#i shared that info with a friend who told me she grew up nearby and went all the time during filming. im about to lose it

[vanillajunmyeon]

not me going to the château de pierrefonds like a NERD because of merlin (it is 100% bc of merlin) and getting so excited about it and buying a little dragon and an excalibur letter opener (the guy selling it went you're a fan of merlin aren't you. and yes. i am)

the castle is super beautiful of course but i live like less than 1h30 away and i had never been there i'm a clown

here is a (badly angled picture) gift

[foxes-that-run]

MH cried on stage about haylor?? I need to see this give me link

The TLDR is that the meltdown video: ramps up at 3:49, there is also this tumblr post by someone who was there about it and this news about it.

Maylor/Haylor storytime with too much info

Matty Healy's villain origin story is that he’s a nepo baby “Artiste” that was passed by the major labels. Meanwhile Harry grew up nearby and was signed for £20m by a major label off a TV show. MH has been low key obsessed with Harry, eventually dated his girlfriend, dumped her and she said she had temporary insanity. He said they never dated in 2014, doing so would be emasculating and he released a HS diss track at the time. In 2024 he said TTPD does not reflect the relationship they had.

MHs parents are actors Tim Healy and Denise Welch, overseas 1D fans may know his mum from this Loose Women interview with 1D. His parents had a messy public divorce covered in Tabloids.

1999 - When his mum was featured on This is Your Life, in this clip, 10 year old Matty said he wanted to be "a popstar and top class musician" with his mum looking tense.

2002 - the 1975 was formed with school friends in Manchester, it will be 10 years before they have success.

2009 - 1975 met and was unsigned by every major label. Their manager formed an independent label and signed them for £20.

2010 - One Direction is formed on X-Factor with Harry, 5 years younger also from Cheshire, 30 minutes drive from Mattys hometown of Wilmslow, both near Manchester. 1D becomes a national sensation and sign a £1m record deal with a major label.

2011 - One Direction continues to grow with the X-Factor tour, records Up All Night and starts their own tour.

2012 - What Makes You Beautiful is #1 in 16 countries including the UK and US. Harry starts dating Taylor Swift and the world loses it's mind over them and the band.

2012 - December - Halsey posts "That Haylor Song" on Tumblr which went viral, it mocks I Knew You Were Trouble

2013

2013, February - 1975 get their first top 20 song, Chocolate that reaches #19 (Teenage Kicks was on #6 in the same chart, on it's way down from #1).

2013, September 3 - Harry tweeted that he downloaded the self-titled 1975 album. Matty Healy told an interviewer that he went from 4k followers to 15k followers in 10 minutes. Matty said they became mates, he texted Harry to thank him. The 1975 covered What Makes You Beautiful:

2013, December 28 - Halsey posted to Tumblr photos with Matty Healy and in a hotel room with him, saying "Matty and I got close this year which was amazing"

All fab, or so it seems.

2014

2014 - January - Halsey starts writing about Matty Healy, later in 2014 she said she went to a concert and met him

2014, February - Taylor finishes 1989, Harry and Taylor start dating again and seem to for the rest of the year.

2014, March 20, fallout boy shares this photo of Matty Healy, fallout boy and 1d minus Harry to instagram captioned “London hangs.” I don’t know when the photo with Harry is from, the jacket is St Laurent 2014 and it first appeared on live journal June 2014. Harry wore the coat again in September.

2014, March - MH plays call or delete with Harry's BFF Nick Grimshaw and calls Niall and Harry, he says he has Niall’s number because he is writing a song for one direction and that he had never spoken to Harry before (but had his number and Harry recognised his voice and/or just would know Nick had the show on and who was on it.) MH asks to borrow £5k and Harry agrees. Harry probably knew he was on Nick Grimshaw.

2014, April - his mum says MH is writing a song for 1D and talks about Anne.

2014, April 24 - Halsey covered a 1975 song.

2014, May - Halsey writes about her hand in Matty's curls.

2014, May 8 - One Direction record Change Your Ticket in Fasano Hotel, the TV Special includes footage (2:12) of Julien and Niall figuring out the lyrics and melody in Rio De Janeiro. The band then toured

2014, May 24 - One Direction and the 1975 both play the Glasgow Big Weekend, though 1D fly in for just their show they are then in London.

2014, July - Anne tweets Denise with a throwback photo

At some point they play Change Your Ticket for Matty who Later said:

“They got me in and they said, ‘We really like your band. Would you write a song for us?’,” Matt revealed to Spin. “[But] they didn’t seem to be actually that interested. They just wanted to play me this song that they said was really, really inspired by us.", “Listen guys, fill your boots, the song doesn’t sound that much like ‘Girls’. But the guitar and the whole vibe of it is a complete lift, So take the guitars off and we’re good." “It would have been a bad 1975 song.”

2014 - October 27 - 1989 released. On the same day Halsey's debut 93, about Matty Healy also is released.

Taylor says to Rolling Stone that her publicist has said a relationship is not a good idea:

‘How long do we have on the clock — before something comes along and puts a wrench in it, or your publicist calls and says this isn’t a good idea?'” (bless you @cntfightmydemonsthyknowhowtoswim)

2014 - October 29 - Halsey gives an interview on the All Things Go podcast where she says she had met Matty. She talked about her debut single 93 and Matty Healy, she has posted to Tumblr indicating they were dating.

2014 - November 8 - Matty Healy wears a 1989 T-Shirt, Taylor likes a Tumblr post about it.

2014 - November 17 - FOUR comes out with Change Your Ticket including the 1975-esq guitar. In the Four Hangout Harry says "well done Tyler" (32:25) and Niall adds "your Boyfriends back", Liam adds "Your gonna get in trouble" Tyler is Taylor's name I n the Man video, the 1D band had rhyming or celebrity code names for themselves that they used in interviews (Harry = Susan Boyle, Zayn = Wayne)

2014 - November 19 - Harry, Taylor & Selena go to a 1975 concert together. This is often cited as the Maylor starting point, Harry was there and called her boyfriend by Niall 2 days before. Taylor posts a video of her, Selena and Harry is briefly seen. Video of Taylor and MH backstage.

2014 - November 28 - unverified rumour that Taylor was seen in an SUV at Chattanooga near the 1975 concert. She was in London 30th

2014 - December 2 - Harry and Taylor at Victoria's Secret After party and leave together in London. First time Style performed.

2014 - December 4 - Taylor at a 1975 concert in NYC, last till 2023. 1D in London, appeared on Graham Norton. Rumours Taylor dating Matty. he tweets they got his name wrong.

2014 - December 6 - Taylor has laryngitis at Jingle Bell Ball. Matty Healy does this on stage in Boston, crying and yelling at the audience:

8 December - Blind "The B- list celebrity offspring of two of the worst celebrity parents ever has been hooking up the past few weeks with the lead singer of the band that Taylor Swift loves. Apparently they sent Taylor a pic of themselves naked in bed together." (Ali Lohan (Dina and Michael)/Matty Healy “The 1975″)

2014 - December 9, after Twitter ran with the meltdown, coupled with Matty being linked to Taylor who the band knew to be with Harry. They go on more Four promo. One Direction was not getting on, Harry had broached the topic of the Hiatus a few weeks earlier. They appear on RTL in the Netherlands. Liam seems drunk and makes a beard joke at Harry.

24 December - Tabloid media about Ali Lohan/MH

And that's the end of the 2014, interaction, between Matty appearing in the 1989 t-shirt and the meltdown was 1 month, and Harry and Taylor were seen together in that time. Taylor did go to one 1975 concert without Harry, 2 days before Matty melted down.

13 December Taylor tweets asking the media to stop accusing her of dating her friends (kk & MH)

In this time Matty was also smoking heroin, from the New Yorker in May 2023:

In 2014, amid the early rush of fame and steady touring, Healy began smoking heroin, the only substance he found that could pull him down from the stratosphere. It was a secret, for a while; then the band staged an intervention. Healy resisted: he was the star, and the rest of them would have to get on board.

2015, November - Matty said to the Guardian:

On 6 December, onstage in Boston. “There was girl stuff,” he says. “There was family stuff. There was financial stuff. There was drug stuff. I remember hearing the crowd and having an identity crisis. I thought: ‘If you want to see a show, I’ll give you a fucking show. If you’ve come to see the jester drink himself into a slumber, I’ll give it to you.’ I felt like I’d become an idea as opposed to being a person.” At one point, a fan shouted, “I love you, Matty!” He’s ashamed of his response. “What did I say to the poor fucking girl? ‘You don’t have the right to love me. You don’t know me. I love you but you don’t get to love me.’ Jesus. Can you imagine your favourite band shouting that at you? What a dickhead. What a horrible thing to say to a kid who fucking does love me.��

2015

2015 - January - Matty also does this interview where he says it was all fake that he dated Taylor and there is noone in the world he knows less than Harry Styles

2015 - February 26 - Taylor pictured hugging Nick Grimshaw, Harry’s BFF, next to Matty Healy at the 2015 Brit awards after party. Harry was in Australia, he and Taylor had broken Up and this is the night she met and seemed to immediately start dating Calvin Harris’s until June 2016

2015 - April - Matty Healy and sources close gives a lot of interviews saying he is angry about Change Your Ticket and that One Direction stole the 1975's sound.

