#niah (( threads ))

[reddragon-cowboy]

This blog may be about Spike but somehow Niah stole the show. . .

[reddragon-cowboy]

A symphony of scents plays with his senses once Spike steps through the threshold of the kitchen area. And as anticipated for most mornings he wakes up to, eyes locate Niah hovering over the stove with a rubber spatula in hand, the other end buried in a mixture of thick yolk and other ingredients : chopped pieces of red & green bell peppers and pieces of sausage thrown into the recipe where she skillfully prepares scrambled eggs. The scent of bacon is ever more potent as he watches the greasy oils ooze from strips of pork that pop and jump with enthusiasm, sizzling within its own heat in the next pan over.

The young woman only resumes her culinary work, unaware that two visitors now loiter within vicinity, since Spike had yet to announce his presence as he stands a few feet behind, absorbing the scene before him with a silent tongue where his mouth gradually waters at the delectable aroma of food. Nonetheless, food wasn't the only thing that caught his center of focus, visible in the way his gaze quickly wanders to the back of Niah’s figure, for such a lovely sight pulls at a desire hidden underneath the surface of tired eyes that instinctively softens, whispers something heartfelt and tender reserved for her.

He steps forward in her direction, and teasingly jabs a finger at her side as he passes by. Niah jumps with a gasp, pure bewilderment carved on her face at the unknown touch, until a familiar husky voice disturbs the quiet. ❝ What you cookin ? ❞ good lookin'.

Once she finally spots him, tension rolls off her shoulders as a sigh of relief passes her lips. ❝ Geez Spike, you scared me for a second. ❞ She exasperates with a small huff, head turned as she watches him choose one of the biggest mugs available off the dishrack. Her attention returns upon the task at hand, resumes stirring the gooey yolk. ❝ You fell asleep on the couch again I saw. ❞

He grips the coffee pot by its handle before pouring himself a cup. ❝ Yup, hope you don't mind, do ya ? ❞ Spike knows she doesn't mind. Never has Spike heard a single complaint about where he slept. For the past two and a half years of living under the same roof in this peculiar arrangement, the toolshed was offered as a space for his own privacy. A generous offer, yes. But more often than not, Spike would rather feel the plush cushions of the sofa beneath him as he drifts off to sleep. ❝ --taking over your couch like a cat. . . you sure have an odd fixation for taking in strays like no one's business. ❞

❝ Ahh. . . and are you one of these strays you speak of ? ❞

He snorts through his nose, the question eliciting a small quirk that creases the corner of his mouth. White creamer now blended into dark liquid he stirs with a spoon. ❝ Probably. . . and if so, I'm surprised you ain't boot me out yet with all the trouble that follows me around with my bounty hunting gig. ❞ Fingers curl across the mug handle before he saunters towards the table beside the window, pulling out a chair to sit as he rests the mug upon the surface of the table. And from his position at this specific angle where he sat, he was afforded the view of the entire kitchen dappled in hazy sunlight that snuck through the open windows, and Niah stood perfectly in his line of sight, including Duchess who ambled quietly up beside her feet. He takes a sip from his cup, hot liquid searing his tastebuds with that familiar acidic, hazelnut flavor as it spreads over his tongue. ❝ Guess, uhh, you must really like me that much to put up with me, huh. ❞

A hint he drops with a splash of diffidence, despite attempting to sound casual. Another hint that joins the many other clues that form a puddle of feelings they’ve yet to touch on. But she stirs the eggs and remains quiet, acts as if she didn’t hear it, nor understood the obvious meaning behind the significance of his last few words. And she carries on with a tired sigh, careful in how she responds to this delicate ( flirtatious) subject that she occasionally tiptoes around. ❝ Spike. . . y’know I don’t mind you being here. . . I actually am glad you are here. And besides, you probably get lonely and cold in that shed at night anyway. ❞

Spike couldn’t suppress the chuckle, accepting her answer with gladness that inspires a smile to form on his lips, one small and weary, in the same manner his eyes rest low and half-lid as he stares at her with longing. He props his forearm on the table before taking another sip of coffee, speaking after he swallows. ❝ Heh, funny. . . who says I’m lonely when I got the cat to sleep with me now ? ❞

Niah piques up and stole a quick glimpse at him over her shoulder. ❝ Ha, you mean Duchess ? I saw ya’ll when I passed by earlier. ❞ She says as she replaces the spatula with a pair of tongs instead, maneuvering the strips of bacon by carefully flipping them over. Their sizzling intensifies as they crackle with excitement. ❝ It was actually cute seeing ya'll sleeping together like that. A sweet, rare moment. I would’ve took a picture if I thought of it at the time. ❞

❝ Oh, you saw that, huh ? ❞ His gaze shifts back to the feline again, who seemed focused on Niah preparing breakfast. ❝ Yea, she’s definitely a sly one-- slipped right up beside me sometime in the middle of night. If she was a highly trained assassin, I would’ve been dead by now-would’ve been the end of Spike Spiegel who got done in by a cat. It would definitely be something to see those words imprinted on my tombstone. . . ❞

She titters at his joke, and the mere sound of her laughter was enough to tickle his ears. ❝ That’s soo stupid. Don’t say such awful things about her ! It was cute to see her cuddled up next to you. You might’ve actually saved her life. So, she must be really fond of you, y’know. ❞

❝ Hmm. . . probably only because I shared my lunch with her. But she seems quite fond of you right now, she’s lookin just as hungry as I am. ❞

❝ Huh ? ❞ At the implication of his comment that Duchess was awake, Niah decided to pause all movement. She quickly dropped her gaze towards the floor, finally realizing Duchess had, indeed, been here all along, sitting patiently at her feet, blue eyes wide and expecting for food of her own. Oh, poor dear ! She thought as she offered Duchess an apologetic glint in her eye. Niah was so preoccupied with assembling breakfast for her and Spike that she failed to notice Duchess had joined in attendance as well. ❝ Aww, hi baby, did you sleep well ? You hungry, hmm ? ❞ She asked with a tilt of her head, her tone swimming with a sweet light utterance, an attribute Niah adopted from time to time whenever she interacted with the dainty feline.

