#i need to tend my garden i need to harvest my herbs i need to make my oils i need to craft my candles i need to build my puppet i nned t

[tomwaterbabies]

i was not Built for staying still like this (<- recovering from surgery). not in an athletic way im not remotely strong and hate sports. but if i dont do one of my 5000 gay little hobbies soon im going to chew through my desk

[squiddy-god]

A confession to a fae

(Lilia vanrouge x reader)

Re-upload from terminated blog squid-god-supreme, this is in a similar style to captured, basically, this is more general Lilia leaning, long hair Lilia supremacy

CW : nothing much, reader is low key down bad, kinda stalking? Watching from afar? "My most cherished one"

1.5k

Who was he? That mysterious man who walked the stone path of your small cottage in the dead of night? He who stalks the trees and befriends all creatures of the night. Who is he, you wonder? 

He whose eyes glow crimson and whose pupils are not but slender slits of pitch black. You wondered who he was as you glanced with blurred vision and bated breath out the window to catch only a glimpse. 

The thought and curiosity plagued you and you worked in your garden, soft soil giving way as you dug and pulled weeds, harvested the plants you grew. The tall trees cast dancing shadows but let light flicker through, it was calm, peaceful. "Hello there my dear" you jumped and looking up there was now a figure in front of you, Dressed in a long robe the deep set hood concealed his face. He was tall, not unreasonably so but enough to make note of, he leaned only slightly against the stone wall separating the two of you. Covered in moss and discolored from years of the forest encroaching on pale stone it only came up to about waist height. He let out a chuckle at your alarm "do not fret little one, I mean no harm to you" "o-oh well 'morning" 

That was how it all began, the mysterious man showing up by that garden wall to chat, the lovely weather, the kingdom of which you hail, and the woods that you call home. He had the most pleasant stories, of dragons and swords clashing, of night walks with ghosts and of history long passed, from dusk till dawn in bliss you were held captive by the words he spoke as you tended your garden. 

"Ah drats!" You mumbled as you searched for the jar of wild herbs and mushrooms you needed, only to realize that you had run out. "Fine I suppose I'll go get more" you sighed, lacing your boots and grabbing the shallow basket you used for things like this, with that you headed off. 

Deep now in the forest and basket weighed with herbs and edible mushrooms, a few berries, and flowers you could grow you felt a cold touch on your hand. 

Stumbling back the basket landed after you, miraculously nothing split as it contacted the ground. "Apologies my dear" the cold touch was back, now in front of you kneeled the man who leaned against your garden wall, his pale hand grasping yours as it was lifted to his lips. 

Were his footsteps like rain? Silent and peaceful, you wondered as the sunlight danced with shadows if this man was the same who stalked the night with such luster. If he who held your hand in tender reverence was he who walked the path of your cottage before the sun kissed the sky. 

"It's alright, you just startled me haha" you got up, watching as he rose up, his cloak fell to conceal his ivory and alabaster pants and cuffed black leather boots. "I come here often, this tree is quite nice, perhaps I'll no longer be the only one who visits?" He extended his hand, nails sharp and pitch black. "Is that an invitation?" You took his hand. 

"Fufufu of course my dear" 

This man who you were so enraptured by was a constant question in your brain, so it was no shock that as you awoke and lit your lantern you spotted from that window by the bed, a figure dancing through the trees and got up. Heading to the kitchen then to the stone wall by the garden you left a bowl of tomato soup you had made earlier and heated up by fire. 

As morning breathed life to day you awoke again and went out to your garden, there against the wall with his back turned was the man.His vest a polished pine green embroidered with blush pink thread showing ferns and snapdragons, red dahlias and columbine flowers. The short half cape that rested on his shoulder and draped over one of his alabaster sleeves was dark slate gray and lined with silver. “Hello again sir” you greeted him like any other day and he turned to you with a fond smile. He was handsome, his striking blood red eyes set against the pale white skin and the slight dark tint to his eyes and lips. His hair was long and black, with streaks of pink and the underside bright fuchsia. His appearance was striking, especially his smile and the fangs that peaked out. “Good morning my dear, thank you for the gift you left me on the evening of last” you smiled, proud of the work you put into that soup and glad he enjoyed it. “I can't let a gift go unpaid, so before the sun bids my farewell would you invite me to repay your generosity?” “you don't have to, but if you insist!”.

Just like that he lept over our stone garden wall, his black boots lifting him up before hitting the cobblestone path. A cold hand to yours and before you knew it you were spinning, his hand at your waist and the other holding your hand. “My gift to you today is a dance through dawn.” no rhythm played in the air yet as you danced in his embrace the world seemed to be alight with beautiful melodies, his eyes held stories that ruptured your heart and made your feet sway effortlessly with his.

You wondered if this man was human, he who stalks the trees, he who dances to no music yet keeps rhythm, he who leans over the garden wall. They say you should not dance with the fae, for once you do it’ll never be the same without, you wondered if that was what he is, if his eyes hold more than lonely longing affection but his gaze always seems to silence these thoughts. 

He was beyond the garden wall now, no longer the mysterious figure but the charming man, he sat under the tree in your garden and told you stories now, occasionally he would play tunes on his bagpipe and you would dance and clap in tune when not tending your garden. He often brought flowers, lovely flowers that you had never seen, ones that never wilted and ones that bloomed in the dead of night. He also brought honeyd words and sweet glances, saying he was once lonely but had found you. The man spoke of magic and mages, you had confessed that you had no magic like others and that this was the reason you moved out to the forest. He showed you magic as you danced, the sparkling of light that spun and twirled around the air as his appearance changed before your eyes, and as yours morphed to match his own.

“I spend so much time with you now,” you pondered shifting and turning towards him “yet i don't know your name” his breath seemed to pause, a dead calm and for a moment you wondered if you had messed up. “Fufufu my my what a question to ask me, you who walk beyond thorns have not a clue what power a name holds” his answer confused you, the power a name holds? “But, you are indeed my most cherished one, so perhaps I will tell you” how he adored the way your eyes gleamed at the words he spoke. “First you must follow me cherished one~” he was up in a second and you followed.

Soon you looked down to see a stone path, the trees grew more dense and you realized you had never been this deep into the forest before. “Sir- uh my love?” “Yes darling?” Even with golden light trickling through dense leaves his eyes almost glowed the most brilliant red. “Where…are we going?” he laughed. “Fufu you will see soon enough. 

You walked deeper and deeper until only sparse light flooded in small beams and nature had entirely consumed the land, remnants of castles long taken by lakes and claimed by the forest. Even the path you realized had disappeared some time ago, your only guide was the man in front of you. The almost silent sound of his steps stopped and you ran into his back, soft fabric cushioning your blow. “H-huh?” before you in the dim lighting was what looked to be a wall of trees and thorny vine, they twisted and curved suspiciously to form a perfect circle. It was lighter on the other side but almost the same, except for the cobblestone path that emerged covered in moss. 

“This my dear, is the price for such power over me.” he stepped through and nothing seemed to happen. “Simply follow me, til the end of eternity” and before your eyes he vanished. Your eyes were wide as saucers as you stood before the circle gateway. “Alright” you said more to the memory of his figure, one foot after the other onto the other side. 

Now you stand, in a small clearing, the circle arch long gone as your feet touch the cool stone. Chilling arms and soft linen fabric wrapped around you as the ghost of a breath blew gently against your ear.

“Lillia, lillia vanrouge~” 

[chaos-bites]

🌱 Subtle Freyr Worship 🐗

Take a hike/walk out in nature

Meditate in nature; ground yourself

Take frequent breaks from technology to get some fresh air or go outside

Take care of yourself physically; exercise, if able

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Start a garden; tend to plants

Grow your own herbs, fruits, or vegetables

Pick flowers (not from someone's garden!!!)

Make flower crowns

Have a stuffed animal horse or boar

Have imagery of plants, fruits, sailboats/Viking ships, or antlers

Dance to music that makes you feel lively and free

Allow yourself to romanticize life

Be open to love; be compassionate towards others and yourself

Be kind to young children; play with them if offered

Keep a self-care/self-love journal

At the beginning of the harvest or spring season, cook a hardy, good meal for yourself; cook a feast for your loved ones

Spend time with loved ones

Spend time with pets; play with or walk them

Support animal shelters or environmental preservation organizations

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Visit a zoo or wildlife refuge/sanctuary

Learn about nature; watch nature documentaries, learn about animals, etc.

Learn how to forage safely; picking berries, mushrooms, etc.

Eat three meals a day

Learn how to cook or bake

Drink herbal teas, vegetable juice, or fruit juice, especially if it's homemade

Feed neighborhood dogs, cats, or birds

Wear naturally scented perfumes/colognes

Pick up trash in the environment

Focus on self improvement

Lead a project, group, etc.

Engage in activities that you feel passionate about

Drink water; stay hydrated

Play in the rain

Ground yourself regularly; focus on healthy coping skills

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

-

I might add more to this later on! For the time being, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Freyr. I hope you enjoy this, and take care! 💚

Link to my Subtle Worship Master list

[sergeantgoggles]

Maycrowzer Headcanons (SFW)

I'll get back to writing prompts eventually. Been a little under the weather lately with an injury that isn't healing, so I made a self-indulgent list of headcanons for my favorite Bad Batch OT3.

TW: Mentions of PTSD, alcohol abuse, anger issues, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders.

Howzer is jealous of Mayday when they first find and rescue him from Tantiss. He’ll never forget the way Crosshair forgot himself and ran into Mayday’s arms amongst the bodies littering the floor of the base. The only greeting he got was an anxious sneer when Crosshair showed up on Teth.

The threesome was Mayday’s idea. He pitches it to Howzer so casually that Howzer thinks he’s joking at first, but when he sees that Mayday is serious, he figures he has nothing left to lose.

None of them expected the outcome, especially Crosshair. No way was his luck so high that he had reconciled and found love with Howzer AND was able to rescue Mayday and be with him, too.

Moving to Pabu just seemed right. Mayday wasn’t willing t fight anymore, and he was determined to keep Crosshair safe. Howzer took some convincing, but ultimately, being where they were was what he wanted.

They build their house close to the beach. It didn’t matter much to Crosshair where they ended up as long as they were together and his brothers and sister were nearby.

Howzer, having initially been trained to be a marine soldier, loves being near the open water.

Mayday, having spent much of the last couple of years in a cold, frozen planet, like having the warmth of the sun and colors of the sunset filtering through their bedroom window.

He also has a garden in the backyard that he tends to daily. His garden becomes the island’s best source of medicinal herbs and vegetables for harvesting and Mayday is very proud of it.

Also, this man is so into Dad Rock. Sometimes he can get Crosshair to loosen up and rock out with him in the living room, but other times Crosshair comes in from shopping to see Mayday and Omega with Hunter’s old bandana wrapped around her head playing a mean air guitar.

Howzer picks up a job as security detail for the island. It makes him feel like he’s still contributing to the rebellion by keeping his loved ones and Pabu safe from the Empire. He’d heard about Tech’s brainwashing and what he did to Pabu while he was under the Empire’s control, and he vows to never let anything like that happen again.

Crosshair spreads out his time doing odd jobs for the people on the island and picks up a whittling hobby. He’ll sit on the beach with his toes in the water and a knife watching the sun move across the sky and make little trinkets out of wood. He’s rather good at it, and most residents of the island have one of his masterpieces in their houses.

But not everything is perfect in paradise.

They all have nightmares. Some of them are easier to get through than others. Sometimes, they’re bad enough that someone needs to be restrained.

The first time it happens, Crosshair clocks Howzer in the face because he thinks Howzer is a Shadow Clone that’s come for him and his family. Howzer understands, but Crosshair apologizes for weeks after the incident.

