#sam: let’s get in this boat i’ll paddle for you

[hyohaehyuk]

sam: for the levitation scene we were on bicycle seats naked and clinging jacob: but we did it together though 😊

sam: we were in these massive heels for the dance jacob: it was very riveting and it felt like floating 🥰

via loustatsx and video: amc+ Every Midnight Snack | Season 1

[ebaeschnbliah]

‘Back to the boats, Sam, like lightning!'

Sam stopped and puffed. Suddenly he clapped his hand to his head.

`Whoa, Sam Gamgee! ' he said aloud. `Your legs are too short, so use your head! Let me see now! Boromir isn't lying, that's not his way; but he hasn't told us everything. Something scared Mr. Frodo badly. He screwed himself up to the point, sudden. He made up his mind at last to go. Where to? Off East. Not without Sam? Yes, without even his Sam. That's hard, cruel hard.'

Sam passed his hand over his eyes, brushing away the tears. 'Steady, Gamgee! ' he said. `Think, if you can! He can't fly across rivers, and he can't jump waterfalls. He's got no gear. So he's got to get back to the boats. Back to the boats! Back to the boats, Sam, like lightning! '

Sam turned and bolted back down the path. He fell and cut his knees. Up he got and ran on. He came to the edge of the lawn of Parth Galen by the shore, where the boats were drawn up out of the water. No one was there. There seemed to be cries in the woods behind, but he did not heed them. He stood gazing for a moment. stock-still, gaping. A boat was sliding down the bank all by itself. With a shout Sam raced across the grass. The boat slipped into the water.

`Coming, Mr. Frodo! Coming! ' called Sam, and flung himself from the bank, clutching at the departing boat. He missed it by a yard. With a cry and a splash he fell face downward into deep swift water. Gurgling he went under, and the River closed over his curly head.

An exclamation of dismay came from the empty boat. A paddle swirled and the boat put about. Frodo was just in time to grasp Sam by the hair as he came up, bubbling and struggling. Fear was staring in his round brown eyes.

`Up you come, Sam my lad! ' said Frodo. `Now take my hand! '

`Save me, Mr. Frodo! ' gasped Sam. `I'm drownded. I can't see your hand.'

`Here it is. Don't pinch, lad! I won't let you go. Tread water and don't flounder, or you'll upset the boat. There now, get hold of the side, and let me use the paddle!'

With a few strokes Frodo brought the boat back to the bank. and Sam was able to scramble out, wet as a water-rat. Frodo took off the Ring and stepped ashore again.

`Of all the confounded nuisances you are the worst, Sam! ' he said.

'Oh, Mr. Frodo, that's hard! ' said Sam shivering. `That's hard, trying to go without me and all. If I hadn't a guessed right, where would you be now? '

`Safely on my way.'

`Safely! ' said Sam. `All alone and without me to help you? I couldn't have a borne it, it'd have been the death of me.'

'It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam,' said Frodo and I could not have borne that.'

`Not as certain as being left behind,' said Sam.

`But I am going to Mordor.'

`I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.'

`Now, Sam,' said Frodo, `don't hinder me! The others will be coming back at any minute. If they catch me here. I shall have to argue and explain, and I shall never have the heart or the chance to get off. But I must go at once. It's the only way.'

`Of course it is,' answered Sam. 'But not alone. I'm coming too, or neither of us isn't going. I'll knock holes in all the boats first.'

Frodo actually laughed. A sudden warmth and gladness touched his heart. `Leave one! 'he said. `We'll need it. But you can't come like this without your gear or food or anything.'

'Just hold on a moment, and I'll get my stuff!' cried Sam eagerly. 'It's all ready. I thought we should be off today.' He rushed to the camping place, fished out his pack from the pile where Frodo had laid it when he emptied the boat of his companions' goods grabbed a spare blanket, and some extra packages of food, and ran back.

`So all my plan is spoilt! ' said Frodo. `It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road! Strider will look after them. I don't suppose we shall see them again.'

`Yet we may, Mr Frodo. We may,' said Sam.

So Frodo and Sam set off on the last stage of the Quest together. Frodo paddled away from the shore, and the River bore them swiftly away. down the western arm, and past the frowning cliffs of Tol Brandir. The roar of the great falls drew nearer. Even with such help as Sam could give, it was hard work to pass across the current at the southward end of the island and drive the boat eastward towards the far shore.

At length they came to land again upon the southern slopes of Amon Lhaw. There they found a shelving shore, and they drew the boat out, high above the water, and hid it as well as they could behind a great boulder. Then shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land of Shadow.

JRR Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring,  The Breaking of the Fellowship

[onlyangelcas]

boats and a blue-eyed birthday boy

read on ao3

The boat won’t start, because that’s just Dean’s luck. His son is inside, celebrating his 4th birthday, and his surprise gift is malfunctioning right before the big reveal.

Ever since Dean, Cas, and Jack moved out of the bunker and into their cottage-style lake house, Jack had been obsessed with the water. He was enthralled by the lake, spending hours on the dock watching the fish swim by or dipping his feet in on warm days. Cas fueled his interest by purchasing every book and guide about lake-dwelling creatures and plants.

Jack’s obsession was pushed even further when their elderly neighbor had offered to take him fishing on his boat. From that moment on, boats became all the rage in the Winchester home. Books about boats moved in next to the lake books on Jack’s bookshelf, his cowboy themed bed sheets were swapped for a set adorned with tiny sailboats. Dean and Cas had to practically restrain him from pestering their neighbor for a boat ride everyday.

That’s how Dean found himself purchasing a repaired boat from some guy in southwest Minnesota. He had made the drive to pick up the boat a few weeks ago, it was relatively affordable, not a luxury speedboat or ridiculous pontoon, but perfect for about 6 people to climb on board for a day of fishing or relaxing on the water. Dean had made a plan with El, their elderly neighbor, to keep the boat stored in his garage until Jack’s birthday. El was happy to help, even took apart the motor to make sure everything was working and got it in the water that morning to surprise Jack.

Now, Dean is huffing over the damn thing, trying to decipher why it won’t start. Everyone else, including El, the only person that could actually help him, is inside trying to keep Jack distracted while Dean preps the boat.

“Shit,” Dean curses, after another failed attempt at turning the engine over.

He slams his forehead into the steering wheel, frustrated tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. Four was the worst year of Dean’s life, for obvious reasons, and he wanted to make sure that Jack’s fourth year was everything that his wasn’t. He knows it’s stupid, to get this worked up over a freaking boat, but this boat was so much more than that. It was a promise to Jack that he would always be there, he would always love him. So if he’s a little emotional over the possibility that this boat will ruin his son’s very important 4th birthday, who can blame him?

Dean turns his face toward the sky, the sun peaking through the tree branches to warm his skin. He thinks this is a moment he would pray, if he had anyone to pray to. Considering his two favorite angels are already inside the house, it seems kind of arbitrary. Instead he just looks at the sky, watches puffy white clouds drift by lazily, and wonders pointlessly about what he did to deserve this.

“Looks like you could use some help.” Says a gravelly voice Dean instantly recognizes as belonging to El.

He runs a hand across his face, quickly wiping away any evidence of tears. “You think you can get this thing going?”

“I should have told you earlier, you got to give it some gas as you turn the key.” El says simply, nudging Dean out of the way before pressing his foot to the accelerator and starting the boat.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Dean declares, slapping a hand to the other man’s back. “I thought the day was ruined.”

El laughs, adjusting his trucker cap and turning to face Dean with a serious look. “Boy, you think this boat not running would have ruined the day?”

Dean cocks his head to the side slightly, a mannerism he’s picked up from Cas after all these years. “Would have been a bummer if Jack’s surprise tanked.”

“You coulda given that kid an old thing with a couple of paddles and he woulda been ecstatic.” El smiles, clapping his shoulder affectionately. “All he really wants is something to share with you.”

In moments like these, El reminds him of Bobby so much that it almost knocks the wind out of him. There’s a lump in Dean’s throat, he quickly turns his head toward the ground and lets out a wet laugh.

“You and Cas,” El starts again. “And I guess Sam helped out, too. You guys raised that boy right, he doesn’t need things to be happy, he just needs people.”

Dean looks up, his glossy eyes meeting El’s, he gives him a soft smile. “Now, how’s about we go get that kid and show him his gift.”

“Yeah,” Dean laughs. “It’s showtime.”

El promises to keep watch of the boat while Dean jogs back up to the house. He pulls open the backdoor and immediately bumps into Kaia, who is looking at him guilty with her hands tight around Claire’s waist.

“Really? This is a birthday party for a 4 year old.” Dean attempts to scold, but there’s no real heat to it.

“Sorry!” Kaia yells as Claire says, “Who died and made you a patron saint?”

Dean laughs loudly at that, pressing a kiss to the side of Claire’s head as he passes. He makes his way into the kitchen, where Sam and Eileen are putting the finishing touches on Jack’s birthday cake.

Where’s Cas? He signs when Eileen catches his eye.

Living room. She signs back, giving him a warm smile.

He can hear Rowena’s laughter filling the room before he even steps over the threshold. She’s standing to the side of the living room, deep in conversation with Jody and Donna. Jack is on the floor with Alex, talking animatedly while he secures one of her braids with a bright pink hair tie. Jack’s wearing a red cowboy hat with a t-shirt that says ‘This is my 4th rodeo’, the shirt was Cas’ idea, along with the matching ‘Jack’s 4th Rodeo’ shirts that everyone in attendance is adorning.

Cas is perched on the sofa, watching Jack and Alex with a fond look in his eyes. Dean slides his hand across Cas’ shoulders and bends down to plant a sweet kiss against his lips. “It’s go time.”

Cas smiles excitedly as Dean sticks his hands under Jack’s armpits and pulls him to his feet. He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a bandana that he begins to fasten over Jack’s eyes.

“Alright everyone, it’s time for Jack’s big surprise.” Dean says as he secures the bandana around Jack’s head. “Head out to the backyard so we can show our birthday boy his present.”

Everyone files out the backdoor and into the yard behind the house. Dean and Cas each take one of Jack’s hands in their own, leading him toward the dock.

“Okay buddy,” Cas says once the three of them reach the rocky shoreline, the rest of their family gathered behind them. “You ready?”

“Yes! I’m ready!” Jack nearly squeals.

Sam has his phone out, no doubt recording the moment so no one ever forgets it, as if they ever would.

“Everyone countdown with me,” Dean says, reaching for the bandana.

“Three… two… one!” The group counts off in unison as Dean releases the bandana in one swoop.

Jack stands there slack-jawed and in awe for a moment, clearly overwhelmed by the sight in front of him. “A boat?” He asks more than states.

“Yeah, baby, it’s for you.” Dean says, a little confused by the 4 year old’s reaction.

Jack turns to him and Cas, his hands still holding tightly onto theirs. “Our boat?”

“Yeah, Jack, your daddy picked it out for us.” Cas states, running a hand through Jack’s hair.

Jack releases both of their hands then, throwing his arms around Dean’s neck so aggressively that he tumbles from his crouched position onto his butt. “Thank you daddy!”

Dean buries his face into Jack’s neck, hiding his suddenly teary eyes, and says, “Happy birthday kiddo.”

Jack pulls away and places his small hands on the sides of Dean’s face before leaning in and pressing a sloppy kiss to his cheek. “I love you daddy.”

Dean huffs a wet laugh, looking over Jack’s shoulder to see his family watching with eyes as shiny as his own.

“I love you more, Jack.” He says, smacking an equally sloppy kiss to his forehead. “Now, how ‘bout we take it for a spin?”

“Papa too?” Jack asks, eyes lighting up.

Dean looks up at Cas, who has tears slipping unashamedly down his cheeks, and smiles. “Yeah, papa too.”

After they get Jack secured in his life vest, he takes his spot at the front of the boat, kneeling on the seat and leaning precariously over the edge to watch the boat carve through the water. Cas is seated next to him, one hand looped tightly in the back of his life vest, and Dean is at the wheel. The sun is setting over the horizon, reflecting off the lake and painting them in a picture-perfect orange glow.

Jack looks back at Dean, his blonde hair curling slightly from the spray of the boat, his gap-toothed smile is wide and unapologetic. Cas is looking at him, too, affection and love spilling over every feature, his mouth turned up in a lopsided grin.

“I hope I can be 4 forever!” Jack yells, letting out a wild laugh as Cas reaches over to tickle his neck.

Dean knows, somewhere in the back of this mind, that he should be worried that Jack is getting older. One day he’ll grow up, probably move away, and their house will no longer be littered with plastic sailboats and tiny socks discarded around every corner. At this moment, though, he can’t find it in himself to worry. Jack won’t be 4 forever, but he’s sitting in front of Dean with a smile like sunshine, toothy and perfect, laughing raucously, unashamed in his joy, and that will always be enough.

