#hawthorn apple twins

[karineverse]

I DID IT. IT'S HERE. FINALLY. Sorry if it looks rushed.. it kinda is! Hope I didn't miss any details @joonebugg (←hosting the dtiys and owns the designs, you should totally check their blog)

But I love it still, I had a good idea...

[joonebugg]

MY 250 DTIYS!! ^_^

Ty so much for everyone who has followed me and supported me throughout my time here on tumblr <3 I couldn't have done this without you all

More info under the cut if you wish to participate!

Deadline is December 31st

Rules

-NO AI!!! Only real artist please <3 gacha edits are welcome if you aren't confident in your drawing skills yet

-no homophobes, transphobes, aphobes, abelists, racists, anti palestine/pro-isreal, proship/comship/darkship, please! I don't want you guys interacting with me <3

-you CAN change the poses, and the perspective. I do kindly ask for you to keep the designs the same as well as the concept of the art

-even if you don't follow me, you may participate!

-tag me and link this post in your entry

-keep it SFW, minimal artistic nudity is allowed

-please tag with hawthorn au tags (i.e. #nightmare hawthorn, #dream hawthorn, #hawthorn apple twins, etc) also tag with #hawthorn 250 dtiys. You can tag these along with the original #nightmare sans tags

-you do NOT have to use the lyrics I have used, but it is preferred, no lyrics at all is fine as well <3

-have fun! There is no pressure to participate at all. And take as much time as you need <3

PRIZES

1st place

Drawing of 1-2 characters of choice either fully rendered or simple shading, simple background if requested

2nd place

Drawing of 1 character of choice with simple shading and solid color or gradient background

3rd place

Sketch of 1 character colored no background

@toffeebrew @lovelessbachelor @bluepr1ntyy @oliveatesoap @vanglaggle @mafuyumagnet @pucabearry @taxavoider @loserfurry @soaked-ghost

Here are the refs you can use for the designs! Feel free to change the colors to your palette but keep them relatively the same <3 happy drawing everyone!

[astra-ravana]

The Signs: Correspondences

Aries♈

Symbol: The ram

Affirmation: "I am."

Dates: March 21st - April 20th

Day: Tuesday

Element: Fire

Colors: Red, orange, black, white

Body: Head

Ruler: Mars

House: First

Modality: Cardinal

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 9

Metal: Iron

Birthstone: Diamond

Season: Spring

Tarot: The Emporer

Exultation: Sun

Fall: Saturn

Detriment: Venus

Plants: Hops, thistle, red clover, honeysuckle, holly, hawthorne, garlic, nettles, cayenne, locust, geranium, saffron, spruce

Crystals: Diamond, rutilated quartz, carnelian, pietersite, bloodstone, citrine, ruby, jasper, super seven, herkimer diamond, Libyan desert glass, danburite, topaz, garnet, hematite, obsidian, sardonyx

Animals: Rams/sheep, tigers, dragons, hawks, wolves, foxes

Archetypes: The Warrior, The Pioneer, The Daredevil, The Survivor, The Child, The Creative, The Adventurer

Keywords: Pioneering, fearless, energetic, impulsive, adventurous, courageous, assertive, brash, optimistic, honest, independent, restless, fiery, fool hardy, forceful, combative, competitive, daring, crude, confident, enterprising, demanding, direct, resilient, dominant, impatient, reckless, loud, rash, stubborn, arrogant, temperamental, humorous, creative, friendly, authentic

Taurus♉

Symbol: The bull

Affirmation: "I have."

Dates: April 21st - May 21st

Day: Friday

Element: Earth

Colors: Green, blue, pink, brown

Body: Neck

Ruler: Venus

House: Second

Modality: Fixed

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 6

Metal: Copper

Birthstone: Emerald

Season: Late spring

Tarot: The Hierophant

Exultation: Moon

Fall: Uranus

Detriment: Mars/Pluto

Plants: Wheat, mint, apple, sorrel, foxglove, thyme, rose, sage, daisy, crypress, ash, poppy, basil, violet, dandelion, fig, pear

Crystals: Emerald, rose quartz, malachite, rhodonite, kunzite, peridot, jade, chrysocolla, kyanite, amethyst, pyrite, selenite, turquoise, lapis lazuli, adventurine, tiger's eye, moss agate

Animals: Bulls/cows, elephants, flamingos, turtles, camels

Archetypes: The Earth Spirit, The Musician, The Silent One, The Sage, The Hedonist, The Stabilizer

Keywords: Steadfast, reliable, sensual, patient, practical, loyal, grounded, stable, nurturing, tenacious, stubborn, possessive, materialistic, enduring, committed, devoted, calm, dependable, inflexible, resistant, over-indulgent, caring, resilient, persistent, overly cautious, tranquil, resourceful, sensible, unyielding, pessimistic, jealous, insecure, focused

Gemini♊

Symbol: The twins

Affirmation: "I think."

Dates: May 22nd - June 20th

Day: Wednesday

Element: Air

Colors: Yellow, blue, teal, grey

Body: Arms/hands

Ruler: Mercury

House: Third

Modality: Mutable

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 5

Metal: Mercury

Birthstone: Agate

Season: Early summer

Tarot: The Lovers

Exultation: North node

Fall: South node

Detriment: Jupiter

Plants: Anise, lavender, marjoram, hazel, caraway, myrtle, fern, valerian, lily-of-the-valley, bittersweet, chestnut

Crystals: Agate, moonstone, aquamarine, pearl, sapphire, apatite, howlite, alexandrite, chrysophase, celestite, sodalite, lemon quartz, opal, labradorite, tourmaline, onyx

Animals: Horses, dolphins, deer, butterflies, chameleons, monkies

Archetypes: The Witness, The Teacher, The Storyteller, The Journalist, The Messenger, The Unholdable

Keywords: Adaptable, outgoing, curious, intellectual, impulsive, versatile, flakey, gossipy, enthusiastic, indecisive, loving, nosy, open, excitable, flighty, bubbly, fun-loving, verbal, smart, judgemental, nervous, distracted, giving, popular, gentle, emotionally aware, persuasive, intuitive, empathetic

Cancer♋

Symbol: The crab

Affirmation: "I feel."

Dates: June 21st - July 21st

Day: Monday

Element: Water

Colors: White, silver, grey, blue, green

Body: Chest/stomach

Ruler: Moon

House: Fourth

Modality: Cardinal

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 2

Metal: Silver

Birthstone: Pearl (moonstone)

Season: Mid summer

Tarot: The Chariot

Exultation: Jupiter

Fall: Mars

Detriment: Saturn

Plants: White rose, verbena, tarragon, water lily, lotus, willow, alder, saxifrage, lettuce, acanthus, jasmine

Crystals: Moonstone, pearl, selenite, calcite, chalcedony, opal, amethyst, emerald, chrysophase, coral, larimar, howlite, peacock ore, blue kyanite, rose quartz, blue lace agate, angelite

Animals: Crustaceans, frogs, whales, rabbits, seals

Archetypes: The Mother, The Healer, The Invisible, The Hysteric, The Counselor, The Psychic, The Maiden

Keywords: Emotional, loving, sensitive cautious, sympathetic, moody, touchy, protective, unpredictable, charming, loyal, tender-hearted, creative, caring, over-emotional, resentful, drastic, nurturing, generous, ardent, consistent, aloof, codependent, coddling, dramatic, hysterical, shrewd, imaginative, possessive, changeable, defensive, clinging, vindictive, devoted, motherly, soft

Leo♌

Symbol: The lion

Affirmation: "I will."

Dates: July 22nd - August 22nd

Day: Sunday

Element: Fire

Colors: Gold, yellow, orange

Body: Heart/spine

Ruler: Sun

House: Fifth

Modality: Fixed

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 1

Metal: Gold

Birthstone: Ruby

Season: Late summer

Tarot: Strength

Exultation: Neptune

Fall: None

Detriment: Uranus

Plants: Sunflower, saffron, peppermint, walnut, rosemary, St. John's wort, borage, orange, lemon, bay, olive, marigold, dandelion

Crystals: Ruby, carnelian, citrine, sunstone, spinel hematite, rhodochrosite, rutilated quartz, peridot, pyrite, herkimer diamond, golden topaz, honey calcite, apache tear, tiger's eye, black onyx

Animals: Lions, cats, peacocks, horses, phoenix, eagles, tigers

Archetypes: The King/Queen, The Performer, The Clown, The Golden Child, The Victor, The Magician, The Guardian

Keywords: Confident, loyal, passionate, arrogant, dependable, strong, domineering, vivacious, honest, sociable, warm, self-focused, vain, determined, giving, charismatic, attention-seeking, ferocious, joyous, fun, jealous, inflexible, brave, born leader, kind, reckless, shallow, hospitable, flirtatious, outrageous, wild, cocky, confrontational, magnetic, chatty, luxurious, extravagant

Virgo♍

Symbol: The virgin

Affirmation: "I analyze."

Dates: August 23rd - September 23rd

Day: Wednesday

Element: Earth

Colors: Green, white, brown, navy blue

Body: Abdomen

Ruler: Mercury

House: Sixth

Modality: Mutable

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 5

Metal: Nickel

Birthstone: Peridot

Season: Early autumn

Tarot: The Hermit

Exultation: Mercury

Fall: Venus/Neptune

Detriment: Jupiter/Neptune

Plants: Valerian, elder, skullcap, flax, buttercup, lavender, dill, blackberry, morning glory, forget-me-not, hazel

Crystals: Peridot, jade, sapphire, fluorite, sodalite, lapis lazuli, mookaite, zicron, sardonyx, moss agate, nuummite

Animals: Owls, bees, doves, squirrels, mice, salmon

Archetypes: The Perfectionist, The Servant, The Martyr, The Analyst, The Alchemist, The Messenger

Keywords: Analytical, hardworking, meticulous, practical, fussy, judgemental, modest, patient, artistic, critical, attentive, picky, humble, industrious, polite, proper, shy, intelligent, distant, harsh, conservative, anxious, sensitive, dedicated, subtle, curious, classy, responsible, repressed, trustworthy, altruistic, gentle, ethereal, wise, independent

Libra♎

Symbol: The scales

Affirmation: "I balance."

