#orginstory

[farfromhome97]

Born Cursed 2: The Beginning

"You will never be loved, you will be nothing more than a curse upon people's lives."

Words you had heard your whole life, digging deep into the depths of your mind until that was all that remained. Until...

Set 5 years before Born Cursed, we're going back to where everything started, where everything changed for you and a certain curse forever. Where a powerful human changed a powerful curses life forever.

Warning: violence, gore, blood mention, some sexual tension, nakedness, war, fighting.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Taglist: my dearest @m0ch1nut 🫰🤌

*ask to be added to the tag list!!

[letsbefriendspakistan]

Northern Goats waiting for you, with there Shepherd on the rocky hillside leading you to the untouched beauty. Like no where else before. #goatsofinstagram #wonderinggoat #pakistan #letsbefriendsPakistan #natgeolandscape #travelersnotebook #pakistantourism #naturalbeauty #tourisminpakistan #animalphotography #naturephotography #naturelovers #orginstory https://www.instagram.com/p/CR58ilDHbyU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[enchantedwisp]

Have you left a place and then returned? And each moment you spend there, you feel in your heart of hearts that you are betraying yourself every breathing moment you spend there.

#orginstory #words #feelings

[venus-de-lux]

The Christmas tree: From pagan origins and Christian symbolism to secular status

A Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and lights is a centrepiece of the festive season. But have you ever wondered where the tradition comes from?

Evergreen trees and plants have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, long before the advent of Christianity.

Pagans in Europe used branches of evergreen fir trees to decorate their homes and brighten their spirits during the winter solstice.

Early Romans used evergreens to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia, while ancient Egyptians used green palm rushes as part of their worship of the god Ra.

"The idea of bringing the evergreen into the house represents fertility and new life in the darkness of winter, which was much more of the pagan themes," Dr Dominique Wilson from the University of Sydney said.

"That's also where the ideas of the holly and the ivy and the mistletoe come from because they're the few flowering plants at winter so therefore they hold special significance.

"So the idea of bringing evergreens into the house started there and eventually that evolved into the Christmas tree."

From pagan customs to Christianity

There are several theories and legends as to how the evergreen fir tree went on to become a symbol of Christianity.

One is credited to the English Benedictine monk Boniface, famous for his missionary work in Germany during the eighth century.

"The common story goes that [Boniface] encountered some native Germans performing some sacrifices in front of a mighty oak tree — oak trees being sacred to the god Thor," Dr Wilson said.

"Boniface seized his axe and felled the tree in order to stop the pagans worshiping a false idol and the pagans were waiting for him to be struck down by lightning, but it didn't happen.

"So at this stage he took the opportunity to convert them."

Then legend has it that a fir tree grew out of the fallen oak.

"That became a symbol of Christ — being triangular in shape it represents the trinity — and from there came the idea that the tree should be a symbol of Christ and new life," Dr Wilson said.

"That's one of the main origins of the Christmas tree and bringing it into the house."

Modern Christmas trees a German tradition

Modern Christmas trees emerged in western Germany during the 16th century as Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them with gingerbread, nuts and apples.

"It's the 17th century that we really get the decorating happening, and we get a movement into the festivals and the big royal courts having these trees with the gold leaf on them, having paper decorations with candles," Dr Wilson said.

The custom became popular among nobility and spread to royal courts across Europe in the early 19th century.

As Germans emigrated to other parts of the world the tradition also spread.

But in places like the United States, having a Christmas tree was often viewed as a foreign pagan custom until the mid-19th century.

Queen Victoria, Prince Albert popularise Christmas trees

While the Christmas tree originated in Germany, it was Britain's Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who popularised it in the 1840s and 1850s.

Victoria's mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, was German so she grew up having a decorated tree at Christmas time.

But the idea of decorating a whole tree was not common among Brits until a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree in Windsor Castle was published by the Illustrated London News in 1848.

This illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children around a Christmas tree featured in the Illustrated London News in 1848.

Victoria and Albert were popular royals and soon every British home had a tree decked out with decorations, candles and sweets.

The same image was published two years later in the United States in Godey's Lady's Book — though Victoria's tiara and Albert's moustache were removed to make the image more American.

It was the first widely circulated picture of a decorated evergreen Christmas tree in the US and soon the Christmas tree was in vogue.

Christmas trees today

Today, Christmas trees come in all different shapes and sizes from traditional fir to artificial.

The tradition of decorating a tree is embraced by millions of people worldwide of different faiths and cultures.

While it is still a symbol of Christianity to some, to others it is simply part of December celebrations.

"Here in Australia we've embraced the European aspect of Christmas," Dr Wilson said.

"We eat the fish and the prawns, et cetera, but I think we are relatively traditional.

"The fact that so many of us still do the turkey and the ham, placing the gifts under the tree — that's definitely something that links back to our European roots."

[perilspore]

(WIP) Beyond the Stars (A Spore OC Story) - 1: The Beginning. (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1136839770-wip-beyond-the-stars-a-spore-oc-story-1-the?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=PerilSpore&wp_originator=j2Ta7zLybUXrcQHE3%2BE8NMsocMj%2FCgz55b8mg8%2FeMRli8%2FLLntJDx4tR22gYWV%2FD9wFex2FBwQYk7MgfTLQLqVIelf%2F95IZ%2B1MBTg1WH1QUQqkY5wQ1vrnMEjGjUhMSc Peril was created by the Grox as a powerful bioweapon. Capable of mass destruction, she was unleashed onto a planet for field testing. What Happened to her? Well, prepare to find out! This is a fanmade story, and isn't canon to the Spore Storyline

[ask-humdrum]

[emptyspacepit]

@markiplier

Are we just gonna gloss over the fact that October 10th, from a year ago was literally the very first episode of the series, Who Killed Markiplier??? LIKE LITERALLY THE BIGGEST MOMENT ON MARK’S CHANNEL THAT CHANGED THE WHOLE GAME AROUND?!?!

