#happy feast day to my mother-in-law

[helshound]

remember, remember, the fifth of september, the spongecake gate treason and plot...

[venusbyline]

Celebration in Winterfell — Jacaerys Velaryon.

— summary: Jacaerys notices his wife's fears about the childbirth of their first child and takes her to celebrate her name day in Winterfell, his wife's homeland.

— pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x Stark!reader

— type: fluff

— word count: 752

— tags/warnings: female!reader, pregnant!reader, husband!Jacaerys, cuddling & snuggling, fear of childbirth, married couple, established relationship, half-brother!Cregan mentioned, canon divergence (No Dance of the Dragons/War for Succession). no use of y/n. english is not my first language.

❥ Jacaerys masterlist • HOTD masterlist

— author's notes: A gift for my sweet @thesongoficeandfir3, who's celebrating her birthday ❤️❤️ Definitely I'm not a fluff writer but I tried this time for you lmaooo. Happy birthday pookie 💞💞

— crossposting: AO3

❥ about me • main masterlist

Visiting Winterfell that week had been your husband Jacaerys’ idea. A way to celebrate your name day in your homeland, with the people you were always close to before moving to Dragonstone to seal the marriage union between the two of you.

He wanted to present you with something that was more important than a grand feast with random ladies and lords, and he also did not want to be so superfluous as to give you only jewelry at this crucial moment during your pregnancy.

Jacaerys could see the look of melancholy in your face every time you saw his family gathered around you, all laughing and joking with each other. Ever since you married the crown prince, you had become part of that family bond they shared. You were like an older sister to all of Jace’s brothers and quite like a daughter to Rhaenyra as well. But there was an obvious sadness in your eyes during your recent dinners together and you were always looking away when his siblings teased each other in a funny and friendly way. You had even become quieter than usual, as if you were just existing there at the table, not wanting to interact with anyone for a while.

Lucerys was the first to notice his sister-in-law's distant behaviour and he quickly informed his mother. Then Rhaenyra asked Jacaerys if he had noticed anything different about you or if your marriage had cooled a bit in those last few days. When Jacaerys felt thoughtful, confessing that you had been gradually distancing yourself as the moons passed and that you were constantly sending letters always destined for the North, it was not difficult for Rhaenyra to understand what must have been going through your mind.

You were missing your family, your home... and all of this was growing stronger with each passing second as your pregnancy progressed. It was something that Jacaerys could not help you with a simple conversation. Your fears were valid, feeling worried due to the fact that you would not have a chance to see your homeland and loved ones again before the childbirth of your firstborn.

"Are not you cold? Are you sure, my love?" Jacaerys asked during the hour of the owl, the first night of your stay. There was a hint of tension in his tone, but you understood the main reason for his question. Concern about the health of his wife and his child.

"I was used to it, my dear husband. A little time living in Dragonstone would never be enough to rid me of my love for the North." You teased Jace, who rolled eyes playfully, pulling you closer on the bed, smelling the sweet scent of your dark hair and burying his face in the crook of your neck.

Jacaerys’ palms caressed your round pregnant belly, enjoying the small kick he felt through your skin. The baby always moved when Jacaerys was near, almost as if it was desperate to be born soon and meet its father. “I bet it is a girl.”

Jace let out a laugh as he felt another strong kick even through your white nightgown and the layers of fur blankets to protect your from the heavy cold of the North. "Did you see? She agrees with me."

You rolled the eyes at your husband’s childish joke, forgetting even the fearful thoughts that flooded your mind. Rhaenyra was frequently joking about her firstborn being a needy boy and you always agreed with her. Jace felt in love since the day he met you. Now, he was braving the cold of Winterfell so he could make you happy on your name day. The next day he might even go hunting with your half-brother Cregan and bring back something special for your feast, caught by himself.

"I am so happy to celebrate another year of my life here, with my whole family." You smiled at Jacaerys, snuggling a little closer into his embrace, leaving soft kisses on his jawline. " I mean... almost my whole family, because I am missing your brothers and your mother."

"We can have a second celebration in Dragonstone when we return..." Jacaerys suggested, caressing your pretty hair with one hand, the other remaining on your pregnant belly. "Whatever my beautiful and gorgeous wife wishes. Because I love you with all my fire, and I will do anything to celebrate your health, to show how grateful I am for the existence of the most perfect woman of the Seven Kingdoms."

[raventreehall]

a storm of swords dash simulator

🍋ladyjonquil Follow

i don't want to reveal too much but i had a really great day today hawking and riding and received some really exciting news (and maybe a potential marriage offer!) wow wow wow!!! haven't felt like this in so long 🥰

🤡florianthefool Follow

i'm so happy for you my jonquil

🐦littlefinger Follow

thanks for sharing my lady

🏹kissedbyfire Follow

PISSED OFF AT MY BF RN 🤬🤬🤬 NEVER TRUST A SOUTHERNER AND ESPECIALLY NEVER TRUST A CROW!!!!!!!

👸🏼daenerys-targaryen-tracker Follow

🐎raeqqo Follow

by the law of the dothraki she must return to vaes dothrak to take her place alongside the crones of the dosh khaleen. it is known.

🐉3heads Follow

shut up and go sack a defenseless city or something

🍁weirwoodzz Follow

hey do you guys remember when theon greyjoy took winterfell last year and killed the stark boys? has anyone heard anything else about that? feel like it kind of just disappeared from the news cycle, what happened to greyjoy?

🪓cerwynnation Follow

lord bolton's bastard killed him

🍁weirwoodzz Follow

oh really? wow. kind of extreme but deserved i guess

💗ramsays-sharpest-blade Follow

Ramsay isn't a bastard, King Joffrey legitimized him two months ago and Lord Roose is going to make him castellan of the Dreadfort soon. He loves his son and trusts his abilities. Plus, Ramsay is being awarded for his efforts in saving Winterfell and putting a stop to the ironborn raids in the North by being betrothed to Arya Stark—would a bastard be granted that honor? I don't think so.

Also, Theon isn't dead, Ramsay is (rightfully) flaying him for his crimes in the dungeons beneath the Dreadfort. Gods, I'd love to see Ramsay thrust the knife under his skin!!!!! 😜

#ramsay bolton #house bolton #our blades are sharp #theon greyjoy

🐐the-goat Follow

i'm boutta come into thome real money real thoon 😈 💎💎💎💎💯

🏰freygirl73 Follow

ughhhh my sister is getting married tmrw and my brothers keep going on about getting revenge on king robb while he's here for the feast... like i just wanted some food :/// iswtg that's the only good thing about my siblings weddings and now they're saying there won't even be any and i'm gonna have to go into hiding before the bedding ceremony or something. why can't my family just be NORMAL

🐟greenfork Follow

TW: Red Wedding, death, violence

A masterpost on what happened at the Twins and what it means for the Northern independence cause, the War of the Five Kings, and the realm in general.

Also a bunch of links on how you can help people affected in the Riverlands.

Keep Reading

🍵bowlobrown Follow

HELL YEAH BROTHER 🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

🔥heatofdorne Follow

i wanna ***** ********* on ellaria sand's **** and *** ****** then call in oberyn and ***** **** them both until **** *****

🤎pate7534 Follow

🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

🌊onthesunsetsea Follow

why are there so many crabs on my dash rn

🐺direwolfing Follow

TYWIN LANNISTER IS DEAD 🦀🦀🦀🦀

💙cassssanna Follow

actually i think it's still for king joffrey

🦁lann1sporter Follow

lol i thought it was for robb stark

🥂arborgold Follow

maybe it's for the mountain?

⬛️ freezingmyarseoffonthewall Follow

DOLOROUS EDD LORD COMMANDER 300 AC

⬛️ freezingmyarseoffonthewall Follow

DOLOROUS EDD WILL LEAD US TO VICTORY AGAINST THE OTHERS

🕊️ just-a-humble-sparrow Follow

mother have mercy i was walking by the great sept of baelor (i wanted to pay my respects to our blessed king joffrey) but i was blocked by a knight of the kingsguard—i believe it was one of the kettleblacks, unfortunately i always forget which one has been elevated to the kingsguard—because the queen was keeping vigil over her son, so i prayed outside instead. yet only a few minutes passed when i swear i saw the kingslayer arrive (he seemed to be missing a hand!) and enter. then, and this is the most disturbing part, i swear to the father that i heard noises of fornication coming from inside! i know for a fact that the only other person inside was the queen mother. could the rumors be true? i feel dirty even writing this. i wonder if i should tell my septon.

