#i want to live in the forest in a little cabin surrounded by so many flowers

[koisuko]

Hear me out, but how about a shy female reader who has been chosen as one of earthrealm's champions but Bihan doesn't see it due to her being short and shy, he makes a comment about it but is shocked when the reader gave a smartass response to his comment which peaks Bihan's curiosity about the reader?

Tw: none, shy reader, fem reader, no use of y/n

You lived a fairly reclusive life, hidden away in a densely forested area surrounded by high mountains. There were very few homes nearby with the nearest neighbor being 100 kilometers away. Just how you liked it, away from strangers in your cozy cabin. It was a paradise, a shy persons dream.

You sat on your brown sofa, the cushions so pillowy it nearly swallowed your petite frame. Beside you, your sole company in the isolation you live in, a small black cat. Soft purrs accompanied the crackle of the flames before you, your toes wiggling near the fireplace for warmth. A sigh left your lips, at the relaxation taking a hold. All the chores were done, you finished your reading, and you had gotten off your online job just an hour ago. You had nothing to do but relax. A hand stroked the silky black fur of your cat, the purrs a gentle lullaby. Your eyelids grew heavy, barely having the strength to fight the impending nap. Not that you wanted to, naps were your favorite thing after all.

One..two..three knocks on your front door jostled you from your drowsy state. A spike in anxiety hit, fear of who or what could be here. You never really had visitors, or many friends outside of your cat and family. There is no one you know to be visiting anytime soon, so who is it? Slowly, you approached the front door, a nervous expression on your face despite your best efforts to seem confident. Armed with nothing but your fists, you stood just inches from the wooden barrier. You knew how to fight, if it was necessary. A woman in the middle of no where needs her protection! You’d be damned if you unhooked the chain lock at the top of the door. You mustered up the courage to place a cautious hand on the door knob. Was it hot in here? You could feel the sweat begin to bead at the ridge of your brow. A sigh left your lips as the door slowly creaked open. On the other side we’re not one, but three large burly men. This is your end, isn’t it? “U-uh h-hello?” You squeaked out, earning a scoff from a man wearing blue. His face seemed molded into a permanent scowl, and his scrutinizing gaze locked on to what little of you peaked from behind the door. The first to speak, was a man with bright white eyes. “Greetings, I am Lord Liu Kang, God of fire, Protector of Earthrealm,” his voice was oddly calming, but not enough to block out the body guards beside him, “May we enter?” Enter? As if! His title seemed like something straight out of one of your novels. “M-may I ask what business you have here?” You cleared your throat, anything to rid the lump making it hard to speak. “N-no offense but..I think you have the wrong house.” Liu Kang’s bright orbs creased at the corners in a smile, “I assure you we are at the correct residents.”

Shit, you thought. A thick clump of saliva made its way down your throat, causing you to nearly choke on it. “We can talk outside, if you wish,” he added. Something about this man was…strange yet peaceful. What choice did you have? You puffed out your chest and unhooked the chain keeping these intruders outside. All within a split second, you swung the door open and readied yourself for a fight with a defensive position. Unfortunately, a pathetic squeak left your lips as soon as the door smacked the wall. The two men behind Liu Kang chuckled, one with a more lighthearted giggle, and the other a demeaning one. Liu Kang smiled once again, bowing his head respectfully. You straightened up with an awkward gulp so loud the birds outside could hear it, “I uh..sorry.” He shook his head, “it is understandable, your bravery is admirable.” That soothed your nerves just a bit, until, the man in blue spoke for the first time. “This is the chosen champion?” His lip curled into one of distaste as he eyed you down, “pathetic.” It was one thing to hate everything around you, but to insult you before seeing your skills was a whole new level. “Excuse me?” You crossed your arms, popping a hip out with a snarl, “you look like a mere boy with sticks for arms compared to the men I’ve fought!” He didn’t say a word, instead, he scoffed and averted his gaze elsewhere. Although, despite his initial burning expression, his eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly when looking at you. It was barely noticeable, but a spark flickered just behind that ice cold exterior.

[sashi-ya]

𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟑 DAY 13: PUBLIC SEX Donquixote Rosinante 𝘹 𝘍! 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

Requested by: anon ➡ Hello, Sashi! hear me out: day 13. public/semi public and Rosinante 🤭🤭🤭 (his Devil fruit is literally perfect for it!;) can you please do it for female reader? ty, xo :3 tw: mdni. public sex. usage of df. rough sex and still very sweet. overstimulation. oral. size kink. squirting. impregnation implied. Au where Rosi survived after doffy's bullets. wc: 1,9k 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

With a very curious and intelligent boy in the house, Rosinante and you had little time to none for adult loving matters. You were happy, you weren’t worried. But, sometimes you two needed those alone times…

You weren’t leaving little Law alone, of course. Much less having that type of fun with the kid at home even if asleep. However, that night Law had a birthday party at Mr. Wolff’s home. It was Bepo, his best friend’s birthday, who have been living there with his two other friend, Shachi, and Penguin.

Little Law still felt a little scared of human beings that weren’t his friends, so, of course, Rosinante and you walked him all through Swallow Island to get to the party.

Mr Wolff explained to you that he could stay the night if he felt like it, but if not, he promised to give the kids dinner early so that you could pick up Law from his home before midnight.

You were happy and took a leave through the snowy roads that connected your home and Mr. Wolff’s. It was a blessing to find this man who took care of Law while Rosinante recuperated after his encounter with his evil brother Doflamingo.

It was you, who helped your now lover to stay alive for some time until he was able to speak and search Law in the surroundings. After that, and falling in love with Rosinante, the three of you formed a very lovely and humble family. Of course, his real name couldn’t be revealed, as well as Law’s. Both, for the Marine and the Donquixote family had stopped existing that same fatidic night. Thankfully for the three of you, destiny had other plans…

The crunch beneath your feet of icy cold snow reverberates in a lonely path. There weren’t many roads connecting Pleasure Town to the forest where Mr. Wolff lives, nor the outsides where you live. You need to walk at least a couple of miles more to reach your cabin, a very cozy home you two have built.

“It isn’t that cold tonight, right?” you mumble, small talk you didn’t really need as Rosi and you have no problems to stay silent for some time as long as you are next to the other.

“Actually, you are right. Perfect for a dip in the sea” Rosinante jokes, he is always very funny being -sometimes to the point of annoy Law-.

You scoff and hug his huge arm. He smiles, with a smile that’s as beautiful as a sunrise, and places his equally huge hand on your head.

“I love you; you know that?” he whispers, stopping for some seconds, fixing his beautiful tangerine eyes in yours.

You smile sweetly, standing on tippy toes to reach for his lips. You try to give him a peck, but he is messing with you by not bending forward enough for you to do so. Rosinante is way taller than you. - And probably than most of the men around –

“Come on!” you protest, giving little jumps. “What?! You wanna kiss me? What you want from me, woman?!” he laughs. Rosinante is usually very soft and sweet, a caring father and sometimes a little bit of a clown, but he is also a man… a very manly man in private.

You turn around, crossing your arms like a little girl throwing a tantrum. You fix your eyes in the horizon, where the sun is starting to set, and the sky turns orange with litmus and purple hints here and there over the clouds. Even if annoyed at him, not even the scenery can match to the beauty of his soul.

“Baby…” he whispers, bending enough to hug you from behind. “I was just joking… give me a kiss, come on”

“No. You didn’t want it when I gave it to you; now you lost it!” you joke, enjoying the way you are pressing your back against his body.

He stays silent for some seconds until he turns you around rather violently -probably not his intention, but he is still a clumsy man-. Rosinante’s arms lift you up, as he tries not to slip with the snow.

“Give me a kiss. As a Celestial Dragon I demand my tribute!” it is still a little painful for him, but he has learned to accept his past and because of you even joke about it.

“Ah- tribute?! You are crazy, sir. I won’t giv-“ you grunt, but your lips get sealed with his. And your stiffen muscles start to relax as you melt into a very deep kiss of lust and love.

You two probably keep kissing until your lips get swollen and your breathing becomes erratic. There is too much sexual desire accumulated in your bodies that haven’t been released, you are not exactly sure if you are making it to the cabin.

“I was going to wait until we get home… I’ve been thinking about it all week, having the house free for us…” Rosinante murmurs with his lips grazing yours.

“I can’t wait until we get home…” you whisper, hugging him with your legs, allowing your crotch to hit his. He is hard, as much as you are wet. He is needy, as much as you are desperate…

Both look at each other. It’s gonna be a first… having sex in the middle of the road? With snow? Sure, it isn’t a very transited zone, but… what if someone sees you?

“I don’t care. Fuck me here, behind that tree” you point to a bunch of pines behind you.

Corazon, whose pupils contract, and his smile turns to a sexy smirk, doesn’t really say a word but immediately let’s you down for you to walk right behind the tree you chose to be a “covered spot”.

Truth is, it isn’t really a cover for such a big man like Rosinante, but it doesn’t really matter anymore to you.  

Your back hits the log, and his right hand do the same right next to your face. Some old snow falls around you from the branches of the tree, but there is no strong enough cold to overcome the heat of your bodies.

Rosi bends over to kiss you, playing with your breasts as he does. You moan, as his usual clumsy hands -but not during sex- reach for your nipples right in between your winter clothes. He pinches and twists, because he knows how much you love it.

Your hand reaches for his bulging crotch, playing over the white fabric of his jeans. You can feel it in your hands the way it throbs and painfully wishes to scape his pants. Thing, you understand very well, so you proceed to lower the zipper.

Soon you stop the kiss to kneel and free his sex. He is still wearing his clothes, but it’s enough for you to orally pleasure him. Both of your hands aren’t quite enough to cover his whole length, and that’s something you have learnt to take very well.

The tip of your tongue lands on the tip of his dick, making him squirm as you create strings of precum in between you two. Your oral skills are good but definitely better if accompanied by the pumping motions of your hands.

“Fuck…” he grunts.

“Honey, watch your mouth… someone might hear you” you joke, remembering indeed you are right because you are pretty much in public. But not giving a single fuck, as you eat his sex, gagging the more you bob your head.

When Rosinante is able to catch a little bit of air and clear his mind, he softly pulls back from your hair. Shiny lips and a little bit of teary eyes of yours look at him expecting to keep going or getting fucked.

“Stand up so I can scold you for the same reason” he growls. Rosinante’s sexy side is a pleasure not many people had the joy to experience.

You immediately accompany his hair pulling motion to stand up and soon enough he turns you around, pressing your body against the pine log in front of you. Skilfully he pulls down your leggings, just enough to expose your heat for him to penetrate.

“I missed your warmth so much” he purrs in your ear while he crunches enough for his sex to be guided into yours. You, on tippy toes to help with the height different, await his fulfilling length -and width- to stretch you out, so lasciviously.

And just as he slides himself inside of you, with milking spasming walls, and the usual resistance of such a size difference, you whine louder than ever. Thing that might have alerted someone in a cabin a few meters away you hadn’t seen until now.

Dogs barking and a light turning on is what you see in between the rams of a completely unaware -lost in lust- Rosinante.

“Hon-ey… th- there are… nghhh.. there are people there!” you alert him, with great difficulty and moaned speech. You bite your lip, watching in between blurred vision if someone is coming or not.

“I won’t stop fucking you, they won’t find us as long as you don’t make any sound” Rosinante murmurs, almost enjoying the karma for your last commentary.

“But- ngh… fuck, you are stretching me a lot more than al-ways” you whine, sure that given you more of his hip stabs you will burst out.

He scoffs. “Fine… SILENT-“ Rosinante casts his silence spell on you, allowing you to moan without a word to be heard. Thing that, gives him the power of fucking his victim even rougher and without hearing his pleading “stops” -even if you never want him to stop-

You can’t be heard, but you can hear. So, he grabs your face in between his fingers, while has you hugged by your waist. “Look at that old couple, they are looking for the animal that just mewled, but it was just you taking my dick. You wanna show them your face while I do?”

You widen your eyes… apparently the sexual abstinence can do this to a sweet man like him.  You shake your head, because you don’t really desire for two strangers to see you getting fucked in the middle of the public street… or you do?

Rosinante keeps fucking you, moving your body as he wishes, ignoring your “wait I am coming… I can’t-“ pleads coming from your silent voice. You are like a little doll compared to him, and the bulge forming on your lower belly should be considered like a dynamic work of anatomical and sexual art.

You are overstimulated, feeling like your insides are about to explode and the pressure of a very wet orgasm is about to dampen your and his clothes.

You are not very sure where the couple went, you have lost them… and you don’t mind.

Rosinante on the verge of coming too and couldn’t care a less if you want his seed deep inside you… he can’t hear you say no, in any case. You weren’t saying no, either.

“Take my cum, I think we should be ready to give Law a brother or a sister” he moans in your ear, getting even rougher with you as you are almost convulsing around his dick with a silent climax, legs and leggings soaked and nails carving marks on the log in front of you.

He grunts right in your ear, giving you, perhaps, an actual acoustical orgasm. Soon the chill you might have felt because of your juices getting cold are replaced by the flooding warmth of his cum that will have to stay inside of you for as long as you two need to run away…

“WHAT ARE YOU TWO YOUNGSTERS DOING?! SINNERS!” an old man -the same from the closer cabin- appears with a rusty shotgun.

“SORRY SIR!!!” both run away -you silently, though- laughing…

Oh, young love, risky and passionate is there a better type?

taglist: @stephisokay @henrioo @bullbonez @fengxinwifutobecalled @i-started-reading-fanfics-at12 @crimsonlikeshellsing @weebare808 @thestarwasborn @bookandyarndragon @cyberdazetragedy @uzxotic @fushiguroshotwife 💖🙆‍♀️

[ellethespaceunicorn]

The Howling in Claw Creek Forest, Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: Marked By The Wolf

Rating: Mature, 18+, Minors – DNI

Pairing: Werewolf!Walter Marshall x Reader

Word Count: ~4.8K (ya waited extra-long; ya get an extra-long chapter)

Series Summary: You live in a small town called Claw Creek, surrounded by a deep, dark forest. Since you were a kid, an urban legend of the creature in the woods has been told. If the distant howls at night and mutilated livestock are anything to go by, you fear the stories to be true.

Chapter Summary: It’s the night of the full moon. The plan? Invite Sy over to the cabin to keep an eye on him in case he shifts. WCGW? 

Warnings: verbal fight, angst

A/N: Thank you for being patient with me, guys! And I see y’all reblogging the masterlist for the series. And I thank you so much for keeping this story alive! A special thank you to @peyton-warren for being my lovely beta and soundboard for this. Cuz ya girl was struggling with this chapter for many moons.

Dividers by me

Support/Reblog banner by me

Cover Art by me

Series Masterlist

My Masterlist

Over the next day or so, you get to know Jace. You’d learned his full first name, but “only ko’u makuahine calls me Jason”. Growing up in Hawaii shaped the man he is today, and he misses home a lot. But with Walter in his pack, and being Faye’s godfather, he’s made his own little family.

For a while, it seems like he may be flirting with you. But that quickly fades into something else. You’re only mildly upset when he refers to you as kaikuahine. Firstly, because you had no idea what it meant. Secondly, because when you found out it meant ‘sister’, you had to remind yourself that you have a perfectly great werewolf boyfriend of your own already.

‘Calm down, girl,’ you thought, thinking of your eager beaver.

Walter notices the way your demeanor changes and takes your hand, leading you upstairs. Your confusion only amuses Jace, who seems to know something you don’t. Once you make it into Walter’s bedroom, you are spun against the door. He attacks your neck, licking and nipping at the sensitive flesh until you tangle your fingers in his chestnut curls. Your mind reels, wondering what’s gotten into him.

And then it hits you.

He’s…jealous!

Oh, this is too good. That’s twice tonight that he’s been struck with jealousy. Earlier with Sy’s thirst trap and now with your flirtatious nature. You are beyond flattered, but you refuse to let this man get too far gone. With your hand in his hair, you tighten your fingers and pry him from your neck.

Once his face is in front of yours, you notice his wild eyes where black replaces blue. He looks ready to eat you, and as much as you would like that, you decide to try and calm the beast within.

“Walter, baby? I need you to calm down for a sec,” you beg, both hands tangling in his hair to soothe his soul, “Come on back to me, baby.”

Blinking once, then twice, his eyes finally focus on you, and the trance is gone. His giant paws rush to your face and then to the tender skin of your neck where his teeth were grazing. He winces when you grimace at the feel of his thumb on your sore flesh.

“Pup, I am so sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I was−”

“Jealous?” you supply, already knowing what this was.

“I can’t help it. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. It’s jealousy, sure. But it feels deeper than that. I felt the need to mark you as mine. You’re sort of a natural flirt, you know that?” he probes, a soft smile on his face.

“Well, I mean, I can see that. I guess I’ve never really thought about it. No one has ever brought it up,” you explain, looking back on all the times that men thought you were flirting with them but were just being nice. 

“Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to make sure that Jace knew you were taken. He has an effect on women,” he expresses, “But it seems he only sees you as a sister, so I don’t have to worry about you two riding off into the sunset, now do I?” 

“Wow, that was kinda bitchy. But also, incredibly hot that you thought I could be influenced by another big pretty werewolf,” you tease, leaning up on your tippy toes to place a kiss on the end of his nose before pushing back from the door so you could open it and leave.

“You think he’s pretty?” Walter shouts after you.

You laugh, swiftly jogging down the stairs to find an equally amused Jace sitting on the couch with his feet up on the coffee table, perfectly at home.

Trying to keep yourself from feeling embarrassed, you plop down next to him on the couch. While you are snuggling into his side, he chuckles and jokes that you should watch out for “the big, bad wolf”. Just as the words leave his mouth, Walter appears on the other side of you, having leapt over the couch. You’re officially squeezed in between the two large wolves, and you suddenly feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Between the warmth radiating from both men, the way they commented on the Forged in Fire episode playing in the background, and the long day finally catching up with you, you had no choice but to fall asleep. You remember leaning your head against Jace’s beefy shoulder after he splayed both arms along the back of the couch. At some point during the night, you awake to find yourself sprawled across both of their laps. Your head is in Walter’s lap and your blanket-covered feet are shoved under Jace’s thigh.

The television screen asking if you’re still watching illuminates the faces of the snoring wolves at either side of you. Walter’s hand on your shoulder twitches as he feels you shifting. Shuffling your ankles, Jace sleepily readjusts to give you room before lowering his thigh back over your feet. All of this was done while they were asleep as if it was second nature to want to keep you safe and warm.

And you weren’t going to complain about being in a literal wolf pile. Instead, you snuggle into your blanket and let yourself drift off again.

When you awaken, the mid-morning sun is flooding through the windows. You’re still on the couch, but no longer surrounded by your wolf-shaped furnaces. Getting up from the couch, you wrap the blanket around your shoulders and go in search of coffee. 

Shuffling into the kitchen, you brush past where Walter is plating some waffles. You make it to the coffee machine and pour yourself a cup, adding in your sugar and cream and stirring it until it hits that perfect shade. Taking that first sip is nirvana. As the temperature of the hot beverage slides down your throat, you are warmed from the inside out. Now, you can officially say you have woken up.

You turn around to lean against the counter and are surprised to see both wolves looking at you and smiling. “What?”

“Oh, nothing. Just we were trying to get your attention, but I see Walter was right about you loving java. You have your priorities straight, is all,” Jace winks at you before sipping his coffee.

Walter chuckles and shoves a plateful of waffles, bacon, and eggs to one of the empty seats and nods for you to eat. “Don’t worry, Pup. I think it’s cute that you need your morning fuel before intelligent social interaction.”

“Thanks, Wolfie,” you hum, leaning in to peck him on the cheek before sitting down to tuck into your plate.

“And the nicknames are elevating my sugar levels as we speak,” Jace teases, expertly catching the waffle that Walter throws his way.

“Look, Jace and I have an idea. We just need you to put the pieces in motion,” Walter begins, explaining the plan to you while you eat. You stayed mostly silent, letting him lay everything out.

Jace pops in here and there with a few tweaks when he sees you start to feel a bit overwhelmed, “If at any time you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate. We’re there in case anything happens.”

“I guess I have a call to make. Oh, and do you fellas think you can go grocery shopping? I need a few things if I wanna make sure I have enough to feed all of you,” you lament, factoring in that Sy used to eat you out of house and home on multiple occasions. Might as well have too much than too little. You give Wolfie and Jace your shopping list and head upstairs to shower and make a very important phone call.

Early evening rolls in and you are relishing the smell of your pot roast with vegetables simmering as it permeates the first floor of the house. Wolfie has been at your side for most of the afternoon and even now because you’ve been like a chicken with your head cut off, anxious nerves making you fuss over every little thing. 

And he couldn’t blame you for being on high alert. He did ask you to invite over your ex-fiancé during a full moon, under the guise of getting together for a football game, so that he and Jace could find out if Sy is a werewolf. ‘A simple plan,’ said no one in this situation.

Olivia was invited over to help you set up and possibly help you with cooking. But alas, fair Olivia has found her Prince Charming in Jace. And just as Walter said, he does have an effect on women. You have to stop and giggle to yourself as she throws her head back in laughter and touches his arm, her signature move. Great, those two can swoon each other all night while you try and keep the peace between a wolf and a hard place.

The roast was not going to cook any faster with you standing over the crock pot, so you step away from the kitchen and join the others as they sit in the living room. Jace and Liv sit on the couch as Walter sits in one of the loungers. Just as you sit down to rest your bones in the other chair, you notice the guys exchanging a look. 

You hear the rumble of Sy’s old pickup and your heart drops into your stomach. You shoot up from your seat and adjust your turtleneck dress that hugs your body like a glove before walking to the front door. You step outside as Sy is pulling into the driveway. Swallowing your apprehension, you walk across the lawn to meet him. 

Smiling as he exits his truck, Sy wraps you up in a bear hug. When he lifts you off the ground, you squeak, and he just laughs before putting you back down. You get a whiff of him, and you feel an instant urge to bury your nose in his neck, or his perfectly trimmed beard. Fighting that urge, you playfully swat at Sy’s meaty, flannel-clad bicep and try not to stare at his veiny forearms. 

The man always had great arms; you would have complimented him on them once upon a time. But that was a long time ago, and even though you wanted to devour him where he stood, you weren’t about to let him know that. His head was big enough without you adding your horniness to it.

He steps to the truck bed and reaches a hand in to pick up a case of your favorite beer. He seems pretty pleased with himself and not at all nervous about meeting your new boyfriend. You should’ve known better than to think he would miss the opportunity to annoy your current beau.

You lead him inside where he immediately sniffs the air and exclaims, “Oh, my God! Please tell me that is your pot roast.”

You feel heat rise to your cheeks and nervously reply, “Um, yeah. It’s probably just about done if you want some.”

“If I want some? Of course, it’s my favorite meal,” Sy earnestly comments, and you can’t help but bashfully thank him.

A throat is cleared, and Walter appears at your side, planting a nuzzling kiss on your neck as he snakes an arm around you, making you giggle. 

“Walter, this is Sy. Sy, this is Walter, my boyfriend,” you introduce them, smiling to yourself as they offer a hand for a handshake and exchange pleasantries.

“Pleasure ta meetcha, Walter.” “Likewise, Sy.” 

They were still shaking each other’s hands until you realized they were having a staring contest. 

“Seriously?!” you gripe, equally mad at both of them, “You’re both grown men, right?” You push through their still-joined hands and go into the kitchen.

Olivia rises from the couch and admonishes them as well, “Good going, guys,” as she follows you into the kitchen.

“What?” they say in unison, looking at the only other man in the room. Jace shakes his head, looking between the two of them and taking a pull off his beer.

Walter walks into the kitchen, already apologizing as he approaches where you are sitting at the table. He takes your hand in his and holds it against his chest. It’s less what he says, and more of how he says it. He sounds genuine and he means every word. You peck him on the cheek, forgiving him. Olivia makes sure to tease you about how cute you two are.

Sy saunters in once Walter exits, placing the case of beer on the kitchen counter before opening it, removing two bottles, and handing one to you. Clinking the neck of his bottle against yours, he uncaps his and takes and takes a long pull. Taking a long look at you, he leans back and surveys your level of anger, trying to assess exactly how mad you are.

“Walter seems nice,” he starts in that fatherly tone that always gets a smile out of you. 

You shake your head and laugh despite yourself wanting to be mad at him. “You know, he actually is very nice. Just give him a chance to surprise you before you hate his guts, ok? That’s all I ask.”

“Oh, is that all? Easy peasy lemon squeezy,” he grumbles, pouting for a second. “Look, I’ll be on my best behavior like Church on Sunday if I can get some of that pot roast.” He turns those blue topaz eyes on you, and you’re putty in his hands, suddenly wishing Liv wasn’t in the room to watch that little moment. 

You rise from your seat, dishing out some of the roast and potatoes and carrots onto a plate for Sy, and place it in front of him. You light up when he closes his eyes at the first bite. His groan of satisfaction is more than enough to signal that you did a great job. But the pat he gives your knee is so warm and so intimate that your muscles instantly react to his touch, wishing it lingered for a second more.

“Liv, can Sy and I have a second to talk?” you plead, hoping that she would give you some space.

“Sure. I’ll just go back to fawning over Jace. He’s so pretty I wanna cry,” she professes, patting your shoulder as she exits the kitchen.

Your eyes follow Olivia as she leaves, and then they snap back to where Sy is sitting smiling at you. And you know this particular smile well. 

“Sy, why are you smiling at me like that? You said you would be on your best behavior and that smile is not your best behavior,” you sigh, rolling your eyes, “I know that smile got me to do a lot of things back in the day.”

“A lot of fun things come to mind,” he murmurs, bringing his beer up to his lips to drain before rising to get another and lean on the counter, “But that is not why I’m here tonight. Don’t worry, I’m only here to make sure my favorite girl’s being taken care of. I will be a perfect gentleman, even to yer old man.”

Rising from your seat, you finally open your beer and stand next to him. Taking a sip, you bump his shoulder with yours. “One question I have for you. Why did you agree to come over? I mean, you could have hung up the phone or cursed me out when I asked you over to spend time with me. At my boyfriend’s cabin. In the woods. Just saying that now makes me wonder what was going through your head.”

“Not gonna lie, I loved seeing you the other day. Even though you weren’t exactly pleased to see me, you still told me to be careful out there in the woods. Look, I like having you in my life. If that means I have you as a friend, it’s much better than not having you at all,” he confesses, and your world shatters around you when you look up into his eyes and see his sincerity.

You open your mouth to speak but the words won’t take shape and you’re left looking for the answer in his face. The eyes you got lost in a million times before. The lips you kissed every chance you got. Standing this close, you can breathe each other’s breath. If you only stood on your tippy-toes and leaned in, you’d be right−

“Am I interrupting something?” Olivia’s voice snaps you back to reality and you put some space between you and Sy. She walks in between you two to grab another beer. She gives Sy a look before turning her attention to you, “Your boyfriend’s wondering where you are, bee-tee-dubs.” She throws out her arm, gesturing for you to lead the way back to the living room instead of finishing your conversation. You miss her giving Sy another pointed stare before following you out.

The night goes on as planned, at first. You all watch a college football game, Walter’s alma mater vs their rivals, who just happen to be Sy’s alma mater. You and Sy met after college, and he mentioned having played lacrosse, but he’s never shown interest in football. Until tonight, of course.

It’s been a long time since you and Sy spent time together, but you know his temperament. And he’s off. He doesn’t look like himself either, as if he’s covering up something. With the way that Walter and Jace keep sharing looks, you see he is on their radar as well.

Olivia and Jace occupy the two loungers, so you are sitting in between Walter and Sy on the couch. How lucky! You’re in the perfect spot to listen to Sy rooting loudly for his team and making snide comments all because he doesn’t wanna sit next to you and your new boyfriend. 

Walter, on the other hand, is quiet for the most part but trembling with anger. He’s letting Sy get to him, and you can’t stand it anymore. You’re suddenly jealous of Olivia who fell asleep halfway into the game.

You unwrap yourself from around Walter and turn to Sy. “Kitchen. Now.”

He doesn’t answer and mutely follows you, taken aback when you turn on him once you’re both in the kitchen.

“What the hell are you doing? You are being such an ass. I’m trying to hold out an olive branch, but you are not meeting me in the middle, Sy,” you snap, feeling like you could spit fire.

“And why did you even invite me? To parade your new man all over me? I thought maybe we could try and be friends, but now I see all you wanna do is remind me that I wasn’t good enough for you,” Sy erupts, his voice booming and full of rage. 

“That’s not fair,” you gasp.

“All’s fair in love, Bug,” he cautions, sweat starting to drip down his forehead, “Look, I’m gonna go before either of us says something we’ll regret.” He turns and storms out of the kitchen before you can step any closer to him, but you are on his tail when he steps out of the front door.

You reach him, putting your hand on his shoulder as you try to stop him. He turns back to you, his eyes closed in a pained expression. His skin is flushed as he rips open his flannel, making it easier for you to see his Adonis belt just above his jeans. The bite mark is nowhere to be seen, having already healed. When he starts to hyperventilate, you try to soothe him by calling his name. Fast as lightning, Walter appears between you and Sy.

“Sy, you have to try and stay calm. You aren’t making this easy on yourself. Let it happen,” Walter holds his hands out, showing he means no harm as he tries to step closer to Sy. Walter starts to shift after removing his sweater and jeans.

“Back off, man,” Sy warns, feeling like he could explode with the heat beneath his skin.

“You can do this, just open your eyes,” Walter replies, before his mouth becomes a snout and talking is impossible.

But when Sy finally opens his eyes, they start to glow. His neck twists at a freakish angle, the sounds of bones crunching has you terrified. Reddish-brown fur sprouts out of his skin as his hands stretch into clawed paws. His confused screams are horrifying. Jace’s booming voice is talking over his cries, talking him through the transformation. 

Doubling over, Sy grunts in agony as he falls on all fours. Letting out a howl, his jeans fall away as he transforms for the first time. You scream, taking a step back when he sniffs the air and he takes one step toward you. 

Sy paces back and forth in front of Walter, seeming to weigh his options. Walter’s wolf form stands an inch or two taller than Sy as he puts distance between you and the new wolf.

Just as the tension is insurmountable, a throat is cleared, and you all look to see Jace standing in the driveway. Nonchalant, but his eyes keenly take in the scene in front of him as he nods at Walter. Olivia is at Jace’s side, dumbfounded by what she is witnessing. When she notices that rumbling sound coming from Jace is him growling, she throws away fear in place of curiosity.

The two wolves are kicking dust up with their feet, squaring off until Jace steps a bit closer to back up his brother. Sy had a chance of maybe beating Walter. But a new wolf up against two bonded brother wolves? No way in hell. 

You step in between the three of them. Holding out your hands, you plead with them not to fight. Walter’s nose nudges at your legs and he huffs in Sy’s face. Walter shifts back, picking up his jeans to put back on, and crossing his arms across his massive chest.

Walter and Jace move closer to Sy as he snarls at them until he sees you, clinging to Olivia. Tears fall from your eyes and something inside of Sy breaks. Looking to you, he can see the fear on your face and you wonder if that is what causes him to want to shift back into human form. The two brothers talk Sy down, telling him how to return to human form.

Once his bones have settled and the whining howls stop, Sy is in the fetal position on the lawn. Shivering, sweaty, and scared. His clothes are ruined, but you think you remember seeing a blanket in the truck bed earlier. You ask Olivia to get the blanket while you caress Sy’s face. 

Once the blanket is around his middle, you accept help from Walter to lift him up. Sy uses his last ounce of energy to push Walter away. 

Coming back to himself, Sy refocuses his anger on Walter. “This has nothing to do with you. Gonna need you to step aside,” Sy fumes, cranky from the changes he doesn’t understand he’s going through.

“That’s just not gonna happen. Maybe if you weren’t trying to move in on what’s mine, I’d be sorry for what I’ve done,” Walter seethes, “After all, I’m the one that bit you.”

You and Sy are both in a state of shock but for different reasons. Sy just found out werewolves are real, and your boyfriend just referred to you as “what’s his'. 

“You did this to me?” Sy’s rage peaks.

“Hey, hey. Focus on my voice, come back. You don’t wanna do this,” you trail off as Sy calms down. 

His irises are back to their brilliant blue and you can see recognition in them. He looks tired, but he is no worse for wear.

“Can we get outta here? Go someplace we can just…talk?” Sy insists.

You think for a second about how pissed you are at Walter for being extremely callous about turning Sy, not to mention talking about you as if you were a piece of property to be owned. You turn to look back at Walter before answering Sy.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” you affirm, putting one of Sy’s arms around your neck to help him walk back to his truck. 

You watch Jace stand in front of Walter to stop him from following after you. “Let her cool off, you did just kinda refer to her as ‘what’s mine’, and generally women don’t like that outside of the bedroom.”

Olivia steps over to Walter, putting a hand on his shoulder, her expression calm and collected. “He won’t hurt her. He cares too much about her to do that.”

You get into the driver’s seat after putting Sy in the passenger side, not allowing him to drive. You caution a glance at Walter, instantly regretting looking at his mournful face. Turning the car on, you back out of the driveway and drive out to Sy’s place. 

As you drive there from muscle memory, you look over at Sy now and then. The streetlights of the town dash across his solemn face and bare chest as he sleeps. You almost don’t want to wake him when you make it to his house, he looks so peaceful and not like his life has been turned upside-down. You wake him with the back of your hand smoothing down his face. He grabs it, lost for a moment before he sees your face and where he is.