No?

Just me...?

Alright then.

[honeywithblueberries]

The Laundry Room Ch 4 (Final)

A/N:  As always, thank you to ScaraMedn and kt_valmiri for beta reading and editing. This the conclusion of the Laundry Room, so brace yourselves! More Where Legends Came From to follow!

……………..

The days following the wedding announcement were the worst Nicholas had ever lived. Every delivery he had to Lapinet house, Sandra was nowhere to be found. Everyone was running around, preparing for the wedding and causing such a chaos in the household, he suspected the proposal to have been a huge surprise. Nicholas was not even aware of Dorian’s return. And though he was still warmly welcomed, her lack of presence made the house seem barren, even through the non-stop activity.

And on the eve of the wedding, he couldn’t stand not seeing her before she was forever out of his grasp.

As he lay awake, he had never known his heart to beat so fast. The feeling of the world closing in on him was nearly overwhelming. So much so, he left his bed and dressed. Now he walked briskly down the row of handsome brownstones, his eyes searching out the one he sought.

Gasping for breath, he came to a halt at the tall, metal gate that surrounded it. He grasped the bars in his paws and stared into the dark front garden. His keen sense of smelled picked up her scent. She was close by. Or had been not too long ago.

And there she was.

Sitting just out of the light spilling from a parlor window. Her small paws clutched the bench she sat on, her chest heaving as she tried to collect herself from whatever she was working through. Her ears were down, as was her gaze and she seemed to not notice his approach.

Even in the darkness, Nicholas could still see her beauty. He could still observe the soft curve of her form, from the gentle slope of her chin through her neck, past her small breasts, to the hips wrapped in a causal day dress. He only ever saw hints of her legs, their shape outlined by her brisk walk.

His longing for her muted his voice. Part of him wished to simply stare at her silhouette; with her scent mingling with the flora of the front garden, it would have been all too easy. But he found himself calling out to her regardless of the mistake he knew it would be.

“Sandra!” Her ears snapped up as her head turned in the direction of his voice. To his delight, she pushed up immediately and went to him.

“Nicholas!” Her paws grasped the bars just below his own, her grey eyes seeming to drink in his presence. “Wha- How- Why are you here?”

A paw left the bar to cup her soft cheek. He relished the way she leaned into it, allowing him to pull her as close as their barrier would allow. Each had allowed the tension between the two of them to be ignored. Her upbringing had made it possible for their unlikely friendship to blossom, something they both held onto dearly. Nicholas thought he had prepared himself for this day.

Only to find himself so achingly wrong.

“I read the announcement. I know you and……….him……,” Nicholas began, “and I had to see you.”

Sandra’s eyes cast themselves to the grass at that. His paw remained, though he felt the quiet tear trail down from her eyes.

“Is it true? Are you to marry him tomorrow?” Taking in a shaky breath, she gave a slight nod. Nicholas felt his heart clinch. His eyes still taking in her face, his nose committing her scent to memory, he felt his world start to crumble.

“Please,” he whispered. Sandra brought her gaze up to his. “Don’t…”

He never got a chance to finish his thought. Her paws went to his muzzle and brought his lips down to hers. Though the bars kept them separate, their kiss would not be denied. Hungry and desperate, they allowed themselves just that moment. It was Sandra who broke it off. With a quiet sob, she pulled away from him, Nicholas being left with but a lingering taste of the bunny he had loved for so long.  

“I don’t want you to marry him,” he whispered, turning his nose into her palm. Her thumbs stroked away his tears before reluctantly leaving his face.

“I’m sorry, Nicholas,” she gave another silent sob, before straightening up with new resolve she did not entirely feel, “but I must. It is all arranged, the preparations are done, and the whole of Zootopia knows I am to wed him.”

Closing his eyes as the pain of her words struck him, the todd nodded. He pulled his own paw back from her face. The small whimper she allowed to escape caused his teeth to clench as he pushed away from the gate.

He opened his eyes and drank in the sight of her.

“I only wish for your happiness, Sandra,” he choked out, “and that he worships every part of you.”

Nicholas turned and strode briskly away from her, and her scent, and the awful torment he felt being around her. He had made a mistake. The last few years of delivering her family’s things were a mistake. If he had sent another, as he always had done in the past, he would have been left only admiring her from afar. Not stranded in a hell of his own making. Blindly, he made his way back to the Laundry Room. His coat removed and placed on the rack, he crossed to his bedroom and laid down fully clothed, taking care to not wake the Wildes.

Sleep eluded him until the sun peaked over the horizon. And with it came Sandra’s wedding day. Nicholas wished to fall into the bed further and vanish within it’s covers. How patronizing the sun seemed to be, how determined it was to shine, not caring that he was feeling miserable and heart sick.

When he finally rose to face the day, it was with the distinct lack of enthusiasm he normally displayed. Ears were dropped back against his head and his tail lay limp on the floor. He kept mostly to himself, troubling Ava when she stopped in for a visit with her daughters. She had been hoping they would be enough to distract her brother, as it seemed to have worked this past week. John had been trying to get him to talk and laugh all day but was only met with silence.