[elliemarchetti]

An Unfriendly Waste

As someone seems to have appreciated the previous chapter, here is the sixth, in which Elva, the half-elf protagonist who left together with the Fellowship in place of Legolas, and her companions begin to sail south.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Words: 2250

The Fellowship went on their long way down the wide hurrying waters, borne ever southwards. Bare wood stalked along either bank, and they couldn’t see any glimpse of the lands behind. The breeze died away and the River flowed without a sound, not even the birds’ voices breaking the silence. The sun grew misty as the day grew old, until it gleamed in a pale sky like a high white pearl, fading finally into the West, followed by an early dusk and a grey, starless night. Far into the dark quiet hours they floated on, guiding their boats under the overhanging shadows of the western woods. Great trees passed by like ghosts, thrusting their twisted thirsty roots through the mist and down into the dreary, cold water. Elva sat listening to the faint lap and gurgle of the River fretting near the shore, until her head nodded and she fell into an uneasy sleep on Haldir’s shoulder, who carried her ashore and wrapped her in his cloak, as Gimli, who had taken on the task of lightning a small fire, later brough back to her.

"You've been lucky, if it was just my job I don't know if I would’ve managed not to get you into the water, as tall as you are," joked the dwarf. To have elven blood, Elva wasn’t particularly tall, but to dwarves and hobbits they all had to appear equally part of the Tall People. The time for jokes was incredibly short, as they started again before the day was broad, not that most of the Fellowship were eager to hurry southwards: they were content that the decision, which they must make at latest when they came to Rauros and the Tindrock Isle, still lay some days ahead, so they let the River bear them on at its own pace, having no desire to hasten towards the perils that lay beyond, whichever course they took in the end. Haldir let them drift with the stream as they wished, husbanding their strength against weariness to come, but Aragorn insisted that at least they should start early each day and journey on far into the evening, for he felt in his heart that time was pressing, and he feared that the Dark Lord hadn’t been idle while they lingered in Lorien. Nonetheless, they saw no sign of any enemy that day, nor the next. The dull grey hours passed without event, but as the third day of their voyage wore on, the lands changed slowly: the trees thinned and then failed altogether, while on the eastern bank they saw long formless slopes stretching up and away towards the sky, brown and withered, as if fire had passed over them, leaving no living blade of green, an unfriendly waste with nothing to relieve the emptiness. They had come to the Brown Lands that lay, vast and desolate, between Southern Mirkwood and the hills of the Emyn Muil. What pestilence or war or evil deed of the Enemy had so blasted all that region, even Haldir couldn’t tell. Upon the west, to their right, the land was also treeless, but flat, and in many places green with wide plains of grass. On this side of the River they passed forests of great reeds, so tall that they shut out all view to the west, as the little boats went rustling by along their fluttering borders. Their dark withered plumes bent and tossed in the light cold airs, hissing softly and sadly. Here and there through openings Elva could catch sudden glimpses of rolling meads, and far beyond them hills in the sunset, and away on the edge of sight a dark line, where marched the southernmost ranks of the Misty Mountains. There was no sign of living moving things, save birds, but they were seldom seen, small fowl whistling and piping in the reeds. Once or twice the travelers heard the rush and whine of swan-wings, and looking up they saw a great, black phalanx streaming along the sky.

“How wide, empty and mournful all this country looks,” said Elva. “When I was younger, I always imagined that as one journeyed south, it got warmer and merrier, until winter was left behind forever.”

“But we haven’t journeyed far south yet,” answered Haldir. “It’s still winter, and we’re far from the sea: here the world is cold until the sudden spring, and we may yet have snow again. Far away down in the Bay of Belfalas it’s warm and merry, or would be but for the Enemy. You are looking now south-west across the north plains of the Riddermark, ere long we shall come to the mouth of the Limlight that runs down from Fangorn to join the Great River. That is the north boundary of Rohan, and of old all that lay between Limlight and the White Mountains belonged to the Rohirrim. It’s a rich and pleasant land, and its grass has no rival, but in these evil days, folk don’t dwell by the River or ride often to its shores. Anduin is wide, yet the orcs can shoot their arrows far across the stream, and of late, it’s said they have dared to cross the water and raid the herds and studs of Rohan.”

Elva looked from bank to bank uneasily. The trees had seemed hostile before, as if they harbored secret eyes and lurking dangers; now she wished that the trees were still there, as she felt that the Fellowship was too naked, afloat in little open boats in the midst of shelterless lands, on a river that was the frontier of war. In the next day or two, as they went on, borne steadily southwards, this feeling of insecurity grew on all the Fellowship, so they took the paddle and hastened forward, the banks sliding by and the River broadening and growing shallower: long stony beaches laid upon the east, and there were gravel-shoals in the water, so that careful steering was needed. Elva shivered, thinking of the lawns and fountains, the clear sun and gentle rains of Lothlorien. There was little speech and no laughter in any of the boats for each occupant was busy with his own thoughts: Haldir’s heart was running under the stars of a summer night, Merry and Pippin were ill at ease, for Boromir sat muttering to himself, sometimes biting his nails, as if some restlessness or doubt consumed him, sometimes seizing a paddle and driving the boat close behind Aragorn’s to peer forward, gazing at Frodo. Sam had long ago made up his mind that, though boats were maybe not as dangerous as he had been brought up to believe, they were far more uncomfortable than even he had imagined. He was cramped and miserable, having nothing to do but stare at the winter-lands crawling by and the grey water on either side of him. Even when the paddles were in use, they didn’t trust him with one. As dusk drew down on the fourth day, he was looking back over Frodo and Aragorn’s bowed heads when something suddenly caught his sight: at first, he stared at it listlessly, then he sat up and rubbed his eyes, but when he looked again, he couldn’t see it anymore. When they camped for the night, certain that no one was paying attention to him, he decided to talk about it with Elva, sure she was the one who would understand the most.

“A log with eyes?” she asked, partly perplexed, partly for confirmation.

“I saw what I took to be a log floating along in the half-light behind Boromir’s boat, but I didn’t give much heed to it,” he confirmed. “Then it seemed as if the log was slowly catching us up, and that was peculiar, as you might say, seeing as we were all floating on the stream together. Just then I saw the shiny eyes, on a hump at the near end of the log. What’s more, it wasn’t a log, for it had paddle-feet, like a swan’s almost, only they seemed bigger, and kept dipping in and out of the water; that’s when I sat right up and rubbed my eyes, meaning to give a shout, if it was still there when I had rubbed the drowse out of my head, for the whatever-it-was was coming along fast now and getting close behind our friends. but whether those two lamps spotted me moving and staring, or whether I came to my senses, I don’t know: when I looked again, it wasn’t there, yet I think I caught a glimpse, with the tail of my eye, as the saying is, of something dark shooting under the shadow of the bank. I couldn’t see no more eyes, so I said to myself I was dreaming again, but I’ve been thinking since, and now I’m not so sure. What do you make of it?”

“I should make nothing of it but a log, the dusk and sleep in your eyes, if this was the first time that those eyes had been seen, but it isn’t, and Haldir beheld a strange creature with eyes climbing to the flet that night we slept in the woods, and Elves reported something like that too going after the orcs,” replied Elva, thoughtful.

“I don’t like my thoughts, but thinking of one thing and another, and Mr. Bilbo’s stories, I fancy I could put a name on the creature,” replied the hobbit, instilling a certain terror in her. She had only a vague idea of what Bilbo Baggins had been through on his journey with the dwarves, but whatever might’ve followed them from Moria was no good news.

"I'm not going to ask of your suspicions, just if we have to fear for our lives, or for the mission,” Elva said, wondering why her companion spoke of the matter specifically with her.

"According to Gandalf's thought, I believe that nothing in this journey can be considered safe, and for this I cannot be sure that what I have seen isn’t a risk, but as wise as the Lady you are in your words, since I haven’t yet discussed with Mr. Frodo about it, and I'm not sure I can divulge the details of his relative's story,” Sam replied, slightly blushing. Whether it was for the compliment just given, or for having openly admitted that he was keeping a secret from her, Elva never knew, but still advised him to talk about it with his friend, and once they came to a conclusion, to feel free to talk openly with her, since she wouldn't have mentioned anything to anyone if they didn't want to.

"For the moment, I'll just have an extra eye on it," she concluded, and no more was said that night, though Sam’s words still lingered in her mind for a long time. Was Galadriel as wise as everyone assumed and it was just her whom had misjudged her actions? Or was she a ruthless leader, devoted solely to her own lands and willing to sacrifice her people as needed? Certainly power could’ve corrupted her in far worse ways, and since the bearer of the ring was a hobbit, a being who could do nothing against an elf of that kind, if her heart had been moved by the thirst to be a worthy rival for the Enemy, she could’ve stolen it from him, by deception or by force, yet she hadn't. In conclusion, perhaps she had judged her too harshly, thanks to the fear she had towards her own King, his immense power and fickle character. If only Gandalf had still been among them, she could’ve asked for more information, as he had been the one who suggested to go to Lothlorien, certain that its Lady would offer them help and advice. With those dark thoughts lingering in her head, she fell asleep and came out of it only when Haldir shook her gently in the early morning.

“It’s a shame to wake you,” he whispered, “but it’s time.”

Sure, it was time to go, but it was time to start thinking too about when their paths would part, perhaps forever. If sleeping under the same roof and strolling through the streets of Caras Galadhon had united them, those silent journeys and those kindnesses exchanged under a black and starless sky, in a place where beauty and goodness had long been forgotten, had tightened the knot even more strongly, and Elva feared that to untie it, it would be necessary to cut something, which she was afraid, at least on her side, it would never grow back.

"You should discuss what torments your heart," Gimli said one day, when they docked to rest. After the night Sam had talked to her about the log with eyes, they had reversed their schedule, sleeping by day and travelling by night.

“It would be of no use,” she replied, while setting a rudimental camp, “for what troubles my heart is as inevitable as death itself.”

"Unheard of! A half-elf who talks about death! You will still see endless sunrises, and you will explore the world more than my long-lived race can, before reaching the sunset of your time, and yet you are here to worry about the same pains of us all," the dwarf teased, glancing sideways at Haldir. "It’s true that those who have more time don’t know how to use it.”

Elva didn’t reply, but blushed violently, and that was enough for Gloin's son.

[avery-foxglove]

FrodoSam Moments in The Lord of the Rings (Books): The Fellowship of the Ring

 I would definitely say that The Two Towers and The Return of the King have more tender (and romantic) moments, but The Fellowship is the first volume, so:

Note: This is mostly for my own pure interest and reference. 

  1.

He [Frodo] looked at Sam Gamgee, and discovered that Sam was watching him.

‘Well, Sam!’ he said. ‘What about it? I am leaving the Shire as soon as ever I can - in fact I have made up my mind now not even to wait a day at Crickhollow, if it can be helped.’

‘Very good, sir!’

‘You still mean to come with me?’

‘I do.’

‘It is going to be very dangerous, Sam. It is already dangerous. Most likely neither of us will come back.’

‘If you don’t come back, sir, then I shan’t, that’s certain,’ said Sam. ‘Don’t you leave him! they said to me. Leave him! I said. I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon, and if any of those Black Rulers try to stop him, they’ll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with, I said. They laughed.’

‘Who are they, and what are you talking about?’

‘The Elves, sir. We had some talk last night; and they seemed to know you were going away, so I didn’t see the use of denying it. Wonderful folk, Elves, sir! Wonderful!’

‘They are,’ said Frodo. ‘Do you like them still, now you have had a closer view?’

‘They seem a bit above my likes and dislikes, so to speak,’ answered Sam slowly. ‘It don’t seem to matter what I think about them. They are quite different from what I expected - so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were.’

Frodo looked at Sam rather startled, half expecting to see some outward sign of the odd change that seemed to have come over him. It did not sound like the voice of the old Sam Gamgee that he thought he knew. But it looked like the old Sam Gamgee sitting there, except that his face was unusually thoughtful.

 2.

‘Where did you come by that, Sam?' asked Pippin. 'I've never heard those words before.'

Sam muttered something inaudible.

 'It's out of his own head, of course,' said Frodo. 'I am learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey. First he was a conspirator, now he's a jester. He'll end up by becoming a wizard - or a warrior!'

'I hope not,' said Sam. 'I don't want to be neither!'

    3.

At that moment there was a knock on the door, and Sam came in. He ran to Frodo and took his left hand, awkwardly and shyly. He stroked it gently and then he blushed and turned hastily away.

`Hullo, Sam!' said Frodo.

`It's warm!' said Sam. `Meaning your hand, Mr. Frodo. It has felt so cold through the long nights. But glory and trumpets!' he cried, turning round again with shining eyes and dancing on the floor. 'It's fine to see you up and yourself again, sir! Gandalf asked me to come and see if you were ready to come down, and I thought he was joking.'

'I am ready,' said Frodo. 'Let's go and look for the rest of the party!'

`I can take you to them, sir,' said Sam. `It's a big house this, and very peculiar. Always a bit more to discover, and no knowing what you'll find round a corner. And Elves, sir! Elves here, and Elves there! Some like kings, terrible and splendid; and some as merry as children. And the music and the singing-not that I have had the time or the heart for much listening since we got here. But I'm getting to know some of the ways of the place.'