19 July 2015 - Matty Healy dates Halsey after she goes to a 1975 concert who shares the above instagram photo

2015- Matty starts dating model Gabriella Brooks, who he dates until 20 February 2019

Love Me

2015 - October - 1975 Love Me came out which is a rather direct Harry diss:

the lyrics reference Blank Space "Rumors Fly": "You've been reading about yourself on a plane".

"caught up in fashion, Karcrashian panache" a style reference and a diss to Kendall

music video where Matty makes out with the cardboard cutout of a 17 year old Harry Styles.

on stage he copies Harry's dancing in this song.

In the BTS Matty says "I just wanted to make a video that was about some kind of sexually confused rockstar type that who buys into his own nonsense really"

he also wore Chelsea looking boots and pointed them out in the BTS

Matty said he got permission from the celebrities, but also added that he did not plan to make out with Harry's. Meaning Harry did not give permission for how his cut out was used.

2016

2016, March to Q Magazine, (and widely reported) Matty said:

“I feel like I’m not very good at relationships,” he’d said, and I wondered why. Healy explained the jumble of reasons – insecurity, self-obsession, a fear of misrepresentation. Was it also, I asked, a fear of losing himself? He nodded. “Absolutely. And the reason I mention that is because if I had [properly] gone out with Taylor Swift the first thing I would’ve [thought was] ‘Fucking hell I am NOT being Taylor Swift’s boyfriend.’ You know, FUCK. THAT.” Then he had added an afterthought: “That’s also a man thing, a de-masculinating, emasculating thing.”

In 2016 Matty was dating Gabby and they posted to instagram a lot, like this photo of them at Coachella together in 2016. They seem happy and committed, they dated for another 3 years. He toured the whole year, (dates) South East Asia January, UK/Europe March - April. Coachella 24 April (they were in Canada on the 29th) then US & Canada until July. Back to SE Asia & UK in August, South America in September, US again in October with shows every other night.

12 November 2016 - to the Guardian Matty again mocks Haylor, with a reference to Hobama, also confirming they didn't even kiss:

"Did he have any relationship with her, I ask in my best Ken Starr voice. “No.” Sex? “No.” Did you kiss? “No.” So why the huge hoo-ha? “She came to a show and we hung out. We fancied each other, but then we couldn’t have it go any further, because it would be like going out with Barack Obama.” He says there was nothing misogynistic about his comments, he was simply being honest: he didn’t like the prospect of two giant egos clashing and him coming off second best."

2017

They continued touring constantly, (dates) Uk/europe January, February. South America March, April. US/Canada April - July.

2017 - November - Matty went to Rehab, they didn't tour till 2019. Matty was still dating Gabby.

I'm skipping ahead a few years, Matty brings Taylor and Harry up alot, like in random interviews with Zane Lowe, Nick Grimshaw etc. But the vibe is often separating him from success. I wonder if he is also reminding others he knows them.

12 April Harry maybe shades Matty in his Rolling Stone Interview:

 I had a really nice upbringing. I feel very lucky. I had a great family and always felt loved. There’s nothing worse than an inauthentic tortured person. ‘They took my allowance away, so I did heroin.’ It’s like – that’s not how it works. I don’t even remember what the question was.”

In May Taylor and Joe went public, dated till 2023.

September- Harry posted that he liked it when the 1975 covered What Makes you Beautiful. Matty responds saying "you. are. peng"

2019

2019 - February 19 Matty breaks up with Gabriella Brooks, who he dated since 2015.

3 January - MH asks to produce Harry's next album… via twitter…. and says Harry has blocked him.

4 October - Matty Healy interview where he says he wants to produce Taylors record (said about Harry earlier the year) and went on to say 'that taylor swift song about supporting gay people, when it came out we already knew that."

2020

2020, January 20 - Matty starts dating FKA Twigs, they dated until 2022

2020, February Taylor, Joe and Matty are at the NME Awards:

Healy said: “I went over to her. I was like, ‘Taylor, we need to make the record.’ No, I didn’t. She said hello to every single person. Obviously it’s Taylor Swift so everyone was saying hello. “She was just stood behind me. I mean, I haven’t seen Taylor in years so it was actually a really nice room. But it, unfortunately, wasn’t the time for me to pitch my post-rock Joni Mitchell project to [her].”

2022

2022, June 7 - Matty breaks up with FKA Twigs who he dated since 2020

Collaboration with Jack Antonoff

2022 - 5 January - 14 February - he works with Jack Antonoff. The band did not work with Jack before 5 January 2022. On 5 January they were in Real World Studios (i.e. not Electric Lady with Jack) and the record was complete by 14 February 2022. It is an album made to be played live and Jack did not write lyrics, under 6 weeks is about right. There are rumours of a collab which Matty both says it is fake news he worked on Midnights and then that he did but it wasn't used. Taylor never acknowledged.

2022 - 27 March DM Story Jack had an argument with FKA Twigs who was dating Matty after the Oscars.

2022 - midnights comes out, no 1975 collab.

2022, December - Matty starts dating model Charlotte Bliar D'Alessio. they had been dating 'for weeks' and date until the end of March.

2023

2023 - 12 January - Taylor performs anti-hero and The City at 1975 concert, multiple rumors Harry was also there: x, x, x

2023 - 15 January - MH invites HS to perform, H declines. MH makes inappropriate comments accusing Harry of Queerbaiting.

2023 - 11 February blind item:

2023 - March - Reps for Matty Healy's girlfriend Meredith says

“She did not see this coming at all. All the time Matty was in the studio with Taylor, she thought nothing of it. He’d spend the day in the studio and then come home to her. “Things were going well until around March 29 then, out of the blue, he stopped replying to messages and calls. “He just ghosted her and that was it. Then, four weeks later, he went public with Taylor.

2023 - March/April/May/June - Taylor touring the US. The 1975 touring Latin America in March, Asia and Australia in April and May, Europe in June. The only times they would have seen each other are the handful of times they were photographed.

2023 - 14 March - MH spotted with Dasha, said he was bad in bed and TS thing ended.

2023 - 10 April - Taylor and Joe's separation press release. MH delete socials said:

"everything happens in eras. The 1975 is a very eras band. The era of me being a f***ing a***hole is coming to an end. […] I can’t perform off the stage any more.”

2023 April 14 - MH cries on stage in I always wanna die, and puts his head in his hands during Love it if we make it in Sydney. Saying “You changed all the words on my set list to rude words,” he says, pointing off-stage, before admitting the culprit is “trying to cheer me up because I’ve been going through a bit”. Covered in news

2023 April 24 - MH introduces 'She's American' in Tokyo with: "When I picture it, there's like three places I picture people listening to it, there's Manchester, Pennsylvania, that’s a whole other thing don’t worry about that and Tokyo” 1975 was formed in Manchester. Matty and Harry are from nearby Wilmslow or Cheshire respectively.

2023 - May 3 - TS & MH mouth "this is about you, you know who you are. I love you" on stage. Before cardigan, a song Taylor wrote for Harry referencing Falling.

2023 5 May - MH at Eras tour, Sparks Fly and Teardrops on my guitar. He joined Phoebe Bridges on stage.

2023 6 May - OOTW/Fifteen. MH attends again

2023 11 May - MH and Taylor hold hands in NY

2023 12 May - Gold Rush & CBBH, Philli. MH on stage at Eras in skeleton costume. MH and Taylor at group dinner hold hands.

2023 13 May - TS This Love, no intro/Forever and Always (Philli) MH attends eras and seen with Scott Swift.

2023 15 May - Taylor leaving Electric Lady with MH

2023 16 and 18 May - Matty carries a bag to and from Taylor’s NY apartment, she’s seen at electric lady earlier in the day.

May - blinds about MH saying something shocking about Beyonce, shocking porn habits after podcast, hooking up with underaged girls, calling Andrea names, abuse of violent porn stars he watched. (referring to these comments in Adam Friedland podcast - DM link.) double down on racist comments because T doesn't care.

2023 24 May - People reports Taylor kissed MH at Zero bond, no photos of them arriving, no photos allowed in club. Last time reported to be seen together. 50 days since his ex said they were good.

2023 27 May - during the Radio 1 Big Weekend at Glasglow, a broadcast event, Matty Healy acted unusually and said "Try romanticising your life for a job, see how you like it". This section is cut from the BBC's official video of About You. Harry was also in Scotland in Edinburgh. Matty opened the show (wearing a lab coat he took off) with an apparent acknowledgement that the relationship wasn't sincere:

“Is it all a bit? Is it sincere? Will he ever address it?” he asked. “All of these questions and more will be ignored in the next hour. Ladies and gentleman, this is The 1975.”