He didn’t even respond when Francine had grabbed his paw and pressed it against her swollen belly. The movement of the child within it failed to bring a smile to his muzzle like it would normally. By evening, John had had enough. Nicholas was checking a row of clothing hanging out to dry when his brother-in-law set aside his work with a groan.

“How about you and I go out for a pint?” John asked, stretching his arms over his head. “Get out of the shop for bit, breath in some fresh air? What do you say?”

Seeing through the ruse, all he responded with was a grunt. “You need not entertain me, John. I’m sure Frankie is anxious for you to go upstairs for supper.”

“Actually, I already told her I was going for a drink with you,” John walked to him and placed a paw onto his shoulder. “You could use a break, Nicholas. You’ve been pushing yourself all day.” The taller todd turned away from him, tensing at his next word.

“Please….”

With a hesitant nod, he allowed himself to be lead to the coat rack. Pushing his arms through, he blindly followed his brother-in-law through the door, locking up the building before continuing to Tavern Row. Before he could register what was happening, Nicholas found himself with a glass of beer in his paw, on a stool next to John.

John took a long swig as he patiently waited for Nicholas to start speaking.

“She’s married……” he whispered.

“So I heard,” confirmed John.

“I should have fought for her.” A sip was taken from the pint in front of him. “I should have let her father know I wanted her. We spent enough time together, perhaps he expected me to at inquire about his daughter. He’s a decent buck. He aways treated me with respect. Maybe he would have not been opposed to such a match…”

“Maybe,” John agreed, “or maybe he would have thrown any law he could find at you in retaliation. It’s entirely possible he and his family planned this wedding in record time as a way to keep you from asking for her. Or, if he did give his blessing, the rest of Zootopia would have eaten you two alive. Your business would have suffered, she would be casted out of society, and who knows how many physical attacks either of you would have suffered.”

“But we would had each other,” Nicholas retaliated. “Would you trade your love for Francine if you deemed it difficult.”

“You tried that, remember,” John reminded him, “and it didn’t work. I would move heaven and Earth to ensure I could be with her.”

Both todds grinned at the memory of their feud. It seemed like it was a lifetime ago.

“I would like to have said the same about Sandra.” Nicholas scoffed bitterly at his own statement. “But that’s obviously untrue. I should have spoken up when I had the chance.”

“These are the sacrifices for love, Nicholas,” reasoned John. “There would have been more grief had you pursued her.”

Nicholas digested John’s words as the two drank pint after pint. The pain he felt didn’t lessen, but he was feeling comfortably numb as they handed over their few notes and coins to pay their bar tab. He was even laughing along with his brother-in-law as they staggered out the door towards their homes.

“I’m to be a father!” cried John, laughing his nerves and excitement. Nicholas whooped in delight.

“And a fine father you shall be!” With a hiccup, he nudged his companion. A bit too hard it seemed as he stumbled towards the wall of the alley they turned into. “Also, Nicholas is a fine name for any child.”

“Ahhh! And so you’ve said,” John slurred with a grin. “What would you trade for naming our son after you?”

“My respect,” he hiccuped again as he thought about his answer. “And my undying devotion to your family.”

“Both I have already, good sir! I earned that the day you sister ran off with me.” They shared another laugh as they rounded another corner, the tall zebra they ran into startling them from their drunken stumble. “Beg your pardon, sir.”

John gave an exaggerated bow, laughing as they tried to side step him. Their path was once more blocked by the larger mammal, much to their confusion. With unfocused eyes, both todds exchanged glances and turned back to whence they came.

Only to find themselves boxed in.

A large hippo stood next to a wildebeest, blocking the way back to the tavern. From their left came a stallion, who eyed the pair of foxes with an evil grin.

“Lost your way, have you?”

Both turned to the figure of another, a chubby woodchuck, emerging from the shadowy depths of the alley. His brown eyes flicked over the pair, a large knife being used to clean his claws as he strolled casually towards them.

“Actually, we’re being cornered here against our will,” argued Nicholas drunkenly.

The woodchuck smirked at the fox as he came closer, the knife now leveled on them. “You’re funny. But, unfortunately for you, FOX, we’re not looking for funny.”

Understanding dawned on John as Nicholas scowled.

“You want to leave this alley? Hand over your money and we’ll be on our way.”

Nicholas scoffed as John opened his mouth to protest. The older todd spoke before he had the chance to do so.

“You want our coin, do ya?” He stormed up to the woodchuck, who flinched as he bared his fangs at him. “Go to the fucking tavern then! They have the last of it, so you won’t be getting SHIT from either of us! So FUCK OFF!”

That sobered John up considerably. Stepping forward, he grasped his brother-in-law’s arm, pulling him back, away from the now nervous looking woodchuck and his conies.

“Don’t mind him, mates!” He laughed nervously. “We’ve had a pint or two, so we haven’t any mo-“

“Nice ring,” came the deep voice of the wildebeest. “Much too nice for a FOX.”

“Pass it over,” said the zebra, “and you’ll be on your way.”

Drawing in a deep breath, John’s fingers went to the wedding band on his paw. Francine’s eyes as she slipped it onto him flashed in his mind as he started to pull it off. Knowing that she would prefer him to return home without it then die for it, his decision was a bit easier. But the idea of loosing it still made his heart ache.

“No.”

Eyes closed at Nicholas’ voice.

Please, John begged, be silent.

“What did you say, fox?” Asked the woodchuck dangerously, the knife held with slightly shaky paw.

