#he bakes bread and pear pies

[greenwitchcrafts]

August 2023 witch guide

August 2023 witch guide

Full moon: August 1st in Aquarius

New Moon: August 16th

Blue moon: August 30th Aquarius into Pisces

Sabbats: Lughnasadh August 1st



August Sturgeon Moon

Also known as: Corn moon, harvest moon, ricing moon, barley moon, dog moon, fruit moon, grain moon, herb moon, red moon & wyrt moon

Element: Fire

Zodiac: Leo & Virgo

Animal spirts: Dryads

Deities: Diana, Ganesha, Hathor, Hecate, Mars, Nemesis, Thot & Vulcan

Animals: Dragon, lion, phoenix & sphinx

Birds: Crane, eagle & falcon

Trees: Alder cedar & hazel

Herbs/plants: Basil, bay, chamomile, fennel, orange, rosemary, rue & St. John's wort,

Flowers: Angelica, marigold, sunflower

Scents: Frankincense & heliotrope

Stones: Carnelian, cats/tiger's eye, fire agate, garnet, red jasper & red agate

Colors: Gold, orange, red & yellow

Energy: Authority, appreciation, courage, entertainment, finding your voice, friendship, gathering, harvesting energy, health, love, pleasures, power &vitality

Sturgeon moon gets it's name from the high numbers that are caught at the Great Lakes & Lake Champlain in North America during this time of year. The names come from a number of places including Native Americans, Colonial Americans & European sources.



Lughnasadh

Also known as: Lammas, August eve & Feast of bread

Season: Summer

Symbols: Scythes, corn, grain dollies & shafts of grain

Colors: Gold, green, yellow, red, orange, light brown & purple

Oils/incense: Aloe, apple, corn, eucalyptus, safflower, rose & sandalwood

Animals: Cattle & chickens

Stones: Aventurine, carnelian, citrine, peridot, sardonyx & yellow diamond

Foods: Apples, grains, barley cakes, wild berries, cider, honey, potatoes, rice, sun shaped cookies, blackberry, corn, nuts, breads, blueberry. berry pies & grapes

Herbs/Plants: Alfalfa, aloe, all grains, blackberry, corn, corn stalk, crab apple, fenugreek, frankincense, ginseng, goldenseal, grapes, myrtle, oak leaves, pear, rye, blackthorn &wheat

Flowers: Sunflower, cyclamen, heather, hollyhock & medowsweet

Goddesses: Aine, Alphito, Bracacia, Carmen, Ceres, Damina, Demeter, Freya, Grain goddesses, Ishtar, Kait, Kore, Mother Goddess, Sul, Sun Goddesses, Taillte, Zaramama, Ereshkigal & Ianna

Gods: Athar, Bes, Bran, Dagon, Ebisu, Dumuzi, Ghanan, Grain Gods, Howtu, Liber, Lono, Lugh, Neper, Odin, Sun Gods & Xochipilli

Issues, Intentions & Power:  Agriculture, changes, divination, endings, fertility, life, light, manifestation, power, purpose, strength, success & unity

Spellwork: Sun magick, rituals of thanks/offerings, bounty, abundance & fire magick

Activities:

Bake fresh bread

Weave wheat

Take walks along bodies of water

Craft a corn doll

Watch the sunrise

Eat outside with family/friends/coven members

Donate to your local foodbank

Prepare a feast with your garden harvest

Give thanks to the Earth

Decorate your altar with symbols of the season

Clean up a space in nature

Plant saved seeds

This cross-quarter fire festival is celebrated on August 1st or the first full moon of Leo & the seventh sabbat of the year. It represents the first harvest when the Earth's bounty is given for the abundance received.

Some believe this is the time where the God has weakened & is losing his strength as seen in the waning of the day's light. The Goddess is pregnant with the young God who will be born on Yule.

In some traditions, this day honors the Celt god Lugh, the god of craftsmanship; He is skilled in many things including wheel making, blacksmithing & fighting. Though there is some discrepancy as to why Lugh is honored on this day. Some tales say it's because he held a harvest faire in honor of his adoptive mother, Tailtiu.



Sources;

Farmersalmanac .com

Boston Public Library- The Origins & Practices of Lammas/Lughnasadh by Dhruti Bhagat

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

[bd-wlf]

pt. 4 of Get Home, hope yall enjoy this one.

1 2 3

"Hey can we go back?" Cas says from the back seat, dean stopped abruptly and put it in reverse. Cas had spotted a grocery store.

They parked the car and got out, Cas tested the door and was surprised when it opened under his light touch.

They all walked in and gazed at the untouched aisles of perfectly preserved food. Save for a thin layer of dust on the shelves most of the food was in pristine condition-the current date not even touching the due date on most shelved items Dean passed.

Michael was drawn to the wine section, Adam and Cas were in the cake and candy aisle, Dean wandered over to the book section.

Cas grabbed him by the shoulders with Adam by his side and wheeled him through the different aisles all of them laughing.

"Food." He said as they stopped "grab some, grab a cart even." He encouraged, the aisles in this part of the store were short enough he could see over them and he could see different things that looked amazing, Poptarts, Redvines, savory things like potato chips and jars of pickles.

Once he spotted it his face stretched into a smile, he looked at Cas and almost like Adam wasn't there with them anymore-he grabbed the taller man's hand and dragged him over to a section of shelf where molding bread was laid to rest but despite that the greatest pastry invention in Dean's opinion was just sitting there, pumped full of artificial preservatives and almost as good at surviving apocalypses as the Twinkie. He presented to Cas The Franz Apple Pie.

Cas smiled at his friend, Dean gathered their whole stock of apple flavor and two cherry pies and they went to catch up to the rest of them.

"So you've never had one of these?" Dean asked smiling as they said their final goodbyes to that grocery store and packed the million bags of food and supplies into trunk and back seat. he had kept one out of the back of the car as a snack while they drive and was waving it around.

"Nope, never even thought to grab one when I've been at the store. I was really a green freak."

"Oh no, please tell me you didn't subject your daughter to any of that crap." he laughed with a mouth full of candy he snagged on the way out of the store and Castiel laughed with him.

"No, no I didn't. I let her have candy whenever she wanted. Claire had quite the sweet tooth." he smiled as they put the last few bags into the car.

"Well good, but you must have had a slice of pie every once in a while?"

"Yeah I guess, maybe for a birthday once?" he couldn't remember the last time he had pie-he assumed it was when he was a kid, the smell of freshly baked apples filled his nose as he tried to remember but the trauma clouded his gaze into the past like a thick fog it was no use so he just shrugged.

"Ah man, you don't even remember! okay hold on, if you don't know that's okay but what do you think you're favorite flavor of pie would be?"

Castiel had to think,

"Maybe cherry?"

Dean reached into the trunk, they were still gathered around the outside of the car, he pulled out a red package and handed it to Cas.

"there ya go, you have got to experience this for the first time. this pie is life saving, I'm glad I got two cherries." he laughed and walked passed Castiel. He stood there for a minute flustered before following Dean and getting into the backseat.

They continued on their journey to the state line, before long it was sunset and so at the first field they saw they decided to stop. it was next to a deserted farm and they saw horses roaming free as they set up their picnic. Adam had stocked up on the fresh looking fruit, so they had grapes and pears and even some strawberries, Michael had gotten fresh vegetables and a nice whiskey, Cas had picked up cake for desert, and the whole crew had more then enough for a few days as well as first aid and other supplies in the trunk of (technically) Michael's car.

They were indulging in everything they had foraged and gotten from that grocery store when night fell. It wasn't a surprise like that sunrise Cas and Dean had saw a few morning's ago, Dean saw nightfall on the horizon. He had learned the signs of night while he was with Cas and he could now see it in the trees-the way the wind blew through their leaves-and the way the birds all stopped singing like they knew to be quiet like his group had to be quiet. They had started a fire to counteract the chill that ran straight through them at night, it had been like that for the past couple nights. Adam said winter is near and Michael told them that he liked to be dramatic.

Cas stoked the fire and embers rose out of the hearth like fireflies, the wind carried them, his eyes followed the embers until they were camouflaged into the background behind Dean.

"I think it's time to turn in." Dean made Cas aware of his concern, for everything they were still out in the open. Dean was still confused on how this virus and the mosnters it made worked but he sure as hell knew they got more active at night and he also knew that they loved to roam.

"There's house ruins over there, the way they caved in there's a little half cave that can hide everyone from the front of this pasture." He informed Dean and the younger man nodded.

"You ready to turn in?" Dean raised an eyebrow and Castiel nodded.

Under all the grocery bags in the trunk were the coats that Cas had brought with him, and Michael had a blanket in the back just 'in case of emergencies' he had laughed about, Cas didn't understand.

He chose the warmest jacket, a tan trench coat that was slightly stained with ash that he'd found outside a church one evening when he was alone-before he had met anyone not infected. Now it looked like-even without knowing if Dean and him would ever take that next step, that step towards something more then just friends, something that was undeniably between them after all the shit they endured together, something like what Michael and Adam have-now it looked like he would never be alone again, not as long as he had Dean and friends with a little bit of common sense.

Cas walked into the enclave, carrying his trench coat in one hand and the slightly dusty blanket in the other. He tossed the blanket at Dean and he caught it with a snort.

"You want to sleep on the right or the left?" he had asked it like there was an actual bed under them instead of solid ground-like he wanted there to be a bed under them so he could accurately ask that question. Castiel blushed and paused actually thinking it over before sitting down.

"Right." he smiled and dean smiled back scooting over so Cas would have more room.

The enclave was much smaller then Cas had thought so there wasn't much room but it was enough for four people and within the hour, after Cas had laid down next to him, Dean was asleep. For the first time since his coma, Dean went down without a fight, without kicking and screaming and all the fun that came with intense night terrors.

At some point between falling asleep facing Dean's back and his REM cycle, Castiel had wrapped his arm around Dean's shoulders and was cuddling him in their sleep.

This was witnessed by Michael and Adam as they finally stopped dancing by the fire and crawled into the enclave to go to sleep.

"Not together my ass." Michael said to Adam as they curled up together giggling from the booze they drank.

It was sometime in the morning when Dean jolted awake, far too early for the sun, and he saw a flicker of light of the wall opposite to him. there was someone behind him, the light of a cigarette was casting a shadow on the wall in front of him. Michael was smoking, Castiel was still sleeping and Dean was barely awake anyway so it was easy for michael to say-

"Shh, this is just a dream, go back to bed" and Dean believe him.

In the morning, once everyone had woken up, they packed the car and got back on the road. They stopped at the first gas station that they saw and Michael siphoned gas from the gas tanker conveniently parked out front.