Dates: September 23rd - October 22nd

Day: Friday

Element: Air

Colors: Light blue, pink, green

Body: Kidneys

Ruler: Venus

House: Seventh

Modality: Cardinal

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 6

Metal: Copper

Birthstone: Sapphire

Season: Mid-autumn

Tarot: Justice

Exultation: Saturn

Fall: Sun

Detriment: Mars

Plants: Mint, rose, dahlia, feverfew, thyme, ash, burdock, parsley, blue lotus, daisy, poplar, apple, grape, white sycamore

Crystals: Sapphire, jade, sardonyx, opal, turquoise, moonstone, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, larvakite, obsidian, auralite, prehnite, pink tourmaline, morganite

Animals: Ravens, swans, dragonflies, dogs, deer, pandas

Archetypes: The Lover, The Artist, The Peacemaker, The Socialite, The Flirt, The Designer, The Mediator

Keywords: Diplomatic, charming, easy going, fair, balanced, sensual, lazy, indecisive, idealistic, manipulative, dreamy, intellectual, harmonious, influential, friendly, entitled, engaging, likable, melodramatic, gossipy, vain, tactful, witty, funny, tempered, pragmatic, sincere, fickle, bossy, ambivalent, generous, insecure, lovable, creative, optimistic

Scorpio♏

Symbol: The scorpion

Affirmation: "I desire."

Dates: October 23rd - November 22nd

Day: Tuesday

Element: Water

Colors: Dark red, maroon, black

Body: Genitals

Ruler: Mars/Pluto

House: Eighth

Modality: Fixed

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 9

Metal: Steel (iron)

Birthstone: Opal

Season: Late autumn

Tarot: Death

Exultation: Uranus

Fall: Moon

Detriment: Venus

Plants: Hawthorne, witch hazel, aloe, catnip, birch, ginseng, onion/leek, heather, geranium, brambles, milk thistle, rhododendron

Crystals: Opal, topaz, malachite, garnet, ruby, labradorite, smokey quartz, beryl, Apache tear, moonstone, shungite, citrine, auralite, super seven, bloodstone, amethyst, abalone, que sera

Animals: Scorpions, spiders, eagles, serpents, panthers

Archetypes: The Detective, The Sorcerer, The Hypnotist, The Witch, The Temptress, The Mystic, The Protector

Keywords: Determined, forceful, intuitive, powerful, magnetic, secretive, ambitious, obsessive, hardworking, emotionally intelligent, creative, seductive, possessive, honest, blunt, passionate, intense, jealous, protective, resentful, tenacious, thrilling, sardonic, stubborn, dark, strategic, loyal, stoic, obstinate, fearless, disciplined, skeptical, self-reliant

Sagittarius♐

Symbol: The centaur/archer

Affirmation: "I see."

Dates: November 22nd - December 21st

Day: Thursday

Element: Fire

Colors: Purple, royal blue, red

Body: Hips, thighs, liver

Ruler: Jupiter

House: Ninth

Modality: Mutable

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 3

Metal: Tin

Birthstone: Topaz

Season: Early winter

Tarot: Temperance

Exultation: South Node

Fall: North Node

Detriment: Mercury

Plants: Sage, dandelion, mulberry, cinnamon, wood betony, star anise, mandrake, mallow, oak, thistle, carnations, ash, calamus, orchid

Crystals: Topaz, labradorite, amethyst, azurite, corundom, carnelian, spinel, sugilite, tanzanite, iolite, chalcedony, blue goldstone, yooperlite, lapis lazuli, garnet, blue apatite, quantum quatro

Animals: Horses, stags, falcons, foxes, crows, unicorns

Archetypes: The Gypsy, The Student, The Philosopher, The Psychiatrist, The Seeker, The Comedian, The Guide

Keywords: Adventurous, philosophical, free-spirited, intelligent, direct, impulsive, scatter-brained, forgiving, curious, jovial, good-humored, idealistic, unfiltered, blunt, impatient, preachy, accepting, authentic, energetic, non-committal, compassionate, friendly, unfocused, conflict-avoidant, spontaneous, enchanting, musical, stylish, detached, trusty, pioneering, sophisticated, open-minded

Capricorn♑

Symbol: The sea goat

Affirmation: "I use."

Dates: December 22nd - January 20th

Day: Saturday

Element: Earth

Colors: Dark green, grey, black, brown

Body: Knees

Ruler: Saturn

House: Tenth

Modality: Cardinal

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 8

Metal: Lead

Birthstone: Turquoise

Season: Winter

Tarot: The Devil

Exultation: Mars

Fall: Jupiter

Detriment: Moon

Plants: Hemlock, ivy, poppy, beetroot, comfrey, hemp, elm, willow, henbane, knapweed, pansy, yew, onion, hellebore, horsetail

Crystals: Turquoise, onyx, black tourmaline, corundom, smokey quartz, clear quartz, sodalite, jet, larvakite, hematite, pyrite, citrine, aragonite, azurite, malachite, black kyanite, kiwi jasper, tiger iron

Animals: Goats, bees, elk/deer, woodpeckers, penguins, sturgeon

Archetypes: The Hermit, The Father, The Prime Minister, The Miser, The Judge, The Administrator, The Mentor

Keywords: Tough, uncompromising, dedicated, capable, responsible, tenacious, stubborn, practical, wise, persistent, pragmatic, honest, arrogant, controlling, ambitious, steadfast, strong, successful, minimalist, stoic, careful, reserved, mature, dry, pessimistic, disciplined, driven, prudent, shy, greedy, miserly, moody, competitive, moralistic, cynical, harsh, logical

Aquarius♒

Symbol: The water bearer

Affirmation: "I know."

Dates: January 21st - February 18th

Day: Wednesday

Element: Air

Colors: Sky blue, teal, violet, indigo

Body: Shins/ankles, pineal gland

Ruler: Uranus/Saturn

House: Eleventh

Modality: Fixed

Polarity: Positive

Gender: Masculine

Number: 4

Metal: Aluminum

Birthstone: Aquamarine

Season: Late winter

Tarot: The Star

Exultation: None

Fall: Neptune

Detriment: Sun

Plants: Orchid, rowan, mandrake, passion flower, lotus, myyrh, hops, elder, pepper, amber, frankincense, golden rain, bergamot, chilli, saffron

Crystals: Aquamarine, amethyst, moonstone, angelite, sapphire, labradorite, arfedsonite, turquoise, charoite, super seven, Libyan desert glass, lepidolite, que sera, herkimer diamond, lapis lazuli, indigo gabbro, aqua aura,

Animals: Dolphins, snow leaopards, condors, salamanders, snakes

Archetypes: The Genius, The Revolutionary, The Truth Sayer, The Exile, The Scientist, The Rebel, The Outlaw

Keywords: Individualistic, clever, analytical, assertive, innovative, humanitarian, optimistic, eccentric, obstinate, aloof, open-minded, intelligent, unpredictable, impulsive, creative, impulsive, tolerant, social, calculating, chaotic, enigmatic, contradictory, independent, idealistic, unique, humorous, restless, inquisitive, unyielding, detached, lonely

Pisces♓

Symbol: The fishes

Affirmation: "I believe."

Dates: February 19th - March 20th

Day: Thursday

Element: Water

Colors: Sea green, mint, blue, cyan

Body: Feet

Ruler: Neptune/Jupiter

House: Twelfth

Modality: Mutable

Polarity: Negative

Gender: Feminine

Number: 7

Metal: Platinum

Birthstone: Moonstone

Season: Early spring

Tarot: The Moon

Exultation: Venus

Fall: Mercury

Detriment: Mercury

Plants: Water lily, chicory, fig, echinacea, angelica, moss, hazel, fern, eyebright, primrose, willow, iris, seaweed

Crystals: Moonstone, fluorite, aquamarine, larimar, jade, moss agate, amazonite, blue lace agate, blue adventurine, amethyst, dumortierite, tourmaline, apatite, mother of pearl, citrine, kunzite

Animals: Fish, chameleons, butterflies, deer, octopuses, mockingbirds

Archetypes: The Mystic, The Dreamer, The Poet, The Guide, The Medic, The Creator, The Dancer, The Guru

Keywords: Intuitive, creative, brilliant, loving, empathetic, intense, anxious, animated, romantic, soft, adventurous, needy, scatterbrained, mystical, addictive, unmotivated, sentimental, spiritual, compassionate, lighthearted, flexible, forgiving, supportive, kind, sweet, childish, stingy, charming, blunt, self-indulgent, apathetic, fun

[abstractednotebook]

Slavic Spring Deities (Post no.1)

Vesna and Kresnik (Vesnik)

Vesna

(VEES-nah) “Lady Spring”, “Lady of Spring Resurrection”, or “The White Maiden of May”

There are about 15 other names for this deity, the ones that I will focus on in this post in particular are:

Vesna

Name that means Spring

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European “wésr” meaning Spring.

Zlata Maja

Name means “Golden Mother of Life”

Zlatogorka

Name means “Golden Hill”

Marjetica

Name means “Daisy”

Fun fact! The daisy is also a sacred flower of the Norse goddess Freya!