“Sorry, what I said was ‘NO’! He will not be giving you his wedding ring.” Nicholas glowered at their aggressor. “We’re broke and we’re drunk and all we want is to go home and see our families, so let us pass and we won’t let the police know there’s a bunch of little children running around at night, threatening other mammals. Good day.”

And with a mocking salute, he made to shove past him.

“Stay away from me, FOX!” Nicholas gave a sharp grunt of pain as the woodchuck pushed back at him, the todd’s paws coming up to hold his side.

Green eyes, as wide as saucers, met a pair just as shocked as his. John gave a strangled gasp as his own fell to the now bloodied knife in the woodchuck’s paws. Judging by how the others took off from alley, actual harm had never been in their plans.

The woodchuck’s eyes gleamed with tears as he looked into Nicholas’ face. Still clutching the knife, he turned and fled, letting the wounded todd fall to his knees as his blood spilled onto the ally floor. John ran and caught his friend as he started to fall to his back.

Shock that had kept his tears at bay started to wear off as bright brown found fading green. Nicholas looked up at him without seeing, the phantom scent of his bunny choosing that moment to fill his senses. John blinked in disbelief as his employer, his friend, his brother, went limp in his arms and the light of his eyes faded.

Pawsteps broke the oppressive silence. John looked up to see a young raccoon he recognized as their chimney sweep gaping at the scene.

“Please!” He cried out. “Fetch someone. GO LAD!”

The young raccoon didn’t hesitate to obey, turning tail to find the closest help he could.

“Nicholas! Stay with me!” John put a paw on his muzzle as he shook him desperately. “Nicholas! Francine needs you! Ava needs you.”

Realization broke over him as the tears fell faster. Pulling him up, he embraced the still body of his brother. No longer did he feel the beat of his heart, nor the rasp of his breath.

“I need you……” He sobbed. “I need you to tell me how I’m doing as a father. I need you to let me know how to stay on your sister’s good side. I need help remembering our anniversary and birthdays and you need to tell me if my cooking is poor and if my stitches are crooked.

“Don’t leave me…….

“Nicholas………”

And with that, Nicholas Piberious Krasny left the world. ………………….

Francine sat at the dinning room table of her family home, bombarded with memories of her childhood. Of twirling around the living room with Ava while her brother played piano, playing hide and seek with Nicholas in the Laundry Room, hiding under this very table with him when it stormed outside. All of it came crashing back. Each brought a certain degree of pain that made her not quite sure how she was surviving.

Added to her hurt was the constant shifting of her child in her womb. It’s little limbs prodded the walls of it’s confinement, as though it wished her to know it was ready for the world. Even though Francine knew better. As a fox, she had always known how cruel the word could be to her kind. And it always ached when it was shown.

But this.

This was torture. Knowing that every morning, when she woke up, Nicholas wouldn’t be there. He wouldn’t compete with John in making her laugh. Nor would he scoop up Robyn and Marian into his arms and shower them with affection. And when her own child was born, he wouldn’t be there, pacing the floor with her husband, waiting to meet the newest addition to their family. And there would be no whispered promises to love and protect her kit until his final breath.

“It’s a splendid piece of property!” The loud, jovial voice of a potential buyer grated on her ears as it rang through the open window. “Show me where to sign!”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she heard the real estate agent laugh along with him. She could picture John’s face as her todd stood next to the lion and his wife, having to listen to him drone away about his plans to raze the Laundry Room and build his house upon the lot. His misery would match her own, though he would hide it better than she. Hence, she sat in the upstair apartment, waiting and saying a silent goodbye to her family’s treasures.

After his death had been confirmed, a lawyer had approached the Wildes and Faxes. They were sat down and told that Nicholas had not been paying his taxes. The accountant he had been working with for years had been pocketing the funds meant for them. To make matters worse, the rat had vanished without a trace, not only leaving as a fugitive, but leaving her brother’s estate heavily indebted.

So the Laundry Room and upstairs apartments, the property her parents had nearly worked themselves to death for, ones that they had owned before the birth of their children and filled with love and family, were to be sold. Along with the furniture and more costly valuables, Ava and her husband were dipping into their modest savings to cover what was left. The debt would be taken care of once the building sold, leaving the Wildes with just enough to not starve until they found work elsewhere.

The sounds of paw steps up the stairs pulled Francine away from her thoughts. John paused as he opened the door, looking over to his wife as she sat with her back to him. Crossing what felt to be a great distance from where he entered, his paws landed on her shoulders. Heart breaking as she stiffened at his touch, her position didn’t shift as he gathered his thoughts.

“It’s sold,” he finally whispered, thumbs gently rubbing the base of her neck. “The lawyer said once the payment is received, everything will be paid off. Now, we just need to figure out-“

“I don’t want to raise our baby here.” The voice that came from her was not his wife’s. This was a voice that was rough and brittle, filled with something beyond anger. “With what we have left, I want to find somewhere other then Zootopia. After our child is born, I want to leave.”

Paws stilled on her shoulders, John gave a nod as he blinked away tears.

“Ok,” his agreement caused her to start and look up at him in surprise. Perhaps she expected more of a fight. “Had I known that was an option I would have suggested it sooner.” He kissed her forehead and pulled away, wishing to run his paws over the mint that grew on the window sill. “Any ideas of where you like to go?”

Francine gave his retreating form a ghost of a smile as she thought. “Somewhere open. And green. Somewhere we can get away from the noise of the city. I figured as you’ve traveled for so long you would know better than I.”