'I know what you have been doing, Sam,' said Frodo, taking his arm. 'But you shall be merry tonight, and listen to your heart's content. Come on, guide me round the corners!'

  4. 

`But you won't send him off alone surely, Master?' cried Sam, unable to contain himself any longer, and jumping up from the corner where he had been quietly sitting on the floor.

`No indeed!' said Elrond, turning towards him with a smile. `You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.'

Sam sat down, blushing and muttering. `A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!' he said, shaking his head.

   5.

Elrond summoned the hobbits to him. He looked gravely at Frodo. 'The time has come,' he said. `If the Ring is to set out, it must go soon. But those who go with it must not count on their errand being aided by war or force. They must pass into the domain of the Enemy far from aid. Do you still hold to your word, Frodo, that you will be the Ring-bearer?'

'I do,' said Frodo. `I will go with Sam.'

   6.

Frodo felt something seize him by the ankle, and he fell with a cry. Bill the pony gave a wild neigh of fear, and turned tail and dashed away along the lakeside into the darkness. Sam leaped after him, and then hearing Frodo's cry he ran back again, weeping and cursing. The others swung round and saw the waters of the lake seething, as if a host of snakes were swimming up from the southern end.

Out from the water a long sinuous tentacle had crawled; it was pale-green and luminous and wet. Its fingered end had hold of Frodo's foot and was dragging him into the water. Sam on his knees was now slashing at it with a knife.

The arm let go of Frodo, and Sam pulled him away, crying out for help. Twenty other arms came rippling out. The dark water boiled, and there was a hideous stench.

`Into the gateway! Up the stairs! Quick! ' shouted Gandalf leaping back. Rousing them from the horror that seemed to have rooted all but Sam to the ground where they stood, he drove them forward.

   7.

`Whoa, Sam Gamgee! ' he said aloud. `Your legs are too short, so use your head! Let me see now! Boromir isn't lying, that's not his way; but he hasn't told us everything. Something scared Mr. Frodo badly. He screwed himself up to the point, sudden. He made up his mind at last to go. Where to? Off East. Not without Sam? Yes, without even his Sam. That's hard, cruel hard.'

Sam passed his hand over his eyes, brushing away the tears. 'Steady, Gamgee! ' he said. `Think, if you can! He can't fly across rivers, and he can't jump waterfalls. He's got no gear. So, he's got to get back to the boats. Back to the boats! Back to the boats, Sam, like lightning! '

Sam turned and bolted back down the path. He fell and cut his knees. Up he got and ran on. He came to the edge of the lawn of Parth Galen by the shore, where the boats were drawn up out of the water. No one was there. There seemed to be cries in the woods behind, but he did not heed them. He stood gazing for a moment: stock-still, gaping. A boat was sliding down the bank all by itself. With a shout Sam raced across the grass. The boat slipped into the water.

`Coming, Mr. Frodo! Coming! ' called Sam, and flung himself from the bank, clutching at the departing boat. He missed it by a yard. With a cry and a splash he fell face downward into deep swift water. Gurgling he went under, and the River closed over his curly head.

An exclamation of dismay came from the empty boat. A paddle swirled and the boat put about. Frodo was just in time to grasp Sam by the hair as he came up, bubbling and struggling. Fear was staring in his round brown eyes.

`Up you come, Sam my lad! ' said Frodo. `Now take my hand! '

`Save me, Mr. Frodo! ' gasped Sam. `I'm drownded. I can't see your hand.'

`Here it is. Don't pinch, lad! I won't let you go. Tread water and don't flounder, or you'll upset the boat. There now, get hold of the side, and let me use the paddle!’

With a few strokes Frodo brought the boat back to the bank. and Sam was able to scramble out, wet as a water-rat. Frodo took off the Ring and stepped ashore again.

`Of all the confounded nuisances you are the worst, Sam! ' he said.

'Oh, Mr. Frodo, that's hard! ' said Sam shivering. `That's hard, trying to go without me and all. If I hadn't a guessed right, where would you be now? '

`Safely on my way.'

`Safely! ' said Sam. `All alone and without me to help you? I couldn't have a borne it, it'd have been the death of me.'

'It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam,' said Frodo, “and I could not have borne that.'

`Not as certain as being left behind,' said Sam.

`But I am going to Mordor.'

`I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course, you are. And I'm coming with you.'

`Now, Sam,' said Frodo, `don't hinder me! The others will be coming back at any minute. If they catch me here. I shall have to argue and explain, and I shall never have the heart or the chance to get off. But I must go at once. It's the only way.'

 `Of course it is,' answered Sam. 'But not alone. I'm coming too, or neither of us isn't going. I'll knock holes in all the boats first.'

Frodo actually laughed. A sudden warmth and gladness touched his heart. `Leave one! 'he said. `We'll need it. But you can't come like this without your gear or food or anything.'

'Just hold on a moment, and I'll get my stuff!' cried Sam eagerly. 'It's all ready. I thought we should be off today.' He rushed to the camping place, fished out his pack from the pile where Frodo had laid it when he emptied the boat of his companions' goods, grabbed a spare blanket and some extra packages of food, and ran back.

`So all my plan is spoilt! ' said Frodo. `It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together.”

[immabethehero]

Chase and the Treasure Hunt

Part one of my new multi-chapter!!!

For Chase’s birthday, the egos decide to go extravagant. What adventures await them as they sail through the beautiful ocean on a magnificent pirate ship?

🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓

“Alright kids, you all knew this day would come.” A single lamplight turns on. Sabrina and Noah squint against the harsh light. Chloe pays no attention to the four men staring her and her siblings down and simply plays with her doll.

“Uh… Guys? Is this… necessary?” Noah asks.

“Absolutely. Your father’s birthday is one week from now and we still don’t know what to get him!” Jackie exclaims.

“You could just get him another book,” Sabrina suggests.

“He still hasn’t read the books we got him LAST year,” Henrik grumbles. “We’re not getting him any new ones until he’s read the others!”

“A new hat?” Noah recommends.

“And add another ugly snapback to his collection? Gross!” Marvin interjects.

“A trip to Disney World?” Chloe asks.

“We went last year! We’re not blowing our budget again,” Jameson says. “Nice try, Chloe.”

“That’s all we got!” Sabrina says.

The Septics groan and grumble. Marvin turns the lights back on. Jackie flops onto the couch. Jameson gets up and begins perusing through his library.

Sunlight shimmers through the curtains of the Septics’ Library. Bookshelves line up against the walls, holding books organized by genres, or rather, the Septics’ favourite genre. The bay window has cushioned seating to sit on, so one could read then look wistfully out the window. Chase came up with the idea.

There are two low coffee tables in the middle. Noah gets up and looks outside. “Hey, it’s stopped raining!”

“Wait for it to dry up a bit, and then you can go outside,” Henrik says. “In the meantime, help us find more gift ideas!”

“You are surrounded by books, why don’t you go through them?” Sabrina asks. “Maybe you’ll find ideas inside.”

“That’s a great idea!” Marvin pulls a book off the shelf and thumbs through the pages, before putting it back. “Nothing in there.” He shoves the book back and takes out the next one, thumbing through it. “Nope.”  He continues on to the next book.

Chloe looks outside. Both the grass and the pavement hold large puddles that look like lakes. Her eyes light up.

“What if we took Daddy on a cruise?” she asks.

“Isn’t that a bit expensive?” Henrik asks.

“We’ll make our own ship! Uncle Marvin has real magic, so you can make a ship!” Chloe says.

Marvin pales a little. “Uh… kid? I appreciate the enthusiasm but…”

“Seriously? This could be the least expensive gift for his birthday and you’re rejecting it?” Sabrina says.

“It could be fun!” Noah agrees. “Us, Dad, and you guys all going for a sail in our very own ship that you don’t have to pay for!”

The Septics exchange glances. Henrik motions for a group huddle. After a minute of loud whispering, the egos turn around. Jackie clears his throat and says. “OK! Let’s do it!”

🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓

Not even an hour later after the kids left does another fight break out. This time over what kind of ship to make. Jackie has presented a video of an excavator on a barge, using the giant shovel as a paddle, and suggested they create a ship from that. Henrik retorted that it wasn’t safe, and that Jackie’s presents never met safety regulations, which made the hero explode in a fit of rage.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘SAFETY REGULATIONS?’” Jackie yells” “I’M A FREAKING SUPERHERO. MY JOB IS TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE-”

“THEN EXPLAIN THE LAST FEW GIFTS YOU’VE GIVEN THE BRODY FAMILY!” yells Henrik. “YOU GAVE SABRINA AND NOAH FLYING TOBOGGANS LAST CHRISTMAS!”

“So they could get a sense of what it was like to fly like me!!! And those toboggans came with seatbelts and helmets and padding! It’s not my fault Chase decided to do a barrel roll and ended up in the hospital with a concussion!”

“At Chloe’s 3rd birthday party, you gave her a taser and put bottles of pepper spray in the guests’ party bags!”

“We are living in a society where females face attacks from horrible misogyny everyday! I was simply preparing them for how to respond in an attack!”

“You gave Stacy and Delilah machetes for their 3rd anniversary!”

“Girls like swords!” 

“My point stands!”

Marvin flies past the kitchen, wearing a pretty maroon coat. “I’m heading to the store, let me know if you need anything!”

“I’m coming with you!” Jameson yells, jumping out his seat. He quickly shoves on his own coat and follows Marvin outside.

“Not enjoying the match?” Marvin asks.

“They’re so loud when they argue,” Jameson complains.

“They’re Septic Egos through and through, it’s in their blood,” Marvin explains.

Jameson laughs. “Where are we heading? I don’t believe they sell boat parts at the grocery store.”

“We’re not going there, Jameson,” Marvin says. “We’re going to the one place where we might find a working ship.”

🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓

In the calmer parts of the town, nestled on the edge lies the Survival Kit, a store with fascinating trinkets and other things needed for emergencies and of course, survival. For Marvin, it’s where he can grab whatever items he needs for a spell or a potion and not be questioned by his strange purchases.

The store itself looks like a normal store, with a gable roof and stone bricks, but when one walks inside does the magic begin. Fishing rods, boats in bottles, bikes, even ice skates are lined up on shelves and walls, ready for use. Among the useful outdoor items and the emergency supplies are cool little trinkets from different parts of the world.

Jameson marvels at the gramophones, each decorated to represent different genres of music. Jameson finds one such gramophone whose records only play symphonies. When he plays the test recording, his heart soars along with the music. He sways side to side, basking in the beautiful noise.

Marvin peruses the shelves of nautical items, looking for the perfect Boat in a Bottle. He can simply resize it into a real-life ship and transfigure it to make it sail. He’s done resizing and transfiguration before, this won’t be any different!

“Need help finding what you’re looking for?” a voice with a strong Australian accent asks. Marvin jumps and turns around.

Angus McLoughlin, self-proclaimed “Survival Hunter'' and owner of the store, stands beside Marvin. Like the other egos, Angus has Jack’s brown hair and blue eyes, though his hair is often hidden underneath a dark green crocodile dundee hat. His left eye is somewhat glassy, and two long scars run down it. For a little while, the egos were fairly certain that Angus was connected to Jack somehow. When Marvin asked, Angus said that while he did share a last name with Jack, neither were related in any way and Angus didn’t really know the Youtuber that well. It was simply a coincidence.

“I’m looking for a boat in a bottle…” Marvin says, turning back to the shelves. “It’s for a friend’s birthday…”

“Fascinating!” Angus surveys his shelves. “Well, what kind of boats does he like?”

Marvin shrugs. “I don’t know. Something cool, I guess. Nothing too boring. Perhaps a pirate ship, I remember Chase saying he loved the Pirates of the Carribean series.. Or was it Treasure Island… wait… was it that stop-motion animation pirate movie-”

“Might I interest you in this?” Angus holds up a bottle with a little model brigantine ship inside. The wood was a beautiful mahogany and shimmered in whatever light the bottle caught. The flag colours consisted of blue and red. A tiny mermaid was carved into the bow of the ship.

Marvin slams a twenty euro poun noted into Angus’ hand, grinning like a maniac. “It’s perfect.”

“I’m assuming you’re also paying for the gramaphone?” Angus asks with a laugh. Marvin turns to see Jameson holding up the symphony-themed gramophone, eyes pleading.

Marvin chuckles. “Yes.”

🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓

The egos, minus one rad dad, gather around the little ship.

“What are we going to do with it?” Henrik asks.

“First: we need to take it apart and rebuild it. Jackie, you’re in charge of remodelling the ship,” Marvin orders. Jackie nods.

“Then we need to repaint it so it will fit Chase better. I want to use sails that go with our theme. Maybe Septic Sam wearing pirate hats and holding little swords. Jameson, you’re decorating.” Jameson whistles.

