I’ll throw you out of the window.” Challe glared at Mithril.

Anne asked excitedly, “What kind of celebration is it? What will be done?”

“The one I know of is the Westol festival, which is the same. There are street vendors that sell tea leaves and the townspeople buy them.”

“Is that all?”

“During the three days of the festival, relatives, acquaintances, and friends are invited to the ceremonies. They show each other the leaves they have bought and enjoy them. During these three days, people have a break from work and have a tea party.”

“No tea will be spilled on each other? We won't sprinkle tea leaves?We won't tug on the tea tree? That's boring...” Mithril said.

To the disgruntled looking Mithril, Challe responded. “Originally, this festival was an aristocratic custom, not a festival run by the commoners for the sake of lively entertainment. It's a pity.”

Anne hugged her arms and pondered. “Tea leaves can be bought, though. It would be a bit difficult to organize a tea party. I don't know anyone in Lewiston.”

With a thud, Mithril Lid Pod clapped his hands together. “Kat and Benjamin are here!”

“Kat moved away to a town down south.” Hearing Challe’s words, Mithril slumped his shoulders.

“That's true. They’re not here.”

“Well, there’s no need to invite people. We can just buy some delicious tea leaves and enjoy them together.” Anne said with excitement.

When Anne and Emma traveled together, they heard that there was a festival called the Early Summer Tea Festival, so they bought tea leaves and enjoyed them. They talked about wanting to go to a festival someday, but they were happy with their own festival.

Even though Emma was gone, Anne now had two friends with whom she could celebrate the tea festival. Even if they could only experience half of the festival, it was enough. Because just like when she was with Emma, they could celebrate it on their own.

Let's forget about splashing tea on each other. It seems that Challe would be furious…

[sollowellness]

The Best K Cup Coffee Pods for Keurig or Espresso Machines – Choose the Best One

Are you looking for the organic coffee pods for keurig or Espresso machines to get freshly brewed coffee cup to enjoy your leisure time?

For keurig and other machines, the most common thing is choosing the best K cup coffee pods – the round, flat paper pouch that are filled with ground coffee – harvested, roasted and packed in these pods. Such coffee pods are made of ground coffee and a filter that is combined together.

Depending on your requirement, you can choose the best range of coffee pods that are in varied flavors and roasts. You can get them with tea too. They are available as soft and hard type. Choosing the best one depends on your choice. The soft types of pods are used to make drip coffee in a range of non-pressurized machines. They are not used in Keurigs. Hard types of pods are used to make espresso in pump machines and called as easy serving espresso pods. 

There are different options available, when it comes to choose the best K cup coffee pods:

Weight loss dark roast organic coffee pods

Medium roast organic coffee pods

Ketogenic proof dark roast organic coffee pods

Brain power organic dark roast coffee pods with MCT

ACAI and varied forms of vitamins

Chaga mushroom – the organic chaga with 100% Arabica for immune support and memory booster

There are different other options to keep your interest continue in enjoying coffee. Apart from the aforementioned options, there are varied other options available like energy boost dark roast coffee pods, increase energy & metabolism, usda organic, bold & smooth, 100% arabica, single serve pod compatible with 2.0 k-cup keurig brewers, 24 ct and a lot more. Such pods are idea for beauty purpose that come with biotin, B vitamins & Aloe V.era

Buy the Best K-Cup Coffee Pods

If you are looking for the best and cheapest K cup coffee pods, you will have some better options to fulfill your requirement by going online – a convenient way to enhance your experience and provide you with some better options to choose the best one.

It will be better to check all details and get the right solutions in timely manner. Their main motive is to change the habit of taking coffee with amazing taste. Prices are competitive and backed by discounts; while you can get delivery on time and right to your address. You can also get organic products that are recyclable too. Different options are available and one can bet you will surely get something perfect for you.

Sollo Wellness is a one stop trusted name in this domain providing you with the best range of coffee pods for keurig. Choose the best and place your order. Delivery is made to your address without any delay.