John stood in front to the planters, the scent of the herbs within them rubbing raw the pain in his heart. His mind forced itself to go over the many places he had traveled before coming to the city. Anywhere they went would be difficult with a newborn and the few places where foxes were completely accepted were further than he would risk traveling.

Bending to bury his nose into the well tended mint, he inhaled deeply. His eyes opened languidly as he felt the balm of their scent ease his anxiety. But the moment was short lived. Eyes were drawn to the walkway across the building, where a small, black clad figure stood.

Her arms carried a orchid bouquet as her eyes rested upon the door of the Laundry Room. Even from his view point, John saw they were red lined and filled with exhaustion. He watched as one small paw reached to stroke the delicate petals of the only rose within the bunch. It’s rich crimson stood stark against its green and white backdrop.

With a deep inhale, he watched Sandra Lapinet cross the street, vanishing briefly from his sight. When she reappeared, it was without the flowers and fresh tears falling down her face. She visibly gathered herself, breathing deep before turning slowly and continuing on her way.

“Bunnyburrow,” John said suddenly.

Francine looked over at him, her eyebrows quirked at the statement.

“What?”

“Bunnyburrow,” he repeated turning to her. Striding over to his beloved wife, he took her paws and looked into her eyes. “My love, it won’t be any easier there. But it’ll be open and clean. It’ll be away from everything and we can try to grow things, try to live off the land. It’s green and it’s quiet and it’ll give us the opportunity to raise our child without fearing for our safety.

“My cousin’s last letter said he and his family will be in there within a week. I shall met him and secure a place. Then when our child is born we can take our leave of Zootopia.”

A shaky nod confirmed the plan. Pulling his wife into his arms, John held her close.

Please, he prayed, to whomever is listening, please! Let Bunnyburrow give us the peace we need and the life our kit deserves.

Please……. …………

“Papa!”

The sharp cry pulled John from his memories. Blinking, his brain began to process where and when he was. With a quick look around, he spotted Nick and Judy running towards him once more. His cousin’s daughter, Skye, was being dragged by her paw, curtesy of his son. And even more curiously, a small striped bunny was being dragged behind her.

“Skye snuck a friend onto the grounds!” Nick skidded to a stop in front of his father, Skye and the strange kit nearly crashing into him.

“And he’s from Salamandastron!” Squeaked Judy. She was jumping up and down with excitement, grinning at the unfamiliar bunny. “He’s a hare from Salamandastron! It’s really real!”

John laughed as he looked from the bright happy faces of his son and Judy to the darker expressions of the two they were shouting about.

“I’m guessing there’s a very interesting story here,” he said once his laughter was under control.

Giving a quick glance up at the sky and noting that it was close to midday, his tools were set aside as he hopped down from the plants he was tending to. Still grinning, he gazed down at his kit with affection. A reached out the ruffle the fur between his ears, making the little todd laugh as he tried to duck away.

“Well, nothing better for a good story than a cup of tea.” That brightened the faces of the little vixen and hare. Nick and Judy gave shouts of delight before taking off back in the direction of the Wilde’s cabin, . “Come along, you two. Before that pair gobbles up all the goodies!”

Happy brown eyes watched his son race his friend to their new home. Skye and the little stripped hare followed at a slower pace the pair speculating on her parents’ reaction to their unknown traveling companion. A feeling of contentment settle over the todd, something that had eluded his small family for quite some time.

The Wildes were exactly where they needed to be.

And Nick, still running as fast as he could, flashed a grin at the bunny next to him. She grinned back, nearly making him stumble as she pulled ahead.

I shall marry you one day, he thought, still grinning, full of excitement, and happy to be alive. ………….

A/N: In researching the meaning behind flowers, one interesting website (teleflora.com) stated to give orchids to the deceased is to say “I will always love you”. Paired with the colors pink or white, they also denote sympathy.

Individual, crimson roses in a bouquet symbolize undying love for the dearly departed and deep sorrow at their passing.

[myniggula-blog]

“Buckle up folks!” 

[callonb]

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Hear me and @kelvin_kelvy_wilson chop it up on his latest episode of The Dope Sessions Podcast! GYB origins, Quarantine, anime, Paducah music scene, we discuss it all! Full interview on YouTube #GYB : : #dopesessions #artistinterview #hiphoppodcasts #podcasters #dollylocks #orginstorys #animeliving #top5 #chopitup #goodconversation #blkcinema #artistlifestyle #rapperlifestyle #hiphopeculture #quaritinelife #undergroundhiphop #undergroundrap #rapgame #hiphoplifestyle #urbanarts https://www.instagram.com/p/CAaon9hlZOc/?igshid=8gyspp0ehvpk

[ask-humdrum]

[sauceybastard]

And that kids, is how I made my URL

[honeywithblueberries]

The Laundry Room Chpt 1

A/N: The following takes place within the Where Legends Come From universe. Starting after Nick and Judy save John from the giant, it takes a turn down memory lane and the events that lead the Wilde family to Bunnyburrow.

“If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”  -Maya Angelou

                                                   ={>>>

John tried not to let his mind stray far from his task. The herbs were, of course, not offended that his focus was not entirely on them. But try as he might, the todd’s attention was only half on what he was doing. The departure of his son and Judy after their battle with the giant stirred up memories. Memories that had been more bitter than sweet in the years that followed them.

But they did, eventually, lose some of their bite.

He tried to not let his eyes fill with unshed tears as he thought of how his Nick looked at his bunny friend. Such admiration and trust the kit had shown. And best of all, the bunny’s own look was a reflection of Nick’s.