❤️‍🔥stannis-sweep Follow

stannis has literally been telling y'all and you didn't listen 🙄

🏳️ bannerless Follow

is it just me or is lady stoneheart kinda 👀

[khepiari]

LuSan Fic Update: Ch 2 of My Happy Marriage With Monkey D Luffy

Chapter 2: Severing the ties before I embark on my happy marriage journey

Summary: A|B|O Arranged Marriage Alpha Luffy x Omega Sanji Age-Gap: 19 x 29 Chapter word count: 2200 Total chapter updated: 2/5

Even before my tears could dry, my bouquet was taken away from me, and I was whisked away from the celebration and put in my room! Reiju was the culprit, and her waiting staff were her partners in crime. “Why am I here? Shouldn’t we all eat together?”

My sister pressed the centre of her forehead like she was fed up with my thought process. “Now is not the time for thinking about the banquet. My guts are telling me to send you away as soon as possible. You didn’t notice the air around our father and those three rascals. We both know they hate being outsmarted and played for a fool.”

My heart was stubborn as a mule, I had spent hours preparing that welcoming banquet. A part of me wanted to see my very newly wedded husband bite into the meals I prepared. “But—”

With a gentle finger on my lips, my sister cut me. “Shhh! Do you think we have time to eat any more? If they rushed the wedding, that means they have no intentions of staying here any moment longer. Even before you arrived to greet your in-laws, half the wedding feast was already gobbled up from the plate and wiped clean. Girls hurry, pack his basics, we don’t have time. And guards, don’t let anyone in. Not even our brothers.” My sister began wiping my face, “I don’t know what that little boy of a husband of yours is planning. I am certain he has no wish to keep you here any longer.” Rejiu pointed at her belly, “I am telling you my very hyperactive Alpha guts are telling me to send you away as soon as I can. I don’t trust the other three morons we have in this family. We can’t be lax, every fibre in my body is telling me if I keep you here any longer, something worse will happen. I will not let you suffer, I want you to leave now. And—” My sister had questions, but she didn’t ask, and decided to change the direction of the conversation to something lighter, “Why do you refuse to shave this little beard? Hmm? I am preparing you in advance so that you look decent enough when you step on the ship, okay?” She tickled my chin like I was a cat. “Are you hungry?” I shook my head, I could use a roll of tobacco, though. Hunger was not a priority on my list, I just wished I got to see people relishing the feast I cooked. “You were so cute as a baby, now you look all rough and tough. What a manly and beautiful brother I have.” Reiju cupped my face and kissed me on the nose and doused me in her pheromones. I inhaled it all, and I wanted a bit more. For some reason, her pheromones reminded me of my mother’s hug. “For protection.” All these years, she had been up on her toes, trying to keep danger away from me. “Even this face has lost his baby fat. What a tough face!”

“Omega and tough don’t go hand-in-hand, sister.”

“Tch, silly boy! You are the strongest Omega in the four seas”

“Can I get a smoke?”

“Are you still nervous?” I didn’t reply. “If you want, I can give you one, but—” My sister pulled one from between the folds of her chest and handed one. “It is doused in my pheromones too, hehehehe. Luffy might not like it.”

I took it, “I don’t like being exposed…” Generally, my pheromones would be doused by the smell of cooking oil, tobacco, and perfume. Mostly, Reiju would cover me in her scent every day and whenever I felt particularly sensitive she would give me rolls of tobacco drenched in her pheromones. The burnt smoke calmed the palpitating uneasiness in my chest whenever my omega guts told me to feel scared. As today was supposed to be my engagement, I had washed and cleaned my hair, and bathed in the hottest water my skin could bear. Now I felt exposed without my armour of cheap perfume smells, thick odour of used oil and my sister’s love. “Luffy’s smell overwhelmed me, and there were so many alphas….” One of Reiju’s helpers tried to reapply the foundation and squirmed, My face was aching, how much did I cry? “I feel raw.”

To read more, follow the link below:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51231970/chapters/164704789

[igotanidea]

Snow fight: Matt Murdock x reader

Christmas bingo day 7 : snow fight

***

Spending the Christmas at Nelson’s family was as magical as it was unexpected.

To put it bluntly, Y/N wanted nothing more, than to have a quiet, peaceful holiday season after a very shitty year, preferably spending three days in Matt’s arms with no care in the world or other people. Just them in their little bubble in his apartment in hell’s kitchen wrapped up in the blanket, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying each other’s company, without the necessity to patch his wounds and stop his bleeding after a night of Daredeviling.

Instead, she was thrown into quite a different situation, being invited to spend the Christmas eve and two following days at Nelson’s family household. Couldn’t be further from the little scenario she created in her head, from her little paradise.

“But Matty –“ she pouted when he broke the news to her one night after she got back from work.

“Don’t give me that look sweetie.” He chuckled turning to face her.

“You can’t see my face Matt” she rolled her eyes in fair annoyance. She didn’t like being surprised this way.  

“I can see in my heart?” he teased grabbing her hand and caressing her palm in a soothing manner

“Don’t try to play me you flirt!” she scoffed but didn’t retrieve her hand.

“Come on, Y/N…” he whispered, pulling her closer “it’s gonna be fun. Foggy is my best friend and I would love you two to get to know each other better…”

“Can’t  it wait until after Christmas?” she refused to admit it even to herself, but despite the whining and fighting him, Matt’s words were slowly getting into her. How could she refuse him. He was alone most of his life and if it wasn’t for Franklin he wouldn’t know good things in life. How could she say no, when he was pleading with her like that.

“Pretty please?” he nuzzled nose into her hair. “I want you to go with me.”

“don’t use those lawyer tricks on me!”

“No tricks, just my natural charm” he smirked “appreciate your consent though”

“I didn’t say-!”

“Maybe not with words. “

***

The feast and whole celebration was spectacular to say the least. And the fact that she was reluctant to take part in spending time with those people, who didn’t even know her and yet accepted her without as much as a blink of an eye would forever be a burden on her conscience.

“Matthew Murdock!” Franklin’s mother greeted him on the doorstep with the widest smile ever “My god! Haven’t seen you in ages, young man!” it only took a second before she pulled him into a bear hug.

“Not so young anymore, Rosalind” Matt chuckled, but the woman’s attention was already on Y/N who was nervously twisting her fingers, standing behind Matt’s back, unsure of what to do.

“And who may you be, cutie? Did the Murdock boy finally decide to settle down?” Rosalind winked at shocked Y/N.

“Um- I- we-“

“Don’t act surprised, love. I’m pretty sure you are in for a treat from this boy. Soon.” She shot a glance at Matt, not that he could see it. “Welcome to the Nelson’s family.” Before Y/N realised what was happening she was being hugged and squeezed in the woman’s arms “it’s a pleasure to have you. Come on inside, both of you.”

***

Soon it turned out, that the rest of the Nelson’s familia was as cordial and open as the lady of the house. As a result, the dinner turned into the string of jokes and laugh and friendly atmosphere (laced with some friendly banter about Franklin choosing law career instead of pursuing family business as a butcher).

It was so easy to catch up on why Matt loved those people so much. Why he truly felt like they were his family. Y/N could only hope that one day, she and Matt would have a big, happy family of their own.

And the Nelsons obviously loved him back, which was visible in every gesture, in every word spoken. He was practically beaming, even though the only sign of his internal happiness was the slightest smile. Purposefully or not, he was seated in front of Y/N, so she had a perfect view on his handsome face, lighted up by the candles making him look more like an angel rather than the devil. Once her eyes fixed on him there was nothing and no one that could possibly stop her from daydreaming and admiring. Seeing him like this, carefree, light, enjoying the moment without the planning, worrying and carrying the weight of the world on her shoulder.   

Best Christmas gift in the world…

To the point where she couldn’t help a little dreamy sigh, that immediately caused her eyes to grow wide and to turn around slightly embarrassed, checking whether anyone heard it.

Luckily, everyone seemed to be too consumed by talking and eating and having fun.

Everyone except Franklin.

Franklin Percy Nelson, who only smiled friendly at Y/N and nodded in silent understanding.