Mayday develops a drinking problem, which is to say, he gets violent and angry when he’s had too much to drink and has a habit of taking it out on Crosshair and Howzer. Howzer can handle it, but if Mayday starts in on Crosshair, Howzer makes Crosshair leave to stay with one of his brothers until Mayday calms down and sobers up.

It doesn’t happen often. Many times Mayday can have several drinks and be fine and happy or maybe even horny, but when it does happen, Howzer knows they’re in for a long night.

After two years of living the island life together, they make their relationship a marriage. They don’t wear rings. Rings can get lost or ruined or given back. Instead, they get matching tattoos of three planets, one for how they each met one another: Ryloth, Barton IV, and Coruscant. (Technically, Howzer met Mayday on Tantiss, but they collectively agreed that planet has no place in their lives or on their bodies anymore). The three planets all surround one in the center, Pabu.

Mayday has his on his chest, right over his heart, because he’s a romantic sap.

Crosshair has it on his left hip.

Howzer has his on his right calf.

When they’re a little older and the lush, island lifestyle begins to catch up with them, Howzer develops an eating disorder. His physical appearance is important to him, and he’s worked incredibly hard to maintain his physique and proportions, but age can’t help but make him softer around the edges, and he hates it.

He wakes up one morning after a few months of eating only what he needs to and working out endlessly to see himself in the mirror. He’s pleased with what he sees, unable to tell that he isn’t healthy. He’s too thin and looks frail, but he’s finally happy with what he sees in the mirror.

Mayday looks at him that morning, REALLY looks, and he sees what Howzer can’t, but Howzer is smiling in a way that he hasn’t in a short while, and he’s so proud of himself. It breaks Mayday’s heart.

(An intervention occurs, and Mayday and Crosshair do their best to keep reassuring Howzer that he’s not less for enjoying the life that he worked for).

They have family dinners once a week, usually at Hunter and Tech’s place, but sometimes at Wrecker and Shep’s house. Omega and Lyana love to cook for them (with help from Shep and Wrecker, who takes interest in it when he learns just how much you can do with food).

One of Crosshair’s favorite photos is one that Tech sneakily took during one of the festivals on the island of Howzer dancing with Omega and spinning her around. He gives a copy of the photo to her when she confides in them that she’s joining Hera’s fleet in the resistance.

[statelysapphic]

Chessy and the Farmer

Chessy x Reader

Summary: Chessy has a farmer's market crush.

Warnings: None, just some fluff.

Notes: Lightly proofread. Feedback is always appreciated. Enjoy<3

It was a crisp September morning in the Napa Valley. Sun shining, fog looming, and a layer of dew painting the greenery. Chessy’s favorite farmers market weather. She smiles and pulls her coffee mug closer to her mouth, lips remaining curled. She began making a mental checklist of things she needed, but soon found her thoughts elsewhere. Hallie and Annie had agreed to accompany her, a rare occurrence and one Chessy looked forward to. She only needed one more thing for the day to be perfect: you. Her favorite local farmer.

You wouldn’t necessarily call yourself a farmer. You just grew various fruits, vegetables, and herbs in six raised beds out back. Sure, you grew way more than you needed, but the process was something you cherished, so you didn’t mind making more work for yourself. Tending to your garden was a therapeutic exercise for you. There wasn’t a problem in the world an hour in the garden couldn’t fix. Cool soil grounded you after a long day. Caring for your plants made you feel alive.

Some of what you grew was harvested and either eaten or preserved for yourself. Everything else was sold or preserved. The local farmers market was the only place you set up shop. After all, this was a hobby and not your career, and you didn’t want to overdo it. What you didn’t sell at the end of the day, you donated to the local soup kitchen. You didn’t want anything going to waste. 

—-

Packing up your old, beat-up pickup, the last box you grab curls your lips into a grin at the label, ‘Chessy.’ You’ve seen the redhead almost every Sunday morning for the last year and a half, though it only took a few months of her consistent patronage for you to be smitten.  Although her purchases each week varied, you noticed a couple of patterns. The second Sunday of every month, Chessy would buy a jar of your canned pickles. Today was the second Sunday of the month. Peaking into the box, you see the jar of pickles amongst small baskets of cherry tomatoes, brussel sprouts, green beans, and bell peppers, and bushels of chives, mint, sage, and dill. All for her. 

You hoist the box into the passenger seat of the truck, rather than letting it jostle around in the bed with the rest of the crops. You hesitate as you grip the truck door, looking back at the precious cargo. Without a second thought, you grabbed the seatbelt and buckled the box into the seat. “Safety first,” you whisper to yourself, shutting the door before hitting the road.

—-

“Ooh Lala, your woman is here, Chessy,” Hallie teased. The older woman chuckled slightly and pulled a ten dollar bill from the breast pocket of her denim jacket, handing it to the twins.

“Very funny. Here, go get yourselves some lemonade over there and I’ll catch up with you.” She nodded to the girls and watched them walk to the lemonade stand before making her way to your table. “Well, good morning,” she said as she approached, a smile on her face. Your favorite smile.

“There’s my favorite customer,” you said, a grin on your face, “I hope you don’t mind, but I put a little something together for you.” You turned away from her to retrieve her box from the truck, missing the way Chessy smirked and bowed her head in an attempt to hide the blush that painted her face. When she lifted her head again, she was met with a box in front of her. A box, she noted, meant just for her. Now, there was no hiding her blush, though she wore it with pride. 

Chessy admired the harvest chosen specially for her. “This all looks delicious, hun,” she pauses for a moment as she locks her eyes on the jar of pickles, “And you remembered my midnight snack.” Her eyes find yours, and heat rises to your face.

“Every second Sunday of the month,” you say casually. “They’re my go-to midnight snack as well. Good taste.” The older woman’s smile widens at your confession, as you push the imagine of you sitting on your kitchen counter with Chessy standing between your legs, hands loosely on your hips, as you feed her pickles as far out of your brain as you could. 

“Do you remember the snacking habits of all your customers?” The redhead asks, raising an eyebrow. 

“Only the one that matters.” One. You play it off as if you didn’t just confess that she matters to you in some capacity. 

Chessy’s breath hitched in her throat at your words. She couldn’t take her eyes off of you, and she didn’t really want to. Her features softened as she released her breath. Her farmers market crush: reciprocated. Everything is quiet for a moment, as if it was just the two of you in this gravel lot. The familiar chuckle of certain twins pulled Chessy back to reality. “What’s the damage for a spread like this?” She asked you, reaching into her pants pocket.

Quickly, you raise your hand to stop her. “Nothin’. It’s on me this time.” You can tell she’s about to protest, so you don’t give her the chance. “Consider it a gift. For my favorite customer.” You notice that the twins are standing behind Chessy, though your eyes never leave her. 

“Then come over for dinner a night this week. Let me cook for you,” she says, “and I’m not taking no for an answer.” Her words sculpt a wide grin on your face and paint it red. Was this really happening? You finally break her gaze only to lock eyes with the twins, who are both nodding their heads fervently with large, toothy smiles. 

When your eyes are once again locked onto hers, you nod your head and reply, “Yeah, I think I’d like that. Thank you. I’m free Tuesday if that works for you?”

“Six o’clock. Don’t be late,” she said with a wink and a smirk that you’ll never forget, before grabbing her box and turning to leave. She’ll take the afternoon to convince Nick to make everyone scarce on Tuesday evening. Chessy walks past the twins, who are still giggling and whispering to each other, not bothering to acknowledge the sarcastic smile the older woman gives them. “Girls, let’s go!” She yells once she’s a few yards ahead of them.

You throw your head back in a small chuckle before hearing the twins sing, in unison, “Chessy and the farmer sitting in a tree…”

[ramshacklefey]

Do any actual historians or sociologists still think that women magically become housebound and oppressed when a society picks up grain-based agriculture, or is that just one of those things they teach us in school?

Because first of all, in a small subsistence farming community, everyone works the fields during planting and harvest seasons. There's not really any other option.

And secondly, in a non-industrial society, there is so much fucking work to do to keep everyone alive, even if we only look at food. Grain farming is a solid way to get a staple food, but you need a lot more than that. Once grains are harvested they need to be threshed and stored. You need vegetable gardens, and then you need to preserve the vegetables so you'll still have food outside the growing season. That means pickling, drying, packing in oil, making jams and preserves, etc. There may also be orchards or bushes to tend. Herbs (because everyone has always wanted their food to have fucking flavor). There are animals to care for: feeding, milking, and collecting eggs. Butchering and then preserving meat. Someone in a household has to also be aware of and tracking how much of everything you have. Between planting and harvest, crops need to be tended: weeded, watered, protected from animals or thieves.

And if we look beyond just food production? Clothes and tools need to be made, which is a full-time occupation by itself: sheep or goats have to be sheared, fibers processed and spun, cloth woven, and clothes stitched. Raw materials need to be gathered and prepared for use. If something breaks, someone has to repair or patch or make a new one. Pottery and baskets need to be made, as do string, rope, and fishing nets.

Wood or dung for cooking has to be gathered, and if you live somewhere with cold winters, a LOT of wood needs to be set by. Water needs to be fetched from wherever your community gets it. Children need to be looked after and educated. The elderly and infirm need care.

All of these tasks require specialized knowledge and skills. People are by and large not idiots, but there's a limit to how many skills a single person can acquire well enough to perform them on the level needed for survival.

And this isn't even getting into community leadership, arbitrating conflicts, organizing group labor, and the host of related social wrangling that has to happen to keep a group of people functional.

Throughout history and around the world, different cultures and communities have organized who takes on which of these tasks differently. Yeah, there are some trends and patterns about gender roles that are interesting. But it would be foolishness to assume just because work in a particular group is segregated by gender roles, that women were also oppressed and devalued. That speaks more to our own views of the value of certain kinds of labor more than anything else.

I guess my point here is that we don't know how or why so many societies developed some form of gender-related stratification. And projecting our own particular form of patriarchal society backwards in time or onto different societies is an unhelpful form of revisionism.

[hasufin]

For All Seasons

Yesterday, I opted to start propagating my basil plants. I only bought two, you see (I don't start from seed because cats and indoor gardening are a bad combination). Basil propagates well - you cut a few stems of the plant off, strip most of the leaves, and put it in water. The stems will grow roots and after a week or two you plant those, let them grow into full plants, and by the end of summer those two plants are a fuckton of basil.

Now, you'll note the part where you're stripping basil leaves? This yields, well, basil leaves. I mostly have basil to make pesto, but I do use it for other stuff. Not, however, two or so cups at a time which is what I get when I go a-propagating. But I don't like to waste food, so... well, I either freeze it or - as I did this time - I put them in the food dehydrator (shoutout to @antarctica-starts-here, @fera-angelus, and their other partner for the gift which I use an awful lot).

There's a certain longitudinal aspect to all this. I bought basil plants in spring (and would have started them from seed even earlier if that were practical) with the intent to propagate them so that by late summer I have enough basil to make a year's worth of pesto which I will freeze. Along the way I am also preserving leaves in order to use for other purposes. I'm trimming and drying my other herbs along the way, too.

What I'm contemplating is, historically this would be an entire lifestyle. I would be constantly engaging in this cycle of planning, maintaining, harvesting, and preserving. It would be multiple cycles which feed into one another and define my entire life.

The first part to recognize is, prior to the 20th century, a successful society had only about 50% of its population engaged in food production. In the 17th century, if you passed 100 people on the street, there were another 100 people too busy farming, hunting, or fishing to be walking around in some city. And that's what a successful society was like. Less successful ones could have as much as 90% of their population engaged in food production. That means food was one of the most valuable commodities. You did not want to waste it, ever. It pretty much always made sense to do stuff to prevent food waste and increase food production. And many of our foodstuffs have their origin in preventing waste.

So let's go back to our farmer.