Perhaps Karma was giving Nicholas a second chance….

                                                         <<<}=

The red fox adjusted his glasses as he peered down at the coat in his paws. A bristled brush, slightly damp, scrubbed at the stain in the fabric. The cleaning solution he had mixed was working. The ugly stain was being lifted under his ministrations and soon the coat would be good as new.

A soft sigh followed by a groan had the todd glancing up from his task in amusement. Pulling his face free of the glasses, sparkling green eyes glanced over at the vixen hanging newly washed clothing to dry. Her fur was a pale red, almost rose pink. It glowed against the white of her ear tips and tail, complimenting her hazel eyes. Eyes that closed in despair as she inhaled deeply.

“What is it this time, Ava?” The vixen didn’t open her eyes as she breathed in deeply again.

“The fruit vendor is out front, selling fresh raspberries in cream!” One more deep breath and another pained sigh escaped the young fox. “Such a lovely day for a treat and yet I am in here being tortured by the smell! It is not fair.”

The todd smiled at her dramatics as he set his task aside. He stood and came up behind the vixen. One strong arm wrapped around her while the other snuck into the pocket of his trousers. He had planned carefully for this moment. He heard his little sister’s grumbles every day, it seemed, about missing out on such luxuries.

“Yes, yes my dear! Such a shame you have to miss out and work for your dearly devoted big brother. Why, I only work my tail off to provide a life for you, Frankie, and Mother. Why must I receive any help, anyway?”

He rested his head upon hers, letting her ears hit the sides of his muzzle as they raised in alarm. Her paws came up to the arm around her and gave it a remorseful squeeze.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Nicholas. I know you work hard and need all the help you can get.” She said the words softly and sadly, guilt filling her as she leaned into her older brother.

“I know, Ava. You are but a young kit still. And I know it’s difficult, having your energy and being made to work instead of play.” He brought his paw from his pocket and opened it in front of her face. “That is why I looked over our books last night and found a coin or two that could be spared. Go and enjoy your raspberries. And pick up a paper, will you, on your way back.”

Ava’s face lit up as her brother placed the coins in her paw and spun to give him look of disbelief. Nicholas simply nodded at her and gave her nudge towards the door. The young vixen wasted no time in rushing off to purchase her treat.

Nicholas laughed as his sister vanished before he turned back to his task.

At seventeen, Ava was certainly the princess of the family. Though there was a corner that every coin he earned needed to go to, he found it heartbreaking saying no to her.

Nicholas’ other sister, Francine, had managed to secure a position as a student teacher at Northwoods Private School. Quite the feat for nineteen, but she had studied hard and used their little sister as a practice pupil. Some of his stress was alleviated by Francine’s accomplishment. Her weekly earnings helped keep the more persistent creditors at bay.

His eyes had just started doing another glance over at the coat in his paws, when an unfamiliar scent came over him. He recognized the scent as a male fox, not much older than Francine. And not from the city, if the fresh smell of open air was anything to go by.

“From the scent of you, I’m guessing you’re not here to drop off laundry?” He asked, not looking up. Soft and cautious paw steps inched towards him as his question was answered.

“No, sir. I was actually told that you were looking to hire a tailor.”

Nicholas looked up at the newcomer and settled back into his seat. This new fox had brown eyes and was red furred like himself; though this was a deeper red than his own.

“What gives you that idea?”

The fox removed the cap from his head to allow his ears free movement as he looked earnestly at Nicholas.

“Mrs.Armadillo at the Grand Pangolin Boarding house. I made mention that I was a tailor and she directed me here.” The todd stepped closer and held out a paw. “My name is John Wilde.”

“Well, John Wilde,” Nicholas stood and accepted the paw shake. “I’m afraid this will be a working interview. I have fallen behind and sent my assistant to enjoy her youth.”

The todd gestured to the empty chair and table next to his, grabbing his own coat off the rack and handing it over to John. The newcomer accepted it while setting a small case onto the table and unlatching the buckles. Finding the tear he was supposed to fix, he rummaged for the appropriate thread color and needles.

“How long have you owned the Laundry Room?” John asked, as his potential employer observed him.

“I took over for my mother when she became ill five years ago. But as exhausting as the work is, it’s been good to us.” Nicholas watched as John’s paws work magic upon the tear in his coat. “It helped my younger sister, Francine, pay for school and become a teacher. And it’s keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table.”

“What more could a fox ask for?” John queried with a grin.

“Indeed.”

In surprisingly short order, Nicholas accepted the coat back and examined the other’s work. Having been snagged on a nail, the former tear had been crooked and frayed. However, John had remedied that. He was a remarkable find, this Wilde character.

He smiled at the new recruit and held out his paw.

“Nicholas Piberious Krasny. And I would be delighted if you took the position here!”

John shook on his new employer’s paw and let out a shaky breath. The jacket was put on to ensure the tear was indeed invisible. Nicholas grinned at him.

What a lucky find, indeed.

                                                        <<<}=

Ava had wound her way through the crowd to get to the cart. The vendor had beautiful, bright red apples on sticks, coated in sweet, fresh honey and peanuts. Spears of sugar covered strawberries were displayed next to brandy poached pears. This particular vendor even managed to purchase pineapple. It was finely pureed and mixed with almond milk, the smell of which danced into the young vixen’s nose better than any perfume.

But it was the fresh raspberries near drowning cream that made her eager.

The sweet tartness of the fruit cut with cream was palpable to every sense. Coin was exchanged for a generous portion and a groan escaped the young vixen. But that first delightful bite was upset by a clumsy fool who thought to grab her elbow as he fell.