Adam informed Cas and Dean that he had never bothered with getting a drivers license so Michael occasionally let him practice in the impala,

"Yeah, it's actually really funny because i was almost an hour late for our first date." He said from the driver's seat of the impala.

"How so?" Dean had asked

"He couldn't drive, he was also new to the city so he didn't have the taxi phone number." Michael said from behind them.

"And I kept getting lost on the way there." He smiled at the memories and Dean and Cas smiled at each other.

After they had fueled up and Adam got to showcase his truly horrific driving skilz they got back on the road.

It was just within eyeshot, the 42nd barricade, a big 42 on the side of some repurposed metal behind a fence.

Then they saw the city behind it. a big burning ball of fire and destruction with no one to stop it. Dean thought about it, about turning the car around but he knew that this meant a lot and he didn't know where'd they go after that, so he didn't. he kept driving.

He parked the car, they got out and walked through a gap in the fence. There was no one to greet them, no supplies out in the open, it was like it was abandoned. Dean could sense the team's morale drop instantly.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Michael was erratic, "This is it?!"

"Calm down,"

"I don't know about you guys but I don't like this, it feels like a trap."

"Hon. I feel like we should go"

One after one they all voiced their concerns apart from michael who walked away from them, around the corner-he growled a I'll be right back at everyone and disappeared. It was too quiet, it felt like a trap to dean and everyone else in the group.

That's when they heard the yelp and Dean knew it was over.

---

@ihaveanaxe

[happy-hokkyokugitsune]

Went plant shopping yesterday and-

😂💛☀️

Instant thought: Farmer's market AU

Goshiki's a florist and has a little plant stall. He sells lots of plants, hydrangeas, japanese maple, and bamboo. Primarily focuses on flowers. Most people come for his flowering bonsai trees. He also has tea leaves available, matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and others.

Tendou still makes chocolate but also several other sweets. He always has a new flavor every two weeks. Some people travel far for his goodies, like that cute blonde teacher who always comes and buys out all his spicy chocolates.

Ushijima runs a farm, are you surprised? He has a bunch of animals but at the market, he sells fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and jerky. Sometimes he brings fish and fermented foods. His kimchi and pickled daikons are amazing.

Kawanishi has a saké stall, he's known for his plethora of different flavors, yuzu, apple, peach, raspberry, and pear. He actually makes the best plum saké in Miyagi and has been slowly introducing mead to his customers.

Semi is that musician always playing close to the market, he's a staple at this point and it's a great way for him to get his music out there and make connections. The guys all help by talking about Semi's music and encouraging people to book Semi for events.

Shirabu is a papermaker, it's a family business, but he adds his own twist by folding origami animals and boxes. He also makes interesting paper color combinations and personalized stamps. He is known for his custom bookbinding.

Hayato is the local woodworker, it's also his family's business and has been for years, but something about his furniture is just beyond beautiful. He specializes in making intricate carvings and secret compartments.

Reon has a bakery, donuts and hand pies are his focus, but he makes several other baked goodies and even jam. His goods are always made with ingredients from local folks. He collaborates with Tendou to make chocolate bread, it's a huge hit. I need this. Let me have this.

[annachum]

What some of the Avengers may make for dinner for the rest of Avengers in tow ( an example ) :

. Tony : Definitely Pasta Al Ragu ( of any pasta that goes well with the Ragu which turns out to be a Carbonelli household recipe ), Antipasto Salad, and also Baked Apples and Pears stuffed with Nuts and raisins

. Pepper : Tomato Soup, Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Root Vegetables, and also Gooseberry crumble

. Steve : Apple Pie, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter and Mashed Potatoes, and Creamy Mushroom Soup

. Thor : Smorgasbord, Stuffed Roast Whole Tuna, and also Pumpkin Hand Pies, and Mead

. Natasha : Solyanka ( a Russian spicy fish soup ), Black Rye Bread with Goat Cream Cheese, and Bite Sized Syrniki ( a type of Russian cheesecake )

. Sam Wilson : Jambalaya, Crawfish Hand Pie, and Beignets with Fruit Jam

. Bucky : Sarmale ( Romanian Cabbage Rolls ), Bean and Oxtail stew in Bread Bowl, and Miniciunele

. Bruce : Chicken Pot Pie, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Chocolate Ice Cream

. Wanda : Romani Chicken Stew, Challah Bread, and Sticky Rice Pudding

. Vision : Scottish Beef Stew, Roasted Baby Carrots, and English Summer Pudding

. Rhodey : Grits and Shrimp, Tomato and Salmon Soup, and Peach Cobbler

. Clint : Gratin Dauphinoise, Roast Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce, and Pear Crumble

. Laura Vlahos - Barton : Stuffed Grape Leaves, Greek Lamb Stew with Feta and Mint, and Cheese and Fruit platter with Honey

Bonus : Some of the New Avengers ( both possible and confirmed )

. Shang Chi : Hong Shao Rou, Cabbage and Chilli Stir Fry, Rice, and also Green Bean Soup ( a type of Chinese dessert )

. Yelena : Pierogi, Ukrainian Beef and Potato Stew, and Khrustyky ( a type of Ukrainian fried cookies )

. Kate Bishop : Steak Frites, Ratatouille, and Blueberry Cobbler

. Marc Spector : Estofado ( a Guatemalan Pork stew ), Arepas and also Fruit Platter

. Layla : Koshari, Egyptian Stuffed Vegetables, and Zalaiba ( Egyptian Honey balls )

. Shuri : Wakandan Jollof Rice, River Tribe Fried Plaintains, and Chocolate Ice Cream

. Leiko Wu : Manchurian Pickled Cabbage and Pork Belly Stew, Steamed Vegetable Dumplings and Red Dates stuffed with Nuts

. Dr Strange : Nepali Vegetable Stew ( he was in Nepal for a whole year, come on now ), Nepali Lamb Pulao, and also Sheep's Milk Ice Cream

. Hercules : Roast Leg of Lamb, Greek Mezze platter ( with olives, pickles and cheese ), Greek Lemon Rice, and Baklava

[zorilleerrant]

Alright let's break this down. (I picked Doctor Fate.)

Batman would be asked to bring either soup or dessert, because those can be so bad or so good, and they know he's going to Alfred for it, and no one wants to pass up Alfred's cooking, especially if it's something fancy for a party.

Superman likewise. They want Ma Kent's pies and Pa Kent's mashed potatoes! Here they're going to ask him for whatever other people can't cover, because he can bring a delicious version of anything they're missing, and they'll love it.

Wonder Woman definitely has her own ideas. Like there is definitely some specific dish or set of dishes from Themiscyra that she thinks of as perfect for the potluck. It doesn't even matter whether other people like it (I assume they do, but think of it as either seasonally off or not quite matching the holiday). She already had this set out before they gave out assignments and took herself off the list, and she's a good cook so they let her.

Green Lantern is assigned the green beans 100% of the time no matter which one because everyone thinks it's funny.

Flash is either in charge of the turkey (so they can make him carve it), under the assumption he's not making it himself but getting it from somewhere, or he's in charge of the salad, because they know he'll put something interesting in there (like pears or something) but he can't do too much damage.

Green Arrow is in charge of the cranberries. No one knows why but he has a fantastic family recipe, and it's a food he's never once fucked up. Everyone loves it.

Black Canary makes the sweet potatoes. They're really normal sweet potatoes, but that's better, because otherwise there's bloodshed over what specific things to add. She doesn't like mashed sweet potatoes that much, even, so she brings baked sweet potatoes, too. Those are more interesting and people fight over them, so a fight still breaks out anyway. But they're good.

Captain Marvel seems like he would want to help out and every time they've cooked with him it worked fine and he was pretty good at it? So if they'd been cooking together somewhere they would've given him a big job. But he keeps freaking out when they ask him to bring anything, and then freaking out more when they say don't worry about it, or worse, just assign him napkins. He wants to be helpful! So they ask him to bring the cups and/or ice which he seems satisfied with. He doesn't seem to know where to get drinks.

Martian Manhunter is NOT someone they want in charge of any of the cooking. His tastes are too weird compared to everyone else. However, he's extremely successful even with overly complicated tasks, so he takes everyone's specific drink orders along with the more expected array of sodas, cider, sparkling juice, and beer. He isn't confused by it, and gives Cap a look.

Aquaman is bringing the fish, obviously. He does a lovely assortment of roasted fish dishes, which is helpful when most of the turkey inevitably ends up being inedible. He also has a fantastic seaweed salad that everyone argues is on theme just so they get to eat it. He also has chowder, just to fuck with them.

Zatanna is in charge of stuffing. This is because she's magic. Every single member of the Justice League has extremely particular ideas of what stuffing should be, and a lot of them don't even share the same base ingredients, so you know what will fix that? She's just going to make them with magic. That's it. Now everyone gets their (frankly sometimes bizarre) individual vision of what stuffing should be, just for them. She doesn't make any for herself. Zatanna hates stuffing. She makes herself garlic bread.

Doctor Fate... well, listen, there's no way they can even be sure he'll remember to show up. If he does, he'll bring something that was food, over the course of the universe, or will be food some day because all food starts from a single seed soaking up the sun or some bullshit like that. They don't want to give him anything vital. They don't want to give him anything at all. But he's a member of the team and he's their friend, and they want to make him feel included, so, you know, he can bring napkins.

[postwarlevi]

Farmers Market

Content: It's literally you and Levi at an outdoor market. Enjoy!

"Levi, look here!" You call to him from another stall.

It was your favorite time of year, fall, when the weather cooled down. The outdoor markets were starting back up and it was opening day at your favorite one.

"Look at the size of the peppers, only a dollar!" Somehow produce sales just got you excited.

"They look alright." He says, wondering why they're so cheap.

"We got a good crop right on time this year." The vendor says.

"Let's get some." You say, ready to pull some cash out.

"Gonna go any cheaper?" Levi asks the man behind the table.

"Levi! How much cheaper can they be?" You're a bit embarrassed that he's starting in already. But Levi knows that if it were near the end of the day and there's too much left they always give a better deal.

The vendor laughs though. "Maybe. You know what? You were such good customers last season, if you want to buy in bulk, how about half off? Anything you want today." There really was a lot and he remembered how much you always picked up.

"See?" Levi tells you, kissing your temple, looking at what else there is.

You were convinced Levi could talk anyone into anything, and were happy to use it to your advantage.

Soon your rolling fold up cart is already half full with bell peppers, cucumber, cauliflower, bags of kale and a huge butternut squash that Levi was sure you'd make him cut into, even though he showed you how last time.