After adjusting the flames on a low setting on the stove, Niah walked ( with a little skip in her step) over to the other side of the counter where a bowl of food was ready and prepared to be served for their new guest. Niah spent the time concocting a meal from one of the many recipes she discovered on the web, and hopefully, Duchess would find this particular dish appetizing enough. ❝ Here you go, sweetie. ❞ With her knees bent, she crouched close to the floor near the table and placed the dish beside another filled with fresh cool water, both bowls posited upon a tray should food tilt over the edge. The meal was a grinded concoction that featured meaty components, consisting of : salmon, chicken, beef, and egg.

While remaining close to the floor, she reaches out as fingertips lightly stroke Duchess head, massaging the thin layer of soft fur between her ears as a kind smile touches her lips, an expression of pure fondness towards the elegant feline. ❝ Go on baby, dig in. Hopefully you’ll like this one. ❞

The sweet aroma of food cooking reaches her nostrils as well. A low purr rumbles from her throat as she inhales the heavenly scent. While on the streets of Mars, Duchess was forced to scavenge for food like a common stray. But here, she was fed like the royalty she was named after. She truly did find it a blessing to stumble upon such kind humans. Even if Spike--as she found out he was named--was a little rough around the edges, Duchess could sense he had a kind heart.

After he announces that he was going to get something to eat, Duchess hops off the couch and dutifully follows him to the kitchen. She was quite hungry as well and she was looking forward to see what Niah made for her this time.

[the27percent]

🍓

[I really love the attention to detail and the passion that you put into Niah, into Spike. The way that they interact with each other. I enjoy reading your drabbles, your asks. It's fun to see the way that you paint a picture with your threads and really get the sense of how the environment sets the tone for interactions.]

[jeremystrele]

11 Affordable, Emerging Painters To Start Collecting Now!

11 Affordable, Emerging Painters To Start Collecting Now!

Art

by Sally Tabart

‘Sunday Morning’ by Lucy Roleff.

‘Satin and Blueberries’ by Lucy Roleff.

Artist and musician Lucy Roleff in the studio. Photo – Kim Landy.

‘Heirloom’ by Lucy Roleff.

Left: A Window. Right: Gemini by Lucy Roleff.

Lucy Roleff

Inspired by objects and arrangements in her daily life, Melbourne based Lucy Roleff taught herself how to paint from YouTube videos! Describing her style as ‘painterly realism’, Lucy likes to paint simple, domestic spaces that straddle the worlds of familiarity and grandeur. ‘I really enjoy the meditative practice of mixing colour and laying down brushstrokes’, she says. ‘There’s also a particular pleasure that comes when a painting starts to work – it’s very special!’

As if being a supremely talented painter wasn’t enough, Lucy is also a classically trained folk musician and composer! There’s a melodic feeling to her still life scenes as well – you can almost hear music drifting through an open window just out of frame. Dreamy.

Price point

Ranging from $780– $2,400

Where to find it

A TDF Collect solo show later this year… stay tuned!

Artwork by Bronte Leighton Dore.

Artwork by Bronte Leighton Dore.

Artwork by Bronte Leighton Dore. Right: Portrait of artist Bronte Leighton Dore. Photo – Robin Hearfield.

Artwork by Bronte Leighton Dore.

Artwork by Bronte Leighton Dore.

Bronte Leighton Dore

Bronte Leighton Dore paints landscapes, still life and portraits.  Her works are spontaneous and gestural, with an intuitive use of colour. Citing nature as her primary inspiration, Bronte’s work captures the ‘immersion of being in a moment’.

As a shortlisted artist in the prestigious 2019 Wynne Prize (the Archibald Prize’s cousin for landscape painting), Bronte is certainly on the rise!

Price point

Smaller pieces are $1,100 while the large scale works are around $4,800.

Where to find it

A solo show at Martin Browne Contemporary in April and Edwina Corlette Gallery in November.

Artist Charlotte Alldis in her Brunswick studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Artwork by Charlotte Alldis.

Artwork by Charlotte Alldis.

Charlotte at work in the studio. Photo – Henry King.

Charlotte Alldis

Young Melbourne-based artist Charlotte Alldis likes to make a mess. ‘My work is playful, silly and imaginative’, she describes. ‘It involves storytelling of characters and feelings’. Wobbly flowers, sunbeams and rainbows in wonderfully bright colours are frequent guests in her paintings, murals and textiles, bouncing into each other and welcoming the viewer with big grins and sleepy, starry eyes. 

Look out for a more in-depth profile on Charlotte and her work on TDF in next few weeks!

Price point

Varying depending on size and medium.

Where to find it

Charlotte and two of her best friends recently started their ‘Making A Mess’ workshop series for people to come together and explore mark making, constructing and creative expression, all free of judgement. Keep up with them via their Instagram.

Artwork by Charlie Ingemar Harding.

Artwork by Charlie Ingemar Harding.

Portrait of Charlie Ingemar Harding. Photo – Tim Hardy.

