#hurst castle

[stinkyalpacakingdom]

[dansnaturepictures]

29/01/2023-Shore Lark and more at Hurst Spit and a look at Keyhaven (Part 1 of 2-The story of the trip)

We came to Hurst Spit to look for the Shore lark today and were amazed to see this well decorated and special bird flitting around in the stones in quite the camouflage, a smashing bird. We got some great views of it to begin with on the stones then saw it fly, seeing it again in dashing sunshine further up. What a bird to see, it’s only the second time I’ve ever seen one after Hayling Island in October 2016 and it’s the milestone 130th bird of my year and what a fitting species for that. I feel so amazed to reach this figure inside January, the first time I ever have got here inside a month in a splendid start to my birding year. Shore lark as only the second I’ve ever seen adds to my first ever Sabine’s Gull and only my third ever Scaup - a nice thing to get one of all three - in a strong crop of top birds I’ve seen this month. This stunning Shore lark is one of my birds of the year so far. I took the second picture in this photoset of the Shore lark and with quite a high photo yield today I have done a second post with ten more pictures I took of the Shore lark as I took loads of it and the link to that post is here: https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/707814653679550464/29012023-post-2-of-2-ten-more-pictures-i-took. 

On the stones flitting around it’s reminiscent of the types of views we’ve been so lucky to have of Snow Buntings over the years. In 2016 weeks after Shore lark was a life tick for me Snow Bunting was so I always associate the two with each other even if I’ve gone onto see Snow Buntings a lot more. It was great to speak to many others watching this bird today including people we know/have seen before and it was good to see some of them engaging other people in the bird including warning unaware walkers that might have been on course to unintentionally disturb the bird. At this spot also it was good to see some scrumptious looking Brent Geese I took the sixth picture in this photoset of some, marvellous multi-coloured Shelducks, shining Dunlin groups I took the seventh picture in this photoset of some, Grey Plover and Redshank in nice light. Here we also saw; lots of Mute Swans, possible Wigeon a way out, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull and Meadow Pipit. We had a little look at nearby Keyhaven before the end having not been here for a while where the sight of a flock of Brent Geese almost doing a murmuration flying together in the air, doing a bit of a circuit then flying right over our head was a sight to behold. What a breathtaking moment watching these wondrous birds and hearing their evocative honks I was so immersed and fixated on them in that moment. This natural winter spectacle has long been something I’ve adored and one of the things that epitomises winter for me, them doing this at Farlington Marshes in my childhood hooked me on the species in those crucial days of my birdwatching interest growing, but I thought a few weeks ago I’d not had the moment where I saw this and really had them right over for a while so it was good to feel the splendour of seeing it. It was good to see them a few times on the little walk here in the air and coming onto the sea wonderful time spent with a favourite bird of mine. I took the ninth picture in this photoset of the big group flying.  Also at Keyhaven we were treated to some stonking views of Ravens on the path, nearby and flying into the air like a jet, seeing their epic scale and regal features, majestic corvid beauties which it was an honour to see so well hearing one bark too. It was good to see Little Grebes a key bird across this weekend as well and Pied Wagtail, with Mallard, Shelduck again I’ve had a top weekend for seeing these and Buzzard in a tree seen here too. Lichen, teasel seed heads, more nice cleavers lately and gorse in flower were lovely to see at Keyhaven, with nice leaves in the stones of Hurst Spit. There were some stunning coastal views at both sites today, with marsh, mudflat, stoney habitats and fields blending seamlessly. Hurst Castle was a beautiful focal point of the landscape glowing in the winter sunlight, being so close to the Isle of Wight near the castle the closest you can be to the island from land making out the features we often see from afar at Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve in focus close up was great with the Needles made out well. At Keyhaven the sun lowering created beautiful and enticing sky scenes. I took the first, third, fourth and fifth pictures in this photoset of views at Hurst Spit, eighth of a view from there with dark sky and tenth and final picture in this photoset of the sun going down at Keyhaven.

On the way here it was nice to see a Buzzard in a tree by the railway line as I saw on Thursday, Roe Deer again and a waxing gibbous moon I believe, a Buzzard soaring soon mobbed by a crow at dusk over a field on the way back with Starling seen at home this morning. A fantastic packed and wild weekend again, I hope you all have a good week.

[allinonedemo]

Los Angeles Landscape Concrete Pavers

Design concepts for a medium-sized, traditionally landscaped backyard with partial sun in the spring.

[carcinomas]

Pond Los Angeles Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in spring.

[patchworkgirlfriend]

Los Angeles Traditional Landscape Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in spring.

[maxexplores]

Concrete Pavers Backyard Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in spring.

[nadiajustbe]

@callonpeevesie

THANK YOU.

Honestly, no contempt for movie-only fans, but this guys can be... pretty funny with about zero understanding of the book characters besides what they read once in a TikTok comments. Movie is so different from the books that they're just NOT comparable, when you don't want do point out the difference or/and make a joke. Really, Howell Jenkins is not your "that's my girl" perfect fantasy guy with an American accent, just...have him and leave peacefully, no one tries to take him from your bare hands. Movie is beatiful and charming as it's own story. You can love the story without trying to justify it in book-only (or mixed) fans, trust me, we're good/nonneg.

(Sometimes I'm also sure that the guys who says so either didn't read the book or have read it once five years ago and also the same guys who try to point out Howl's "red flags" like the worst person in the world. Just. Reread it. Pls. Not everyone has to be perfect, in fact, no one is perfect. That's not that big of a deal, that's what good about book Howl)

YES THEY DID MAKE HER A VILLAIN IN THE MOVIE. Moreover, they mixed her and Ben (and partly the King) into a character called ms. Suliman, wich is...what was wrong with ms. Pentstemmon? You have already made her into an old Howl's mentor, that's basically her just evil. I know this name is difficult to pronounse, but let's be honest — we can all just call her "ms. P" and move on. And also yeah, Howl loves ms. Pentstemmon as a mentor (and maybe even partly mother-like) figure, she was the first person to meet him in the new world, the only person to get his "painfully ordinary name" right AND she is the one who gave him everything he wanted to learn. He would make her a hero, but def not a villain.

OH YES. Everytime I heard this part of the quote I thought it was about her "seeing" the story and narrating it this way — after all, it's her POV written there, but If they mean that it's how she would tell the story, like, to someone else? Using fist person pronoun? God, no. She was already a unreliable narrator, putting as much of her personal thoughts in a third person POV, trying not to give readers any info about her feelings for Howl. They think If she had a chance to actually tell she wouldn't be even more unreliable??? They think she would sit there and sincerely say:

"Yeah I accidentally charmed Howl's suit to attract ladies and though it worked really really good on me but turned out he was just hot and I was so angry because of it, that I threw a bucket of weed killer onto his head and almost unalived him..."

HOWL is the one who's gonna tell that, in every possible detail, lovingly and mockingly using Alice in the Wonderland references no one understands. Sophie is the one who's gonna avoid it at all costs. She would be, in fact, so pissed because of her long denial phase I doubt she would touch on this at all, resulting people asking where all this live story Howl was talking about at.