Sorrowful eyes gazed sadly at the spilled bite as her ears registered the apology following it. The corsac fox, with his golden fur, allowed his amber eyes to meet hers. He gulped and opened his mouth to apologize again, only to be cut off by an irate woodchuck. The creature blustered about the todd’s clumsiness making them late and dragged him away as Ava watched with raised eyebrows.

He turned to give her a final look before they turned a corner and vanished. Ava watched where they disappeared for several heartbeats before turning back towards the Laundry Room.

The second bite was not nearly as lovely as those eyes.

She was unceremoniously snapped out of her reverie when two slender arms wrapped themselves around her waist. Ava’s mouth full of berries and her grip only just on the remainder in her paws, she was spun around as the mammal who accosted her giggled and sang.

“Oh what a lovely day! A beautiful day! A GLORIOUS DAY!”

Suddenly set back onto her paws, Ava whirled around in time to see her older sister spin herself silly. Her emerald green eyes were aglow, a large smile upon her muzzle, as she dreamily looked up at the sky. Her exuberance contagious, Ava joined in on the delightful mood her sister was in.

The corsac was nearly forgotten as the two vixens danced their way through the crowd.

“And what brings such joy to my charming sister? Perhaps…” the younger of the two took another bite of her berries as she paused near the curb by a newsie. “…dare I say it?”

Francine rolled her eyes and took charge of the paper Ava purchased.

“A todd?” Ava smiled coyly as another bite was scooped up. Francine merely laughed and nudged her.

“A todd, indeed! As if I could ever meet a todd who makes me feel as complete as teaching does! Oh! What a fantastic day it was, Ava. Those sweet little faces! After spending so much time fearing me, they finally warmed up! Even the bunny kits! One even gave me a hug as she left.”

Francine continued to hum a tuneless note as she swayed next to her sister. Cloud nine was hers for the moment. The younger raised her eyebrows at that as they pushed through the crowd of mammals back to the Laundry Room. Ava smiled and continued to eat as she watched her sister drift off to admire the music of a street performer.

Her own mind went back to the young todd that almost spoiled her treat.

Briefly, she wondered how difficult it would be to find him again.

                                                         ={>>>

John had gone through the pile of clothing that needed mending. It was mostly tears and missing buttons, but he did love the work. Even if the room was hot and slightly muggy. The air was heavy with the taste of starch and slightly bitter from lye, but the company more than made up for that.

Nicholas and John exchanged stories and family history. John told him of growing up on the road with his aunt, uncle, and cousins. His aunt and uncle traded textiles, with his aunt learning to weave, spin flax, and knit. It was she who taught him how to sew and help discover his love of tailoring.

He had actually come to Zootopia to make fine suits for the creme de la creme of society. But door after door was slammed in his face and those tailor shops that were hiring refused to hire a fox. John still hung onto the notion that anyone could be anything in this fair city. Foxes just had to try harder.

Nicholas revealed that he and his sisters had never left Zootopia. Their mother and father had owned the Laundry Room previously with their only son taking over after their father’s passing and mother’s illness. Neither of his sisters took to the work like he did.

Speaking of…

“Mmmmmmm… Nicholas, you are a gem! These are exquisite!” Ava was finishing the last bite of her raspberries as Nicholas and John looked up. “Mmm! Such a wonderful treat! I could eat raspberries every day and never tire of them.”

With a sad glance at the now empty paper cup, she looked around the room for the first time since she returned. And gave a small start at the sight of the strange todd. John smiled at her reaction and gave a wave, paw still holding his needle and thread.

“Oh, what have we here?”

“Ava, this John. I’ve just hired him as the resident tailor. John, this is one of the reasons why you will be staying at the boarding house.”

Ava giggled as the younger todd rolled his eyes.

“Yes indeed, he seems the sort of chap a vixen must be wary of. Never trust a todd that can sew better than you, I always say!” Ava tossed her cup into the rubbish bin as another set of paw steps came behind her.

“Do you always say that? I’ve seen your stitches, dear, and nearly everyone can out sew you!”

This new voice gave cause for John’s head to snap up. Practically waltzing in was another vixen. Her fur was the same shade as Nicholas’s, though her frame was more willowy. The green of her eyes brought a blush to his face so powerful, John felt he would combust like the head of a match.

He had never been a mammal who was short of words. Growing up as a trader, words were needed to make ends meet. But he felt himself struck dumb by the beauty before him.

Laughing green eyes met his and it was only muscle memory that allowed his paw to take hers. Though, instead of a polite shake, a kiss was pressed onto the back of it.

“John Wilde,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving hers.

Ava and Nicholas both looked upon their sister in shock. She, being quite the talker as well, never had a todd pull such a reaction from her. As though her voice had been stolen leaving her able only to gape back at her brother’s new employee.

“Francine,” she whispered, as her paw touched his lips. “Though my students call me Miss Frankie.”

“Lovely works just as well.” The words left John’s mouth before he could stop them. Francine quirked her eyebrow and kindly said nothing. Though Ava did dissolve into giggles. Nicholas gave a long-suffering sigh and stepped between the pair.

“And this is the main reason you shall remain at the boarding house,” he said, plucking his sister’s paw from John’s. “Run upstairs, love. Mother is waiting to hear about your day.”

Francine smiled at John one last time, before turning on her heel and heading to the door leading to their apartments. Well aware of the todd’s gaze following her progress, she breathed deeply to hold in his scent.

I shall marry her one day, John thought.