Charlie Ingemar Harding

Charlie Ingemar Harding’s artwork feels both casual and serious at the same time. There is a sincerity in his paintings – these are works that don’t immediately announce themselves, but draw you in the more time you spend with them. Like a comfortable conversation, without many words exchanged.

Working across a variety of different mediums, from oil paintings to raw textile compositions, It’s hard to pigeon hole Charlie’s style into a specific genre, because it changes all the time. At the moment, he’s found himself consumed by textile works. ‘The works are large and immersive, whereby the viewer can traverse freely across vast areas of material until reaching a loose thread or seam solidified in composition,’ he explains. ‘They sit in space, unobtrusive, quiet, breathing in and out contemplative air.’

Price point

Varying dependent on the work.

Where to find it

Charlie is building a body of textile works that he plans to show in the near future. In the meantime, keep up with him on Instagram. 

Artwork – Elynor Smithwick.

Artwork – Elynor Smithwick.

Artwork – Elynor Smithwick.

Artwork – Elynor Smithwick.

Elynor Smithwick

It’s hard to believe that Elynor Smithwick only graduated from her Honours year at the Victoria College of the Arts in 2019!

Her quiet, intimate oil paintings have a nostalgic quality about them – places that you might have been before, or scenes that feel a bit familiar. ‘The settings are usually in a time and place you can’t quite put your finger on’, Elynor tells. In her last two bodies of work, she’s looked to old family photographs as her anchor. ‘Usually I find my inspiration in small things, looking out windows, going on walks, returning somewhere, closing my eyes’, she says. 

Price point

Around $400 – $800

Where to find it

A group show of 12 painters at George Ponton Gallery, opening on May 20th. A joint exhibition in Mount Buller showing works created on a six-week residency from the Mount Buller Residency award, opening July 18th. And, a group show at Stockroom Gallery showing works created in Kyneton under the Macfarlane Fund residency, opening November 14th

Emma Currie working on a large piece in the studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Artwork by Emma Currie.

Artwork by Emma Currie.

Artwork by Emma Currie.

Emma painting in the studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Emma Currie

We first profiled Melbourne-based artist Emma Currie’s work in late 2019, ahead of her inclusion in our end of year show, ‘Art and Artefact’, where her painting was one of the first to be sold! Emma makes abstract figurative oil paintings, using bold, geometric shapes and colours to depict the female form. Dynamic and soft at the same time, Emma’s work is a beautiful balance of hard edges, and feminine fluidity.

‘I’m inspired by the geometric lines found in Picasso’s cubist work, and I often reference Matisse cut-outs’, Emma says of her key references. ‘I also love contemporary Spanish photographer Carlota Guerrero‘s work and find myself drawn to her Instagram feed when I’m feeling creatively blocked.’

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – Emma Currie is one to watch!

Price point

Anywhere between $800 and $4000 depending on size.

Where to find it

A TDF Collect solo show… just around the corner!

Artwork by Gabrielle Penfold.

Artwork by Gabrielle Penfold.

Left: Portrait of artist Gab Penfold. Right: Artwork by Gabrielle Penfold.

Artwork by Gabrielle Penfold.

Artwork by Gabrielle Penfold.

Gabrielle Penfold

Gabrielle Penfold’s joyful work feels just like drinking a cocktail at sunset on a beach in Italy – bright, carefree and full of potential! Bouncing between still life and landscapes, and sometimes dabbling in abstraction, Gabrielle’s sweet scenes are inspired by traveling to places rich in history and culture. ‘It’s in those places ideas are fed to me’, she says. ‘I will always refer back to my photographs, sketches and books when in the studio.’

Price point

Smaller works start at $800

Where to find it

Contact Gab via her website.

‘Horse-tail sheoak beneath clouds’ by Ileigh Hellier.

’24 hours at Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve’ by Ileigh Hellier.

‘Small Trees’ by Ileigh Hellier.

‘Sky Trees Pool’ by Ileigh Hellier.

Ileigh Hellier

‘I’d describe my work as playful, colourful representations of the Australian landscape’, says Newcastle-based artist Ileigh Hellier. Her smudgy, colourful paintings depict loose representations of the natural world – not just what she sees in front of her, but what’s up in the sky and below the ground. Layers of topography are laid flat in a brilliantly fresh and elegant, yet childlike way.

There’s a little bit of abstract Ken Done present in Ileigh’s paintings – and as it happens, Ken is at the top of the list of artists she admires. Ileigh is a finalist in the 2020 Glover Prize, an annual art prize for landscape paintings of Tasmania.

Price point

Around $300 – $850 (and varied depending on gallery commissions)

Where to find it

You can see Ileigh’s work in the Glover Prize finalist exhibition, opening March 6th at the Falls Park Hall in Evandale, Tasmania.

An abstract group show at Allison Kate Bellinger Gallery in Inverell, NSW.

A show Purple Noon Gallery on the Hawkesbury River, NSW, opening on April 4th. A show at Back to Back Galleries in Newcastle, NSW, opening July 10th.

Artwork by Niah Mcleod.

Artwork by Niah Mcleod.

Niah McLeod

From a distance, Niah Mcleod’s paintings look like broad patterns in subtle gradient hues. Look closer and you’ll notice each tiny dot or line painstakingly pressed to canvas, to form incredibly powerful rippling movements. Inspired by the sky and the stars, water and the earth, Niah’s works are meticulous and moving.

As a mum of two kids, painting is what gives Niah a sense of belonging. ‘I feel like I can show the world just a tiny, beautiful piece of Aboriginal culture’, she describes. ‘I’m also very lucky to learn my native Language (dhurga) and to teach it to my children through painting, and that to me is everything.’