She is a glowing radiant goddess, often described as having long golden hair. Vesna is also associated with the day that the Swallows return on approximately March 9th called Strinenija. At this point in the year, another goddess named Striga(Mora, or Morana) would be reborn as this Spring Goddess. The dates however, will vary depending on the climatic differences in the various Slavic countries.

She loves music, dance and song; as well as sensual pleasures (intercourse). She bedecks herself with a flower crown, and the land itself with beautiful flowers. She may be found naked dancing in a meadow, happily surrounded by birds and butterflies.

Like all the tales of Slavic Deities, she too can change her form to the animals she most connects with. These animals happen to be white birds, rabbits, or singing larks. These are also her messengers!

Quick Facts!

Does she have a sacred day? Time? Holiday?: Yes! They are Fridays, the entire month of May, and especially May Day!

Sacred Space(s): Literally; any flowery meadow, garden, or hill!

Sacred Animals: Rooks, Robins, Cranes, Mice, Shrews, Cuckoos, Fire-flies and Glow worms.

Sacred Plants: Maple, hawthorn blossoms, and wild roses.

Offering ideas: Honey cakes, flowers, apples, goat’s milk, flower crowns, bird sculptures (especially of her sacred birds).

Kresnik

(kre-ES-nik) “Living Fire”, “Lord of Spring Resurrection”, “The Lord of Life-Giving Light”.

There’s about 11 names for this Deity!

In folktales, Kresnik can transform into a bird, or really any shape he pleases; or become invisible! He rides in a golden carriage across the sky on a winged horse. We see him in Slovene folk tales wielding a “golden axe” and causing lightning.

Like his female counterpart (or in some tales she is his partner or twin), he too has golden hair (and mustache), he is bright and radiantly handsome; however he is sometimes described to have golden hands (sometimes going as far as to have golden wings).

Oh! And, he lives on a golden mountain where there grows an apple tree; but it’s not just any old run of the mill apple tree—it holds the golden apples of immortality! (Are you sick of the word “GOLDEN” yet?)

The firefly is a sacred animal to him, and I’ll let you guess why.

Quick Facts!

Sacred day, time, or holiday: Spring Equinox, May 6th, Summer Solstice (June 21 or 22), and oddly enough, December 6th and the Winter Solstice. In short, the Winter Solstice was considered his “birthday,” and then he was celebrated at the Summer Solstice with bonfires!

Sacred spaces: Hills.

Sacred Animals: Roosters, goats, red cows, bulls, bears, wolves, boars, oxen, dragons, horses, flying horses, dogs with white spots (specifically over their eyes, but any white spots will do just fine), woodpeckers, and lynxes.

Sacred Plants: Apples, yellow “corn marigolds,” grapevines, buckwheat, blackberries, red cranberries, asparagus, wheat, hay, and various other fruits.

Sacred Objects: Spoked “sun wheels”, flutes, fiddle, a golden hand (think Thanos), a winged white horse, a candelabrum, golden axe, or a club.

Offering ideas: Yellow apples, wine, cooked buckwheat, grapes, candles, incense, Frankincense, wheat sheaves, cranberries.

END POST

P.S: If you have any questions, always remember to ask them!! If I personally cannot answer it, I'll find sources that could help you out!

[pantherxdrawz]

Me: I’m gonna draw some more art for my Ace Attorney swap au! And make more swaps that I already haven’t, gotta make sure they make sen-

My brain: Swap Dahlia Hawthorn and Bobby Fulbright.

Me:

Me: *raises Apple Pencil*

So yeah here is Swap au Bobby

plus a sunglasses on head alt

Basically I’ve had two ideas for Swap!Bobby Fulbright (Also you have no idea how many times I’ve mentally called him “Robert Hellbright”)

One is he’s not actually evil (Don’t ask why I chose the angry evil lookin Dahlia sprite to redraw with him in that case) but was rather kinda threatened into crimes and such,

The OTHER idea, alternatively Actually swaps Bobby with Iris, but who’s Dahlia in this case? Phantom. Yup. If I go with that idea Phantom is now Bobby’s twin.

I actually got a shitpost doodle for that one

(No I am not gonna watermark that simple of a doodle.)

Edit: Third alternate idea:

Stretch but, basically it’s the third idea, but the duo “pull a canon”

If you know you know

[edgecastlema]

hi there! thinking about applying and I have a couple characters in mind but are there any mw fandoms or characters members would like to see?

please 'non! we would love to have any muses you're thinking about, but here are some requests from our members we've seen and well as things that have just been tossed around in the server !

fandom: marvel, dc, star wars, barbie, resident evil, silent hill, hades, my hero academia, dimension 20, riordanverse, scream, yellowjackets, school spirits, wednesday, bratz, daisy jones and the six, jujutsu kaisen, fear street, pride & prejudice, the walking dead, the last of us, five nights at freddy's, stranger things, it, the hunger games, fire emblem, monster high, ever after high, halloween, kingdom hearts, grey's anatomy, the wilds, paranormal activity,

charas: felicia hardy, gwen stacy, flash thompson, america chavez, sam wilson, matt murdock, natasha romanoff, reed richards, shuri, lorna dane, gambit, scott summers, james rhodes, stephen strange, wally west, garfield logan, hal jordan, bart allen, oliver queen, cassie sandsmak, kate kane, dinah lance, helena bertinelli, kara danvers, raven, lois lane, lana lang, duke thomas, jon and clark kent, the meeks-martin twins, faith lehane, sansa stark, arya stark, the halliwel sisters, jane, mary, kitty, and lydia bennet, charlotte emily, vanessa/vanny, lucas sinclair, max mayfield, dustin henderson, frankie stein, deuce gorgon, holt hyde, lagoona blue, clawdeen wolf, cloe, sasha, yasmine, jade, laurie strode, allyson nelson, enid sinclair, bianca barclay, the addams family, maddie nears, wally clark, shauna shipman, taissa turner, vanessa palmer, lottie matthews, travis martinez, laura lee, mike hanlon, stanley uris, ben hanscom, johanna mason, haymitch abernathy, peeta mellark, annie cresta, apple white, raven queen, cerise hood, lizzie hearts, jackson avery, april kepner, alex karev, maggie pierce, ellie williams, rick grimes, maggie greene, sasha williams, tara chambler, michonne hawthorne, carol peletier, and rosita espinosa

[camhawthornes]

[ reese witherspoon | 43 | cis female | she/her/hers ] Hey, look! It’s [CAMERON HAWTHRONE] at [HAPPY HOME REAL ESTATE]. Did you know they [WORK] there as a [REAL ESTATE AGENT]? I guess they’re from [OLYMPIA, WA] and have been in town for [SEVEN MONTHS], living in [PRIMROSE HEIGHTS]. I also heard they’re a little [STUBBORN], but also very [RESOURCEFUL] which definitely makes sense.

— basics

full name: cameron elizabeth hawthorne (nee simon) 

nicknames: cam, cammie (if you are her parent and want to make her skin crawl). 

age & birthday: 43 & january 13th 1980

gender identity: cis female

preferred pronouns: she/her

occupation: real estate agent 

orientation: pansexual/romantic

relationship status: separated 

children: maisie hawthorne (9); austin hawthorne (13); grace hawthorne (21)

family: john simon (father); prudence simon (mother); ann-marie seigert (sister); brother simon (twin brother)

hometown: olympia, wa

time in east haven: seven months

— appearance 

height: 5′1

eyes:  blue

hair: blonde 

tattoos/piercings: both ears (pierced when she was an infant) / a butterfly on her hip she got it on a dare and has regretted it since (particularly when the pregnancy stretch marks started) but keeps it as a reminder. 

style: cam is very pta mom chic, though she’s always got a blazer or two hanging in her office just incase she has a last minute showing. she’s not the sort to leave the house without her face/hair done - even her exercise outfits flattering. all that said she does know how to rock a little black dress and has been known to take the karaoke microphone on a girls night out, particularly if she’s drinking something stronger than wine. 

personality:  temperamental, stubborn, mama bear, resourceful. 

— more

likes: her kiddos, being a mom, bossing other parent volunteers around, yoga (though it doesn’t make her very zen), her fur babies, a greasy cheese burger (not that she’ll admit it).

dislikes: her husband.

hobbies: carting her children around to various activities, listening to audio books while running errands (particularly romance novels).

— bio points

Growing up, Cam was the apple of her mother’s eye and she thrived with all the extra attention but when her parents divorced and sides were picked the pressure to keep her mother happy (and often times sober) weighed heavy on her shoulders. 

With years of pageant shows Cam had perfected the kind of smile that hides all of one’s worries and pain from the rest of the world. 

She went to college to get a degree in journalism but ended up leaving halfway through her senior year pregnant and engaged. The couple moved to be closer to his family where he took a job at his father’s law firm. 

Once she’d started her own family, it was easier to excuse the way she’d drifted away from her own. Cam’s mother in law took her under her wing, introducing her to the ‘right’ people at the right parties. 

Before she knew it, Cam had become her mother - minus the excessive drinking and obvious child favoritism - a society mom with three kids and a husband in politics. 

And she was happy! Or she thought she was. Until news of her husband’s cheating turned her whole world upside down. It’s like something snapped inside of her along with the rose colored glasses. 

She tried to move forward in the relationship, for the sake of the children, but as he confessed the extent of his sins she found it hard to look him in the eyes. Her eldest was already in East Haven attending Heywood, so with the pretence of being closer to family she packed up her kiddos and moved to town. 

Publicly she and her husband are still together, but as far as she’s concerned the relationship is over. 

Cam is the kind of mom that volunteers for all the things at her child’s school, loves karaoke, girls nights and skinny margaritas. 