Well, let me go a bit forward. Modern farms tend to be monocultures: enormous properties with hundreds of acres of corn or wheat or soy; some specialize in fruits or vegetables; or they do specifically livestock for example. They're mostly just a few things. (this is not to say all modern farms are like this; I'm simply referring to the majority). These tend to be very big, or at least larger than historical farms, they are specialists, and they are operated by relatively few people. The yield per person is considerable, but they do not produce a sufficient variety of food to live off of - try to eat nothing but corn and you WILL die. By virtue of their size, farmers who are not engaged directly in tending their crop spend their time otherwise maintaining the equipment or property: mending fences, working on the all-important tractor, &c.

Historically, farms were much more varied but also smaller, and of course with less equipment and more people. The variety is significant, though. You don't want to be growing Just One Thing. Farms were at least partially self-sufficient: you're growing the grains, fruits, and vegetables to feed everyone on the farm and have enough left over to sell in order to pay whatever taxes, and buy whatever you needed.

This approach meant you tried to have crops which grew and were harvested throughout the year: you didn't want to be trying to harvest all your soybeans while the crows are picking clean the corn, after all. And some of this could be astoundingly deterministic: there's a cultivar of corn which was grown specifically because it ripens before a particular beetle's breeding season and thus the crop is not ruined.

We're told that being a farmer was a lot of work. But we're seldom given a view of what that means. We get a vague notion of plowing and harvesting, but what comes in between?

It's plowing a different field to grow a different crop. Weeding the first field so that crop grows well. Harvesting herbs and drying them. Harvesting vegetables and pickling them. Hunting for meat and smoking it.

You're constantly planning for your next few steps. You get fruit pies when fruits are in season. You enjoy a tomato pie because you have tomatoes in abundance and you'd damned well better use them lest they rot. You throw the kitchen scraps to the pigs, who get nice and fat, and once they're big enough you slaughter them. You've got your chickens, and if a hen stops laying eggs, you roast it; if the rooster is too old you have coq au vin and get a new rooster.

It's a constant juggling act to make sure everything is used, because failing to turn the compost heap one year means less potatoes the next year and that means grumbling stomachs the next winter. The question of "What's for dinner?" doesn't mean "What do I feel like having" nor "What do I want to make?" but rather "What can I make with the food which exists right now?"

[thornlock-obey-me]

Tales Through the Rose's Eyes: Her Garden

Word Count: 1548

Warning(s): None I think…

   My giggles ring through the warm air as I run between the garden beds. Basket of vegetables in hand— or more on my head. It surely gives away my position as I hear the laughter of the butler at my antics. He finds me amusing, more so when I’m enjoying myself; even if my enjoyment comes from stealing his harvest basket.

   “Ah-! Milady! There is no need for you to be carrying the basket—!” A groan escapes my mouth at the maid’s chastising. I’m sure she prefers I not be in the garden at all.

   “Nonsense, she wishes to aid me in the garden and have a bit of fun with it,” Vincent, the butler, argues back and I see the maid shake her head, but leave for the manor. A cheeky grin blossoms on my face as I run back to the butler. “Ah, and here I thought I’d need to carry the rest of the vegetables in my hands.”

   I laugh at his jest and carefully set the basket down so he may put the harvestables in it. “How do you know what’s ready to be harvested, Vincent?” I ask with genuine curiosity. Usually the maids usher me inside by now, so I’ve never had the chance to ask. Well, ask and actually have time to listen.

   “Depends on the plant. The herbs you look to the size of most of the leaves and the plant. It takes a lot of energy to grow if they have too many leaves, so you take the biggest as needed,” Vincent explains as he harvests various herbs from his kneeling position. He groups the same herbs together in his hand and pulls some string from his gardening apron. “Care to help me tie this bunch together?”

   I smile brightly and sit down in the grass, taking the string into my smaller hands. Wrapping it around the stems a few times, I tie off the herbs with a cute, but lopsided bow. They are put into the basket with a light laugh from the butler. “What about the vegetables? Oh– and the berries!?”

   “Size and colour, young lady. Once they are big enough and begin to change colour, or completely change colour, they are usually ready to harvest. Roots can be a bit hard to tell since you can’t see them until you dig them out, but the leaves are often the telltale sign.” He moves towards the tomatoes, many now big and red. With garden clippers, he cuts the stems to pull off the red vegetable. Each one he hands to me to put in the basket.

   “I rather like the garden,” I mutter as I look at the large tomato in my hands. I like playing outside while the butler tends the garden, I like when he hands me one of the water cans to help water the plants, I like the smell of the rich dirt, I like when my dress gets messy and the maids shake their heads when I come back into the manor. I may be the young lady of the house, but I want to help with the garden.

   “It is your garden, milady,” Vincent says with a chuckle. My garden? Surely he is jesting again, the maids dislike me in the garden. So why would it be mine?

   “How so? The maids rather I stay out of the garden, only you let me help.” I could list more reasons; a thousand more on why the ‘prim and proper’ young lady should leave the garden work to the servants.

   “Your father planted many of these for your benefit. He wishes you to eat the freshest foods and for you to learn the skills of maintaining the life of the plants. A valuable skill for anyone, milady.”

   “Then why do the maids keep me away?”

   “Your mother rather you improve different skills. Things that keep the mud off your dresses,” it’s a light chastise that makes me smile as there is already dirt on this dress too.

   “I don’t dirty my nicest dresses.”

   “Well, your mother thinks it is unbefitting for a young lady to be dirty at all.” He doesn’t need to tell me that for me to know. Mother prefers things be clean, neat.

   “Is it not also unbefitting that a young lady not take care of her garden then?”   “Oh yes, very unbefitting,” Vincent jest with me. “So long as you love this garden and express your interest in it and its care, I will always let you aid me in tending your garden.” His sincerity surprises me for a moment… but I understand and nod. I want to care for this garden, my garden. The garden being mine soothes something in my mind.

   After we finished harvesting, and talking more about gardening, the butler let me carry the full basket. He opens the wooden gate and walks behind me as I walk across the gravel and stone pathway to the manor. The basket is huge and heavy with all the harvest, but I take pride in carrying it through the front door. My dress is messy, my hair has leaves in my curls, and my garden is beautiful.

   “Mammon, did you water the garden yesterday?!” Satan yells as he walks into the living room. Something tells me he already knows the answer, but my mind is quickly occupied by the new knowledge that the House of Lamentation has a garden.

   “Shit– I forgot!” Mammon rushes up from his previous place on the couch trying to avoid the brunt of Satan’s wrath.

   “Wait-” I run after the greed demon, giving no explanation to the other for my sudden departure. Luckily Mammon’s quick footsteps are loud and easy to follow even when I lose sight of him. He’s out the door just as fast, “Mammon, wait up!”

   “GAAHH—” His shout of distress gives me pause. Did he trip— oh… right, the pact. He’s frozen mid sprint and the sight is quite funny— “Oi! Don’t laugh ya human! And what was this for?!”

   I can’t stifle my laughter as I wave off the pact command, only for Mammon to fall face first into the ground. “I haha– apologise, I didn’t hehe– mean for that to happen—”

   “You damn right should be sorry!” He huffs as he gets up from the dirt and begins to walk towards the back of the house. My mouth opens to tell him to wait again, but I quickly stop myself by putting my hand over it.

   Jogging to catch up, I finally ask my question, “The House of Lamentation has a garden?”

   “What–? Oh yeah, it’s nothin’ like the Demon King’s garden. Kinda small, but we all grow a few things and take turns tending to the whole garden,” Mammon explains as we both walk. “Why are ya smiling like that?”

   I didn’t even notice I am smiling, but I can’t stop. “Oh– umm… I used to have a garden back in the human world,” Years ago… but I leave that part out, either way that seems to satisfy the demon’s question. He opens a gate under a hedge arch and I follow him into the garden area. I’ve only been in Devildom for a little over a week; many of the plants I don’t recognize but the sight alone makes me grin wildly. It’s beautiful and each bed is full of varios and full plants…. Except one? One garden bed is completely empty. “Why is this one empty?”

   Mammon looks up from where he is turning on the hose to see me standing next to the barren bed. I think he frowns, but he shakes his head quickly. “Just cus’... seven of us, seems unfair for one person to get two beds, right?” He sounds hesitant as he pulls the hose to start watering the thirsty plant; some which noticeably perk up at the raining drops of water.

   As I look at the empty garden bed, I feel a wave of sadness. It has been left empty for a reason, maybe a symbolism. I pull my eyes away and look over to where Mammon’s back is to me. “Which bed is yours?” I ask and walk over with my hands behind my back. The empty bed can be a later question, a much later question.

   The explanation of why Mammon grows the plants he does is long, but I listen to all of his reasons. Even if most of them have something to do with money. It also turns out the water in Devildom flows faster, so when he asks me to hold the hose for a minute… I can’t at all keep control. His clothes are soaked, my clothes are soaked and I think we watered each other more than the plants as we have a careless water fight. With each other and with the wild hose.

   My clothes are messy… Mammon laughs at the leaves and grass in my hair… and the garden looks beautiful with each and every plant having water droplets on all their leaves. And for a moment, I feel like I’m seven years old again, walking inside my home messy and full of joy. But it’s not my home and the joy is short lived once I’m alone in my room.

[elminx]

How did it become the end of August already? (It will likely be the beginning of September before I publish this…) It seems like only last week that I was writing about the tiny bulbs bursting out of the ground in my spring garden.

We are still most of a month out for the equinox but here in Southern New England, we have definitely entered harvest season. The energy shift is palpable. Suddenly there are long shadows in my sun-loving garden and my locust tree has begun the slow process of dropping her leaves. Just last night we experienced our first truly chilly night in months. As a witch, I feel a natural call to honor these seasonal shifts – not as some sort of ritual born from the pages of a book – but as it happens in front of me.

I have a complicated relationship with the Wheel of the Year. As an astrologer, the equinoxes and solstices will always be days of celebration as they mark the quarters of the year. The rest becomes murkier where it does not always align with my environment. There is no spring in sight around Brigid’s Day which is always one of the coldest and most bleak moments in the deep of winter. Likewise, we do not have a grain harvest where I live. Our first real harvest comes in early July with the sweet corn but I am not a farmer and a corn holiday would mean nothing to me.

I’m sure that harvest means something different for every one of us and that is part of the beautiful abundance of the harvest season. My secret to celebrating the harvest in my household and my coven: we celebrate OUR harvests.

For me, the first harvest is always tomato season. For nearly 10 years now, I have been a member of a local CSA Farm Share; every year, I buy a full share from them in the fall and then we get our percentage of their harvest every week throughout the following growing season. The best part of this experience is their Pick-Your-Own fields full of fresh flowers and – come August – tomatoes! Once the tomatoes start to ripen it’s a mad dash to eat, can, and preserve as many of them as possible. I truly cannot think of anything more abundant than that!

Indeed, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs lists the magical properties of tomato as Prosperity, Protection, and Love. For me, both Prosperity and Protection make good additions to the idea of the harvest celebration in general. Make use of the abundance when you have it and protect your present and future “crop”, so to speak. As such, I tend to include basil, thyme, and oregano from my garden as they correspond well with these intentions but of course, add the herbs that you most work with or are drawn to.

Creating Sacred Space

As I mentioned above, the Harvest season doesn’t really begin in my life until the tomatoes at my CSA Farmshare have ripened. This means that it’s go-time in my household. The first thing that I do is clean my kitchen altar.

Though a number of years ago, I started with using my kitchen table as a kitchen altar, I have upgraded since to a large multi-tiered plant stand that lives in my kitchen window. This is my most seasonal altar. Though a few of my plants are permanent residents, most of the rest of the items on the altar reflects the natural cyclical changes of my magic as I shift and flow with the energy of the year. After packing up the seashells and giving the surfaces a good clean, I add in pinecones and other Autumnal items. I also bring up the spooky which is always low-key present in my household but doubles during the season of the witch.