Clearly Y/N was accepted by the entire Matt’s stepfamily and only then she realised that subconsciously she has been a bit worried about it.  And those little smiles and sympathetic looks were enough to make her feel at home.

***

“so now, tell me, was it worth all the stubbornness?” Matt teased as they were walking back to his apartment with hearts and bellies full. “Cause from what I can tell you quite enjoyed the –“

“Not another word Murdock.” She warned stopping in the middle of the street, her cheeks reddening a little.

“I’m not blaming you. Rosalind’s eggnog hits even the strongest heads. “also, I didn’t know you had such a good voice. Especially when you’re-“

“Don’t you dare finishing it!”

“- drunk.” He smirked.

“Oh, you little-!” she immediately bend and started making snow balls throwing them at him.

“You want a snow fight with me, sunshine?” he laughed gracefully avoiding all of the snow missiles. “You know you stand no chance.”

“That’s cause you’re cheating!” she squealed and started running when he launched a counterattack.

“cheating?” he rushed after her though the empty streets of New York “I’m blind, remember?! Don’t run away from me!”

“I-“ she made a mistake of choosing the bad turn and found herself in a dead end.

“Got you!” he grabbed her from behind, spinning her in his arms so she could face him.

“Oh no!” she mocked “I surrender! What will you do now?”

“You’re my lobster, Y/N.”

“Oh now you’re watching friends?”

“Of course, how else would I express my deepest feelings if not referring to the classis love story of Ross and Rachel.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Of course.” He pulled her even closer, taking a moment to create some tension. “I love you.” He whispered kissing her forehead. “don’t ever run away from me.”

“I promise.”

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (3/4/2025) Episode: Hosting Harvestfest

Filled with a sense of accomplishment, Skye placed xir freshly prepared Grand Beef Brisket on the counter and started wrapping silverware sets for the Harvestfest feast when xe heard the telltale thump of tiny paws on the counter.

“Meelee, no, bad girl!” Skye cried, rushing over to defend xir freshly prepared meal from xir familiar's hungry maw. The feisty cat fired back with a raised paw and a disgruntled hiss as if to say, “try and stop me if you dare spell monkey!”

Skye didn’t dare, and with nowhere warm to put the food that she wouldn’t immediately start snacking on it again xe gave up and headed upstairs to get changed for dinner. On the way xe did xir best to convince xemself that surely no one would notice one tiny nibble or two missing…

“… things are going all right” Skye told the newly arrived Isra a short time later in response to her inquiry about how life was treating xem since moving in “I have my first freelance photo shoot coming up soon; I just hope the agency likes my work. Plus, George is supposed to be retiring and Sigrid told me his job is mine, but then the other day he said he might keep going until he dropped dead on the floor of the bullpen, so I don’t know…”

“I’m sure it will all work out hon, don’t worry” Isra smiled, while Luigi, who was mixing up some refreshments to go with dinner, quietly mixed a little more confidence boosting blackberry fizz into Skye’s glass before sliding the cocktail across the counter.

Thank grim xe’s old enough to drink now! the proud father thought to himself with a chuckle.

While Skye was chatting with her mom, Elyse had cornered xirs in the foyer.

“….I’m learning so much at the gallery and from Candor; my painting sold for over 200 simoleons at the charity auction!” she gushed, desperate to impress upon her future mother-in-law that she was keeping her promise to take good care of her precious baby.

“Congratulations dear” Noemi replied, doing her best to show support and interest. “I’m so glad to hear that your art career is starting out well.”

“Come and get it!” Skye cried, ringing the dinner bell and summoning everyone to the table.

“Now that we’re all together” Isra announced, “Rhys and I have some big news. It wasn’t planned, but well… I’m pregnant!” she smiled shyly.

“Oh… wow… mom…” Elyse was lost for words and suddenly gripped by an unexpected feeling of jealousy.

 “I know, it shocked us too” Isra grinned “the doctor told me awhile ago I should be done with all of that, but it seems the universe had other plans.”

At the other end of the table Luigi laughed out loud. “I always knew you were crazy, but this is on a whole other level!” he chided a chuckling Rhys “Having a kid at your age! Well, good luck you two.”

After dinner, he checked the satisfaction points his hard work had earned him over the years and was pleased to see that he had plenty extra to slip  Isra a couple potions of youth. No friends of his would leave this world with their babies half-grown if he had anything to say about it!

He and Candor chatted with Isra through a sappy classic movie afterward, while the others stayed at the table to play board games.

After a rousing couple rounds of Thumb’s Up with her family, Elyse made sure to give her father a key to the homestead before he left.

“So, you want to see more of your old man huh?” Rhys joked. “You, and my new brother or sister” she agreed “Congratulations again”

“Thanks pumpkin” her father smiled “You know, the nice thing about all this is that one day if you and Skye have little ones of your own, they’ll have a playmate right around the same age. You know your mom and I will be happy to babysit.”

Elyse nodded, seeing them out before hustling up to the bedroom to change and catch Skye before xe settled down to sleep. She suddenly had something very important to talk to xem about.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[aliypop]

Soldier Boy: Chapter 8: And Now The End Is Near

Word count: 2,135

Prompt: December 25th, 1957 Elvis Presley receives his draft papers moments after his Engagement

Warning: smut, language

Note: This is the last chapter I Hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Taglist:

@darkmoviesquotespizza

@sissylittlefeather

@richardslady121

@thegettingbyp2

@presleyenterprise

@dkayfixates

@rjmartin11

@thetaoofzoe

@your-nanas-house

@zayurir

@60svintage

@sillybookmarks

@leapresley

@everythingelvispresley

@dreamondina94

@elvismylove04

@pocketfulofpresley

@elvispresley1956

@poeandmoonknightgirl

March 8th, 1960, Graceland, Memphis Tennesse

"Carlotta, did you put the punch on the table?" Cecelia asked as Carlotta nodded. They'd been up for two days prepping for a surprise welcome-back party for Elvis. Cecelia had been running around like a madman with her hair in her sponge rollers and eyelashes halfway applied. You could tell she was focused on one thing only.

" Rosa. Midge, did you get the Guitar cake?"

"Shit..." Midge sighed,

“Please fetch the cake; it’s crucial!” Cecelia sighed, her frustration evident. The table was laden with an array of culinary creations, each meticulously crafted from her own hands, showcasing her dedication and skill. The air was thick with the rich, inviting aromas of her dishes, yet she felt a twinge of urgency that lingered in her chest, drawing her focus back to the missing centerpiece of her feast.

"Where do you want the balloons?" Denise asked as Cecelia smiled, "By the door, please, mother." Walking back towards Vernon's office to check on him, she couldn't help but hear his phone call. He'd been busy with the press lately, but this was different. He'd been talking to Dee, his new fling who hadn't been a fan favorite since she'd arrived back.

"I'm happy he's back, but If he didn't go, he wouldn't have killed his mother the way he did..." Vernon said as if a knife was plunged deep into her back. Cecelia was there the day Gladys took her last breath, and she was there when Elvis cried endlessly at her funeral.

When Vernon looked over, he saw Cecelia, who had a worrying look in her eyes,

“I'll call you back in just a moment,” he said, his voice warm yet distracted. “Say, Cecelia, what can I do for you?”

Cecelia smiled gently, her eyes reflecting a mix of warmth and concern. “Oh, nothing urgent, Mr. Presley. I just wanted to stop by and check on you. You know, see how you’ve been holding up.” Her tone was respectful, acknowledging the bond they were beginning to forge as future family. “But while I truly respect you as my future father-in-law, it’s important for me to say something else,” she continued, her expression becoming earnest. “I can't help but feel a strong protective instinct when it comes to your son; he means a lot to me.So if you even think of saying that bullshit or anything close to it! Of Elvis killing Gladys at the party, I will rip your kneecaps out and beat you with them do we have an understanding?"

Vernon swallowed hard, his throat tight with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, as he glanced over at Cecelia. She looked at him with eager eyes, her brows raised in curiosity. "So, Papa Vernon," she questioned playfully, "where do you think the Meatloaf should go?" Her tone was light, yet there was an underlying seriousness in her inquiry. He fumbled for words, his lips parting and closing as he stuttered, searching for the right answer amidst the swirling thoughts in his mind.