[langdxn]

how different stages of michael, how he raised his child with s/o?

on this day last year, i published my first fic here (things haven’t changed much since sanctum, i’ll admit) so it seems only fair we go back to that fluffy domesticity with daddy!Michael!

Grunge!Michael is an adorable hands-on dad, not wanting to let your beautiful little girl out of his sight for fear of losing his new family. He’s trying his hardest to control his powers around you both, especially as he’s not entirely sure how strong he is yet. You come home to find him visibly seething as he sterilises baby bottles buried under a mountain of laundry and ironing, but there’s something different about the curls tumbling in front of his face today — a glittering silver tiara perched atop them. “I... I can explain,” Michael stutters as he yanks down the royal addition to his mop top and stows it behind his back. “I... couldn’t find her favourite apple juice and she was crying so loud, so I made the refrigerator blow up and now our daughter thinks I’m... Elsa.”

Hawthorne!Michael is starting to realise his purpose in life, even more so when your baby boy arrives to complete your family — now he has a future Hawthorne boy of his own to raise. Naturally, he teaches your toddler all the best spells when you’re not looking, poring over his own study books to find something to really amuse you after a hard day in class. As you bundle back into your family dorm, you discover Michael’s babysitting skills have left him tearing his blonde curls out while your son dangles from the ceiling, chuckling away while juggling building blocks and toy trucks suspended in mid-air. “I know I’m not one for admitting fault,” Michael sighs with a pout as he keeps his gaze fixed on the troublesome boy. “But I really shouldn’t have taught him salire per spatium.”

While Sojourn!Michael may have lost his way in a spiritual sense, the arrival of your daughter brought him back down to earth in more ways than he can imagine. For the first year of her life, your little girl knew her father’s stubbled countenance as her comfort, the way he would graze her cheek with his like sandpaper and the unbridled giggles that ensued. One day, however, he decides it’s time to pull himself together and shave off that five o’clock shadow. Pacing back into the room wiping his fresh face dry, your baby girl bursts into uncontrollable, hysterical tears. Michael’s heart breaks as he races over to comfort her. “Baby girl, it’s me! It’s daddy! You don’t recognise me?” Scooping the crying girl in his arms, he cradles her and coos softly but nothing works until mom walks in. “Honey, our girl thinks I’m an imposter.”

Fire and Reign!Michael may be a busy bee, flitting between Cooperative meetings and Kineros Robotics, but he will always find time to care for you and your little boy, who’s the spitting image of him minus the flowing black coat and inimitable red gloves. Did we mention the Antichrist has an unlimited Disneyworld pass to whisk your little family away for the weekend? He’s still got a mountain of work engagements to attend while you stay in the most expensive suite on site, but as he stumbles wearily into the room after an exhausting day, his tired eyes find you and little Lucifer curled up on the couch still wearing your Mickey Mouse ears as you doze. Silently tiptoeing over to you both, Michael tosses his coat and gloves aside and slumps into the seat beside you. With one arm protectively curled around your waist and pressing sleepy kisses into your hair, the dictatorial bringer of the apocalypse melts back into his true form — a soft-centered, blissfully happy father.

With the apocalypse well and truly under his thumb, Outpost!Michael has all the maturity and command to make a go of being a cruel-to-be-kind father... at least, that’s what you thought when you first discovered you were expecting twins. Fast forward 18 months and he’s careering down the corridors of Outpost 3 with one little boy perched on his shoulders and your daughter speeding ahead of him, a high-speed chase to the library in search of their favourite book. Fast forward an hour and he’s curled up with your two bundles of joy reading them bedtime stories of angels and demons... tales of supernatural events that your children are blissfully unaware once happened to their father, the cuddly daddy whose velvet suits make the perfect comfort blankets.

[musical-attorney]

Personal headcannon of mine: These two are "related"

Or should I say, sister and brother from different mothers? (MAJOR AI2 AND T&T SPOILERS START NOW)

You see their is this saying I've said since forever and is now trademarking it: "Never Trust Red-Heads and/in Pink because they are all Sociopaths!" Lucky enough for me I have enough proof to make that true.

Now with this headcannon I would like to explain why it makes enough sense to make someone believe it but not enough to be canon.

Exhibit A: The hair

You see as I just said they are both red-heads but it wouldn't make sense if that were true.

As you can see in this photo Simon's hair was black back then and I would like to assume that he got it dyed. With Dahlia her hair there is a debate wether or not that is her natural hair color. Her TWIN sister, Iris has black hair so why wouldn't she have black hair too. Now I know that their biological father could've had red hair but they are twins so shouldn't they be born with the same hair color? Her and Iris's name kind of refer to the murder novel "The Black Dahlia" written by James Ellroy.

Exhibit B: Their personality

We all know that they were the mastermind (more so in Simon's case) in their games but what can we really take out of it? When you look up their names and click the first link you will see Dahlia described:

"Initially, Dahlia Hawthorne appeared to be a sweet, graceful, demonstrative, angelic young woman, easily gaining the attention and affection of any man she came across. This, however, was merely a façade. In reality, she was as cold, cruel, arrogant, and manipulative as they came, not caring for anyone or anything but herself, all of which were the characteristics of a true, evil sociopath."

And Simon's being:

"Simon Keyes initially appears as a simple and timid guy who gets easily startled. Of course, this is all an act to hide his true colors. Simon is very intelligent, manipulative, perspicacious, and enthusiastic, so he can easily manipulate people by exploiting their emotional weaknesses."

So I guess this is just a coincidence or the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I could go on and on about what these two have in common but for now I'll just label them as "Best Friends/Might as well be siblings" because I ship Kristahlia/Dahlstoph to much.

[thetimelordbatgirl]

While me and my friend, @disneyfan50 , are still messing around with our Owl House inspired AUs and changing some stuff with season 2 still coming out, decided to maybe at least explain the character roles in the AUs, this one being The Wolf House, an AU on disneyfan’s series An Untold Story and my series, Descendants: Family Business:

*Fatima ‘Enchantress’ Orlaithe- known as both the Enchantress and The Wolf Lady due to her cursed form, Enchantress is among the few witches to not have joined a coven and doesn’t intend to, but as a result, has gotten the Emperor’s coven after her several times while she tried to survive by selling human junk from the human realm that came through her portal door. But one of these days, she’d end up with a human from the human realm, and as a result, would find her life changing completely. 

*Alexander Hawthorne- a human from the human realm, Alexander despite trying his best to be normal, found it hard to hold back his antics involving his love for fantasy and as a result, ends up in trouble for his book report when he used real snakes for it and fireworks, much to him being sent to a summer camp to help straighten him out, by his parents, but he never makes it to camp as instead, he follows a creature for his book back and in the process, finds himself in a land from his fantasy books.

*Footstool- a demon that oddly resembles a footstool and....a dog, Footstool was found by Enchantress when she was on the run from the Emperor’s coven and after risking making a run for home, she took Footstool with her and he’s been with her ever since, even befriending the human she brings home one day.

*Shiny- the demon that resides within the house, he is the Wolf House in some sense and often roams the house and sometimes the town beyond it, but mainly resides in a mirror that is on the front door and despite coming off as creepy and annoying, he means well in his help.

*Scout- Enchantress’ palisman she made out of palisman wood while younger, Scout is a hawk palisman that when not being used by Enchantress and Alexander eventually, roams around the house or steals human junk from the human realm.

*Rowena ‘Fate’ Orlaithe- Enchantress’ sister who is often known as Fate, she works for the Emperor’s coven and doesn’t like to discuss how she got into the coven but just after she became a coven leader finally, she ends up losing a fight to her sister and afterwards, is assigned to capture her sister with the promise her sister’s curse will be cured, something Fate wants done.

*Matilda Fairchild- despite coming from a powerful bloodline, Matilda would be a latebloomer as a child and therefore, would end up falling out with her friend, Fairen, as children and when she started to fail the Illusionist Track in Hexside, Fairen would torment her and things would only change one day when she snuck a human into school and afterwards, would be put onto the Oracle Track while befriending the human.

*Henry Mills- a student in Hexside, Henry is often eage to learn about everything while he studies the Beast Keeping track, and has a love for the human realm and its treasures and when a human is snuck into the school, he happily befriends them and becomes a loyal friend.

*Fairen Shards- the youngest of the Shards children, Fairen often to most, comes off as cold and reserved and only sticks to people in his status and therefore, turned on his former friend as a child and in present, bullies the former friend, Matilda, for failing the track he excelled at, Illusionist. But after a few run ins with the human, he finds himself changing for the better and finds himself not only befriending Matilda but also falling for the human....

*Apple and Mira Shards- the eldest of the Shards children, both twins are known for their mischief and even using their skills in the Plant track to do so and when it comes to their younger brother, they sometimes get along with him but can turn nasty if he tells on them.

*Malachi Fae- a student in Hexside, he’s been friends with Fairen since they were children and as a result, often joined in on tormenting Matilda if Malachi wasn’t picking on others, and when he wasn’t doing that, he was becoming the schools sports star while excelling at the Abomination Coven.

*Maggie Mim- a student in Hexside, she’s known Malachi since they were children and as a result, often joins in on his bullying and is known to excel at the Potions track. 

*Evie and Doug Shards- the parents off Fairen, Apple and Mira, both expect only the best from their children and therefore, are harsh with the three in their parenting, especially with Fairen. With Evie being in the Oracle Coven and Doug in the Abomination Coven, both own and run Shards Industries. 

*Emperor Beast- the ruler of the Isles, it is not known what happened to his wife and son but what is known is that he suddenly shifted from a kind ruler to a cruel one, with the coven system being established and any wayward witches would be dealt with swiftly and working for some power known as the Dark One’s power, he hopes to get the human realm portal door for unknown means.