2023 June 5 - MH break up reported by TMZ later confirmed no longer speaking. People:

"She had fun with him, but it was always casual," a source confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday. "They are no longer romantically involved." "They were never boyfriend-girlfriend or exclusive and were always just having fun," another insider tells PEOPLE. "There is no drama, and who knows what could happen again. It was a good time and ran its course."

2023 August 16 - MH back with the girl he dumped in March for …. That.

2023 September - Matty starts dating Gabby who he is still with.

I have no idea what happened in 2023, but I think the blind about him hating H is correct.

2024 February 15 - MH said on stage “Do not come for me. Trust me. You know who I’m talking to. Honestly, you know who you are. I’m as mental as I seem. I have the receipts. Don’t f**k with me. Trust me.”

2024 6 June to us weekly

“He loves the attention it’s brought to him, [but] he also thinks it’s hilarious because at no time [were they] ever serious,” the friend claims. Healy’s pal adds that the musician was “completely blindsided” by TTPD’s “lyrical content,” especially Swift’s allusions to her and a love interest discussing marriage and children. “For her to be saying things about baby carriages … and living together — he says it had never even come up,” the friend says.

2024 October 23 - Matty Healy on Doomscroll podcast likens Taylor to the Marvel of music because self-referential and implies it is not good. Says relationship was casual and will not write about her on the next album... after spending 2 hours complaining.

[shitsndgiggs]

Can you write a fanfic about arda güler?? Like maybe where its Valentines Day and they go out picnicking in istanbul and she wears a cute long dress with flowers on it and he gets her like presents or flowers that match her dress. Also i dont mind if its like friends to lovers where he confesses the same day or if theyre already together (maybe for some months) You could add some info or some other ideas i dont mind this is just a randon thought of me!! Thank youu. ♡

VALENTINES DAY - ARDA GÜLER

Spending Valentine’s Day with your lovely boyfriend

Arda Güler x fem! reader

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

Valentine's Day in Istanbul felt like something out of a dream. The sun bathed everything in a golden light, and the breeze was just strong enough to make the leaves rustle softly in the trees.

Arda and I had decided to spend the day picnicking by the Bosphorus, finding the perfect spot under a large tree with a view of the shimmering water and the distant, bustling city.

I wore a long, floral dress that flowed in the breeze, the colors reminding me of the flowers that had just begun to bloom.

Arda, always so thoughtful, had brought me a bouquet of flowers that matched my dress almost perfectly.

When he handed them to me, his shy smile made my heart skip a beat. Even after dating for a few months, we both still got a little nervous around each other, which made everything feel even more special.

We spread out the picnic blanket and shared food, talking softly and laughing at little jokes. The air was filled with the sounds of distant chatter and the occasional laughter from people walking nearby.

Every now and then, I’d catch Arda looking at me, his gaze warm and a little bashful. Whenever I caught him, he’d quickly glance away, his cheeks turning just the faintest shade of pink.

It was endearing how someone so confident on the football field could be so adorably shy with me.

As we sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company, I noticed a small girl running toward us from the nearby park. She was maybe five or six years old, her dark hair bouncing with each step.

She had a determined look on her face as she clutched a tiny flower in her hand, one that looked like it had just been picked from the ground.

She came to a stop right in front of me, her wide eyes filled with awe as she stared at me. For a moment, she simply stood there, as if gathering the courage to say what was on her mind.

Then, with a burst of confidence, she stepped closer and held out the flower to me.

“For you,” she said, her voice sweet and clear. “You’re so pretty…like a princess.”

I felt my heart melt at her words, a smile spreading across my face. “Thank you so much,” I said softly, taking the flower from her with gentle hands. “You’re so sweet. What’s your name?”

“Leyla,” she replied proudly, her small chest puffing up a bit as she said it. She seemed to look at me with such admiration, as if I really was the princess she thought I was.

“Well, Leyla, this is the most beautiful flower I’ve ever received,” I told her sincerely, holding the tiny flower up to my face and pretending to smell it, even though it had no real scent. “And you know what? You’re like a little princess too.”

Leyla’s eyes lit up at that, and she giggled with delight. Then, with a conspiratorial look on her face, she leaned in close to me and, in a loud whisper, asked, “Is he your prince?”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly, my eyes flicking over to Arda, who was watching us with an amused and affectionate smile. “Yes, he is,” I whispered back to her, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

Leyla’s grin grew even wider, and she nodded as if she had just confirmed something very important. “He’s really handsome,” she whispered again, her little voice full of seriousness. “You picked a good one.”

I bit back another laugh, touched by her innocent honesty. “I think you’re right,” I whispered back, glancing at Arda again.

He was clearly enjoying this little interaction, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and affection.

Leyla, satisfied with my answer, then took another look at Arda before turning back to me. “You’re really lucky. Princes are supposed to take care of their princesses. And I think he’ll take good care of you.”

I felt a swell of emotion at her words, so pure and sincere. “He does,” I said softly, my voice full of affection. “And I’ll take good care of him too.”

Just then, Leyla’s mother caught up to her, a mixture of embarrassment and apology on her face. “I’m so sorry,” she said, gently taking Leyla’s hand. “She’s very curious and loves talking to new people.”

“It’s perfectly fine,” I reassured her, still smiling. “She just made our day.”

Leyla looked up at me one last time and gave me a big, toothy smile. “Bye, princess!” she called out as her mother led her away.

“Bye, Leyla,” I called back, waving as she skipped away, still holding onto her mother’s hand.

As they walked off, I turned back to Arda, who had been watching the whole exchange with a soft smile on his face.

There was something in his eyes, a look that spoke of love and warmth, a look that made my heart swell.

“She’s got a good eye,” Arda teased gently, leaning in just a little closer.

“She does,” I agreed, my voice filled with warmth. “She’s smart, that one.”

Arda reached out, his fingers brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering as he looked at me with such tenderness. “I think I’m the lucky one here,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere.

I felt a rush of emotion, and suddenly, the world around us seemed to fade away. It was just the two of us, sitting by the Bosphorus, the flowers in my hand, and a love that felt like it was growing stronger with each passing day.

[joandfriedrich]

My Trip to Concord: Part Two

Location 2: Orchard House

We went up the path that lead to the church, and there was a table for guests to sign in with their info and whatever message they’d like to leave. I wrote something like “Best birthday ever for the biggest Little Women fan.” Beside it was a small garden and while it didn’t have any flowers, it was nice to imagine what could have been, and it being the cutest garden.

The tour started in the church, and I was able to get these photos.

Apologizes that the cabinet picture isn’t the greatest, but it was a picture of what appears to be Joan of Arc, and my friend wondered if perhaps Abigail had painted that too. While we waited, we watched this documentary piece (we did miss part of the beginning because we ran a little late at the cemetery) where an actress played LMA and gave a small tour of the house. Something worth noting, and it will be particularly sweet to a certain demographic, when the fictional LMA was showing the pictures from the house, she referred Thoreau as a “very, very, very special friend”. It made me smile like an idiot.

When it finished, our guide told us that this was the school of Philosophy, where Bronson was the superintendent. The bench by the tree was the bench Bronson often sat at. Then moving into the house, we started in the kitchen and I snuck this picture in before being told that we were not allowed any pictures. If you want a good idea of how the interior looks, the 1994 film did a phenomenal job with the design, the colors are a bit different, but the structure is pretty much the same.

This was where the well was, and it was protected by plexiglass. It’s interesting, because in October I got to see Edgar Allan Poe’s house in Baltimore, and Orchard house is so much bigger than that, and it really did feel as cozy and inviting as you’d imagine. From the kitchen to the dining room, it had a picture of LMA over the mantel by the stairs, one that was done after her illness and by the same painter who did Abraham Lincoln. The china in the cabinet was the family china, belonging to her mother, which is why it has “May” engraved as it was her maiden name.

The only bedrooms we saw were the parents, which had a small offshoot of Anna’s twin boys’ room, Abigail and, of course, Louisa. The rooms were all very good size, though Abigail's was smaller than the other two, but I get it, she was the youngest, and if remembering correctly, she moved out/was in Europe at an early age, and didn't need the space. What was so cool as seeing her artwork all around her room, protected by plexiglass, and a copy of her painting La Négresse, was featured in her room.

Louisa's room was my favorite, not just because it's Louisa, but because it had the coziest feel, was sunny, and had such a great history there. Our guide shared that Louisa stayed in this room primarily when she was sick during the war, and Abigail would keep her company, and while she lamented she couldn't get Louisa flowers (as they were pricey), she painted flowers in her room, and it's still there, and very beautiful. It's a black background, with calla lilies and some red flower I am not sure of (you can see a part of it if you look at Abigail's wiki page.).

Something to note, at various places around the house, there were small baskets of fake apples, and my mom asked me "what's with the apples", and I said, "well, it is called orchard house." And then a few minutes later, the guide said that there used to be apple trees that grew nearby and Bronson was known to give people apples even if they didn't ask for it. His study was pretty cool, saw a pocket watch holder that worked as well as a clock. On the shelf, the people of the museum filled it with different versions of LMA's works from all over the world, both in style and in language.