Price point

Between $550 – $14,500

Where to find it

A group show at Kate Owen Gallery in Sydney opening on May 9th.

Artwork by Seth Searle.

Artwork by Seth Searle.

Artwork by Seth Searle.

Artwork by Seth Searle.

Seth Searle

Seth Searle’s oil paintings including portraits, still life and interiors demonstrate excellent control of her medium. Her moody, quiet works elegantly highlight hand gestures, distortions through glass and pattern with apparent ease!

Seth finds inspiration in writers who explore the confines of gender roles, like Maggie Nelson and Virginia Woolf.

Price point

$900 – $1400

Where to find it

Seth will be in a joint exhibition with her good friend Lucy Roleff (see above on this list!) at BOOM Gallery in September.

Photo by Thea Anamara Perkins.

Photo by Thea Anamara Perkins.

Photo by Thea Anamara Perkins.

Photo by Thea Anamara Perkins.

Thea Anamara Perkins

Thea Anamara Perkins explores her identity as an Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman, but her practice also forms an investigation into art-making itself.

Thea brilliantly captures light and a surprising level of detail in the thick, broad brush strokes of her landscapes and portraits. Inspired by the art of Central Australia, she has worked with Tangentyere Artists including Sally M Nangala Mulda over the last couple of years.

‘I think of art as a forum of ideas, and creativity is a way of grappling with the vast abstract world’, says Thea.

Thea was listed for the Archibald Prize in 2019 for her portrait of contemporary artist and family friend Christian Thompson. An incredible feat for an artist still in her 20s!

Price point

Around $2,000 – $3,000

Where to find it

My Imagination group show on NOW until March 14th at Edwina Corlette Gallery.

**Please note that the price-guides quoted here are representative of the time of publication, and may be subject to change. 

[reddragon-cowboy]

⭐️ Niah continues to stargaze with @the27percent from here

⭐️ Quiet penetrated this scene. Soundless as watery depths where whales echo a song in blue oceans and vast seas. Crickets chirp and pounce amongst the grasses. Fireflies dance in the darkness, drawn to one another by the sight of their own glow. And soft brown eyes such as hers couldn't help but stare up in wonderment, mesmerized by lights that twinkle in and out against a canvas of deep blackness, stars flickering their radiance upon living souls who live for the purpose to admire their glory with jubilancy.

Atieno accompanied Niah this lovely night, for the simplest pleasure of their presence, away from the distractions of artificial lights and chaotic disturbances that so often pummeled large cities with materialism and strife. But here, she could feel grass lovingly slipped in-between her fingers where they rest on the ground at her sides, sitting up with a bent knee while the other laid straight in front. The ambience issuing a stream of its own quietness and serenity that only nature could provide, one which couldn't be found nowhere else but here.

Much like the cosmos, her companion was an entity riddled with mystery of their own, and while Niah may never fully comprehend the extent of Atieno's significance and power in the universe, she could appreciate they willfully offered their time to be with her. At least for a short while.

❝ Yea, I used to stargaze back on earth a lot. ❞ Long dreads slip off her shoulder when her head tilts to one side, eyes flickering to another set of stars far off somewhere, ❝ I always liked looking at them. I kinda lived in the city though, so it was harder to see them clearly like I wanted to. ❞ Although her family couldn't afford the most expensive telescope available, she took delight in the view, nonetheless, even if the closest round object in space was the moon.

❝ But. . . ❞ the word began in a soft undertone from full lips, recollections of distant memories swimming within her mind as fishes in a pond, ❝ they was easier to see when I went camping with my family every year. There wasn't a lot of light around to. . . um. . . what's the word ? ❞ She quickly looks at Atieno as if they could conjure the word up for her, that is until she remembers, suddenly. ❝ Outshine them, yeah. . ahaha. . . ❞ A titter breathes lightly, her chest bounces with calm laughter as her gaze returns to the sky.

And just like that, at the fall of a star that streaks across the sky in a trail of white, something pensive touches her features, eyebrows slightly turn upward, fingers curling strands of grass in a gentle grip. ❝ I really miss those times. . . is there. . .um. . anyone you miss ? ❞

[neverchxnges-blog]

/In other news if you wanna do a thread with Jo, Connie, or Niah, I will absolutely not be upset

[malaysiakltour-blog]

Top Caves in Malaysia

Love an experience, investigating nature's ideal and the wonderfully molded vertical fireplaces and level displays of Malaysia? Here is a rundown to enable you to find the ten best surrenders to investigate!

Deer Cave

This are got its name due to the huge populace of deer that came here to lick the salt off the stones in here. This is a lovely collapse Miri that shows excellent land includes and is an unquestionable requirement visit for those investigate the Gunung Mulu National Park

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves is a notable give in that is the site of the Hindu sanctuary. On the off chance that you are keen on investigating the way of life of the general population who adore the site, at that point the best time to come here would be amid the celebration of Thaipusum. The staircase prompting the give in is extremely steep and the passageway has an expansive statue of the Hindu god.

Gua Tempurung

You can't investigate surrenders and not come to Tempurung Cave. This grand limestone site in Perak is by a wide margin the biggest characteristic limestone collapse the Peninsular and has numerous delightful sights to investigate inside it. The subterrain site is an eminent incredible sight all things considered and you should realize that this site is even more established than the mountains that ascent around it!