[mod2amaryllis]

what do you mean by black water? I'm Curious but I don't know fish things.

it's a style of aquarium where you add tannins to the water to get this tea coloration

tannins are released by wood and what's referred to as "botanicals," stuff you find in nature like seed pods, pine cones, leaves, basically organic matter that breaks down slowly in water. it's cool cuz the idea is that you're mimicking the natural environment of the fish, and it's really good for them! you can look up the benefits of adding tannins. i put leaf litter in my tanks, just not enough to make my water too dark. when i boil the leaves i even add some of the "tea" for an extra little boost.

visually it's just sooooo cool.... you can't go too crazy with plants since the light won't penetrate, but the botanicals plus just a few pops of green is gorgeous

neon tetras are considered ideal for black water because it's so close to their natural environment in the Amazon. they're happy in it, and in fact their bright colors are that way BECAUSE it shines so brightly through the tannins; in the wild it helps schools keep track of each other!

[stabhag]

I haven't written in ages, please enjoy.

Emmrich Volkarin/F!Rook/Antivan Crow/Spellsword

SFW/Fluff/I don't have an AO3 account yet weeee

~Tea Time~

There was something magical about strange herbs in hot water. Not the herbs the Crows used to dull the minds of their victims, no, but the ones that Rook would smell wafting from the kettle over the fire in the Lighthouse. The real fire, not the blue-green veilfire that caused the dark stone to always look like light filtering through shallow pools.

The plants inside each concoction would change, depending on the mood of the creator. From light and fruity when a battle had gone well to the smell of campfire and smoke when something particularly disturbing had revealed itself. As time passed, Rook knew exactly how the tea’s creator had felt with each simmering pot. 

She didn’t know why she was so drawn to him. She was an assassin, a Crow, a spellsword, a murderer. He’d probably soothed spirits trapped in the bodies of some of her victims, helping them rest after she had brutally struck them down in the dark. But here she was, and there he was, all elaborate robes and bangles and kind eyes while she stared at his back all sharp features, sharp blades, and an even sharper tongue. 

She watched him now, digging through jars of multi-colored plants that he’d stored in a makeshift larder near the hearth, mumbling to himself while he handed them to his skeleton servant. Friend? They weren’t even labeled. She’d seen him on multiple occasions grab a handful of plants while they were on missions only to stuff them absently into an odd-shaped jar for later use. 

Manfred’s jaw opened slightly and he began to teeter as Emmrich handed him a tall jar filled with wicked looking seed pods. His head tilted towards Rook as if to ask for help but she had already stood up, inhumanly fast, to catch the falling jar of tea. 

“Ah, thank you Rook.” He didn’t even look over his shoulder. “Manfred just say something next time if you need help," he chuckled, knowing the animated creature of bones and cloth couldn't talk.

The skeleton looked as indignant as he could and clacked his jaw shut. She swore she shared a knowing look with him as to say “please help this old fool”, but it was probably just her imagination. Rook was so close to the necromancer she could smell the tea he was making in an intricate bronze kettle. It was different than any of the ones he’d made before, this time she smelled flowers. Roses? They smelled so familiar to her. 

“Emmrich what are you making this time? It smells delightful. It reminds me of Antiva for some reason.” She moved over to the circular wooden table in the center of the room and pushed over a few maps and battle plans, including some inappropriate drawings Bellara had made of Assan biting the heads off of demons. As she set the jars down she could feel his eyes burning into the back of her neck while he spoke slowly, deliberately, following the sound of tea pouring and cup against saucer. 

“Antivan coastal roses, elfroot, orange essence, a light, airy red tea that brews a deep purple if the water is hot enough.” 

There it was. That soft voice, that caring tone, and the feeling it caused in her chest that she fought to force down. 

“That’s ah, oddly specific. Is this because of what happened with the dragon? I thought death was something beautiful," she awkwardly shifted a few scrolls around the table. "Plus it was only a scratch.”

She’d been unconscious for three days and Taash had built her a coffin.

“Not when it’s someone you would much rather see amongst the living.”

The touch on her shoulder nearly caused her to jump out of her skin. She had no idea how that man walked so silently with so much ridiculous jewelry on. It had to be dark, twisted magic. 