She would add that he gave him a flower field and she appreciated it as much as she could with all his "horrible ways" (because don't tell me she wouldn't use the opportunity to of her retelling mock Howl as much as he mocked her in his, describing all the layers of dust on his bed and repeatedly noting that he couldn't play the guitar.), but would not mention that her first thought of "apprecation" was "This flowers smells like Howl right from the bathroom)

(Probably the "annoyed but loving" expression was the main thing to convince the audience that she in fact DOES really loves this horrible man, and there was a love story. Like she tries but she can't hide it. The main problem of Sophie throughout the book is that she really down bad for this man and not like something can change it. Is she gonna tell about it in all the details? NO LOL.)

She is the girlfailure and girlboss. Howl, in contrast, is just a failure. And a loser. Don't let him trick you with his cool wizard carer, it doesn't change anything. Too bad she loves him. Too bad they actually do suit each other in their flawed insanity.

But yes. The book is how Sophie narrates the story, def not how she would tell it. This is two really different things.

Don't think I'm finished on "Movie is how Howl tells the story..." statement. Because it's fundamentally wrong.

Look, I get it when you want to say that the hmc movie is its own story with an original plot — because it is, mostly, the only things that remain are the concept and some hits given here in there that lead to nowhere. However, movie is absolutely not how Howl would tell the story. It is, in fact, pretty opposite of it in some aspects.

Even when talking about Howl self-image, wich started it all, I think people keep forgetting how self-aware Howl can be. He knows he's vain and cowardly and an absolute loser and he doesn't want to be respectful whatsoever. He even tells Michael that, quote

“I know I’m slapdash, but there's no need for you to copy me"

And the whole ending sequence is just him being honest with Sophie and telling her the truth about who he thinks he is and his weaknesses. He pretty much states all he flanks are weak — he knows it, and it is true. Would he try to make it all more romantic and cool and so he would make himself seem less of a loser? Yes, absolutely. Would he make it by erasing absolutely everything about his character being unique and standing out turning it into a whole-blown "love peace not war" story? Absolutely not.

He may not mention him getting with another women every week, that's true. But he wouldn't leave out his stupidly-"romantic" nature while he was doing so, and he would not leave the guitar courting stuff out just because it's connected to it, gosh, he thinks it's cool.

Yes, he is quoting Shakespeare and John Dohn and he is poetic and sometimes overly romantise thinks to make it more dramatic, but that does not mean he's gonna achieve it by leaving out all his shenanigans whatsoever. Also, note, he does not want to be seen perfect by everyone, just by ones he thinks is important to him or his life or his stupid decisions. After all, he was the one who started the rumors about Wizard Howl being a heart-eater. He was the one to ask Sophie to blaken his name — to show him in the worst light possible.

"He wants to be seen perfect by everyone" is such a... mediocre analysis of his character, honestly, it might work with appearance, in Ingary at least, but personality wise. He want to be seen so only when it benefits him and people he thinks highly of. When he thinks that too high thoughts about him would bring him into trouble, give him unwanted attention or make him actually works, that his last wish ever. That's the whole subplot of the book — Howl does not want to be seen too good by the king because it's gonna lead him somewhere he doesn't want to be. Hell, he even denies doing something just because he wanted to help, saying that he "did it for money".

(it doesn't mean he wants people to see him as someone great, it's just that's pretty selective and his "perfect" persona is as fake as his "horrible wizard one)

Movie!Howl might be Book!Howl propaganda, but definitely not ALL of him. Some parts, some scenes, some moments might work (and that's actually the most accurate thing out of all statement), but I don't personally think this is the EXACT way Howl would tell his character.

Him telling about Sophie is the whole other thing. He LOVES Sophie for how crazy and stubborn and nosy and moody she can be — there's NO WAY he's not gonna give weed killer a half an hour or screen time just to talk about what haos of a woman his wife is. Yes, some of them might not fit into his "perfect picture" but he loves Sophie, and he loves what she does with this "perfect picture" and he's gonna give another hour on them bantering just because Sophie is being Sophie. He's NOT gonna leave out everything he loves about Sophie making her kind-hearted quiet protagonist with one mean line, the ones she was supposed to be the opposite, the caricature of.

There's also no way he would make Michael into a... white about six years old child? He may see him younger than Sophie does due to them growing up in a different environments, true, but 1) not that much 2) the whole thing about Michael is that he's the most responsible adult-like person in the whole Castle, despite being the youngest of all them, and Howl also KNOWS that. Also there's no need to change his skin or hair colour, as well as making him having no role in the story. I don't think he'll mention Michael trying to catch a star because of his nephew's homework — this is embarrassing, after all, but there's so MUCH more of Michael than that.

He's not gonna may ms. Pentstemmon a villain of any kind. Letting alone mixing her with Ben for some reason (who to hell is ms. Suliman, seriously?? W H Y). He highly respects her, to the point he's ready to attend her funeral even If it's gonna make him dead. If anything, he's gonna show her figure even more heroic than she is, maybe adding a whole sequence with her heroicly fighting with WoTW and loosing with an epic SGI. But making her a villain? No. Just not. There's no reason for that.

There's also no WAY he wouldn't mention Wales. He LOVES his country, he outright states it with "I love Wales but Wales doesn't love me" quote. Yes, there's jokes about Megan being a war metaphor, but Wales is not just Megan — it's also Mari, Niel, his old rugby team, his childhood and teen years, his memories and his experience. He would not make that portal If there was no things he wants to go back for — it's such an obvious weakness of his that WoTW notices it right away. He may not mention getting drunk before a fight, but he's gonna mention Wales.

(also I think people exaggerate Howl's hate for Megan. Yes, their relationship are far from perfect, but they still talk, she lest him go into her house announced and her family is what triggers him to fight with his evil ex in the first place. They may not be on a good terms but they DIDN'T cut off their connection. And "hate" is def not the word for that. Don't forget his first reaction to Sophie being in danger in CITA is "send her to Wales to his sister". He sees Wales as safe and reliable place, this is his first solution for dangerous situations. Even when he's not the biggest fan of his sister herself.)

He's also not gonna leave the sister subplot simply cause it was funny. He may change WoTW because he doesn't like her but he's not gonna make her live with them and feed her with a spoon, for the God's sake, that's disgusting. Him making himself Ingarian is the last thing he would do. He would NEVER.

(he's also not gonna leave out Shakespeare quoting in the sake of "romantise sequence you guys are talking about.)

Also, he could not care less about the war. I've seen a war with my own eyes, and... this is really, eh, too optimistic image of it I might say. Somehow realistic in showing it, but not by the way it provides solution, honestly. "Let's all just create love and King's gonna cancel war" IT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS. NO.

When he did attend war in CITA, he literally have won it by bringing IBUPROFEN onto the war field. Ibuprofen and bandages. What a "all-giving" reckless hero, really.

Book!Howl is a caricature to everything Movie! Howl is, and otherwise would not tell the story providing cliches he himself is the opposite of. He's a loser and an idiot and we love him for that.