Gua Kelam 2

This specific site is arranged in the littlest state in Malaysia; the province of Perlis however it is a long way from little. This heavenly give in holds delightful fortunes of nature and is an extraordinary place to investigate for those searching for some enterprise

Gunung Senyum Caves

The holes at Gunung Senyum are astounding ones that are home to the seven pools of water and are encompassed by legends and myths.

Gua Nasib Bagus

This site will hypnotize you with its biggest underground load on the planet. The give in has been esteemed a World Heritage Site and is unquestionably an awesome motivation to make a beeline for Sarawak to investigate the marvels this site brings to the table.

Gomantong Cave

This is unquestionably an extraordinary level chamber to visit in Sabah that highlights a many-sided subterrain framework ideal for a day of enterprise.

Wind Cave

Kuching is home to the Wind Cave. The site gets its name as a result of the cool wind that dependably blows all through the natural hollow. Here is an incredible place to see bats in the natural hollows. The stream that goes through the surrender is another incredible motivation to come here and simply unwind while you appreciate a cookout in this lovely give in.

Niah Cave

We have spared the best for the last. The Niah Cave is an absolute necessity visit since it was here that Tom Harrison found the most seasoned human skull in all of South East Asia. This eminent give in was home to the pre-noteworthy people and there is nothing superior to threading the sinkholes and chambers here as you see what it resembled to live in a subterrain and see the numerous archeological discoveries ideal here on the dividers here! Visit http://www.malaysiakltour.com

[reddragon-cowboy]

Oh ! Both shoulders slightly raise in quiet alarm, lashes swiftly fluttering as eyes blinks a few times up at him. And just as quickly, an apology rushes forth in a couple of words as her head tilts downward, embarrassed at being caught staring. ❝ Oh I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. . . ❞

He must've taken notice of the glances she snuck his way on occasion. However, could it be helped ? Between their interactive encounter, the way brown hues would ( inconspicuously) examine his face like a piece of canvas that hangs along the walls of a museum, and like any other lover of art who studies curves and shapes that wonderfully constructs the facial structure of another human in their own uniqueness, fascination entices the young woman to observe his incomparable light, a light that shines unlike any other, with an inquisitive eye.

But Niah thinks it difficult to not allow her gaze to eventually wander, linger a second longer than it's considered well-mannered. Difficult to not allow her focus to veer from pale complexions of his smooth skin towards the deep crimson mark that marred the left side area with a permanent burn. And yet, it reminded her of paint, as if someone dipped a brush in a bucket of paint and flicked it as they watched the red goo splatter on the side of his face. But. . . she can only imagine pain, anguish unbearable, as it scorches his skin like snake venom.

Although he speaks dismissively of his injury, it's clear there's a story to be told. But one only his heart could share, someday, if they somehow cross paths again and again over a span of time while flowers wilt when their seasons end. But she continues to wonder what might've transpired when it happened, what circumstances he experienced to receive such a deep wound. ❝ It jus. . . looked like it was kinda painful is all . . .❞

@chiwit ~

"It's not nearly as bad as it looks, these burns."

[reddragon-cowboy]

Souls littered and scatter across the floor; rink filled with a multitude of people with hearts connected to the rhythm of the music. Different ethnicities, all with distinct cultures that are beautifully and wonderfully unique, poured into the bowl an of establishment where a deep passion for the same thrill of skating connects one to the other- a harmonious language where everyone moves and breathes the same language.

Amongst the crowd, one such soul glides over the sleek surface, wheels rolling with ease as she interweaves her way through skaters on rotation within the circle of the rink. Arms raised, elbows bent, the beat of the music takes full reign of her body as limbs move on their own fruition, guides her speed as she levels along with the tempo that flows steady and deliciously addictive. Head turns, and brown eyes has to search through the dim light area, spots Atieno a bit up ahead of her ! Placing more speed into her gait, she catches up in no time at all, as the gloved hand lifts and poke their side testifies of Niah's arrival.

❝ You havin' fun Ati ? ❞ A breathy laugh shakes her chest with glee, heart joyful and ever lively. "

@the27percent liked for a short starter !

[reddragon-cowboy]

An assortment of seeds with colorful pigments scatter across hard cement, sprinkles from between her fingers that offers ample food for local birds as they peck their tiny beaks where seeds trickle upon the ground. The wind gently cradles her cheeks in a small breeze, the sun shone bright and sunny, and the light, easy sound of laugher flows where children run across on the playground, reaching her ears from distances away beyond the trees. The quality of the atmosphere proves vibrant and lively with activity, all in all, a serene day the young earth woman can appreciate to the full. And she can only hope this peace isn't disturbed by the appearance of a lowlife bounty head - as which has occurred many times before.

Rex so happened to have joined her company this time around, a friend of a messy haired bounty hunter whose off to attend to some business. A hand digs and curls to grab a handful of birdseed. ❝ Hey, you wanna give it a try ? ❞ Ful lips offer a slanted smile, hand out, a clump of seed sitting snug in the palm of her hand. ❝ They can be a bit shy, but they'll warm up to you eventually. ❞

@pzfr liked for a small starter !

[reddragon-cowboy]

🛸 ( id : ) 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 .

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 is no stranger to being a complete terror or gremlin to Spike . He has been found guilty for the second time . And then again , it's always funny to see him losing his marbles over the things he has destroyed . He's starting to like Niah since she seems to understand that he's not easy to be tamed in some way . “ 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 ? ” 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 asks her . He was the one who broke one of Spike's most treasured possessions if he has any which is an unfortunate timing . But Spike has unfortunately irked Stitch on purpose , hence the retaliation coming from the extra-terrestrial . “ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐤𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐬 . ” -@alm1ghtysea continued from here 🛸

At an angle does her head tilt to one side, brown eyes soften and mellow as calm waters, as her gaze peered down upon the little blue extraterrestrial. His voice tasted like guilt when he spoke, acknowledgment towards his rowdy behavior that got him trouble, but she could see how his face conveys some surprise at the proposal suggested seconds ago from her own mouth. And as a result, it only inspired a look of sympathy to grace her features. Her body lowered down to his shorter height, and her palm reaches out to meet the top of his head to offer a few, gentle pats of reassurance.