The older todd cleared his throat and brought him back to task. With the youngest Krasny still giggling at the exchange, he kept his head down and plotted the best way to ask permission to court her. Or, to find out if she was even interested in being courted at all.

Yes, indeed. That day was the day John Wilde fell in love.

                                                                 <<<}=

Francine poured a cup of tea for her mother, who lay reclined in her bed. With a smile the elderly vixen accepted it, coughing lightly to the side before bringing the hot brew to her lips.

“I smell a young todd downstairs,” she said, giving a coy look over the rim of her cup in the direction of her daughter. “A handsome one, too, I’m guessing.”

Ears suddenly radiating heat, Francine busied herself adjusting her mother’s bedsheets. “You couldn’t smell me pouring your tea, but you could smell a todd.” With a cheeky grin, she settled herself into the chair by the bed.

“Mint I’m nose blind to. Your brother has the building drowning in the stuff!” The cup was set aside as her milky eyes aimed themselves at where her daughter sat. “And it wasn’t the todd I smelled.”

Thankful her mother was blind, she turned from her to study the wallpaper.

“Nicholas hired a new tailor,” she whispered. With a satisfied sigh, Mrs. Krasny leaned back into her pillows. “He is… quite nice…”

“Risky move,” commented her mother. “Given the close proximity of the two most beautiful vixens in Zootopia, I wouldn’t think he would dare.”

“He’s desperate for help. Ava has been receiving offers for marriage and will no doubt accept one, one day soon. Though he did not offer him board.”

“To preserve your virtue, I would guess.”

Francine blushed as a pair of brown eyes flashed in front of her again and the phantom scent of country air and wild violets flooded her nose. She could still feel the weight of the handsome todd’s lips on the back of her paw and wondered how satisfying it would be to feel them elsewhere.

“My virtue is safe.” She tried to keep her voice breezy and light, trying to seem unaffected by John’s interest in her. “I just started my career and haven’t the time nor patience for such matters.”

“And Nicholas would never approve,” concluded her mother.

“Indeed,” Francine agreed, feeling her heart sink at the statement.

The elderly vixen closed her eyes with a sigh and became very still. For one moment, she thought her mother had fallen asleep. Rising to her feet, she turned to leave.

“Vegetable oil.”

Pausing at the doorway, Francine turned back in surprise at the random statement. “Beg your pardon, Mother?”

Her eyes opened again, angled towards Francine, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Vegetable oil,” she repeated, “makes a fine lubricant. Keeps things from making too much noise.” With another sigh, she leaned back once more and closed her eyes, still smiling to herself. “Just for your information.”

The younger vixen blinked in confusion at her mother’s prone form on the bed, before shaking her head and continuing to her room. Her school bag was opened, piles of papers being pulled from it along with a red wax marking tool. Each paper was thoroughly gone over, mistakes marked and notes added, but her mind played over the look in John Wilde’s eyes.

Never had a male looked at her with such… reverence. As though she was a dream that he prayed he’d never wake from. And never had she felt more vulnerable. Like her sister, she too, had received offers. Nicholas had been good enough to refuse each one at her request; something she knew he delighted in.

As the last paper was marked and put away, Francine smiled to herself.

What Nicholas doesn’t know won’t hurt him, she thought.

…Right?

[obergon64]

Race Creation

Elves- The elves were brought forth from the pure lake of Loressea by the goddess Udduca. Udduca wished to see what creatures with a heightened sense of awareness and intelligence could do. She created elves from Loressea and because of the pureness of the water elves are very pure themselves. They seldom get sick and are long lived. Elves worship Udduca by creating art out of the natural world. 

Dwarves- The dwarves were carved from the mountains of Sharbardush. Originally the god Medar only wished to carve little figurine statues. Medar was a master craftsmen and a perfectionist. He would create a statue and then after a time become frustrated with it and create another. Eventually Medar grew frustrated with always trying to create new statues and decided to breathe life into them. Thus were the dwarves born. Being made from stone dwarves are heavier than they appear and have denser bones. Their small stature was due to Medar making the dwarves as figurines. Dwarves consider their mountain homes sacred and as safe as a womb. 

Humans- Humans were molded by the goddess Crohana sister to Udduca. Crohana was jealous of her sister's elves. Trying to copy the creation process Crohana used clay to shape her creations. While failing to create something as long lived or graceful as the elves Crohana did create humans. Using the clay allowed a large variety and diversity of humans as well as being able to adept quickly. 

Orcs- Orcs were created by the god Vo-Tec. Vo-Tec loved to see the interactions of all creatures and eventually he wanted to add more creatures into the mix. Vo-Tec would alter existing creatures to create new ones. Some of Vo-Tec's creations were the pegasi, griffons, sphinxes, and other creatures. Finally Vo-Tec wished to create something more than beasts thus did he create the Orcs. Orcs were altered from humans and some animals merged and altered together. Because of the beast in them Orcs tend to be closer to animals and more ferocious. Many other races look down on the Orc culture as savage and barbaric. 

Goblins- Goblins were created by the god Orelin. Orelin saw the success of the sisters Udduca and Crohana and wished to create a race for himself. Using the sisters creations as a template Orelin used swamp water to create the race of goblins. Unfortunately it did not all go well. Goblins were smaller and weaker than the other races. However their swamp water origins made them immune to all but the most lethal poisons and diseases. Without the brawn of other races goblins rely on their brains and cunning for survival. 

[cinemastreets-blog]

Oh so Devine #orginstory #devine

[ask-humdrum]