She felt him reach around her with his other hand and hold the tea in front of her face. The cup was white and covered in deep green vines on a delicate plate, the tea a dark purple color steaming and smelling like roses and orange and sunshine on the coast. He didn’t move his hand and she was incredibly thankful he couldn’t see her face blush at his proximity behind her. 

“The elfroot is because I’ve still seen you limping,” he whispered, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. She couldn’t move, he was too close to her and she could feel the heat radiating off him and the tea and her mind froze. She reached for the cup and took a sip, it was all she could do. 

It tasted more floral than she had expected, along with the brightness of the orange, but slightly sweet. He must have added honey to cover up the bitterness of the elfroot.

“I like it. Thank you Emmrich.”

She could have sworn he got closer to her before he took his hand away. 

“I think I’ll call it the Crow’s Cure,” his voice was soft again. Gentle, caring, and in the pit of her stomach she knew it was a voice he saved just for her.

“I’ll make it for you whenever you desire."

[akwolfgrl]

I'm a great fuck but better lover part 1

This is the sequel to lust filled thoughts. Looking for a beta

Sanji yawned as he excited the bathroom, his hair still damp from his shower. He would love a nap, but he had far too much to get done today. He slipped into the galley, and Mr. Noddles starched from where he was curled up on the same stoll from yesterday and hopped down, meowing up at him.

“Are you hungry boy? Ready for breakfast?” Sanji opened the fridge and took out butter, the marmalade since he hasn't had the time to make more jam, whole sardines, chicken, a bit of liver and kidney for Mr. Noodles breakfast. He would need to dehydrate the organ meats to use for Mr. Noodles food, that way he had it readily available. If they could get fresh game that would be prefect.

Sanji placed the dish on the floor and Mr. Noddles attack the food in a very Luffy esce style. He turned his attention to the stove to start his breakfast while he planed the crews meals for the day.

He took a seat with his tea, toast and notebook. He keep a running list of everything about the ship, he could make shakuka for brekasfast with extra meat for luffy, tuna poke bowls for lunch with tuna steaks for luffy, maybe some ricotta and lemon pasta for dinner again extra for the bottomless pit of a Captain, semla for dessert. He had some fresh cardamom pods he wanted to use and it wasn't too sweet.

Sanji wanted to keep busy today so he wouldn't have time to think about last night. He felt embarrassed that he had gotten so upset at Zoro last night. It was a mix of things, he had been mocked during sex before and hated it, unfortunately with Zoros green hair it had also brought back memories of Yonji. Every if his shity family wasn't shitty he wouldn't want to think of them during sex.

While in the middle of mixing the paste with the cabbage, a pair of arms warped around his waist and a head rested between his shulder blades. Zoro muzzled againt the back of his shirt like a giant cat.

“Wow your up early, thught you'd still be sleeping,”

“Couldn't sleep any more after you left,” the green haired swordsman mumbled. “Why do you have to wake so early anyway?”

“I'm used to it, I like to have a bit of time to myself to drink tea, eat and plan out the meals for the day, some of us actually ha e jobs Marimo,” Sanji couldn't help but tease.

“Hey! I have a job, I'm the frist mate I protect the crew,” Zoro lifted his head and placed it on sanjis shulder. “It's to fucking early start shit Ero-cook,”

“Here,” Sanji held up a gloved hand, a pice of kimchi in his fingers. “Try this see if you like it before the fremastion,” Zoro allowed Sanji to feed him a bit of the red coated cabbage leaf.

“Mmm little spicy but good, more?”

“It's not that spicy, here have a piece of the core,” Sanji gave him another piece.

“Hmm maybe you just burned all your taste buds off, more,” Zoro demanded, his mouth open and waiting.

“Here the middle part, it's got the core and a leaf, next I'll let you try a piece of radish but that's it,” Sanji popped the piece into the swordsman's mouth.