After a while, the guests started to pool in, and Cecelia made sure everyone was okay and comfortable even though she still wasn't dressed, "May I have your attention?" She said as people turned to look at her. "Thank you. Uh, I want to say once again thank you all for coming. Though before we get started, a few rules," She said as everyone sighed. Her mother was proud that she sounded like a hostess. And soon-to-be wife,

"One, no mentioning Mrs. Presley, he's still grieving, and it's a soft spot. Two, no industry talk he's readjusting, and three, please be civilized!" She said as she took a deep breath, "Okay, you may now all continue," Cecelia could hear the fans from outside the gates cheering as she slithered into the kitchen to check on the pies and the cakes. She hadn't noticed everyone fleeing to the car outside.

Quietly tiptoeing up the carpeted staircase, Cecelia felt a flicker of excitement mixed with nerves flutter in her stomach. She paused at her bedroom door, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. The dim light of the late afternoon streamed through the window, illuminating the chaos of her room — clothes strewn across the floor and an assortment of beauty products scattered on her vanity.

With determination, she flipped her hair back and began the delicate task of getting ready for the party. She reached up to pull the soft rollers from her hair, their heat releasing a sweet, lingering scent of floral hairspray. As she shook her hair loose, effortless waves tumbled down, cascading over her shoulders.

Next, she turned her attention to her lashes, carefully applying coat after coat of mascara with the precision of a skilled artist. Each stroke transformed her eyes, making them appear larger and more inviting as she concentrated intently in the mirror. Before moving to her lips, she rummaged through a collection of lipsticks, finally settling on a vibrant shade that would add the perfect pop of color to her look.

With the deftness of a magician, Cecelia navigated her beauty routine, as if she had eight arms instead of just two. She moved from one task to another with a flurry of motion, ensuring that every detail was just right. Tonight was important, and she wanted to shine.

"Okay, which dress should I choose..." she sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "Elvis has always had a fondness for pink, but lately, he seems to be leaning towards blues more." With the nail polish brush precariously balanced between her teeth, she absentmindedly toyed with her wedding ring, letting it swing gently back and forth against her chest, reflecting the soft light of the room. The sound of footsteps approached the bedroom, their rhythmic cadence echoing in the quiet space, but she remained blissfully unaware of who was coming up behind her.

"I think the pink looks lovely on you..." Elvis chuckled, a playful smirk dancing across his lips. His southern drawl laced every word, adding a warm charm to his laughter as he watched her stumble clumsily over her pantyhose. The fabric snagged unexpectedly, causing her to teeter for a moment before she regained her balance, cheeks flushing a deeper shade of embarrassment. Elvis caught her as he kissed her cheeks, then her eyes, her nose, then finally her lips,

"Mrs. Presley." He grinned,

"How'd you get up here so quickly..."

"Backways..." He winked, the two walking downstairs as their guests all cheered,

“Alright, the pie is right over here, and the cake... Who took a slice out of my...”

“I might’ve...” His smooth southern drawl sent a thrill through her as she looked up at him, heart racing. “ELVIS!” Cecelia playfully nudged him as he gestured grandly toward the colorful array of pastries spread out on the table.

“Oh, right...” He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Setting the delectable treats down, he scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her around. She squealed with delight, laughter bubbling out as she squirmed in his arms.

“Cil... It’s perfect,” he murmured, capturing her nose with a soft kiss that made her cheeks flush a rosy pink.

“You really think so?” she asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. “I made all your favorites, a-and, oh shit, the cake!” Panic fluttered in her stomach as she remembered her masterpiece.

"The guitar one?" He questioned as her blood pressure went down, "That was clever," He winked as he pulled her closer, "Oh Elvis, look at you all handsome an whatnot." Delta said as she ruffled up his hair. Elvis laughed as he chuckled, "Come mere, you got family who ain't seen you since you know..." She looked at Cecelia and winked. Cecelia laughed, watching her G.I. go around the house as if he were a bouncing ball, "So...You excited?" Midge asked,

"About what?"

"Getting married."Cecelia looked at Elvis, her lip between her teeth, focusing on how he moved in his uniform,

"I take that as a yes..." Midge laughed as Cecelia watched Elvis walk towards her,

"Mrs. Presley, can I uh see you for a second?"

"Mrs. Presley...." Midge gasped, "OOo your mama's gonna be pissed!"

"Don't make such a scene..." Cecelia sighed as she then looked at Elvis,"Sure thing, sugar."Taking him by the arm as they walked toward the kitchen. Elvis pinned her against the wall as he kissed her deeply with a firey hunger,

"El... what are you doing! not here..." Cecelia blushed, in between kisses.

"Would'ja prefer the stairs..."

"Mhmm..." The two ran up as far as they could so no one could see them. Elvis lifted up the skirt of her dress as he removed her petticoat, and unhooked her garters,

"Planning for this, huh..."

"I don't know what you mean..." She smirked as he slipped in a finger. A sigh left her lips as her body shivered,

"Oh no you don't..." He winked,

"Elvis..." Cecelia's eyes were hazy as he smirked. She heard his belt unlatch as he whispered, "Hold on, darlin," Cecelia held onto the railings as she felt him slip inside her, her knees buckling from the year without him inside her,

"Mmm, I missed you..."

"I missed you too." She gasped as she felt him move a little,

"God, I missed this..."Elvis groaned in her ear as she nodded. His hips began to pick up the pace as her moans were stifled,

"I wanna hear you, baby..."

"But what about-"

"Who cares..." He began to reach deeper inside her as she let out a loud, whining moan. Her body yearned for him in need. And in want, as she turned to look at him, his lips on her neck leaving love bites as she gasped. He had missed how wet and warm she felt and the sounds she'd make with every thrust,

"Oh! Oh!Oh!" Cecelia began to rub her clit as she felt herself getting closer. Elvis was almost there. He could taste it. He could feel just how tight her walls were gripping around him and nearly trying to drain him dry. He needed one more thrust, one more-

"HEY E YOU UP THERE ..." Joe shouted

"Uh..." Cecelia and Elvis looked like deer in headlights as he pulled out. Elvis turned to face the wall as he zipped his pants back up, and Cecelia flattened out her dress.

"Joe, how've you been..." Elvis coughed

"What were you two doing..."

"Uh... resting..."Cecelia smiled,

"Mhmm... Well, your dad's lookin for ya."

"We'll finish this tonight," Elvis whispered as Cecelia nodded,

"Where have you been all this time?" Denise inquired, her voice tinged with worry as Cecelia shifted uneasily, clearing her throat in an attempt to gather her thoughts. Despite the frantic energy radiating from her daughter, Denise feigned ignorance to the troubling signs on Cecelia's body—red marks scattered across her feverish skin like a desperate call for help, hidden beneath the fabric of the top of her dress. Denise's eyes flickered with concern, yet she held back her true feelings, wanting to give her daughter the chance to speak first.

"I was attending to something..."

"You look like a whore..." Denise sighed, "and your hair..." Cecelia rolled her eyes as she excused herself to fix herself up.

“My, how he has a gift with his hands…” Cecelia murmured to herself as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. A warm blush crept across her cheeks as she took in the sight of her tawny brown skin, marred by a constellation of hickeys that danced across her collarbone and shoulders. Each mark was a vivid reminder of their passionate encounters, igniting a thrill within her. She couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the thought of their upcoming public marriage, even as she relished the discreet joy of being his wife in secret. The anticipation of sharing their love openly thrilled her, but for now, she savored the intimacy of their hidden romance.

"Say C?" Rosa butted in as Cecelia turned to face her,

"Hmm?"

"Elvis is doing an interveiw wanna watch!" The pair ran down to Vernon's office "You know tanks, rock and roll quite a bit." Elvis chuckled gently, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He glanced upward and noticed Cecelia standing a few paces away, her face lighting up with a warm smile. She waved at him, her fingers dancing through the air. As he felt a flutter of nervousness, he nervously fiddled with his ring, a small gesture meant to signal to her that he had noticed her presence.

"Welcome home, Soldier Boy." She mumbled walking away as she felt him next to her, his arm around her waist as she leaned into him, his hat on her head as she chuckled, "It's good to be home."

[hime98]

Lonely Escape in Seoul (Lee Dong Wook x Y/N)

Chapter 14 - His Real World

Third Person POV

A few days after their video call with Y/N's family, Dong Wook surprised her with an unexpected plan. As they drove through the bustling city streets, he turned to her with a soft smile. “We’re going somewhere special today,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” he replied, his voice filled with promise, the kind that made her pulse quicken with excitement.