*Le Fou- the emperor’s right hand man, Le Fou is known to be loyal beyond measure and is willing to do anything for his emperor, taking joy in others failures but gaining a dislike for the Golden Guard when she started to get more jobs from the Emperor.

*The Golden Guard/Rose Beast- the child of the emperor, she was told her mother and brother abandoned them and therefore, is loyal to her father only and is hopeful once they have the portal door, that she can finally get answers from the family that abandoned them, but to get them, she has to deal with the human who constantly seems to get in her way. 

[coridallasmultipass]

Happy birthday to the earth. I'm making ponche navideño again! This time from frozen ugggghhh i haven't been able to go to the Mexican grocery store that has all the good seasonal fruits bc of covid (its in another town and i havent had any appointments there) and these hawthorne fruits are just not the same as fresh 😔 but one of them was a twin fruit (the seeds were literally conjoined) so ill take that as good luck at least! Fresh theyre more like apples, but frozen they were mushy like plums rip. The guavas tho ughhhh bad consistency frozen but i fucking NUT for guavas i s2g just the smell gets me drooling I even went all out and made fresh tamarind syrup to add, hibiscus, spices, apple, mandarin, prunes, hoohhh i fucking love fruit (esp fruit im jot allergic to which seems to be a smaller number every year) 🎅🎅🎅🎅 #food #drink #drinks #holiday #xmas #christmas #punch #ponche #christmaspunch #xmaspunch #ponchenavideno #fruit https://www.instagram.com/p/CJhuIvRA0QN/?igshid=18o2dnnplwuud

[theaurorfileshq]

H A R L O W  B I S H O P  /  A U R O R   C O R P O R A L

AGE:  Thirty-Four

BADGE NUMBER: R49B03

BLOODSTATUS: Pureblood

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Nonbinary, They/Them

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: Jinx scar below left shoulder blade. Various tattoos, the most visible being a pair of black rat snake tattoos on each forearm, and an alligator tattoo on the left arm. 

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:

(+): Alchemy, Potions, Healing Magic, Animagus (Alligator)  

(-): No-Maj Studies, Easily Agitated, Poor Social Skills

BACKGROUND:

The aurors is very much a family business for the Bishops. For over five generations, the Department of Aurors has not went without at least one Bishop in its rank, and quite often it was much more than that. Having a family so closely interwoven into the department, meant several renowned American aurors were well acquainted with the family. Martin Hattori and his family were regular attendees at the Bishop Family Christmas, as well as other famous names such as the Henshawes and the Cranes. Harlow’s mother’s side would be prestigious in its own right, with her mother hailing from the Department of Magical Security, and her aunt, Imelda Hawthorne, serving the department as a beast medical examiner. 

With such a long and storied history with the aurors, Harlow’s career path had never been an option for them, since childhood they along with their identical twin, Willow, were trained for a future that had already been chosen for them. Willow took to this training like a fish to water, the Bishop gene flowing strong through her veins. Harlow struggled immensely. They were never the athletic type, always too slow to the draw, much preferring to take their time and do as they pleased.

Their lack of skill never mattered though, they were going to become an auror, that didn’t mean they had to be a great one. It wasn’t until Ilvermorny when they found their true passion, that of alchemy. Alchemy took time, it meant hours of great study, and knowing the in’s and out’s of the various earthly metals and their magical properties. It didn’t require great athletic ability and skill, it required a studied and focused mind. And Harlow loved it.

Still that didn’t matter, they were a Bishop, and while yes alchemy could be a hobby of their’s, something that could no doubt help them in their future career, it would not be their livelihood. Willow, perfect and strong Willow, would continue to be the epitome of Bishop excellence. She’d go on to be the president of the Dueling Club, a master in her DADA class, and the apple of their parents’ eye. To say Harlow resented their sister, would perhaps be too strong a word, but jealous? That they were full of.

Still, the twins got along as well as most siblings. They were close, but not one another’s best friends by any stretch of the imagination. They led different lives for the most part, until school ended and they were both set out on the same path once more. The Cody Auror Academy would be the twins’ next destination, and there the two’s differences in abilities became only more apparent. While Willow excelled, Harlow got by, only truly succeeding in their potions courses. It was in these courses though, that they learned of a job that sounded right up their alley. Alchemy and potion specialists were a growing occupation within the Department of Aurors. Most divisions had at least one, and each of the four major squads had one of their own as well. Spending the majority of their day solving alchemical puzzles sounded like their dream occupation, and so Harlow suddenly found themself more invested in their auror training.

After graduation, the twins would be set out on different paths once again. Willow would be hired straight into the Mountain Squad as a recruit, while Harlow would find a job working out of the Colorado Auror Division. It was outside of their sister’s imposing shadow where Harlow would truly come into their own. They would never become a great dueler, but their skill in potions and alchemy helped earn them a highly regarded spot on the team as their go-to auror for cases involving the branch of magic. This skill, after seven years in the division, would eventually help them get into a squad of their own. But it wasn’t the Mountain Squad who had come offering them the promotion that got them one step closer to their goal, but rather the Central, the very squad their aunt worked as its beast medical examiner.

Their relationship with their sister would grow distant as the years wore on, even with both twins working for squads of their own. They rarely saw one another except for family holidays, and when they did it was amicable but not much else. On some days it was easy for Harlow to forget they even had a twin- that was until they looked down at the coiling black rat snake on their forearm. The tattoos were a spur of the moment decision on the night of their graduation from the auror academy. Both of them a little in their cups, had decided to mark the event with matching tattoos. Harlow, though, being the alchemist they were, wanted to get ones that came with an enchantment in the ink. The enchantment they’d settled on involved that of distress signals woven with a bonding spell. What this meant for the tattoos was that each twin would get a black rat snake on the arm, Willow’s on the left, and Harlow’s on the right. If one twin should ever be in danger, then the tattoo would appear on the other twin’s arm. With both going out into dangerous positions of their own, they decided it would be the perfect enchantment to get.

For twelve years Harlow would bear their tattoo, but their left arm would remain ink free. It was a comforting charm to have, even if they weren’t as close as they once were, it was nice knowing wherever Willow was, that she was safe and thriving. That would change, however, six months ago, when suddenly Harlow awoke to find her left arm bearing their sister’s tattoo. They immediately called the Mountain Squad, seeking information on their sister’s whereabouts, but were instructed that whatever their sister was doing, was classified- even for Harlow. It would be two agonizing weeks later, when the news hit of the missing aurors that Harlow would learn the truth of their sister’s whereabouts.

The twelve missing aurors were all pulled from the Mountain Squad, President Ortega’s former squad. Willow along with eleven others had been sent on a rescue mission to gather fleeing muggleborns from the country who was collapsing into chaos. Six months later, little information has come back about their sister, but Willow’s tattoo remains on their arm. The fact that it’s still there gives them hope that wherever she is she’s still alive- or at least they pray so.

[caligo-insopitus]

FNAF Headcanon Timeline Part 1

1929 – May: 5. David Lawrence Afton is born.

1932 – February: 29. Millicent Banks is born.

1950 – February: 20. Millicent meets David, and quickly falls for him.

1950 – August: 5. David and Millicent get married, despite his parents’ misgivings about the unusual woman… and the lack of input from Millicent’s own family.

1952 – April: 24. Identical twins Pamela Rose Blackthorne and Angela Daisy Blackthorne are born.

1955 – October: 28. William David Afton is born, despite David’s initial hesitation towards the topic of ever having children. On the other hand, Millicent decides that one isn’t enough, desperately wanting a daughter –or rather, a ‘mini-me’.

1955 – June: 15. Henry Frederick Emily is born to Robert Jamieson Emily and Linda Ruth Emily.

1957 – March: 1. Cassidy May Afton is born, much to Millicent’s delight. By this point, David has warmed-up to the idea of having a child, and even more than one.

1958 – July: 26. Scott Hawthorn Emily is born to Robert and Linda Emily.

1965 – November: 3. Cassidy Afton is killed by William, in an unattended apple orchard after school. The reasoning behind this murder is ultimately a loss of his temper, to the extent of a sort of blanking-out from what was happening. From this day onwards, Cassie’s spirit attaches herself to her brother, whose mental state begins its true downward spiral…

1966 – Unspecified: The Afton family moves from England to America, so as to leave behind anything that may remind them of Cassidy. To support the family, David starts up a real estate business.

1969 – January: 9. Jennifer Elise Emily is born to a recently-widowed Linda… and a married Italian-American man, who wanted nothing to do with any member of the Emily family after learning Linda was pregnant.

1969 – April: Having been heartbroken twice over and in failing health, Linda fades away and dies in her own home. It’s uncertain as to when exactly this happens, due to having holed herself up in her bedroom and leaving her children to fend for themselves with help from a friendly neighbour.

1972 – September: William and Henry start studying engineering together, quickly becoming the best students in their classes. They meet on the first day, with the scholarship-student Henry noticing quickly that Will was ‘almost as out-of-place as him’ and deciding to befriend the lonely yet bombastic Brit. That burgeoning friendship has a hiccough thanks to William being an idiot, but they become fast friends over the next week.

1976 – May: Henry and William graduate from university, each with an additional degree –William in business, and Henry in architecture.

1976 – June: In the same month, both pairs tie the knot, although in William and Angela’s part, it is with a significant degree of urgency –she had unexpectedly fallen pregnant towards their graduation, and while she is in love with him, he takes years to consider her to be anything other than a friend… or a responsibility.

1976 – November: 17. Vincent Ashley Afton is born. Just like his father before him, William does not initially want children of his own, but rapidly warms up to the idea throughout his son’s infancy. At around the same time, Pamela lost the child she had been carrying, thanks to being involved in a road accident.