You help him get inside and suddenly feel exhausted as well. You loiter in the living room while he grabs a glass of water from the kitchen. You didn’t really plan how you were going to get back to Walter’s cabin tonight. And if you’re honest with yourself, you don’t want to go back tonight.

Sy comes back out, gulping down water from his glass while holding the blanket low around his middle. 

“Is it okay if we wait to talk? I’m tired as hell. I’ll take the couch if that’s alright?” You ask, sitting down on the couch and starting to move the pillows.

“You’re not staying out here. You’re sleeping in the bedroom. I’ll take the couch. I’ll grab you something to sleep in,” he rattles on, moving to the bedroom as you stand from the couch and look at your feet.

Sy comes back out to the living room. He’s barefoot, shirtless, and in a pair of grey sweatpants. He just can’t help himself, you think.

“I left you a shirt and some shorts on the bed. Let me know if you need anything, alright?” he advises, using a hand on the small of your back to guide you to the bedroom.

You laugh when you see Sy left you his Mötley Crüe shirt. While putting on the shirt and the boxers, you look at the bed and you know that you don’t want to sleep alone. You don’t care that this will only further complicate your relationship, but you need to not be alone right now. Your bare feet pad across the wood floor as you go back out to the living room. 

Sy hears you and picks his head up to look at you. “You alright, Bug?”

“I don’t wanna sleep alone. I know that’s probably−”

Sy was already up and ushering you back into the bedroom before you could finish your sentence. You pull back the covers so you both can climb in. You enter first and then he slides under the blanket next to you. He lays on his back, you on your side facing away from him. You wiggle your body backward until you come into contact with his warmth. You reach back for his arm and pull it around you.

“Is this okay?” you hesitate, suddenly afraid that you’re asking too much.

“Yeah. S’ok,” he whispers, his breath fanning across your neck. If he notices the shiver that goes down your spine, you’re grateful that he doesn’t mention it.

“Good night, Sy,” you murmur, yawning at the end of your sentence.

“G’night, Bug,” he breathes.

As you drift off to sleep, you think how different you imagined this day ending. You didn’t expect to be in your ex’s arms tonight instead of Walter’s. But you did expect to be in a werewolf’s embrace. Sy’s breath evens out behind you, the rising and falling of his chest against your back is enough to lull you into a peaceful slumber.

To be continued...

A/N: I would love to know what you think of this chapter!

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[pocket-watcher]

I present to you a prompt: someone who’s lost in the woods (reason can be whatever) that are forbidden because in them resides a witch who specializes in hypnotic flora.

Bonus detail: as they go along, they can actually see people spread out in various places absolutely tranced out of their minds

Okay I see the vision!! Let’s goooooooo:

The cabin in the woods was beautiful and quaint, surrounded by the most beautiful flora you’d ever see.

And also the deadliest.

There were always stories, of course.

People sought out the witch living in the cabin for many reasons. They’d lost a loved one. They wanted help. They wanted to be a witch like her.

Sometimes they simply were lost and stumbled upon it.

And yes, for a time, she helped them out. She was kind and good natured.

But someone always takes advantage of that.

And so now, in order to reach the cabin, you had to go through her woods.

So, after several never returned, the townspeople stopped seeking her out.

Everyone knew to stay away, how dangerous it was. Everyone except for Christian.

He was new in town, and had been sent to collect some supplies that had been abandoned just a little ways into the woods.

He was careful, but not careful enough. How could he be? No one had told him the stories.

Christian had wandered in, only to be lured over into the witch’s garden by a human figure.

“Hello?” He had called. No answer.

So he had ventured forward.

“Excuse me, are you alright?”

Again, no answer.

He could see the other man clearly now. His head was looking upwards, stretching his neck, his shoulders slumped but he was still standing.

As Christian drew closer he could see the man’s eyes were an unnatural purple, unblinking, a smile wide on his face. But nothing else. No reason he couldn’t have heard his calls.

But then Christian noticed another. And another. And another.

About 10 feet away was a woman in a tree, as if it had grown around her, her mouth covered in dripping sap.

Someone was wrapped in vines, bound to the forest floor, head lolling around and around in circles.

Christian froze. He had unknowingly walked right into a very precarious situation. He turned to retreat but his path was now blocked by thick, suspicious hedges that surely weren’t there before…

Don’t panic, he thought to himself.

He counted and counted the people he could see, ensnared by the environment.

But what he also saw was a cabin.

Salvation?

If he could get just inside, he could relax and think of a plan.

He slowly shifted so the cabin was in his sights, and he carefully took a step forward.

And nothing happened.

He breathed a sign of relief, selecting the next spot to put his foot.

Step by step, inch by inch, he slowly began to head for the cabin.

He kept his eyes forward, despite the vibrant colours tempting him to look around. The plants were enticing him, but he knew better. He’d seen what would happen if he looked.

One step, then another, but the forest had noticed its prey slowly making an escape.

And it wasn’t about to lose its new plaything.

A vine hooked around his ankle, sending him crashing to the floor.

“Shit!!” He scrambled, desperately trying to unhook it as it wound its way tighter up his leg.

Suddenly a puff of pollen surrounded him.

He inhaled and coughed, his struggling slowing now.

The sweetness of the flower settling into his brain.

He was so close to the cabin! He could just… keep… crawling…

The vine pulled him back. It had his whole leg now.

The cabin appeared to be tilting, pulsating with the vibrant colours of the forest.

This is it, he thought. This is how I die.

The plant held him firm, snaking around his arms now, as he looked up at the dazzling flowers now engulfing his vision.

Such pretty colours…

His last thoughts were of the people he came across. So many people… someone must care for them… he won’t die… he’ll just stay trapped in this bliss… forever…

The pollen overtook his senses as he joined the others from the forest in mindlessness.

[adarkrainbow]

Romanian witches: Muma Padurii

(Note: I unfortunately cannot add the accents needed for the writing of those names since my keyboard is not equiped. So know that there are accents missing)

I originally made a post about one Romanian fairytale character... which turned into a post about two fairytale characters... which became a post about three fairytale characters... So ultimately I decided to split this post into a whole series because it was getting too big. I want to explore with you three characters tied together in Romanian folklore and all present within Romanian fairytales, but each fascinating in their own right. And I want to begin with the first of these ladies... Muma Padurii.

Muma Padurii means "The Forest Mom", or "The Mother of the Forest" (Muma is an archaic form of "mom").

In fairytales, Muma Padurii is an antagonist. She is an embodiment of the wicked witch, or rather of the hag. She is a very old and very ugly woman (so ugly the expression "You look like Muma padurii" is an insult) who lives all alone in a little, dark and scary house in the depths of the woods. She is not a normal woman: she is a witch gifted with various supernatural powers (including shapeshifting), and she is also an ogress who loves to eat children. It is as a children-predator that she usually appears within Romanian fairytales, luring kids to her house to kill and cook them. One of the most famous Muma Padurii fairytales is the Romanian version of "Hansel and Gretel", which mostly differs by A) having the witch named B) the house not being made of candy and C) the genders are reversed (here it is the girl that is to be boiled alive into a soup, while it is the boy that pushes the hag into the oven).

But the thing with Muma Padurii is that, in a similar way to Frau Holle, she is an entity that was "split" between fairytales and legends. There is a Muma Padurii of folktales who is the evil hag I presented above, but there is also a Muma Padurii of beliefs and legends which is quite different and much more neutral.

This Muma Padurii is still an old, ugly, shapeshifting witch - but she is presented as amoral rather than wicked, with a personality mixing a fairy-like mischieviousness and a pure insanity. The name "Muma Padurii" is also very revealing... In the fairytales this name is used in the typical motif of the witch/hag as the "false mother" or "anti-mother", but in the Romanian mythology, this name indicates what Muma Padurii is. She is the Mother of the Forest, as in the spirit of the forest. Her main role, and the reason for her hostility towards humankind, is her function as the guardian of the woods. She still lives in a remote and hidden location - but it is not always a little cabin, it can just be a tree, and it is usually within a virgin-woodland at the heart of the forest, untouched by human hands. She still brews potions - but they are good potions, that she uses to heal injured animals and sick trees. For Muma Padurii always keeps the forest alive. She does attack humans - but only those who destroy the fauna and flora, or who trespass within forbidden areas where only wild things are supposed to be. This was why those that entered the woods were warned to not go too far and to respect what surrounded them: else Muma Padurii would at best scare them away, at worst drive them to insanity with her magic. As such, it was forbidden to pick up certain wild fruits and berries in the forest during certain times of the year - they were for the animals to replenish their strength, and Mama Padurii made sure this rule was followed. In the most extreme cases she would kill the trespassers and devour their corpses like a wild animal - a bogey-version of Muma Padurii that explains her role as a child-eating crone in fairytales...

Muma Padurii is present all across Romania, sometimes in local variations (Padureanca, Muma Huciului), and this explains why there are so many different incarnations of her. Sometimes she is an angry ghost of the woods, a vengeful spirit which can be heard crying among the trees for all the plants that mankind destroyed, and if a house built near the forest isn't carefully locked up at night, she will enter in them at midnight and kill all those inside... Other times she is depicted as a young and beautiful fairy of light, who will be kind and helpful to children but will trick adults into being lost, having their body paralyzed or dying in various ways. This specific idea of the "young faced Muma Padurii" is notably present in another folktale/fairytale, where it is said that the Muma Padurii is a witch that needs to eat human hearts to keep herself young and alive - as such she takes on the appearance of a beautiful woman to lure young men into the woods, but once they are isolated enough she turns into a giant monster and rips their hearts away.

Her link to the forest is highlighted by how she is often said to disguise herself as a tree, to be a part-tree woman, or a hag clothed in moss (she also can appear as a cow, a horse or an ox) ; her function as a "Romanian fairy" is also highlighted by how in various legends she either makes babies sick, or replaces them by changelings (and as such there were several folk-spells and rituals Romanian country-folks used to protect their babies from the Forest-Mom). But mostly Muma Padurii stays an embodiment of the woods in what they have of dangerous and scary. She can be kind and helpful - but only towards the "innocent", animals, plants and (sometimes) children. However she stays an ancient woman of the woods, the mistress of the wild animals, the embodiment of a state of non-civilizations, and as such she is the fright that drives one mad and the savage force that will kill and eat men. And even then, the fauna and flora itself is not always escaping her wrath - some records say that Mama Padurii knows the name of every tree of the forest, but that she can get angry at some and curse them to fall either by the woodsman's axe or by lightning.

The last interesting difference between the fairytale Muma and the legendary Muma is that, while the fairytale Muma is usually a lonely entity, in beliefs Muma Padurii was part of a large family. Sometimes Muma Padurii herself was multiplied into several "Muma" - there was notably a belief about many of them sometimes visiting the cabins of those that lived near the woods, asking to have their hair brushed and cleaned, with a comb and butter (which isn't an easy feat since she had her hair dirty, tangled in snake-like braids and so long it touches the floor). Anyone who agreed to the task and performed it well could receive a wish from the Mother of the Woods - but the rule was that they could only pronounce three words in total as long as she was here, if a fourth was pronounced, she would take your voice and leave you mute. Sometimes Muma Padurii was given a male counterpart of companion called "The Father of the Forests", or the "Woods Papa".

Muma Padurii was also said to have several sons, which were the spirits of the woods and/or of the night (going by names such as Decuseara, Zorila, Murgila, Mamornito or "Midnight"). She is also linked to a set of female forest spirits known as the Fata Padurii (Fata being of course linked to the "fairies", "fées", "fatum" - but here it is to be understood as "The Daughters of the Forest", "The Girls of the Woods, and fittingly they are said to be the daughters of Muma Padurii) ; and to an entity I personaly do not know much about, "Mosul Codruilui" (she is said to be her mother, and "Mosul" means "old woman")

Finally, there was a certain Christianization of the Muma, as some tales started saying her task as a guardian of the forest was given to her by God, and a modern attempt at explaining how she could be such an ambiguous entity, benevolent and malevolent at the same time: most modern storytellers highlight how protective she is of the fauna and flora, and how she was said to wail and cry for the destroyed wood, to explain her "transformation" as her becoming more and more bitter, and angrier and fuller of hate the more humans destroyed her domain, harmed her trees and wounded her "children". A true ecological fable.

Some people point out that Muma Padurii could be a "Romanian equivalent" of the Russian Baba-Yaga which is... not quite exact and not quite true. The two characters seem to derive from a same old "forest mother-goddess" but there are too many differences between Muma Padurii and Baba-Yaga for them to be consideed one and the same. There is however a interesting link between the two, which will be the subject of my next post... about Baba Cloantza.

[alinafromtheapollocabin]

2 for drachmas for a copy!

(Will is gonna kill me if he finds out) Pls let this be real :(

The picture’s not mine : ( I took a pic of it

Will Solace stood on the edge of the forest, the golden rays of the sun filtering through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The air was warm, filled with the scent of pine and the distant sound of laughter from the camp. It was a beautiful day, but Will felt a heaviness in his heart that the sunlight couldn’t chase away.

After the chaos of the last few months, he had hoped for a return to normalcy. But normalcy felt like a distant memory. The battle against the Triumvirate had left scars—not just on the land, but on the demigods who fought to protect it. Will had seen too much, lost too many, and the weight of it all pressed down on him like a leaden cloak.

“Hey, Solace!” a familiar voice called out, breaking him from his thoughts. He turned to see Nico di Angelo approaching, his dark hair tousled and his expression a mix of concern and determination.

“Hey, Nico,” Will replied, forcing a smile. “What’s up?”

Nico shrugged, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his black hoodie. “I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk. You’ve been cooped up in the infirmary for too long.”

Will hesitated. The infirmary was his sanctuary, a place where he could focus on healing others and forget his own pain. But he knew Nico was right. He needed to get out, to breathe, to feel the sun on his skin.

“Sure,” Will said, his smile becoming more genuine. “I could use some fresh air.”

As they walked through the camp, the sounds of laughter and chatter surrounded them. Will watched as campers trained with swords, others practiced archery, and some simply enjoyed the warmth of the sun. It was a scene of life and vitality, but Will felt like an outsider looking in.

“Are you okay?” Nico asked, his voice low and serious. “You’ve been… distant.”

Will sighed, running a hand through his golden hair. “I don’t know, Nico. I thought I could just heal everyone and everything would be fine. But it’s not that simple. I keep seeing their faces—the ones we lost. It’s like they’re haunting me.”

Nico nodded, his expression softening. “I get it. I really do. But you can’t carry that weight alone. You’re not responsible for what happened.”

“I know,” Will said, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I can’t help feeling like I should have done more. As a healer, I should have been able to save them.”

“Will,” Nico said firmly, stopping to face him. “You did everything you could. You saved so many lives. You can’t blame yourself for the ones we lost. It’s not fair to you.”

Will looked into Nico’s dark eyes, searching for the comfort he desperately needed. “I just wish I could forget. I wish I could heal my own heart like I heal others.”

Nico stepped closer, his presence grounding. “You can’t rush healing. It takes time. Just like the wounds you treat—they don’t heal overnight. You have to give yourself the same grace.”

Will nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. “You’re right. I just… I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”

“Then let’s do something about it,” Nico said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “How about a little adventure? Just you and me. We can go to the beach, or maybe explore the woods. Get away from camp for a bit.”

Will’s heart lifted at the idea. “That sounds amazing. I could use a break from all this.”

“Great! Let’s grab some supplies and head out,” Nico said, his enthusiasm infectious.

As they made their way to the cabin, Will felt a sense of lightness returning. Maybe he couldn’t erase the pain of the past, but he could take steps toward healing. With Nico by his side, he felt a little less alone in the shadows.

[sezja]

Undercover, Part 3

Part 1, Part 2

The path from their cabin to the beachfront restaurant is a gentle, winding slope, elegantly paved in grey and black stones, flanked here and there with small brass lanterns. With the sun still blazing high overhead - Sanson gauges it to be perhaps two bells before noon - the lanterns are still dark, but they'll be a welcome guide once the sun sets. He peers behind him, back up the trail: the paved path winds up past their own cabin, vanishing into the treeline, no doubt tracing a path from one cabin to the next.

"If we wished to do so," he muses aloud, "we would have no trouble at all finding the other cabins."

Guydelot nods thoughtfully, pausing a moment to follow Sanson's line of vision, as well as his train of thought. After their years of working together, Sanson could nearly swear Guydelot can read his mind. "Aye, it ain't half so wild as it seems at a glance, is it? Wouldn't be hard at all to find a cabin, wait 'til someone went inside..."

"...And vanish back into the trees." Indeed, thick vegetation lines the path... though it's evident much of the greenery has been trimmed back by several fulms, and recently. Doubtless the island's owners are taking what steps they may to prevent future murders from taking place on their piece of paradise.

Sanson hopes they work.