They drove for hours, the skyline fading behind them and the concrete jungle slowly giving way to fields and rolling hills. The further they went, the more peaceful and tranquil the surroundings became. Finally, they arrived at a picturesque village, its charm lying in its simplicity. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of earth and flowers.

Y/N glanced around in awe as Dong Wook pulled the car into a gravel driveway. “This is my parents’ hometown,” he said, his voice warm with fondness.

Y/N's eyes widened. “Your parents? Are we…?”

Dong Wook looked over at her with a soft smile. “I’m introducing you to my family. I want to make it official.” he said, his voice steady, yet there was an unmistakable sincerity in his tone.

Y/N's heart skipped. Meeting his family felt like a significant step. Nervous excitement rushed through her, but she couldn’t deny the joy bubbling inside her. This was a new chapter, and she was ready to take it.

Dong Wook led her up to a beautiful house, it's a mix of modern and traditional Korean houses she's seen in dramas. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and well-maintained gardens. The door opened before they could knock, revealing a woman whose warm smile mirrored her son’s.

“Dong Wook-ah!” His mother exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace him. Her arms enveloped him tightly, and Y/N could see the deep affection in her eyes. She stepped back, her gaze now shifting to Y/N, her eyes lighting up in welcome.

“Omo! Who is this lovely young lady?” she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Dong Wook’s hand found Y/N's, pulling her gently forward. “Mom, Dad, this is Y/N… my fiancée.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, and then Dong Wook’s mother gasped softly, her eyes filling with tears. Without hesitation, she pulled Y/N into a tight embrace, her hands gentle but strong. “Oh, my dear, welcome to the family,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Y/N felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged her back, the love and acceptance in the embrace overwhelming. “Thank you,” she whispered back, blinking back tears of her own.

Dong Wook’s father, a tall, strong man with a stoic face, stepped forward with a proud smile. He clapped Dong Wook on the back, his voice filled with a father’s pride. “You’ve done well, son” he said, his voice rough but affectionate.

The warmth of the greeting made Y/N's heart swell, and she felt more at ease as the day unfolded. They spent hours with Dong Wook’s family, laughing and sharing stories.

His mom cooked a feast of homemade food, the delicious scents filling the air. Dong Wook's parents, sister and brother-in-law are all kind and genuine, and Y/N felt an overwhelming sense of belonging as she got to know them. It wasn’t just Dong Wook’s past; it was now a part of her too.

Later, as the sun began to dip behind the hills, casting a golden glow over the village, they gathered outside for tea. The conversation was light, filled with laughter, but as the evening settled into a quiet moment, Dong Wook’s mother pulled Y/N aside.

She took her hands in hers, her grip firm but comforting. “Thank you for making my son truly happy,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “He deserves it, and so do you.”

Y/N's breath caught in her throat. She was no stranger to her own family’s love, but the sincerity of Dong Wook’s mother’s words hit her in a way she hadn’t expected. “Thank you,” She said, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for welcoming me so warmly.”

Dong Wook’s mother smiled through her tears, brushing a stray lock of hair from Y/N's face. “I see how you care for him. You’re a good match.” Her voice softened. “And I can tell… you are a good person with a gentle soul, i trust my instincts.”

At that moment, one of Dong Wook’s youngest nephew—a small toddler with chubby cheeks—wandered over, looking up at Y/N with wide, curious eyes. Without hesitation, Y/N crouched down to the child’s level, smiling warmly.

“Well, hello there bubba,” she said, her voice soft and playful. The little one giggled and reached for her, and Y/N lifted the child into her arms effortlessly, making the baby laugh even more.

Dong Wook stood nearby, watching the scene unfold. His heart swelled with affection as he observed Y/N with his family. She was so natural, so caring, and her instinctive gentleness with the child was something that struck him deeply.

He knew she was good with people, but seeing her with his family, with his little niece and nephew, made him fall even more in love with her. It made him imagine the future. It's kinda early but he knows, Y/N will be an amazing wife and mother in the future.

“She’s amazing,” he remarked quietly, a soft smile curling on his lips.

Y/N didn’t seem to notice Dong Wook’s gaze as she chatted with the toddler, her laughter filling the air as she played peek-a-boo with the child. The bond between them seemed effortless, and Dong Wook couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride.

Later, after they had said their goodbyes, they stood by the car, preparing to leave. The cool evening air wrapped around them as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. Dong Wook pulled her into a soft embrace, his hands resting gently on her back.

“Thank you for being you,” he whispered, his voice full of tenderness. “Thank you for making me so happy.”

Y/N rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “Thank you for showing me your real world, Oppa.” she murmured. “It’s beautiful.”

As they got into the car and drove away, the countryside receding behind them, Y/N rested her head on his shoulder, her heart full of contentment. The day had been perfect, not just because she had met his family, but because it had been a reminder of the future they were building together.

And as the stars began to twinkle above them, she couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in her life, the future didn’t seem so uncertain. With Dong Wook by her side, it felt like a beautiful dream come true.

(To be continued)

Previous — Chapter 14 — Next

[eventinelysplayground]

A Mother's Touch

It's March 5 today and we know what that means, it's the 1st princes Birthday! So Happy Birthday to him and here is a story for it. I'd like to say this is a happy story but that wasn't the inspo I had so, it's one that will hit you in the feels. That said if you're currently grieving a more recent death maybe give it a skip for now. Jin remembers the last birthday that he had with his mother. WC approx 688.

The last of the snow had finally vanished leaving the ground muddy and cold. Down a worn path walked a single figure one hand shoved into his pocket and a bouquet of flowers in the other. The figure came to a halt in the corner of a mass grave before a tiny tombstone.

“Hi Mom, I brought these for you.”

Jin knelt down and placed the flowers gingerly beside the tombstone before sighing and rubbing a hand along the back of his neck.

“I know I haven't come to see you in a while but things have been a little busy lately. How about I get comfy and tell you all about it?”

Jin took off his coat and set it on the ground then took a seat on it bringing his knees up and resting his arms across them.

“Emma had the baby a few months ago, he has her eyes and my hair. Louder than his big brother and sister were though that's for sure, biggest appetite too!

Emma's doing just fine, it amazes me every time you know? She told me once she wanted to get stronger for me and boy did she ever!”

A tender smile spread across Jin's face as he talked. He talked for quite a while telling his Mom about anything that came to mind but especially about her grandchildren and daughter in law and just how happy he was.

Jin came to a lull in his update and laced his fingers together while looking up at the clear sky. After several minutes of silence he cleared his throat and resumed.

“Hey Mom? I actually had a specific reason for coming here today. See I haven't been doing so well these last few days, Emma noticed of course and we thought maybe me coming to see you would help. Now don't worry, nothing's wrong with any of us, it's just….”

Jin trailed off staring silently into the sky, his mouth feeling oddly dry.

“It was Emmett's birthday yesterday Mom, his sixth birthday. It was a great party, Emma made his cake while Yves made everything else. The kid had such a feast and he was surrounded by his family and friends. I should have been happy but, it got me thinking about the last birthday I had with you. Do you remember it Mom?”

Jin finally looked back down at the tiny gravestone, a sad fondness lighting up his eyes.

“You had already gotten sick by then. I was so worried about you I wasn't even thinking about my birthday but you remembered it for me. Even back then I could charm the ladies real well, the old lady I helped out most of the day paid me a bit extra so I got bread and cheese that night to eat. I got home and you were sitting up in bed with a big smile on your face. You praised me for all my hard work as I told you about my day over dinner.

Then when we were done eating you pulled out a handkerchief tied with a bow and handed it to me. I don't know how I looked but I must have looked pretty confused because you laughed at me, told me ‘don't just stare at it sweety open it’. There was a lollipop inside it, a big blue one. I remember I was amazed at its color. Then you drew me into the biggest hug and told me ‘Happy Birthday my sweet boy’ while smiling at me.”

Jin's voice cracked on those last words as his tears threatened to spill over.

“That night was the most I had seen you smile in a long time and it made that lollipop taste so much sweeter.”

Jin reached out and rested a big hand on top of the tiny gravestone.