It's two completely different stories. There's no need to connect them. Please.

[nerdyrevelries]

Okay, so I have had this idea for a crack pairing, and I need to share it. 

The year is 1816. Napoleon has been exiled on Saint Helena and mainland Europe is once again safe to travel. Caroline Bingley, her sister Louisa Hurst, and her brother-in-law Mr. Hurst decide to summer in the Carpathian Mountains, which have been relatively untouched by the recent conflicts. While there mingling with the local nobility at a ball, Caroline meets Count Vlad Dracula. The two marry after a short courtship where others applaud the suitability of the pairing of Caroline’s fortune and Count Dracula’s land and title.

Caroline arrives at her new husband’s castle for the first time and finds it a mess, but Caroline Dracula is not to be daunted. With all the experience of a woman who has been assisting her brother in his estate running for years prior to his marriage, Caroline sets about getting the castle in tip-top shape. New furniture and upholstery is ordered, stonework is repaired, and styles are updated. If the Count is adverse to these updates, Caroline is not inclined to notice. She is mistress of the house now, she need not consult her husband in its appointment. 

Dracula is puzzled by the reactions of his new wife. When she encounters his wolves, she refuses to be frightened and simply cites her prior experience with her brother’s hunting dogs as she tells the wolves to heel, and they actually listen to her. If he crawls about the walls, she chides him for his behavior, saying that he is displaying a lack of manners. No matter what he does, though either a self-centered obliviousness or a prideful and bossy manner that refuses to accept that she might be less than prepared for anything, Caroline will not be frightened by Dracula. The Count is at a complete loss for how to handle her.

Anyway, time passes, hijinks happen, and eventually Count Dracula falls in love with his Countess and ends up changing to conform to her. The two possible endings that I see for this are that either Caroline remains completely oblivious to what her husband is for her entire life or she becomes a vampire and the two of them terrorize the country as equals. 

The end.

[fire-alert-ca]

Evacuation Zones

Kinneloa Canyon Road

Outpost Lane

Glen Springs Road

Coolidge Avenue

Roosevelt Avenue

Veranada Avenue

Kinclair Drive

Fox Ridge Drive

Canyon Close Road

Grand Oaks Avenue

areas east of Altadena Drive

North of New York Drive

West of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue

All areas south of San Vicente blvd

North of the 210 freeway from Roxnard to Interstae 5/14 split

North to Mulholland

East to Kenter

Laurel Canyon Blvd (on the west) to Mulholland Dr (on the north) to 101 Freeway (on the east) down to Hollywood Blvd (on the south)

The area north of Orange Grove/Rosemead Blvd., east of Lake Ave., and west of Michillinda Ave

List of evacuation zones via CalFire

Palisades fire

DRY-U026-A, LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, MAL-C112-B, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RMB-U030-D, RRC-U027, SAN-Q1395-B, SAN-Q1396-B, SDP-U029, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001, TOP-U002, TOP-U003, TOP-U004, TOP-U005, TOP-U006, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, TOP-U009

Eaton Fire

ALD-ARROYOSECO, ALD-CALAVERAS, ALD-CANON, ALD-CASITAS, ALD-CHANEY, ALD-EASTLOMA, ALD-EATONCANYON, ALD-FARNSWORTH, ALD-GARDEN, ALD-GARFIAS, ALD-LAUREL, ALD-MEADOWS, ALD-MENDOCINO, ALD-MIDLOTHIAN, ALD-MILLARD, ALD-MOUNTLOWE, ALD-PALM, ALD-RUBIO, ALD-WAPELLO, ALD-WHITEPARK, ARC-001, ARC-002, ARC-004, GLN-E018, GLN-E027, GLN-E028, GLN-E029, GLN-E030, GLN-E039, GLN-E040, GLN-E041,GLN-E043, GLN-E044, KIN-KINNELOA, LAC-E183, LCF-ALTACANYADA, LCF-BERKSHIRE, LCF-CASTLE, LCF-CIVICCENTER, LCF-COMMONWEALTH, LCF-CREST, LCF-CROWN, LCF-DESCANSO, LCF-FOOTHILLEAST, LCF-FOOTHILLWEST, LCF-HAMPSTEAD, LCF-HILLARD, LCF-INVERNESS, LCF-JPL, LCF-MEMORIAL, LCF-PARADISE, LCF-STARLIGHT, MRV-101, MRV-102, MRV-201, MRV-202, MRV-203, MRV-204, PAS-E001, PAS-E002, PAS-E003, PAS-E006, PAS-E008, PAS-E010, PAS-E012, PAS-E019, PAS-E022, SMD-E001, SMD-E002, SMD-E003, SMD-E004, SMD-E005, SMD-E006, SMD-E007, SMD-E008, SMD-E009, SMD-E010, SMD-E011, SMD-E012, SMD-E013, SMD-E014, SMD-E015, SMD-E016, SMD-E017, SMD-E019

Hurst Fire

LAC-E119-B, LAC-E132-A, LAC-E132-B, LOS-E001

Woodley Fire

N/A

Tyler Fire

N/A

Olivas Fire

Olivas Zone 1

Lidia Fire

LAC-E085, LAC-E088, LAC-E123

Sunset Fire

LOS-Q0612, LOS-Q0613, LOS-Q0795, LOS-Q0796, LOS-Q0797, LOS-Q0841, LOS-Q0842, LOS-Q1120, LOS-Q1127, LOS-Q1160

Kenneth Fire

WTH-U031, CAL-C401, CAL-C402, CAL-C403, CSB-U024, HID-C501, HID-C502, MTV-U025

Via LA Times and CalFire

Updated: 11:42 pm (1/8/25)

[ladyredsclassroom]

Charms & Potions: Out for A Stroll in the Moonlight

Niamh & Severus are on rounds together & try to keep themselves entertained on a Sunday night.

Around ten o’clock, Niamh was winding her way around the castle, peaking into alcoves and dark corners. Her rounds had been relatively quiet. A few couples here and there, kids walking back from the library. She walked softly through one of the upper corridors. She started to hear whispered voices as she came around the corner. She stumbled upon a young Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and two Slytherins. The young Ravenclaw was rolling dice in her hand, the Hufflepuff was writing something in a small notebook, and the two Slytherins were watching the Ravenclaw intently. 

Niamh approached quietly with a smirk. She wanted to catch some of their conversation before busting them–like any good teacher. She held herself around the corner as she heard the young Ravenclaw, Amanda Crowl, explaining something, See, you have to grab it the right way and keep it together–creating a more consistent throw. 

The Hufflepuff, Aidan Hurst, scratched something on the notepad as he spoke, You’ve gotten three fives in 4 rolls, Mandy. Four threes, and two ones. 

The two Slytherins looked on in amazement. The dark haired girl, Willa Sallow, looked at the blonde girl, Amelia Sayer, nodded her  head with a smile. Willa spoke first, This is going to get us so many Galleons, I bet. 

Amanda held up her hand and said with a tone of authority, Don’t go big your first time out, lads. Start small. Maybe you need me to help you first go around. 