It's a mixed blessing that their own cabin is closest to the beach, he reflects; while it will be easy to make their way to the beach each day, they'll have no ready excuse for wandering deeper into the forest toward the other cabins. Taking a romantic stroll, perhaps? There is a great deal of the island to explore: forests, mountains, rivers... surely no one would find it odd that they might seek out some quiet scenic vista? Part of the island's appeal, after all, was its many secluded romantic nooks and crannies; surely no one would take it amiss if they happened to go missing for a time while they were investigating-

"Ah!" Sanson lets out a startled squeak; Guydelot wrapped his arm around the shorter man's waist while he stood there ruminating.

"Right, that's enough woolgathering." The bard steers him back down the path, his arm resting comfortably around Sanson while they walk, as though they've been doing this their whole godsdamned lives! "I don't know about you, but I'm starving. What sort of food d'you reckon they have here? Fish?"

"They..." He can't quite make himself return Guydelot's embrace, and he prays his face isn't burning quite as hot as it feels, but he manages to keep himself from pulling away. It is best if they maintain their cover even when they presume themselves to be alone, after all... and this close to the beach, who knows who might be watching? And what will anyone observing have seen so far - they've left their cabin, taken in their surroundings... and then cozied up to each other to resume their walk to the beach. Harmless. Unassuming. Even their conversation - should it chance to be overheard - has been innocuous. Sanson thinks. He hopes.

Matron, what he wouldn't give to have this mission in more experienced hands!

"Th-they keep livestock on the island," he continues at last, stumbling over his tied tongue. "And they farm their own produce. Some species native to the Cieldalaes, some imported from Vylbrand and the mainland. The cuisine here is highly praised."

"Someone read all the advertisements. And the information booklets." Guydelot smirks. "Glad one of us did."

"It was research! I wanted to know what we were getting into-"

"I'd rather learn on the ground. You know me." The bard gives him a teasing little squeeze. Unaccountably, Sanson's heart stutters; he tenses.

It isn't quite a flinch, no, but it's enough to make Guydelot frown - frown, and release him. "Gods, Sanson," he says, quietly. "How long's it been?"

Now he knows his face is aflame. "Never mind that." He takes a deep breath. "I'll adjust. I must. We cannot guess who might be watching-"

"When this is over, remind me to set you up with somebody." Guydelot slings his arm around Sanson's shoulders instead - more familiar, more comfortable. They've walked home like this a thousand times. The wave of trepidation that threatened to swallow him recedes... leaving something in its place that feels curiously like disappointment. With himself, surely? He should be more than capable of rising to any challenge his commanders place before him, no matter what those challenges might demand...

But that is neither here nor there.

He shakes his head, smiling. "You know I've no time for a personal life."

"We'll make you some time." The bard grins. "Carve out a little space between you and the Adders where we can fit someone else. It'll do you good, Chief."

"Hush." He elbows the fool in the ribs, laughing despite himself. "How will it sound if my husband is plotting to set me up with someone else? Is the idea not to save this marriage?"

At last, they reach the beach: golden sands warmed by the sunshine, glowing beneath a perfect blue sky. A humble-yet-serviceable pier stretches out into the water, but at present, no ferries are docked; the island has its own private ferries, Sanson recalls, having arrived on one just that morning, and they make regular, alternating trips to and from the mainland. It wouldn't do to leave their prestigious clientele stranded, after all. Just now, both ships must be somewhere en route to Vylbrand...

"How well do you suppose the ferry captains monitor their passengers?" Sanson speaks quietly, glancing up at Guydelot. "One would hope-"

The bard nods, his own gaze flicking toward the empty pier. "The way things've been lately? I'd wager no one gets on without proof they've got themselves a reservation."

Sanson nods. "They did request that we identify ourselves." And there had been a guard onboard - a quiet, stern Sea Wolf who'd kept a careful eye on the passengers. How recent a development is that, Sanson wonders; there had been some grumbling among his fellow passengers, complaining that they were being watched as though they were common thieves. "He glares as though we might peel the gilding from the doorknobs," one woman had huffed, clutching her purse tightly - and glaring at Sanson in all his scruffy glory, as though he might very well be a thief.

Well, he couldn't very well tell her the man was likely meant to ward against far worse than thieves, could he? He and Guydelot are meant to be ignorant of the murders-

A small shake of his shoulders brings him back to the present: Guydelot is alerting him that they've reached the beachfront restaurant. Sanson drags himself out of his own woolgathering to better take in their surroundings.

And pleasant surroundings they are, at that; the restaurant is surprisingly cozy, for a building whose walls are open to the elements - the better to allow patrons to continue enjoying their ocean view, uninterrupted. Aside from a few private booths in the corners, the tables are spaced well apart, Sanson observes to his dismay; it will be difficult to listen in on conversations for any potential leads... but the open layout ought to make it easy enough to observe, he supposes. Surely they can find reasonable excuses to listen in on - or perhaps even follow - anyone who appears to be acting strangely...?

"Awful quiet for brunch," Guydelot says, and he isn't wrong - aside from themselves, only a few other patrons have deigned to descend to the beach just now. An elderly Lalafellin couple have nestled into one of the corner booths, whispering and giggling quietly to one another, their plates neglected. An Elezen man reads a book, taking occasional sips of his coffee, while his wife kneads his shoulders with a small, self-satisfied smile. A sulky-looking Seeker sits alone, fingering the truly ostentatious triple string of pearls around her neck, with fingers bedecked in gaudy rings.

Before Sanson can further observe any of their fellow breakfast-goers, however, a young Sea Wolf in a neat, crisp uniform approaches, her golden-amber eyes alight.

"Ah, new faces!" From her apron pocket, the woman plucks a notepad and quill, with efficiency even Sanson has cause to envy. "Welcome, sirs, to the Radiant Queen. Will ye be havin' a table? We've booths aplenty, if ye prefer."

Before Sanson can trip over his tongue, Guydelot gives his shoulder another small squeeze - this one a reassurance that he will take the lead here. Thank the Matron. The bard gives the hostess his most winning smile. "I reckon we'll take a cozy spot in the corner," he says, turning that smile on Sanson himself. "Don't you think so, love?"

Why in the world has his mouth gone so dry? Sanson clears his throat, praying he's not blushing again. Over a smile! Honestly. He's seen Guydelot smile a thousand times!

Matron preserve me, I'm bad at this.

Fortunately, the waitress reads something into his dizzy silence, giving them a knowing little smile - quickly covered, artfully masked by swiftly brushing a stray lock of dark hair over one ear. "'Tis a lucky thing ye came so early, it is; the booths go quick in the evenin'." she says, then bows, straightens. "Right this way, sirs?"

Pull yourself together, he orders himself, furious. He shrugs off Guydelot's arm, the better to follow the hostess. A corner booth isn't a bad idea, he reasons; they can observe the rest of the restaurant in relative peace - and without fearing eavesdropping. He fears he might know what the hostess suspects they'll be about in the privacy of their booth; mortifying as it is, he hopes it might convince her to give them some privacy, the better to make their observations...

Although... who better to ask about the island itself?

"Have you worked here long?" He asks, pleased to hear his voice emerge steady.

The woman nods as she walks, leading them to a booth not far from the kitchen; heavenly smells waft out. "Oh, aye, since the first! 'Tis me parents what own this slice of paradise, after all."

"Your parents!" Startled, Sanson glances over his shoulder at Guydelot; the bard looks just as surprised as he does. "And they have you seating patrons at tables?"

She laughs as they take their seats. "What are we, blood royals? Nay, sir; me folks were born to piracy, took to adventurin', and when they had ample gelt to toss about, they took to this place. We're workers, sir. We don't sit idle, and we don't scratch our bums while others do the work." She taps her notepad with her quill. "Right, then, lads. Me name's Mynarael, and it'll be me honor to take yer drink orders."

With their orders well in hand, Myrnarael saunters her way into the kitchen, calling orders as the door closes behind her. Guydelot watches her go, a look of admiration plain on his face.

Sanson kicks the man's shin beneath the table.

"Ow!" Guydelot scoots an ilm or two away, scowling. "What? She's got a commanding presence, is all."

"She's very likely married."

"There's no crime in looking." The bard's gaze slides sideways, toward the dining room. His voice lowers. "And speaking of looking..."

Sanson needn't follow Guydelot's eyes to know what the bard sees. The Miqo'te woman. "Aye. I saw her." Without looking - it won't do for them both to stare at her - Sanson recalls what he took in at his brief glance: she's their age, more or less; it can be difficult to gauge a Miqo'te's age. Coppery red hair, pinned up. Fine clothes. Tail swishing, agitated. No partner in sight - perhaps that was the source of her frustration? She'd not be here on the island alone, surely.

"Not a chance in any hell she belongs to those jewels," Guydelot observes. "She's as fiddly with them as you are with that ring." He looks pointedly at Sanson's hands.

He'd not realized he had begun fussing with his false wedding ring again.

Placing his hands - pointedly - flat on the table, he asks, quietly, "Do you think we may have our first suspect?"

"I reckon she's worth a look." Guydelot shrugs, leaning back in the booth. "She's all alone, eh? Reckon I could talk to her, see what's on her mind..."

"Tell me you don't mean to flirt with her," Sanson says, fighting the urge to groan, and struggling to keep his voice down. "Guydelot! She's at a couples' retreat!"

"And all by herself. No other half in sight. She's lonely, I'd wager."

"You'll blow our cover."

"I say I'm just bein' friendly-"

But their conversation - very well, argument - is interrupted by the return of Myrnarael with their drinks. "What's all this, then?" She sets the drinks down carefully, then stands with her hands on her hips, looking like nothing so much as a disapproving mother. "Trouble in paradise? In my Queen? What's all this bickerin', lads?"

Once more, Guydelot comes to the rescue (As well he should, Sanson thinks, worrying about what the woman might have overheard). He lifts his hands in a placating gesture. "We were just curious about our fellow patron," he says, nodding toward the Miqo'te woman. "Seems like an odd place to be all by one's lonesome, eh? We wondered if she might be lonely, is all."

To Sanson's surprise, for a moment, Myrnarael's professional mask slips - he catches a glimpse of something, too quick to name.

He thinks it might be fear.

Then it's gone, replaced by a smile that doesn't quite light up her golden eyes anymore. "Never you mind Miss R'Shenna," she instructs, shifting to position herself between them and the Miqo'te, blocking their view. "She's something of a regular here, and we take her privacy very seriously."

"A regular," Sanson repeats, before he can stop himself. Who could commit multiple violent crimes on the island, if not someone who returned to it again and again? It would have to be someone who spent a great deal of time here - an employee, he'd thought... but what if the murderer was a visitor?

A regular client, visiting the island over and over, taking advantage of her fellow patrons...

He meets Guydelot's eyes, and sees the same realization reflected there.

Guydelot recovers first, of course, blinking in not-entirely-feigned surprise. "A regular," he also repeats, but this time with a sense of awe. "Huh! I didn't think a place like this'd have regulars. Cost us an arm and a leg just to come the once, didn't it, love?"

His heart is hammering in his chest; he wants nothing so much as to arrest the woman - R'Shenna? - at once... but without proof, his hands are tied. "Yes," Sanson manages, smiling. "But... but surely she isn't here alone?" An accomplice acting as her lover, perhaps?

Some tension fades from Myrarael's shoulders, and she smiles, nodding. "Ah, it's kind boys, ye be," she says, warm. "But never ye fear. She's here with her man, same as you. He just don't take kindly to the sea - like as not, he's still green-gilled back at his cabin. Might be as he'll turn up for dinner... but you mind me," she adds, stern. "You leave 'em both be, you understand me?"

So there is a partner! Gods, if only they could find some way to convince Myrnarael to tell them which cabin the couple were staying in... perhaps by pretending to be concerned for the sick man? But no, 'tis best not to tip their hand too early; perhaps they might be able to tail R'Shenna back home...?

"You'll have to excuse him," Guydelot is saying; Sanson blinks, resurfacing from his thoughts. The bard is smiling at him, all soft and warm in a way that makes Sanson's stomach flutter (even if he knows it's all an act, damn it all), and he gets the uncomfortable feeling he's been staring intently into space for several heartbeats. "My Sanson's a fretful sort; he's likely working himself into a fit," Guydelot continues, "worrying about Miss R'Shenna and her man."

"I-"

"Myrnarael's been trying her damnedest to get your order," Guydelot replies, sounding tremendously amused. "Unless you want me to order for you? You know I know what you like."

Stop that. Sanson manages an indignant squeak in response. "I swear-"

"He'll have the same as me," Guydelot says, all innocence, beaming up at the woman. "And another cup of coffee, by the time you're done."

She glances at Sanson for confirmation, to her credit - and to Guydelot's, Sanson reluctantly nods his agreement; though he doesn't know precisely what the bard ordered, history suggests it will at least be something Sanson can stomach. While Myrnarael bustles off once more, he kicks Guydelot's shin again.

"Ow! You know, I'll probably have to walk around with my bare legs showing at some point, and people'll wonder about the bruises-"

"'You know I know what you like?'"

"Am I wrong?" Guydelot grins. "Just playin' the part, Chief. Relax a little. Have fun with it."

Sanson sinks in his seat, taking a deep swallow of his much-cooled coffee. "We have a lead."

"Aye, and fast, too." Guydelot's looking at R'Shenna again; she's eating her own food, with a ferocity that suggests she's angry with it. Or perhaps she is angry that her man's not here? Frustrated that she's left to work alone, maybe? "We'll keep an eye on her. And her man. We'll pick him out tonight, if he shows."

"Ought we try to follow her?"

"Reckon we can make it look natural?" Guydelot shrugs. "We don't want to put her on edge, eh? Let her think we're just a pair of bumbling Gridanian lovebirds... shite."

"Wh-"

"She's caught me staring."

"Guydelot. Stop staring, then!"

"Say somethin', will you? Loud enough she'll hear it."

"Wh-"

"Act the jealous lover, will you? You were doing it so well earlier."

"I was not-" He takes a deep breath. Puts on his very best offended face - not difficult; he's frustrated as it is - and sets his coffee down firmly on the table with a smack. "You know, perhaps the reason this marriage is failing is your wandering eyes!"

The room, already not terribly loud, quiets abruptly.

As though being startled from a trance, Guydelot turns to blink at him - batting those lovely eyelashes of his, with only Sanson to see the pure amusement lurking in the depths of his bright eyes. "My eyes might wander," he says, having the audacity to slide his hand into Sanson's, lacing their fingers together. "But I assure you, light of my life, my heart never does."

Sanson's vision swims. "Oh."

Guydelot lifts Sanson's hand to his lips, the better to hide his wicked grin. Quietly, he adds, "At a loss for words, Chief? That's new."

A ripple of quiet laughter spreads through the room, and the interrupted conversations resume. Sanson, his heart racing for new reasons, risks a glance at R'Shenna. Her violet eyes are still on them, narrowed... but she looks away at last, returning her attention to her meal. Sanson lets out a breath.

"Not bad," Guydelot says, plainly fighting the urge to laugh.

Sanson tugs his hand back, gripping his cup once more with hands that are not trembling, from nerves or anxiety or... or whatever he felt just a moment ago. "You laid it on too thick."

"Aye, well, next time I'll smack your arse and say, loud as I can, 'What more does a man need?'"

"You are insufferable," Sanson says, mortified, but he can't help laughing; the sheer ridiculousness of this mission... but with a target in sight, he thinks, surely it won't last much longer. They'll find some proof of R'Shenna's crimes - and her man's, like as not - and put an end to the bloodshed, and return to their lives. Their lives, and their usual relationship, with none of the odd twists and turns that make the very ground beneath Sanson's feet feel queerly unsteady.

Strange, how he isn't quite looking forward to that part.

[clumsiestgiantess]

I couldn’t help myself, I did a bit of writing with route 2 of this post

I remember thinking how alike the cabin my uncle left me was to something from an old horror movie.  When I first found the real estate photos, I debated even staying in the old place.  But when I arrived, I found it was by no means the decrepit little shack that it was made out to be — the opposite, actually.  From the outside, where the pictures came from, the wooden walls seemed close to decaying.  However, the entire interior looked newly remodeled; it was like stepping into a whole other house.  The only way to tell you were in the same place was by the view out the window.  The drastic changes between the indoors and outdoors is definitely jarring, but nothing too fantastical.  Uncle Terrence had probably been halfway through remodeling the place before his sudden death.  

His death…  He had lived right here before he died.  There’s still no news about his body, which was never actually found.  Technically, he could still be alive, but where would he be?  A few of his friends had searched for Terrence for days before they even called the police.  It’s been two months since then.  The investigator stated that he’d likely been wounded or killed while hunting through the vast forests that surrounded the tiny town where he lived.  Both the woods surrounding the cabin, as well as the known hunting trails, were searched, but nothing was found of him.  Thus the cabin was left in my possession.