Off from there was Abigail's small art studio, which had a dollhouse like case where different scenes from Little Women are played out. And they discovered underneath the wallpaper and whatnot, outlines of Abigail's artwork, profiles of people that had come to visit, and the museum had protected it with plexiglass, and on that highlighted the profiles.

At the end, we were in the store and there were so many awesome things there that I could have wasted my money there, but I settled on a few things.

Starting at the top and going clockwise, a magnet with Louisa on it with the quote "Nothing is impossible to a determined woman". Next is a small book called "The Language of Flowers" which is, as the cover says, flowers and their meanings". Next is "Merry Christmas and Other Christmas Stories" written by LMA. "Orchard House: Home of Little Women" is a Emmy winning documentary, and was the one that played in the church, and next to it is the Katharine Hepburn Little Women (they had the 33, 94, 19 versions, but I was surprised they didn't have the 17 or even the 49 film, though that is apparently a tough find). Above her, is little kids book called "Little Women: A Playtime Primer", and it's going to be a gift for my nephew. Above that is an ornament of Orchard house with an engraving of LMA, and in the center is a tote bag.

I also got a candle that's called Pickled Limes, and holy crap it smells amazing! A sweet limey scent, which reminded me of @thegamineingrey post of how they were like candy back in the day, and I totally get it. Also, bonus inside, an umbrella charm which was what really sealed the deal, if not for the scent.

Here are pics of the outside of Orchard House, many of which were taken by my mom, since I was too busy just admiring the place.

Suffice to say, it is a beautiful house, full of a rich history and, just as the book, still feels relevant and like going home. I am glad we were able to make the trip out to see this amazing house.

[moonlitcryptid]

Little Secret

Pair: Sam Winchester x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.9 K (I love Sam sm)

Summary: Sam is kinda late for a very important date! He sneaks to see a certain someone and they reminisce about how they came together.

Warnings: CURSING (do I even need to say that anymore??)

A/N: Lemme know if ya’ll want a part 2 where she finds out about who he really is and stuff.

Another week comes and goes, and another hunt in the bag for the Winchester brothers. It was a simple hunt; a small nest of vamps that needed to be ganked. Just because it was simple doesn’t mean it was enjoyable. They still had bumps and bruises from being thrown around. More Dean than Sam because a certain squirrel didn’t realize a woman at the bar was one of them. Oh well, comes with the territory. Now all he wanted to do was sleep, but Sam had other plans.

They got to the bunker sometime after 8 PM, Dean going straight to the fridge to get a beer and making a beeline to his room. Cas followed him, spurring a number of possibilities in Sam’s head. Most of which he cringed at the thought of, but he had no time to ponder. He was already running late and he had to go NOW. Sam almost sprinted to the bathroom, taking a quick shower and switching his blood-soaked clothes for a cleaner, nicer outfit. He checked himself in the mirror, making sure his hair wasn’t too messy and he looked presentable. When he thought he looked ok, he grabbed a wrapped box and booked it out the front door. It took maybe 10 minutes, but Sam was still panicking and rushing.

Sam started up the Impala after sending Dean a text that he was going to the bar for the night. He didn’t bother waiting for a reply as he started driving to a town almost 30 minutes away. Before he got to his destination, he stopped by a nearby flower shop that thankfully was still open and purchased a bouquet of (F/C) roses and a bottle of wine. Then he continued on his way to the to the little brick house he came to know the past year as his second home. He was in such a rush, he almost forgot to turn off the car before heading inside. He used the key he had gotten a couple months prior and let himself in, where he headed straight towards the kitchen. There, he saw her.

(Y/N) was standing over the stove, cooking with her back facing him, in a form-fitting dress that took Sam’s breath away. He placed the flowers, wine, and gift on the table before going up to (Y/N) and hugging them from behind. (Y/N) giggled, putting a hand over his and craning her head up for their eyes to meet.

“Well hello, you freakishly tall stranger. You’re right on time! Dinner is just about done.” She beamed as Sam pressed a loving kiss to her temple. Then she turned off the stove and put the food onto plates, to which Sam brought them to the table. He took the chance to light some candles and pour the wine into a couple of glasses. As soon as she came to the table, he pulled out the chair for her, making her feel like royalty.

They spent their dinner mainly giving each other loving looks from across the table. Not many words were said, but not many needed to be said. This was their night and they were going to enjoy it. After a few minutes, (Y/N) caught Sam blatantly staring at them, at which they started laughing.

“Ok, why are you doing that?” Sam grinned.

“Doing what?”

“Staring at me. Nothing you haven’t seen before.”

“But it’s nothing I wouldn’t love to see every day.” He replied fondly, to which (Y/N) blushed.

“Shut up and finish dinner, you moose.” He chuckled but did as she said. Soon they moved over to the couch, wine glasses in hand.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year…” Sam huffed and grinned.

“More, if you count when we first met.” (Y/N) nodded, agreeing with Sam.

“Yeah, I remember. All of it.”

-2 years ago-

“Dean, there’s nothing here,” Sam yelled to his brother, frustratedly flipping through another file from the Men of Letters’ horde of info. He heard his older brother groan, just as frustrated and exhausted as him. They’ve been researching for hours about a creature that had them stumped, and it was one of those moments where the MoL didn’t have anything substantial. They were running out of options.

“Ok, that’s it. I’m done! We’ve been at this bullshit for almost two days now. I need a drink. I’m heading to the bar.” Dean grabbed his jacket and walked out, slamming the door shut behind him. Sam, however, wouldn’t give up. He remembered a library a couple towns over and headed there. Luckily, Dean left the Impala.

As soon as he got there, Sam spent the next hour scouring the place for any books that sound like they could help. Finally, at long last, he found one book. The library computer said that it was in the back corner, but when he went there it was missing. Exasperated, he went up to the librarians.

“Hey, um, I’m sorry, but I was looking for the book called ‘Rare Folklore for the Weird and Occult’.” The old lady behind the counter gave him a sad smile.

“Sorry, dear, but it’s not available.” Sam frowned.

“But you haven’t even checked!”

“I know, but I remember the book. It looked strange… Anyways, that young lady over there just checked it out before you came up here.” She replied, pointing at the woman who was walking out. Sam thanked her before sprinting to catch up to the woman.

“WAIT!” He caught her right as she was about to open her car door. She whipped around and gave him an odd look once she realized he was talking to her.

“Um, can I help you, sir?” She replied politely, kind of nervous that a strange, yet damn gorgeous, man is trying to talk to her. He was breathing a bit heavier from the short run and pointed at the large book in her arms.

“I need that book.” She stared at him wide-eyed and shook her head.

“Sorry, sir, but I need this book, too.”

“Come on, I’ve been looking for a book like that for almost two days! I need to do research!” He exclaimed. The woman scoffed and put a hand on her hip.

“I need it, too! I have a huge paper to write, and I’m not failing a class my final year! I’m so close to my masters!” Now Sam grew wide-eyed.

“Yeah, well I…” The words died on his lips. He couldn’t tell her the real reason why he needed it. Not to mention that one look at her and he felt his stomach twist. He sighed and waved at her. “Nevermind. Keep it, I’ll find something else.”

(Y/N) was about to take his word and leave, but something made her stop. She just opened the car door before turning back to Sam, who had started to walk to his car.

“Hey!” He turned to face her. She didn’t know if she would regret what she was about to do, but it wouldn’t hurt. “There’s a nice coffee shop not far from here called Moonlit Coffee. Not a lot of people, pretty great food and drinks, and great wifi. If you’re willing to meet there in say… 20 minutes?? I’m willing to share the book with you. You can research and I’ll write my paper. What do you say?”

Sam grinned, glad they could reach a compromise. “Deal. Hey, the name’s Sam.”

She beamed back, “(Y/N).”

-

“Even after we spent the entire day together, I never did figure out what you wanted with that book. I mean, what does a consultant need with info about the ‘occult’?” (Y/N) laughed, Sam not so much.

After two years of knowing each other, he still never told her the truth about the real world. If he told her, then her own little world would become a lot bigger and scarier. He couldn’t do that to her. Sam loved her too much. Anytime that he went out of town because of a hunt, Sam would tell (Y/N) it was part of his job as a ‘consultant’ to travel around. It was safer that way.

“Oh!” Sam suddenly realized he forgot something, bolting from the couch to the kitchen. He came back, flowers and gift in hand. (Y/N) swooned a little, wondering how she got such a perfect man. Sam put the flowers in the vase on the table,  then handed her the present. It was the size of her hand and was actually kind of heavy.

She unwrapped it to find a small book on mythology, to which she laughed, a guitar pick, and a lovely necklace of the moon and stars. She was in awe of it, and Sam helped her put it on.