Niamh smirked at the young girl's confidence. She knew her game, and she wanted in. But, she needed to step in and not condone this elicit gambling ring. Still, she was pleased with their ingenuity. She stepped around the corner and spoke, with a firm but kind sounding voice, Miss Crowl, Mr. Hurst, Miss Sallow, Miss Sayer. Good evening. 

All four jumped to their feet quickly and said in unison, Good evening, Professor McGonagall. 

She stepped to them with arms crossed over her chest. She looked at the ground and then glanced at the four young students. She smirked and asked softly, And, what brings you out into the corridor after hours? I know you all have class early tomorrow morning–because it’s mine. She examined the four students who looked at her nervously. Their eyes shifted. They shuffled their feet and looked to the ground with a smirk. 

Willa Sallow looked up at her with a hopeful glance. She was a kind girl who was always looking for her next hustle. She was determined and ingenious with endeavors; Niamh had to respect that. The young witch looked at her professor, How much of that did you hear, professor? 

Niamh examined the girl with a smirk and steely glance, I heard enough to know that you’re planning your next entrepreneurial adventure. Miss Sallow, I deeply respect your commitment and hard work, but you could be in a lot of trouble for this little stunt. 

Willa cast her eyes down but then looked up at her in shock. She asked hopefully, Wait, we’re not in trouble? 

Niamh looked down at the kids, but smiled lightly, Well, you are certainly lucky that I was the one that caught you–and not Professor Snape. He is walking around the castle, too.

The Slytherin girl exchanged panicked glances and then Willa spoke again, You’re not going to get him, are you? 

Niamh shook her head, No, I am not. But, I will take 5 points from your Houses for being out of bed–just as curfew started. Niamh winked at the girls knowingly. She continued, Now, back to your common rooms. Snape is on the main floor right now. I will tell him I talked with students–but I will not tell him your names, deal? 

Willa smiled at her Charms professor and then looked at her friends. They looked at Niamh in gratitude. They all nodded and started down the corridor. Willa turned back around and called to Niamh, Hey, professor? 

Niamh stopped in her place and placed her hands in her pockets. She replied, Yes, Miss Sallow? 

Willa shuffled in her place and smiled. She said, Thanks for being cool about this. Especially because we’re not in Gryffindor. When they said you were McGonagall’s niece–oh don’t get me wrong, I love her; she was the best teacher my 1st year and she treats us all like we’re in her house. But, when you hear that her niece is your new professor–I guess I expected you to be more—

Niamh smiled at the girl and stated, Cocky? Stuck up? 

Willa looked at the ground and then nodded her head, Yeah, something like that. But, she shrugged her shoulders, I should have figured you would be like Professor McGonagall. You’re cool and you really care about all your students. 

Niamh regarded the young student. She knew that she played on the Slytherin Quidditch team–she was a decent Chaser–and she was a bit of a class clown. Severus liked her but warned Niamh that if Willa didn’t like you, she could be difficult. Niamh figured the questions about her Quidditch days made somewhat of an impression. Niamh stepped toward the young girl with a smile, Miss Sallow, it doesn’t matter what House you are in, for as long as you or I are here–I am going to care about you. Willa smiled brightly. Niamh gave her a tender look. She said softly, Now, you have a full day of classes–and you have Quidditch practice tomorrow, right? Even though Gryffindor won our match, you flew superbly. I expect that Slytherin will be real competition these next few years. 

Willa’s eyes brightened and she looked at her professor expectantly, Professor, do you think that I will be good enough to play professionally someday? It’s always been my dream. I wanted to ask you about how you were recruited, but the school year got so busy. 

Niamh nodded her head, With the rate you are going, Miss Sallow, I could very well see it. I am still friends with some of the girls who are on the Harpies–I could reach out to them and see if they will come see a match. But, they wouldn’t say anything serious until you were in your last two years, you know. 

Willa nodded and then ran over to her professor and hugged her tightly, Oh really, Professor McGonagall? That would be amazing if you could! 

Niamh patted the girl on the shoulder and laughed, Yes yes, but I will only do it if you go back to your common room immediately. We are working on the Banishing Charm tomorrow, and you have been making such good progress, I don’t want you to lose it because you were up too late. 

Willia nodded excitedly, Of course, professor. Good night! And, thanks again! 

Willa scurried off with a smile. Niamh placed her hands in her pockets and started to walk down toward The Slytherin Common Rooms. She trusted the girl to get back, but she wanted to intercept Severus before he had a chance to lay into them. She whistled to herself as she was walking slowly down the corridors. It was quiet, she observed. Which was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the school day. She meandered slowly until she encountered Peeves hovering and breaking light bulbs outside of the clock tower. Niamh sighed. 

She walked toward the poltergeist. She looked up at him and said in almost defeat, Peeves. It’s late. Can you just not cause havoc for a few more hours–I am done at midnight and then you can do whatever you want. 

Peeves bopped around her and said in a mocking tone, No can do, Professor Niamhy. Peeves thinks it is too quiet in the castle. 

Niamh crossed her arms over her chest and said in a tired voice, Well, Professor Niamhy does not. So, please, knock it off. 

Peeves looked at her with a devilish grin, And, what’s Professor Niamhy going to do? He started to bounce around her. He smiled like the Chesire cat and said, I am sure His Snapeness would be happy to oblige to help. 

PEEVES! 

Peeves and Niamh were startled by the noise from behind them, Severus’ voice bellowed as Peeves started to shake. Niamh jumped at the sound of Severus’ voice but looked behind her shoulder with a roll of the eye. He looked at Snape with panic, Professor Snape, sir. You are looking—

Severus came to stand at Niamh’s shoulder, Peeves, I am giving you to the count of one to make yourself scarce. 

Peeves popped away immediately. Niamh sighed in relief and then looked at Severus, You scared the shit out of me. She placed her hand on his chest and then covered her own with a sigh. 

Severus reached for her hand and clasped it tightly. He brought her hand up to his lips as he darted his eyes around the castle. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of her hand and said, Sorry, love. I just do not want him to bother you. 

Niamh turned to him and said in a slightly tense tone, Severus, he’s hardly foreign to me. I know how to handle him. 

Severus looked around with his eyebrows raised as he wrapped his hands around Niamh’s waist from behind her and came to kiss her neck. He growled lightly into her skin, Will you let me protect you from time to time, please? I, of all people, know that you can handle yourself. He kissed her again as Niamh smirked into his embrace. He gripped her more tightly and said in a gentle voice, Niamh, my beautiful, radiant wife. You have done a hell of a job taking care of yourself all these years–a damn good job, my darling. But, now, I would like the honor of carrying that mantle for you from time to time.

Niamh turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him deeply. She placed her forehead on his chin and nuzzled into his skin. She said, Oh, darling. You are too good to me. 

Severus held her closer and said, Niamh, it is you that is too good to me. We support each other, my love. All the way. 

Niamh kissed his chin and said with a laugh, If only the kids that I just caught out of bed could see this Professor Snape. 

Severus’ face remained steeled as he replied, Absolutely not. He looked down at her as a smile graced his face. He asked curiously, What kids? Who?