The first night of my stay I couldn’t get any sleep.  I kept imagining Terrence’s ghost wandering around in the hall, but then again, I didn’t really have anything to fear if it was just him, back from the dead and slightly opaque.  Either way, the thought creeped me out enough to keep me up.  The following day, I decided to visit the small town just to get out of the house.  I’d driven through it on the way to the cabin, and it didn’t look like much, but I had to find some decent food that wasn’t just the snacks I’d brought in the car.  The inspector I called to evaluate the place won’t get here for a few more days, so until then, I’m stuck here.  

There were only three whole restaurants in the town of Stillness.  Yes, you heard me right.  The town’s called Stillness.  That’s one of the other reasons I believed the cabin was something out of a horror movie.  The first two restaurants in Stillness were bars, and the final one was a diner.  I took my seat in the diner, ironically at the bar counter, and was halfway through my first sip of coffee when someone sat down beside me.  Annoyance spiked through my nerves.  There were so many open seats; only four other people were even in the diner.  Why did he choose the one right next to me?  

“Hav’nt seen you ‘round before,” he said, nodding at the small main street through the windows.  “Stoppin’ through?  Ain’t nowhere much to stay in this town.”  I nodded curtly, trying to keep our conversation brief.  “I’m trying to sell a cabin up the road from here.  I won’t be here very long.”  “What!?  Which cabin?  You mean Terrence’s place?”  I blinked, my mind seemed to take an extra few seconds to process that the man knew my uncle.  “Yes, that one.  I inherited it after he died.”  The stranger shook his head almost angrily.  “Terrence ain’t dead!  He was killed!”  I flinched at his outburst while someone across the dinner laughed.  “That’s the same thing!” they called jeeringly.  “No it ain’t!” the stranger protested, “Someone wanted him gone, dangit!  So they went n’ killed him!  Buried him in th’ woods somewhere!”

For a long while I stared down into my coffee, not wanting to continue the conversation.  But the man’s accusations of murder were something I did want to know more about.  I’m living in his old house, after all.  “Why do you think someone wanted him gone?” I asked hesitantly.  The stranger quickly turned back to me.  “Me n’ the others went to check on him after we realized no one had seen him in a day or so.  See, he came into town at least once a day to talk with folks.  Anyway, we went to check on him, but he was gone!”  “I heard that from the police,” I told him, “but what makes you think someone killed him?  Did anyone want him dead?”  The stranger shrugged, “No one I know of, but someone did ‘else they wouldn’t’ve cleaned out all his stuff.  Guess they wanted the cabin.”

“Wait, none of the things in the cabin are Terrence’s?” I asked incredulously, “Are you sure?”  He nodded, “Darn thing don’t even look like his cabin no more, all fancy n’ new lookin’.”  My stomach lurched as I thought back to how differently the inside seemed.  “You think someone killed him to redesign his house?”  The person across the diner began laughing again.  “Whoever it was must’ve really hated Terrence’s decoratin’ skills!”  The stranger stood in a heartbeat, “Well why else do y’ think it looks different after he disappeared?  I’ll tell you why, you old sod!  They wanted him outa the way so they could take his house and everything with it!”  The other man got up as well, humor gone from his expression.  Before things could escalate any further, I grabbed my cup of coffee and slid out the side door.

I could barely focus on anything but the sidewalk in front of me as I walked a few storefronts down to the single convenience store.  Something eerie was going on, and I didn’t like it in the slightest.  Why would someone get rid of my uncle just to remodel his house and run off?  Unless they’re still in the house.  My heart briefly stopped beating.  Is there a legitimate murdrer in the cabin that I’m living in?!  I tried to calm myself down enough to find supplies for the week.  The other person in the diner was making fun of all the unnerving accusations.  There was a good chance that they were more fantastical than anything based on facts.  It was still entirely possible that Terrence was just remodeling the cabin like I’d thought.  The police hadn’t seemed too concerned about it, so I really shouldn't be either.  However, after collecting the bags of necessities I bought, I still had one thing on my mind that bugged me.  If nothing in the cabin is Terrence’s, then where did he put all his things?  Surely if he renovated it, they must be stored somewhere until all the work was done.

The moment I got home, I began searching every single room, closet, and piece of furniture in the house.  The unsettling feeling I carried only got worse and worse as I searched.  There were books on the shelves, fake flowers in vases, cookware and utensils in the kitchen, and various trinkets placed on countertops.  However, there were no clothes in the dressers or closets, no scattered papers on the desk, and not a single personal item left lying around — nothing that showed the place had actually been lived in.  My nervousness only prompted me to search harder.  I had to find something to disprove the unsettling fact that the entire interior looked staged.  I even checked the sinks, toilets, shower, microwave, stove — anything that might be a fake like the kind used in showrooms.  Thankfully, all the appliances do work, which eased my nerves at least slightly.

Finally, after hours of searching and nothing but a vague sense of anxiety to show for it, I lay down on the couch, exhausted.  At the very least, I was certain no one else was in the house.  I’d looked over everything far too closely to have missed anything like that.  Closing my eyes, I tried to calm down my racing heart.  Just as my pulse began to slow to a normal rhythm, a thud sounded from the roof.  I chose to ignore it.  Pinecones had been falling down and making small thuds just like that one, albeit the one just now sounded a lot louder.  And the room was suddenly a lot cooler now, too.  Confused by the drop in temperature, my eyes fluttered open and someone stared back at me.

I sat up with a jolt, eyes locked on the spot where the roof should’ve been.  A gigantic face peered down at me instead, looming menacingly over the entire cabin.  Everything around me seemed to shift as the giant moved closer.  A shriek escaped my lungs before I scrambled onto the floor.  Rushing back up to my feet, I made a mad dash for the back door, nearly snapping it off of its hinges as I threw it open and tripped over the uneven stairs.  My side and ankle tensed in pain as I rolled to a stop in the tall grass.  To my disbelief, the sky was barren.  With heavy breaths, I slowly rose to my knees, looking wildly around for the gigantic thing I’d seen.  It- it almost looked like a person, but no person could possibly be that tall.  

Thinking back to what I saw, I tried to picture what the house had looked like as I ran through it.  The roof was obviously missing, but there were random walls that disappeared too.  The whole right side of my vision had been completely covered by the giant’s body.  Shakily, I made my way to the front of the cabin.  Inside, the roof and everything in the front besides the floor was gone.  From where I stood now, there wasn’t a single thing out of place.  With cautious steps, I made my way onto the front porch and peered in through the window in the door.  Nothing looked suspicious besides the carpet, which I’d crumpled up by scrambling over it in my desperation to get out.  I worked up the courage to step inside, finding the roof and walls were all still intact.  So why the hell were they gone a few minutes ago?  And where did the giant go?  

The longer I stood in the cabin staring at all the completely normal stuff sitting around, the more confused I became.  Like a dream, the terrifying images in my memory began to fade.  I must’ve been so tired I’d started dreaming when I closed my eyes.  I’d been so scared of a nightmare that I rushed out of the house without thinking.  Or maybe the stress of everything strange was making me hallucinate.  There’s also the chance that I was just exhausted after the very few hours of sleep I got over the last two nights.  

Taking a moment to think through everything, I became aware of how tired I actually was.  I barely felt like opening my eyes, nevermind moving.  Shuffling over to my bed, I let myself fall onto the sheets, barely even getting onto the mattress before passing out.  I wanted- no, needed things to be normal.  The cabin has to sell or I’ll be stuck with it, and it definitely won’t sell if the walls start disappearing.  Hopefully the strangeness from before was just in my head.  Logically, it had to be.

Spurred on by the thought of showings and the inspector’s arrival, I busied myself with cleaning up the place after I woke up.  I’d pulled a few things down into messy piles while searching for something of Terrence’s the other day.  I scrolled through my phone as I mindlessly shelved books, until I heard a thump on the roof.  I stared down at the floor, refusing to look up.  My heartbeat pounded in my ears as the room slowly cooled and the rushing sound of monstrous breathing rumbled above me.  It can’t be real.  It isn’t-  “Hello?”  Before the echoing word even finished, I was out of the room.  My footsteps pounded over the floor without a single creaking protest from the wooden boards.  Strange, but I could hardly bother with it now. 

My hand was nearly touching the back door before a wall of skin fell in front of it, blocking my exit.  I veered off in another direction, too scared to even react.  My throat squeezed closed so tightly I was practically suffocating as I threw myself beneath the kitchen table, clinging to the single leg like my life depended on it.  The giant’s breathing came so close that I could feel the hot air from just above the table.  I shuddered as a slightly-too-loud voice spoke.  “Who are you?” they asked in awe, “Why are you living in my cabin?”  Their second question registered in my brain as something important, but before I could act on it, fingers as thick as my torso folded around the table.

The next thing I knew, the entire thing was torn out of my shaking arms and lifted high above me.  My throat cleared up just enough to let me cry out fearfully as my entire view was filled with nothing but the giant’s gargantuan form.  “No, no, no, no!  This isn’t real!  This isn’t happening!”  I hated how frightened my voice sounded, but could you blame me?  With nothing else to protect myself, I curled up into a ball on the floor, dreading the moment I would be grabbed or poked or crushed.  Tears began leaking from my eyes, and then the giant spoke again.  “H- Hey, I’m not going to hurt you or anything.  Here, do you want the table back?  Sorry I moved it, I just wanted to see you better.  You’re already so small…”  I yelped as something fell beside me with a thud, but it was only the kitchen table.  

Sliding shakily beneath it, I stole a glance upward once I felt a bit safer.  Startlingly blue eyes watched me worriedly from what must be miles above my head.  Their face was framed in glossy black hair that fell right below their chin.  I hadn’t really gotten a good look at them before.  They didn’t look like the ugly monstrous giants from kids’ books.  Without their staggering height, they might even look human.  After calming down a marginal amount, I remembered their question from earlier.  “Wh- What do you mean, your c- cabin?” I managed to squeak out, “I inherited it.”  The giant ducked down to see me way quicker than I realized they could move.  Gasping in shock, I slid over to keep the table between myself and them.  The giant shot me a pitying look as I did, which briefly lit a bit of anger inside me.  However, it was doused with a new wave of fear when the giant started talking.

“You.. inherited it?  But I just built it two months ago.  How did you inherit it?  From who?”  I gawked, managing to peer out at them again.  They were a lot closer, but they hadn’t tried to grab me, so I stayed put behind the table.  “You didn’t build it,” I said confusedly.  The giant stared at me, shocked, and it occurred to me that it seemed like I was challenging their knowledge.  “I- I mean..  You couldn’t have built it.  My uncle owned this place for almost twenty years before he died.  You couldn’t have built it two… two months ago.”  Two months ago — when Terrence went missing.  Oh god, is this the killer who wanted him out of the house?

While the giant took a step back to process what I’d told them, I made my escape through one of the empty spots where the wall should have been.  If I could just get out of the house, everything would surely fix itself.  Just like yesterday.  

I leapt over the foundation, expecting to land on solid earth, but my feet hit something much more slippery, sending me tumbling forwards.  I got a split-second view of an impossibly gigantic bookshelf before sailing over a sudden drop.  My stomach did somersaults as I fell downwards, head over heels, shrieking the entire awful fall which thankfully only lasted a few seconds.  I was jarred to a sudden stop by something warm and cushiony.  Without even knowing what it was, I clung to my saving grace for dear life — then I felt a beating pulse beneath my fingers.  

My vocal chords started to give out with the amount of screaming I’d done.  I nearly gave into the urge to jump out of the massive hand I sat in, but realized I would just continue my deadly fall.  All I could do was stare up at the colossal being and pray they wouldn’t close their hand into a fist and shatter every bone in my comparatively fragile body.  Slowly, I was brought up to the giant’s face.  “Woah,” they breathed, “You’re so light.”  I could barely even see their expression through my tears.  “Please!  J- Just put me back!” I sobbed, “I want to get out of here!”  I don’t even know where the hell here was, but the giant seemed to take pity on me.  With gentle movements, they lowered their hand to the cabin floor, and I finally got a decent look at what they were seeing.  The view frightened me as much as the giant did.

From the giant’s perspective, the cabin looked like a miniature replica of itself.  The front and the roof were missing in order to let people look into the house.  The interior was decorated like a showroom because no one actually lived there.  As I was shuffled off the giant’s hand and into the living room, I realized that the carpet was nothing but thick paper with an image printed on it.  No wonder it had crumpled so easily when I fled the house.  “What the hell?” I whispered, looking around the cabin.  Everything was the same, but different.  Even the things made out of the same materials, like the table and the couch, were still slightly off.  Their textures suddenly looked coarser and less refined.  “What did you do?!” I asked fearfully, turning to look back at the giant, “Why did you turn the cabin into a model?  Turn it back!  I- I don’t want to be here!”

The big blue eyes only stared down at me in confusion.  There was one thing I was more scared of then the giant, and that was being stuck somewhere with them.  “What do you mean?  Are you saying you came from a real cabin?”  “Of course I came from a real cabin!” I yelped, “I’m.. I’m not a miniature, if that’s what you’re implying!  There’s a whole town and everything out there, and I want to go back!”  The giant shook their head disbelievingly, “Are you sure it’s real?”  My heart faltered at the mere thought of what the giant was suggesting.  “Yes I’m fucking sure it’s real!” I cried, refusing to believe otherwise.  

At my outburst, the giant flinched, making me flinch in turn.  “W- Well, what’s the town called?  Wait.. does this cabin of yours have an address?”  I nodded vehemently.  The giant stepped away for a moment and returned with a phone the size of a small car.  They reached into their pocket and pulled out a pair of glasses, pushing them up the bridge of their nose before unlocking their phone.  “What is it?” they asked me.  “471 Buckhead Road,” I recited, having memorized it on the drive there.  I waited anxiously as they searched for it on their phone.  The pause in action gave me the chance to see what was outside the model cabin.  The layout of a monolithic bedroom spread out before me.  To my right was a desk stacked with books.  To my left was an apartment complex sized window with the curtains drawn.  In front of me was a bed that looked like it took as long to traverse as the road into town.  And all of it could be seen from the gigantic shelf the entire cabin sat on.  Anxiety made my eyes water as I realized just how small I was compared to all of it.

“Oh, here!”  The giant’s voice startled me from my thoughts.  “Does it look like this?”  A television screen phone was lifted to the edge of the miniature cabin’s base.  Pictured on the screen in almost blinding brightness was none other than the real estate pictures I’d seen on my own phone not too long ago.  “Yes!” I gasped excitedly, “That’s it!  I told you it exists!”  I don’t know why I’m so relieved.  I knew it was real.  “No way..” the giant mumbled.  “So, were you in.. a normal cabin in the woods until I took the cover off?”  “Cover?” I repeated questioningly.  “Yeah, the cover that keeps the model from getting ruined or dusty inside,” they explained, holding up a clear plastic case.  I glanced between it and the place I stood in.  “Y- Yes, I guess so.  I didn’t know what happened.  The roof suddenly disappeared, and then you blocked me from leaving.”  

The giant thought for a moment.  “I tried to stop you from leaving the first time, too.  By putting the cover back on so you were stuck in there.  I think that just lets you out instead.”  Again I was hit with another anxious wave of terrible realization.  The giant could easily keep me here.  So long as they have that cover, they could choose when to send me back.  If they wanted to send me back at all.  “A- Alright, then it’ll p- put me back in the real cabin.  Good.”  Try as I might, I couldn’t stop my voice from shaking.  

In a few steps, the giant was looming close to me again, peering over the rim of their glasses to scrutinize my expression.  I tried to put on a brave face, but it took all my energy just to stay standing where I was.  “You’re..  You’re scared,” they said softly.  Inadvertently, my gaze flitted between the cover and their face.  They leaned back upright and held it up, looking down at me with concern.  “Do you want me to put you back?”  I nearly cried in relief.  “Yes.  Yes, please.”  The giant nodded.  “Can I come back tomorrow?  I.. I’m still a bit confused about what’s even going on with all this.”  I didn’t want them back ever, but I also didn’t want to anger them either.  “If you swear you’ll bring me back when I ask, then yes.”  Obviously, I couldn’t do anything to back up my end of the bargain.  Nothing was keeping the giant from breaking their agreement — no consequences would come to them by keeping me here.  

“I swear I’ll let you go back whenever you want,” the giant responded.  Their determined look gave me a bit of hope.  They seem genuinely willing to help me, which is good.  I don’t know what I would’ve done if they weren’t willing to work with me — or what I could’ve done for that matter.  I took a shuddering breath as their oversized hand reached for my own.  “My name’s Casey.  I know things must look weird and scary to you, but it’s not as bad as you think, I promise.  It’s weird for me too.”   I had severe doubts about giving them my hand, but in the end I caved and offered it up, deciding it was best to keep on the giant, Casey’s, good side.  

I half expected their grip to be crushing; I thought I would hear my bones snap.  Thankfully, it wasn’t that harmful.  It hurt enough to be uncomfortable, but not enough to be painful.  “I’m-  My name’s Daniella.”  Casey gave me a half smile and released my hand.  “Here, let me put this back on.”  I ducked my head as the cover slid into place around the miniature cabin.  One moment I was surrounded by plastic casing, the next all the walls phased back into place.  With an actual roof over my head, I raced to the front door.  The outside world was still there, completely intact.  