“I wish you could be here with us, but since you can't I'll just keep making sure that Emma and our kids get to have the life you and I never did.”

Jin’s tears fell silently and for the briefest moment he could swear he felt his mother's gentle touch wiping them away.

[msmercury84]

"A Memorable Christmas Program"

A Vignette from "I Double Dare You-A Rendezvous With Destiny"

*Author's Note: This is a sneak preview of a future chapter. *

When Billy entered parochial school, he came home from kindergarten and excitedly told Leigh,

"Ma, Sister Mary Margaret wants me to be one of the three Wise Guys in the Christmas program!" Leigh hugged him,

"That's wonderful, Billy!" She controlled her urge to laugh, not wanting to hurt Billy's feelings. When he went upstairs to play, she called Augusta Guarnere, telling her Billy's comment. Both women had a good laugh. When Bill got home, Billy gave him the good news. Guarnere chuckled,

"I ain't laughin' at ya, Billy. You said somethin' cute." Bill and Leigh thought that their son went upstairs to play and was out of ear shot.

"Baby, just imagine him sayin' his lines like James Cagney or Edward G. Robinson, the best wise guys in the movies." He launched into an impersonation of the actors, making Leigh giggle.

The night of the Christmas program arrived. Most of the Guarnere family and the Spencers were in the audience. Billy had two lines,

"We're the Three Wise Men. We have gifts for baby Jesus." The time came for Billy to deliver his dialogue and he proudly said, in a voice like Edward G. Robinson, bringing down the house,

"We're the Three Wise Guys. We have gifts for baby Jesus." The audience laughed and applauded. All Leigh and Bill could do was laugh. After the show, they apologized to the teaching nun and they convinced Billy to apologize, too. She accepted their apologies. Both sets of grandparents were still proud of him. Aunt Julia hugged Billy,

"Kiddo, that's the best Christmas show I ever saw."

A few days after the program, Leigh was cooking supper. Angelina was seated in her high chair in the kitchen. The song, "Hold Tight" performed by the Andrews Sisters was playing on the radio. Leigh was singing. When she got to the verse,

"I'm as happy as can be when the seafood comes to me. Yadda da, yadda da, yadda da," Angelina spoke the lyrics,

"Yadda da, yadda da, yadda da."

After the song ended, Leigh decided to sing the lyrics again to see if she would repeat them. A big smile appeared on her face as Angelina spoke the lyrics again. When Bill got home from work, Leigh told him,

"I hope Angelina will do this. She learned something new today." Guarnere had a radiant smile as he heard his daughter repeating the lyrics to the song.

"Won't be long until this little angel is singin' like her ma." He hugged Angelina and kissed her cheek.

Angelina wouldn't always perform on demand and she showed a very determined and stubborn nature on occasion. Both Cal and Louise told Bill and Leigh,

"We've seen this behavior before. This little girl acts just like her mother when she was her age. The stubborn streak may remain." Guarnere told his in-laws,

"I can live wit' that. I love her ma an' that stubborn streak don't bother me. If Angelina wants to sing, that's OK an' if she doesn't, that's OK, too. I love my life an' I wouldn't change a thing."

Angelina got a round of applause at her Nonno and Nonna Guarnere's house when she repeated the "Yadda da. yadda da, yadda da" lyrics during the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Leigh and her sisters-in-law were helping Augusta bring in various platters of food. Billy looked at Leigh. He innocently thought that he was giving her a compliment when he said,

"Pop likes that dress. He says it makes your ass look nice." Everyone burst out laughing. Leigh told her son that she knew he meant well, but his comment was inappropriate. She hugged and kissed him, saying,

"You're not in trouble, Billy. I was hoping that you would be like your pop. You're a smaller version of him." Bill commented,

"There's never a dull moment wit' my family, an' I love it!"

[the-chronicle-of-holy-days]

Day 5

Liber Tzaddi

vel Hamus Hermeticus sub figurâ XC

0. In the name of the Lord of Initiation, Amen.

1. I fly and I alight as an hawk: of mother-of-emerald are my mighty-sweeping wings.

2. I swoop down upon the black earth; and it gladdens into green at my coming.

3. Children of Earth! rejoice! rejoice exceedingly; for your salvation is at hand.

4. The end of sorrow is come; I will ravish you away into mine unutterable joy.

5. I will kiss you, and bring you to the bridal: I will spread a feast before you in the house of happiness.

6. I am not come to rebuke you, or to enslave you.

7. I bid you not turn from your voluptuous ways, from your idleness, from your follies.

8. But I bring you joy to your pleasure, peace to your languor, wisdom to your folly.

9. All that ye do is right, if so be that ye enjoy it.

10. I am come against sorrow, against weariness, against them that seek to enslave you.

11. I pour you lustral wine, that giveth you delight both at the sunset and the dawn.

12. Come with me, and I will give you all that is desirable upon the earth.

13. Because I give you that of which Earth and its joys are but as shadows.

14. They flee away, but my joy abideth even unto the end.

15. I have hidden myself beneath a mask: I am a black and terrible God.

16. With courage conquering fear shall ye approach me: ye shall lay down your heads upon mine altar, expecting the sweep of the sword.

17. But the first kiss of love shall be radiant on your lips; and all my darkness and terror shall turn to light and joy.

18. Only those who fear shall fail. Those who have bent their backs to the yoke of slavery until they can no longer stand upright; them will I despise.

19. But you who have defied the law; you who have conquered by subtlety or force; you will I take unto me, even I will take you unto me.

20. I ask you to sacrifice nothing at mine altar; I am the God who giveth all.

21. Light, Life, Love; Force, Fantasy, Fire; these do I bring you: mine hands are full of these.

22. There is joy in the setting-out; there is joy in the journey; there is joy in the goal.

23. Only if ye are sorrowful, or weary, or angry, or discomforted; then ye may know that ye have lost the golden thread, the thread wherewith I guide you to the heart of the groves of Eleusis.

24. My disciples are proud and beautiful; they are strong and swift; they rule their way like mighty conquerors.

25. The weak, the timid, the imperfect, the cowardly, the poor, the tearful—these are mine enemies, and I am come to destroy them.

26. This also is compassion: an end to the sickness of earth. A rooting-out of the weeds: a watering of the flowers.

27. O my children, ye are more beautiful than the flowers: ye must not fade in your season.

28. I love you; I would sprinkle you with the divine dew of immortality.

29. This immortality is no vain hope beyond the grave: I offer you the certain consciousness of bliss.

30. I offer it at once, on earth; before an hour hath struck upon the bell, ye shall be with Me in the Abodes that are beyond Decay.

31. Also I give you power earthly and joy earthly; wealth, and health, and length of days. Adoration and love shall cling to your feet, and twine around your heart.

32. Only your mouths shall drink of a delicious wine—the wine of Iacchus; they shall reach ever to the heavenly kiss of the Beautiful God.

33. I reveal unto you a great mystery. Ye stand between the abyss of height and the abyss of depth.

34. In either awaits you a Companion; and that Companion is Yourself.

35. Ye can have no other Companion.

36. Many have arisen, being wise. They have said «Seek out the glittering Image in the place ever golden, and unite yourselves with It.»

37. Many have arisen, being foolish. They have said, «Stoop down unto the darkly splendid world, and be wedded to that Blind Creature of the Slime.»

38. I who am beyond Wisdom and Folly, arise and say unto you: achieve both weddings! Unite yourselves with both!

39. Beware, beware, I say, lest ye seek after the one and lose the other!

41. But since one is naturally attracted to the Angel, another to the Demon, let the first strengthen the lower link, the last attach more firmly to the higher.

42. Thus shall equilibrium become perfect. I will aid my disciples; as fast as they acquire this balanced power and joy so faster will I push them.

43. They shall in their turn speak from this Invisible Throne; their words shall illumine the worlds.

44. They shall be masters of majesty and might; they shall be beautiful and joyous; they shall be clothed with victory and splendour; they shall stand upon the firm foundation; the kingdom shall be theirs; yea, the kingdom shall be theirs.

In the name of the Lord of Initiation. Amen.

Hehe I forgot yesterday when I choose the “years favorite” that today He is coming back ✨

(<<<<—check up yesterday post lol)

Years best is in bold as always. I choose the one that touches me deeply for some reason.