1976 – Unspecified: Both Fazbear Entertainment and Afton Robotics are definitely up and running by the end of the year.

1977 – June: 12. Elizabeth Mary Afton is born, and William is instantly enamoured with his new daughter.

1977 – December: After much preamble and preparations, Fredbear’s Family Diner opens its doors to the public, to massive and rapid success. In this –the very beginning of the eatery franchise– Henry and William are the only actors, and the menu is comprised entirely of home recipes from the minds of Pamela and Angela.

1978 – November: Pamela and Angela grow tired of the long hours their husbands spend away from home, not least of which connected to both men’s fascination with the animatronics they create. Together, they hatch a plan that they believe will force Henry and William to start paying attention to them more often… A ‘one-night wife-swap’, which they hope will shock the two men ‘back to reality’, should they realise the swap took place. Neither of them do, although imbibing alcohol may help that fact.

1978 – Unspecified: Henry and William start to talk about expanding their animatronic eatery shtick, with a fresh new cast of characters. At some point, both of them also start to work on devices to help make their creations seem all the more real [henceforth dubbed ‘mindfuck discs’]. By the end of the year, research into the phenomenon/substance known as ‘Remnant’ has also begun.

1979 – July: 14. Not long after the wife-swap, it became plain that Angela was pregnant again… however, it was unclear as to which husband would be the father; to really push the issue, both Angela and Pamela had sex with each other’s husband, but Angela also had sex with William within the following few days. Unsurprisingly, both Will and Henry were unhappy to learn of the plot, but the four of them were able to put it behind them in a tenuous ‘truce’ of sorts. When Angela gave birth to twins, it was decided that each household would raise one, and the functionally-shared homes situation would continue as per normal. These twins are Charlotte Dahlia Emily and Michael Samuel Afton...

[versuswhitescar]

Malam Manor

We all grow up with that once upon a time, crap. When you're little, you believe it. Who believes it as an adult? I mean, really? We have smartphones, rumbas, and clap on lights. No one meets a 17-year-old vampire who supposed to be 52. But I have, and I found his tapes by accident. Now I'm living a filliping ounce upon a time that Anne Rice would drool over. If I don't find the f-ing cave his sister is trapped in, I'm going to be enjoying a lot less sunlight for damn sure.

I know if I could figure out the details, I'll find the cave. And the murderer and maybe be spared, or I fail, and I'm the next Elena Gilbert. I sure hope not.

I'm just a damn tutor who needs money for her master's degree. Why did I even think that posting a flyer online was a good idea? Hell, my only tinder date turned out to be a 300 lb guy catfishing for a date to his sister's wedding. I stupidly, no innocently thought I'd get some pimply high school sophomore struggling through R and J and Shakespeare word salad.

Man, was I wrong? Mr. Cain Haywater answered my ad. Normal name for an average guy, right? Well, who the hell names their kid after the first murder in the Bible, but I'm getting off track. My ancient 98 jeep with more rust than metal is not going up the hill to the "Malam Manor." Later I Google it and turns out the word is Latin for bad. I should have asked Siri sooner. Too late, Cain Haywater a ward of the state. Because he's 17 and wicked rich is paying me 50 bucks an hour to help write his family's history.

This house is unusual in ways I can't even begin to describe. Its windows seem to follow you like eyes while I rev up the circle drive. The brick looks like it's from out of the Hogwarts rejection pile. The height makes it at least three floors, and there's a damn covered entry that carriages pulled under in the 19th century. Besides the semi-creepy outsides, even though it looks well maintained, I'm coming here close to 9 pm. Ounce, the sun is down on the hottest July night in history. I should have done a business major instead of English lit. Follow your bliss, my mom said. What does she know she's a nail tech for the last 12 years. She probably has brain damage from the polish fumes.

I can't imagine anyone hears my lame knock at the gigantic door. But I swear to God it seems like a cat or something opened the door. I thought maybe the heat melted my brain, but it looked like a fuzzy ken doll. It darted behind a curtain. Before I could investigate Cain, hold my breath beautiful, Haywater stands ten feet in front of me in his large foyer in black jeans, skin-tight grey shirt with a badass blue tattoo that seems to have a deep center that radiates over his forearm. I'm shook in so many ways I can barely speak "Nyx, Nyx Jackson?" My name never sounded so smooth coming out of any humans mouth ever. That was when my brain should have clicked over to reality that he wasn't human. He hadn't been human since 1989.

Sadly only 2 hours into my best tutoring gig ever, I discovered Cain Haywater was indeed a real vampire. And his beloved twin sister Danielle, Dani, as he referred to her, was just as dead only traped in a watery caved transformed into a rusalka for the last 34 years. I was Cains's last chance at finding her cave and the wort boyfriend a girl could ask for. Jefferson Granton. A 200-year-old vampire that he needed to kill. My life wasn't fair and only made worse by the fact that I'm sure I'm going to fail, and my last meal was crappy ramen.

It was my stomach and too much curiosity that made me start playing with the vintage tape recorder Cain had on the black walnut desk. He heard my growling belly and while he searched for food. I pressed play. Big mistake, I'm not sure where he went to kill the food, but I listened to almost one side of a cassette tape. The quick spark notes, once he came back with cheese, apples, and fancy crackers to catch me, went fast.  

Back in May of 1986, he and his twin sister were graduating from Xaiver highschool. Somehow she latched on to an older college guy that wandered into town on a semester off to find himself. Jefferson Granton was mesmerizing, according to Cain, tall blond lovely to look at and even more interesting to listen to. He swept naive Danni off her feet on a cross country trip. He had a long term plan. One he had been cooking up for at least 100 years when Cain's family made a fortune in lumber and now stocks.

Jeffy boy started life as Jacarde Gulomar in the Brittany region of France. He accepted the gift of eternal life from a Norse vampire who wanted a mate. Jeff never entirely made his fortune and became a bad luck symbol for the covens all over Europe. Eyes on the new country to the west, he hopped a ship and arrived to wonder the grandness of the US just after the civil war. Comming upon early decedents of the Haywater clan. William Percy Haywater knew the deal equipped each member of the family with a hawthorn stake, holy water, and a warning against a freshly minted newly named Jefferson Granton.

No one fell for him until Danni, with all her beauty and openness, fell in love, and became a target for her trust fund. By the time the twins were 17, their parents were dead at the fate of a drunk driver, and a deaf Aunt looks after them. Danni fell under Jefferson's spell forgetting all caution to follow to the whispering cave. Now oddly in the middle of the mind-melting story, a flash caught my eye, and I met the grandfather like ken doll Cain shared his mansion with.

Pere was a domavoy who kept Cain and Malan safe as much as he could. Cain respects and adored him, so I was polite. Over the next three weeks, I moved in search their land every day when Cain joins me and feasts on Pere's cooking skills. His little face sparkled at each new dish he made for me after decades of blood bags. On steamy Saturday, July 31st, I finally found, or more fell into the mouth of the cave. Much of Cain's memory was erased on the night he watched Jefferson murder Danni while he hogtied in the corner of the damp cave. Only to meet a fate worse than Danni by forcefully being turned and compelled to kill and drain his Aunt of all her blood. Jefferson helps smooth it all over with some compulsion and tricks, but Cain secured his wealth in the next few days only to vanish. He picked a small fishing village in Maine, where he met Gabriel 100-year-old vampire who taught him to live and gave him advice on how to avenge Danni. Gabriel's plan centered on Cain coming home as his namesake's son Cain Haywater II. The mansion and his tie to Danni or Cain's greatest strength. It was clear why Jefferson failed to control them.

The night I stumbled into the cave, I wore my Danni look-alike costume Pere helped me pull together. I looked like a backup dancer on a Wham video. It was. It was to trick Jefferson, but oddly I caught the attention of another creepy creature a leshii in the woods. I thought it was Cain because the voice fit, and I felt drawn to the being. Only when it had led me halfway across the land did I catch a glimpse of its eyes. Pure white scalaris was not a hint of iris or pupil. Taking off back towards the cave, I felt two forces moving me one I can now sense with Cain, and the other I was damn sure was Jefferson. He'd been down a rough road probably because, in life, he was a bit of a narcissist. Only to have that enhanced by his Vampire Life, he thought I was Danni, and he'd Follow Me to Hell to get that money. Once we made it to the rippling silver pond within the cave, I laid eyes on Daniella. My wham costume was a joke compared to her beauty.

She swept as close to us as possible, shouting silently in my brain to turn now. Cain stands between me and Jefferson stake in hand slowly I fell to the wash of a cool breeze flowing over us which I knew mixed with my warm body temp to engulf Cain it was in that moment I saw the vague outline of a man just like he left a speakeasy in 1926. He became more gas-like to almost solid, yet I could still see right through him. He is handsome except for that visible gunshot wound to his right Temple. Why was I surprised that we now have a ghost to add to the mix. Pere spoke of the cave as whispered he claimed someone took their life after the 1920 stock crash here he was with eyes for Danni.

The extraordinary power Cain had wasn't just his home or his connection to his twin. It was that he could feel loved. He survived and lived by keeping his Humanity. I saw beautiful sparkling Jefferson with his flowing blonde hair realize it too. Cains power made the cave hum Jefferson was cocky, and that was very clear. He charged expecting to deflect the steak easily, but with Danni's strength and God help me my feelings for Cain. He drove the stake straight and true into Jefferson's lean chest.