He handed the vendor the cash as you thanked him and were already off to another stall. It really was a good deal, not that you needed ten peppers.

You were already haggling over dried fruit and nuts, coming away with eight bags for a decent percentage off, stuffing them in the tote you had.

"I got you hazelnuts and beets." You say, seeing a small smile from Levi. When you weren't looking he rolled his eyes a bit, knowing the vendors must love seeing you coming. But you always made sure to throw in his favorites, and since you didn't come as often as you would like, Levi never minded.

"I'm gonna go to the tea stall. You want the cart?" He asks and you nod.

"What kind of fruit do you want?" You indicate where you're headed next.

"Citrus." As if you didn't know. You kiss his cheek before parting for a little bit.

Levi heads to his favorite tea vendor and sees she has some new stuff this year.

"Hi there Mr Ackerman!" She always tries to remember her returning customers.

He gives a polite hello and soon has overspent on not only his favorites but some new assortments he doesn't remember her having last season. He makes sure to get cinnamon as well, one of your favorites.

Levi passes by someone selling hats, the wide brim straw sun hat with with a purple ribbon catching his eye.

He's pretty sure you've mentioned wanting one, especially on warm days. Picking one up along with some long stemmed sunflowers at the next vendor, he goes to find you.

You're no longer at the fruits, thank goodness, so he goes towards the back.

He stops dead in his tracks after he spots you. In the short time you've been away your hair has been done into one long braid and you're currently modeling a blue and yellow sun dress in another vendors mirror.

You're beautiful in anything, and Levi can hear his heart pounding. Truth be told you could probably wear rags and would still outshine everyone else.

"Levi! You like?" You say, bounding towards him and breaking this thoughts.

He can only nod, reaching to pick up your braid.

"Oh! Some young girls are learning about business and charging five dollars and I wanted to support them. Only took a few minutes. They did so good!"

Levi leans forward to give a quick kiss to your lips, place then hat on your head and holds out the sunflowers.

"This is so great! Thank you." You gush about the things he's gotten you.

You go back to the dress stall to pay and pick up the cart, leaving your other outfit in the tote. Levi takes both the cart and your tote bag, leaving you with the flowers and an extra paper bag you didn't put in the cart.

Levi sees you got the oranges he requested, along with apples, pomegranates, pears and a whole pineapple that, again, you'll probably make him deal with.

You both take a seat for a little while, enjoying warm pastries and agua frescas.

"What's in the bag?" He asks as you've not let go of it yet.

"Your favorite tea vendor? Well, her partner is running a second stall full of products." You pull out the things in the bag.

"It's a tea warming plate." You say as Levi examines it. "Charge it and it'll last for days. Now when you get busy with work it'll always be warm."

"Why don't I already have one of these?" He wonders.

You shrug and dive back into the bag. "Well, now you do. And also, Bath Brew Pockets, and socks."

Levi stares at what surely are gag gifts. "You mean, I can bathe in tea?"

"Or we, unless you want it all to yourself." You then hold up the socks. His black pair with pink writing reads 'If You Can Read This' on one and 'Bring Me Tea' on the other. Your pink pair with black writing reads 'If You Can Read This' and 'Get Your Own.'

Levi chuckles. "These are ridiculous."

You grin. "Well yeah. You gonna use everything?"

"Of course." He would always love everything you picked.

After finishing your snack it's on to grab multiple varieties of honey, apricot and also cherry jam, two loaves of fresh bread and some muffins from your favorite bakery stall, a focaccia and a dozen rolls from another one, and a two pound block of feta, which Levi says you don't need, but in the tote it goes.

You can't help but want the hummingbird mosaic wind chime, and Levi agrees if you promise to put it up, and not store it away. He then goes for yet another plush throw blanket for you to cozy up together under while you pretend there's room for coconut bowls with matching utensils in your cabinets.

It's soon clear that your tote, cart, and both yours and Levis hands are full.

"I think that's all we can manage, love." He tells you.

You know he's right but think there's something you're missing. You could pass on the chocolates this time, but there's something else.

"Oh, what about the orange juice? It's always so good!" You couldn't leave without that.

"Right." He sighs lightly. No use reminding you of all the actual oranges you just bought.

Balancing another bag on the carts handle he tells you to wait for him and is soon back with a gallon of fresh squeezed orange juice.

"Yay!" You are happy to see the new bag.

You start back with all your items and suddenly gasp, remembering one more thing.

"No, I'm sorry, there's no more hands." Levi says, trying to guide you forward with just his knee.

"But the soaps!"

"Yes and the candles and the olive oils and the pies and the goat milk." Levi lists off some random things you'll probably want next time you come. "I mean, we have to get through all this first."

"The pies." You frown at what you missed, but there really is a lot of food.

You get to the car and load everything in, settling into the passenger seat for the ride home.

"How about we bake our own pie with the stuff we have? We can always come next week." He says, taking your hand in his. You usually only came once a month during the season since you always bought so much, but there were exceptions. Besides, there were things he'd forgotten about, too.

You look at the sunflowers you're holding in front of you. It's been a lovely outdoor morning with the man who holds your heart. "What kind of pie?" Everyday with him was a good day.

He looks over and smiles, bringing your hand to his lips. "Anything you want, angel. But first, we nap."

You look back and return his smile, wondering if Levi knows how happy he makes you, and hoping you do the same for him.

Silently, he's thinking the same about you.

an- In honor of my favorite outdoor market that just opened for the season! I'll mention again that domestic fluff with Levi in everyday life is my favorite thing. And pairing him and reader with food haha.

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

ACOK: Bran III (Chapter 21)

Rickon was to his right, his mop of shaggy auburn hair grown so long that it brushed his ermine mantle. He had refused to let anyone cut it since their mother had gone.

She sat on the bed and smoothed his long, fine hair. He does have pretty hair. Lady Lysa had brushed it herself every night, and cut it when it wanted cutting. After she had fallen Robert had suffered terrible shaking fits whenever anyone came near him with a blade, so Petyr had commanded that his hair be allowed to grow. - Alayne II, AFFC

Rickon and Sweetrobin parallels fill me with dread.

+.+

Such food Bran had never seen; course after course after course, so much that he could not manage more than a bite or two of each dish. There were great joints of aurochs roasted with leeks, venison pies chunky with carrots, bacon, and mushrooms, mutton chops sauced in honey and cloves, savory duck, peppered boar, goose, skewers of pigeon and capon, beef-and-barley stew, cold fruit soup. Lord Wyman had brought twenty casks of fish from White Harbor packed in salt and seaweed; whitefish and winkles, crabs and mussels, clams, herring, cod, salmon, lobster and lampreys. There was black bread and honeycakes and oaten biscuits; there were turnips and pease and beets, beans and squash and huge red onions; there were baked apples and berry tarts and pears poached in strongwine. Wheels of white cheese were set at every table, above and below the salt, and flagons of hot spice wine and chilled autumn ale were passed up and down the tables.

Extravagance like this during war, with winter coming, is no more justifiable than when Lannisters do it.

+.+

The singer sang good songs, "Iron Lances" and "The Burning of the Ships" and "The Bear and the Maiden Fair," but only Hodor seemed to be listening. He stood beside the piper, hopping from one foot to the other.

The Burning of the Ships? Battle of the Blackwater.

The Bear and the Maiden Fair? A maid with honey in her hair, who calls for a knight, but to her horror gets a bear? She kicks and wails, but he licks her hair? Gosh, I don’t know.

Iron Lances? Are we staying with the theme of Blackwater, or is this Greyjoy?

+.+

Bran had not wanted the Freys at the high table, but the maester reminded him that they would soon be kin. Robb was to marry one of their aunts, and Arya one of their uncles. "She never will," Bran said, "not Arya,"

You’re only her sibling, how well could you really know her?

+.+

He sent sweets to Hodor and Old Nan as well, for no reason but he loved them.

+.+

He watched them as from a distance, as if he still sat in the window of his bedchamber, looking down on the yard below, seeing everything yet a part of nothing.    

Bran can see everything, but can’t engage.

+.+

Bran watched Farlen make his red bitch beg for bones and smiled at Old Nan plucking at the crust of a hot pie with wrinkled fingers.

What is this? Is this something?

+.+

Alebelly led two new guests into the feast. "The Lady Meera of House Reed," the rotund guardsman bellowed over the clamor. "With her brother, Jojen, of Greywater Watch."

The Lady Meera has top billing over the heir to Greywater Watch.

I smell future!

+.+

Her brother was several years younger and bore no weapons. All his garb was green, even to the leather of his boots, and when he came closer Bran saw that his eyes were the color of moss

Like a GREENseer?

Where else are you going to find literary analysis as good as this?

+.+

"My lords of Stark," the girl said. "The years have passed in their hundreds and their thousands since my folk first swore their fealty to the King in the North. My lord father has sent us here to say the words again, for all our people."    

Okay but why is Howland Reed sending his children to go chill with Bran indefinitely? Why is Howland Reed not participating in the war? Does Howland Reed know things? Can Howland Reed see things? Give us Howland Reed!

Theon was about to tell him what he ought to do with his wet nurse's fable when Maester Luwin spoke up. "The histories say the crannogmen grew close to the children of the forest in the days when the greenseers tried to bring the hammer of the waters down upon the Neck. It may be that they have secret knowledge." - Theon IV, ACOK   

+.+

"To Winterfell we pledge the faith of Greywater," they said together. "Hearth and heart and harvest we yield up to you, my lord. Our swords and spears and arrows are yours to command. Grant mercy to our weak, help to our helpless, and justice to all, and we shall never fail you."

"I swear it by earth and water," said the boy in green.

"I swear it by bronze and iron," his sister said.

"We swear it by ice and fire," they finished together.

Sounds like something you might say after you agree to a pact.

+.+

The girl caught him staring at her and smiled. Bran blushed and looked away.   

+.+

When the singer reached the part in "The Night That Ended" where the Night's Watch rode forth to meet the Others in the Battle for the Dawn, he blew a blast that set all the dogs to barking.    

He lost me with that last part.

+.+

They went out the rear rather than walk the length of the hall, Bran ducking his head as they passed through the lord's door.

We get it, George.

+.+

In the dim-lit gallery outside the Great Hall, they came upon Joseth the master of horse engaged in a different sort of riding. He had some woman Bran did not know shoved up against the wall, her skirts around her waist.

Amazed this didn’t trigger his post-traumatic stress disorder.

+.+

"The finest knight I ever saw was Ser Arthur Dayne, who fought with a blade called Dawn, forged from the heart of a fallen star. They called him the Sword of the Morning, and he would have killed me but for Howland Reed." Father had gotten sad then, and he would say no more. Bran wished he had asked him what he meant.