“Thank you, Sam. It’s beautiful! But…” Sam grew worried. She picked up the guitar pick and waved it in his face. “Why must you always remind me of this?!”

Sam relaxed and they ended up laughing hysterically. “What? You don’t like a reminder about how I was your hero?”

-1 year ago-

“I can’t believe this… Why are you making me do this?” (Y/N) questioned their friend, who was helping them get ready for a blind date.

“I’m not making you do anything! I just suggested, about 1000 times, that you go out with this guy! He’s reeaaally cool. I think you’ll really like him.” They said, handing her a very tight dress that left little to the imagination. “Now, put this on! You’ll look so cool!”

(Y/N) was getting annoyed at their love for the word ‘cool’. “There’s a difference between ‘cool’ and ‘good’...”

(Y/N) could only think about how she wished Sam could be here. In fact, that’s the only reason she was going on this date. Sam and (Y/N) were supposed to have a movie night like they usually do, but something with his job popped up and her friend seized the opportunity to play Cupid.

Another hour, and (Y/N) was sitting in the restaurant waiting for the guy named ‘Chris’. He was running late and she had to deflect the waiter three times now. Ten minutes later and finally he showed up, but he wasn’t what (Y/N) was expecting at all.

He was some man who looked like a wannabe skater boy. His dirty blonde hair was overgrown and completely unattractive, not to mention greasy. He looks like he just came out of roughhousing in the park; completely dirty. He wouldn’t even look at (Y/N), he just barked the waiter over and ordered for himself. Through the meal, (Y/N) tried talking to him, but he would either give short responses or go on a long tangent. ‘Sam would respond to me…’ Most of his radical stories were of when he and his band would tour. Well, will tour. He came up with excuses why they haven’t yet, but (Y/N) was annoyed. ‘Sam wouldn’t spin these wild stories to try to impress me…’ The entire night, he only talked about himself and didn’t give two shits about (Y/N). ‘Sam would actually care about me…’

(Y/N) couldn’t help but think of Sam throughout the evening. Sam has always been a best friend to (Y/N). Plus he was incredibly smart, kind, and overall amazing. Sam could flip her mood from sad to excited! She always had the most fun when he was with her. She wished he was here instead of Chris. When their dinner was coming to a close, Chris turned to (Y/N), now kind of antsy.

“Hey, I gotta take a leak. Be right back.” Without giving her a chance to respond, he bolted. She saw him pull aside their waiter and whisper in their ear The next thing she knew the waiter was bringing the check to an abandoned (Y/N). She growled, realizing she had been played by a no-good asshat.

While she was cursing under her breath and fishing through her purse for a card, someone rather tall took a seat across from her. She was annoyed, not willing to deal with more bull until she got a look at the stranger. Instantly, she beamed and rushed over.

“Sammy!” She exclaimed, grabbing the man into a bear hug. He laughed, and her heart fluttered after hearing it. “I thought you would be out of town for another week! How did you know I was here?”

“Well, we finished the job early, so I came back, and I passed by the window and saw you inside. As I recall, we have a movie night?” (Y/N) sighed.

“Yeah, I’m not really in the mood anymore. My dick of a date pulled a dine-and-dash on me…” Sam grew livid. How dare someone treat HIS (Y/N) that way. At least that’s what he wished he could say. When (Y/N) explained what happened, Sam bolted to the restrooms and found the poor sucker waiting out in one of the stalls. He pulled him out by the collar and placed him on the table. It all happened so quick, (Y/N)’s mind was scrambling to keep up.

“Now, you’re gonna be an actual gentleman and pay for the meal instead of being a jackass deadbeat. Now, leave (Y/N) alone.” He spat at a terrified Chris, grabbing (Y/N)’s hand and taking her out of there. (Y/N) was ecstatic that someone stood up for her without asking, especially if that someone is Sam.

Sam took (Y/N) back to her house, where he was still angry and paced around the living room.

“I can’t believe he did that to you!”

“Sam.”

“I mean come on! Does no one have common human decency anymore?!”

“Sammy.”

“I swear I should’ve -”

“SAM!” Sam jolted. (Y/N) gave him a funny look and he realized he was getting worked up over nothing. The issue had passed, and now (Y/N) was safe. And with Sam. Now he felt a bit embarrassed about going on a rampage.

“Did you at least have a good time…?” Sam awkwardly questioned.

“Did it look like I had a good time?” (Y/N) scoffed, gesturing to herself. Sam shook his head before he really looked at her and noticed what she was wearing. He blushed, clenching his jaw and forcing himself not to stare. (Y/N) sighed, running her hands through her hair. “I just need to forget tonight. It was a mistake to think I could start dating again…”

“No,” Sam remarked. (Y/N) stared at him, growing curious and butterflies fluttering again. Sam stared at her, the same fluttering in his stomach. “Y-You don’t have to quit dating. At least not until you’ve given me a chance?”

(Y/N) couldn’t believe her ears. Her crush basically asked her out and she couldn’t move. Her heart was pounding out of her chest, but little did she know he was feeling the same way. Sam didn’t know where he got the courage from, but now he could barely focus on anything but one thought. What if she said no?

He was so out of it, he almost didn’t hear it.

“I’m sorry, what?” He questioned, praying to Chuck he heard right.

“I said I would love to. I want to give you a chance. Hell, I’ve wanted to give you a chance for a long time now!” (Y/N) replied, grinning like a madman. Again, Sam was no different. He was on cloud nine. He rushed over, picking her up in a bear hug as she laughed. One of the worst nights suddenly became one of the best.

-

“That really was the night you saved me.” (Y/N) grinned, fiddling with the guitar pick. Sam smirked and took a sip of his wine, happy.

As the night progressed, the couple ended up watching a movie and cuddling on the couch. However, towards the end of the movie, (Y/N) had fallen asleep with her head on Sam’s lap. When Sam noticed, he dared not move but to gently stroke her hair. She looked so peaceful. So pure compared to the evil world he was used to. He had debated tonight whether or not to tell her, but of course, he had decided to wait again. He couldn’t risk dragging her into his crazy world. Not if he could help it. (Y/N) is someone who he would gladly put his life on the line for in a heartbeat, but he would never ask her to do the same.

He turned off the TV, picked her up, and walked her to the bedroom. He placed her under the covers, making sure she was comfortable, before taking the place next to her. He just looked at her, knowing he would have to leave soon but he never wanted to leave. She was his little taste of normal. His little secret that he loved to Heaven and back.

[aizawa-yamada-shinsou]

What does it mean to be human? Pt. 1

Summary: The Jims just didn’t want to do the tasks Dark had assigned them. How did it end up with the four separated, how did it end with CJ in the middle of Monster Gulch? What will he do in with the previously undiscovered ego, and how will his three brothers do without him?

Part 1

Part 2

“What the hell is he? Even here people don’t just appear…”

“I’m more concerned about whY HE LOOK EXACTLY LIKE ME?!”

Jim blinked slowly to the loud voices nearby that had been fading in and out.  Sunlight streamed through large maple trees. This wasn’t right… the forest near the Office was mostly oak…

“Oh look he’s up!” A pale face was suddenly in his line of sight, making him yelp and swing out with his camera. The guy leaped back with inhuman speed as laughter sounded to his left. There stood a woman with ragged clothing holding on to the man next to her for support as she laughed. The man rolled his eyes before his eyes turned back to Jim, narrowed in suspicion, hand tightening on his machete. Jim’s heart stopped as he recognized the fluffy black hair and hard dark brown eyes under the muck and grime.

“What are you?” The Mark look alike growled advancing towards him. The girl sighed and grabbed his arm.

“Come on Mark,” She whined, “He seems human enough, plus his reflexes are pretty good,”

“He looks exactly like me in fancy clothes and glasses, Dodger!” Mark snapped, “That’s not normal even outside the Gulch!”

“I-I can explain…” Jim piped up, “I think I can at least…”

Mark scowled as the vampire leaned down and offered Jim a hand up. With only a brief hesitation he grabbed the offered hand.

He gripped his camera close to his chest as he stared at the angered face mirrored back at him. He had no idea if he was looking at an alternate version of his creator, or if this was another undiscovered tulpa, or even if he just dropped into a video that Mark had made in the past, let alone where he was. Perhaps honesty was the best possible choice?

“So uh…” He squeaked out wishing RJ was here to do the talking, “Have you ever heard of a tulpa?”

“Tulpa?” the woman asked, “Sounds like Mexican food.”

“That’s Chalupa, Dodger,” Mark groaned, “Can you please be serious in front of the monster,”

“Oh!” The vampire breathed, “Tulpas? That’s what you and Mark are! That makes so much sense!”

Jim nodded slowly, knowing the vampire would be able to smell if Mark wasn’t entirely human. Dodger and Mark stared at the vampire in surprise.

“What do you mean Enis?” Mark asked slowly.

“Yeah, dude, Mark’s human,” Dodger corrected the vampire, Enis. Enis cocked his head.