“Oh thank god!” I gasped in relief, sitting heavily on the front steps.   I brought my hands in front of me, watching how badly they shook before pressing them into fists.  I wanted to cry, yell for joy, and vomit all at the same time.  I was safe, for now.  And I was almost certain that the giant had something to do with my uncle’s disappearance.  The two month timing was too perfect to be a coincidence.  Were they hiding the truth from me?  Or did something happen that they weren’t even aware of.  They did seem just as clueless as I was.

Whatever that ordeal was, it definitely wasn’t in my head.  Meaning the giant-  Well, actually, they must be a person living out in the world somewhere.  They’d found the real cabin on their phone, meaning it was somewhere where they were.  Which meant…  “Holy shit,” I said quietly, “I must’ve been so small!  I- I fell off a shelf!  I was in someone’s hand!”  I know I knew all that the moment it happened, but I hadn’t actually given it much thought.  I was too busy fearing for my life.  

“Why did I tell them I wanted to meet them again tomorrow?” I whined as I made my way back inside.  “I don’t even know when they're going to come back!”  A few scenarios seeped into my brain of me doing something in the privacy of the house, only for the roof and walls to suddenly disappear and reveal me.  You could see into every room, and the shower was glass.  “Shit.”  There was always the closet.

I really like this lil scenario, honestly.  Let me know if y’all want me to continue this!  (Daniella doesn’t, but it’s not up to her)

[teqshark]

Minecraft Hardcore (0-10)

Might not be as many houses as I originally anticipated but I started up a hardcore world on bedrock on a whim so I thought I'd document my exploits here. Maybe next time I can actually remember to get screenshots during the interval but oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. All images were captured on Day 10. (Spoiler alert: I survive the 10(11?) days). Without any further ado, all worlds start with...

Day 0: Yes, we're counting Day 0. I spawned at the origin (0,0) in a forest so I was just surrounded by oak and birch. I wasted no time in chopping my first tree so I could craft a wooden pickaxe and wooden axe. Before I left the forest, I nearly broke the axe getting wood but didn't fully break it. I like to keep the first tools I make as a memento to how far I've come. Gathering logs took up half the day but I was still able to explore a little bit before dark. I found a shallow cave in the side of the mountain that I could take shelter in. I dug right into the cliffside to get some cobblestone while I wait out the night. I knew I wouldn't be living here permanently but I thought I'd make it at least resemble a home of some kind so I made a door and some fences for a little balcony out by the door. I also crafted some slabs to make the way down a little easier and then the sun began to rise.

Day 1: I left the sight of my first home and quickly got into a tussle with a skeleton. I hadn't been able to make any armor yet so I went down to about half health(I don't remember exactly). I ate my last lamb chop and decided not to go sprinting around since I was low on food. I quickly found a plains biome and with that, some animals I could turn into food. Then I stumbled across a horse. I saw a lot of snow in the distance so I wanted to make some leather boots so I wouldn't sink into the powdered snow and freeze to death. After asking my friend, the horse did not make it but it's leather was enough for the boots. Right as I noticed a village of sorts, the sun began to set again. However, I had a bed this time so I quickly went to sleep before any hostiles could spawn.

Day 2: I woke up, broke by bed, and went to check out the village. It had generated on a hillside which was interesting since only half of it was visible from where I slept. Once I got there, I realized it was actually an abandoned village. They're rare but it wasn't my first time seeing one so I just tried to take what I could. In the blacksmith, I was able to get an iron helmet and chestplate which really boosts your confidence. I began searching some of the other buildings and I noticed my inventory was nearly full of junk. I thought it might be time to settle down when my friend had reminded me of the previous update. A couple weeks ago, bundles had been added. For those unaware, a bundle allows you to hold up to a stack of various stackable items in one slot and all you need to make one is string and leather. I didn't have any string so I dropped back onto the blacksmith roof to destroy a cobweb. After creating one, I was able to reopen about half of my inventory slots. Across from the valley this village lied on was a lightly snowed peak which I briefly considered living on. After making my way over, I chopped down a couple spruce trees since I wanted to start on a cabin. This plan quickly fell through because there wasn't much space and terraforming early in hardcore seemed like a death wish. But still, it was getting late so I placed down a campfire to cook the animals I'd slain as well as a couple logs by the fire to really complete the campsite. Once everything was cooked and I took out another skeleton that wanted me dead, I went to bed wondering where to go next.

Day 3: I started by heading over to the trees I'd cut down to gather the saplings it dropped. I only ended up getting 3 but it's fine since they grow and produce more. After walking for a little bit, I saw another village, this one actually being inhabited. In the cliff next to a campfire, I finally found some iron ore so naturally I grabbed that while I cooked up some animals I killed. Not only did this village have a lot of crops I should steal harvest including carrots and potatoes, it also had 2 blacksmiths and with chests containing iron tools and some obsidian(it's a surprise tool that'll help us later :) ). By the time I'd seen everything, it was already night and I slept once again.

Day 4: With plenty of food for my journey and a stack of potatoes to farm, I went on my merry way. This may come as a surprise, but after a little more meandering, I encountered village #3. This one was up high on a meadow with a river separating it so I made a boat to reach this one. They didn't have a blacksmith but I was able to find some hay bales which I took with me because they can't defend themselves. I will specify that this one was a plains village and thus had the iconic cobblestone church as seen below.

One thing I enjoy about The Village and Pillage Update that dropped in *does a Google search* 2019 is that the plains also have a second church-like building.

Now idk if this is actually a church but both buildings contain brewing stands and those turn villagers into clerics. Personally, I like the thought of there being multiple different Minecraft religions among the townsfolk. Anyway, as I was exploring the second church as shown above, it started to thunder so I decided to sleep it away because playing in the rain is just a little annoying.

Day 5: Shortly after sleeping, I had decided to get off for the day because the first play session was starting to drain a little bit. However, I did get on the next day and got right back to looking for somewhere to settle. I didn't get far from the village before noticing the meadow had shifted gears. In and around the village there hadn't been a lot of flowers, as is a key characteristic of the biome. However, I noticed the ground was suddenly filled with alliums.

I had never come across a meadow with this flower before. I thought they only spawn in flower forests, but I was wrong. After a little bewilderment, I decided somewhere around here would be the place I set up shop. I managed to find a decently flat area so I made a chest and started to unload the inventory of non-essentials. I also put down a crafting table, furnace, and a smoker I borrowed from village 1. Smokers are like furnaces except they only smelt food but quicker than a standard furnace or campfire. I noticed the sun was starting to get kinda low so I quickly began setting up what I like to call The Gridlock. I'll save that for Day 6.

Day 6: Now, The Gridlock. This will require some explanation. Prior to 1.18(Caves and Cliffs pt. 2), hostile mobs were able to spawn at a light level of 7 or less. After the update, a light level of 0 is now required. Torches produce a light level of 15 when placed that decreases once per block the light spreads to. The Gridlock is the name I associate with placing a torch every 10 blocks on my land so that nothing can spawn. It's like The Lion King, everything the light touches is mine. I spent a little of Day 5 and about a third of Day 6 placing torches so that hopefully, nothing can sneak up on me while I'm minding my own business. I also spent part of this day to smelt the little iron I had and make a bucket. This is one of the most important items throughout the cycle of the game and I needed water. Luckily, there was a river down the side of the mountain I didn't come from so i went down there, got a bucket, and placed it down back up at my base. It was a surprisingly long journey so for the second bucket I needed(I'll explain), I decided to get a water source in one of the caves I saw. After a little scrounging around to find it, I now had 2 buckets of water and a little bit more coal because I couldn't help myself. Now, for those still wondering, I used the 2 water sources to create an infinite water source. That's right, some figurations of water make it so that you simply never run out. Most people opt to create the 2x2 but I instead use the 1x3. As long as I take buckets from the center, it will never run out. I inlayed it next to a terrain change and put some trapdoors over it so I don't fall in(as shown later). Next, I used my new power to create a potato farm. It fit perfectly inside one square of the grid and I outlined it with the alliums since they're everywhere and I had to clear some to make the farm. Sometime during its construction, a wandering trader spawned. I had 4 emeralds from stealing borrowing from the villagers so I thought I'd see what he was offering. I ended up buying some moss and an orange tulip. I then bonemealed the tulip to make more and then took one to dye my bundle orange. I proceeded to create a magenta one since 2 bundles are clearly better than 1. Finally, I decided to plant the spruce saplings I obtained in Day 3. By that, it had somehow started to rain again which was absurd since it had been like 2 days but luckily I was able to sleep it away.

Day 7-8: With basic housekeeping done, I decided to set out for a nice cave to start mining for resources. I found one that was nice and away from everything and I noticed very early on that there was a LOT of copper in this cave. I've been watching a playthrough from ItsMarloe on YouTube and he uses a lot of copper in his builds so I thought I'd give it a shot. I mined every single coal, copper and iron ore I came across. Every time my inventory was nearing full, I compressed the resources I collected into blocks so that I could keep going. About halfway through my expedition, I stopped to smelt the surprisingly little iron I had acquired and finally make myself some leggings. Around this time, I killed a zombie that dropped a chainmail helmet. While chains are now an item, chainmail armor cannot be crafted, thus making it a rare find. After about another 15 minutes, I decided that was enough caving for this session. I had gone through multiple iron pickaxes on the copper alone. Despite the low coal yield, I did get a fair bit of coal and didn't venture deep enough to find anything else. One thing I started doing with this adventure was only putting torches along the right walls of the cave. It's a productive way to ensure you don't get lost underground.

Day 9: I emerged from the cave about halfway into Day 9 so there wasn't all that much to do. I started by smelting the iron I manage to get and using it to make myself a stonecutter, which makes crafting different stone blocks easier, and a blast furnace, which smelts ores faster like the smoker with food. This will be helpful for when I finally decide to smelt up the copper because currently I do not have nearly enough fuel to smelt it all.

As you can see by my surprisingly blurry screenshot, I mined just over 5 stacks of copper blocks. That creates 2,889 copper ingots. I didn't mine that many ores however, because copper drops multiple raw copper even without the Fortune enchantment, but I still mined quite a few. In the bottom left of the chest, you can also see the 23 blocks of coal I collected. even if I used all of them, it wouldn't smelt all the copper so I'll leave that until I can actually finish smelting all of it. I saw I had some daylight left so I decided to make a carrot farm right next to the potatoes, allium border and all. I didn't have nearly as many carrots as potatoes so that one is gonna require some work yet.

Day 10: I woke up for this one and it occurred to me: I have a camp, but not a house. I intend to build one right in front of where my camp is so I spent some time just clearing out some flowers because A) they'll be in the way and B) I thought picking flowers would be a nice little treat for surviving 10 days.

It's nothing crazy because I only have iron tools but I plan to make something nice. This image really shows just how big and surreal the biome is. I'll eventually cover the entire thing into the Gridlock but maybe that'll be when I have more resources. I spent the rest of the day obtaining these other pictures of my little camp.

Here we have the farms, the trees I planted and a different wandering trader. I checked, he had different trades.

And then we have the assortment of blocks I currently call home. Under the trapdoors is the infinite water source which I think tucks itself away very nicely.

That's a wrap on my progress for this world. Please comment any suggestions or questions you may have. I did my best to recount all notable events in the order they occurred. Some might be a little out of sequence but I believe I at least covered it all. Next long post will be regarding days 11-20 unless something else takes the spotlight ;). Thank you for actually reading all of this. If you skimmed, that's fine. I know it's a lot. Until next time 👍

[ariadnewhitlock]

Felix and Ariadne meet Fluffy! || Felix & Ariadne

TIMING: Before The Orange. LOCATION: A forest. SUMMARY: Felix and Ariadne run into a Kerashag. They react to it in the most Them way possible. TRIGGER WARNING: None.

There were times, even now, where the woods felt more like home than the apartment they’d lived in for years. It was funny, in a way; Felix hadn’t enjoyed their time living in the cabin with their father and siblings, but they were nostalgic for it all the same. It was so much easier to miss things once you’d lost them, he supposed, so much easier to long for something once it was gone. Walking through the woods now, they felt that all-too familiar ache in their chest. They half expected to run into their father, a stuttering hint of fear filling them at the thought. Or maybe they’d find one of their siblings. Or… no one at all.

Or something else.

They heard it first. The low, strange call of ‘oooom oooom’ that echoed through the trees. And then, desperate footfalls of someone running. That was just about all the warning they were given before someone collided with them in a tangle of limbs and messy blonde hair. Felix blinked from his spot in the leaves, looking up at the girl who’d collided with him. She looked… distressed, to say the least. “Are you —” They were interrupted by another, much closer cry of ‘oooom oooom.’  “ — okay?”

—

It was cold, but Ariadne supposed that wasn’t supposed to bother her. It didn’t really bother her, since she herself was freezing cold most of the time. Still, it felt wrong to go out in winter without a coat, and so she still kept one on. If nothing else, pulling it around herself was a good use of her nervous energy and need to fidget around. It was excusable, and she could pass it off as something wholly human rather than something monstrous. (She wasn’t a monster — or she tried to tell herself as much, but it was hard, and she still thought back to that stupid van).

There was a weird sound in the forest today.

And not weird in the way that animals scurrying away from her was weird, but like, weird weird. Some sort of echo, and Ariadne decided that she wasn’t too sure she was much of a fan of the echoing. Not to offend the echo, or anything, but it just wasn’t totally her vibe. Which was fine, right? Not everything had to be her vibe. She could not vibe with some things! Crash – except that her hyperfocus on whether or not it was morally acceptable to not vibe sometimes caused her to run straight into someone. “I – yeah.” Except the echo-y sound was still there. “I’m – are you okay? I’m sorry, I didn’t – wasn’t – looking where I was going as much as I should’ve been.”

—

She seemed a little distressed, and it wasn’t hard to guess why. The sound wasn’t quite skyquake loud, but it was definitely echoing in a way that seemed to shake the trees. And that probably wasn’t good, was it? Most things that made sounds that loud weren’t really things you wanted to run into in the woods on your own, Felix thought. Especially not when accompanied by thunderous footsteps that seemed to imply the thing in question was big. There were a lot of monsters in this town, and Felix had met too many of them already. They weren’t keen on meeting more.

But they also weren’t keen on forgetting their manners. They stood, offering a hand to the girl who had fallen with them. “Oh, no! I mean, I wasn’t watching where I was going, either. It was probably my fault, mostly. I’m clumsy.” It was something Leo used to chastise them for often, and Felix was fairly certain that there was some truth behind it. They were clumsy, and that was why they did things like run into girls in the forest while surrounded by loud noises. “Um, do you want — Do you think we should go? I can’t tell which direction that sound is coming from, but I think we should go in… the opposite direction.”

—

“I’m clumsier. I do ballet, you’d think I’d be better at that sort of thing.” Ariadne made a face. “Please, don’t apologize, you really don’t have to.” It made her feel uneasy, when people apologized too much to her. Or apologized at all, really.

“Yes. We should go in the opposite direction.” Ariadne nodded. “I don’t – I can’t tell what the opposite direction is, exactly, but we should go in it, whatever it is.” Because she didn’t want to deal with whatever was happening, but she was not about to leave someone, even a stranger, because what if they got hurt? What if something happened and she could’ve helped prevent it but didn’t because she was a wimp. 

She gestured away from where they stood. “We could – try – to go there?” Hopefully, it couldn’t hurt, even if Ariadne was way off base with her judgment of how to handle tricky situations (which, in all honesty, she probably was, but she’d have plenty of time to stew in those thoughts later. Right now she needed to focus on the person she was with. Make sure they were okay.)

“What do you think?”

—

“Oh, hey, that’s really cool! Ballet, I mean. I, uh, I always thought it looked fun.” They’d begged their mother to let them do it once, but she’d worried that if they were too nimble on their feet, it might attract the wrong sort of attention. So much of Felix’s life, even in the beginning, was built up out of fear. “I’m so—” They cut themself off before they could apologize for apologizing, wincing just a little at their own awkwardness. Yikes.

At least they were on the same page about plans. Opposite direction, check. Felix shifted their inner ear enough to get a better grasp on the sound and where it was coming from, tilting their head to the side. It seemed to be coming from the direction the girl had run from and a little to the right. 

Gesturing in that direction, he nodded. “It’s coming from that way,” they announced. “So, um, this way? Would be good.” Which was the same direction she’d gestured towards so, really, Felix’s input was a little useless. “Uh, probably fast! I think we should go fast. Is fast okay with you?”

—

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun too, yeah.” It was something that brought a certain calm to Ariadne, though she knew that wasn’t the case for everybody. Not even everyone who’d been in her studio, and she knew she shouldn’t take the fact that she felt at ease with it all for granted.