I’m sure you’ll find out.

+.+

"They will be bigger still before they are grown," the young male said, watching them with eyes large, green, and unafraid. "The black one is full of fear and rage, but the grey is strong . . . stronger than he knows . . . can you feel him, sister?"    

"No," she said, moving a hand to the hilt of the long brown knife she wore. "Go careful, Jojen."         

"He won't hurt me. This is not the day I die."

Guys, I’m so happy the Reeds are here! 🥰

Final thoughts:

Has anyone ever noticed there’s a lot of sex in Bran’s chapters? Contemplating sex, talking about sex, witnessing sex...

Imagine that creepy scene on the show wasn’t a stretch, and Bran spies on one or two of his siblings?

-> return to menu <-

[scarletarosa]

Bune

One of the goetic demonesses who serves under High King Satan. As with all other goetic demons, Bune is an ancient deity who was part of the rebellion against the tyrant god. This information was documented by me through speaking to her and from working with this wonderful infernal goddess.

Rulerships: abundance, cooking, vigilance, joy

History: Bune is a draconic goddess who once was the protector of an enormous other-worldly library full of books about crafts and meals. This was many long ages ago before the tyrant Jehovah arrived in this Universe; an Aeonic god who creates the physical and metaphysical Universes. When he did show up, his lust for dominion drove him to usurp the Throne of the Universe and began commanding the Angels (who were serving the supreme deities: the Source and Queen of Heaven). When this began, there was a chaotic rebellion led by Lucifer, the first-born, which started a terrible war. Satan, who was one of the Seraphim, was part of this rebellion and leading his allies against Jehovah; among them was Bune. When Jehovah was about to strike Satan and violently wound him, Bune shielded him with her body. In retaliation, the tyrant threw them both into Hell along with the other rebels. 

Once in Hell, the energy of these entities gradually transformed into something dark since they were being constantly exposed to the chaotic energies around them. Due to this, they collectively became known as the race called “demons”. The three most powerful of the demons became the High Kings of Hell, these are Lucifer, Satan, and Leviathan. Being loyal to Satan, Bune remained with him and serves within his kingdom. 

Rank: Duchess

Elements: Earth and Fire

Colours: Brown and Red

Appearance: Although Bune is a dragon, she usually prefers to appear humanoid nowadays. In this form, she is a slightly plump woman in her late 30′s with brown eyes and has brownish-blonde hair that comes down to her shoulders. She also doesn’t typically make her horns or wings visible but can manifest them at will. During battles, Bune’s primary weapon is an over-sized kitchen knife (almost like a short-sword) that can penetrate most armours like butter.

Personality: Bune is one of the few demons who tend to be quite friendly. She is very sociable, bubbly, generous, creative, humble, motherly, compassionate, attentive, and observant. She also explains that the reason for her natural attentive skills is because good fortune often comes due to these traits (and as a deity of abundance, it is something she is a natural at). Besides this, Bune is deeply fond of children and enjoys making them happy. She also loves cooking many different things, creating perfumes, doing jigsaw puzzles, board games, armchairs, rocking chairs, cauldrons, kitchen pots, clarinet music, snakes, bees, making soaps, and candle-making. Another of Bune’s favourite pass-times is reading literature (especially romance or poetry) by the fireplace. She is a very warm-hearted demoness and isn’t usually aggressive, but is deeply protective when needed. Although when angered, she becomes more of her draconic self and can be extremely frightening. 

Bune has explained that since she is one of the elder deities, she has created some aspects/shards of herself to act within pantheons. One such aspect is the goddess Amalthea and another is Cornucopia. 

Things she can help with: Since Bune is the #1 patroness of cooking, she can help people become skilled in this art or help improve restaurants. She can also teach recipes and provide creative inspiration. Since Bune is abundance (not wealth, however), she can assist you in gaining good fortune. If there are enemies who are blocking you from getting the fortune you deserve, you can call upon Bune and request her to deal with them. She will then punish them and allow you to receive what is rightfully yours. Bune can also teach you to become more cautious and mindful, or to make better decisions in order to gain better fortune. 

Her Enn (for meditation or devotion): Wehl Melan Avage Bune Tasa

Offerings: sweet red wine, sangria, milk spiced with black pepper and cinnamon, honey, duck roasted with orange, baked salmon with butter, trout, prawns, loaves of bread, all cheese, smoked cheese, all fruits (especially mangoes, pomegranates, coconuts, apricots, cumquats, pineapples, grapes, peaches, pears, dates, and plums), pumpkins, baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, courgettis, pastas, asparagus, artichoke, corn, celery, mushrooms, fava beans, rooster legs, soup, meat pies, apple pies, tarts, chocolate logs, oatmeal, broth, eggs, mustard, basil, parsley, spices, brown sugar, geraniums, petunias, dahlias, mimosa, pansies, sunflowers, orange rutilated quartz, chrysoberyl, imperial topaz, brown calcite, ornamental hearts (of glass, metal, etc), carved wooden spoons, beeswax soaps, thick red candles, poetry, incense of jasmine + sandalwood or amber + musk

[darkerdeariegold]

I have a sudden urge to know any food related headcanons you have for rumple.

Ooooooh thank you for this ask, I am EXCITED to get in to it.

I apologise now for how long winded this is going to be but you know I love my man and I have feelings about him and his story.

So I’m gonna do food and drink because they’re linked.

Food

As a boy, money was tight thanks to the way Malcolm managed their lives. It seems clear that he wasn’t starving as a boy, but he was a skinny kid. I think that as a child his diet mostly consisted of cheap and easily accessible foods. Things like flat breads (usually a little hard and unpleasant but filling), root vegetables like potatoes and whatever fruits were in season. Especially if they were small enough to fit in to a pocket so things like apples, berries and pears. 

It’s that start that means he’s not fussy when it comes to food. Even when he became the Dark One and had the ability to produce a feast out of thin air - and he did, wanting to make sure Bae never went with an empty belly like he had - he didn’t look down on any sort of food. Food is survival, and survival is what he’s good at, despite any odds against him.

When he began to live with the Spinsters - and did so until his adulthood - he learned what a good meat pie was and that rapidly became his favourite food. It was cheap cuts of meat - because as spinsters they had enough to live a comfortable but never affluent life - but the way it was cooked, slow and low for hours just made the meat fall apart and become the juiciest, most tender cut. 

He always asked for a meat pie for dinner, and because they loved him, they indulged him a few times a week if they could, at least once if not. (They would go without for him and he only realised that when an adult himself).

Vegetables were always a staple of his diet simply because if you could grow it, you could eat it and it cost barely anything to maintain. He likes stews and soups, easy food that you can put any combinations of vegetable in. His favourite is the humble potato, because he knows just how much you can get out of it and how filling it can be. He learned how to bake them on the fire and always finds comfort in that.

He learned that he has a sweet tooth when he was able to begin to conjure food. He already knew he did from his love of strawberries growing up - always his favourite berry to pick and eat - but when desserts like sweet rolls and cakes became a staple of his life, he was a little addicted.

He does, after all, have an addictive personality.

Not that he’d never had cake before - the spinsters liked to make him one for his birthday but a shortage of sugar usually meant it wasn’t as full of sweetness as it could be. Still good, and always appreciated.

Until Zelena’s abuse of him for a year a meat pie was his favourite food, along with a hamburger. Something he only discovered in Storybrooke, as well as pickles. Now, he can’t even think of it. The abuse has tainted what once had been a comfort to him. Now he feels physically sick whenever a meat pie is near him. 

Thanks, Zelena.

He’s definitely not a snob about food; he’ll eat anything really, except for those meat pies now. He likes sour food, he likes sweet desserts. He isn’t one for too much spice (he just doesn’t have the tolerance for it) and the first time he bit in to a chilli pepper his entire face felt like it were on fire). He’s been seen to eat apples, ready noodles and hamburgers on the show to name just a few foods that it’s canon he is fond of, or at the very least will eat.

Though he’s a meat eater he’s used to having a diet rich in vegetables and genuinely enjoys those. Simple roasting of them is perfection.

So his favourite foods are;

Hamburger (he loves the bread in this world, how much more taste it has)

Pickles (he likes sour food, used to that flavour because of the absence of sugar in his diet when younger)

Strawberries and other sweet fruits.

Desserts in general; he has a sweet tooth but has to limit himself.

Bacon and eggs. 

Potatoes, especially baked with butter.

Meat pies USED to be. Eventually he’ll work through that trauma and be able to enjoy a good pie again. He just needs to focus on the initial positive thoughts he had surrounding it.

He loves a good condiment - ketchup, mustard (mild) and ranch. Not a huge fan of mayo in anything more than a small quantity. 

Drinks

Tea is a little different here than it was in the Enchanted Forest, but it’s certainly his favourite drink. He especially loves the way Belle makes his tea; a dash of milk, no sugar and brewed to perfection. Even he can’t make a cup taste quite as well as she does.

He doesn’t have a lot of milk in there, and he never has sugar; mostly because he was a tea drinker before he was the Dark One, and so he was a tea drinker when he couldn’t really afford the luxury of sugar. 

Coffee was a revelation in Storybrooke and, when cursed and needing to sleep each night he found a cup of black coffee in the morning before his breakfast was the perfect set up. He still likes a cup of black coffee every now and then. 

Also likes a hot cocoa- that was always a treat when a lad, and he loved the nights he would be tucked up in to bed with a small cup of it. Leaving him - and his belly - feeling warm enough to drift off to a peaceful sleep.

He doesn’t like fizzy drinks. Doesn’t understand the need for them. As sweet as his tooth is, most carbonated drinks are too sugary for him. The kind of sugar that sticks to your teeth isn’t pleasant to him.

Alcohol is a strange little bedfellow that he has a very difficult relationship with. He grew up seeing the negative effect it has on his Papa and it’s a drink that genuinely scares him. But it also helps to numb things. Numb the pain, numb the guilt. He has a small flask of scotch or whiskey hidden in his shop, a bottle too - always the finest stuff when it comes to drink - for those moments when he is feeling that he needs a support. 

Why the finest? Because psychologically, even if he can just conjure a bottle when he wants, it feels like a luxury. Something to not rely on consistently. If he drank cheap whisky or spirits he recognises that his addictive personality could lead him down a path as dark as his Papa. 

You only ever see him with alcohol when he’s struggling with something, namely guilt or a decision that he’s afraid of. We see him with a flask in the Enchanted Forest after losing Belle. We see him with alcohol in the Underworld. We also see him drink in Hyperion Heights when he’s clearly going through the pain of grief. If it numbs the pain, even for a moment, it’s alright. A small moment of respite is better than nothing. 