Once my altar has been updated, I turn to making my first dish out of my tomato harvest. This is almost always Farmshare Tomato Soup. Tomato soup is a staple in my household – we’re OG fanatics of the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo and always need to keep some in the house. But we make it ourselves – we even can a large quantity of it for late-Winter consumption. The following recipe cannot be canned though – please do your research on pressure or water canning – it can be really dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing!

Farmshare Tomato Soup

4 cups tomato* – prosperity and protection 1 red bell pepper – sweetness 2-3 carrots – abundance 1 fresh onion – protection 2 stalks celery – optional 3-5 garlic cloves – protection Parsley – Protection Ginger – money/success Turmeric – Purification Oregano – luck Red Pepper Flakes – also optional 3 cups Broth or Water Salt – Cleanses Black Pepper – banishes unwanted energies Oil – dealers choice here, I use butter

Making this tomato soup is so simple. Heat your oil with the red pepper flakes if using, add in your aromatic vegetables and cook on low until they are very tender/translucent. Add in your tomatoes and whatever spice you’re using – salt and pepper to taste. Once the tomatoes have released their liquid, add in up to 3 cups of broth. This is sort of dealer’s choice as well, the more liquid you add, the longer your soup may take to cook but the better it will taste. Add enough to make sure all of your food is submerged. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 20 minutes or more. Check your cauldron regularly to make sure there’s enough liquid that the bottom is not burning.

From there, you can eat as-is or blend with either a blender or immersion blender. (Take it off the heat for a couple of minutes before you blend for your own safety!)

This soup is great with grilled cheese, cheese biscuits, or served on its own. You can add a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or coconut milk before serving for richness which can be really fabulous as well. It’s also great with traditional Italian spices instead of turmeric and ginger and then topped with basil pesto.

Sharing the Harvest with Others

Do you ever have so much abundance that you feel like you could not possibly contain it? That’s how I feel at the height of the tomato season when my entire table is filled with six varietals of tomato, tomatillos, and hot peppers. The next step in my multi-pronged approach to the first harvest is to share this bounty with those that I love. My favorite meal for that is my Farmshare Lasagna.

My farmshare lasagna shares a lot of the same ingredients as my Farmshare Tomato Soup for a very good reason: I am using my harvest (what I get from my farm share) in each recipe. Use what you have is never more suited to the height of August! It’s full of peppers, onion, carrot, garlic, and tomatoes with the edition of Swiss Chard and chevre. I always use sun gold tomatoes for this recipe here – the sweetness of the sun golds is a perfect foil for the sharpness of the cheese and the bitter chard. Everything else in this recipe is negotiable (especially the spices! or add in zucchini or eggplant!) but for me, the chard, goat cheese, and sun golds are a “must”.

Farmshare Lasagna

4 cups Sun Gold or other Yellow or Orange Tomatoes* – protection and prosperity 3-4 Carrots – abundance 1 Bell Pepper – sweetness 1 Fresh Onion – protection 3-5 bulbs Garlic – protection Red Pepper Flakes – protection, optional Parsley – Protection Basil – money/luck Oregano – luck Thyme – money Salt – cleanse Black Pepper – banish unwanted energy Oil – dealer’s choice, I use olive oil here 1 Medium Bunch Swiss Chard – regular or rainbow works here Chevre – 4-8 oz – this really just depends on how much you want to add Lasagna noodles Shredded Cheese for topping, optional

Note: I’m not going to give you the exact amounts here because this depends on the size of your lasagna dish. I measure my dish by the number of noodles I know that I will need for ~3 layers for this recipe since the sauce is chunky and takes up space. I just put them dry into the dish so that I know exactly how much I need.

Making Farmshare lasagna is incredibly simple. You want to precook your lasagna noodles until they are aldente so start your water at the same time as you heat the pan for your sauce. Cook your aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, garlic, pepper) low and slow until they wilt and become transparent. Add in your sun gold tomatoes and the spices – cook for 10 minutes adding water if necessary. Add swiss chard and cook covered for an additional 10 minutes or so until the chard is cooked. From here you just make a lasagna layering noodles, sauce, and spoonfuls of chevre cheese until you have filled your baking dish. You can top with shredded cheese if you like. Cook at 400 f for 35-40 minutes until the top gets a nice golden coating.

I find lasagna to be a very indulgent meal which makes it perfect for honoring the harvest season. You can share it with family over a bottle of red wine, or add in a fresh salad appetizer, or an apple crisp for a sugary nightcap. It’s great to serve with vegetarian guests since it’s hearty in spite of its lack of meat. (You could also through any number of ground meats into this but I assure you it isn’t necessary).

Revering the Sacredness of the Moment

It sounds so corny to say that every part of life is sacred but for me, the middle of harvest season makes me incredibly aware that every part of life is sacred. I see that as a part of my privilege – having access to farms, being able to trace back to its exact source where my food comes from, all of it allows a connection point to the life cycle pulse of the earth. It is a joy to get to pick my own tomatoes, and strawberries, and apples.

Life can feel so rushed. The harvest is a reminder to slow down for a second and savor this moment of abundance. There are so many ways that you can do this. You can take up jam or salsa making, or learn to pressure or water can. You could throw a party centered entirely around the food that you have an abundance of – how self-indulgent and wonderful! Spend the afternoon in an apple orchard and then ride the hayride back at dusk – dig deep into the moment. Revel in all that has come to pass since it was spring and a time to sew new seeds.

As a kitchen witch, I love to have at least one sinfully delicious meal. For me, that is Tomato Confit. Here we take cherry tomatoes (again, I prefer sun golds here but other varieties would do), cover them in olive oil in a baking pan, add some garlic and herbs and then cook low and slow for hours. 275f for 3 hours or more. Here, again, we get to be self-indulgent – the smell that will slowly overtake your residence is absolutely divine. The goal is to cook it until all of the water has left the tomato and you have beautifully roasted tomatoes in tomato-flavored olive oil. Once cooled, it will keep in the fridge for about a week.

Cherry Tomato Confit 4 cups cherry tomatoes* 1 bulb garlic Spices – dealer’s choice Olive oil to cover

Tomato confit is glorious and can be served in so many ways. It is divine on cracks or bread and pairs well with sharp cheeses. It works great as the basis for a simple sauce for vegetables or pasta. We used it as a pizza topping with chevre and sausage with great success. The tomato flavored oil is great as well – it makes a great olive oil drizzle or base for a salad dressing.

How do you celebrate your harvests? I’d truly like to know.

* I prefer Sun Gold cherry tomatoes for these recipes because they are sweeter but also because I think that their golden orange color goes well with the themes of abundance and prosperity

Do you like my work? You can support me by tipping me here on Tumblr or on Kofi.

[moogles93]

Die For Love

Halsin x Original Female Character.

Angst, hurt, comfort, SFW

This Oneshot is about an Elf (AFAB!) Tav that chose to live with Halsin after the events of BG3.

Please like and comment if you have feedback. This is literally my second published work guys and I’m still getting used to starting and ending a story at a random place in time that allows the reader to enjoy the scenario without too many specifics surrounding the situation.

Halsin is hurt and angry as Celeste (Tav) nearly died in an attempt to save him. He sends her away to spare himself future pain, but what will he do when he realises that there’s so much more at stake?

"Leave this place!" Halsin shouted at her, his eyes dancing with fire and his face a soft red.

She had tried to calm him down, to get him to let her stay by his side, but it was no use. He seemed to have made up his mind.* "I said leave! I'm cannot be your lover, and you are no longer welcome here.” His voice was louder this time, and it made you tremble slightly. All because you saved his life.

Her eyes filled with tears and she tried to control the tremble in her hands, not understanding why he was so angry that she had put herself in harms way to save him.

She hated to see the man she loved in so much pain and didn’t want him to see how much this was breaking her.

If he wanted her to leave then she would, but she hoped deep down that he knew her heart would stay with him.

“I’ll leave if that’s what you need me to do, but may I at least know the reason I’ve earned such ire from you…?” She tried to blink away tears and clenched her fists at her sides as she determinedly met his eyes.

He took a step closer to her, his chest heaving with heavy breaths. His gaze bore into hers, searching for something. When he found it, his expression softened ever so slightly. "Because... because you put yourself in danger for me… again." His voice was low, almost a whisper now. “You did it for me. Without thinking, without considering the consequences, or how it would have affected me if you..."

He ran a hand through his auburn locks, frustration etched across his features. “I can't lose anyone else, Celeste. Not after everything I've been through. I won't risk it, no matter how much..." He trailed off, swallowing hard. "...how much I care about you."

Halsin turned away, unable to meet her gaze anymore. "Just go. Please. Before I say something I might regret."

She nodded softly without meeting his eyes again, quietly turning to go and retrieve her belongings. She wouldn’t risk looking at him again, if she did, she knew she would crumble.

When she neared their home, Nettie was tending to their garden, harvesting medicinal herbs that they had planted months ago.

When she looked up at Celeste she immediately dropped what she was doing and rushed to her side.

“What’s happened my young friend?” She spoke softly with her lilting accent.

Something about the genuine concern in her voice was enough to break through the last of Celeste’s energy and she dropped to the ground and into the halfling’s arms. Nettie was only half her height, but the way she held her felt like the way a mother would try to hold and comfort their child.

Sobs wracked Celeste’s body as she told her friend what had just happened. About how she had risked her life using almost all of her magic and energy to heal Halsin and save his life when he’d been gravely injured. How he couldn’t look her in the eye afterwards… how he was now sending her away from their home.

“My poor, poor child,” Nettie comforted, stroking her hair and rocking her gently. “Did you tell him though…? About the baby…?”

Celeste shook her head in shame and despair. He might never know he was going to be a father…

~

Halsin sat alone in a clearing not fair from the settlement , his back against an ancient oak tree. The sight of Celeste walking away from him was burned into his mind; every detail etched into his memory forevermore.

A pang of guilt stabbed at him as he thought about what he'd done. But it was better than risking watching someone else he cared about lose their life for him. Wasn't it?

He reached up to rub at one of the many scars marring his body—a constant reminder of past battles fought and lives lost. Each mark told its own story—tales of bravery and tragedy intermingled.

The sound of rustling leaves caught his attention momentarily before he sighed heavily and leaned back further into the comforting embrace of the tree trunk.

~

It must have been hours later when Nettie, and not Celeste, came to find him. Her face was stormy with anger and disappointment darkening her eyes.

She stood before him as if waiting for an explanation. He had never seen his small friend look so riled up before.

He looked up at her, surprise flashing across his face at the anger emanating from the normally serene halfling. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet, towering over her diminutive form.

"What seems to be the problem?" He asked cautiously, crossing his arms over his broad chest. Despite his nonchalant demeanor, there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.

“Why did you send the young girl away?” She asked with frustration and disbelief in her voice. She placed her hands on her hips and looked the very image of disapproving mother, an intimidating sight, even to the large Druid.

“She sobbed the whole time she packed and left without saying goodbye to many. Said she didn’t want to tarnish YOUR image.” Nettie’s tone left no room for excuses. She was clearly angry and hurt after seeing Celeste in such a state. “Do you realise she was going to walk? Walk!? The whole way to Baldur’s Gate!? And in her condition…”

Her last words seemed to have slipped out accidentally and she cringed at her mistake. She quickly regained her composure, hoping Halsin hadn’t caught what she’d said.

“I sent her with one of the mules. It can carry her and her belongings at least... But I think you’re making a mistake.”

Halsin listened as Nettie explained the situation, his brow furrowing deeper with each word she spoke. By the time she mentioned the Celeste’s ‘condition’, his jaw had set firmly.