“Stingy,” Zoro spoke before chewing after he ate the radish he spoke again. “I like that one it's crunchy,”

[aesthetic-gamersnail]

A Nightmare (Trolls, Broppy fanfic, oneshot)

I have been thinking about and cooking up my Brozone therapy fanfiction, but I also wanted to write and think about something else for a change. (They have quite occupied my mind) So, I present to you an angsty Broppy fanfic with a happy ending. It takes place somewhen after TWT, but it is not really relevant to the plot (except that Poppy and Branch are already dating). And it is all written in Poppy's POV. I have only written two fanfics before this one (and I'm not even sure these count as fanfics), so please don't be too harsh on me. But I still would love to hear your constructive criticism and personal opinions, therefore feedback is very welcome (I want to grow as a writer and in my creativity in general) With all the things said, I hope you have fun and you like it :) ----------------------------------------------------

It was a nice sunny day. Poppy was in her pod sitting on a couch. With both of her feet up and her scrapbook material in her lap, she hummed to herself satisfied while doing her most favorite activity: scrapbooking. Right beside her sitting was Branch who was occupied with reading a book. The book was called 'Effi Briest'. She asked Branch once what the book was about and he said it was about a girl who at a young age married a baron. They have a child together but because she was unhappy with her marriage, did not feel respected by the baron and was generally not happy with their current situation, she had an affair with the major, one of the baron's friends, but immediately regretted it and stopped seeing him when they moved to a different place. Years later, with their marriage actually already improved over the years, the baron finds out about the affair and kills the major in a duel. Effi is divorced, loses the custody to her child and is exiled from society. At the end she dies at the age of 29 in her childhood home. She asked him why he would read something so sad. At that he pouted and said that first of all it is classic and a 'poetic realism novel' (whatever that is supposed to mean) and second of all it is a book that reaches deep within what the construct of society really is and how it influences our morals and understandings of the world. She nodded at that but still did not quite understand why he would specifically want to read that story. She would rather read something at least with a happy ending. But when she sees how at peace with himself he seems when reading this book, she can't really complain. He is truly one of a kind.

Before them was a coffee table, with two mugs and a tea pot. They both decided on peppermint tea, because he thought that berry tea was too sweet and she thought green tea was too bitter. She put her scissors down for a while and took one of the mugs into her hand. She took a sip of the warm, minty beverage and took her surroundings in. She looked at her pink walls, the sunny world outside her window and her boyfriend besides her on the couch. Wow, boyfriend. To her this thing was still pretty new - and terrifying. She never has had a serious relationship before, and she did not think about having one in her future because she almost always only thought about her responsibilities as queen. But now, it was impossible to think about a future and Branch not being there. He was her other part that complimented her and she hoped she was that to him too. You may say, he was her ying to her yang - or the butter to her cookies- well, of course you could make cookies without the butter, there are substitutes out there - getting off track here, Poppy. The point is: he slipped into her life and without her noticing he became the most important part of it. With his stupid cute ears, that were moving to the slightest sounds, but also sometimes exposing his true feelings. His giggling that was the softest she has ever heard. His ramblings about various topics that she would listen too, even though she did not always understand all of the things he talked about, she was curious to know what he was interested in. And he would do the same for her. And the way he would sometimes hold her hand while brushing his thumb over it, made her ecstatic. And she knew she could always be honest with him and she could trust and depend on him, because he was always honest to her.

Before that it was sometimes pretty lonely. It is not like she did not trust her friends and didn't enjoy their company, but people do not always feel inquired to be honest to someone who will be or is a queen, even if that said person is in the wrong. But Branch was never that way. Whenever he thought she was in the wrong, he would always tell her. She may have not appreciated that many times before and may also not have listened to him which she is not very proud of. But now she really, really appreciates it. She needed that. And it took some stress off her shoulders, because there was now always a person who really got her back. Who would tell her if she is going way out of her head or making the wrong decision. She could really trust him. And she felt understood.

And besides that she really loved him. And that scared her. Because by now he was just - Branch. He was irreplaceable. And she didn't know how she would deal with it if something were to happen to him. She shook her head. Nope, noooo, happy thoughts, happy thoughts. What is she getting all sad about? Everything is fine. He is here with his kinda sad book and he is fine. Why is she thinking about such negative things? At that she sighed. Branch turned his head to her and asked: "Hey, everything's alright?" She smiled at him: "Yes, everything is fine. Just-" she looked at the book in his hand "How many times have you already read this book? I mean you summarized the whole plot to me in a few seconds." "Oh. Well, I guess like, augh, the sixth time by now?" "WHAT? Are you obsessed with this book? Because that is honestly some excessive reading." "I guess it is one of my favorites, but to be honest, I have a lot of books I have read more that a few times. If you have a lot of time alone, you find various ways to spend it. But, actually, what I have been wondering about, what is your favorite book?" "My favorite book?" She had to think about it. And contemplate if she should actually tell him.