Before I can blink Cain without a blade from his boot and with incredible strength severed the head like clockwork Cain without a new Zippo lighter and flicked it on to Jeffy. Making a roaring vampire candle. Can quickly turn to glance behind making a connection with Danni. "find your bliss" I heard in my head, and I knew Cain heard it too. The 1920s gentleman back into Danni as they drifted further back into the cave. We're only water held the floor we stood still.   "Nyx?" his velvet voice floated over me. I can only gape open mouth, watery eyes, and some snot beginning to flow. At that moment, my stomach rumbled loudly. He smiled a genuinely genuine smile with all the years that he waited. I knew without any doubt Cain Haywater would be in my future Tech probably my whole life, and I smiled too.

Let me know what you think and If you want more 

[michael-langdon-appreciation]

OMG your last drabble was so good! I have something fluffier to contribute, if you don’t mind :). Since the twins are still mentally 3, I can imagine they haven’t grown out of sleeping in the same bed, with Michael wrapping himself around Jeffrey like a python. On their first night at Hawthorne, Michael starts to cry so Ariel has to move them into the same room so the other students can sleep.

Buckle in for more of the twins! 🙊

Jeffrey’s always been the more independent of the twins. He had to be the one to stand up to Constance’s wrath, the one to fend off the malevolent ghosts at the Murder House. Miriam Mead had no love for the angel living under her roof, her focus was 100% Michael and Jeffrey had to deal with it. Jeffrey stood by, what else could he do? Michael adores his Mrs Mead and trusts her with his life, almost at the same level of trust the brothers have, but not quite. Michael was adamant that he and Jeffrey stay in the same room and most nights Michael would sneak over and push his way into Jeffrey’s bed, seeking his companionship. Jeffrey never complained, he liked watching out for Michael even if he wouldn’t always admit it. His brother grew clingy after Jeffrey took a wander after the Black Mass, after the death of that poor girl at the hands of Anton Levay. Eventually Jeffrey pushed the twins single beds together, there just wasn’t enough room for them to share the one bed like they had with Constance, back when they really were six years old. Jeffrey and Michael have grown-up, but old habits die hard. 

He rolls over facing the cold empty space next to him and it feels wrong, not having Michael beside him. Jeffrey is used to having his twin stuck to his back, Michael having to have one part touching his twin at all times. But Jeffrey can’t deny that the newfound freedom is liberating, to be able to stretch out in his new double bed, to turn the lights out when he wants without having to check Michael’s ready for bed too, to sleep with the duvet on for the first time ever. 

His eyes are just beginning to slip closed, finally comfortable and warm after such a long day. He cannot believe that only six hours ago he was arguing with police officers, thinking about how on earth he was going to scrape enough money together for a lawyer. Jeffrey never though their sanctuary would come in the form of a Warlock, a man who didn’t look twice at Jeffrey. He spoke mostly to Michael, trying to coax out the power lurking within him and when Jeffrey unpinned that officer from the wall he saw Ariel Augustus’ eyes shine - two for the price of one. The Hawthorne Academy is a fresh start, a chance for Jeffrey and Michael to hone their skills and forge their own paths. Jeffrey’s eyes fall over the stack of textbooks on his besides table, promising magic he’s never even heard of and classes that will help shape him into the man he was always destined to be. He’s also excited for Michael, to see his twin finally find a place in the world. To find likeminded people who accept him, who accept them both. 

A knock at his door brings Jeffrey from the brink of sleep, ‘Huh?’ His mumble is unintelligent as the door opens and it takes a moment for Jeffrey to make out who is illuminated in the light from the hallway, ‘Ariel?’

‘My apologies for disturbing you, Jeffrey.’ Ariel begins, ‘Michael is uh…’ I watch the Warlock struggle with his words, ‘He’s asking for you.’

Jeffrey frowns, ‘Is he alright?’ 

‘He’s fine.’ Ariel doesn’t know what to do with his hands, he placed one on the doorframe while the other waves about in the air. ‘One of our tutors found him wandering the halls looking for you. He was very…determined to see you.’

Jeffrey knows what’s wrong, because he’s been feeling it too hasn’t he? He kicks off the covers, removing himself from the coziness he’s created and shoves his feet into the black slippers by the side of his bed, ‘Where is he?’

‘We thought it best to put Michael near me.’ Ariel says leading the way to Michael’s room. ‘As you seem to have much more control over your magic than he, we wanted to Michael close just in case-’

‘In case you needed to contain him.’ 

Ariel purses his lips, ‘I suppose. Thought contain is a strong word.’ He taps twice on Michael’s door and then cracks it open, ‘Michael, I have Jeffrey with me.’

Michael is sat in front of the blazing fire he’s got going. He gets to his feet and on seeing Ariel is still in the room his expression becomes stony, ‘Leave us.’

Ariel’s eyes slide back to Jeffrey, ‘Will you find your way back alright?’

‘I won’t be back tonight.’ Because Jeffrey knows Michael isn’t going to let him go, he’s not ready yet. The door closes to and Michael runs right over to his twin and throws his arms around Jeffrey. The air is pulled from Jeffrey’s lungs, ‘Michael?’

‘I thought I wasn’t going to see you again.’ He says, hiding his face in the silk of Jeffrey’s pyjamas. ‘I thought they were going to take me away and do things and we’d be parted forever.’ 

Jeffrey’s hand pats Michael’s curls, keeping his brother close, ‘I would never let that happen.’

‘What if they didn’t give you a choice?’

Jeffrey’s hold tightens, he did fear exactly that. ‘It doesn’t matter now, we’re here and things are going to get so much better.’

Michael gives him a timid smile, his eyes are red and the cut on his cheek hasn’t been treated properly. ‘Have you been crying?’

‘No.’

‘Michael?’

His brother holds Jeffrey’s gaze for a minute then his adam’s apple bobs as Michael chokes back a sob and he cracks, ‘It was lonely. It didn’t feel like you were here, like you were miles away from me.’ 

Jeffrey brushes his thumb over Michael’s cut, letting his magic slowly extract the infection and heal it over, the scar now just a blemish. ‘Well it won’t scar.’ He reports, ‘You’re as pretty as ever, though I’m still the handsome twin.’

Michael lets him have that jab tonight, his eyes are downcast, his fingers keeping hold of Jeffrey’s sleeve. ‘Ariel keeps going on about this Alpha person, I think it’s one of us but I don’t know who.’

That’s new information, Jeffrey feels the impending competition looming, that these Warlocks may try and pit the brothers against each other. Jeffrey will tackle Ariel Augustus and his nonsense tomorrow, right now he needs to be there for his brother. He lets Michael pull him over to his bed and watches as he peeling back the covers and pushes the duvet onto the floor. Jeffrey kicks off his slippers and slides in beside his twin. Michael curls up at once, pressing himself into Jeffrey’s side. Jeffrey loops his arm over and let’s Michael rest his head on his chest, usually this would be too much but tonight both twins need each other. Today was too close a call and finally the unease Jeffrey’s been carrying around begins to leave. Michael’s head grows heavy, ‘Can hear your heartbeat?’ Michael murmurs, ‘It’s racing.’

‘No it isn’t.’

Michael peers up at him and his eyes are wide, ‘You were scared, scared of losing me too.’

Jeffrey nods, ‘You’re my twin. I don’t want to see anything bad happen to you, ever.’  

‘I didn’t think you were scared of anything.’ 

Jeffrey doesn’t answer that, he doesn’t tell Michael that he’s terrified every day that something will break them apart, that he will no longer be enough for Michael Langdon in this new world of magic. Instead, Jeffrey pushes his feet onto Michael’s legs delighting in the way Michael hisses, shoving Jeffrey’s legs off, ‘Why do you always do that?’ He whines.

‘Cause it’s funny seeing your reaction.’

‘You’re damn freezing,’ Michael shudders.

‘If I have to spend the night sweltering then you can put up with a momentarily bit of cold.’ 

It isn’t long before Michael settles in Jeffrey’s arms again, all the tension falling away as he cuddles into his twin, ‘Is it embarrassing we’re still sharing a bed?’

‘A little.’ Jeffrey admits, ‘But who cares, huh?’

Michael nods, ‘You won’t ever leave me again, will you?’ Jeffrey can’t resist a smile, Michael’s getting dopey, his voice thick with exhaustion. ‘Get some sleep, Michael.’

‘You won’t though. Not like after the Black Mass?’ 

Jeffrey winces at the memory, drawn back into the past. He had to get out of the Murder House and lose himself for a while. It was a place of evil he never should have stepped foot inside, he knows that now. The angel sought refuge in the only place he knew Michael couldn’t go inside - the church. How spent four days with the priests, just sitting at the pews and eating whatever they gave him. They could sense there was something about Jeffrey, his resolution and reluctance to speak, but every priest saw the haunted look in his eyes. Jeffrey pushed it all down, collected himself and did his best to purge the darkness that had threatened to engulf him, indulging in this new sanctuary till he finally felt like himself again. Till he could face the hellhole once more. 

But Michael was gone. 

It had taken him a week to track down Miriam Mead’s address and even longer to earn back Michael’s trust. There was a day when Jeffrey thought his twin would never forgive him for his momentary abandonment, that all he would ever see in Michael’s blue eyes was the bitter sting of betrayal and that lingering fear that I’d leave him all over again. The day he found Michael asleep in his bed and let his opposite snake around and fit against like the missing key to a lock, Jeffrey knew things were going to be alright. 

‘I’m not going anywhere, ever again.’ 