"Condition?" He echoed sharply, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean 'condition'?"

There was an edge to his voice now - a hint of desperation mixed with confusion. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Oh gods," he murmured under his breath, running a hand through his hair and looking at his friend with deepening concern.

Nettie’s expression softened somewhat. “She didn’t tell you before the battle because she didn’t want you to be distracted… and when you came back so close to death…” the halfling closed her eyes in resigned sadness. She was still angry at her friend, but the sorrow she felt for Celeste was the stronger emotion in that moment.

“She said she couldn’t lose the father of her unborn child… that’s why she used so much of her magic to save you…”

The world seemed to spin around him as the weight of Nettie’s words sank in. His knees buckled slightly and he had to reach out to steady himself against the nearest tree.

"A child?" He whispered hoarsely, his voice cracking with emotion. "Our child?"

He closed his eyes tightly, images of Celeste's tear-streaked face flashing through his mind. The pain he had caused her, the fear she must have felt... all because he had been too stubborn, too afraid to face his own feelings.

"Fuck," he growled, slamming his fist against the bark of the tree. "What have I done?"

He turned to Nettie, desperation clear in his hazel eyes. "Where is she? Did she really leave already?"

“She certainly started to make her way out of the Reithwin.” Nettie replied, needling him with a glare. “She wouldn’t have gone anywhere if you hadn’t rushed to conclusions and pushed her away.”

She would be sad at what Halsin had done later. Right now she was still furious that he had sent away Celeste, the one woman she had known who loved him for who he was, half-elf, Druid, leader… not once had she judged any of his shortcomings.

Nettie had watched that girl come back with him from Baldur’s Gate, and had watched as she comforted him and listened when he was angry or felt guilty for past failings, laughed with him as an equal and smiled at him with so much adoration.

“If you’re going to find her, you’ll have to leave now.”

Halsin stared at his small friend, feeling a whirlwind of emotions coursing through him. Guilt, fear, anger���all vying for dominance within him.

"I can't believe this..." he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I've been such a fool..."

Despite the self-recrimination, there was also determination burning bright in his eyes. He wasn't about to let Celeste slip away from him—not without trying everything possible to win her back now that he understood.

"Right," he finally said aloud, nodding decisively. "Keep watch over things for me, Nettie. I'm going after her."

Without another word, Halsin began moving toward the road to Baldur’s Gate. Every step felt heavy with anticipation and dread, but he knew he had no choice now—he needed to find Celeste before it was too late.

~

The sky was darkening as she found the remains of a small building just outside the borders of Reithwin.

“You did so well girl,” She spoke quietly, praising the donkey that had carried her this far. The animal turned and nuzzled her soft mouth into her palm. Its eyes looked sad, as though it knew that her heart was breaking. “I’ll be alright, sweet girl. I’ll have to be for this little one.”

She gently placed her hand over her lower belly. Though it wasn’t noticeably swollen with pregnancy yet, she could feel the tiny, growing bump under her clothing and the aura of a new life.

“I’m so sorry, my little heart,” She whispered to the unborn child inside her. “I’m sure if he had known about you none of this would have happened…”

She made herself as comfortable as could using grass and hay around her, and wrapped her warmest cloak around herself. As she sat next to the small fire she had made, feeling cold and alone in the world, she let new tears flow freely and silently down her cheeks, humming a sad lullaby as a strange exhaustion began to take her.

~

After several hours of trekking along the road, Halsin finally caught sight of Celeste. She was sitting by herself under a ruined building, her silhouette outlined against the fading light of dusk.

His heart pounded in his chest as he approached her, every step echoing loudly in his ears. He could see the gentle rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathed, and he could almost hear the quiet rhythm of her humming.

"Celeste..." he called out softly, not wanting to startle her. "Please... I need to talk to you."

His voice wavered slightly as he spoke, betraying the rawness of his emotions. There were so many things he wanted to say—to apologize for, to explain—but most importantly, he wanted to tell her how much she meant to him.

"Just give me five minutes," he pleaded quietly, not yet seeing how ill she looked.

When she turned to face him, his heart almost shattered. She looked so forlorn and heartbroken, wrapped tightly in a warm cloak with tears still silently falling down her strangely dull and gaunt cheeks.

“Why are you here?” Her words were not filled with anger. They were filled with exhaustion, sadness and perhaps, fear - the fact that she might fear him now created a hollow feeling in his chest.

At the sight of her gaunt, tear-streaked face, Halsin felt a pang of guilt twist in his stomach. He had done this to her—had driven her to this point of desolation.

"I came..." he started hesitantly, “to apologize. To beg forgiveness if necessary."

He paused, taking a deep breath to steel himself for what he was about to say.

"And maybe, if you'll let me..." he continued more confidently now, "To tell you how much you mean to me."

“I don’t understand…” she said in a small, frail voice. She pulled the cloak tighter around her small frame and reached out one hand to calm the donkey beside her, who seemed to be eyeing him restlessly.

“I still used too much of my magic to save you… nothing has changed… and I would do it again with no hesitation…” as she spoke even she could hear how hollow and forlorn her voice sounded. She truly did sound like a broken woman. “Why are you here now if those facts remain unchanged?”

Her heart felt too heavy in her chest, her vision was swimming and she suddenly felt sharp pain in her chest and abdomen. She winced at the pain, using her healing magic to try and check on their unborn child. She thought Halsin didn’t know about the baby and hoped he wouldn’t realise why she suddenly seemed so scared.

As Celeste spoke, Halsin noticed the wince of pain that crossed her face. Concern immediately flooded through him and he stepped closer, instinctively reaching out to touch her arm.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice heavy with worry. “Is…is it the baby?"

The truth of the situation dawned on him as he said the words aloud, and he felt a rush of emotions—shock, joy, fear, and overwhelming protectiveness.

"You're carrying our child… aren’t you?” he whispered, his eyes wide with wonder and concern. "That's why you risked everything to save me?"

In that moment, all the walls he had built around his heart came crashing down. The thought of losing both Celeste and their unborn child was unbearable.

"Please forgive my foolishness," he begged, dropping to his knees in front of her.

“How did you…? Who told you…?” Her breaths were still coming too quickly. It felt like her breaking heart had almost stopped beating entirely. She wanted to be defensive, to keep her walls up and make the large Druid explain himself.

Instead, as she watched him fall to his knees, her pain, fear and desperation along with the concern in his eyes got the better of her.

“Halsin…” her voice sounded distant to her now, like she was underwater, her vision was quickly going dark. “Halsin… something’s not right… please… help me…”

She managed to get those few words out through her pain and dizziness, before losing consciousness.

The last thing she saw were his terrified, desperate green eyes and her last thought was a silent prayer to the Oak Father that their unborn child would be alright.

Time stopped as Halsin watched Celeste collapse before him, her body going limp and her eyes fluttering shut. Fear unlike anything he had ever known gripped his heart in a vise-like hold.

"No, no, no..." he chanted frantically, catching her in his arms before she could hit the ground.* "Stay with me, Celeste. Please..."

He could feel the faint, rapid thrum of her heartbeat beneath his fingertips, it was so erratic and weak. With trembling hands, he pressed two fingers to the pulse point on her neck, praying to Silvanus that it would remain steady as he attempted to stabilise her.

"We're going to be okay," he promised fervently, even as panic threatened to overwhelm him. "I'm here. I've got you both. Just hold on..."

~

The first time she woke, she was in familiar surroundings. It was the bedroom she had shared with Halsin in their home in the reclaimed land of Reithwin.

As her blurry vision cleared, she realised that Halsin was at her bedside and a healer was speaking to him with a concern. She was so tired and it felt so hard to stay awake.

“You’re lucky they both survived at all…” she vaguely heard the healer scolding Halsin. The last thing she heard before she drifted back into a deep sleep was: “You cloud have killed her… Elves like her are known to fade away when their heart is irreparably broken…”

~

Over the next several days, Halsin hardly left Celeste's side. He barely ate or slept, instead focusing all his energy on monitoring her condition and caring for her needs.

The healer had assured him that both Celeste and the baby were stable now, but warned that it would take time for Celeste to fully recover physically and emotionally from the ordeal.

Each time she stirred or opened her eyes, Halsin was there, holding her hand and murmuring reassurances. He poured out his heart to her, confessing his deepest fears and regrets, vowing to be the partner and father they deserved.

"Come back to me, my heart," he whispered fervently one night as she slept fitfully. "I can't live without you. Our child needs you. I need you..."

…the warm timbre of her Druid’s voice, and his hand over hers were the first things she was aware of as she finally awoke.

“Halsin…?” her voice was hoarse and quiet. She weakly squeezed the hand that covered hers.

A wave of relief washed over Halsin at the sound of Celeste's voice. He leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear as he spoke.

"It's me, love. I'm here. You're safe now." His thumb brushed tenderly over the back of her hand.

"How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" He glanced at the healer hovering nearby, giving a subtle nod to indicate he would handle Celeste's care personally from now on.

“How… why are you here…?” She was struggling to understand why Halsin was here, holding her hand, touching her with such tenderness. The last thing she remembered was him telling her to leave and then turning up as she tried to make camp under the ruin of an old building… she couldn’t remember any of the things he had said or done since then.

Halsin's heart ached at the confusion in Celeste's eyes. He knew he had a lot of explaining to do, but for now, he simply focused on soothing her with gentle touches and soft words.

"I came back for you, Celeste," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I realized how much I needed you, and how selfish I was to push you away. Seeing you so hurt and alone... it nearly broke me."

He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "Please, my heart, forgive me for my foolishness. I promise to cherish and support you, now and always—as your partner, and the father of our child."

She looked panicked then. How did he know about the child? Would he be angrier that she had used so much magic while she was in the early stages of pregnancy? Was he truly happy that she was pregnant or was he simply here out of some sense of duty and responsibility.

She remained silent, but the look in her eyes told him everything she needed to know: she was worried about how he found out and terrified of what that meant; she clearly had lost her faith in his love…

Seeing the panic and uncertainty in Celeste's eyes, Halsin knew he had to reassure her completely. He carefully set her hand aside and sat up straighter, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity.

"I learned about the baby from Netty," he explained. "She found me after you left and scolded me. She never meant to break your trust. I was devastated, mostly because I had driven you away before knowing the truth."

He reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her soft skin. “Celeste, I am overjoyed that we're having a child together. This is a miracle, and I want to celebrate it with you, not hide from it."

His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with conviction. “I love you, Celeste. With my whole heart and soul. Nothing will change that—not even my own foolish insecurities or pride.”

Tears welled in her eyes and fell softly down her cheeks, hitting against his thumb as he held her face.

“I c-couldn’t lose y-you,” she cried quietly, shutting her eyes as she explained her actions. The actions that had initially angered him to the point of sending her away. “I knew y-you would be upset, b-but I n-needed you… our child n-needed you… I c-couldn’t let you d-die…”

Halsin's heart shattered at the anguish in Celeste's voice. Tears pricked at the corners of his own eyes as he listened to her pour out her heart.

"My brave, foolish woman," he murmured, leaning in to press his forehead against hers. "I'm so sorry I diminished your actions."

He inhaled deeply, breathing in her scent and committing it to memory. "I swear to you, I will strive never to put you in a position where you feel the need to sacrifice yourself for me. Your life and happiness are more important than anything."

Slowly, gently, he captured her lips in a kiss—a seal upon his vow. It was a kiss full of apology, gratitude, and devotion. A promise of a future together, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

~

It took several more days before Celeste was ready to be left alone and allowed to go about her daily activities, and then she was immediately determined to be up and about.

Keeping herself busy meant that she didn’t have time to think about what had happened between her and Halsin.