In truth, Niah was well aware that Spike's discipline was justified this time around, particularly at the discovery of finding one of his guns damaged, broken beyond any measure of repair. The little koala-like alien, Stitch, became the immediate culprit of this horrible crime as Spike pointed an accusing finger at him, so to speak, and argued red in the face how Niah should dump the ' bug-eyed twerp ' out on the street and handle his own problems. But the earthling's new fondness towards Stitch prevailed over Spike's efforts to persuade her otherwise, as her conscious wouldn't allow her to abandon a creature ( or anyone) in need of help. Realizing her decision was final since Spike had little authority over her decision, ( it was her house after all. her property, her rules) in a fit of anger to gain a bit of leverage over Stitch, he believed some discipline needed to be in order. Hence: Stitch was grounded.

Knees still bent in a crouch, she continued to stroke his head. ❝ Now now, I know Spike put you on a bit of a lock down. . . but I don't think it'll be good stay in the house for too long for someone like you. ❞ She ascertained based on her casual observation. The longer their new guest breathed the same space as them, the more insight Niah was able to gather, eventually coming to consider that Stitch might require an outlet to discharge his high energy, something positive at least to stimulate his mind and decrease bursts of bad, destructive behavior as a form of entertainment.

❝ You'll have to find something to do to stay busy in some way. ❞ Her hand departs from him as she rose to her full height, and proceeded to tap her index finger against her cheek in a contemplative manner, eyes tilted up toward the ceiling as her mind started to reel. Maybe they could do something in the yard together to pass the time ? And if so, what activity could they both participate in that would pique Stitch's interest well enough ?

Niah released a low hum as a few ideas swarmed through her head. And suddenly, a flicker of an idea sparkled in her eyes as if a lightbulb lit on, and her gaze fell upon Stitch once more as a smile easily slinked across her mouth. ❝ Do you wanna feed some birdies at the feeders with me ? How's that sound ? I promise it'll be fun and you could make some new friends. ❞

[reddragon-cowboy]

Send a 🍳 and my muse will cook something for you // @dandelicn ! 🍞♡‧₊✿

niah. niah pls your lion friend is starving, she is wasting away--

She lifted the window earlier to allow fresh air into the kitchen, at least to help filter the heat that gradually swarmed the room after she adjusted the settings on the oven to a high temperature. The savory scent of yeasty dough floated lightly in the air, drifting throughout to settle within each corner of the cozy interior space. A bouquet of red roses in a vase rested in the middle of the table, creates an additional, creative splash of color for the homey residence. And a shy residue of white flour smeared on the table's surface may provide enough evidence of what Niah had in preparation for her guest who arrived ten minutes ago ( the last time she checked the clock).

Earlier in the day at the height of noon, Niah could discern somberness drenched within Dani's weary tone when they spoke over the telephone, initially no more than a quick chat of a few minutes, but enough time for Niah to determine her lioness friend had fallen into a puddle of low spirits as of late. It touched her empathetic heart that inspired compassion to blossom, wherein prompted the woman to invite Dani over to her house to offer company and comfort that might be appreciated at this particular time.

Beep. Beep. Beep !

Her attention is peeled away in-between some chatter with Dani as they both sat at the modest sized table, her head whipping towards the oven where the source of the noise rang in alarm. Ah ha ! It's been a complete thirty minutes ! And immediately Niah rises to her feet, reaching over for a pair of thick mittens at her side that fits ever snuggly as she slips them over her hands. A smile prances across full lips that quirk upwards as she ( practically) bounces over to the stove, her excitement obvious by the light skip in her step as Niah readies to present the treat prepared in advance. Afterall, it was meant to be a surprise, but she imagined her friend already knew what was in store.

Opening up the heated chamber, two loaf pans were removed from the mouth of the oven, both containers filled to the brim with hot, freshly baked bread. Joy seems to radiate off her features where a grin widens as she announces sweetly : ❝ And here we are ! ❞ and settles both pans upon a cooling rack on the table before clasping her hand cladded mittens together. The loaves appeared to be a perfect light brown on their sides; top surfaces kissed with a golden autumn tint. But there was little time for Niah to bask in the accomplishment of her handy work and, with utmost care, begins tilting the bread out its pan mold.

❝ I know you was feeling sad, so I thought I'd make something for you since you was coming over. Remember I said I'd bake some home-made bread for you one day ? So I thought . . . why not today ? ❞

[reddragon-cowboy]

 ---------------𝔞  𝑾𝑨𝑳𝑲 ᶤᶰ ᵗʰᵉ 𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒 .------------   🌲 " can you hear that ? sounds like a waterfall . " ( + niah ) - @straye

A delight it was to surround oneself in the bosom of nature, to indulge in the quiet ambience wherein these long walks into the inner depth of a forest who offers souls the opportunity to explore and wander. In fact, two lonely people roamed about within this labyrinth enriched with plant life, steadily take their time to admire the scenery, peeling away at the leafy layers as Niah and Kogami trek deeper into the thicket. Dead brown leaves that have once fallen from high branches scrunch beneath their hiking boots, and woody bark felt just as dry and quenched for moisture, its texture rough against the soft belly of her palm where a hand perches upon a tree for a moment to rest.