His favourite drinks;

Tea, dash of milk and no sugar

Black coffee

Iced tea, either with or without sweetener. 

IF he’s self medicating, expensive whiskey or scotch. 

[zekroudon]

Dinner with the in-laws

Adrien's first dinner with Marinette's parents since they officially got together. A lot of puns ensues. As usual, you can read it on Ao3 here.

This was the fic I wrote for my application for the Totographs zine, but I didn't get picked, but I'm proud of myself for applying! Once again, beware, lots of puns ahead. 

P.S. I won't be writing fanfics during November since I'm attempting Nanowrimo for the first time! It might not have been the best idea since I still have my classes, but I'll manage.

Edit: Thanks @komorebirei for beta-ing and their insightful tips.

   As Adrien stands in front of the door to Marinette’s home, the bouquet he got for her feels heavy and useless. He has already given so many roses to her, but they feel meaningless compared to how grateful he is to still have her in his life. Her parents must know how amazing she is — they’ll be disappointed…

   He’s hit by flashbacks to the events that led to Tom being akumatized into Weredad. Coming to the bakery after a lonely breakfast. The grey gloomy sky. The awkward kissing Marinette on the cheeks. The pink rose. Admitting he loved Ladybug, Ladybug and not Marinette, an irony Plagg kept teasing him about now that he was fully aware of her identity. Marinette being too good of an actress at being hurt. The enormous tower of vines with the angry beast on top protecting his princess. Ladybug only appearing at the end when everything was crumbling…

   Even though Nino assured him it was casual enough, yet fancy, and that Marinette would like it—a light green buttoned shirt, with only the top two buttons undone, and dark jeans—Adrien feels like he’s underdressed. Plagg phases through his shirt and looks him in the eyes.

“Just press the doorbell! I’m starving and I can’t wait to see Sugarcube!”

“Plagg, what if I mess up again? What if they hate me?”

   Adrien starts fidgeting with the bouquet in his hands. He wipes his sweaty palms on his pants.

“How could they hate you? I’m pretty sure Pigtails couldn’t hate you.”

“But, what if…”

   The kwami presses the doorbell and returns to his warm pocket while dread fills Adrien. He hears the steps creak lightly as someone comes down to open the door. Is it Tom? No probably not—he’s heavier and the steps would creak more. Maybe Sabine? She can also be very scary when she wants to…

   The door opens and relief floods his body at the sight of his lady, princess, and girlfriend. Marinette is wearing a pink dress with a black jacket. He didn’t fail to notice the small cat paws and the kitty she embroidered on the jacket. The dress is fairly simple to the casual eye, but having been raised in the fashion industry for so long, he recognizes all the hard work she put into the hems and her trademark flower motif. Her black hair, free from the usual pigtails, cascades in waves over her right shoulder.  

“You look… beautiful,” are the only words that escape his lips.

“Thank you, you look great too!”

“So… These are for you!” he says, extending the flowers to her.

“Thank you! They’re pretty...” She leans her head into the bouquet, smelling its perfume. “They smell amazing too! Let’s go upstairs so I can put them in some water.”

   Adrien follows her as they enter the apartment over the bakery. Delicious scents hit him as they step inside. Except for the usual sweets from the bakery, he can smell a plethora of aromas he is not familiar with. An overly excited Tom practically bounces to him, followed by Sabine, who looks more calm and composed. Adrien swears the man is about to burst from how much he is shaking and buzzing with energy. He kisses Sabine’s cheek and extends his hand to shake Tom’s, who gladly accepts.

“Welcome, Adrien, we’re glad you could make it! We could not wait to meet the young man that stole our little daughter’s heart.”

“The pleasure’s all mine! Thank you for having me for dinner.”

   Once Tom let go of his hand, it instinctively went to rub the back of his neck, his usual tic when he’s nervous. Fear fills him as the man’s eyes grow big like saucers when a ray of light hits his ring, making it shine a little. Does he recognize him as Chat Noir? Marinette looks at him, unsure of what to make of her father’s reaction.

   He then turns and picks up Sabine. He whirls her before doing a pirouette himself.

“Our little daughter is engaged! She proposed to Adrien! We need to prepare the wedding cake, it’ll be the best Paris has ever seen!”

“Tom, dear…” Sabine says, trying to bring back her husband to Earth, with no success.

“What?” is the only word that escapes Adrien’s mouth.

   “Is it another case of Oblivio?” Adrien asks himself. ”Last time I checked, we were only dating…” He realizes at the same time as Marinette what gave Tom the idea, but she’s quicker to react. He thought that Adrien’s miraculous was an engagement ring. Though, it’s not on the correct hand…

“We’re not engaged, Papa!!” shouts Marinette, calming her father. “The ring’s, um…”

“It was from my mother, it’s not a wedding ring. Not that I would mind being engaged to Marinette, she’s amazing and any guy or girl would be crazy to turn her down. I mean, I’d gladly propose to her, but I don’t want to go too fast and I’d rather have your blessing before…”

   He is stopped by a hand on his arm. Sabine looks up sweetly at him, just like she did with Chat Noir all those years ago.

“It’s okay, dear, we know you love our daughter very much—it’s obvious in your eyes. Tom just tends to get ahead of things. That poor Chat Noir, I hope he wasn’t too traumatized.”

“I don’t think he is…” Adrien shyly replies.

   Since he arrived a bit early, Adrien offers to help make dinner. Considering his lack of ability in the kitchen, he gets vegetable duty, since it’s pretty straightforward and he won’t risk ruining the meal with a beginner’s mistake by putting in too much spice or causing a fire.

“You know, I can’t believe no one ever taught you to cook—but at the same time, knowing your father, it does make sense.”

“Yeah, I  carrot  believe it either. I guess he expected me to  stew  in the mansion and have a cook for my entire life.”

“Even for you, that was pretty bad,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Finish slicing them, it’s nearly ready...”

“I don’t know about that, young lady—there’s always  thyme  for puns,” replies Tom with a smirk, a fire lit in his eyes. “Once you’re done Adrien, I’ll  knead  some fruits for dessert

“Of course! Would you help me,  gourdgeous  princess? We make the perfect  pear , after all.”

“I think you’ll be  apple  to do it yourself, my prince.”

“Ah, you leave me  floured  ! You know I only have  pies  for you.”

“You’re such a weirdo…”

“Maybe, but I’m your  weirdough  and you  loaf  me.”

“See, Sabine, they were  baked  for each other. I’m sure  muffin  could break them apart.”

   A little bit later, once they are all sitting at the table, plates set and food served.

“This is so delicious! I don’t think my chef has ever made me something this good!”

“I doubt your chef would have cooked this—it’s not really suited for a model’s diet,” Sabine says. “But thank you. I could show you some recipes if you want.”

“I’d love that, Mrs. Cheng! Well, I’m  bacon  track now, I’m no longer following a diet as strict as before: no more drumsticks and crumbs.  Dough , I have to admit that I would have been  toasted  if my father had found me eating a meal like this.”

“You can call us Sabine and Tom, dear, no need to be so formal.”

“I’m glad to hear that! You sure could add more meat to those bones of yours,” Tom adds jokingly.

“The  yeast  he could have done was to let you see your friends more often,” Marinette replies drily.

“It’s okay, it’s all behind us now. The  bread  of akumas, the  pain …” He adds, giving Marinette a slice of bread. She shakes her head, but still takes it.

“Doughnut  worry, son, you’ll always be welcome here. I could show you the ropes of a baker’s job! I  croissant  your talent.”

   The rest of the main meal goes well—more puns, talking about their future and hopes. Adrien loved the fact that Tom and Sabine didn’t expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps and take the reins of Gabriel, unlike almost everyone else in his life. Instead, they encouraged him when he said that he would need some time to figure out what he really wants to do with his life, to forge his own path.

   As Marinette ices the cake, Adrien finishes slicing the fruits and placing them. His fingers are all sticky and stained from the juices, but he’s the happiest he’s ever been. He feels like he’s part of a family, in a house filled with love, warmth, and fun. He dips his finger in some cream that has fallen from Marinette’s pouch. She’s fully focussed on the task at hand, just like when she was figuring out an especially complicated lucky charm in a face-off with a strong akuma. He gets an idea. It’s a bit mischievous, but a good one.

   Smirking, he carefully sneaks behind her, channeling his inner Chat Noir. Once he’s close enough, he pokes her nose with his cream coated finger. She jerks back into his arms and squeezes the icing bag, making it explode. Their faces and clothes are covered with icing.

“Ch-Adrien!”

“See, m’ lady, I always told you that you’re  la crème de la crème  . Getting my miraculous was an  ameowzing  day in my life, but meeting you was the  icing on the cake ,” he whispers in her ear.

“Shh! They’ll hear you!”

   Her scolding expression lingers for a bit longer, but she soon bursts out laughing.

“I can’t believe you! All this for puns?”

“I felt like I needed to remind my girlfriend of how amazing she is...”

   Tom and Sabine turn the corner to the kitchen, taking in the mess the two made.

“What are you two  loafing  about… Oh, that’s quite the mess, isn’t it?” Tom asks, stopping in his tracks.

“Go change into your pyjamas, I’ll finish icing the cake in the meantime,”Sabine sweetly adds, opening the fridge to get more icing.

   As they walk past the counter to go change, Marinette picks a cherry and perches it on Adrien’s nose.

“You don’t need to remind me, Adrien, I’ll always  cherrysh  the  koalaty  time I get to spend with you.”

[valgasnewsthings]

Friends and enemies for pancrease gland.

As on my 76 y.old long time felt bad of bowel aches, meteorism, swelling, belly,  am stayed  felt bad long time, but after test d and found lipomatosis for pancrease gland for 2 nd level  , doctor prescribed me lots of remedies of which side effects are displayed, but am feeling better  , thus am keeping using pills , but am sure here am needing diet and hrbs, maybe gastroenterologist from zoz would expand my cure.

Pancrease gland is a small by size as her weight is 100 gr, a organ for digestion as changes whole mini factory answers gastroenterologist Stepanova.

A one of her part manufacturing ferments are lipids, amilaza, proteaza which are taking part in meal digesting in meal, second manufactures different hormones as insulin, answering for a lowering glucose level in blood.

And if a such factory work have been desteroyed as health cells dead, and on theirs place,like a weed is growing fatty tissue  as forming in lipomas  , thus a work for organ is destroyednd new bad symptoms displaying .And in a second level for disease a lipoma as replacing are from 30 -60 percents from a common size a pancrease gland. And its is hard, lopomatosis process is bad, as his you can to soft, delay, but a back road he is not having. And solace in data case is one just a distrophic changes and not tie with oncology.