She spent most of her days with the orphaned children of Reithwin that Halsin had brought here from Baldur’s Gate after the invasion of the mindflayers. She would read to them, teach them, play games with them and comfort them when they were sad or fearful.

Halsin found her like this one afternoon. Children playing around her in a clearing, running and laughing whilst she sat with a young tiefling child in her lap, humming a lullaby and rocking them gently as they fell asleep against her chest.

As Halsin approached, he couldn't help but smile at the peaceful scene before him. Celeste looked radiant in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees, her hair a halo of dark auburn curls around her face as she rocked the sleeping child.

He slowed his pace, not wanting to disturb the moment. Instead, he simply stood at the edge of the clearing, watching her with open admiration and affection. In that instant, he knew with absolute certainty that he wanted to spend the rest of his long life loving and supporting her, no matter what trials they faced. He needn’t roam when his heart was rooted to her.

Eventually, he cleared his throat softly, not wishing to startle her. “You look beautiful," he said quietly, his voice warm with sincerity. “Like a goddess of nurturing and care."

She kept her eyes on the tiny child, still asleep in her arms, but smiled at his compliment and the reverent voice with which he said it.

She had let her hair fall in soft waves to her waist, flowers tucked haphazardly into the long tresses. Her long silken skirts flowed out around her where she sat on the ground. With her pale, white gold skin and her deep blue green eyes, she looked like an elven princess as she cradled the child.

“What brings you out here to us?” she spoke quietly, so as not to disturb the little one she was holding.

She had been distant since recovering. She was healthy again, and she glowed more every day as her belly slowly began to show signs of her pregnancy, but she had not opened her heart to him, no matter how easy it would be.

Halsin's gaze lingered on Celeste's serene profile, drinking in the sight of her. He could sense the guardedness still surrounding her heart, but he was patient. He knew it would take time for her to fully trust him again.

"I just wanted to see you," he admitted, his voice soft and sincere. “Watch you nurture these precious souls. You have a gift, Celeste. A capacity for love and compassion that inspires others."

He took a step closer, his boots crunching on the grass. “I miss you, my heart. Even the brief moments apart feel like an eternity. Can we... talk?” His eyes searched hers, pleading for a chance to reconnect on a deeper level.

She regarded him for a long moment. There was a hesitant sort of hopefulness in her expression and it was as if she was searching his features for any tell that he was being insincere. When she found none she let out a long breath.

“I must watch the children until supper time, but after that… perhaps we could go for a walk in the woods… like we used to?” She was offering him a chance and she hoped that he realised this. She didn’t think she could bear having her heart so thoroughly broken again - was unsure she would even survive it - so she had to be cautious to protect the tiny life inside her. Even if that meant being cautious of the man that helped to create them.

Halsin's heart swelled with joy at Celeste's suggestion. A walk in the woods—it was exactly what they needed to rekindle their connection and mend the rift between them.

"That sounds wonderful," he replied, his voice warm with enthusiasm. “I'll meet you here after dinner. We can take our time, enjoy the peace of nature, and catch up properly."

With a final glance at the sleeping child nestled in Celeste's arms, he turned to leave. As he walked away, however, he couldn't resist stealing one last glimpse over his shoulder at her beautiful figure against the sunset.

~

She arrived at the small clearing before Halsin, dressed in a flowing silk dress of pale green that trailed slightly behind her as she walked.

Her magic and connection to nature seemed to be surging with her pregnancy, and each time her bare feet left the ground, tiny wildflowers seemed to bloom in their wake.

Under the rising moon, surrounded by fireflies, and with flowers literally blooming around her… she truly looked like a goddess of nature, sent to care for and love all those around her.

Seeing her like this, Halsin’s breath caught in his throat. She looked breathtaking, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight and surrounded by the delicate petals of the wildflowers that seemed to spring forth with each step she took.

"Celeste," he breathed, his voice filled with awe and admiration. "You're absolutely stunning. Like a dream made manifest."

He moved closer, drawn to her radiance like a moth to a flame. As he neared her, he could smell the sweet fragrance of the blossoms mingling with her own unique scent—the scent that always reminded him of home and belonging.

Unable to resist, he reached out and gently took her delicate hand in his, marveling at the softness of her skin and the warmth that seemed to emanate from her very core.

She allowed him to take her hand, comforted by his owns size and warmth. There had always been something so comforting about feeling tiny as he held her in his huge, muscular embrace.

As his thumb brushed tiny circles on her hand, she realised that she felt shy. It almost felt like they were beginning anew, despite the presence of the life inside her that remained as proof of their former love.

“You have always looked handsome to me, Halsin… like a warrior of nature, ready to protect his flock from any danger,” her voice sounded full of life, so different from what it had mere days ago. It was a relief to hear and see her so healthy again.

Halsin's heart swelled with warmth at Celeste's words. Hearing praise from her lips, especially after all they had been through, was more precious than any of nature’s gifts.

"Thank you, my heart," he said softly, squeezing her hand gently. “Your words are like music to my ears."

He gazed down at their entwined hands, noting the contrast between his rugged, weather-beaten skin and hers—soft and unblemished except for the faintest blush of color that had begun to spread across her cheeks.

"Let's walk," he suggested, tugging gently on her hand to lead her deeper into the forest. "I want to savor every moment of this beautiful evening with you."

“Let’s hope that’s how our night ends… but I must warn you, there are things that need to be said between us before we can easily enjoy each other again.”

Her words were not unkind, merely genuine in that she felt that closure was needed. Both to heal her remaining broken heart and to make him understand her better than he did now.

She had reflected upon entering the glade, that whilst they were both hundreds of years old, they had only known each other a little over a year. There were traumas in her past and facts about her lineage that he could not have known about, things that had made what he had done so much more frightening, heart shattering and dangerous for her.

Halsin nodded solemnly at Celeste's words, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that true healing required openness and honesty, and he was prepared to listen to whatever she needed to share.

"You're right, of course," he agreed, his voice low and earnest. "We owe it to ourselves—and to our child—to address everything that stands between us."

He guided her to a secluded spot near a babbling brook, the water's gentle murmur providing a soothing backdrop for their conversation. Sitting down on a fallen log, he patted the space beside him invitingly.

"Take your time, my love," he encouraged, his eyes filled with patience and support. "I'm here to listen, without judgment. Whatever you need to say, I want to understand it all."

“When I found out that I was pregnant, I had wanted to share my joy with you straight away,” she began, taking a seat on the log beside him. Without her noticing, a soft moss seemed to grow to cushion her and protect her from the firm bark. She seemed so much more connected to nature now. After a pause, in which she looked sad and regretful, she continued: “…but the what was left of the Absolute cult had started attacking our borders and so you were called to defend them…”

She looked up at the stars as she continued, as if admitting a sin or a fault, though he understood now that her choices had all been fair ones driven by love.

“I was afraid that distracting you with worry for us could put you in danger in the fight and so I stayed behind, planning to tell you when you came home.”

She took a shaky breath, remembering how terrified she had been when he was carried back to her on a stretcher and covered in blood.

“I couldn’t lose you. I hadn’t even had the chance to tell you about out our child… what if you never met them… what if they were never blessed with knowing you…”

“My father died in battle… did you know? He died as my mother gave birth to me…” she whispered. “But did I ever tell you how my mother died?”

She sighed as she briefly met his eyes, before wrapping her delicate fingers around the small, crystallised piece of ember that she wore around her neck- the only thing she had left of her mother, and really the only thing Halsin knew about her.

Halsin shook his head slowly, his brow furrowing with curiosity and concern. He had sensed that Celeste harbored a deep grief regarding her mother, but he had never pried, waiting for her to share the story in her own time.

"No, you haven't," he said gently, his thumb brushing comfortingly over her knuckles. “I know only that she died shortly after your father… But I'm here to listen now, whenever you're ready to tell me.”

He shifted closer to her, his broad shoulder brushing against hers in a gesture of solidarity and support. "Your mother's memory is a part of you, and I honor that. Whatever happened, I'm here to hold you through the pain, just as I hope you would be for me."

She smiled sadly at his words, knowing that the knowledge her mother’s death would likely hurt him. If he had known, he might never have sent her away initially.

“My mother died on her birthing bed as the news came that my father had died… they said that without him, her heart broke and she faded fast…” she chanced a look at him, worried that this information might be saddening him too deeply.“They said that when she heard the news, it was like the light inside her failed. She died of that broken heart…”

She waited for his response. For him to realise that she loved him so fiercely and so deeply, that him sending her away had nearly caused her own untimely death. Just like the death of her father had killed her mother centuries ago. It was rare for a bond that strong now, even amongst high elves.

Halsin's eyes widened in shock and horror at Celeste's revelation. The parallels between her mother's fate and her own emotional state were impossible to ignore. He felt a surge of guilt and self-reproach, realizing the devastating impact of his actions.

"Oh, Celeste," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “I had no idea. No concept of the depth of your feelings… of your pain. I'm so sorry for sending you away. I was blinded by my own fears and insecurities."

He pulled her into his arms then, holding her close as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. “My actions nearly cost you your life. I don’t want to even imagine living on without you, my heart."

He stroked her hair soothingly, his heart aching with remorse and adoration.

“What I did was almost as bad though…” tears began to fall from her eyes and for the first time since their fight, she clung to him.

“I didn’t even stop to think how you might feel if you had woken up after that battle to find out that your lover, your pregnant lover, had died… along with your unborn baby… because she selfishly didn’t want to live in a world without you in it - was too afraid to face parenthood alone.”

She sobbed into his chest and Halsin realised, for the very first time, the true depths of her love for him.

He had always told her she was free to roam and have other loves, because he assumed that HE would never be enough for HER. He never imagined that she would love him to such depths.

She HAD told him when he first told her that he had feelings for her, that he was all she needed… and she had once expressed the desire to marry and have a family with deep roots, but that she was content with him as they were… he had merely assumed she was saying it for his benefit, not making sacrifices to appease her idea of his desires.

His heart shattered at her confession. The realization of how deeply she loved him, how utterly devoted she was to their bond, hit him like a tidal wave. He had been so blind.

"Celeste, my love," he murmured, his voice raw with emotion, "you could never be selfish in my eyes. Everything you do, every choice I have seen you make, is born out of your immense capacity for love and loyalty."

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away her tears. “I was the selfish one, pushing you away when I should have embraced you. I let my own insecurities cloud my judgment, and for that, I am truly sorry."

He rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed as he savored the closeness of their embrace.

“Just… please Halsin…my Druid, my heart…” Her voice was so small, she sounded like a frightened child, sobbing into his chest and clinging to his robes as if he might disappear at any moment. “Please don’t leave me… don’t send me away again…” she moved slowly to place his palm across her belly, which was just swollen enough for him to feel proof of the tiny spark of life within her. “We need you…��

Halsin's heart swelled with overwhelming love and devotion as Celeste placed his hand on her belly. Feeling the gentle rise and fall of her womb, the tiny flutter of their child's heartbeat, he knew he would move mountains to ensure their happiness and well-being.

"Oh, Celeste," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "Never again will I threaten to abandon you. You are mine, and I am yours, now and forever, so long as you, and Silvanus wills it. Our child is a blessing, a testament to the strength of our love."

He enveloped her in a fierce hug, pouring all his pent-up affection and apologies into the embrace. "I promise, my heart, my dear one, to cherish and protect you both with every fiber of my being. You are my home, my everything."

She had been sleeping in the large home they had built for the orphans since she woke up, rather than with him in their home, but as she looked up at him with teary eyes, she spoke softly: “Take me home?”

Halsin nodded, his eyes brimming with love and resolve. He scooped Celeste up into his arms effortlessly, cradling her against his chest as if she weighed no more than a feather.

"Yes, my love," he murmured, his voice filled with tenderness. "Home it is."