Her lips split as lungs became filled with fresh air, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple while she pauses to catch her breath after nearly walking for thirty minutes, backpack weighing heavy against her. The last time she checked, it's been around three hours since their hike began. Thankfully, Kogami appears to take notice of her need to take a breather and stops in his tracks alongside with her.

At the beginning of these hikes that started months ago, she recalls he would often rush on ahead as if she wasn't there, leaving Niah in the dust ( so to speak) as her body strained to keep up with his much quicker pace. But now as time passed, appreciation swirls within her stare that analyzes him silently ( hopefully he doesn't notice), simply due to his attentiveness to throw consideration her way, aware how her stamina was lacking in comparison to his. Still. . . Niah couldn't help the persistent thought that maybe she slowed him down during these journeys.

" Can you hear that ? Sounds like a waterfall . " - Kogami.

❝ Hm ? ❞ Curiously, Niah piques with a light hum, brown eyes drawn to his gorgeous blues as she also focuses her ear on what he supposedly hears. Her gaze then proceeds to veer off to scan their surroundings, looking pass between the foliage where small melodies and natural winds of the forest gently sway green leaves, and something does penetrate her ear at a distance from where they stood, something akin to the sound of rushing water.

❝ I. . . hmm. . . I do hear somethin'. . . but-- ❞ Words slightly offer little weight of conviction, any sense of validation in his claim wavers in her voice while she attempts to target the sound. Maybe Kogami had better hearing ? Well, he does frequently visit within these places, most likely well-adjusted to specific sounds and noises from across the way. . . unless he's actually bore witness to the sight of a waterfall in person who recognizes their sound from afar. Either way, long lashes flutter with a blink, and her gaze returns to his with an inquisitive expression, her head tilting right for effect. A hand moves to brush her hair away from her face, dreads caresses across her fingers which slowly weaves through the thick strands.

❝ I am kinda curious. We can go check it out if you want ? ❞ Just then, a speck of a smile surfaces, one which quivers at the corner of her mouth at the mere thought of searching for the source of the sound. It actually excites her to consider there might be a waterfall nearby.

[reddragon-cowboy]

☎️ Niah sends a midnight phone call to Kogami.

The curved bottom of the wine glass cradles within her palm, fingers splayed and pressed tenderly against its transparent surface. Dark wine lacks the sweetness she occasionally favors, but its dry flavor that sticks to the roof of her mouth is meant to relax tense muscles and gently coax sleepiness to lower one's eyes to rest. The midnight wind carries the faint scent of grass into the room, seeping through the tiny gap of her bedroom window left slightly ajar. Crickets chirp in the distance far beyond, hidden away in the field of pitch darkness where fireflies emit a soft fluorescent radiance.

Thick blanket covers her legs, folded cross-legged where she sits atop the mattress of her bed, only wearing a comfort black bra and lace panties ( she barely wore pajamas to bed due to how easily hot she gets). Niah sighs and takes a sip of wine again, other hand occupied by her phone. Weary brown hues remain locked on a contact upon the screen : Shinya Kogami. Loneliness causes a debate on whether or not she should call him for the past ten minutes, assuming he was awake due to the nature of his job, always huddled inside his messy PI office. But. . . he was kind, always kind to her, despite the sharp countenance he presents to the world and this small town that treats him slightly unkind. There was more beneath that lonely man. . . if only people could see the seashells that sparkles beneath the water in his eyes. And after a sharp exhale, thumb taps his contact before touching the phone to her ear.

Nervously, her lips press together as a few rings vibrate through; she's not sure if he'll pick up and quickly decides to end it before he notices his phone ringing on the other end, that it was a mistake should he inquire her about it the next day. But a deep voice licks her ear with a single, 'Hey'. She blinks. And her heart skips a beat, then her name, 'Niah', on his tongue is thrown like a pebble across the surface of a pond, water rippling gently in its wake. She gulps and looks down, shyly hides her face as if he was actually there present in her bedroom. ❝ Um, h-hey. . . uh. . . ❞ A short pause eases its way between shallow breaths, tone of her voice carries light and shaky as does a leaf against wind, and she pulls at her plump bottom lip by her teeth instinctively. It was. . . peculiar. . . the way her heart pounds with wild fervency against the cage of her ribs, the sound of his voice alone over the telephone breathes dusty and smoky, causing smooth brown skin along her arms to erupt in tingles. The sensation startles her, and for a moment once her mouth opens again with the intention to speak, she finds herself unable to conjure up a word to say.

Niah questions her own motives, if this was even a good idea to begin with, for she was never a woman to act on impulse without a plan to direct her steps and decisions. Sure, the two recently developed something fresh and new, a friendship consistently nurtured over the past few ( six months), a plant already sprouted from their seed they planted. Two o'clock at midnight. Calling a man pass the descent of twilight. What was she thinking ? To disrupt someone's peace at such a late hour ? Was it. . . selfish ? The wine smeared on her tongue. . . maybe ?