Tagging some babes and faves: @langdonsoceaneyes @sodanova @avesatanormalpeoplescareme @petersfern-fics​ @sassylangdon @sammythankyou @wroteclassicaly @sojournmichael @alexcornerblog @confettucini @avesatanaslangdon @the–queen-of-hell @thegraphitechronicles​ @queencocoakimmie​ @langdons-little-girl​ @cryptid-coalition​ @ritualmichael​ @langdonsrapture​ @langdonsdemon @wickedlangdon​ @americanhorrorstudies​ @ghostiesbedroom​ @cryptid-coalition @starwlkers @thelangdoncooperative @lovelykhaleesiii @sloppy-little-witch-bitch26 @kinlovecody @kylosbabe @asstichrist @tickled–pinkmoodpoisoning @xxpixiefromdixiexx @sevenwondr @langdonsinferno @yourkingcodyfern @icylangdon

[duckbunny]

There is a place in the west, near the gravelly spit of Portland and the crumbling cliffs filled with dinosaur bones, where Somerset and Dorset do not meet. There is a sign on the road whichever way one travels, that warns you are leaving the shire, and its twin, welcoming you to the next, does not appear for nearly a mile.

This is an unusual distance. The Shires of England have been expanding for centuries, their edges creeping ever closing, squeezing the old country into the narrowest gaps. Between Essex and Kent only the Thames now stands, sweeping across the clay and silt to bury itself in the Channel salt. Strange things lurk along the riverbed, driven down into the water by the trades of London, plotting their endless revenge. But here, in the west, the villagers have a little of the old blood about them still. The borders have not moved for centuries. The villagers forbid it, whatever their landlords say on the matter. Let the justices order the enclosures; the hedges and banks remain.

And so a traveller, riding at night along the high road northwest from crumbling Dorchester, lost in dreams of Roman glory, shall come to a sign of brick and fine grey Portland stone.

It says "You are now leaving Dorset", and the wisest travellers whip their horses and do not look too closely at the view.

The land falls away, on either side of that road. It is no glittering bridge such as they have in the East, where the cities forget why the borders are guarded. It is only a natural ridge, where water and time have scoured away the chalk to either side. The valley to the south is wide and singular, almost a cliff, falling away to the wide wet vale. On the north, the land lies crumpled as old laundry, village and river hidden alike by the folds of the earth.

The wise traveller whips their horses, and does not look.

On a cool day in autumn, when the hawthorn trades its leaves for berries of bloodiest red, a traveller stands upon the ridge.

He was borne in no swift carriage, nor riding the swift horses of the post-inn. He had come on the mail coach, which had left him near half a mile from the border of Somerset, unwilling to risk a halt even close to the old country. From there he had walked, along the overgrown verges, with the grass soaking his trousers to the knee and his boots slipping every minute into the deep nettle-hidden ditch. He walked, as the rising sun lit the leaves to flaming gold, to where Somerset ends, and he walked on, past the sign, into the old country.

His name is Roland, and he stood upon the road, on the ridge, and gazed down into the wrinkled land to the north.

Another man might have been gathering his courage, but Roland was only waiting.

The sun creeps up the sky, the light spreading from golden bars to a pale white blanket over the wet grass. When it rises high enough to light the valley – when the shadows are banished from both those slopes of grass - Roland sighs, once, as a man who finds to his relief that the old key opens the guessed-at door.

He steps off the road and follows the line of the tiny stream, which oozes into life from the matted roots and dew-catching knots of the grass, without a spring to give it a name. The stream twists along the valley, too small and secret to account for the folding of the land. The valley cannot have been made by such a stream. But here it is all the same, running wet between the tussocks, where the traveller may plunge to the knee in water if she does not see the dark gleam of the ground, waiting to give way.

Roland is not such a traveller. He knows this stream of old. Has lain beside it, in the brief heat of summer, to find his back wet with hungry water when he rose. Has walked its bank in every season, drawn dead rabbits from the dark water and see the hawthorn blossom rot among the ripples. The ice that creeps over it in winter has been his companion, in years not yet forgotten by the stream.

He is not a traveller, this man come up from the shires and down from the road. He would laugh at you for saying so. He would laugh the silent, eye-crinkling laugh of the border folk, that sounds itself in eyebrows and the shift of the shoulders, that murmurs under silent breath. He was born here, along the reedless banks of the tiny stream, the stream that never cut the valley, the valley that twists away east where no traveller on the road can see down to it, and here is the house he was born in.

The house is badly in need of repair. The thatch is sagging, all but holed through by its own weight, moss creeping down from the eaves. The walls bulge like undercooked bread, flattened under their own weight. The windowsills have fallen away in chunks, crumbling yellow sandstone showing where the white paint has cracked apart. The wet grass has almost overcome the doors.

Roland does not go to the house. He does not knock at the dark oak door, between the nails and the half-supported lion's head knocker. He does not turn a key in the rusting lock, or push open the creaking door, or set an eye upon the residents where they crumble in the half-lit rooms.

He goes instead to the stream he has followed from its birth, followed from the edge of the road between the shires, and now at last he goes to the banks and he kneels down beside it on the overhanding grass and he lets the dew soak through the knees of his trousers and rest clammy and damp against his skin.

Roland leans forward, over the uncertain banks of the stream, and he digs.

He does not have a spade, a trowel, even a spoon. He digs with his hands, plunging them into the stream to brush at the clogged sand at the bottom. The stream carries away the silt in great clouds like smoke from damp firewood. Under his hands, shapes appear, and are blown away by the current that rises and twists along the riverbed until at last his numbing fingers scrape from the mud a single gleaming apple-seed.

He lifts it out, as reverently as if it were his firstborn, and draws from his pocket a single apple. It is perfect. Not shining red, like the waxed imports of the markets. This is an apple from an English orchard, half-forgotten by its owners, tended to by the peasantry because it is in their blood to tend to the orchards where they find them. It is pale yellowish green and mottled, the stem surrounded by tough brown skin, and clinging determinedly to the last wilting leaf.

He takes from his other pocket a knife, and carves his name into the soft yellow flesh.

Where the seed came out, the apple goes in, and no sooner are Roland’s steady fingers out of the water than the apple is gone, hidden under silt and sand in the bed of the stream, hidden under dark flowing water.

Roland stands, and brushes the wet knees of his trousers with cold wet hands. It does no good, but he tries it anyway. He brushes at his knees and he turns away from the cottage and he walks up the hill and he does not look back, back to the fresh-cut eaves of the thatch, the tidy lawn, the trim cottage that rests in the valley as neatly as on a postcard, shining with the morning sun and the health of a newly-paid rent.

He climbs the hill, along the twisting line of the stream, back towards, the road, but he does not follow it. He passes over the ridge instead, unmoved by the sweep of stone that calls the traveller back to safety, and goes down again, down into the broad southern valley of Enniskillen.

There is always some light in Enniskillen's valley. The sun is never quite hidden by the fogs. The moon shines brighter than in other places, the stars are more attentive on moonless nights. Roland has never questioned it. The valley to the south is lighter than his; he knew this as a child, he knows it now, as he knows which way the rivers run.

There is a stand of oak trees, turned golden and brown in the cooling winds, and he crosses through it. The trees bear tokens of favour from this gentle and that, here a scarlet ribbon, there a long-toothed badger skull. The favours do not rustle in the breeze. The acorns are plentiful this year, brown shells shining under fallen leaves. There are piles of those leaves, raked into heaps to sift the acorns out. The acorns of such oaks as these are not to be overlooked.

Under the leaves of the last oaks, the last oaks that stand bare of ribbons and skulls and drop their leaves onto the mossy grass, there is a labyrinth. It is cut into the turf and moulded into the ground, felt underfoot as easily as seen, except when the sun is low and the sky is clear and the banks of the labyrinth cast deep shadows across the path. Edge to edge, it might be thirty feet, or fifty; Roland has never crossed it edge to edge, never measured its boundaries. He passes between the last oaks as through a gateway, and sets his feet upon the winding, mossy path. You cannot go wrong, walking Enniskillen's labyrinth. There are no false turnings to lead you astray. There is only the straight plain route, twisting around itself, towards the wood and away and down the slope and up, until you approach the house from below and the grey slate roof hides the arching oaks.

The day is young, the chill mist of morning not yet burned away, and Enniskillen is baking bread.

Roland leans on the broad windowsill, pulling back the half-open shutters and leaning through. Enniskillen's hands never stop kneading, turn and press and turn and press, all the while they are talking.

"Rent's paid."

"I heard." She looks past him, over his shoulder. It is long years since he wondered what was standing behind him. "Did you speak to Sarah?"

"I didn't."

"You ought."

"She ought. Ought to be the firstborn, didn’t it? That's what's proper. Ten years she's held the deeds and seven she's forgot."

Turn, press, turn, press. Enniskillen's rhythm doesn't change, nor her expression change, nor her level gaze shift from over Roland's shoulder, but Roland blushes, and feels shame as hot as embers spreading from his belly. "Tell me, then," he mutters, and frowns at the turning dough.

"She forgets because she's had a second son, and the landlord's taken a shine to the boy. Can't see the roof leaking, any of them. Can't remember what week it is, nor why they ought to care. You ought to remember that well enough. No? You ought to remember all those years when the house was bright and clean and all the days were golden? Think that was true, do you still? Think she took the place on because she wanted it, her being so fond of rot and ruin? Think better before you complain on that next year."

She tosses the dough into the air, muttering words Roland cannot quite hear, but which he knows – from asking as an impertinent youth, who thought all the mysteries belonged to him – to be the first lines of an ancient lullaby.

"Who's your landlord, Enniskillen?"

He has asked before, of course, and of course, she does not answer this time either.

"Tell me a spell to bind a heart to the land," she says instead, and he sighs a little, and does as he is told.

This is a teaser chapter of Borderlands, one of the books I’ll be serialising this year exclusively for my patrons. If you’d like to read more about the Old Country, you can sign up at https://www.patreon.com/duckbunny for as little as one dollar a month.