Niamh shrugged as she replied in a nonchalant tone, Oh, a few from different houses. I took points away, don’t worry. 

Severus smirked as he kissed her temple. He asked cautiously, How many snakes? 

Niamh placed her head on his chest and squeezed him. She said, Two. I only took five points away from each of the kids. It was close to curfew.

Severus looked down at her, Was it? Or are you just telling me that? Niamh looked up at him and then moved her eyes away from his with a smile. Severus placed his hands firmly on her waist and shook her playfully. He said, See, I would be the bad cop! 

Niamh laughed loudly and then pulled him close, Excuse me. Sometimes fear is not always the best option, professor. She looked up at him with a smile and expectant look. 

Severus pulled her hips against his and asked with a laugh, Wasn’t this the exact thing we were fighting about last month? 

Niamh nodded as she kissed him softly. She replied, Indeed it was, my darling. Well, there were many things, but this was the tipping point. He kissed her deeply as he started to back her up against the wall they were near. Niamh pushed against his shoulders and looked up at him, Ah, ah, ah. Severus, not here. Not now. 

Severus grasped her waist and then kissed her neck. He nipped at her skin and he whispered softly, Niamh, please. Just a minute or two. 

Niamh laughed and pushed him harder. She said as she fought weakly against his touch, Severus, you know, I think the longer we’re together–I am supposed to become less interesting to you. 

Severus nipped at her jawline and chin as his hands came to roam over her body. He said through his kisses, Niamh, the longer we’re together you just become more interesting to me. More amazing. 

Severus gripped her waist as he pushed into her. Niamh mewed softly, Severus. Severus captured her lips with his. She continued, Severus, darling. We need to finish our rounds. She pushed him further as he huffed off of her. 

Severus looked at her with a pout. He said with slight indignation, You are no fun. 

Niamh laughed, Look at you, pouting like a 6th year. And, besides, we have strict instructions from the Boss. Severus, stop looking at me like that! 

Severus crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at her. He repeated her but placed more emphasis on himself, Stop looking at me like that.

Niamh looked up at him with a devilish smirk. She looked him up and down and then said in a breathy tone, Like what?

Severus walked toward Niamh and pulled at her robe. Severus' hand started to snake around her waist as he placed kisses over her jaw. He said into her skin, Like you want me to kiss you. 

She stepped back from him and tipped her chin in defiance. Niamh crossed her arms over her chest. She tried to hide her smirk as she said, And, what if I don’t, Professor Snape. I would much rather get to my work, thank you. She started to walk away when Severus grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him. He nipped at her neck. She squealed loudly and then pushed off of him with a laugh. She started to run down the corridor and looked back, Catch me if you can, professor. Severus huffed loudly and smirked. He made his way down the corridor in the opposite direction.

In the Gryffindor Common Room, the Weasley Twins studied what looked like a spare bit of parchment. George looked at Fred, Why were young McGonagall and Snape talking for so long? 

Fred shrugged and said in a bored tone, Probably trading notes from their rounds. Kids they caught and such. 

George stared down at the paper and saw them go in two different directions. He replied, You don’t suppose the girls are right, do you? That they are snogging? 

Fred shook his head, Nah, George, come off it. They are friends from school. Could be her husband is friends with Snape or something, too. 

George nodded as he folded the parchment in his hand. He said, Yeah, true. Well, the coast is clear. Off to the kitchens? 

It was almost midnight, Niamh took one last sweep of her corridor as she walked toward the Gryffindor Common Room. She wanted to remind Thea, the Fat Lady, to fetch her in her bedroom if anything was needed from Gryffindor House. Niamh reached the Statue of the One-Eyed Witch. She walked past it and felt a hand grasp her wrist. She would have been startled if she didn’t recognize the touch of Severus’ hand on her skin. Severus pulled her back behind the statue and immediately had his hands and lips all over her. Niamh bit her lip and waved her wand over the both of them. She breathed as Severus’ hand traveled under her shirt, cupping her breasts. His calloused felt cold against her body. She breathed a shape breath as Severus kissed her neck and jawline.

He felt the pulse of her magic and dipped lips to her neck. He whispered in a rough tone, laden with desire, Not a particularly strong silencing charm, hm, love? 

Niamh looked at him in wonder, You can feel that? He nodded as his lips captured exposed parts of her collarbone. Niamh touched his chin as her lips met his. Niamh deepened the kisses and held onto him tight. 

Severus kissed and lapped at her skin. He smirked as he said, Yes, I can. See, the longer we’re together, I can feel your magic and the strength of it. Niamh brushed a hair from his face. His eyes were tender and loving but darkened with desire. Niamh fiddled with the buttons on his cloak. Severus kissed her and said softly, And, it was pretty strong when we were friends already. Severus grasped one of her hands and pulled her closer to him. He looked deeply into her eyes and said, You’ve been doing that for so long, love. 

Niamh smiled up at him and kissed him tenderly. She whispered, What’s that?

Severus kissed her deeply. His lips traveled from her lips to her cheek to her temple. He said, Fiddling with buttons, my collar, my tie. 

Niamh pecked at his chin and asked, Do you not like it? 

No, I love it. He smiled at her as he drew her in for a deep, passionate kiss. Niamh wrapped her arms around him as he pulled her closer toward him. Their kiss wasn’t frantic or rushed. It was patient and tender. Severus charmed her hair loose as one of his hands threaded through her wild curls. He pushed her up against the nearest wall. The bell chimed midnight as a grin passed over his face. He said, Shift is over, love. His hands roamed over her body as he kissed her passionately. A soft moan escaped her lips as Severus smiled into a kiss. Severus’ hand traveled up her shirt grasping as she pushed her hips into him. Severus cocked an eyebrow, Feeling daring, are we, professor? Niamh nodded as she bit her lip and started to undo his cravat. Niamh pulled at the fabric as she started to kiss his exposed skin. Suddenly, the two professors heard voices in the hallway. They froze. They looked at each other, willing each other not to laugh. Niamh placed her hands over this mouth as Severus started to kiss her fingertips. He nuzzled against her neck as she hit him in the shoulder. The voices became clearer as they grew closer. Niamh threw her head back and lightly banged her head against the wall as Severus growled lowly in her ear as he gripped her hips tightly, Weasleys. Oh, I am going to—Niamh held up her hand to his mouth and shushed him. 

George and Fred hadn’t bothered to check the map. If they had, they would have realized they were walking past the two people they were trying to avoid. George’s voice carried, Another successful midnight stroll, brother, wouldn’t you say? 

Niamh looked over her shoulder at the door that was directly across from them. She held up her finger at Severus and mouthed, Wait. She untangled herself from his embrace as made her way across the hall; unseen and unheard by the Weasley Twins. Niamh stood in the door frame and opened the door as loudly as she could before slamming it behind her. The Twins looked back in fear as saw Niamh standing in the middle of the hallway, scowling at them with her arms folded over her chest. 