“Henrik, I need you to work on some clothes for the big day. We can’t go in our usual get-up! I’ll give you the designs to work with!” Marvin shoves a stack of papers at Henrik, then runs out the door. “I have more work to do! See you guys soon!”

The egos stare suspiciously at their retreating friend.

“What’s Marvin hiding from us? What is he doing?” Henrik asks.

“Probably just some more ideas for Chase’s birthday,” Jackie says, scribbling away on blueprints.

“It’s not like him to hide plans like that,” Jameson notes.

Henrik skims through the designs. “Are we… going on a pirate adventure?”

Jackie and Jameson stare at the blueprints.

Jameson grins. “Looks like it. Could be fun!”

“Why would we do that?”

“Because it’s fun! Chase would love to have a little fun and adventure for his birthday!” Jackie exclaims. “Besides, it’ll give Stacy and Delilah enough time to set up the house for the party after!”

“I wonder if there’ll be treasure!” Jameson muses.

“It better be worth all this trouble. It’ll take all night for me to make these costumes!” Henrik groans. “Jameson, could you help me?” JJ nods.

One of Jameson’s time manipulation tricks is the ability to speed up tasks, so that a task that could take an hour would only take seconds. Chase’s children used to bribe him with treats so he would use this gift and speed up their homework time, which worked until Chase found out and banned Jameson from homework help.

While Henrik and JJ work on costumes and sails, Jackie tinkers away at the ship, remodelling it to be more modern and fit for the six egos and the kids. j is out all night, but returns in time to paint the ship and transfigure it.

When the ship is done, the egos head to the docks. Marvin performs a spell, and soon, a large ship floats on the water, ready for use.

The egos take the ship out for a test run, Marvin pinpointing each place they need to take Chase too.

Back at home, Chase Brody doodles in his journal, humming softly. Nothing, not even a cryptic hint from Jack, can prepare him for tomorrow.

🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓🏴‍☠️⚔️⚓

@graysun, @florenceisfalling, @miishae​​, @lonelyseiren, @goldenoceanaart, @egopocalypse, @oasisofgalaxies, @fleecal, @kofi-king, @myspatialspace, @jo-ann-ahh-2, @writerwithdepression, @huffletrax, @gemstone6, @dumbasticart, @lunaarmada, @deadlydevine, @meteorshowersfillthesky, @bupine, @the-yandere-kitsune, @climbing-starrs, @the-spawn-of-loki, @jadehowlettthewolf, @obsidiancreates, @rammypaige, @hollenka99, @cest-mellow, @randowaffle, @green-protects, @dezi-popp, @badlypostedeverything

[leglesstv]

The Dream Run: Greg Holzman’s Island Life

Part 2.

If you were born before the last twenty years of the 20th century you’re able to grasp how much new technology and cheap air travel have changed the world and the way we live in it: profound changes that have touched every aspect of our lives. Surfing has always required commitment to the pursuit of good waves, but the nature and depth of that commitment has morphed and grown. Greg joked with us about one of the photos he sent us - him perfectly framed in the spiralling mouth of a smooth and luminous barrel - saying it was “nothing money can’t buy”. He’s right of course, but money’s only part of it – to experience the kind of nirvana we glimpse in shots like that requires planning, preparation of equipment, logistics, lots of water-time and perhaps more than anything, fitness. Add to this the fact that as a self-employed fisherman, when Greg’s not working, he’s not earning. Sponsors? Well, he gets a few boards from Buddy McCray. His logistical team is a loose network of local contacts he’s developed to facilitate the various resources and services inevitably required at short notice in out of the way places. Greg’s strike missions are conceived, organised, funded and executed autonomously: it’s all his own experience, knowledge, time and money. There are few among us able to shut up shop and disappear, possibly for months at a time, living self-sufficiently on the road, chasing the chance of finding a particular spot firing for a limited time. You may plan for a road trip or a boat trip, but Greg’s is commitment on a whole other level. Access to technology is one thing, knowing how to put it to best use is a skill acquired over time. Greg’s background in fishing has been a huge help in interpreting long-range weather forecasts, weather maps, charts of out of the way places: all key factors in his ability to score quality waves. Help and advice from fellow travellers, including a smattering of kneeboard surfers spread around the globe. Behind all this though, remain two things. One is what started it all going more than half a lifetime ago in San Diego: an irrepressible drive to ride big, challenging, high quality waves. The other is what drove Greg to leave Oahu for the outer islands in the late 70’s: the drive to explore the outermost limits of his ability on his own, away from the crowd. While there are plenty of pro and semi-pro freesurfing footboarders criss-crossing the globe at any given time, each with a Youtube channel and an Instagram account, it’s kind of nice to know that kneeboard surfing has Greg Holzman out there pushing the limits of what’s been done and pushing the rest of us to step up our game and look beyond our comfort zone.

Greg views his big wave pursuits as “strike missions”. Track a swell, find a spot, check wind and tide permutations, airlines, local travel, accommodation, be ready to go at the drop of a hat, and be prepared to surf at 100% when you get there. He’s been doing this for about 40 years, perhaps with increasing sophistication and expertise, but that’s the only change. We received an email just after Christmas.

 “So for fear of more words I’ll give you the story of my first solo big wave venture. It was at Pipeline. 1978. It was a giant West swell. Surf reports weren’t accurate back then but looking out I could see it was nice East winds in Kailua and I knew a big West swell was pumping. I was all about Pipeline at the end of my Oahu period so I felt very comfortable out there.  

I surfed with the heavies of the day, so I was pushing my limits. Driving up Kam Highway, the hour it took really got the heart pumping, especially when I hit Indicators reef and saw how big it was. More often than not, the swell was huge instead of too small, but in the 70’s no-one knew how big till you got there. When I got to Ehukai Beach Park I saw no-one out, perfect offshores and third reef sets at 20ft Hawaiian. Some amazing waves but I wasn’t sure I was ready for that!

Jack Lindholm was headed out on his bodyboard. I watched him catch a few incredible rides that got me stoked. The Second reef was capping hard and seemed like easy take-offs, but that was Jack on a bodyboard and he could take off later than anyone at the time.

I remember he didn’t make it out of a tube on one and came up the beach with his board almost torn in half.  I didn’t know him but commented on his board. He said he was going to change boards and go back out so I told him I would get ready and meet him out there. As I walked down to the beach I saw Sam Hawk paddle out, headed to the peaks at outside Log Cabins. I never saw Sammy again. Obviously, he lived, but that was all I saw of him as it was soon after this that I moved to Kauai.  

Anyway, I paddled out. It wasn’t that hard; in fact it was really easy with the channel and a big West swell. Everyone was at Waimea Bay - for good reason. When I got out, I remember seeing the sets on the outer reefs break a minute or two before they hit us. What I remember most was how hard it was to catch those monsters on my 5’2” twin fin fish. The waves had a deep-water slope to them, and you had to take off as the wave was breaking. Jack had it down and before too long he was gone. I never saw Jack again either.  So here I am and all I’m seeing is giant lines - just like the movies - and I’m getting further and further from shore. I’m thinking that I may need to get rescued and wondering if anyone’s watching in the lifeguard tower. I thought how embarrassing that would be and decided I needed to move inside and catch one underneath or I was not going to get in. Paddling in was a death sentence and it was obviously on the rise, so in between sets I paddled inside.  When a set approached EVERYTHING in me said “move outside NOW”, but I waited. I thought if I didn’t catch that first one I was getting to that beach dead or alive.  Luckily, I made the right call and that first wave was deep and inside and an easy take-off.  In fact, I commented to myself on how easy it was, really.  Once it hit that first reef I just sat there in this big easy barrel - no fear anymore - and the wave was just as perfect and easy a wave as I could get. It spit and I glided out onto the shoulder. I looked out thinking “I can do that again” when … the whole channel was closing out. I immediately turned for shore, just in time to see it turn to close-out sets.  When I got there I heard the hoots and claps of tourists cheering. I had survived my first solo big wave event. It scared me but I never felt more alive and I never forgot it. Just like many firsts, they are worth remembering.”

 So, fast forward to 2016, with Greg’s island life undergoing change, and another dream run about to start. While in Kandui in May that year, Greg picked up a Facebook friend request from Paul Macklin, an Aussie traveller who for years had sent him photos of his surf travels. Paul was then living in Bali. Greg decided he needed to return to G-land, so in July he left for Bobby’s Camp.

 Paul met me in the camp. Bobby Radiasa remembered me - it was like I had never left. All the same guys. Many had gone back every year I was gone. Having that family vibe in camp is a very addictive feeling and Facebook has kept us all back in contact. So, 2018 became the thirty-year reunion for me and G-land. I had three trips in 2018 looking for the gold standard G-land of June - July 2016 that was still the three swells of recent memory.  I got amazing waves, but that massive perfect Speed Reef (which rarely happens) eluded me. After seeing the photos of those days I swore I was investing in this as a goal: to get it at its best. I didn’t care how many trips it would take.

 After G-land in July 2017, I was off to South Africa: from Bali to J-bay.  I worried about the cold, coming straight from the tropics, and I did freeze, but I learned a few tricks there as well on staying warm - including a 1mm wetsuit top under my clothes - that let no cold air in on those freezing surf checks!  That’s where I met Gigs and Stevo. I stayed with Mike Ruthnum, who I’m indebted to for introducing me to great people, fellow KB riders, and secret surf spots that I will always remember. J-bay was an eye-opener. Much had changed there. Crowds were always a factor, but the town had a great vibe. The South Africans have all the forecasting at their fingertips now, so they come from around the country for the bigger swells, which I found different than the 80’s. But with that came KB riders. I found a very cool group of fellow riders who were happy, very much a club feeling, and with a wide range of boards ... it was an impressive group. I came home knowing that I would return next season. A month is not enough time in Africa. But as soon as I got home, I saw $500 tickets return to Bali. I knew Gigs was going and Simon Farrer - who I hadn’t seen since he was 18 on my island with Buddy - was meeting Gigs at G-land. Simon was already a phenomenon at 18. Seeing his movies made me want to spend time with these two world champs. So back I went for more.

 That took me right into the 2018-19 season with a passion for strike missions. I managed to strike a few Pacific spots early 2019 during Hawaii’s stormy moments. Each time selling more plants and looking: as soon as it was a good moment and I had cash I was going - sometimes with less than 8 hours to pack and be at the airport. I was on call for G-land when I saw a series of swells and good winds lining up. I told myself I wasn’t going to plan in advance for Indo anymore. My goal was one which wouldn’t end till I caught that 2016 Gold standard swell. Lucky for me it came on a day that looked like it wasn’t going to happen. The surf was huge and the direction was good with a high tide, but the wind was light onshore. I was pretty bummed when I saw the rain at 9 am, (not usually a good sign) but it passed quickly. All the guys went in. I knew the winds were changing with that sound the bamboo makes and quickly suited up. I got down to the beach and Donny the photographer said to hop on his bike. Blacky and he were headed out on the boat to take photos. I knew it was good and a heavy paddle out, so off we went. As soon as we neared it, we saw this was no normal day. When you see the photographer and boat driver pounding the boat and cheering like they were you know it’s not a normal day. Two guys were out, but they wanted nothing to do with those sets. My heart was pounding hard. I knew this was going to be a test - of all I had learned to stay safe, and the test of my equipment I so badly wanted.

What made it even better was my photographer was right on it with me to document.  I paddled out to an empty lineup and two guys who just paddled over the sets. It was destiny, fate, or just plain perseverance.

I learned a lot: about my boards, my goals and how hard it is to drive through those shock waves deep in barrels when it’s like that. I could see that what I needed was a board with the fins further back for stability as one bottom turn is all you get and then you’re behind and flying. Some I made, some I should have made, and others were just plain heavy. The crowd eventually showed up and the tide went out. One of the biggest problems with this kind of swell is it’s only good at high tide for a maximum of 4 hours. Usually only about 2 to 3 hours at its best.  That’s a lot of investment for such a short window. For me it was worth it. It taught me I could still do it and what my boards needed next mission to maximize my tube time. 

 It’s obvious that there’s a lot more to surf exploration at this level than meets the eye. A lifetime of preparation and expense may seem a high price to pay for memories - a few photos and stories representing the sole concrete evidence of mere minutes spent riding perfect surf - but to Greg, as for anyone else doing what he does, it’s not about money.

 I’ve done 12 trips in three years and surfed Hawaii winters every swell I can in between. I’ve gone to 5 destinations and gone back to each - if I can - till I am satisfied I’ve caught it at its best. I feel I have only really achieved that this year (2019) at G land, which is lucky because next year isn’t going to be the year - with the WSL going off there in the middle of the season.