“No he isn’t,” Enis said, “He’s never smelled entirely human. The fact he’s a tulpa makes a lot of sense actually..”

“What the hell do you mean?” Mark asked eyes going wide, “I think I would know if I was a monster or not!”

“Your name is Mark Edward Fischbach isn’t it?”

They all snapped to look at Jim who gulped and continued on the facts of his creator’s life flowing easily from his lips, “You were born in Honolulu Hawaii, not Oahu as you hate when people say Oahu as no one actually refers to the island like that. You grew up in Ohio with your father and stepmother after your parents got divorced. You had a few close friends growing up and were really close to your brother Jason, or as he started going by when he was older Thomas. You were studying to be an engineer when your father contracted cancer and ultimately died. It wasn’t until you contracted your own medical issues, including a tumor in your gut, did you decide to give up on being an engineer. After that, you decided that if you had to live your life you were going to do what you enjoyed. Have I messed anything up yet?”

The other man gripped his stomach, where Jim knew the scar from the surgery lay, face ashy grey.

“I haven’t told anyone about any of that stuff,” he mumbled softly. Jim winced, untucking his polo shirt from his slacks to flash what he knew to be an identical scar on his abdomen.

“I know because we’re based on the same person. The info I just told you is based on our creator, Mark,” Jim said, “ Tulpas are being based on mental or psychic energy willing it into existence.”

Dodger and the vampire shared a look.

“Alright, how about you two keep your clothes on and we figure out what to do with you somewhere a little more safe from monsters,” She said, jabbing her finger in Jim’s chest before she grabbed Mark’s shirt sleeve and dragged him with her.

“Wait, we just came from that way!” the vamp called running after them.

“Shut it, Enis,” Dodger snapped, “We’re like a half an hour out from the bandit shack we stayed in last night. We can wait to figure out what to do until we get there, and Mark no longer looks like he’s going to upchuck.”

Jim frowned and jogged up towards them, hand digging into his pockets, “Eat this,” Jim said holding out a few peppermints. Mark blinked down at them in stupor.

“How did you know…” He trailed off grimacing, not looking at his double’s face. Jim shrugged softly, not willing to tell him he knew that peppermint would work because it worked on all of the Ipliers, how everyone from studio always kept peppermints on hand for when Bim worked himself up too much. Silence fell heavily over them as they crunched their way through the underbrush, Mark’s color returned as he sucked on the cool candy.

“So what’s your name?”  

Jim yelped as Enis appeared right next to him with a bright grin. It didn’t take much for Jim to smile back.

“Jim,” he answered, “Jim’s name is Jim, but his family calls him CJ.”

“Family?” Dodger asked, “You have a family?”

Jim couldn’t help the nervous chuckle that bubbled from his lips, “Sure, I mean what else would I consider Mark’s other tulpas?”

“OTHERS?!”

He had been running since the explosion had sounded from the Jim’s corner of the Studio, louder and stronger than any of the normal chaos in the Office, it shook the whole building enough to knock more than one ego off their feet. In his panic, he seemed to forget his power to teleport instead rushing as quickly as he could on foot up the four flights of stairs from his greenhouse to the studio.  

The doors were already open when Bim arrived so he didn’t slow as he flew into the main studio room only to freeze at the damage.

The whole studio was scorched beyond recognition, brightly colored flames dancing nearly cheerfully on what was left of props and filming equipment around them, most of which he couldn’t even tell what it was anymore.

Hellfire, he realized with a sicking twist to his gut as he pushed himself forward towards the charred remains of a wall that divided the Jim’s News platform from his game show’s stage.

Bim heart jumped into his throat as he saw the clusters of people in the blackened room.

Off to the side stood Wilford, the pink man covered in soot but looking no worse for wear, leaning over the prone form of AJ, WJ kneeling next to him as Doctor Iplier’s working on him. The Jims’ clothes were burned almost completely away, their forms having gone back to demonic to heal the burns that should have covered most of their bodies. Even so there bloody cuts and scratches littering their pelts from the explosion, and AJ had a nasty looking head wound knitting itself back together from Doctor Iplier’s magic touch.

His eyes were then drawn to the middle of the room in the only unscathed section of the room sat RJ, his black eyes glazed lifelessly at the demolished outer wall of the studio, over the splintered remains of trees down below. His deep green was outstretched unmoving in front of him. Dark knelt to his left, talking in deep rich otherworldly tones to the smaller imp but was gaining no response, even as his demands to know what happened grew louder. Ice rain through his veins as he realized there didn’t seem to be another person in the room.

“Hilaire! ” His cry was met with a blink and RJ turning his head towards him as his own human disguise disintegrated. At the same time AJ struggling to sit up to Doctor Iplier’s protest,  but WJ batted the Doc’s hands away with a firm shake of his head as he pulled the older demon to a sitting position. Bim waited patiently until all three of his underlings were staring at him with attentiveness most would deny the news crew of possessing before his eyes softened and he ordered quietly “Report.”

The imp seemed only able to utter a single syllable.

“Gone.”

[splashrollstumble]

Brasov – More than Just Dracula, a Hidden Jewel of Eastern Europe

I came to Brasov with the plan to stay just one night and, like everyone else, all I planned to see was Bran Castle: the legendary home of the Vampire Dracula.

On arrival, I checked into a very cheap hostel (45 lei / €8) called Art Hostel which isn’t in the best location but since I was only planning to stay a night I didn’t mind. It’s probably the smallest hostel in the world, with only one 8-bed room and a tiny kitchen and common area but I really liked it. That evening I headed out to explore, not expecting to find much in this pokey little village. After a brief walk around the old town square and the Black Church, I discovered a busy looking road full of bars and restaurants. Being Saturday night, it was quite packed with a bustling mix of young and old locals.

I soon came across a bar called Biblioteque, which caught my eye because I know it as the word for ‘library’. Turning up the long passageway that forms the entrance to the bar I found it was lined with bookshelves full of old books, antiques, and board games. Immediately I was enamored with this bizarre find and began to realize there is far more to this pokey little village than I first assumed. After a few beers and a bit more exploring the awesome nightlife on offer I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving Brasov tomorrow.

In the end, I actually stayed a whole two weeks AND didn’t even go to Bran Castle in that time. I did cycle the 25 kms to the Bran Castle location on my first day as planned but it was a Sunday and the place was absolutely packed. It looked like Disney World with all the cheap souvenirs, stalls and hawkers trying to sell you crap. It was not at all like the creepy environment I expected and I quickly decided I had wasted my time coming here. Also, it was never even the home of Vlad the Impaler who inspired Dracula – it just looks similar to the castle described in Bram Stoker’s Dracula book.

On the cycle home, I decided to take a different route via Poiana Brasov (the ski resort overlooking Brasov) due in part to roadworks I had encountered on the way and the feeling that I should at least do something while I’m out. The road was fairly long and steep but I didn’t have my bags so it went smoothly despite the lack of any high range gears on my bike. As I climbed I quickly began falling in love with the surrounding nature and by the time I was cycling down the hill on the opposite side back into Brasov, I had again reiterated to myself that I would be staying longer.

I entered back into Brasov through a nice dirt path and then turned on to a road that followed the ancient walls and a small river. Suddenly I came across a door in the rock face opposite the river with a bridge leading to it. It was pitch black inside and as I stood wondering if it was open to exploring, somebody popped out and confirmed that its a collection of tunnels that you can explore with your phone torch.

So I went in and spent about an hour exploring and got quite deep into the caves, having to crawl at some places. Eventually, I grew concerned I may not find my way out and started heading back. It was a bit confusing at parts but I eventually escaped unscathed. I thought it’s pretty cool to just have something like this open to the public with none of the usual worries about health and safety. Oh Romania, you silly sausage.

Getting closer to town

That evening I began to develop a rather nasty cough and spent the next day in bed at the hostel, getting some work done but mostly trying to rest. It may have been from overexerting myself on the cycle, or possibly something I inhaled while in the cave? Either way, I booked another night in the hostel and stayed in that night. A hitch-hiker showed up and we got chatting and he said hitch-hiking in Romania was very easy and people were friendly. He went out and when he came back showed me some amazing pictures from a hike he had done up to the Brasov sign, so I resolved to do the same before I leave.

The following day I abandoned plans I had made to leave Brasov and go cycle the Transfagarasan Highway and instead moved to another hostel more centrally located. Incredibly, this hostel was even smaller than Art Hostel, with only one 6-bed dorm and a tiny bathroom but a slightly bigger kitchen. I got some more work done and then went for a hike to the Brasov sign, which turned out to be quite a lot further and higher than the hitch-hiker had made out. It was totally worth the view though, and some good exercise.

When I got back, another cycle-tourer was at the hostel – a French guy who was heading in the opposite direction to me. We chatted a bit and then he headed out to an Irish bar called Deane’s where I later found him. The bar was having a 10 lei pizza special (about €2) so I joined him and some girls he had met and we had a few €1.50 beers and pizza. I guess it’s not the most traditional Romanian place but it’s a really cool bar, and they do karaoke every Tuesday!