“Yes, I think so too. Going that way, I mean. This way. Your way!” She wanted to kick herself in the shin for her awkwardness, though through some force of sheer luck and grace of whomever, Felix was chill about it. Ariande wasn’t sure that she had the words to thank them enough.

She nodded. “Fast is for sure okay with me. We should just, like, get away from this all, right?”

—

She didn’t ask how they knew where the sound was coming from, and Felix was glad for that. The panic clawing at their chest would have made it difficult to answer, and they didn’t think they needed to be wasting time right now. They had to make a break for it, and quickly. With this stranger in tow, ideally; they didn’t like the idea of leaving her on her own, even if some part of them seemed to think that was the best idea. (They didn’t know where that came from; they felt the strangest urge to run from this girl just as much as the sounds coming from the woods. It didn’t make a lot of sense to them.)

“Fast!” They agreed. “Yeah! Um, I think — On the count of three? Run as fast as you can. That way! One… two… three!” As soon as the last word was out of their mouth, they were sprinting, hoping that the young woman would keep up.

—

They seemed vaguely jumpy around her, but Ariadne figured maybe she was projecting. Which she did a lot, especially around strangers, and so maybe that was happening. She was going to just assume that, because she didn’t want to be an added issue on top of whatever the heck else was going on.

“Fast is good.” She agreed, repeating herself again. But that seemed to flow with them, and they didn’t seem like they were about to yell at her and judge her for it, so that was all good. “Uh-huh, three.” Ariadne readied herself, taking off half a second after they had. Once they stopped, a good ways away, she did too. “You don’t think something back there was hurt, do you?” It was probably not the greatest of ways to think, survival-wise, but what if the sounds had meant something was in pain?

—

A hint of guilt stabbed through them at her question. Felix hadn’t even considered that something might have been hurt, that something might need their help. They’d been so caught up in the strange, unsettling feeling churning in their gut, in the jaguar’s unexplained unease. What did it say about them that they needed to be reminded, in this moment, that they weren’t the only thing out there? 

Glancing back in the direction they’d just come from, Felix hesitated, bouncing uncertainly on their heels. “I don’t — Maybe. Maybe we should — I mean, I could go back and check. To make sure. You don’t — You don’t have to come or anything, it could just, you know, uh, just be me.” They could handle themself if it was something dangerous, couldn’t they? They handled themself against dangerous things every night at work, even if they hated themself for it in the morning.

—

“I could go back and check. I don’t want you to have to go just by yourself.” Especially because she’d suggested it. She didn’t need credit for it or anything but if something bad did happen, then maybe the other person wouldn’t end up being hurt.

“You shouldn’t have to go back by yourself.” Ariadne corrected herself. Trying to sound more firm and decisive, though she wasn’t sure how much she felt either of those feelings, but it didn’t hurt to fake it, did it? Not when it was faking something that would hopefully make someone else feel better. “Should we – I don’t want you to get hurt, but I don’t – know much about what that sound might be and so I’m afraid I have no real idea about stuff.”

Shuffling her feet, she turned around. “Or should we wait here?”

—

“It — I mean, it would be okay,” Felix insisted. Between the two of them, they thought, it probably made more sense for Felix to be the one to go back. After all, they had experience fighting; they weren’t sure the same could be said for the young woman before them now. If things got really bad, they could just shift and run, too. That was a good plan, right?

Except… she seemed almost upset at the idea of Felix going back alone. Her tone was decisive and firm, and Felix felt compelled to listen. They shifted their weight, uncertain. They didn’t want to upset their new friend by pushing too hard, but they didn’t want to leave anyone to be hurt, either. “I, um… I probably wouldn’t get hurt. I mean, not like ‘I’m invincible’ or anything, just — I’m pretty good at not getting hurt? I can, uh, move pretty fast, when I want to move fast. I wouldn’t want you to risk, uh, you know, getting hurt. But I think — I think I want to check. To make sure.”

—

“I don’t think or know if it would! I’m not trying to be rude, I believe you’re good at stuff, but I just don’t … people shouldn’t have to face bad stuff by themselves, if possible. That’s just… it.” Ariadne was positive she wasn’t making any real or significant sort of sense, but it was something, and the other person was listening to her which felt really nice and validating.

“I want to check too.” She nodded, firm as she could manage. “I mean, I might get hurt, but if there’s two of us we can look out for each other, and there’s less likelihood we’ll get hurt, like, statistically speaking. Or whatever.” Her mom talked about statistics in her classes sometimes and so it seemed like the right sort of thing to say. “We can go and look and check and then we can go, once we know it’s not hurt or anything.”

—

Felix wasn’t sure any stranger had ever held that kind of sentiment towards them before. Sure, they had friends who would insist that they shouldn’t have to go at things alone, but this? Most of their experience with strangers involved them cheering in the stands as someone beat Felix bloody, or as they hurt someone else. This was new. And… welcomed, really. “That’s… really nice of you.” They weren’t sure what else to say. No words could really encapture the warmth they were feeling at the simple sentiment. 

“We can check together,” they agreed with a small smile. “Two heads are better than one, right? And we definitely stand a better chance together. We can watch each other’s backs, and make sure nobody is hurt. Not even the, uh, screaming woods creature thing.” 

—

They were calling her nice and she wanted to vehemently shake her head and tell them that they should save that word for someone else, someone who did all their actions purely and kindly. Someone like Wynne. She wasn’t sure if she could be considered nice when she was the reason so many people had a hard time sleeping. Still, it was genuine, and it made Ariadne feel good – really good, even. “Thanks. I mean it! I try to not lie, ‘cause it’s mean to lie, and you’re really good and nice and smart.” She meant every word.

“Yeah, I agree. We can keep each other safe and yeah – ‘cause we don’t want to hurt the screaming thing. If it tries to eat one of us we might have to tell it firmly ‘no’ but hopefully we won’t even have to do that!” She turned, started walking back toward where the sound had come from. “Let’s… see what’s up?”

—

Not many people thought Felix was smart. Nice, maybe — they tried to be kind when they could, as often as they could — but not smart. It was something Leo often reminded them of with a scoff, eager to point out their many intellectual failings. They ducked their head as Ariadne insisted upon the contrary, called them smart like she believed it and insisted that she wouldn’t lie. They thought it would be rude to tell her she was wrong, so they only nodded. Maybe it was okay to let her think they were smart, even if they knew they weren’t.

“Right, yeah, definitely! But, um — I mean, if it tries to eat you, I — I’d be okay with doing more than telling it no.” Felix was gentle, but they had spent most of their formative years living in the woods. They knew it was necessary to hurt animals sometimes when it was to ensure your own safety, and they were definitely okay doing it to ensure Ariadne’s safety. It just wasn’t their first instinct. That was all. “But, yeah! Let’s see what’s up!”

—

“Okay, that’s fine, but I still don’t want you to get hurt. But I also don’t want either of us to get eaten.” Ariadne wasn’t sure if she’d even taste good, given the whole dead thing and all, but that wasn’t something she wanted to focus on and wasn’t something she was going to voice to Felix, either. Because that would probably only freak them out. Which she absolutely in no way wanted.

She followed them back to where they’d both stood before. “Hello?” She called out. “Are you very hurt?” She wasn’t sure what else to ask, and hoped that Felix would be better at this than she would be, because Ariadne knew very well that she wasn’t even half of an expert on any of this.

—

“I won’t get hurt!” They were pretty confident in their ability to win a fight, even if fighting wasn’t a thing they enjoyed. Wildcat was a formidable opponent in the ring, one of the Grit Pit’s best fighters. And while Felix might have hated that aspect of their life, they could recognize that it was a thing they were good at. They could use it to their advantage when they had to, could fight for people who might not be able to fight for themselves. (Maybe that was a bad assumption to make about Ariadne, but… she didn’t exactly seem eager to stand up for herself here.) 

Slowly, the pair made their way back to where they’d stood before. Ariadne called out, but the strange creature they’d heard earlier didn’t seem to be where they’d left it. The echo of the girl’s voice was the only response she received to her question, and Felix shifted their weight. They could shift more than that, they thought, could try to sniff or listen, but… “Maybe it ran away? Which means it must not have been hurt, right?”

—

“Okay! If you’re sure!” They sounded sure, and she wanted to make sure that they were sure. But they weren’t the sort of person who would lie, and so it was all good. It was just her nerves talking, undoubtedly. She might have been a literal nightmare, but she was fairly certain she’d still suck at actual hand-to-hand combat.

Felix was super duper logical. “That makes sense. If it didn’t call back, it probably ran away.” Or it was hurt and dead. Which was not a road she wanted to go down. “So then it’s probably okay.” It would have to be, she nodded to herself. “Should we maybe go get ice cream or something and then come back for one more check?”

—

The uncertain panic still thrummed in their chest, but they were quick to push it — and the jaguar — down away from the surface. They offered Ariadne a firm smile and a nod. Yes, they were sure. They were never very sure of anything, but they were sure they didn’t want Ariadne to be hurt. That was one thing they could easily understand to be true.

And they were similarly sure that whatever had been chasing her before was gone now. It was a good thing, they thought. Felix was plenty capable of fighting, but they didn’t really want to. It was always a nice day when it wasn’t a necessary thing… nicer still when they could get ice cream instead. Offering Ariadne another smile, they nodded. “Ice cream sounds great.” And another check after… just to be sure.

[crystal-moon-101]

When I made Mara she was heavily inspired by and Enderman themed minecraft skin I had, but I knew I didn't want to make her just an Enderman, instead some kind of sister species that I have reveal very little about in the Tank Land Tales videos. But I have had some ask what makes her different to Endermen, so I figured it would be fun to do a comparison drawing between the two species, and because I've been meaning to do more personal design for Minecraft creatures, which I will hopefully do more of in the future.

I will also give some little notes to showcase the differences between the two species, along with some similarities for the purposes of loreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Endermen:

They produce an incredibly hot energy in them through their enderpearl hearts, that they use for their teleportation. The open cracks in their skin act as ventilation to keep their temperature under control, the particles they leak acting similar to steam. However, this means that if water leaks in through the cracks, it can drastically cool them down to the point of harming them, or even death, which is why they prefer hotter and drier climates.

While Mara is fairly tall compared to most humans, Endermen are on another level, some even nicknaming them the giants of the end. They have a sturdier build than their sister species, with high endurance, strength and perfect for combat, making them monsters to fight. Back when they use to have a kingdom, Endermen often took the role of guardians, warriors and leaders.

They have really big eyes, used to help survey their surrounding area in a wider gaze, able to see very far. Sadly for most, this means it is very easy to accidentally look them in the eyes, setting off an old berserk mode they use to have before they lost their minds. They originally used this berserk mode to help them in fights, feeding them pure adrenaline to keep going. Now it can merely be triggered through staring right back at them, so keep your pumpkins on hand.

While both species make similar sounds, Endermen are able to produce a bone chilling roar that some say effect their very soul, and is enough to disturb one's hearing, causing ringing pain and even dizziness. It's a sound many will never forget, even if only hearing it once in their life.

Mara's Species:

Opposite to Endermen, Mara's kind do not do well in the heat, especially around fire and magma. It causes the end crystals that grow off of them to become unstable, or even crack, leading to them exploding, which will kill them since their heart is an end crystal core. So they prefer colder climates, this being one of the many reasons Mara lives in a cabin out in the tundra forest, and isn't fond of making trips to the nether.

Their draping 'dress' and frills were a means to show off their telekinetic energy as a sign of power, show case how healthy they are, and be used as intimidation. The frills around their head can go up whenever by choice or high emotions, but they will always go up when they use their telekinesis.

They have smaller eyes, which meant they couldn't see as far as Endermen, but they are able to take in more detail, notice small things that may go unnoticed by most, and help give them accuracy and a good reaction time. It does lead to them often looking like they're glaring, when really they are often surveying what's close to them. Or they are actually glaring, it's hard to tell.

While not as big or sturdy as an enderman, Mara's species were lighter, faster and quick on their feet, being known as quite scholarly people that were good at crafting with sharp preciseness. They know how to be soft and delicate, perhaps evolved due to having to be careful with the end crystals they grow on their body, that they do have to shave down when they out grow, carefully.

Both:

Despite how they look, both species are actually herbivores, designed to eat fruits, veggies and mushrooms. Their teethes and jaws were designed to help them crack open a lot of solid foods that were common to their environment, such as chorus fruit that had a shell like a nut. They're known to have an powerful bite force, with Endermen being able to bite digger, but Mara's kind having sharper, many hooked teeth.

Before the End was moved into a different realm, their floating islands use to hover across the overworld. They used their teleportation and telekinesis to get around, but eventually they invented things like the airships or elytras to better movement, especially in groups. These are just one of many inventions they made, the end creatures having been well known for their creations and builds. Many suspect that's why Endermen wander around collecting objects, or why Mara seems to be an expert builder. As if creation is in their blood.

Endermen and Mara's kind got along reasonable well, despite their differences. They balanced each other on their strengths and weaknesses, and if any problems arose between the two sides, their queen, the Enderdragon, would always step in to deal with it, their respect for her running deep. It was common for Endermen to act as guards, and Mara's kind to be diplomats. The two species were even able to have children together, though hybrids were never a thing, instead the child taking after either parent.

Being reptiles, they do indeed come from eggs. They have to be incubated differently, with Mara's kind needing to be rested among end crystals, and Endermen egg needing to be constantly warmed by their parent's ender pearl energy. There were a few times the Enderdragon herself would roost a few eggs for her people, able to tackle both conditions needed.

Despite being massive creatures, they are able to move around without making a sound if chosen. Masters of the shadow, and able to ambush on many, they're haunting to be cornered by, despite being creatures that noticeably glow. Many nether being from the past use to talk about how if you were ever along and saw a glimpse of purple, it meant you'd be dead the next second without warning.

[natasha-in-space]

YOUR WRITING IS SO JDFHJDKFDK PLEASE 🫣🫣 I sent in the request for sick mc and saeyoung :DDD

how about... going stargazing with saeyoung? I've seen something referencing to stars in a call on sevens route, though I've only played yoosung and zens route. I've unlocked deep route, but I'm super busy atm, and I'm waiting for when I'll have free time so I can put all my effort into the game 💪🏻

Happy you enjoy my silly little cribbles! :D I kinda got carried away into a bit of a different direction while writing this promt, but I hope it's still okay ✧

Tomorrow will be the day that every last secret is going to be revealed at last. Or maybe, tomorrow will be the last day you'll live as a free person. You wanted to keep a positive outlook, though. Even if so many things could go wrong, you trusted Seven.

No... you trusted Saeyoung as you've come to know him.

This cabin that you two were staying at for the day certainly wasn't a fancy outdoor retreat of your dreams, but it was neat and cozy, just enough to put your mind at ease at this time of uncertainty. Especially once you two managed to get the fireplace burning. And even despite your dangerous circumstances, you couldn't help but admire the beautiful green scenery surrounding you from all sides - a very noticable contrast when compared to the busy city landscape that was Rika's apartment.

Still, summer nights could get pretty cold, especially in the mountains, where dense forest obscured sunlight's warmth with its dense roof of leaves and branches. It's a good thing you've packed a few blankets for you to keep yourselves warm and comfy!

You snuggled up closer to Saeyoung's side as you slowly made your way through the forest, oddly enough not feeling even a slightest bit scared with him by your side. He wanted to show you something before you had to go to bed and replenish your strength for tomorrow, to which you happily obliged. After everything that's happened and what awaited you ahead... you wanted to spend as much time as possible right by his side.

"You're not cold?" He asked, tilting his head slightly into your direction and putting an arm around your shoulders to pull you closer.

You couldn't help but smile at the gesture, feeling your chest fill up with ticklish warmth from yet another wave of affection for this wonderful caring man right next to you. Yup, you were head over heels for the redheaded hacker, and you did not regret a single smallest thing about your choice.

"Mhm, maybe a little, but with you here, I can use you as a personal heater with no trouble." You stated, nuzzling into his shoulder with your nose, like a cuddly cat asking for attention. Honestly, it surprised you just how warm he naturally was. No wonder he didn't get cold at all while you stayed here! "So, where are we going exactly?"

"There's supposed to be a wheat field nearby. I just... wanted to see the stars before we have to leave tomorrow. To remind myself of what I'm fighting for."

He was nervous, you could see it from just one single glance at him from the corner of your eye. Not like you could blame him, considering just how much was at stake here. You wordlessly took his hand into your own and gave it a reassuring squeeze, hoping that your touch would assure him that this is not the battle he has to fight alone.

Judging by the warm smile he gave you, before returning his attention to the steep path ahead of you, illuminated only by the bright light from the small flashlight he brought with him, he understood what you meant by that. It wasn't long before his gaze shifted into one of excitement and joy, making you squint in an attempt to make out the shadowy details before you.

"Oh! There it is!" He exclaimed, tugging you along like a pumped up kid noticing his favourite ride at the amusement park. You merely giggled, hurrying after him, albeit focusing much more on his happy grin rather than the sights around you. It was nice to see him act so cheerful after everything that you two had to go through for the last 11 days.