The twins' faces melted into a look of relief. George adopted a sorry smile as he said, Professor McGonagall, don’t you look lovely this evening. Green really is your family color, you and the Deputy Headmistress wear it—

Niamh held up her hand and said in a terse tone, Save it, Mr. Weasley. 

George held up his hand in apologies and said, Right o, ma’am. Whatever you say. 

Fred gave her a pleading look as said, Professor, we’re on our way back–we have an exam for Binns tomorrow and we were hungry. 

Niamh narrowed her eyes at him. She said in an even tone, Lying to me doesn’t help your case, Mr. Weasley. Because I think it would be very hard to take an exam for a class neither of you have. 

George swore under his breath, Damn, she’s good. 

Fred tried to reason with Niamh, Professor, Gryffindor to Grffindor, we don’t have to involve Professor Snape, do we? We’ll just head back, see, no harm done. 

Severus could not resist the urge to appear from the hallway from the One-Eyed Witch. He stepped from the shadows as Niamh held off rolling her eyes. His cloak dramatically billowed around him--Niamh fought off another eye roll. He said in a low voice, Too late, gentlemen. I heard you from down the hallway. It seems that now I am involved. 

Niamh looked over at him and fought a smirk. The twins gaped at their two professors. Niamh placed her hands on her hips and turned her head back to the twins. She narrowed her gaze and said, Fifteen points from Gryffindor, Merrs. Weasley. The boys exhaled a sigh; relieved that Niamh gave the punishment instead of Severus. She cocked an eyebrow, Each. Their mouths dropped open and Niamh quickly added, I suggest you close those mouths, gentlemen, before I add lying and extortion to our list of charges. Besides, you look like you’re catching flies. Back to the Common Room, both of you. I am right behind you. 

The boys turned on their heels and sped their way through the corridors. Severus came up behind Niamh as she started to walk after them, 50 points in one night, you might get the top spot for the year so far. Very ruthless, professor. She started to walk with a smirk as she felt her wrist be pulled back. Severus was against her ear, And, very hot.

[aliteraryprincess]

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

I was tagged by @bookcub. Thank you! ❤️

Number of books you’ve read so far: 56

Best book you’ve read so far in 2024: So I'm not actually done with it yet, but Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark. It's fantastic! I'm a little less than halfway through (it's over 1000 pages), but I already know it's going to be my top book of the year, unless something really, REALLY special comes along.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2024: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett with The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic as a close second.

New release you haven’t read yet but want to: The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black, which is the sequel to The Stolen Heir. I just haven't gotten my hands on it yet.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst by Katie Lumsden! It's coming out in July, and I'm anxiously waiting for my pre-order to arrive. I read her debut book The Secrets of Hartwood Hall last year and loved it.

Biggest surprise favorite new author (debut or new to you): I don't consider an author a real favorite unless I've loved three or more of their books, but I think Devony Looser will end up being a favorite. I read and adored Sister Novelists: The Trailblazing Porter Sisters Who Paved the Way for Austen and the Brontës, and now I need to get my hands on the rest of her books.

Newest fictional crush: I don't have one.

Book that made you cry: Nothing has actually made me cry yet, but Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura made me pretty emotional.

Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received): My copies of the brand new Norton Anthology of English Literature 11th edition! They are so stunning, and I adore them. And I got them for free as desk copies! I can't take a picture right now, but I'll post one soon. I'm truly in love with them.

Book that made you happy: The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic. Just it's existence makes me happy! I never thought we'd get another All for the Game book!

What books do you need to read by the end of the year? Hahahaha...too many. But for the absolute must-get-to ones: The Doctor's Wife by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Ariadne by Ouida, Sensational Victorian: The Life & Fiction of Mary Elizabeth Braddon by Robert Lee Wolf, and The Moors and the Fens by Charlotte Riddell. They're all for my dissertation.

I'm tagging (no pressure, of course): @oldshrewsburyian, @thequeerlibrarian, @dauen, and @appleinducedsleep.

[logi1974]

Südengland 2023 - Tag 10

Ladies and Gentlemen! 

Heute fahren wir nach Yarmouth und schauen uns dort schon einmal den Fähranleger an, über den wir die Isle of Wight wieder verlassen werden.

Der Ort ist äußerst überschaubar und direkt neben dem Fähranleger liegt die alte Festung Yarmouth Castle. 

1545 überfiel eine französische Flotte den Solent vor der Isle of Wight. Heinrich VIII. beschloss aus Angst vor zukünftigen Überfällen, die Verteidigung entlang des Kanals zwischen Hampshire und der Insel zu verstärken.

Er baute Hurst Castle auf dem Festland, um die westliche Zufahrt zum Solent zu bewachen, und Yarmouth Castle auf der Insel. Die Festung wurde innerhalb kürzester Zeit erbaut. 

Es wurde im September 1547 fertiggestellt und war das letzte Fort, das von Heinrich VIII. als Teil seines Küstenverteidigungssystems gebaut wurde, zu dem auch die Schlösser Deal und Walmer auf dem Festland gehörten.

Yarmouth unterschied sich sehr von anderen „henricianischen“ Forts;  es war die erste Burg, die den neuen „Pfeilspitzen“-Artillerie-Bastion-Stil annahm - ein kurz zuvor in Italien erfundenes Bastionsdesign.

Es handelt sich um ein einfaches Quadrat, das abgewinkelt ist, um auf der Nord- und Westseite nach außen in den Solent zu ragen. Eine dicke Ringmauer schützte einen offenen Innenhof. Die Landseite wurde durch eine einzelne Bastion in der südöstlichen Ecke geschützt. 

Die Spitze der Pfeilspitze ist auf beiden Seiten durch Kanonenöffnungen geschützt. Die Pfeilspitzenbastion wurde aus einfachem Mauerwerk gebaut, aber das Design wurde später in anderen Burgen angepasst, um stärkere, mit Erde bedeckte Steine ​​zu verwenden.

Ein weiteres ungewöhnliches Merkmal in Yarmouth ist, dass es keinen zentralen Turm wie in Henrys (Heinrichs) anderen großen Burgen gibt.

Doch Yarmouth Castle wurde nicht nur gebaut, um sich gegen einen Seeangriff zu verteidigen. Der größte Teil seiner Feuerkraft konzentrierte sich auf die Solent- und Yar-Mündung, um sich vor einer Landung zu schützen. Aber wenn Eindringlinge woanders landeten und von der Landseite aus angriffen, brauchte die Burg zusätzliche Verteidigung.

Um dieser möglichen Bedrohung zu begegnen, umgab ein Wassergraben den Süden und Osten, der vom Meer gespeist wurde, und die pfeilköpfige Bastion bot flankierendes Feuer entlang des Wassergrabens.

In den darauf folgenden Jahrhunderten wurde Yarmouth Castle stark verändert. Die nördliche Hälfte des Hofes wurde mit Erde aufgefüllt, um eine Geschützbatterie zu errichten. 

Dadurch wurde der ursprüngliche Innenhof verkleinert, der jetzt kaum mehr als eine schmale Gasse zwischen der Batterie und dem landseitigen Eingang zu sein scheint.