This years fav is slanted

[mariacallous]

When people ask what I’m doing for Christmas this year, I’ve been replying, with not a little bit of glee, that we are “going nowhere and entertaining nobody”. The almost universal reaction is one of wistfulness, if not envy.

Taking the pressure off the festive season and choosing to please only yourselves is something many people fantasise about. Some people feel so hamstrung by responsibility to others (and dare I say it, perhaps are so used to that well-established feeling of Christmas martyrdom) that they never get the Christmas they secretly want.

Thankfully, my husband and I have no such qualms, and for our son’s third Christmas, we’ve decided to do what makes him happy and have it just the three of us. For his first, we hosted my mum, and his second was spent in my husband’s home town at a huge gathering of grandparents, aunties and cousins. Both were lovely, if not entirely stress-free. During the first Christmas, no one was sleeping; during the second, which included a potluck for which I made two massive nut roasts for more than 25 people, only my son was: outside in the pram, being pushed by me, while the food was being served. My sister-in-law took a photo of me through the window: I am standing in the rain, parka over my nice dress, holding a flute of champagne. “I know it’s not funny now, but you’ll laugh at this one day,” she said, and she was right, I did. Eventually.

Despite the challenges of parenting a small child, I have wonderful memories from these Christmases, and we are still seeing loved ones over the festive period, just not all in one go. In a way, this makes it easier. I know some people are heavily invested in everything being on the 25 December, but it’s never been that way in my family, and there’s something about a movable feast that makes everything a bit looser and more relaxed. My son got to see his paternal grandparents earlier in December, thus skipping the hell of train travel over the Christmas period (I’m still haunted by our return journey via Coventry last year, which was spent in a vestibule), and celebrated with his nonna on the solstice. This spreads out the relatives and makes it less overwhelming for our toddler.

I know not everyone’s family are as understanding as ours, who have been happy with this arrangement. My dad, in particular, was almost insistent that we do our own thing and see him, my stepmum and my brothers at a quieter time – perhaps remembering his own days parenting young children, and the tug-of-war between the grandparents, which would have involved driving to opposite ends of the country. Like me, he thinks it’s important to create your own traditions within your smaller family unit, and over the past few years we have started to do that. That 2020 Covid Christmas, while incredibly sad at times, in a funny way gave us – and I imagine many others – the breathing space we needed to think about how we wanted to celebrate on our own terms: such as what we ate and drank, what the day’s timings would be, and what we most wanted to get out of it.

Our traditions have evolved quite organically, and are mostly to do with food. On Christmas Eve, we have a huge glazed ham alongside a range of salads. My husband will make Diana Henry’s winter panzanella, alongside something like a halloumi, orange and green bean salad and Ottolenghi’s squash recipe from Jerusalem.

On Christmas Day, after my not-entirely-sane husband plunges himself into freezing cold water, we will eat a bird that isn’t turkey, usually duck breast, and often far later than planned. The next day, we chop up the ham and use it to make our Boxing Day carbonara, an invention of my mother’s that has become a mainstay. In between we drink martinis, listen to carols, watch telly and dance to the Ella & Louis Christmas album, which, incidentally, includes the best version of Baby, It’s Cold Outside (far from being a sexual harassment anthem, it’s really a 1940s in-joke about how much two people want to shag each other, as the audience laughter and knowing ad-libs make abundantly clear). Dancing with my son and seeing his sheer, uncontrollable excitement at the sight of the Christmas tree has already got me in the spirit.

There is, of course, a part of me that will miss what I have come to think of as the “Euston sprint” from concourse to platform, stumbling through a morass of harassed northerners, blue Ikea bags overflowing with presents, and small children. But not that much. Hardest of all will be not having a G&T with my mum during Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve. Whether we are together or apart, I always raise a glass to her, and I’ll cherish it all the more the next time we spend it together.

This time of year can be stressful, and so often we find ourselves staggering towards the day exhausted and overwhelmed. However you’re spending it, and even if you have obligations that are harder to negotiate than ours, I hope you find a moment this festive season to do something for yourself. It’s wonderful giving joy to others, but never at the complete expense of your own sanity.

[msmorningstaarr]

Spoiler from Chapter 8

Hey guys! It's been a while since I don't post anything related to Holy and Heathen due to an stressful end of semester. But I'm working on chapter 8 and decided to share a small portion of what I've prepared <3 shall we go?

“I could not help but notice the absence of my husband at the table.” Melara stated, noticing Ysilla’s eyes getting numb, somewhat worried.

“Oberyn is not in good spirits this morning.” She sighed heavily, resting her head over her hands. “Which is a shame on such a beautiful, bright day with wonderful news from King’s Landing.”

Melara narrowed her eyes. “What news, if I am allowed to ask, mother?” 

Then, her face turned to be happy as it was before and a wide smile rose on her lips. “Elia is with child. I had just received the news, my dear.” 

Melara's eyes widened at the revelation. A mixture of surprise and conflicting emotions played across her features as she processed the news. Elia, Oberyn's sister, was with child, carrying the next generation of House Targaryen. A rush of conflicting emotions surged within Melara — joy for the impending addition to the family, but also a pang of jealousy of Elia, because she was able to be with child so early in her marriage. Meanwhile, Melara cried all months her bleeding fell between her legs.

"That is wonderful news, mother!" Melara exclaimed, forcing a smile to her lips despite the turmoil in her heart. "A new heir for the Iron Throne is indeed a cause for celebration."

Ysilla beamed at Melara's response, seemingly oblivious to the internal struggle beneath her daughter-in-law's composed exterior. "Yes, my dear. Elia and her husband, Prince Rhaegar, are overjoyed. The entire realm will soon rejoice in the birth of a Targaryen heir. We must throw a feast tonight to celebrate such soul fulfilling news. You make sure to be on your best looks, my dear. I will be more than thrilled to celebrate it with you."

Melara nodded, concealing the tumult of emotions within. The news added another layer of complexity to her relationship with Oberyn. The prospect of Elia providing an heir might put even more pressure on Melara, heightening the uncertainties surrounding her own role in House Martell.

"I am happy for them," Melara continued, her voice carefully modulated. "I'm sure Oberyn will be delighted to hear the news as well."

Ysilla's expression shifted slightly, her eyes betraying a hint of concern. "Oberyn has not taken the news as joyfully as one might expect. He seems burdened by some troubles."

A knot tightened in Melara's stomach. The revelation about Oberyn's mood cast a shadow over the joyous occasion. She couldn't shake off the haunting memories of the previous night's confrontation and the bruises on her arms.

[starwrittenfates]

About Pavetta from Andrzej Sapkowski (Translated into English)

NOTE: This original source for this information is from HERE! I’ve done my best to translate it from Polish into English. 

PAVETTA (full name Pavetta Fiona Elen) was very different from both her mother, the expansive Lioness CALANTHE, and her introverted father, ROEGNER, who came alive only during the hunt. She spent her day most often reading poetry or listening to music. CALANTHE believed that such activities were bad for her daughter's complexion and lungs and even forced her to frequent expeditions "into the healthy bosom of nature". During such escapades, PAVETTA always tried to separate herself from the procession of maidens (whom she rightly considered stupid) to hide somewhere and read quietly.

Once, when she had gone away, hidden, and was reading, a terrible monster suddenly emerged from the bushes - its body, clad in armor, was human, but its head was that of a huge hedgehog. PAVETTA was paralyzed with horror, and Hedgehog, to her amazement, picked up the book of poetry she had dropped, sat down, and began to read aloud. A moment later he was reciting works by other poets, which he obviously knew by heart. PAVETTA listened, increasingly enchanted by the strange creature.

For several weeks, there were meetings, joint reading and declamations, and finally Hedgehog managed to persuade PAVETTA to meet him after dark. The princess bribed the servants and ladies-in-waiting with her own jewelry and organized a rendezvous. To her surprise, at the stroke of midnight Hedgehog transformed into a handsome young man, who, in addition, said to be an enchanted prince named DUNY. Hedgehog's romantic soul won out - the girl overcame her last resistance and became Hedgehog's lover.

Meetings became frequent and regular, the lovers acquired a routine and became careless. They were spied on and the matter reached Queen CALANTHE. CALANTHE remembered ROEGNER's adventure and the Law of Surprise. She was determined to get rid of Hedgehog at all costs, but in such a way that it would not burden her. She decided to bring the witcher to Cintra... What happened next is described in detail in the novella "A Question of Price". Exactly 9 months after the first night-time meeting of PAVETTA and DUNY, on Belleteyn Night (from April 30 to May 1), a girl was born, who was given the names CIRILLA Fiona Elen Riannon.