The 7 Ladders Canyon

By now I had picked some info about the surrounding area and heard about an incredible hike up a gorge called the 7 Ladders Canyon. I headed off early the next day on the 10 km cycle to the canyon, stopping briefly for some very cheap McDonalds breakfast along the way. I locked up my bike on arrival and began the easy 2-hour walk to the start of the gorge. It follows a small river and a really awesome looking zip-line course which I planned to do on the way down. Entrance to the 7-ladders canyon is about 30 lei (about €6) so remember to bring some cash if you intend doing this. Luckily, I had enough, but the zipline is quite a bit more (80 lei), so I decided against that.

Hence the name, the canyon consists of a climb up 7 steel ladders through a huge gorge created by the river and has a similar feel to Antelope Canyon in the US. Along the way, I met a Norwegian girl who was living and studying in Copenhagen. She wanted to continue the hike all the way to the top of the mountain but was afraid of bears and asked if I would join her. I said yes, of course, because it was the chivalrous thing to do and not at all because she was drop-dead gorgeous.

After what felt like ages up steep sections over rocks and dirt where the path sometimes disappeared completely, we eventually reached a clearing with a small hut. The hut was a refuge for hikers and had some supplies so the Norwegian girl bought us a coke each since I had shared my water and biscuits with her. From here it was another hour or so hike to the highest point and we bumped into some others who decided to join us – a Norwegian guy who looked like a Viking, a French girl named Camille and an English girl from London. Just as we were heading off a small bear walked out of the forest up ahead and crossed the path but didn’t even notice us. After that, we were all on the lookout for more bears but sadly didn’t see any.

We did, however, bump into a shepherd who got very mad with us for apparently scaring his sheep off the path although we couldn’t understand what he was actually shouting. Despite taking another two hours, the hike to the top was totally worth it as the views are unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve heard that the mountains in Switzerland are even more beautiful but they would have to be pretty spectacular to beat this! If you ever get a chance to visit Romania, which you definitely should, I would recommend this hike over any other tourist attraction.

Becoming a local

During the hike, we had all become friends but sadly the Norwegian and English girls had to leave that evening, so I arranged to meet Camille and the Viking for some after-hike drinks. We went to Bibliotheque for some beers and then another bar where we drank some Bechrovka shots and then headed back to their hostel for homemade Palinka, an awful tasting local liquor. Needless to say, I stumbled back to my hostel very drunk, with the promise to move to their hostel, Boemia, the next day.

Despite a mild hangover, I was up early, packed my stuff and moved to Boemia hostel before the others even woke up. After being assigned a bed I had some coffee and got some work done. I was now quite settled in Brasov and had quite decided I might just live here now, so I no longer felt the need to try squeeze in lots of touristy stuff. Camille was a volunteer at the hostel along with a Kiwi girl, Jess, who I had briefly met the night before. They took turns looking after the hostel in the evenings in exchange for free food and board and so the young couple who ran it could get some time off.

Peles Castle

I had been hearing a lot about Peles Castle since I arrived, which people reported as far more beautiful than Bran Castle, so Camille, the Viking and I decided to go visit it the following day. We headed off early and took the €3 train to nearby Sinaia, a short walk from the castle. It really is far more beautiful, although quite expensive to visit if you want to see the whole thing. Just the first floor is 30 lei (€6) and for both floors, it’s double (60 lei), which seems excessive. The other two had student cards so they got half-price but I decided I couldn’t afford that much and just took a first-floor ticket.

After exploring the opulent first floor we attempted to go upstairs but they asked to check our tickets. I said I had accidentally given mine in at the door but since the other two had second-floor tickets, she assumed we were a group and let me in. Score! If you do go to Peles and can afford it, I suggest getting a ticket for both floors (or sneaking in like me) – the upstairs is far more impressive than the first floor! Annoyingly, they try to scam an extra 30 lei out of you for ‘photograph tax’, which is bullshit and I told them so. It does, however, mean you need to be very discreet when taking photos if you don’t cough it up. Fortunately, after traveling to so many supposedly ‘sacred’ sites around the world, I’m a pro at taking discreet photos.

That evening the Viking had to leave but Jess, another guest and I headed out to watch a live music event that the local council was hosting in the town square. It featured some local bands and ended off with an incredible opera singer that sounded as professional as anything I’ve seen on TV (although, I’m tone deaf so what would I know).

We took a bus up to Poiana Brasov the following morning despite mild hangovers and decided to hike up to one of the ski chalets. It wasn’t the most beautiful hike as it mostly followed a dirt road that is a skiing piste during winter. However, at the top, we discovered the pot of gold – free food and palinka! We don’t know why, but a small restaurant was giving away platters of bread, ham, cheese, and cake along with free shots of palinka, so we proceeded to get drunk before stumbling back down the mountain and almost dying. Good day.

Transfagarasan

I spent the following few days mostly working during the day and playing increasingly complex drunken card games with Camille and Jess in the evenings. The hostel (Boemia) had a nice flow of really interesting guests, many of which we got to join in with our game of figuring out, and then playing loudly, the song that was number one when they were born. This, I found, is a great way to get everyone in the hostel involved, even the commonly shy ones. I really should work in a hostel full time.

Anyway, during these days we formulated a plan to hire a car and drive up what Jeremy Clarkson once called the most beautiful road in the world – the Transfagarasan! The road was built by ex-president Ceausescu as an attempt to improve upon the already popular Transalpina, a few kilometres to the west. While it is admittedly more impressive, it is so treacherous that they need to close it every winter.

The car hire companies are a bit odd in Romania and require a minimum rental period of 2 days, so we collected the car the day before Jess and I drove up to Poiana Brasov to have some lunch. It was also good practice for me to get used to driving on the right. The next day we all woke up super early and hit the road at 7 am, along with Camille’s friend who had come to visit her for the weekend. Unfortunately, we didn’t choose the best day weather-wise but that just added to the spookiness of the Romanian countryside.

The road past Bran and around the back of the Carpathian mountains winds up and down along mountainous roads with beautiful scenery all around. It’s dotted with creepy old towns that are littered with interesting and bizarre sights, like strange sculptures and bizarre buildings. After a few hours driving, we eventually began the ascent up the south side of the Transfagarasan, where we stopped to visit another one of Dracula’s supposed castle – Poianeri. Unfortunately, it was closed due to bears, so we continued on across precariously built bridges and through small tunnels until we were winding up along the sides of a huge valley.

Suddenly I realized we were very short on fuel and the chances of finding a gas station out here were slim. The girls were freaking out but I figured as long as we get over the peak we can just free-wheel down the other side to the gas station at the bottom. We had one moment of panic when we stopped for photos and the car wouldn’t start at first but eventually, we made it to the top. Right at the very peak is a short tunnel which, when driven through, result in the most extraordinary event. On the side, we entered it was sunny and clear weather but as we broke out the other side it was practically snowing! The sky was dark with clouds, thick rain was falling and patches of snow surrounded the road. It was like going through a portal into another world.

We found somewhere to park the car amongst the throng of tourists and day-trippers and went to explore this strange landscape. Despite being mid-summer, large swathes of snow remained on the mountain, almost like a glacier. Despite this, many people were hanging around by the lake and some even went for a brief swim. The view from the top is incredible, looking down over what must be the windiest road ever built. Surprisingly, the food stalls at the top weren’t overpriced and we managed to get a decent lunch for about 15 lei (€3). One of the nicer things about Romania is that it isn’t spoilt by tourism…. yet.

Soon we needed to head down, so we all climbed back in the car and started to roll down the road with the engine off to save petrol. It made it difficult to brake and steer without mechanical assistance, especially considering the sharp corners and steep inclines, but we made it. We stopped briefly to explore a waterfall near the base of the pass and then got back on the road for the long ride home.

Personally, I find Brasov to be one of the undiscovered jewels of Eastern Europe but a friend of mine recently visited and found it boring. This highlights how unique the travel experience is for each different individual and how our perception is largely subjective. I always hope my blogs can help people to enjoy a destination better but in reality, the only way to know is to get out there and do it yourself.

As always, have a happy journey …. and never stop exploring!

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[moonlight-at-dawn]

My Strength Lies in You || Chapter 2

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Title: My Strength Lies in You Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Eventual) Pairing: Noctuna (Noctis Lucis Caelum x Lunafreya Nox Fleuret) Characters: Noctis Lucis Caelum, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum Rating: T Genre: Friendship, Romance (slow burn, maybe?) Summary: Noctis has come of age, and he embarks on a journey to see more of his country and of the world alongside his four closest friends. Wherever they go, they protect the people, fight monsters and daemons, and heal the Starscourge. AU where Noctis isn’t the Chosen King and there’s no war with the Empire. Author’s Note: Sorry for the long delay orz

AO3 Link

It was mid-afternoon and they hadn't seen much sign of civilization for some time. The region they were in didn't have a very forgiving landscape, all rock and dirt for the most part, so it seemed people didn't settle down too much there. Sometimes they saw small collections of buildings off in the distance, but they didn't even know what roads would get them there.