Auf dem verbleibenden Platz befinden sich Reihen von Wohngebäuden, die im späten 16. und frühen 17. Jahrhundert hinzugefügt wurden. 

Es gibt Lagerräume, Garnisonsunterkünfte und das Haus eines Meisterschützen. Die Küche für das Haus des Meisterschützen ist in die Pfeilspitzenbastion eingebaut!

Die Burg wurde um 1670 umgebaut, als im Südflügel ein neuer Eingang eingefügt wurde und das ursprüngliche Osttor außer Gebrauch kam. 

Der Wassergraben wurde zugeschüttet und sein östlicher Teil in einen Garten für ein elegantes neues Haus verwandelt, das heutige George Hotel, das von Sir Robert Holmes, dem Gouverneur der Insel von 1668-1692, erbaut wurde.

Holmes war ein umstrittener Charakter, der das Gouverneursamt nach einer Marinekarriere erwarb, in der er mehr als einmal getadelt wurde, weil er niederländische Schiffe und Städte ohne Autorität angegriffen hatte. 

Während seiner langen Amtszeit als Gouverneur der Isle of Wight wurde Holmes beschuldigt, Lohnforderungen für seine Männer gefälscht und die Ladung von Schiffswracks illegal beschlagnahmt zu haben.

Die Burg war bis 1885 bewohnt, wurde dann aber nicht mehr genutzt und wird heute von der Denkmalpflege der English Heritage verwaltet.

Besucher betreten eine schmale Gasse hinter dem modernen Fährterminal. Zwischen einem indischen Restaurant und einem Fish & Chips Lokal geht es durch die Eingangspassage aus dem 17. Jahrhundert und in die Überreste des ursprünglichen Innenhofs. 

Zur Linken befindet sich ein kleines Magazin, in dem Fässer mit Schießpulver gelagert wurden. Dieser Bereich war ursprünglich als Unterkunft gedacht, wurde aber 1632 zu seiner heutigen Nutzung umgebaut.

Im Boden befinden sich Schleusenkanäle, die es dem Meerwasser ermöglichten, sich mit dem Wassergraben zu verbinden. Rechts vom Eingang befindet sich das Haus des Kanoniermeisters mit einem eigenen kleinen Salon und einer Halle.

Ein Durchgang führt von der Halle zum kleinen Küchenbereich, der in die landseitige Bastion eingebaut ist. Dies ist eine ziemlich skurrile Kammer mit einem Kamin und Kochgelegenheiten, wie man es auch bei einer “Küche” erwarten würden.

Nur gibt es hier zusätzlich noch Waffen, die sorgfältig ausgerichtet waren, um strategisch platzierte Salven abzufeuern, um den Landgraben zu verteidigen. Wie die Anwohner mit der Gefahr umgingen, dass Funken aus dem Küchenbrand Schießpulver entzünden konnten, ist nicht überliefert!

Zurück im Innenhof kann man eine Treppe zur Batterie hinaufsteigen, die etwa die Hälfte des Geländes einnimmt. Hier sind mehrere große Kanonen montiert, die alle in den Solent zeigen.

Die beste Stelle, um wirklich einen Eindruck von der Burganlage zu bekommen, befindet sich überhaupt nicht innerhalb der Burg, sondern am Pier von Yarmouth, der sich direkt neben der Burg weit in den Solent hinein erstreckt.

Wenn man auf den Pier hinausgehen, sich umdreht und zurück blickt, kann man sehr gut sehen, wie die Burg in den Kanal hineinragt und wie die Verteidigung angeordnet ist.

Für uns geht es jetzt wieder zurück nach Shanklin, denn wir müssen noch packen und unseren ganzen Kram irgendwie wieder in das Auto bekommen.

Good Night!

Angie, Micha und Mr. Bunnybear (Hasenbär)

[divine-godling]

WIP TITLE: Now I Devour

GENRE: Dark, high fantasy.

POV: 3rd Person Limited

TRIGGER WARNINGS: major character death / child abandonment / mommy issues / daddy issues / fathers falling into their grief / horrible ways to raise children / missing people / abandonment issues / murder / blood / bodily harm / self - harm / blood magic / betrayal / terminal illness / graphic descriptions of violence.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: new adult to adult

TROPES: found family, the ultimate betrayal, "I had to do it", deep seated anger, strangers to allies to friends to lovers to enemies.

SYNOPSIS: Hate was something that Soraya Reeves learned from an early age - hate for her mother, who left her and her twin when they were three, hate for her father, who lost himself to lure of greed given to him by the crown, and hate for her twin, Idalia, who doesn't seem to care about the state of the kingdom. Most of all, Soraya hates the witch that visits her dreams.

When Idalia disappears with no trace, Soraya rushes to tell her father about the strange witch visiting her dreams with warnings of Idalia's imminent death. Her father waves off her words, laughing with his lords. Soraya decided to go save Idalia herself.

But searching for her sister proves nearly impossible without having any clues as to where Idalia is.

When she sneaks from the castle, against her father's wishes, Soraya meets Cyrus and Aratrika, traveling hands for hire willing to help her find Idalia. Together, they search around Asteria in hopes that there are any signs of Idalia's whereabouts. But searching for someone who disappeared without a trace leaves little to use when searching for them.

Soraya is not deterred, determined to find her sister, even though many tell her that Idalia does not want to be found, desperate to get away from a kingdom she never wanted to rule. But Soraya can't bring herself to let her already broken family fall apart even more, even if that means forcing Idalia to stay in the one place she hates the most.

THEME SONG: "Forsaken" by Adam Hurst

GOALS:

Write 50k words.

1,667 words written daily.

MAIN CHARACTERS: Soraya Reeves / Idalia Reeves / Cyrus Sawyer / Aratrika Lalle / Atari Namanni

[edwardian-girl-next-door]

~ Henry William Lowe (Hal) Hurst, "Josephine Dale Lace"

Josephine Lace (known as José) (1869-1937) was a glamorous Johannesburg socialite, often seen around town in a carriage drawn by zebras. She was supposedly a mistress to King Edward VII as well as other several influential British noblemen. She briefly pursued an acting career, but eventually gave it up for matrimony -- or rather matrimonies. She was married twice to the same man, John Dale Lace, a South African gold and diamond magnate, who also adopted her illegitimate son Lancelot from a previous relationship. As if her life couldn't get more colourful, José also survived being shipwrecked at Galway Castle. She died in 1937.

art cr: wikimedia commons

info cr: wikipedia, theheritageportal

[songstresstinyteacup]

An alternative to “Is the weight of it all finally too much?”

Okay, so this deals with implied suicide attempts, and panicky Sibella. Do with that as you will!

Of all the things Sibella had expected to see when she arrived at High Hurst castle that day, Monty pulling a soaking wet and half-frozen Phoebe D’ysquith Navarro from the river beyond the gardens wasn’t one of them.

Monty passed off Phoebe to Marietta and Gorby, stalking inside and forcing Sibella to whirl around to try and keep up with him as Miss Shingle and Gorby began escorting Phoebe back inside.