"....Promise you won't laugh?" "Sure, cross my heart and hope to die." "...Ok, I don't want you to die, so you better keep the promise. I know it is actually a children's book but I always quite enjoyed 'Alice in Wonderland'." He looked at her, thought about it and nodded. "Literary nonsense, huh.", he said, "...Yeah, that suits you." "Um", she was a little offended, "excuse me, but what exactly are you calling literary nonsense?" "What? Oh! No, no", he waved his hand, while shaking his head and laughing, " 'Literary nonsense' is a genre. It breaks common rules, violates proven things and norms of language. It is largely absurd and a game with language. Nevertheless, the genre is not pointless and cannot be dismissed as simple nonsense or jokes. Because nonsense is not only funny or satirical, but also follows certain rules or sequences. And I thought to my self, that it makes sense that you would enjoy this type of literature."

"....Wow", she smirked at him, "You are one big literature nerd." "At least, I'm not a scrapbooking nerd.", he put his hands to one his cheeks, while closing his eyes and speaking in a way too high pitched voice,"Braaanch, do you know which glue is the best fit to put a scrapbook together? Braaanch, do you know which materials are the coziest to put into a scrapbook? Here are the top five." She had to giggle. "I do not sound like that." "Are you suuuree?", he said while instensely blinking at her. "Hey! Stop that!", she scooched closer to him and took one of his hands into her own. "You", she pointed a finger at him while smiling," are such a dork. I sometimes can't believe that you are the most serious guy I know." He smirked at her. "Well, I just find the middle ground. Guess I am the perfect man after all." "Yeah, yeah, sure. Throw narcissism in there too, if you're at it." "Poppy, you are, augh," he put his free hand over his heart, "too cruel. How can you do that to the person you love?" "Well, honesty is the best policy." He chuckled and said: "Can't argue with that." Poppy looked him in the face and had to keep herself under control. Why, for the love of god, was he so cute? And have the bluest eyes in the world? Argh! It was making her mad for no reason. "By the way,", said Branch while smiling at her, "your dad invited us to go fishing later." "Oh, that sounds very nice." " I do have to ask though." "What is it?", she said it while smiling back at him and squeezing his hand. "Is the sky bleeding?"

Suddenly everything went red. The sky was not baby blue anymore, it was a dark red and the clouds were moving at an indescribable pace. The warmth in her hand was gone too and she looked at the couch. Branch was gone. She stood up franticly and looked around but he was nowhere to be found. "Branch? Branchifer? Sweetie? Where are you?!" Her heartbeat was increasing rapidly and her breathing became irregular. Her sight was getting foggier and foggier and it became harder to breath by the minute. Her thoughts were scrambled, she couldn't form a single sentence in her head. Her whole body was filled with a sense of dread and she was ready to collapse any minute. Breathing pained and with the last shaky breath she took, she woke up.

She had to blink a few times to understand, that the whole thing was just dream. She looked outside her window and saw that the sun was already coming down. She was on her couch with Branch resting on one of her shoulders, cuddled up to her and holding her hand while slightly snoring. She remembered now that they were talking about literature before and were just giggling and messing around but it seems at some point, they have both fallen asleep. Her mind must have taken that and mixed reality with her dream world to create the nightmare she just had. She sighed relieved and cuddled her cheek into Branch's soft hair and melted into his warmth. Thank god, it was only a dream. And that Branch was right here by her side too, so that she was reassured that he was ok. Guess she was more scared of losing him than she thought. But, it would be alright. Because she would always be there for him and be by his side. No matter what.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, we have come to the end. My head canon that Branch is a literary nerd brought me the pain to think for an hour which book I should give for him to read, so there is also that hahaha But I hope you enjoyed it :)