And a cure here, if this is not neglected case  as third stage, when a doing as  excusion for dystrophic nodules  is leading to remove inflammation , delay grow for fatty cells, and keeping here a space for ducts,  keeping ability for gland taking part in a digestion process, thus am sure your remedies prescribed right.

And using theirs right, as not lead till an abundant as chemo addiction of. And if a feeling, condition are bad thus visit a doctor.

And you are right, that with medicaments are eeding diet using, and for begin to understand which products are add for friends a pancrease , and which are enemies. And from ration you are needing avoiding all sour fruits and berries are pears, plums, quinces, and if apples sorts are sweet you can bake in oven, or shred and eat, avoiding spicy vegetables are radish, cabbage white, sorresl, rhubarb, clean cucumbers and eat, and bake tomatos too.

And to kill a damage pancrease are alchokol, hard meal  as fast food, lard, pork, fish fat,smoked,fried, salted, canned, cakes, pies, caffeine, gas sweet drinks, fresh bread, strong black tea, sausages, fat fromage, fat cheeses ARE  hard digesting and harmful.

And friends for pancrease are fatness curd, meat as turkey, chiken, rabbit, thick soups and not of strong meat broth, or vegetable infusion, mucus, on water cooked porridges with adding butter oil, boiled vegetables, white rusks or dried roasted bread, and of drink cook kissel, dried fruits compotes, green tea, hibiscus tea, gas free mineral water, if milk you can endure,thus drink his, if causing icterus, diarrhea, thus not drink.

Eat often, but on small portions, as keeping for temperature use as warm, not very hot, cold, chew good and for one time in 7-10 days adding reloading days.

And against over growing faty tissue and other symptoms as ache inflammation, diarrhea , meteorism are good effect give and plants as they are a full or frequently restore loosing secretory functions of pancrease gland and to strengthen immunity. And good remedy is oats infusion as one tbl.sp. chopped or grinded seeds  add on evening in thermos with 2 glasses of the hot water, and filter on the morning, use 100 ml. for 3 times a day , course are 1-2 months and oats herb is longevity , clean organism from toxins, lows cholesterol, sugar, regenerate damage tissues.

And if lipomatosis having with diarrhea thus helps are fruid bird cherry  bark oak, and leafs blueberry, as two tbl.sp. mass adding in thermos and adding 2 glasses of the hot water, infuse night, filter, use on half glass for 3-4 times/day , course are 1-2 weeks and if need till month. And good  anti diarrhea effect having of pomegranate infusion as 30 gr of dried peels adding in glass of hot water, on weak fire keep are 15 minutes, infuse hour, use 3 tbl.sp. for 4 times/day before meal.  I HOPE my advices would delay grow for lipomas and not worsen a condition for a small, and very persistient hard worker a pancrease gland.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/3k2q1xS

[the-discerning-dungeoneer]

Cassie’s Confections

Cassandra Leopedas comes from an ancient line of sorceresses but was not interested in adventuring or any position of power. She is the third born daughter of Katerina and Jacob Leopedas. Her father was supportive of her decision, but her mother sees her disinterest as a slight to her history. They rarely speak anymore, but Cassie does still write to her father.

Cassandra, Cassie to her friends and patrons, instead uses her family’s extensive contacts to source ingredients for her pastries. As a teenager, after realizing that the duties of her family weren’t for her, Cassie decided to set out across the continent to sample what the world of sweets had to offer. She stopped at each pastry shop she could find and begged to study there. A few shops took her up on her offer. She found hands on learning to be the best, but one book was recommended to her by multiple chefs. Her mentor, Ash Breakpeak of Hammerstein, purchased it for her. Cassie had been working at Breakpeak Bakery for a year, and Ash wanted to show her appreciation for a job well done. The pastry bible Simply Pastry by Caldero Moffett was the only cookbook she ever owned. She cherished it and has extensive notes written in the margins. She still references it, and it holds a place of honor on the wall behind her counter.

Cassie first had the idea for her shop when weary adventurers found their way into Breakpeak Bakery. Cassie overhead them discussing their poverty and inability to purchase any healing potions. Her family had never been strong in the healing arts, but Cassie began trying to channel her inherent magical abilities into simple curing spells that she could infuse into her pastries. Ash gave her the space to work, and eventually, Cassie was able to bake a batch of profiteroles that had healing properties. She stayed on with Ash for a while longer before she decided to move back home to Northaven and open her own shop.

Cassie’s Confections has been open and thriving for fourteen years. She is very well known throughout Northaven and even in far flung cities across the continent. Famous adventurer Lars Von Curthe sings her praises after eating one of Cassie’s scones during a fight with a lich that threatened the Northlands. The scone gave Lars the vitality to triumph over his adversary and thwart its evil plot. He opened an adventuring school after retiring and sings Cassie’s praises to all his students.

Cassie is a half elf. Her skin is a rich tan and her hair is auburn with thick streaks of silver spilling from her temples. She wears plain clothes; simple shirts with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and cropped pants. She has a favorite pair of clogs that she bought several pairs of so she always has replacements. She ties her hair back in a messy knot and keeps flyaways out of her face with a bandana tied around her head. Her round face is ruddy and welcoming. She is always covered with a thin layer of flour and smells like bread fresh from the oven. Easy to chat with, Cassie loves to hear tales of adventuring when patrons come to her shop. If she enjoys the story enough (15 AC Performance Check), she’ll throw in some extra sweets for the road.

Cassie also sells branded items. Her logo is a profiterole in honor of her first experiment. She’s well aware of the benefits of advertising. She has patches, shirts, and a bag of holding all with her logo emblazoned on them.

 Menu:

*Healing incantations only last in pastries only last for five days*

*2+1d4 hp when pastry is consumed*

Coffee – 2 silver – dispels one exhaustion point

Pastries

World Famous Profiteroles – 1 for 3 silver, 3 for 5 silver, 12 for 10 silver

Palmier – 1 for 3 silver, 3 for 5, 12 for 10

Strudel – Apple, Peach, or Cherry – 1 for 3, 3 for 5, 12 for 10

Butter Croissant – 1 for 3, 3 for 5, 12 for 10

Danish – Cheese, Apple, Cherry, Peach – 1 for 3, 3 for 5, 12 for 10

Scone – Lemon Poppyseed, Orange – 1 for 3, 3 for 5, 12 for 10

Honey Butter – small for 2, large for 4

Hand Pies – 5 silver for 1, 12 silver for 3

Sweet Flavor of the Day (roll d6)

              1-Apple, Pear, and Brown Sugar

              2-Apricot

              3-Mixed Berry

              4-Rhubarb

              5-Peach

              6-Lemon Cream Cheese

Savory Flavor of the Day (roll d6)

              1-Pork

              2-Chorizo and Potato

              3-Sauerkraut and Bacon

              4-Turkey and Cranberry

              5-Spiced Lamb

              6-Curried Chicken

Confections

Truffles – 12 for 15, 24 for 25

Flavors: Chocolate Raspberry, Cherry, White Chocolate, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, Lemon Raspberry

Chocolate Covered Cherries – 12 for 15, 24 for 25

Cakes for Any Occasion – Inquire for pricing

Merch!

T-Shirt – 2 gold

Patch – 5 silver

Branded Bag of Holding – 200 gold

[ladytesla]

The Great Vesuvia Baking Show

I’m not sorry for any of this.

THE CONTESTANTS:

-Asra, Julian, and Nadia, of course

-Portia, Lucio, and Muriel, naturally

-Valdemar, Volta, Vulgora, and Vlastomil, because why not

-Valerius because wine daddy

-Mazelinka because I needed 12 contestants

WEEK ONE: CAKE

-Signature bake: Madeira cake.  Valerius wows the judges with his ability to bake with wine, and even add it to the food on occasion.  Mazelinka claims her cake used to prevent scurvy on the high seas.  Muriel’s cake is simple, but quite tasty.

-Technical challenge: Cherry cake. Coincidentally enough, this is Nadia’s favorite cake.  So of course she knows the recipe forwards, backwards and diagonally.  She wins hands-down, despite the fact that Asra and Portia were copying her every move.  Volta eats most of the cherries.

-Showstopper challenge: Black Forest gateau.  While Julian astonishes with his intricate decorations and Valdemar creates very precise mathematical designs, Lucio comes out on top with an exceedingly elaborate showpiece that needs two people to carry it to the front.

-The star baker for the week is Nadia, much to Lucio’s chagrin.  Vlastomil is eliminated, mostly because he kept using salt instead of sugar and was under the impression that a black FOREST gateau needed actual dirt on top.  Because forest. It’s quite possible Vulgora told him so to trick him.

WEEK TWO: BREAD

-Signature bake: breadsticks (or grassini).  Asra makes his with lapsang souchong, which makes for an interesting combination the judges can’t stop talking about.  Nadia is a high achiever and makes twisted grassini with two-colored dough.

-Technical challenge: Baguettes.  Vulgora’s are decidedly ‘overwerked’ due to the fact that they punched their bread into submission rather than kneaded it.  Julian and Portia get in trouble for throwing flour at each other.  Mazelinka and her spoon quickly sort them out.  The winner of the technical challenge is a very meticulous Valdemar.

-Showstopper challenge: a 3-d bread sculpture.  Lucio’s bread goat distorts in the oven, leading him to have a meltdown, throw his half-baked creation at Valerius, and storm out of the tent. Volta makes off with the discarded goat bread.  Muriel makes a lovely rendition of Inanna.

-Star baker for the week is Valdemar.  No one is eliminated, since Lucio quit.

WEEK THREE: PIES AND TARTS

Signature bake: family-sized custard tart.  Mazelinka uses one of Lilinka’s recipes, causing the Devorak siblings to gravitate over to the pan as soon as the judges leave. Valdemar’s is technically perfect, but lacking in flavor.

Technical challenge: mini pear pies.  Nadia gets flustered because hers aren’t up to her perfectionist standards.  Julian’s somehow are overcooked on the outside and raw on the inside. Volta volunteers to eat the leftovers again.  Muriel manages to scrape by, to his complete surprise.

Showstopper challenge: tiered pies with a common theme.  Portia wins hands-down by making a tower of pies filled with vegetables straight from her garden.  Valerius admits he went heavy-handed with the red wine reduction in his creations.  Asra is on thin ice by incorporating blue-tongued skink.

-Star baker for the week is Portia.  Vulgora is eliminated due to their horrible taste in what should go in a savory pie.  Honestly they’re glad to leave, they think this whole thing is boring. 