Sibella hadn’t even had the time to shed her coat and gloves.

“Monty! Monty, whatever’s happened?” Sibella inquired, heels slamming into the ground as she tried to keep pace with him.

Monty turned around, and Sibella saw so many emotions in his eyes.

Anger.

Grief.

Concern.

Fear.

“Phoebe tried to end her life today, Sibella.” Monty’s voice was hoarse and thick with tears, tears Sibella could see he was desperately trying to hold back.

Sibella’s heart plummeted through the floor.

“What?” Her words were breathless.

Phoebe.

Her Phoebe.

Phoebe had tried to die.

Monty threw his arms up, sleeves soaked clear up to his elbows, running damp fingers through snow-speckled hair, frustration in every movement.

Then Monty stepped aside and motioned Sibella into the library, and when she did as bid, he shut the door.

“Wh- I don’t- Oh Monty.” Sibella felt her own tears welling up.

Monty was silent, eerily silent, and then after such a long pause he spoke.

“I think Phoebe found out. I think she knows what I did to her brother.” Monty’s voice broke as he all but collapsed at his desk in the library.

Sibella’s heart sank even further.

Sibella had suspected for quite some time that Monty’s meteoric rise from displaced heir to Earl wasn’t simply a streak of good luck, and she had thought Phoebe had suspected too.

Maybe Phoebe had suspected, but perhaps Phoebe hadn’t believed as Sibella had, and when it came to Phoebe’s grief for her brother, Sibella knew it still ran strong.

Oftentimes Sibella would look over at Phoebe in the gardens and catch her staring teary-eyed at the bee colonies she’d had moved from Salisbury to the castle, staring at them as if enough willpower would make Henry appear.

If Phoebe had learned that Henry had been killed by Monty, had no way to deny it to her own brain, Sibella knew she’d be distraught, but never dreamed that Phoebe would attempt to harm herself.

Sibella was snapped from her spiraling thoughts by the sound of Monty crying, and she moved to wrap her arms around him, bending as far as her corset would allow to try and soothe him.

“She’ll be alright, Monty. I’ll make sure of it.” Sibella kissed the top of his head and then took off from the library to their wing.

It made the most sense for Phoebe to be placed in her boudoir, close to the bath to warm her after Monty had calmed down, if she weren’t already in the bath.

So when Sibella finally reached the boudoir door she didn’t bother knocking, simply pushed in the door and closed it behind her.

The room was warm, almost stifling under Sibella’s coat and gloves, and in a chair by the fire sat Phoebe.

She was wrapped in no less than three blankets, but she trembled like a leaf in a storm anyway, and Mary was there trying to hand her a cup of tea but Phoebe just stared ahead.

Mary seemed to jump when she noticed Sibella, placing the teacup back on the saucer and bobbing a curtsy.

“Miss Hallward! I do apologize!” Mary offered a skittish smile, but it didn’t meet her eyes.

Sibella offered a genuine smile back, a small, sad one.

“Leave us, Mary.” Sibella commanded, pulling off her first glove.

Mary blanched, and looked from Phoebe back to Sibella.

“I’m sorry, Miss, but I was instructed to stay with her ladyship no matter what.” She stammered and Sibella huffed.

“I shall stay with the countess. You may go.” The blonde tried once more, but Mary didn’t budge.

“Take Miss Hallward’s coat and gloves and go to lunch, Mary. I’m alright.” Phoebe’s voice was almost foreign, so resigned and far away, but Mary obeyed.

After the door had closed, Phoebe sighed so heavily her entire frame seemed to crumble, head dipping down.

“Phoebe. What on earth possessed you to try such a thing?” Sibella walked toward the fire and picked up the cup from its saucer and held it out to Phoebe.

The smaller woman didn’t take it, shivering so violently Sibella could hear her teeth chattering, so Sibella extended it again.

“I didn’t try anything. I was trying to tell Monty that.” Phoebe grit out between shivers.

“Was the weight of it all finally too heavy? Phoebe this isn’t like you!” Sibella hissed, tipping Phoebe’s chin upwards with one finger, eyes blazing with anger.

Phoebe shot up, almost knocking her head into Sibella’s as she tried to take a step and tripped over one of the many blankets Mary had wrapped her in.

Sibella caught her immediately, helping untangle the blanket from Phoebe’s feet and looking her over.

“I swear to you, Sibella, I would never do that! Especially not now!” Phoebe was adamant, glaring at Sibella even though she still trembled with cold.

Sibella blinked.

What did Phoebe mean by “not now”?

Phoebe caught her gaze.

“I was walking by the river because it’s Henry’s birthday today. Every year the only thing my brother wanted was a walk by a river with me. I tripped and fell in. Monty only saw my back.” Phoebe’s words were quick, and for a moment Sibella panicked.

Had these statements been planned?

Had Phoebe planned in case one of them caught her?

Sibella hardened her gaze, looking at Phoebe in the way she knew made Monty squirm and hoped it would do the same to Phoebe.

It didn’t.

“Have you forgotten I’m a D’ysquith, Sibella? I’ve had years of experience in posturing.” Phoebe’s voice was like steel, and Sibella noticed for the first time that she’d stopped trembling.

Sibella softened her eyes, looking at Phoebe.

Very well, she could use tears and terror in equal measure.

“Darling, I just-“, Sibella took a deliberately unsteady breath, “I can’t lose you.”

The blonde looked down, and when she looked at Phoebe again there was a light misting of tears in her eyes.

Phoebe seemed to wilt.

Good.

“It was an accident, Sibella. That’s all.” Phoebe’s voice was softer, but still firm.

Phoebe grabbed her blankets and moved to the bed, opening them up and motioning for Sibella to join her.

Sibella did, sniffling as she moved to further illustrate her distress, and when she was pressed into Phoebe’s side, freezing water soaking into her own dress, Phoebe closed the blanket around them and lay back, taking Sibella with her.

They said nothing, Phoebe looking at Sibella, and then Phoebe’s freezing hands were in Sibella’s, guiding, and Sibella all but froze in place when Phoebe pressed Sibella’s hand to her own abdomen.

“That was what I wanted to tell Henry. Now I’m telling you. I would never hurt myself, or my child.” Phoebe’s voice was husky and low, even as tears welled up in both of their eyes.

“Oh, darling.” Sibella crashed her lips into Phoebe’s, kissing her hard.

An heir.

“Does Monty know?” Sibella inquired breathlessly as they pulled apart.

Phoebe shook her head, swallowing hard.

“I tried to tell him after he pulled me out. I didn’t even know he’d followed me out there, but he’s too frightened and angry.”

Phoebe’s shivering began anew, and Sibella rose.

“What are you-“ Phoebe began as Sibella pulled her to her feet, keeping one hand firmly on Phoebe’s waist.

“Let me draw you a bath, I won’t have you catching your death, especially not now.” Sibella breathed, and Phoebe thought for a moment, then nodded.

Sibella led Phoebe into the bathing chamber and deposited her onto the chaise with such gentleness that Phoebe began to get misty-eyed again.

They would tell Monty later.

He had to understand.