 In Hawaii we take surfing very seriously. It has changed from when I started, Then, it was much more about the soul surfer and not publicizing where you went and not photographing your sessions. It wasn’t for money either. Now, everyone thinks they can get a free something if they’re good. It’s competitive and I try to remain in a collaborative mind-space. I have found it’s probably a help that I am a KB rider because we’re always trying to prove we belong in the lineup. At this point I rarely feel I can’t deal with things in a lineup, but often I know the fight isn’t worth the effort. I’ll voluntarily move out of the space as I don’t like catching scraps. If I have no chance for the sets, I’ll remove myself from the situation to save myself from certain mental crisis. Or a yelling match. This happened a few times at Jeffreys this year and in September 2018 at G-land with 80 guys in the water. Everyone - even your friends - are on a different level and chances are you’re not going to like what you see, so I’m out at that point.

Knowing how much effort went into getting himself into the line-up for those sessions, that’s a pretty big statement, one that we might all be wise to keep in mind every time we paddle out.  

Words - Rob Harwood - Legless.tv

Photos: Donny Lopez, John Barber & Courtesy of Greg Holzman

[beautifuljetblackheart]

Unpredictable - Sam Holland

A/N: I had writers block with this one Summary: you realized he was always there for you Warnings: none Words: 1,303

You walked up to Sam’s parents home, you waited until someone opened the door

“Hi Y/N, how are you doing darling?” Nikki steps aside as you went inside

“I’m good, how have you been? Have the boys been driving you crazy?” she smiles

“Always, Sam is in his room,” you gave her a smile before going up the stairs to his room. You knocked on his door.

“Come in,” you opened the door, you saw Sam on his phone. You stepped inside and closed the door, you lied next to him and hugged him, you let out a big sigh, “what’s wrong?” His arm snuck behind your neck, you lied in a better position.

“I told him that I wasn’t going to work out,” you hugged him

“Why?”

“I wasn’t feeling the connect with him is that bad of me to bluntly say it like that”

“No, of course not. Sometimes you won’t know how to say things and just have to bluntly say it. It’s okay if you don’t have feelings for him, you can’t decide who you get to fall for or out,” Sam played with your hair

“Can we stay like this for a while?” His words hit you hard

“Yeah” he hugged you closer. Sam liked the feeling of you being with, but he knows not to say anything in case you didn’t feel the same.

—-

“Hey Sam you in there,” the door swung wide open, “oh. You have company, okay,” Harry slowly walked out and went downstairs. “Y/N is still here, I think they both fell asleep”

“I told you she is still there. She did seem upset when she got here,” Nikki looked over at Harry

“Are those two together?” Tom sat down with the rest of the family

“They keep saying they are just friends,” Dom shrugged

“I dunno if she has a boyfriend. Sam always mentioned of Y/N going on dates with this guy,” Harry shoved a spoonful of food into his mouth

-

“I should be going home, thanks Sam,” you let out a sigh

“You don’t want to stay for dinner?”

“Thanks but, I have to shower and work tomorrow morning,” Sam gave you a nod

“Alright, I’ll walk with you out, did you bring your car,” you gave him a nod, the both of you headed out of Sam’s room

“Thanks again”

“No problem, text me when you get home safe,” he gave you a hug and you hugged him back

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course,” Sam opened your car door, you got in and he closed the door. You started the engine and drive off, Sam watched as you left his view before going back inside. Once he walked to the kitchen everyone stared at him, he grabbed a plate and filled his plate with food. No one said anything, everyone felt the tension as they wanted to ask Sam a lot of questions, “alright, what do you all have in mind?” Sam looked at everyone. They all started to ask questions, “one at a time,” they all looked at Nikki

“Are you two in a secret relationship?”all eyes went to Sam

“We are not together, just good friends,” he put the spoon of food into his mouth

“Does she have a boyfriend?” Dom spoke up

“She recently had a thing going on with this guy but never made things official, that’s why she came over”

“Are you going to ask her out? She’s really great to have around,” Sam felt his ears heating up

“He’s thinking about it, his ears are turning red,” Tom pointed out, Sam glared at him

“She was talking with the guy for a few week, probably feels like they broke up and I don’t think she likes me like that”

“Oh brother, she does. If she wouldn’t then why would she still be around you?” Harry rolled his eyes

“Because we are best friends”

“You know that whenever there’s a girl and a guy being best friends they always end up dating,” Nikki stated making Sam think

“I don’t know, maybe in a few weeks I’ll see how she’s doing”

“Just don’t take forever, you might lose the chance on doing so,” Dom warned Sam as he gave his father a nod.

————

“So what are we doing today?” You questioned Sam as you sat in the car

“Something fun,” he gave you a smile

“You know, just watching netflix is considered fun”

“We are not gonna be lazy, we will be active today,” you let out a sigh

“Here we are,” Sam smiled you looked at the ocean

“You're going to kill me and dump my body out here?” You joked

“No, come on,” he got out of the car, Sam opened the door for you, “give me a sec,” he went to the trunk and grabbed a bag, “alright, let’s get going,” he grabbed your hand and walked down the stairs

“We are paddling a boat”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun,” you let out a sigh and got on the boat buying on the yellow vest, “I brought sunscreen”

“What if my phone drops?” You questioned

“I’ll get it” he simply responded

“What if I fall”

“You drown”

“Okay good. I thought you would’ve saved me”

“I would laugh. Take a picture and then help you up”

“You’re a great person,” you lightly punched him

“Let’s take a picture cause we are doing unpredictable things,” he pulls out his phone and takes a picture

“If you get hungry I brought a few junk foods that we can snack on, oh and I brought shaded for you”

“You thought this through?”

“The snacks yes, everything else, slightly”

—————

After using the boat you saw the pictures Sam took, “hey Sam, I like this one. Is it okay if I send it it to myself?”

“Go for it,” he park in an empty parking lot

“What are we doing now?”

“Stargazing”

“You are-“ you let out a sigh

“Unpredictable? Charming? Handsome?” He smirked at you

“You are something,” you lied next to Sam, you looked over at Sam but he was staring at the sky. You realized Sam has been there for you, he notices the small things of you that no one else has. You looked at his lips, you wanted to kiss him to see if the feelings you’ve had were real or not. You reached over to his hair and played with his soft hair, he looked over at you.

“Is there a bug on my hair?” You smiles

“No, your hair looked soft and it is soft,” Sam faces you

“Can I try something?”

“Sure”

“Promise me you won’t be mad?”

“Promise,” Sam took out his pinky to make a pink promise

“Okay, close your eyes and no peeking,” he nods. You set your hand under his chin opening his mouth a little, you started to lean in and set your lips on him. You were surprised he started to kiss you back, after a while you pulled back.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve done that”

“No it’s okay. I’m not mad or anything,” you let out a sigh mentally pinching yourself for ruining a good friendship, “why did you?” you looked at him confused.

“I wanted to know if the feelings I had for you were real or not”

“Are they?” You let out a sigh

“Yes,” a huge relief gets out of Sam, he lets out a small chuckle

“Good because I was feeling the same way”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you’re an amazing person. My parents were telling me to take the chance and to not take forever because I may lose my chance”

“Be my boyfriend?”

“Now you are being unpredictable but yes, I will be your boyfriend,” you hugged him and gave him another kiss.

[midwesternwebslinger-blog]

Vacation w/ The Avengers!

Hi, internet!

Since this is my *first post* to this blog, thought I'd introduce myself! I'm midwesterwebslinger, but you can call me anytime 😉☎️ Just kidding, just call me May. It's just easier that way. I'm a dancer, up-and-coming actress, and of course, a lover of all things marvel. I probably sound like an idiot right now. Since I've never written anything before, I decided to start off with a simple headcanon. If you like it, hate it, love it, or even don't care, please give me some feedback! I'd love to actually know what I'm doing on tumblr lols :') Without further ado, here's this adorable fanfic filled with avengers goodness!! PS- this is kinda long and I didn't edit it AT ALL😬

avengers x reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You had been a member of the avengers for what, 11 months now?

Even though it hadn't even been a year yet, the team was family to you

And what do families do?

GO ON VACATION

Steve and Tony decided that, after a very long and hard mission, you guys deserved a little break.

You and Peter almost flipped the table over at dinner when Tony said that the lot of you would be going Florida for a month

[fast forward to after the entire packing and traveling process had ended]

Steve would wake up first every day around 6:30 am to eat some cereal on the porch and listen to the waves

Nat would get up second and make an omlet for herself

You would get up third, joining Steve on the porch in your PJs and glasses with a glass of milk and peanut butter toast

You and Steve would have the best conversations on the porch every morning

It was great bonding time

You guys would talk about lots of random stuff like America, the dinosaurs, music, freedom, school, science, and life in general

After you guys finished up talking, both of you would go get in your swimsuits, put on a cover up, and walk up and down the beach

Sometimes Nat would join and it was great

You noticed how peaceful the beach was when the hoards of hotel guests weren't around

Your usual morning activities with Steve would end around 9:30, when you went to go see who else was awake

You knew Wanda was awake, because you would see her doing yoga every morning when you walked back into the house

That witch it surprisingly flexible

The only other avenger awake at 9:30 would usually be Bucky, sadly not your partner in crime Mr. Parker

So, you and Steve and Bucky headed down to the pool

Steve and Bucky would sit on some pool chairs with their hats and sunglasses while you switched between sitting between the two grandpas and floating around in the pool

Around 10:30, you would hear the screams of Clint at Peter to wake up and get off of the couch

Classic Peter

About 5 minutes after you hear Clint scream, Peter comes stumbling out of the house with a cup of yogurt in his swim trunks

"Look who's awake!" Says Steve, glancing up from the newspaper

"What a shame" replies Bucky

"You guys are funny! Hey Y/N, wanna jump in with me?"

*cue the two of you cannon balling into the pool, getting Steve's newspaper wet*

Steve gives you crazy teens an over exaggerated look of shock

"I wish I didn't have to do this, but I'm going to have to eliminate the other of you"

You saw your life flash before your eyes as Steve ran at full Cap speed towards the pool and launched himself into the artificial paradise that was the pool

Waves. Huge waves. It was a tsunami of Captain America sized proportions.

Bucky would join in the fight on Steve's side, and obviously team super solider best team teenager

The four of you would have some intense chicken fights

You on Bucky's shoulders, Peter on Steve's

A true battle of the teens

"Come on, Y/N! You can beat Parker!"

"Come on Peter! You can win! But don't be too rough on her! She's smaller than you!"

:') Steve looking out for the little guy makes me want to cry

You surprisingly beat "Team Super New Yorkers"

Bucky was just as surprised as you were

"Give it here, Y/N! Ya sure deserve it, doll!"

The three of you would be in the middle of yet another splash war when a window opens and Tony yells,

"Can you be quiet? I'm on a conference call!"

Peter immediately feels guilty and apologizes as fast as he can

"I'm sorry Mr. Stark we'll try to play softer next time"

Steve could care less about Tony's call. For Pete's sake he hadn't had this much fun since 1943!

"Lighten up a little Stark, it is vacation after all!"

Around noon, Clint would emerge from the house to join Nat on a bike ride to a fish place down the beach

"I'll be back whenever. Never, preferably."

Steve would make sandwiches for you, Peter, Wanda, and ocassionaly Bucky

Possibly the best sandwiches you ever had

You guys always spent the second half of the day on the beach with the rest of the avengers

Tony would be sitting in an overly-priced beach hut, Clint sitting next to the hut in a tiny plastic chair, Natasha sitting next to Clint on a beach towel, Wanda floating around in one of those donut floaties, Steve and Bucky standing in the water, and you and Peter causing chaos

If you can't tell, you and Peter are super close

After you, you guys are the youngest by far AND the same age

On the first day at the house, you and Peter did a little investigating and found 2 PADDLE BOARDS

You and Peter claimed one of them for yourselves, and let the rest of the team share the other one

Peter would usually paddle while you sat up front, on with your toes in the water

Pretty relaxing if I do say so myself

TBH if Peter didn't have super strength he probably wouldn't be able to paddle lols

Sometimes you would paddle and Peter would rock the board back and forth so you would lose your balance and fall into the ocean

The little DORK wouldn't fall off bc of his stuPID SPIDEY SENSES

On one particular afternoon, you and Peter had gone farther out than ever before

Not too far cause you guys are lowkey scared of the ocean

Peter turned the boat towards the shore and you guys waved to Steve and Bucky, and they waved back

Bucky was a jokester

"Don't come back, Parker!"

Silly Bucky

The first time you saw Sam all day was dinner, apparently he had been out running the entire time

Speaking of dinner, Clint is surprisingly good at barbecue food

You guys had ribs, pulled pork, Wanda's legendary brownies, Nat's lemonade, Tony's classic summer salad, and a fruit salad Steve picked out from the store

Lots of stories and laughing really tired you out

Tony, being the dad he is, sent you and Peter to bed before the rest of the group

"Alright minors, I think it's time for you guys to go to bed. Let the adults talk."