In the front of the open top Regalia, Prompto was melting in his seat, his cheek resting against his shoulder as he looked up out of the car at the hazy sky, "Man, when are we gonna get there... Thought it was closer than this."

"We ought to be there before nightfall, which is the most important part," Ignis answered as he set his canned coffee down in the cup holder.

Noct frowned, his eye cracking open as he woke up from a nap and yawned. "What's the rush, anyways, Prompto? We're gonna be on the road for a long time, better get used to it now."

"I just thought we'd be making more stops."

"There's not a lot in Leide between Insomnia and Hammerhead. The terrain isn't very forgiving. Once we get out there, though, Lucis should open up and we should see far more settlements and towns."

"So what's at this Hammerhead, anyways?"

"A garage owned by a friend of my old man's," Noctis answered, stretching his arms over his head and leaning aside so as not to crowd Luna too much. Glancing around a moment, he reached back and hoisted himself up to sit on the car with his feet in his seat instead. The wind whipped through his hair and he leaned forward so he could continue the discussion, "Since we'll be out so long, we're gonna stop and have him service the Regalia. He's the one who customized her in the first place."

"What'll we do in the meantime?"

"Whatever we can within walking distance. There's supposed to be havens around. We'll check in with the hunters and info brokers and make our plans from there," Gladio answered.

Luna nodded at everything and smiled, clasping her hands in her lap, "I'd like to check out every haven that we can, to be sure that they are all at full power still. If any are weakened, I'd need to look into why, and perform a ritual to strengthen the runes."

"Yeah? Never even really occurred to me... Good thing you're with us to check all this out, Luna."

She smiled up at him, pushing aside hair that flew into her face with the shift of wind. "It's unlikely there will be a problem anywhere, but it certainly is good to check. Now, Noctis?"

"Yeah?"

"Get back in your seat before you fall out, please."

Prompto and Gladio burst out laughing at the sudden scolding, and Noct leaned back on his arms with a reckless grin, "It's fine. If I do fall out, I can warp to safety at the very least."

"And if I don't pull over for you to catch up?"

"You'd leave your prince alone in the wilds, Ignis?"

"No, but you should be prepared for any situation."

"Please, Noctis, sit back down."

Sighing with annoyance, Noct shifted back down, bending a knee to the seat and bracing himself with an arm. Then he changed his mind. Hooking that arm around Luna, he sat back up on the car, holding onto her to be sure she had her balance, and he smirked as she glared at him through her bangs wildly flapping in her face. "It's not so bad up here, right, Luna?" he asked as he smoothed his hand over her forehead, carefully pushing her hair out of her face.

"The view's nice, but the wind's too strong. And it's too dangerous! Now let's sit IN the car!"

She slipped back down into her seat and looked up at him expectantly. Shoulders dropping, he figured it would take some time for her to grow comfortable with it, and he dropped down beside her. Running fingers through his hair, he gave her a lopsided grin and a shrug, "Sorry, Luna. But I really wasn't in any danger."

Luna settled back and sighed softly, then turned a smile on him and shook her head, "I'm sure you weren't, with your magic, but it makes me petrified to think of you falling out."

Flushing slightly at the open concern, Noct leaned against the door and played it cool with a wave of his hand, "Well, neither of us has seen the other in survival or combat situations before, even with as long as we've known each other... You'll get used to it when you have a better idea of what I can do."

"I am looking forward to seeing you in action. Though I don't want to see you hurt..."

"Good thing we have a healer with us."

"I can only do so much."

"Then it's a good thing I can create potions, too," Noct laughed.

"Show off," Gladio grinned from the other end of the back seat, shaking his head. "Maybe be a little more humble, huh, Highness?"

"It's not bragging if it's true."

"It's kinda bragging," Prompto chimed in.

Noct sighed and turned to her, "Luna, help me out here..."

She laughed quietly at the way he had been ganged up on, and she patted his knee, "I know, you're just trying to set my mind at ease. Thank you, Noctis."

He nodded at that, and motioned to her while leaning forward so he could look between both Prompto and Gladio, "See? I knew she'd understand what I was getting at."

The group settled back in, and Noctis tilted his head back, looking up at the sky as they rolled down the open highway. Prompto called out when he saw a sign, and then as they crested a hill, they could make out the outlines of buildings for just a brief moment before they slipped out of view again. It was likely that was the outpost they were headed for, and it wouldn't be much longer now. That was just as well, since the sky was taking on pinks and oranges as the sun slowly set beyond the horizon.

"Hopefully there's someplace we can rent for the night...," Ignis mused as he turned on the headlights to help as visibility lowered just as they were approaching the outpost.

"Or a haven nearby to pitch camp."

"Don't care which, I just want a burger..."

"Noct...," Ignis sighed, letting it go after a moment as he realized there was no point even trying to have that conversation for the thousandth time.

They rolled into the outpost and pulled up near the garage. The fancy car certainly brought a lot of looks, which everyone but Prompto ignored with long practiced ease. Getting out of the car, Noct held his hand out to steady Luna as she stepped out behind him. Ignis went to the garage to make their intentions known, and Prompto walked around the vehicle, hunched shyly at the attention, "You get a lot more attention outside Insomnia, Noct..."

"It's the car, not me. Just look around, Prompto."

"Oh yeah, huh. Guess people outside the city need hardier cars, not pretty ones..."

Noct slapped him on the shoulder with a grin and pointed to the garage. "You're gonna have to get used to the attention."

"Well, it shouldn't be all bad...," Prompto mumbled as he noticed a few women whispering amongst themselves while looking their way.

"You came this way for a tune-up? I'm surprised! Why not get 'er worked on in the Crown City?"

"We were told a man named Cid ran the garage here in Hammerhead. He was the one who originally customized the Regalia," Ignis explained.

She looked surprised for a minute, then whistled low and looked out over at the car, "So, this is the Regalia, huh? That would mean, one of you is...?"

Everyone turned expectantly to Noct, and he nodded and lifted his hand in half a wave, "Prince Noctis."

"Prince Noctis!" she repeated with a smile, much to his bemusement. "Welcome to Hammerhead! I'll get Paw Paw so he can take a look at 'er!"

"Mm. Thanks."

"Hey, Miss-,"

"Cindy!" she answered Gladio with a smile, turning her attention to him as she set her hands on her waist. "Cindy Aurum."

"Cindy. Where would we go to get information about the area?"

"Y'all can head right on over to Takka's Diner next door. You'll find 'round Lucis, Hunters share all their info with the diners, so you can always get a look and a word."

"Thanks."

"What's all this 'bout a fancy car out front?" called an old man's voice that grew louder with every word.

"That's Paw Paw," Cindy stated quietly to the group before she turned to call back, "It's a right royal retinue! Crown Prince is here with the Regalia!"

Stepping out, the old man looked the group over, giving everyone a quick glance except for Noctis. Scrutinizing the prince for a moment, he clicked his tongue in disappointment and turned to look at the car, "Where's your dignity, boy? You ain't nothin' like your father..."

Not sure what exactly was meant by that, Noctis frowned as his shoulders stiffened at the offending words, "What's that mean?"

"Hmp. That slack-jawed look, for one. Well, I imagine you want me to look 'er over and tune 'er up, huh? You'd think Reggie woulda warned me you'd be comin' by, we don't got cars like this out in the country. Might have to order some parts from the city. Well. You find somethin' to keep busy, and I'll check 'er out. If there's nothin' big, I'll have 'er for ya in the mornin'."

"Thank you," Ignis spoke for them, and led them out of the garage.

They hung back a moment as Cindy drove the Regalia into the garage, then they turned and looked to one another. "Let's go start with the diner. Get some food and information, then figure out where we're sleeping tonight."

Noctis left Gladio to look over the Hunter information when they approached the counter at the diner. Looking up at the menu overhead, Noctis smirked and immediately ordered, "I'll take a cheeseburger, no vegetables, and a plate of fries. Oh! And bacon on the burger."

"Noct..."

"Please."

Ignis gave him a look for how he deliberatly misinterpreted what the scolding was for. Luna covered her mouth as she laughed softly, and before anyone could say something further to him, she stepped in, "I'll have what he's having, please."

"Me too, me too!" called out Prompto with a smirk. "Thank you!"

The man behind the counter seemed a bit confused to be stuck in their little argument, but as Ignis sighed heavily, he just punched in the order and added the last two men's when they made their decisions. Leaving Ignis and Gladio to talk to the man and go over all the information, Noctis led the way over to the booths. Prompto sat on one side while Luna slid in before Noctis on the other.

"Gotta say Lady Lunafreya, I never pegged you for a picky eater like Noct."

"Oh, I'm not," she laughed, shaking her head. "I just thought it was far too amusing not to join in. It's the first day of a new adventure, after all. We should make the most of it, as it's very special."

"I hear that."