WEEK FOUR: BISCUITS

Signature bake: 36 savory biscuits (crackers for us americans).  Muriel impresses everyone with his mushroom and wild garlic biscuits, especially when the hosts finally wheedle out of him that he collected the wild garlic and mushrooms himself.  Asra mentions to the camera that Muriel’s single, which makes the poor guy turn bright red.

Technical challenge: 18 florentines.  Portia somehow gets chocolate in her hair.  Volta ends up submitting 12.  She claims to not know where the other 6 went, despite being caught on camera eating them.  Valerius ends up burning his fingers.  Mazelinka made a lot of these when she was younger and trying to bribe baby Devoraks to do chores, so she wins the technical.

Showstopper challenge: 3D biscuit scene.  Valdemar’s ‘Laboratory Scene’ is deemed too disturbing to be put on camera.  Julian surprises everyone with a quaint (and tasty) miniature version of the Rowdy Raven. Nadia makes a family portrait of herself and her sisters.

Star baker for the week is Muriel, which surprises everyone, including himself.  Volta is eliminated for eating too many of her own bakes.

WEEK FIVE: DESSERTS

Signature bake: family-sized roulade.  Nadia goes overboard and makes a chocolate version of the Satrinava crest to adorn hers with.  Asra decorates his white chocolate and blueberry roulade to look like Faust.  Muriel is praised for his chocolate and orange roulade.  He just shrugs.

Technical challenge: tiramisu cake.  Mazelinka has a bad oven mishap, but manages to pull through when Muriel steps in to help.  Julian wins the technical, much to his surprise. Then again, he reasons, he DOES like coffee.  Valerius miserably fails the technical.

Showstopper challenge: Baked Alaska.  Portia is so busy nosing around to see what everyone else is doing (and taking tastes when they let her or aren’t looking) that she almost forgets to finish her Baked Alaska.  As such, hers has the least amount of decorations.  Valdemar somehow manages to sculpt the meringue into a perfect cube.

Star Baker for the week is Nadia.  Asra goes home since he was too chill and was unable to finish his bakes this week.

WEEK SIX: PASTRY

Signature bake: twelve savory pastry parcels.  Nadia wows with her spiced swordfish pastries.  Portia and Mazelinka manage to coincidentally make adaptations of the same one of Lilinka’s recipes, which leads to controversy among the judges.

Technical challenge: An obscure pastry nobody’s ever heard of.  Somehow they all end up looking very similar, except for Julian’s, which are a bit burned.  Valdemar aces the technical as usual.

Showstopper challenge: 24 eclairs with 2 flavors.  Valdemar’s blood orange and salted caramel eclairs are all extremely precise.  Valerius’s strawberry daiquiri and mojito eclairs are a favorite with fellow drunk Mary Berry.  Muriel writes sigils in icing on his eclairs.  When asked, he admits Asra taught them to him and they’re for good luck.

Star baker for the week is Valdemar.  Julian is sent home, which makes Portia cry.

WEEK SEVEN: ADVANCED DOUGH

Signature bake: free-form sweet fruit loaves. Valerius soaks his in too much liquour.  Mazelinka’s bread is overprooved because she was too busy brandishing a spoon at anyone, namely Portia, who tried to come near and taste-test.

Technical challenge: pannetone.  Portia accidentally cuts herself and has to sit out a bit.  Valdemar was more interested in the medical staff than their pannetone, and it showed when the judges came by.

Showstopper challenge: Doughnuts.  Muriel takes a risk by making doughnuts that are safe for humans AND dogs to eat.  When pressed, he mentions that Inanna helped taste-test the previous week.  Nadia fusses over her decorations so much that she nearly runs out of time to display them all.

Star baker for the week is Nadia, again.  Valerius is sent home.  He’s a bit drunk at the moment, so he doesn’t care.

QUARTERFINAL: CARAMEL

Signature bake: millionaire shortbread.  Nadia’s caramel is a bit too firmly set because she wanted a nice smooth surface for the chocolate to go on top.  Portia stuns with her orange-pistachio millionaire shortbread creation.

Technical challenge: stroopwafels.  Mazelinka gets frustrated by the challenge, and ends up in last place.

Showstopper challenge: caramel cake with spun sugar decorations.  Valdemar’s decorations are minimal, since they don’t like caramel.  Muriel burns himself.

Star baker is Portia.  Mazelinka is sent home, but she gives Portia her spoon before she goes.

SEMIFINAL: PATISSERIE

Signature bake: choux buns.  Valdemar, while achieving technical perfection, bores the judges with plain vanilla and chocolate.  

Technical challenge: Les Miserables Slices.  Portia is belting out showtunes while baking, which annoys Valdemar.  Muriel quietly manages to ace the technical.  He’s not sure how he did it.

Showstopper challenge: meringue centerpiece.  Nadia makes a miniature replica of the Vesuvian royal palace.  Portia’s attempt at making Pepi doesn’t end well.

Star baker is Muriel.  Portia is sent home because her bakes, while tasty, are a bit too rustic and home-y and lack precision.

THE FINAL

Signature bake: 12 small loaves of bread, four need to be shaped, four need to be flavored, and four need to be made from an alternative grain.  Muriel, who is in his element, receives a handshake from Paul Hollywood over his bread.  It’s awkward.

Technical challenge: ginger biscuits.  Nadia’s are unevenly-shaped, but the icing makes up for it.  Valdemar’s are eerily perfect. They win the technical.

Showstopper challenge: one large entremet with a minimum of five elements.  Nadia stuns with her feather-themed entremet.  Valdemar’s is shaped like a beetle.  Muriel makes his look like a log with mushrooms growing on it.  It’s surprisingly delicate work.

The winner is:

MURIEL!

He wins a cake stand, a sense of accomplishment, and minor celebrity status in the UK.

Coincidentally, he’s decided never to set foot in the UK again and heads back to his hut.

Asra later notes that the cake stand is prominently displayed in his kitchen.

[racefortheironthrone]

What would a westeros thanksgiving look like? What is the main dish (like our Turkey) and what are the sides (like our mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce etc)? What would be the myth or history behind it? What we be the regional differences? We know George loves writing about food in his books so I think it's only appropriate we come up with our westeros thanksgiving! Also, my only request is for a side of neeps as we so often don't get to have neeps ;)!

Well, Westeros leans more to harvest festivals than “Thanksgiving,” but I would imagine neeps (and probably parsnips too, based on English Christmas meals I’ve had where the potato and yam are less represented than in the U.S) are pretty heavily represented as a starchy side-dish, since potatoes don’t exist in Westeros (nor do any New World crops). 

However, we don’t have to guess, since we have an example of a Northern harvest feast from Bran III of ACOK:

Such food Bran had never seen; course after course after course, so much that he could not manage more than a bite or two of each dish. There were great joints of aurochs roasted with leeks, venison pies chunky with carrots, bacon, and mushrooms, mutton chops sauced in honey and cloves, savory duck, peppered boar, goose, skewers of pigeon and capon, beef-and-barley stew, cold fruit soup. Lord Wyman had brought twenty casks of fish from White Harbor packed in salt and seaweed; whitefish and winkles, crabs and mussels, clams, herring, cod, salmon, lobster and lampreys. There was black bread and honeycakes and oaten biscuits; there were turnips and pease and beets, beans and squash and huge red onions; there were baked apples and berry tarts and pears poached in strongwine. Wheels of white cheese were set at every table, above and below the salt, and flagons of hot spice wine and chilled autumn ale were passed up and down the tables. 

…The serving men brought every dish to Bran first, that he might take the lord’s portion if he chose. By the time they reached the ducks, he could eat no more. After that he nodded approval at each course in turn, and waved it away. If the dish smelled especially choice, he would send it to one of the lords on the dais, a gesture of friendship and favor that Maester Luwin told him he must make. He sent some salmon down to poor sad Lady Hornwood, the boar to the boisterous Umbers, a dish of goose-in-berries to Cley Cerwyn, and a huge lobster to Joseth the master of horse, who was neither lord nor guest, but had seen to Dancer’s training and made it possible for Bran to ride. He sent sweets to Hodor and Old Nan as well, for no reason but he loved them. Ser Rodrik reminded him to send something to his foster brothers, so he sent Little Walder some boiled beets and Big Walder the buttered turnips.

So if we look at the menu, you’ll notice that the meats tend towards game animals - aurochs, venison, duck, fish, pigeon, boar - although there are some stock animals like beef and mutton and poultry as well, which points to the necessity of trying to keep as much of the livestock alive through the winter as possible so that you can continue to get eggs, milk, cheese, and wool off of them.

As far as starches go, in addition to the trenchers which serve as plate and bread at the same time, you have black bread and oaten biscuits, which speaks to the northern climate where hardier grains like oats and rye do better than more fragile wheat. There’s a lot of starchy veg as well, with leeks, turnips/neeps, (parsnips don’t show up here but they do in other feasts), etc. “Pease” refers to pease porridge, which is usually made with bacon or ham as well as carrots, onions, turnips, and various spices. 

Also as you might expect from a harvest meal, there’s a lot of seasonal fruits, both used as sauces and served on their own, and it’s all richly spiced both for flavor and as a preservative b/c food cannot be wasted. 

[mollyraesly]

Time with Wolves -- Chapter 5

It was disappointing not to spend time with Jon over the holiday weekend, but Sansa was so exhausted by Friday night that she fell asleep on the couch before the normal time they would have left for the reservation. She’d been busy all week studying for a math exam, helping to clean the house, sewing bonnets for the upcoming school play, and being her mom’s sous chef for Thanksgiving meal preparations that her body had just quit on her.

Together, they made enough food for twenty: the seven of the immediate family, her uncles Benjen and Edmure, her cousin Robin, aunt Lysa and creepy step-uncle Petyr, grandfather Hoster, great aunt Nan, second cousins Lyanna and Hodor, and their family friends Luwin, Yohn, Rodrik, and Jory. Her mom handled the turkey, stuffing, yams, and gravy. Sansa was in charge of the cranberry sauce, greenbean casserole, and mashed potatoes. Plus she baked all the pies (six different variations this year: pumpkin, cherry, apple, chocolate crème, bourbon-pecan, and pear crumb) and chopped all the onions and celery for her mom to make things easier. She would have liked to sleep for days after all the dishes were washed and put away, but she didn’t want to miss all the early-morning Black Friday sales. She forced Robb to drive her to the mall the next morning at five. She got half the presents she needed for Christmas just from the outdoor sporting goods store, a fantastic set of cutting shears, half-priced antique lace, and more thread at the craft store, expensive shampoo and conditioner at 60 percent off, and a pair of pale pink kitten heels from Anthropologie she just couldn’t walk away from. Robb, in turn, got a girl’s number, and free breakfast on Sansa, so he wasn’t as crabby on the way home as he’d been on the way there. Still, even a sleepy Sansa was a thinking-about-Jon Sansa.  Jon’s birthday was in less than three weeks, just a few days before Christmas, and Sansa had been stressing out about what to get him. She’d never given a boy she wasn’t related to a proper present before. She wanted to make him something, as she always thought handmade gifts were the most personal and meaningful. But she wasn’t sure what it should be. Eventually, she realized that Jon didn’t have a heavy enough winter jacket, particularly if he was going to be going even further north to the army base. Sansa was being genuine when she told Jon she thought he’d make a great soldier, but she was worried. The men who were stationed at Castle Black always looked so broken when they came back home—if they came back home. Sansa didn’t want to tell Jon not to go, not if being a soldier was his dream. But she did want him to take care and stay warm.