Finally, you stopped at a small clearing overviewing the rest of the field before you, as well as the surrounding forest. The field appeared to go on forever, completely silent aside from the crickets singing along their shared melody into the night and an occasional gust of wind rustling the wheats like quiet whispers of the forest spirits meant for your ears only. There was nobody here except for you and Saeyoung, making this beautiful moment this much more intimate in nature.

All you could do was gawk at the magical sight around you, forgetting even to breathe for a bit, before a quiet gasp escaped you in a show of pure amazement. "Wow..."

No other words were really needed to describe just how beautiful it all seemed to you. It was all shown clearly on your face as you looked on in wonder.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Look up at the sky, Y/N." Saeyoung prompted you quietly, brushing his thumb against the warm skin of the back of your hand.

You followed his request, raising your eyes upward and quickly being met with a sea of tiny shining dots that were so close to you, and yet, so far away all at the same time. It took you breath away all over again, making your mouth fall open in astonishment. You couldn't remember the last time you saw such a clear night sky before... It's like you could reach out and touch each individual star with your fingertip.

"It's hard to believe that this is even real... You can't see even a glimmer of this beauty back in the city." You mutter, unable to take your eyes away from the endless night sky shining down at you in all its breathtaking glory.

Saeyoung, hummed, as if lost deep in thought, before responding. "Yeah. It's part of the reason why I live so far away from the city. Well, aside from the whole 'living in the hiding' thing. I feel like not nearly enough people appreciate the sky or space for what it is... but this also makes it feel sorta personal to me, you know? Like I'm the only one who can understand space and it understands me."

"Does it not get... lonely, though?" You asked, finally tearing your gaze away from the stars to instead take a quick glance at Saeyoung, only to see the far away look in his golden eyes, one filled with so many thoughts that were not privy to you just yet.

"...It does." He admitted, suddenly locking eyes with you before you could do anything to hide your adamant staring. Although, it's not like you even wanted to look away when he seemed so vulnerable and pensive. He was no longer cold and distant, as he was with you as Luciel... But he also wasn't hiding his pain and fear behind a mask as he did as Seven. No, you could see it all in his tired golden eyes that were shining with hope in spite of all the hardships on his way.

"But... I'm no longer lonely with you here too."

A confession that made your head spin so easily, it was dangerous to think about just how much of an effect this man had on your heart. This was the moment you fully realized that...

You'd never let go of Saeyoung ever again.

[chaospenelope]

‘The Little Wolves’ Info Dump (Title Pending)

This started as a desire to make a ‘Little Mermaid’ AU with Roxanne and Mangler Ann falling in love with Monty and GlamFred. Thanks to my friends on Discord I was able to flesh it out! Feel free to add ideas or ask questions.

Werewolves over a hundred years ago were horribly hunted down so much people of the world thinks they’re all gone forever. Fortunately, many survive and stuck together in the packs that are for the part secluded from society though they do have modern conveniences and technology.

 However, unbeknownst to them, there are other were creatures that have blended into society but having their own little safe areas.

Like you roll up on a whole village not realizing the old folks at the gas station are secretly seal and bear people, the kids walking home from school are fox and raven children, and the librarian is a part goat, part bear dude.

 There are also Reptiles but WereReptiles wouldn’t change at night, it’d be at like high noon so they wear special sunscreen.

 For some reptiles the lotion is vital for living in society not only because they don’t wanna transform but when they do it takes a super long time to shift back because they’re shedders. They shed their skin in order to change so they have to wait from a day to a week to grow back new skin to shed.

 Seals aren’t shedders, all pinnipeds can change at will, they’re the luckiest ones.

 Were fish are the least lucky because while they can turn to complete fish but they cannot turn into complete humans. If they want to go on land they need mobility aids, they can breathe air so that’s good.

 Some Were animals, however have a genetic condition where their eyes are forever in animal form so they either wear sunglasses like Monty or get contacts.

 Still figuring out WereBirds

Ghosts are real, some Were creatures can sense when they’re around.

There are creatures that humans thought were Vampires, but they’re basically WereBats with spicy abilities. Some Were creatures also have extra abilities but I haven’t hammered that down yet.

Clowns are basically Faye folk, now, like Faye beings in media there are good clowns and bad clowns. Mostly good nowadays though but the others are still around. They are the most magical beings with various abilities that are basically clown or cartoon oriented and their society is a very loose version of Tinker bell where some have ‘callings’ they’re made for but it isn’t strict, just a feeling.

So the location for this story is mainly a little town, an old coastal fishing village surrounded by woodland which is great for hiking and camping.

Phineas NightShade (Nightmare) is the Mayor since most people don’t really wanna run against him since he always does an awesome job.

 FredBear and his family owns the town’s favorite restaurant/kid hangout spot.

Kit (Foxy) is a lighthouse attendant. He, his husband Freddy, and their kids live in the lighthouse.

Dotty and her family run the local camping grounds/playground areas and help with the local scout troop.

The forest rangers are basically a family of seals.

The wolves, are super deep in the woods in a bunch of cabins they fitted with modern comforts but with like renewable resources so they’re non traceable.

 The cabins are positioned around an old cave where they have important meetings, hide the ones that are completely shifting for the first time, and other generally important events.

[whitepolaris]

The Witch's Castle at Macleay Park

Forest Park, a five-thousand-acre reserve just went of downtown Portland, provides a dramatic change of scenery from the urban sprawl surrounding it. Entering it is like being swallowed into another, more primeval world. Extending for eight miles along the Willamette River, it is the largest urban forest in the United States. A portion of its southern end is designated as a separate area, Macleay Park. The entire expense boasts more than seventy miles of trails for walking and biking, but one spot in particular has become the prime destination for many seekers of the weird.

Walking about a mile on the Lower Macleay (aka Balch Creek) Trail from Macleay Park will lead you to the gutted ruins of a stone building popularly known as the Witch's Castle. Weathered and moss-laden, it certainly looks as creepy and foreboding as its name implies. The legends surrounding it are appropriately unnerving.

Stumping the Balches

Part of the mystique surrounding the Witch's Castle, called the Stone House by the Portland Parks and Recreation Department, is inspired by events involving the original landowners, more than 150 years ago.

In the 1850s, Danford Balch and his wife, Mary Jane, lived with their five sons and four daughters in a cabin on 350 acres of the surrounding forest, which they'd acquired in a land claim. In October 1858, Balch hired a young laborer from Vancouver, Washington, named Mortimer Stump to help him clear some land. Stump temporarily moved in with the family and immediately became smitten with fifteen-year-old Anna Balch, the eldest daughter. Anna returned his affection, so one day Stump asked Balch for Anna's hand in marriage.

As Stump's employer, Balch thought of himself as socially superior to Stump and his kin. He refused Stump and then evicted him. After Mortimer Stump and Anna Balch eloped in Vancouver on November 4, Anna moved in with the Stump family.

On November 18, the couple, along with Stump's father and brother, took the Stark Street Ferry to Portland to pick up supplies. They ran into drunken Balch, who belligerently insisted that Anna go home with him. Cuthbert Stump, the father remarked, "You are making a great fuss about your child; she is an ordinary little bitch and I do not know what the hell you want of her!" Balch retrieved his double-barreled shotgun at home and returned in time to catch the Stumps boarding the ferry back to Vancouver. Balch followed them onboard. Whatever deliberately (as the Stumps claimed) or by accident (as Balch insisted), his double-barreled shotgun went off, blasting Mortimer Stump in the face and killing him.

Witnesses quickly disarmed and subdued Balch, and he was arrested. A trial was scheduled for the following spring, but soon after his arrest, Balch escaped and hid in the forest around his homestead. Evidence suggests that Balch tired faking his own death, because Mary Jane identified a drowning victim as her fugitive husband. Yet police found him eight months after his escape, on July 23, 1859.

When the case finally went to trial, several neighbors testified against Balch and even implicated Mary Jane, who they said was just as angry about Anna's elopement. According to the witnesses, she constantly nagged her hard-drinking husband to fulfill his oft-repeated vow to kill Mortimer Stump. For Balch's part, he denied even knowing the witnesses, insisting that he was being set up. In the end, Balch was convicted of murder and sentenced to hang.

On October 17, 1859, Danford Balch earned the dubious honor of becoming the first person to executed in the state of Oregon. An apocryphal story has his daughter Anna attending the hanging with the Stamp family.

Ghost Wars and Satanism

By 1897, rest estate developer Donald Macleay owned a portion of the former Balch property. Frustrated with the taxes on the impractical forested hillside, he donated it to the city of Portland and its name became Macleay Park. Other surrounding properties were converted into parks in subsequent years.

Among the legends derived from the Balch-Stump conflict is the (probably mistaken) belief that Danford Balch's hanging happened somewhere in the park. Many people also believe the Witch's Castle to be the remains of the old Balch home. Actually, the eerie structure is what left of a Depression-era restroom.

It's said the restless spirits of the Stump and Balch families dwell around here, feuding for eternity in midnight "ghost wars." Over the years a few curious people who came here in the dark of night supposedly disappeared, perhaps into a ghostly netherworld. Others were eventually found wandering on the park trails, as lost in the mid as they were in direction. The rest were apparently spared, perhaps so that they could warn others away from the Witch's Castle . . . or perhaps to lure them there. These otherworldly tales allegedly attract other sinister activities, such as late-night satanic rituals that include torture and human sacrifice.

[casspurrjoybell-24]

My Unwanted Mate - Chapter 26 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Calvin Frey

I now knew that there was nothing worse than being stuck in a car for twenty long hours with a grouchy, pregnant, Omega.

I knew without a doubt that I would be catching a flight back home and that Robby was an idiot for thinking driving here would be the better option.

"I have to pee," Torin cried for the hundredth time.

We probably could have cut off a few hours of this ride if we didn't have to take so many stops for my little brother to use the bathroom.

"Almost there, babe," Robby sighed, taking a turn down a dirt road that had No Trespassing signs posted all around.

It looked like it would lead us miles into the forest.

"No, I have to pee. Now."

Robby hit the brakes and we jerked forwards slightly.

I watched as he rushed and struggled to get Torin out of the truck and behind a tree.

I guess he had made the mistake of ignoring Torin before.

I checked my cell-phone to make sure Mom hadn't messaged me about my pup.

This was the longest I have been away from Benjamin and to think I have a week to go was torture.

"All better now?"

Torin was smiling as he climbed back into the backseat of the truck with Robby's help.

"You're the best."

Torin watched Robby with heart eyes as the male buckled him in before kissing him.

I looked away as the two had their moment, a little uncomfortable.

Once my little brother was safely tucked in the back seat with his cover and neck pillow, Robby got in the driver's seat and we were back to the bumpy ride.

The further we got down the road, small cabins could be seen through the trees.

They could have been mistaken as hunting cabins and were pretty spread out.

It was hard to think the biggest Northern American pack lived here.

It all made sense the further we got.

About thirty minutes into the ride, the houses started growing closer together and larger.

Eventually, the dirt road ended and there was a paved road again that led into a little town.

"There are no humans here, it's all Werewolf owned," Robby spoke up, quietly not to disturb his mate who had fallen asleep.

It was obvious.

There weren't any advertisements hung in shop windows targeting humans or the stench of them lingering in the air.

Most startling was the Werewolves walking the town on four legs as well as two.

I'd never seen anything like it.

Our pack had hidden ourselves amongst humans, I had no idea what it could be like to only be surrounded by our kind.

The pack house was like nothing I had seen before.

The front drive was packed with the arriving guest.

It wrapped around a large water fountain that held what I imagined to be the Moon Goddess in the middle, a wolf laying at her feet.

"Get Torin and the bags and go check in while I park."

Robby stopped behind a car when the line moved forward.

Getting our suitcases was the easy part.

Torin didn't want to wake up.

"I miss my pup," he whined, finally coming to.

"Me too," I grumbled, unbuckling his seatbelt for him.

"Let's go, we're here."

Torin perked up, looking around in awe.

"Wow."

Robby chuckled from the front seat, smiling at his mate.

After getting him down out of the truck Torin trailed closely behind as we followed the signs welcoming guests with instructions.

They led us into the large house where a perky female greeted us.

"Welcome," she said, smiling brightly at me.

"Which pack are you from?"

"We're the Killian pack," Torin replied, bouncing from behind me, stumbling a little.

I steadied him with a hand on his shoulder, not needing any tragic accidents.

We were given two room keys and instructions on how to get to our assigned rooms without any hassle.

The female moved along to welcome more guests and I moved Torin out of the way so we could wait for Robby.

"I didn't know there were so many Alphas."

Torin was staring and I hoped no one took offense.

He was right though, there were a lot of Alphas and it smelled like a disaster waiting to happen.

There was no way every Alpha here could enjoy this week without at least a few starting some fights.

"I know a Watson when I see one," an older Alpha said, stopping in front of us, his hand rubbing his long gray beard.

"Alpha Moore, good to see you."

"And you too, my boy. Those grandparents of yours need to have you pups around more these days."

The old wolf looked me over before turning towards Torin.

"And the little one here is with pup, how time flies," he laughed loudly, reminding me of Grandpa Beau.

"My second," Torin stated proudly, a hand resting on his bump.

"The plan is six."

The old wolf laughed even louder, drawing attention from others.

"A Watson through and through. Even if you are a little one."

"A Killian now," Robby announced, stepping around the old wolf to stand by his mate.

"And aren't I proud about it."

The two Alphas shook hands, the older Alpha showing respect.

"I'll be seeing more of you three later, I'm going to go find that mate of mine and some food."

[sovereign-spaw]

Thank you for the tag Fray @bg3!! I did my skrunklies for this one...

Name:

Fafern. It’s a name she and Odret came up with, and they've forgotten the name her parents had given them, but it’s alright with them, she much prefers Fafern.

Odret isn't quite sure where he got his name from, but just between you and I, when he was but a small wyrmling, he overheard a traveler say “Oh drat” and took a liking to the word and still goes by that name.

Nickname(s):

Fee or Faa both do, or maybe even Fee-fi-fo-fum

Odret has a few nicknames, though usually only Fafern calls him any of them. The Orchid is a title he was given while he still lived, and Fafern often calls him Den, occasionally she referring to him as ‘home’

Gender:

Fafern doesn’t really identify with anything in particular, to her gender is a potion being mixed in a pot. Is okay with she/they

As for Odret, I don’t know if dragons do gender the same way we do honestly. Uses he/him pronouns.

Star sign:

Fafern is a boar and Odret is wolf

Height:

Both are tall in their own right, Fafern is 6’2 and Odret is 7’9

Orientation:

Fafern is demisexual/romantic

Odret is pansexual/romantic

Nationality/Ethnicity:

Fafern grew up in a village in the forest in a little known spot in Faerun. They remember a calm river near her home, but that’s about all they can and want to remember of that place.

Odret on the other hand lived in the forest surrounding the village. He on the other hand remembers well how to get back to his home forest.

Favourite fruit:

Lemons. She fucking loves lemons. They can’t eat many in a row but she does love them.

Odret on the other hand likes grapes. Honestly, if he could, he’d eat nothing but grapes. He fuckin hates wine because he thinks its a waste of grapes

Favourite season:

Fafern loves winter, the snow, the cold, the snuggling, they love it all.

Odret likes autumn, it’s usually not too hot, not too cold, it rains often and while the mud is a little annoying, he enjoys the rain nonetheless. It’s also the harvest season which means there’s grapes galore-

Favourite flower:

Dude they love dandelions SO much. If you see her in a field of dandelions, watch out; you will get a flower crown.

Odret doesn’t really have a favorite, but if he had to choose he’d pick belladonna

Favourite scent:

Fafern really likes the scent of wood smoke.

Odret on the other hand likes pine smell.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate:

Fafern would pick hot chocolate and Odret would pick tea. Both hate coffee

Average hours of sleep:

Around 9. The whole “travel with a group” experience hasn’t been fun, considering they're pretty much nocturnal at this point

Odret doesn't sleep on the account of being a skeleton. When he did sleep he usually slept around 7-8 hours

Dog or cat person:

In all honestly Fafern likes bears the most.

Odret likes birds. They don't try to steal his bones.

Dream trip:

A barn. Not even joking, she just wants to pet the animals. Please take them to a zoo.

Odret wants to go to a small cabin by the waterfront. He really wants to go to a small cabin by the waterfront.

Favourite fictional character:

Whatever the Faerun’s equivalent of Winnie the Pooh is

Faerun’s Winnie the Pooh also.

Number of blankets they sleep with:

If she has more than 1 she will die.

When he lived he didn’t need any, as he slept in owlbear form, and now as he’s dead he doesn’t need any, but sleeps with one as Fafern keeps giving him one

Random fact:

They like to paint on fallen tree barks and rocks, and then leaves them behind for others to find, or gifts it to a friend.

One time he slept for a whole year. Wish that were me.