Peter went to his couch and you went to your room, saying goodnight to Peter as you shut the door

Another day, another breakfast with Steve, another walk on the beach, another yell from Clint, until Tony called all of you in for lunch

Tony announced that there was a situation in Cuba and the team needed to go in and eliminate Hydra immediately

Of course, the team minus you and Peter

These Hydra agents were different from the rest.. way more hardcore

Of course, Tony couldn't just leave you guys all alone at the house! The two of you would definitely blow it up

So, he kindly offered to stay home and babysit

The next morning, around 4 am, the team left and the three of you gave hugs and waved them goodbye

You all went to bed again, and were woken up by the sound of Tony's music

Since Tony hadn't had a lot of time with just you youngins this trip, he called today, "Super Fun Tony Bonding Day"

Apparently, he had planned a surprise for you guys today and told you two to hurry to your rooms (or couch) and get your swimsuits and coverups on and meet back in the kitchen in 10 minutes

10 minutes later you were in the kitchen with Peter when Tony came walking in with a giant bag filled with who knows what

"Part of the surprise", as he called it

After a two hour ride in Tony's car, you sitting in the passenger seat, the three of you arrived to the inner coastal marina

APPARENTLY Tony had a boat here and decided to take you guys on some light boating in the inner coastal

It was great. The stuff in the bag was a picnic.

You did generally the same activities for the rest of the month: breakfast with Steve, walk, pool, relaxing w/ the soldiers, playing with Peter, eating Steve's sandwiches, paddling with Peter, floating with Wanda, ocassionaly running with Sam, relaxing with Clint, working on tech with Tony when you were too burnt to go outside, and always ending the day by gathering the team together for a dinner under the stars and waves in the background

You loved dinner the best. Having everybody together was the best. Whether it was Steve ranting about America, You and Peter ranting about school, Sam telling the same stories, Nat trying to hook up Steve, Clint bragging about his farm, and even Tony and Steve arguing; you always went to bed with a full heart.

You learned more than how to properly chicken fight a super soldier at this house; you learned that vacations aren't made by the destination. Vacations are made by the people you travel with, and the memories you make with them.

[myrish-lace-love]

Jonsa S7 Summer Challenge Day 2: Nature

Summary: Jon and Sansa are neighbors in the same apartment building who’ve grown closer over the past several months, and they’re in a relationship now. Jon’s a veteran with PTSD, so Sansa’s found a park they can go to that doesn’t allow fireworks. Sansa’s friends Margaery and Jeyne are along for the camping trip. and Jon thinks Margaery’s up to something. She is, but he’s wrong about her motivations.

Part 1 and Part 2 here.

***

Sansa squeezed Jon’s hand before they got in the car.

"I’m really happy we’re going, Jon. We can always leave, if–“

If the fireworks are too much.

“I know, sweet girl.” In truth, Jon felt better about this holiday than he had in a long time. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone anywhere for July 4th.

Anywhere apart from….best not to think about the ghosts in his apartment.

Sansa clucked her tongue. “Do we have everything? I hope we have everything. I know we checked twice, but–“

Jon put his hand on her waist. “We do. I’d bet money on it. A girl who used to organize a five-kid camping trip and a guy who knows how to pack on short notice for long trips? I think we’re okay.”

“But what if we–“

Jon kissed her nose. He could see the blue string of her bikini tied around her neck. She was wearing a short yellow sundress, and he felt completely outclassed. Talk about not boxing your weight.

“Well, we know we have the tent, because it’s strapped to the top of the car.”

They’d brought Sansa’s four-person tent for the two of them. The only tent Jon had slept one and a half people, and that would be assuming way too much on this trip.  

Read more below or continue on AO3

“I know you have your wallet because I’ve seen you take it out of your purse four times, and I know mine’s in my back pocket. We’ve got the car keys, because the door’s unlocked.”

Sansa was smiling at him now. “And anything else we forgot, we can pick up on the way. Okay, but don’t blame me if we’re stuck without a lantern at night.”

“It’s on the left side of the trunk behind the cooler,” Jon said automatically.

Sansa laughed. “Fine, let’s go. I’m hoping we can get there before Margaery and Jeyne. There may still be a few good spots left, and I want us to get one of them.”

They’d made these arrangements last minute. Oberyn, Margaery’s boyfriend, couldn’t make it. Jeyne had stepped in. Jeyne had gone camping with the Stark family since she was ten years old. Margaery had been on more than a few Stark camping trips too, back when she was dating Sansa’s older brother, Robb. 

Jon was learning there was a history of competition between the three friends when they camped.

And it started early, based on the gleam in Sansa’s eye.

“Get ready Jon.  A minimum of pit stops, five miles above the speed limit–“

“Five?” Jon widened his eyes in exaggerated shock.

Sansa considered. “Ten then. Ten should be fine, we still shouldn’t get pulled over–“

Jon couldn’t help himself, he kissed her, being careful not to take it too far. Jon had noticed, maybe even before Sansa did, that Sansa tensed up when he did more than kiss her. He’d slid his hands under her shirt, once, and she’d trembled, even though she'd told him it was okay. She'd looked relieved and disappointed when he'd said they could wait. There seemed to be a point past which she didn’t want to go, when it came to being physically close. 

This morning, Sansa sighed into his mouth before pulling back. “What was that for?” Her eyes were a little glazed.

“How competitive you are. I love it.”

“Really? Most guys can’t stand it.”

Jon shrugged. “Most guys are idiots.”

“You’re not wrong. Let’s go. Traffic to beat.”

Plus Margaery and Jeyne, Jon thought.

***

They did, in fact, get there first, but just barely. Margaery flagged them down in the parking lot as they were walking to the campground.

“Doesn’t count Marg, we still beat you,” Sansa called out over her shoulder.

Margaery and Jeyne caught up with them on the sandy path approaching the woods. Margaery put her hand on Jon’s arm.

“Jon, it’s lovely to see you again.”

“Um, yeah. You too.” Jon took Sansa’s hand.

Jon had met Sansa's two friends a few times since he came back from vacation. Margaery hosted game nights at her house. That was the very first look Jon had gotten at Sansa’s competitive streak.

Jon tended to give Margaery a wide berth. She was beautiful, but he noted that down the same way he kept track of what color the sky was. Not that relevant. She also seemed a bit – predatory, to Jon. He was used to being hit on, but his “stoic and sullen exterior” as Sam put it, usually got rid of most girls in five minutes.

Margaery got too close for his comfort. And he couldn’t just ignore her, because she was Sansa’s best friend.

This whole social life thing was more complicated that he’d expected.

Jon got along with Jeyne better. She was quiet, but smart. Very smart. She and Sansa went neck and neck at Trivial Pursuit two weeks ago.

Sansa won, of course.

Jeyne adjusted her straw hat against the sun. “Our best bet’s probably the back of the park.”

Margaery hooked her arm into Jeyne’s.  “Lead the way, my dear.”

***

In the end there were only two campsites left, and they weren’t close together. Margaery and Jeyne would be almost ten lots over. Sansa called the site with the biggest fire pit, on account of winning the first race. They split up, and agreed to meet at the beach in half an hour.

Jon got to work. By the time Sansa had unloaded half the trunk, he had the tent set up. Didn’t seem like they’d need much mosquito netting – he’d only seen a few bugs buzzing around the trees.

He unrolled the sleeping bags and placed them carefully apart inside.

Plenty of distance between them. No implication there. Which was how he wanted it. They’d been together for two months, but Jon was willing to wait two years, if that’s what it took to make Sansa comfortable.

Hell, he’d sleep outside if it made her feel better.

Sansa came over and walked around the tent. “Wow. Can I keep you?”

Jon was perplexed. “Um, yes?”

Sansa shrugged. “Just used to doing most of this myself. The set-up part.”

“Don’t you have an older brother?”

“Yep, an older brother who used every summer as an excuse to flex for the girls nearby. At least after he turned fourteen.”

“Making camp and breaking it – one of the few benefits I offer.”

Sansa kissed him on the cheek. “More than a few, Jon. I packed up the coolers. Let’s go meet Marg and Jeyne?”

Part of Jon wanted to stay at this campsite with Sansa, just the two of them. But that wasn’t why they’d come, and it wasn’t what Sansa was hoping for. So he grabbed a cooler and they made their way down to the beachfront.

The beach was flanked by two stone bluffs, set like large stepping stones all the way down to the dark blue water of the lake. There were pine trees that transitioned to oaks and beeches closer to the water’s edge.

A canoe rental shop bedecked with fake Hawaiian grass stood off to the right, and a pier jutted out behind it. An official looking green sign from the park service made it clear there was No Diving and No Fishing without a Permit.

No worries there, Jon thought, remembering how Sansa had cried when she’d talked to Rickon over the phone about Finding Nemo.

There were striped blankets up and down the sand, but Margaery spied a good spot off to the left.  Floating pool chairs dotted the lake, and some kids were playing volleyball with a net a few feet out into the water.

After a few quick minutes setting up their blankets, they took a poll and figured out canoeing was the first thing they wanted to try.

“I’ll go get the boats,” Jon said.

Sansa tugged off her sundress, leaving her wearing only her navy blue bikini with white polka dots.

Margaery whistled. “Damn, Sansa, you look good enough to eat. With that red hair, you’re like your own Fourth of July party cake.”

Sansa merely shrugged, and rummaged in her bag for the sunblock. She started pouring it on. Jon had laughed when Sansa had told him before they left that she went through a bottle a day. She’d told him it was the only way to keep skin as pale as hers from burning.

She really did have beautiful alabaster skin, and her bikini didn’t leave much of it to the imagination. Jon was having a difficult time not staring at her.

“Aren’t you going to help her, Jon?” Margaery practically purred. Sansa was applying the cream to her neck now.

Sansa went still. Fear. Jon hung back and stayed where he was.

Sansa cleared her throat. “Jeyne, can you help me?”

Jeyne was by Sansa’s side in a flash. She pulled her brown hair back in a ponytail and got to work on Sansa’s back.

“Right then.” Jon started heading down the beach.

“Hurry back, handsome prince,” Margaery hollered after him. “Three lovely ladies, all alone on the beach, without their bodyguard, who knows what we’ll get up to!” Jon saw Sansa beckon Margaery over, but the sounds of kids calling back and forth drowned out what she said.

Margaery was getting on his nerves. She seemed ready to talk about sex at every opportunity. Or at least insinuate it.

The guy at the boat shop didn’t help either. He shifted his considerable bulk to get the forms and squinted at Jon from under his ball cap.

“Just remember, two hours maximum, or I gotta fine you.”

Jon nodded.

“Hey, you with them? The three babes?”

Jon didn’t look up as he wrote.

“C’mon man, how’d you pull it off? You got one tent for all four of you?”

“I’m with her,” Jon said shortly, and shoved the clipboard back into the guy’s beefy hand. He hadn’t said Sansa’s name, hadn’t even glanced back, but the guy seemed to get the drift.

“Okay, okay, buddy, easy, one-woman man, got it, what are you gonna do, shoot me?” He ambled off to the back of the store to get the paddles and Jon thought he heard him murmur “Christ, looks like he’s gonna shoot me, anyway,” as he stacked them in his arms.

Jon waved the three of them down and soon he and Sansa were in one canoe and Margaery and Jeyne were in another.

“Race you!” Margaery shouted, as Jeyne climbed in. 

“Sansa do you–“ Jon looked  back, and saw the fire in her eyes. It momentarily overwhelmed his dizziness at the sight of her in her bikini.

Momentarily.

“She is not winning Jon. No way. I don’t care that she and Jeyne did crew in college. Let me steer. I’m the canoe racing champion of Starved Rock, Illinois. If I can beat Robb and his buddies we can beat these two.”

“Yes ma’am,” Jon said, and he was pretty sure he was grinning as widely as she was.

They made it about halfway up the lake in the canoes and back, with Sansa and Jon in the lead the whole way. Jon heard taunts from Sansa and Margaery that would have made his army friends blush.

While Sansa was still crowing, both boats hit a submerged log. There had been no hint of it before – Sansa and Jeyne were each pros at navigating around the buoys in the lake that signaled “rocks ahead.”

All four of them went over. It took a good half-hour to right the boats, track down the paddles (thankfully they’d lodged on the bank of the lake) and get everyone back in.

Jon was surprised to hear Sansa shriek as she slipped on the wet bottom of the boat and almost went over again. He caught her, holding her steady. He was very, very aware of just how much bare skin he was touching.

“All right?” There it was again, the tension in her body. He couldn’t let go, like he usually did, because he wasn’t sure if she had her footing back yet.

“I am now.” She smiled. Her red hair was dark and plastered to her skin. She leaned in to kiss him.

“Oh for god’s sake, can we go back now? There’s a whole tent for you two to make out in, you know.” Margaery and Jeyne were back in their boat. Margaery’s arms were crossed and she did not look pleased to be drenched.

Jeyne smirked, showing a little tooth for the first time that day. “Just because you couldn’t convince Oberyn to come doesn’t mean those two can’t have a little fun, Marg.”

Margaery let out something suspiciously close to a hmmph before picking up her paddle again.

By the time all four of them paddled back, the sun was pretty low in the sky. They’d been out in the boats longer than their allotted time, but Margaery told them to leave that to her.