He began walking towards their home, his strides long and purposeful. Each step laden with meaning—this time, he was bringing her home not just as his beloved, but also as the mother of his child. And this time, there would be no uncertainty between them.

By the time they entered their small cottage, it was late in the night.

Celeste was drifting in and out of sleep in his arms, emotionally exhausted from opening up to him and sharing her pain in order to gain his understanding and trust him again.

In her tired state she had nuzzled her face into the side of his neck as he carried her, searching for warmth and comfort. She felt so small in his large arms that it was easy to feel warm and safe enough to let herself be vulnerable.

*Gently, Halsin laid Celeste down on their bed, careful not to jostle her. He took a moment to admire her beauty, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the window.*

*Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, then another to the tip of her nose. “Rest now, my love," he whispered. “I'll be right here, guarding your slumber."

True to his word, he settled himself beside her, his large frame enveloping her smaller one. One arm wrapped possessively around her waist, while the other rested protectively over their growing child.

As he listened to the steady rhythm of her breathing, Halsin felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. He knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—united in their love and commitment to each other and the small life they had created together.

Let me know if you’d like an NSFW follow up 😁

[halthprodect4563]

Cultivating Calm and Comfort: A Review of the Medicinal Garden Kit

Having always been intrigued by the natural world's healing properties, I jumped at the chance to try the new Medicinal Garden Kit. This all-in-one package promised a verdant haven of homegrown remedies, and after a few weeks of nurturing my own miniature herb haven, I'm here to share my experience.

Unboxing a World of Wellness

The kit arrived neatly packaged, with everything a budding herbalist could need. A variety of seed packets boasted enticing names like chamomile, echinacea, and lavender, each adorned with a colourful picture hinting at the future bounty. Alongside the seeds came a bag of rich, organic potting mix, perfect for nourishing the soon-to-be inhabitants of my windowsill. The kit even included a set of charming plant markers, ensuring I wouldn't get confused between my calming chamomile and invigorating mint.

A Beginner's Guide to Herbal Cultivation

The true star of the show, however, was the comprehensive guidebook. This wasn't a flimsy pamphlet with vague instructions – it was a detailed manual overflowing with valuable information. Step-by-step instructions on planting, watering, and sunlight requirements made the process incredibly user-friendly, even for someone like me, a complete gardening novice. The guide also delved into the medicinal properties of each plant, offering fascinating insights into their historical uses and potential benefits.

From Seed to Sprout: Witnessing the Magic of Growth

Following the guidebook's guidance, I planted my seeds with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Within days, tiny green shoots began to peek through the soil, a testament to the high-quality seeds included in the kit. Witnessing this transformation was incredibly rewarding, and I found myself checking on my little herb haven several times a day, eager to see their progress.

More Than Just Plants: A Therapeutic Hobby

The Medicinal Garden Kit has become more than just a source of homegrown remedies. Tending to my plants has become a daily ritual, a welcome respite from the daily grind. The act of nurturing these little lives has brought a sense of calm and focus, a reminder of the simple joys to be found in nature.

A Flourishing Future: The Rewards of Homegrown Healing

While my miniature herb garden is still in its early stages, I'm already looking forward to the day I can harvest my first batch of homegrown remedies. The prospect of brewing a soothing cup of chamomile tea or using fresh lavender to ease tension is incredibly satisfying. The Medicinal Garden Kit has not only provided me with the tools to cultivate natural remedies, but it has also opened a door to a new and rewarding hobby, filled with the quiet satisfaction of nurturing life and the promise of a healthier, more natural approach to well-being.

Overall Impression

The Medicinal Garden Kit is an excellent offering for anyone interested in exploring the world of herbal remedies. It is a well-curated package, perfect for beginners like myself, with everything you need to get started on your own path to homegrown wellness. From the high-quality seeds to the informative guidebook, the kit provides exceptional value for money. Whether you're seeking a new and enriching hobby or simply want to cultivate a natural approach to health, the Medicinal Garden Kit is a delightful and rewarding choice.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert

This prompt requires an image that you need to add. Tap the image button to upload an image. Got it

Do you need a little help with this prompt?

Power up your prompt and Gemini will expand it to get you better resultsGot itexpand_contentadd_photo_alternatemicsend

[rosiebomb]

Getting Your Hands Dirty: My kinda Beginner's Guide to Starting Gardening

Hi! I wanted to share some information on gardening. This spring I will be getting my hands dirty and start planting some flowers. I hope I have a green dumb.

Getting Started with Gardening

1. Assess Your Space:

Before diving into gardening, evaluate the available space you have. Determine whether you'll be gardening indoors, outdoors, or both. Consider factors like sunlight exposure, soil quality, and available water sources.

2. Choose Your Plants Wisely:

Select plants that are suitable for your climate and space. Beginners might find it easier to start with low-maintenance plants like herbs, succulents, or tomatoes. Research the specific needs of each plant, including watering frequency and sunlight requirements.

3. Gather Essential Gardening Supplies:

Equip yourself with basic gardening tools such as a trowel, pruning shears, watering can, and gloves. Depending on your gardening goals, you may also need pots, potting soil, fertilizer, and stakes for support.

4. Start Small:

Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to create a large garden right away. Begin with a small plot or a few containers, and gradually expand as you gain confidence and experience. Starting small allows you to learn and adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Learn and Experiment:

Gardening is a continuous learning process. Take advantage of resources like gardening books, online forums, and local gardening clubs to expand your knowledge. Don't be afraid to experiment with different plants, techniques, and designs to discover what works best for you.

5. Facts on How Gardening Can Benefit Your Life

1. Stress Relief:

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Spending time in nature, tending to plants, and connecting with the earth can have a calming effect on the mind and body.

2. Physical Exercise:

Engaging in gardening activities such as digging, planting, and weeding provides a moderate form of exercise. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health, contributing to an active lifestyle.

3. Mental Well-being:

Gardening has therapeutic effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The act of nurturing plants and witnessing their growth can instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

4. Fresh Food and Nutrition:

Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs allows you to harvest fresh, nutritious produce right from your garden. It promotes a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while also reducing reliance on store-bought produce.

5. Environmental Impact:

Gardening encourages environmental stewardship by fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting sustainable practices. It contributes to biodiversity, supports pollinators, and reduces carbon footprint through carbon sequestration in plants and soil.

In conclusion, gardening offers a multitude of benefits beyond just beautifying your surroundings. Whether you're seeking stress relief, physical exercise, mental well-being, or environmental sustainability, starting a garden can enrich your life in numerous ways. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey of growth and discovery!

[outofangband]

For the headcanon prompts: How about a tradition Morwen holds on to her entire life?

Or if that is too specific, any traditions in general of her people? I always find traditions surrounding the sowing of seeds and/or the follow-up harvest interesting, but feel free to tell me about any other aspects, you always have fascinating ideas!

scream this is from so long ago, I am so sorry

In the tags for Morwen, for Ladros, Dorthonion as well as my tag 'houseless for exiles' which is my Bëorian cultural trauma tag, there are others about this!

I also have a few posts on Hadorian marriage traditions in my tags for Hithlum and for Dor-lómin!

World building is obviously one of my favorite things so always feel free to ask more I am so sorry for the delay!

Some thoughts on a few traditions!

Morwen wears the braids traditionally worn by married Bëorian women and she wears them from her marriage until she dies! Traditionally the braids are redone every few months or so by the spouse Bëorian men have a slightly different style of braids that they wear too. Obviously Morwen has to redo them herself after Húrin is gone though I think once or twice she lets Aerin help her. (This is radical for Morwen as she tends to be very very particular about who touches her and how but it is not particularly unusual in terms of the actual tradition. Widows or widowers choose whether or not to keep their braids in and if they choose to do so, family members or loved ones will usually help them maintain them)

(fun fact for anyone who read the first part of my recent dark Aerin fic on ao3: this is relevant to what she was thinking of with regards to mockeries of wedding symbols :/ )

On that note I do headcanon that Húrin wears the style for Bëorian men! He wears three marriage indicators, the Bëorian one in his hair and two Hadorian ones; what's called a bonding stone which is a necklace with a specifically carved river stone. These are usually worn by both men and women. He also has a painted design on his leg which is traditionally done by Hadorian men. Like the braids, the paint is reapplied every so often!

Húrin loses all these in Angband of course. His braids are cut or undone his bonding stone is ripped off and the paint is deliberately washed off as is custom for prisoners arriving in Angband for both practical and psychological reasons; supplies is always needed for the fortress and removing any personal and identity related items is another means of dehumanization and control.

Morwen also continues the Bëorian style of embroidery that she learned as a child and knits the winter wear for her children in her traditional style. Some of these become harder to do during the occupation because of the access to dyes that Morwen no longer ha.

With regards to the sewing of seeds, I have lots of thoughts about this for both Dorthonion and Hithlum (and all other places!)

The profound differences in environment, landscape and flora and fauna in Hithlum as opposed to Dorthonion is very difficult for Morwen especially when she first comes there. Dorthonion is dry, cool, often windy. It is a land of craggy peaks, sharp slopes, clear pools and coniferous woods. The Bëorians keep goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits and some donkeys mainly for transporting goods. Horses are only used in the highlands by the soldiers of Angrod and Aegnor.

Hithlum is humid, more mild, with much higher precipitation. Though Dor-lómin is surrounded by mountains, it is primarily fields and gentle hills. The Hadorians are horsemen and rely heavily on horses and cattle. Neither horses nor cattle are kept often in Ladros.

The diet and agriculture are extremely different and Morwen has difficulty transplanting growing practices she learned as a child to the lands in Hithlum. There are not many harvest related traditions that she carries from Dorthonion.

Morwen does plan her garden to some extent in a way that is more typical of Ladros than in Hithlum and she grows more herbs and medicinal plants (in Hithlum, these are usually grown in specific locales under specific practices). Gardens of houses in Hithlum also tend to be more curated in other ways.

(Note: diet and agriculture of both of these places need their own posts which I will gladly do if there's interest!)

[crewman-penelope]

Garden time

Little fluff drabbel, 765 words, l'Oncle Lyutsifer and Mathilde in the garden

“Careful now. ..”, Safin whispered as he took a sprout in his hand. Kneeling on the ground he and his young guest had digged some small holes into the garden bed.

He handed the sprout softy into Mathilde's hand.

“There. Now settle it in.”

Mathilde froze for a second and blew a strand of hair from her face away. Safin helped her to get her eyes free by wiping the strand behind her right ear.

“That's better, right?”

“Mhm.”, she nodded and eventually placed the sprout into the hole. With her little hands she shoveled earth aside it and pressed it.

“Not too harsh. Here -”

Safin reached for the small watering can and gave it to Mathilde.

He did not have to explain what to do, Mathilde had seen him often tending to his plants.

Safin watched satisfied how Mathilde cared for the seedlings.

“Very good. We come now daily and check on them. We have to watch out for snails, though, but you will see your plants grow. And in no time we can eat fresh radish.”

“I like radish!”

Safin chuckled and wiped his hands, before he also wiped Mathilde's with a cloth.

“I know. You like it a bit spicy.”

In fact, Safin found out about Mathildes 'spice tooth' as he found her sneaking into his kitchen garden by harvesting and eating the chives.

“Oncle Lyutsifer? How long will they need to grow?”

“We need some patient. But in six week they will be ready to harvest.”

Mathilde made a long face. “Six week!? This long?”

Safin smiled by her expression. “Don't fret, precious. We have so much to do in the garden.”

He got up and took Mathildes hand to lead her to the next garden bed.

“The carrots are soon due, and many of the herbs needs to be collected.”

Mathilde looked around in the potager and nodded.

“Yes, that's true.” She looked up to Safin with an serious face, unaware that she was mirroring him.

“I know most of the herbs now. I have studied them.”, she proclaimed.