The rather happy life of PAVETTA and DUNY was interrupted by their tragic deaths. They both died in a mysterious shipwreck on the infamous Sedna Deep. "

CIRI remembered the return of King EIST, his petrified, pale face. And the silence of the queen. She remembered the gloomy, terrible feast, where the wild, bearded sea wolves of Skellige slowly got drunk amidst the terrifying silence. She remembered the whispers. Geas Muire... Geas Muire! (Curse of the Sea.)

She remembered streams of dark beer poured onto the floor, horns smashed against the stone walls of the hall in outbursts of desperate, helpless, senseless anger. Geas Muire! PAVETTA!

PAVETTA, princess of Cintra, and her husband, prince DUNY. CIRI's parents. They were gone. They died. They were killed by Geas Muire, the Curse of the Sea. They were swallowed by a storm that no one had predicted. A storm that was not supposed to happen..." ("Blood of Elves", ch. 7)

No bodies were found. So the couple has no grave - not even a cenotaph, because Queen CALANTHE respected the Skellige custom, according to which cenotaphs are not erected for missing victims of the sea.

[jonquildove]

starkmatriarch:

Harwin looked a little uncomfortable at Sansa’s questions, and while he would not refuse her, it did not sit well with him to speak to the young lady of the sorry and tragic state in which they ahd found her Mother. The slaughter at the wedding had been against the laws of the Gods themselves, and would curse the Freys util the last of their name was gone from this world, but what they did to Lady Stark…it was as though to offend the Gods, to anger them further and he could not fathom why they would wish to injure the Lady so. A woman who, in all the years he had known her as wife to Lord Stark, had been generous and wise and kind and all that his Father had ever taught him to expect of a highborn lady. And she’d been tough, he thought a Southern maiden would have fainted from the cold and been terrified by the Northern ways, but Lady Stark had risen to it, becoming as much a part of it as any Lady Stark before. She didn’t deserve her fate and whenever he looked upon her now, he felt a great sadness and wished he could do something to change what had become of her. To make her the woman she had once been. “She had been three days dead, my lady,” Harwin finally said, “It was a wolf that found her. A large one with white and grey fur, not unlike them direwolves your brother brought home. Dragging her from the river…for a brief moment, it seemed like milady was smiling and alive with her wolfpup next to her, we pausing to allow her a moment of happiness... she ran off when she heard us coming. It had...deep dark eyes, looked right at me...looked almost human. They’d…stripped your Mother bare, milady, I’m sorry to say, and dropped her body into the Trident” A mockery of the Tully traditions, and even at the thought Stoneheart felt her anger flare. She remembered when she had woken upon the riverbank, and how she had naught but Dondarrion’s cloak across her, which he had placed. She was wearing a cloak a man had given her, he looking like a monk. She had been naked beneath though she had not been cold. Harwin and her had then visited Alyssa's Tears after some thought, she hearing the gentle water of the waterfall flowing. Pale white was the water, as it rushed shyly over the mountain of Arryn's vale and to the Giant's Lance. Had they enjoyed taking her clothes from her? As her dead boy had lay in the hall of the Twins, in her own blood, her son’s body by her side, had they laughed and jested as they removed her clothes piece by piece? Had they made a parade of taking her body to the river and throwing her in? She drew Sansa closer to her and placed a kiss atop her dark hair and wished they were her familiar copper locks still. She had one of her daughters back and soon they would have Arya…and the Freys would hang and the Lannisters would all pay the debt they owed her. Life for a life and a son for a son. She placed a hand to her throat once more “I care…not…why…you kissed…her. It should…not..have been. Liar. Betrayer. Oathbreaker” She hissed each word like a curse, and it seemed to make the flames of the cavern flicker. “Enemy”

She gulped in surprise, upon hearing Harwin’s description of her lady mother’s demise. Such humiliation her Mother had to bear, adding salt to the wound. No peace, even after death. “A wolf? What would a wolf want with my Mother’s body? To feast upon it, mayhaps?” It was not something that she wished to imagine, and in a way, Sansa was glad that Beric and his Brotherhood had reached the Trident before the wolf had gotten her way with her Mother’s body. But then…she paused. A direwolf? “Was it a Stark direwolf?” Of course, it could not have been Lady, her own Father had killed her with Ice, as was the order of Queen Cersei. Lady had been tied to a post, and Father did not want a Lannister butcher to kill her. The kiss bestowed upon her head, by Catelyn, made Sansa slowly close her Tully blue eyes in its familiarity, and she leaned closer to her Mother. Renewed hope started coursing through her body. Perhaps, not all hope was lost in the world. She remembered the words she had once thought; “in life, the monsters win.” But, now, she started to think, instigated by the now multiple displays of affection her Mother bestowed her, she realized that she still clung on to the idea that there might be better days, in the darkness.The snow at the Eyrie had reminded her so much of the snows in Winterfell, a powerful nostalgia that could not be held back, and even with Robin destroying her snow castle modelled of it, it could perhaps be rebuilt just like the true live version… “—-Listen, please, Cat.” Sansa heard Petyr implore, a slight tremor now present in his voice. He remembered touching her scar, when they were young, she getting grazed when climbing a tree. She had many scars, scars written in sirithar and sorrow. “I apologize most grievously for my actions. How can I prove that to you?”

[swingoutmister]

Oklahomo, by writer, photographer, and costumer C.T. Madrigal is one of the most well-written, moving, and enjoyable books of the genre known as the “gay memoir.” It is with high praise that I place this book in the company of Gen-X memoirs like David Crabb’s 2015 tome Bad Kid and 2006’s I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell (aka the taller of the Beekman Boys). Madrigal and his older sister are born to a teenage mother in the early 1970s in suburban San Francisco, where his mother is in a common law marriage with her second husband, a dangerous and violent biker named Mickey. Madrigal’s discovery of his true self is instinctual and fast out of the gate.

The author’s mother and Mickey lock the children out of the house during the day, feeling that children should not be “in the house all day.” For reasons unknown to the author, he and his sister are sent to live with their father, his new wife, and her spoiled four children. The stepmother lives up to the reputation by labeling the name-brand food for “her children,” the other two were not allowed to participate in pizza feasts and other familial activities. Any disagreement was brought to “family court,” where the stepmother’s children sat as jury. A guilty verdict was guaranteed. After two years, their mother took them back after leaving her abusive spouse; the family was quite happy in a small apartment until the spouse found them, painting offensive language on the car and slicing the tires. The next step was his trying to burn down the house, sending the small family, along with Madrigal’s grandmother and uncle, to Oklahoma.

Here, Madrigal’s teenage years begin, and he cannot resist the natural exploration that culminates with his leaving school and town at thirteen after multiple confrontations with his mother and an unloving relationship with his sister. If all of this sounds dour, and as a therapist, I lost count of the traumas experienced by Madrigal, he writes with a devilish sense of humor, in a kind of “Sedaris, hold me beer” fashion. One moment that made me laugh aloud was his proclamation that running away to New York, where a pimp would greet him at the bus station, was a valid life alternative. Madrigal becomes what has come to be known as an outlier of a small-town club kid, which flourished in the 1980s and early 1990s, with teenage Madrigal discovering the power of drag.

The subtitle, “Pee, Peeping, Police, Pistols, Puritans, Pedophiles, and a Witch,” validly describes the contents inside. On a personal note, as a gay kid the same age as Madrigal, I felt scared and excited about the choices that he made, although I realize that several of the decisions were made out of a lack of options, but many were made by tremendous acts of courage. I did not come out until I was 28, but Madrigal’s path would be one to model if I could do it again.

What made me different and introverted in expressing my true self? As memoirs leave Generation X, we leave a world behind, forgotten. Madrigal does not water-own the references. I cannot imagine there could be more than a handful of these tomes left as our generation speeds through their fifties (mine would be boring AF).

As I sneak around on the internet and see Madrigal’s multiple accomplishments, I cannot help but admire – and find myself jealous – his life and achievements. So yeah, Oklahomo is one of the best memoirs this memoir-lover has read in some time. 

#C.T. Madrigal