Which still meant Sansa, Jeyne and Jon had to haul the canoes ashore. The metal was hot enough to burn his hand. He got ready to wince and bear it.

“Here.” Sansa threw him and Jeyne a towel. “Use these.”

“You are such a mama bear,” Jeyne said with affection.

They heaved and finally both boats were safely on the beach.

Jeyne brushed her hair out of her eyes and found Margaery.”Yep, I think we’re going to be fine, folks.”

Margaery was leaning over the counter of the hut. She had plenty of cleavage in her green bikini, and the guy was getting an eyeful. By the way his mouth was hanging open, Jon suspected Jeyne was right. The guy would probably hand over the keys to the store if Margaery asked.

“All set!” Margaery chirped on her way back. “I’m starving, let’s go eat.”  

They made their way back to their blankets and dried off. Jeyne brushed sand off the cooler and set out sandwiches.  She took drink orders and tossed Margaery and Sansa a beer. Jon took a water bottle and so did Jeyne.

Sansa spread out her beach towel after they were done eating. “I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m going lie here like a lump and soak up the sun.”

Margaery wiped her hands on a napkin. “C’mon, Sansa, one game first. Cards?”

“No,” Sansa said quickly, and Jon hid his smile. Sansa wasn't the best cards player.

He pulled out his own towel and lay down next to Sansa. She opened one eye to look at him.

“Hey.”

Some of her hair had pulled free from her braid and was hanging in wisps around her face. Jon could tell her freckles were more prominent even after a few hours in the sun. Jon recalled what Margaery had said. Sansa did look delectable, lying on her stomach, with just two strings holding up her bikini top.

He realized it had been a long time since she'd spoken. He blinked, and smiled at her. 

“Hey.”

“I actually am going to sleep, you know.”

“Sounds great to me.” Jon yawned. It did. He was pleasantly tired. His muscles were sore, but in the good way. With the seagulls calling overhead, he could almost pretend he was at the ocean.

Sansa reached for his hand. He took it, and soon he’d dozed off.

When the first fireworks went off, a long ways away, Sansa’s eyes flew open.

Jon had tensed. But he’d known there would be explosions like this, even in a park specifically designed to be as far away from fireworks as possible.

Sansa squeezed his hand.

“I’m fine, Sansa. I’m all right.”

And he was. He’d be jumpy, but he’d dealt with that before. The occasional, distant noise was so much better than being in the middle of a city with pyrotechnics in each backyard.

“Really?”

“Really.” He ran his thumb over the back of her hand, and soon she was asleep again.  

[queenlupitajones]

The Big Apple

They say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Now, how about if you get to have one? You’ve got to walk on it. You can actually hang with your friends on it. Do yoga, eat plenty of French Fries from a fast food chain, satisfy yourself with the lavish taste of Pizza, drown yourself with Coca-Cola , or indulge in a freshly frozen ice cream perhaps? That would be fun.

What am I talking about folks? I’m apparently in my “New York State of Mind.”

Welcome to the “Big Apple.” The City that never sleeps, I bet everyone in here are carrying with them everyday their heavy eye bags! Well, who would love to sleep early over this fascinating sight? 

Just look at that purple rich skylight, the skyscrapers, that constant beaming of incandescent firefly looking scenery. It’s heaven for sure. Let’s take a fast walk, no! not fast, but let’s take a gentle walk in this God-given paradise. But before that...

Sing with me. “Concrete jungles where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can do, now you’re in New York.” Break it down.

This is the famous Time Square, formerly Longacre Square. Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its famous moving sign, the world's first, in 1928. Long the heart of the Theater District. Times Square fell into decay during the Depression when many theaters shut down. The city cleaned up the area by inviting corporations such as Disney to move into the area. Today, Times Square has become a much safer place, day and night, with shopping, theaters and restaurants galore, not to mention its mammoth billboards. 

I would love to spent the night in this place while taking selfies and put in my blog everything in the area. 

Next stop. Brooklyn Bridge!

The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, was the world's first bridge to be constructed of steel. It spans the East River from Manhattan. The bridge is an American landmark that has inspired generations of poets, songwriters and painters. The bridge features two powerful stone towers which are connected at the top with Gothic-shaped arches. They carry four cables that cross the East River.

Just imagine me and my husband-to-be sailing in an expensive yacht, escaping the night for our honeymoon. That would be romantic. 

Broadway and the Shubert Alley. Bravo!

Taking in a Broadway show is one of the highlights of a visit to New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, it has long been world renowned for its performances. This is the place to come to see the latest shows and the long running classics. Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the theatre district and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows tickets should be purchased well in advance.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian only alley in the theater district, and home to two well known playhouses; the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert. "A Chorus Line" played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical, "Oklahoma" debuted in 1941 at the St James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant where many famous actors met and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged "The Music Box Revue" in 1921.

There’s only one thing I can say. Bravo!

This is an impeccable masterpiece. 

The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America. It was built in 1886 and remains a famous world symbol of freedom and one of the greatest American icons. It is the world's largest statue and stands just less than 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds. The statue offers a fine view of the New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. It is located on Liberty Island and a short boat ride is required to get to the statue. To see the statue from shore, Battery Park sits on the southern tip of Manhattan and affords great views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. From here visitors can catch the ferry to the statue and Ellis Island.

I would definitely dare to rappel up to its torch and ride a zipline down to the Empire State Building. 

Speaking of the Empire State Building. There she is, standing loud and proud.

The Empire State Building is New York's most famous landmark. The 381 m tall, 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931. There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building. The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is reached by high speed, automatic elevators, and has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building. The 102nd Floor Observatory stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. On clear days visitors can see for distances up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as New York.

Hopefully soon, when I become famous, I’ll project my face in that colossal beast. Fingers crossed.

“Are there piranhas in that lake? Of course there isn’t.” It’s just a park. 

Central Park is the playground of New Yorker's. This huge park in the city center is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful city and not simply a concrete jungle. The park has many attractions within its borders and has been featured in countless TV shows and movies. Some of the places of note within this green space that visitors will probably be familiar with are Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake, which is used for skating in winter, and paddling in summer.

Call the squad for another Summer goal! 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or "The Met" as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870.

The permanent collection at the Met contains over 2 million works of art. Highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, and photographs, along with much more. The Cloisters in northern Manhattan is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which focuses on the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

So, this is where the popular “Met Gala” is held. I’m going to invite myself, maybe 10 years from now? 

Ni hao! Who says New Yorkers don’t have their own China Town? 

New York's Chinatown has become a center for Chinese restaurants, antique and craft shops, temples, and festivals. This densely packed area is always a lively and colorful spot in the city, and a prominent tourist attraction. The streets are generally crowded with people and, where space allows, outdoor stalls with fruits and other goods. The biggest festival is Chinese New Year which takes place sometime in February each year.

Even in New York, there is still “Made in China.”

“Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely is your branches.”

Rockefeller Center is a vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan, and home to NBC-TV and radio and other media. There is an outdoor skating rink which is incredibly popular in winter. At Christmas a huge tree stands out front. Inside are shops, restaurants, and an observation deck. In front of the International Building is a famous sculpture of Atlas. The centerpiece is the 70-storey RCA Building, a slender, towering structure that offers views of midtown Manhattan. If you are looking for a place to see the city skyline, try the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.The "deck" includes three floors, located on 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. There are both indoor and outdoor viewing spaces, which are open to the public day and night.

A perfect spot to watch fire works display. I’m loving it. 

Books. Books. Books. I’m going to worm myself out from this elegant and gold-looking library. 

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years. Visitors may even feel a sense of familiarity upon entering. Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A Schwartzman building. It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast to say the least.

Book worms. Attack!

Anyone who needs serenity? Torn between evil and good? Here’s your chance to take yourself into deep meditation at the heart of New York. 

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors (weighing 20,000 lb each), white marble facade, 330 ft spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With more than 5.5 million visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike. The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence.

My dream wedding should be here. Maybe, if I find that deserving special someone. 

“These trees will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you, now you’re in New York, New York, New York...”

Indeed, New York is a majestic place to visit, and I believe it is everybody’s American dream. Just imagine yourself enjoying all those beautiful creation? Magnificent right? 

And now that I have toured you around the place where I wanted to spend my life with and feel in love, I hope you’ll get the inspiration to travel it with me. One last question, can you be my travel buddy?

[thedanielgraf-blog]

What a Second Week

Sunday, 11. June 2017

Hey all, It’s been a week since I’ve last written anything, so let me catch you up on the busy time which was last week.

So first, Gus and Nirjhar finally arrived! We met up on Monday at the Rock Island Café (I had pizza, and while it’s no Pizza Italia, it was pretty excellent. 3.5/5) and we caught up a bit. They’re definitely dealing with jetlag better than I did, considering we met up around 8:30 and my first night I crashed around 5. I’m really happy that they’re here though, because now there are people who I know will be up to go on adventures.

Next, my birthday was on Wednesday! So I’m officially 22 (even though technically I wasn’t 22 until 11am on Thursday). The people at the office were all really nice and got ice cream to celebrate, despite me only being here for a week and a half. It definitely started to make adjusting easier.

Then on Friday, Prof. Mertz arrived in Koror at the MoE (so many Carnegie Mellons (the name I just came up with for people from CMU) arriving in Palau this week!) We met up and talked about my Teacher Evaluation project (which I’ll describe more at some point but today is not that day.) It was extremely helpful to be able to talk through the problem that the MoE is currently facing.

Later on Friday, we all met up at the Night Market, a market that is put up every other Friday (each payday in Palau) and there are a bunch of vendors selling food and trinkets while there are performers on stage and it’s just a wonderful experience to take in. Later that night, Gus and I visited a restaurant called The Taj, which at night turns into a nightclub with live music and dancing which was cool to see. The performers that night were a guy and a girl who were just casually singing covers of popular music and they were actually very, very good!

The next day, Prof. Mertz, Gus, and I all went to this place called Sam’s Diving and we rented out kayaks and goggles with snorkels and we just went out into the ocean, paddling around the Rock Islands for five or six hours and it was simply amazing. One of our first stops was a place that they called “Jellyfish Pond” (not the famous Jellyfish Lake, which is currently closed). Gus and I snorkeled around in here and I saw one little baby Jellyfish. It appeared right underneath me out of nowhere and it kind of freaked me out, but afterwards, just looking at it, it was pretty darn cute. It was clear and about the size of a small apple with really short fuzzy legs. Apparently Gus saw more, but I’m content with the one that I did see. Then we went on to snorkel around a boat that was just floating around, and then we paddled around the islands that were on our map. On the way back though, we saw an old cannon (from WW2) and Manta Rays, which I have only ever seen in videos. They are majestically odd creatures. I mean, they’re essentially just little flaps that flow in a way that allows them to swim and it was just equally cool and weird to look at. This was a highlight of my experience and was definitely worth the slight sunburn that I got. To quote Gus, “It’s exactly like they make it seem in commercials.”

Lastly on Sunday, we all drove out to Ngeremlengui and got to experience what was described to us as the “anniversary” of one of my coworker’s father, which actually marked 10 years since his passing away. But it wasn’t a sad occasion, but the celebration of his life and everything that he did. It was so cool to just talk to everyone, hear their stories and views on life, and just experience the feeling of a true community that comes together. This was also a great place to take pictures of people and the scenery and the famous fiber-optic cable that is coming to Palau (the internet is only allowing me post a certain amount of photos, but I’m trying my best)

Well, like I said, that was a lot and I didn’t go into nearly as much detail as I could have, but I definitely don’t want to overwhelm you with too much Palauan awesomeness. Every day this trip gets better and better, and I can’t wait to see what the next 8 weeks will hold. See you next time!

[howaboutarainbowcaravan]

A crossover fanfic!

It’s the 13th of October 2027, exactly 9 years from now. We’ve been dating for almost ten years. You wake up from your afternoon nap and you are surprised to see that I am not lying beside you. You must have been in a deep sleep to not notice me leaving.

“Where are you?” you text me, after walking around our flat and failing to find me.

“Sorry!” I text back. “I’ll be home soon. Was just preparing something to show you.”

“Not another tattoo, I hope,” you reply.

I don’t answer, which causes you some concern and you begin to wonder what new tattoo I could have.

You water the pots of flowers on the window sill while you wait for me to get back. There are flowers of every colour of the rainbow (except orange).

Our dog, Sauerkraut, races to the door as she hears me walking up the front steps. I enter and bend down to pat her. You are surprised to notice sawdust coating my clothing.

“What’s on your flannel?” you ask.

I look down and start brushing the dust off. “Ah, it’s just from work.”

“Work? You’re Our Gracious Leader’s personal bodyguard. What did she make you do, roll in the dirt?” You try to hide the fact that the idea of rolling in dirt excites you.

“No, not that work. You know I don’t work on Wednesdays. I’m talking about… another kind of work.”

You raise your eyebrows, puzzled.

“It’s a surprise I’ve been working on,” I elaborate. “I was aiming to have it finished by next month… but I guess I finished early.”