But nose breathes a deep inhale in an effort to calm nerves that scatters about, somehow, words mumble timidly between parted lips, fingers crinkling the bed linen in a tight grip. ❝ Um. . . I-I c-couldn't sleep. . . I guess. . . ❞ Oh, when was the last time she sounded like this ? Voice shrinking smaller and meeker in volume, clearly unconfident in her ability to initiate a conversation. But her voice also weighs heavy, filled to the brim with drowsiness and the breath of sleep, and unaware how sensuality wraps around her silky timbre from red wine consumed prior. ❝ I'm jus awake tryin' to fall asleep, but nothing seems to be working. ❞ Round lips become wet when her tongue runs across them. ❝ And I guess I'm feelin a little lonely. . . maybe. I um. . . didn't wake you up, did I ? ❞

@straye ~

[reddragon-cowboy]

The photograph caught her eye, tenderly pinched between sharp edges of clawed fingers of metallic design. It was a gentle touch the younger boy extends towards the photo, and just ten minutes earlier, she observed how sentimentality drove him into the fray of hazardous conditions, his figure disappearing into steep darkness of the building through an open window frame right before the foundations ( gradually) collapsed underneath the pressure of its own weight. The block proceeded to become blanket with dust and smoke in its own destruction.

Close enough to feel the ground tremble and shake beneath her feet, Niah managed to get out of harm's way at the time. Now, they stood at a safe distance. A brisk, cool wind passes between them, and her arms instinctually fold over in an attempt to produce some inner heat, skin prickling with goosebumps from the chilly night air as sirens blared in the background.

❝ Yea, I-I'm okay, thanks. . . but what about you, hun ? ❞ Words issue on a soft, shaky note, concern spread out upon her tongue as brown eyes inspect him from head to toe, brows slightly upturned with worry visible on her face. Miles ( 42) didn't appear injured from what she could gather, but it does little to relieve anxiety that climbs higher at the prospect of what could've occurred if things took an unfortunate turn for the worst. Coldness bites at her exposed cheeks, nips at her shoulders, yet she tries not to disclose her discomfort due to the absence of a jacket, somehow gotten lost within the commotion earlier. ❝ You had me worried when you went back in there. . . I jus didn't want you to get hurt is all. . . but I guess it must be a special picture for you to go through all that. . . ❞

@sparkveins

@reddragon-cowboy asked:

❛ it must be important, otherwise you wouldn’t have gone back for it. ❜

"yeah, you could say that," he had a feeling that the building he had called his hide out would one day crumble like it had done tonight, and he could deal with losing everything, besides the picture of him and his father. holding it in his hands, 42 kept it close to his person.

"are you alright?"

[reddragon-cowboy]

Kogami meets Niah in a vintage bookstore 📚

“This book looks interesting.” - Kogami

It was just one of those days. A little lazy, easy, and hazy like a dream, where a mist slowly encircled the town in a gentle dreariness that could lull one fast asleep. The scent of rain was a calm she absolutely loved, tastes blue and watery upon her tongue. The umbrella's hook hangs on her arm in the way a lover does, and even after roaming through a lane of books for twenty minutes within the vintage bookshop, she could still taste rain's dewy sweetness when she licks her lips.

It doesn't surprise Niah to find the place almost empty, for who would go through the trouble to embrace a rainy day ? Books sat silently in their places upon many shelves. And the faint whiff of wood and dust, old paper crinkles her nose; it smells familiar, offering a hand of comfort that cradles one's heart with touches of sentimentality. And with a finger pointed, it glides across the hard spine of a few books in one section, and the same action would repeat when she steps into another lane.

The young woman wasn't certain as to what she was looking for, if she was searching for anything at all to purchase, as her inquisitive gaze flickered from one book to the next. Poetry. Folktales. Biographies. Noirs. She passes by these ones while wandering lane to lane, sooner or later, getting lost in a maze created in her mind.

“This book looks interesting.”

Something ( or someone ?) catches her ear, and it easily breaks her focus away as a deep voice beckons her attention to set upon them. Her eyes fell upon a man with a book in their hand, angled in her direction and held up for. . . her view ? Full lip's part slightly, and all she could do was blink once in mute surprise, recalling such familiarity of his face she's seen in passing a few times at this exact place.

Initially distracted by her own thoughts with books in mind, his presence caught her off guard, not expecting to meet a gaze that seems to pierce through her own brown hues like the sharp edge of a knife. Her heart palpitates and a little sound utters wary. ❝ Uhhh. . . . ❞ A bout of awkwardness seeps into her stance as shoulders tense up, eyebrows lift as she scrambles to find a word to say in response. How long has he been standing there ? She didn't realize anyone was in the same row as her until now ! A daydreamer who loves to frolic within the gardens of her mind frequently loses touch with reality from time-to-time chasing butterflies, and here Niah stood, snatched back to the real world, gawking ( stupidly) beneath the stare of this stranger in embarrassment.

It felt like forever since he spoke and she swore she must've looked a fool, but only two seconds passes before a short gasp is released once her breath is found, lashes flutter as eyes blink once more as her gaze flit from his face to the book, this time acknowledges the title and image etched into the cover : 'The Wisdom of Wolves: How Wolves Can Teach Us To Be More Human '. The front itself depicted a photo of a wolf pack strolling against a white backdrop, leaving a trail of pawprints amongst white snow.

Intriguing ! Pupils grow wide and instantly does fascination lure her in, feet taking a tentative step closer for a better view of the book in his grasp. ❝ Oh it-it does, ❞ voice remarks softly, albeit timid, as she agrees without much thought, head tilting, ❝ it does look interesting. . .uh. . hahaha. . . ❞ A nervous laugh lightly breezes forth, in a fragile effort to ease her tension, lifting a hand to move a few dreads that fell across her face as eyes flicker back to his own.

And truth be told, anything to do with animals, canines, particularly wolves, was a subject most favored, enough to melt some tautness away off her shoulders. ❝ What's interesting about it to you ? Do you like wolves or somethin or--? ❞

@straye