 So she went with Margaery to the fancy vintage shops and found a lovely black leather jacket that looked like it would fit him—only she lied and told Margaery it was for her brother. Sansa ripped out the seams inside and gave it a whole new lining so that way it would have better insulation. She polished the leather and made sure all the buckles shone. Along the collar and the cuffs, she added little wolves, stitched in black. They weren’t noticeable, unless you looked closely, but Sansa wanted the jacket to remind him of the reservation—of Ghost, of the North, of home—of her. It was silly, and she strained her eyes trying to make out the black thread patterns on black fabric. But she was determined that the wolves would be there and that the stitching would get done on time. In addition to all the usual scarves and gloves she knitted at this time of year. She made some for Jon and his mom, as well, with snowflakes on them. When the week of Jon’s birthday finally came, she met him in the driveway with her arms full of gift bags and a case of nerves. “What’s that?” Jon asked as he took the bags from her so she could get into the car. “These are heavy. Are you playing Sansa Claus tonight?” Sansa normally would have rolled her eyes at the tired nickname, but she was too keyed up. “It’s for you. For your birthday. And well, there’s Christmas stuff too—for you and your mom—and something for Mr. Mormont and Ghost, of course.” Jon looked down at the bags. “You got me a birthday present?” he asked, sounding stunned. “Well, it’s a big one, eighteen, and all. And friends give each other birthday presents and we’re...friends, right?” Jon gazed at her with his gentle gray eyes. “Of course.” He handed her the bags back and then hopped into his side of the car. “Should I open it now? Or do you want me to wait?” “Wait,” Sansa told him. She didn’t want it to happen in her driveway, where any member of her family could interrupt them. “Till we get to the reservation.” “Okay.” Jon turned on the radio and pulled out of the Stark driveway. “Can I guess what it is?” Sansa laughed at his enthusiasm, like a little boy on Christmas morning. She’d never seen Jon so giddy. “You can, but I don’t think you’ll guess it.” “Is it smaller than a bread box?” he asked.

“What kind of bread?”

“Pumpernickel.”

Sansa laughed, and Jon kept her laughing until they arrived. When he finally put the car in park, he turned to her. “Please. The suspense is killing me.” Sansa sighed with feigned annoyance but then grinned. “Okay, open this first.” She handed him one of the bags.  Jon smiled as he peeked his head inside. “Cookies.”  “The first box is for you and your mom, a collection of various Christmas staples: sugar, chocolate chip, M&M, peanut butter, pecan snowballs, jam thumbprints. The other is just for you. They’re gingersnaps.” “My favorite,” said Jon with a smile. “Your favorite,” Sansa agreed. She handed him another bag. “These are for Christmas.” “Shouldn’t we do Christmas after birthday, since that’s the chronological order?” “No,” Sansa replied decisively. “Gifts should always be ordered by how good they are.” “Well, then you’ve already screwed up, because your cookies are better than anything.” “Shush, open this.” Jon dutifully opened the bag and took out the scarves and mittens she’d knitted.  “They’re for you and your mom.” “They have little snowflakes on them.” “Yeah, cause you’re the Snows. Is that silly?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious.  “No, it’s perfect. My mom will love them. I can’t wait to show her.” Her smile returned. “Okay, and here’s the last thing. For your birthday. I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I ended up making something—not from complete scratch—but, well, you’ll see—and if you don’t like it—" “Of course I’ll like it—“ “But if you don’t—" Jon brought his finger to her lips and stunned her into silence. “Why don’t I open it, hmm? Before you decide I must not like it?” Sansa nodded, frozen by the feeling of his skin on her lips.  Jon removed his hand and moved his attention to the gift bag in front of him. He took his care removing the tissue paper and pulling the jacket out of the bag. He raised it up to his eyes, his mouth agape. “What? You—you made this?” Sansa blushed. “I retailored it. It’s vintage but in really good condition. I redid the whole lining to make it warmer—you know, for when you go up north. Cause I noticed your coat isn’t that warm. There’s little wolf decorations on the collar and the cuffs. They’re in black so they’re not too noticeable. Do you like it?” “I love it.” Jon slipped off his jacket and pulled the new one on. It fit well in the shoulders, just as Sansa hoped it would, with a little extra room for him to grow. He inspected the details on the cuffs. “I like the wolf bits. They look like Ghost!” “That’s what I was going for.” “Thank you, Sansa. Honestly, no one has given me a gift as nice as this before. I’m going to wear this all winter. Maybe even in the summers too.” She laughed. “You’ll die of heat.” “It’ll be worth it.” He cradled her face in his hands as his mouth swooped down to place a soft kiss on her forehead. “Really, Sansa, thank you,” he whispered softly to her. “You’re welcome,” she breathed back. Job pulled away, running a hand through his curls and giving Sansa a chance to admire how well the jacket fit him. “I, uh, got you something too.” “What? Why? It’s not my birthday.” “But it is Christmas—and I probably won’t see you again—alone at least—til after.” Sansa smiled, her heart already full just from the idea he thought to get her something.  “It’s not wrapped up fancy like yours were. I didn’t know we’d be exchanging gifts tonight.” “That’s all right.” “They’re in the glove compartment.” “They’re?” “Yeah,” murmured Jon, his ears going red. “There’s two things.” “You didn’t have to—“ Jon leaned over and opened the glove compartment. He tossed a brown paper bag into her lap. “And you didn’t have to either, and look at this jacket. It’s amazing—you’re amazing.” He gave her a smile. “C’mon, Sansa, just open it.” She took her time smoothing out the bag’s creases and reaching inside. First, she found a piece of plastic and pulled it out. It was a CD case.  “It’s a mixtape—of the songs we listen to in the car. Mostly the Cure—but there’s a few others in there. The ones you tend to mouth the words to.” Sansa flipped the cd case over to see Jon’s messy handwriting; he’d listed the songs he’d included along with the artists’ names. “You made me a mixtape?” she asked incredulously. “Is it lame?” She shook her head, feeling slightly overwhelmed by how adorable the gift was—how adorable Jon was. “No—the opposite. It’s so sweet. I love it. Thank you.” Jon smiled, the anxiety leaving his eyes. “You’re welcome. There’s one more.” Sansa reached into the paper bag again. Her fingers felt plastic with something sharp but smooth underneath. Curious, she pulled it out. She found various crystal beads in blues, grays, white, purple, and green. “They’re beads,” Jon explained.  “They’re gorgeous.” “I thought you might be able to make something out of them—not for anyone else this time, but for you. See the gray ones? They reminded me of the color of Lady’s fur.” Tears collected in her eyes. She reached over and hugged him, flinging her arms around his neck, fingers just brushing against his curls, her nose going straight to his neck. “Thank you, Jon.” She felt Jon’s hands tentatively move to her back, getting tangled up in her long hair. “You’re welcome, Sansa,” he whispered with his cheek resting against the top of her head.

She wished the hug had lasted longer, but they needed to get into the reservation before it closed to see Ghost. Mr. Mormont appreciated that scarf Sansa had knitted him, and Ghost seemed to tolerate the red and green bandana she made to go around his neck.  She asked Mr. Mormont to take a picture of her, Jon, and Ghost. And the bandana stayed on for only a few minutes more. Luckily, Ghost seemed to enjoy the moose-flavored treats Sansa made him more. When they were back in the car, Jon asked to see the photo. They were crouched down, both hugging Ghost. Sansa was laughing as Ghost sniffed at her hat, and Jon, in his new leather jacket, was smiling softly at them both.  “Could you send that to me?” “Of course.” Sansa had Jon’s number—had had it for years— but they rarely texted. hated the acronyms, bad grammar, and stiltedness of talking through texts—or worse, through emojis. Once, a boy from school had sent her a “u up” text, followed by several pictures of his dick, and Sansa was appalled. Where was romance? Where was common decency? Sansa knew Jon would never send her anything so crass, but she preferred phone calls or handwritten letters to texts.

And, moreover, she had a general rule of not contacting Jon too much throughout the week, lest she be too much of a bother to him. “I’d really like to spend more time together tonight, but I promised my mom I’d get home. She wants to go get a tree tonight before all the good ones are gone.” “That’s fine,” said Sansa, doing her best to hide her disappointment. “But maybe—next rime—would you like to go to the diner?” “Sure! Their takeout is always quick.” “No, I mean inside—dinner in a restaurant, not a parking lot—would you like that?” “Yes.” Jon grinned. “Great. So next time—dinner.” 

Sansa beamed. “Next time—dinner,” she repeated.

[moonseagloomkitty]

Apple Season.

Afternoon sun streamed in through the windows of the apartment in Lavender Beds, and Sizha, for once, was in the kitchen. She was humming and even dancing around a little to the music playing on the orchestrion, entertaining the twins, who sat nearby playing with wooden blocks. Several bushel baskets rested on the floor, one of them already empty but there were still two more mostly full of apples and pears and other late-harvest fruits. The countertops were covered with bowls, baking pans, pie tins, and jars of all shapes, and the air was scented with spices, and baked goods. Several pies were cooling on the windowsill, and many loaves of apple bread as well were resting on any available shelf.  Half of the jars were already filled and sealed, with various concoctions including apple butter, applesauce, and stewed apples, to be put up for the winter.  The Keeper paused, finishing cleaning up the dirtied dishes and letting them dry while she moved to sit with her daughters.  It was a quiet moment, a peaceful one, and she seemed quite content. "Auntie is going to come over tomorrow I think darlings. That will be fun, won't it?" she purred, and Surya giggled. Sizha smiled, leaning to kiss her daughters' foreheads gently. "And dada should be home soon, and I bet he brings us something nice." she added, her eyes sparkling brightly.  Back to work a little while later, she started packaging up the cooled breads and pies, starting new batches of both as she resumed humming and dancing around the kitchen.