Safin tried to held his face still serious as he answered: “Please, enlighten me!”

Mathilde wiggled away from him but made sure she didn't step too close to the poisoned plants aside growing.

“There is Thyme, and this is basil.”, she pointed the plants out. “This is parsley - I like that a lot in my scrambled eggs - and this is marjoram.”

She made a face by the last plant.

“But don't like Marjoram, right?”

“The taste is too strong.”

“Says the girl who would eat radish fresh from the earth.”

“But that's different.”

"Clearly.”, Safin laughed.

“Oncle Lyutsifer?”

“Yes?”, Safin asked back, curious what idea she has in mind now. This girl was full of ideas and brainstorm.

“Why are they so much flowers around the potager?”

Safin pointed to the bee hives.

“You realize the potager is a circle?”, he asked her while making a fitting gesture. “It is like a small circle of life. Kitchen spices and tea herbs, surrounded by flowers for the bees. So all will bloom and grow.”

“The bees are pollinating the flowers.”

“Oh, that's very good, Mathilde.”, Safin cheered up. "You remember the lesson?”

Mathilde nodded firmly, her eyes on the bee hives. “And they make the honey I love so much.”

“Yes.”, Safin said. “There is nothing better then a comb, soaking in honey, to spread it on fresh baked bread. Wouldn't you agree?”

Mathilde sighed delighted and grinned up to Safin.

“Oh! Can we have that for tea?”

“Of course.”, Safin smiled and squeezed softly Mathilde's hand.

“Everything you wish, my precious.”

Solemnly, both walked along the herbs, while Mathilde playfully threw their name out.

“Rosemary. Sage. Lemon balm. Chamomile. Penny royal..”

Safin watched her, all proud l'oncle, relishing in the living, joyful view of this clever child. It was a shame her mother preferred to be drugged and to sleep her days away, instead of joining him willingly.

He had not yet lost hope, though.

One never know.

Taglist: @safin-supremacy2 @villainworshiper @cuckoo-on-a-string , @chevy2497

[velvetstrorm]

Hello! I'm having a rough day and could use a pick-me-up so if you don't mind could I please get a LOTR matchup?

I'm a 20 year old autistic girl with asthma and arthritis. I'm also really short, like 4' 10" (142 cm) tall and I have wild wavy auburn hair that's almost always covered with a bandana. My style changes from feminine to tomboyish a lot. I practice witchcraft and am especially interested in communicating with spirits and deities, and I'm also an avid and very good gardener, writer, artist and I pick up tons of different hobbies ranging from falconry to leatherworking. I'm very rustic and not too modern, though I'm not entirely old fashioned either. I'm very polite and honestly a bit professional all the time (blame it on the autism) and I'm really funny and witty too. I'm very intelligent and can pull up a random fact about almost anything, especially mythology and folklore related stuff. It takes a lot to make me angry, but I'm very protective so I will come to people's aid very quickly.

Thank you so much, I hope you have a good day and a fantastic fall!

hi dear!

i'm so sorry you've had a bad day. but I've seen the pictures of your harvest and all the produce looks amazing! i've been going through a tough time myself, so i hope this will cheer you up a bit. 🤗🤍

i ship you with Aragorn!

He met you at Rivendell when visiting home after a long period in the West. You immediately caught his eyes and went up to you as you tended to the garden. Your distant attitude surprised him at first but it only sparked his curiosity and struck up a conversation every time he bumped into you. He admired how knowledgable you were in many fields and began to return to Rivendell more and more often - he promised to teach you the healing arts and often came back from his travels with exotic herbs. One time you passionately described a plant you were already familiar with and Aragorn listened to you with a smile. When you finished he commented: "It looks like I am not really needed here". You quickly started to protest and explain that you really enjoyed his lessons, only for him to assure you that he was only teasing and that you were the best student he ever had. One time, as a "farewell present" (and a thank you for his lessons), you'd made him an excellent pair of arm protectors. They were durable and beautifully crafted and they became his prized possession. Whenever the villagers in Bree would compliment him on it, he wouldn't miss an opportunity to let them know it was made by you. It was during one of his wanderings around the Shire that he realised how much he missed you. He would take you on short trips, but only to locations close to Rivendell and never to anything dangerous. It only clicked for him then, how he would constantly talk about you and how fellow rangers would tease him about it. He remembered how he would often pick you up when he returned, to twirl you around as a greeting and how his guiding touches during your lessons were more so signs of yearning to be close to you. He really cherished your smile and took note of the things that made you laugh. From this trip, he returned with a falcon: he knew how alone you felt among the tall Elves and wanted you to have company while he was away. Your relationship grew steadily, with none of you ever mentioning your feelings to the other but it being obvious to everyone around you. When the Fellowship left for Mount Doom, you insisted on accompanying them, but ended up in a heated argument with Aragorn who was absolutely against the idea. In the end, your reasoning that "even Merry and Pippin could go" won the debate and you joined the nine men. You talked with Sam for hours on end about gardening and discussed magic with Gandalf. Your falcon was often of help in alerting for enemy and your other skills greatly aided the Fellowship in their task. Although all the hardship of the journey could not prepare you for the anxiety and pain as Aragorn's coronation drew nearer. You knew your relationship would change and you risked losing him, yet spoke nothing about your troubles. Still, Aragorn knew you better. He noticed how you rambled around the castle or on the streets of Gondor and how all your smiles seemed forced. He offered to accompany you on one of your walks and confronted you about your strange behaviour - this implored you to open up and confessed how you feared losing him. He held your hands to his chest and said: "Minas Tirith is a barren city. It needs a queen with skill to make it lush again."

[furiouspandacollective]

Medicinal Garden Set – BRAND NEW!

I made this Medicinal Garden Kit because I want to empower others to take care of their own health.

I think everyone should have a medicinal garden in their backyard. This way, you can easily go and choose the remedy you need at any time. Your backyard pharmacy will be there for you even in times of crisis when pharmacies may be closed or looted. <<< CLICK HERE >>>

Imagine stepping into your backyard and looking into your new colorful medicinal garden. Your backyard will smell of fresh lavender and chrysanthemums.

You can choose any of these medicinal plants and turn it into the remedy you need.

I have collected all the seeds of 10 herbs, inside the Medicinal Garden Set. All these seeds have been carefully selected from the best plants, for I want nothing more than high quality seeds.

With your seed set, you will also receive a FREE copy of the Herbal Medicine Guide: From Seeds to Remedy. This tutorial will show you how to turn these 10 plants into tinctures, ointments, ointments, poultices, decoctions, infusions, essential oils — all in minute detail so you can follow along. our guide even if you have never made herbal medicine in your life.

Medicinal plants that will be in my backyard: <<< CLICK HERE >>>

💥 Chicory – The Pain Relieving Plant You Should Grow in Your Backyard

This is the wild plant that Native Americans seek out more often than any other. They will harvest and use chicory to create a natural pain reliever extract for a wide range of physical discomforts, especially stiff and aching joints. And you too! The root is rich in chicoric acid (CA), a plant compound with potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties but without the risk of addiction. If our pharmacies run out, even having a small patch of chicory growing in your own backyard will help ease the burden.

💥 Yarrow – Backyard healer

You always want a quick and reliable way to stop bleeding and help prevent infection. Yarrow does both, and it really saved my knuckles. On the 42nd day of Alone, I accidentally cut my hand while dissecting a fish. The wound was very deep and most likely infected because I didn't have antibiotics with me.

Luckily, I found yarrow and wrapped it around the wound. The bleeding stopped in a few minutes, and my wound healed so quickly that now there is barely a scar left. Since then, I always carry a bag of hay with me, just in case. Yarrow tincture when applied to the skin acts as a natural and effective way to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

<<< CLICK HERE >>>

💥 California Poppy – Better than Sleeping Pills

  California poppy helps support the recovery of deep sleep, just as we loved it as children, when falling asleep for at least eight hours a night is easy. Why risk getting addicted to prescription sleeping pills when you can make your own Sleep Tea from this plant?

I usually drink it before bed and doze off right after, when I'm reading a book or watching TV. You can't wake me up easily; my kids have tried a few times. Now, if your insomnia is of a more severe nature or you are suffering from PTSD, simply turn the California poppy into a more concentrated sleeping pill. Should do that.

💥 Marshmallows – The Most Powerful Plant for a Healthy Digestion

When most people hear of marshmallows, they tend to picture the fluffy, white treat often grilled over a campfire. These are traditionally made from the roots of the marshmallow plant, a powerful herb that you'll want to grow yourself at home. Its leaves and roots are antibacterial and most importantly, they contain a sap-like substance called mucilage.

As gummy mucus travels down your digestive tract, it coats your stomach, intestines, and colon with an extra layer of protection, soothing the inflammation it finds along the way. That's why this tea also helps people suffering from stomach ulcers and digestive disorders like heartburn, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or Chron's disease.

💥 Chrysanthemum - Natural antibiotic

My grandmother used to grow chrysanthemums in her garden. She would pick the flowers in early fall, dry them in old newspapers, and store them in masonry jars. She considers this plant a true “healing” plant. If I had pinkeye, she would apply a warm compress dipped in chamomile tea to my irritated eyes. If I had a stomachache, she would make me tea, and I would soon feel better.

It is very soothing and helps to relax your digestive muscles. You can also use this plant to make your own chamomile oil, which is probably still one of the best natural skin remedies out there. Researchers believe that's because chamomile oil can penetrate the deep layers of your skin, where the real healing process takes place.<<< CLICK HERE >>>

💥 This plant is called primrose because its flowers bloom at sunset.

  Each bloom only lasts for one night. Our ancestors would use it to make poultices for bruises, wounds, and skin rashes. As a result, they were right. This plant contains two substances that our skin needs but cannot produce on its own (gamma-linolenic acid and linolenic acid).

They are also important for nerve cell membranes, and that is probably why more and more people with neuropathic pain are turning to this plant. Evening primrose can also help balance hormone levels. If you've ever felt like you're constantly tired, have unexplained weight gain, or simply can't handle hot or cold temperatures like you used to, you may be dealing with a hormonal imbalance. element.

💥 Lavender - A perennial anti-inflammatory herb

You're probably already familiar with how this fragrant plant can prevent caterpillars from eating in your winter wardrobe. But if you use it in medicine, it can bring so much more! A recent double-blind study concluded that lavender oil reduced anxiety to the same extent as taking 0.5 mg daily of Lorazepam, a common anxiety medication.

A lavender tincture used along with a regular antidepressant can help you recover from mild to moderate depression much faster and reduce your risk of a relapse. And if you just rub a few drops of lavender oil onto your scalp every day, it will improve blood flow, strengthen hair follicles, and even help restore hair loss. That and its divine scent is why I love to mix it with my shampoo.

<<< CLICK HERE >>>

💥 Echinacea – The plant with the strongest immunity that you should grow

When it comes to our health, the immune system is king. A strong person can save you even if you are very sick and do not have medicine available. A weak immune system may not, even if you have all the best medicines and doctors by your side. There is no better plant to take care of your immune system than echinacea.

But don't make the mistake of thinking that health store-bought supplements are even comparable to natural remedies that you can make from organic plants you grow yourself. That's true of all plants, but especially for echinacea, which has fallen prey to its own popularity. It is one of the most counterfeited natural supplements out there. So why risk a batch of shoddy products that will be less than a placebo? Better to develop your own patch.

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ENDED HERE…

With your Medicinal Gardening Kit you will always have a reliable, safe and completely free natural alternative within easy reach. All of these healing plants make good companions to vegetables and fruit trees, but you can also grow them in your front yard if you like. Most herbs found in kits are perennials that die in winter and regrow in spring or self-seeding annuals that have grown well after the first year. <<< CLICK HERE >>>