“What kind of surprise?”

I smile. “I’ll show you.”

I take your hand and lead you to the car. I drive us far away until we reach a dock.

“Ready for a boat ride?” I ask.

You look unsure, but follow me into the boat. My huge biceps bulge as I row us across the water to an island. Every time a fish approaches the boat, I gently knock it with the paddle so it swims away and doesn’t get too close to you.

You get out of the boat and look up to see a house- but not a normal house. This one has turrets. It’s like an aesthetically-pleasing cross between a house and a castle.

“I’ve been spending some time each week building it,” I explain. I give you a tour. I am particularly excited to show you the room I’ve built especially for our twelve dogs.

“But we only have one dog,” you point out.

“...Not anymore,” I reveal. I whistle and suddenly we are surrounded by eleven dogs of many shapes and sizes. They are all super friendly.

Finally, we reach the dining room. It is lit by candles and has a stained glass window feature.

“I made Mac’n’cheese for dinner,” I admit. “Take a seat and I’ll grab it.”

You wait at the table while I disappear into the kitchen. You take a few moments to look at the stained glass window properly. There are colourful shapes of flowers, and you realise they match the colours of our potted flowers at home.

Then, all of a sudden, the window is shattered as something - someone - smashes through. You leap to your feet and step away from the window.

The intruder straightens up, and with horror you notice that their eyes are completely black.

I reappear a moment later and observe the scene.

“Babe, get back!” I yell, as the black-eyed figure steps forward. “It’s a demon!”

I run to stand between you and the demon.

“Will, no!” you cry.

I turn to you and hold your face in my hands. “You need to get out of here.” I pull off my flannel to reveal the white singlet underneath- and the tattoo on my shoulder. “I can’t get possessed by demons, but you can. If they possess you, they could hurt you... or worse. Leave this to me.”

You back away to the doorway, but don’t go any further. I reach under the dining table and pull out a sword from a secret drawer.

I face the demon. “What do you want?”

“There is a dog in this house that my master desires,” answers the demon in a husky voice.

“Who is your master?” I demand. “And what does he want with a dog?”

“My master is the King of Hell. He seeks a dog that was the offspring of a hellhound and a common dog, as he wishes to reclaim it as his own for his kingdom.”

“All of those dogs were rescue dogs,” I retort. “Whatever owners they had before have given them up, and I have offered them a better life. I will never let anything bad happen to them ever again.”

“If you stand in my way, I will kill you,” threatens the demon, drawing a knife.

There is the sound of raised voices from outside, which momentarily distracts the demon.

I step towards the demon with my sword at the ready. “Then kill me. I’d like to see you try.”

The demon lunges towards me, but I block its blows with my sword.

“You fool!” hisses the demon. “Your blade cannot hurt me.”

I laugh, and then knock its knife out of its hand. Then I kick it in the stomach and it staggers backwards. Moments later, my sword is resting against its throat.

“This isn’t any normal sword,” I say. “It’s forged from melted-down angel blades. Perfect for killing demons.”

The demon’s expression turns to one of shock. Then, instead of killing it, I ram the hilt of the sword into its head and the demon falls to the ground, unconscious.

“Have you got your phone on you?” I ask you.

“Uhh… yeah.”

“Can you look up the words for an exorcism please? It’ll be in Latin.”

You’re a little overwhelmed by everything that has happened, but you take out your phone.

Suddenly, something hammers on the front door. You recall the sound of raised voices from moments before.

“Wait here,” I instruct, heading for the door.

“No, I’m coming with you,” you say, reaching my side.

However, neither of us reach the door. It is kicked down very loudly and two men rush inside, pointing guns at us.

I reach one arm out to protect you, and hold out the sword with the other.

“What the-...” exclaims Sam Winchester.

“Don’t shoot!” I say. “We’re not demons.”

“You’ll have to prove that,” growls Dean, taking a flask from his duffel back and tossing it to you. “Drink up.”

“I’m not drinking this,” you protest.

“It’s fine,” I assure you. “It’s just water. Here, I’ll go first.” I take a swig of the holy water, and you follow suit. I turn to Sam and Dean. “Happy?”

Dean smiles. “Cool sword, man.”

“Thanks. By the way, I’m Will and this is Bronte.”

“Dean and Sam,” responds Dean. “You realise there is a pack of demons about to storm this place?”

“We just dealt with one,” I explain. “We were gonna exorcise it.”

Sam and Dean exchange worried glances.

Sam says, “This place is going to be overrun soon. I’m afraid there won’t be time for exorcisms. We picked up on demon activity in this area and came as soon as we could. Had to borrow a motorboat. The question is, what do they want?”

“They want one of our dogs,” you say.

“Your dog?” frowns Dean. Why?”

“Apparently it’s part-hellhound, and the King of Hell wants it back,” I answer.

Dean raises his arms in a confused gesture. “Well… it’s just a dog, right? Maybe you should hand it over? That’s probably the safest option.”

“No way,” I argue. “It’s my duty to look after my dogs. If the King of Hell takes one, who knows what kind of mistreatment it could suffer? And who knows how it could be manipulated and used for evil?”

“He’s got a point,” admits Sam. “The dog could become a weapon if used by the demons. Giving it up would be giving them an advantage.”

“I promised all of my dogs a safe home,” I continue. Then I turn to you. “I also promised you a safe home. And at the moment, the safest option is probably giving up the dog. At least then the demons might leave us alone. What do you think?”

Knowing that I would never willingly abandon a dog in need, you tell me we should at least try and save the dog.

“That’s decided then,” I say. “We’re defending our home and all of our dogs, hellhound or not.”

I go off with Sam to check on the dogs while you and Dean keep an eye out for demons.

“Have you got any salt?” asks Dean. “If we make a salt line at all the doors and windows, it should help keep the demons out.”

“I don’t know,” you confess. “I don’t actually live here. But I’ll take a look in the kitchen.”

You open up a kitchen cupboard and find a huge sack of salt. I was obviously prepared for all kinds of disasters.

“If you don’t live here, what are you doing here?” questions Dean, helping you pour salt over all the entrances.

“Will just finished building this place,” you explain. “But we haven’t moved in yet. He was just showing it to me for the first time tonight.”

“He built it? That’s real sweet. I wish my husband would build me a mini castle. Instead he spends all his time keeping bees and contemplating the meaning of justice.”

“Oh, Will isn’t my husband,” you tell Dean.

“Really? But you two are together, right?”

“Yes, we’ve been together almost ten years.”

Dean whistles in admiration. “Nice one. Me and Cas are nearing ten as well, but we’ve known each other for twenty. Hold up.” He raises a hand in warning.

You follow his gaze and see what he has spotted: a shadow gliding down the hallway.

Dean readies his rifle.

“Are there any more entrances?” he whispers to you.

“I honestly have no idea!” you whisper back.

Seconds later, another demon springs into the room. Dean shoots it with rock-salt.

“That won’t stop it for long,” says Dean. “We should find the others. Which way to the dog room?”

In the dog room, Sam and I are gathering the dogs together and trying to keep them calm. Unfortunately, the presence of a new person is making them very excited, and the addition of you and Dean to the group doesn’t help. There are dogs everywhere, licking, wagging their tails, demanding attention.

“Quick, we’d better make another salt line,” instructs Dean, beginning to pour salt around the perimeter of the room.

You look at each of the dogs, trying to perceive which one of them might be part “hellhound”. They all look pretty normal to you. None of them seem like the spawn of evil.

All of a sudden, you get the strong feeling that you are being watched. You look up and see multiple demons, standing in the two doorways on the other side of the salt line. They are all pouting, displeased at their inability to cross into the room.

“Ah, the Winchesters,” muses one. “You have to show up everywhere uninvited, don’t you?”

“I don’t remember sending you an invitation, either,” I rebuke, staring at the demon pointedly.

“Hello, boys.” A crisp, English accent pierces the air.

You turn to face the other doorway and see a somewhat short man wearing a suit and long black coat.

His eyes scan the room and then fix on you. “And girl,” he corrects himself. His gaze makes you shiver.

“C-Crowley?” murmurs Dean. “But… you’re dead.”

The man - Crowley - shrugs. “That hasn’t stopped you before. And you’re just a human. I, however, am the King of Hell.”

“It’s been over ten years since we last saw you alive,” says Sam.

“And, if I remember correctly, I do believe I sacrificed myself to save you both from Lucifer,” says Crowley with a smirk. “You might even go so far as to say… you owe me one.”

Dean and Sam exchange hesitant glances.

I shake my head. “If you want the dog, Crowley, you can’t have it. Sam and Dean might owe you, or they might not… but it’s not their dog.”

Crowley turns his attention to me. “Will, isn’t it? And I take it the beautiful woman is your girlfriend. Tell me, are you really valuing the life of one mutt over hers?”

I brandish my sword. “Come near her and I’ll kill you.”

Crowley chuckles. “You know I don’t have to be near her. All it takes is a snap of my fingers.” He begins the snapping gesture, but stops. We all know it won’t work while the salt line is protecting us.

“So what’s it going to be?” asks Crowley. “You can hand over the dog and we’ll all go home and you can continue living your lives in this lovely castle. Or you can refuse, and I will take the dog by force and possibly obliterate a few of you in the process.”

“We’ve already told you no,” grunts Sam.

Crowley shakes his head in disbelief. “So be it.” He takes a small metal tube from his jacket pocket.

“What’s that?” asks Dean with a frown.

“Demonic dog-whistle,” replies Crowley. “Only works on hellhounds.” He raises the whistle to his lips.

Sam glances around urgently, trying to formulate a solution… “Don’t let any of the dogs out of the salt circle!”

But it’s too late - Crowley blows into the metal tube, and one of the dogs - a small fluffy one, to your surprise - bolts across the room. In the process, its paws scatter the salt line - leaving  a slight opening.

Crowley picks up the dog and then steps past the broken salt line. Sam begins to fire his gun, but Crowley uses his demonic power to toss Sam through the air and across the room.

The other demons begin to enter the room as well. They are smirking with evil glee.

You notice that I am looking very worried. But then you remember that I am the personal bodyguard of the most powerful woman in the country, so I can probably handle this situation easily. Plus, I have a sword.

But your confidence in me begins to fail as a demon uses their power to send me flying through the air. You rush to my side as Dean fires several rounds of rock-salt at the approaching enemies.

“Are you okay?” you check, as I slowly sit up.

“Yeah,” I respond. “I’m sorry. I should have just let them take the dog. Then none of this would have happened. Bronte, I’m so sorry…”

You shake your head. “It’s okay. It’s all gonna be…” You are interrupted by the sound of Dean choking and gasping for air. A demon’s hand is clasped around his throat.

Sam leaps up and tackles the demon off him.

You notice that the demon I knocked out earlier has recovered and is now entering the fray. Seeing it again triggers an idea.

“Will, can you help make a salt circle around me?” you ask.

“Of course,” I say, pulling the sack of salt towards us. I start pouring it out. I suddenly feel a great force lifting me up, and I realise a demon is using its powers to toss me around again. Thankfully, I have enough sense to drop the salt bag before I go hurtling into a wall.

You complete the salt circle around you and take out your phone. Yes - the tab is still open from when you looked up the exorcism incantation. You attempt to pronounce the Latin words.

After a few moments, the demons notice what you are doing. Sam and Dean take advantage of the distraction to gain the upper hand and defeat a couple.

I get to my feet and see that Crowley is weighing up whether to stay and fight or vanish away. Just as he makes the decision to leave, I grab him from behind and hold my sword up to his throat.

“Not so fast.”

“Ah! Will. Thanks for your hospitality, it really is a lovely home you’ve built here,” he says casually, pretending he isn’t scared.

“Yes, it is lovely,” I affirm. “Especially because I live here with my girlfriend and twelve dogs.”

Crowley gets the message and begins to lower the dog onto the ground.

Sam and Dean take out another demon, while a couple more flee as you have almost finished reading out the exorcism.

“You, uh, will let me go now, right?” Crowley asks me, glancing over at you nervously.

“Maybe. If you promise to leave us and our dogs alone. Forever.”

“Now, uh, I don’t know that…” he stammers.

I press the blade closer to his throat. You are up to the final sentence of the exorcism. He begins to tremor.

“Okay! Okay.” He gives in. I step back and he vanishes into thin air.

You finish the exorcism, and the few remaining demons in the room are purged from their vessels.

“We did it!” I cheer. Everyone lets out a sigh of relief.

“We can help you ward this place against demons properly,” offers Sam later.

“That would be great, thanks,” I reply.

Dean is lying on the floor, rolling around with the dogs. “I am so glad you didn’t give any of these up for Crowley. What’s… what’s this little guy’s name?”

“They don’t actually have names yet,” you explain.

“Is that so?” asks Dean, cradling a puppy in his arms. “Maybe you could name this one ‘Dean’.”

“Sorry,” I apologise. “That name’s banned.” I look just as sad about it as he does.