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polandspringz · 3 years ago

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A collection of one-shot stories focused around the people of Teyvat trying to understand their new friend. Each chapter will be different, so check titles, summaries, and notes for each. I don't know how long this will be, but I've had a few ideas floating in my head for a while to write for Genshin, so for convenience sake I figured I would compile them all into one piece in the archive. Most of these stories will be focused on the relationships between the Traveler and one or two other characters, sometimes playing around with how game mechanics could fit into the world of Teyvat realistically. I hope you enjoy!

Story 1 Summary: Jean confronts the Traveler about some complaints they've been getting from the people of Mondstadt.

Tumblr version of the story under read-more as well!

“Honorary Knight,” Jean called out, “Do you have time to spare? I wanted to… talk to you about something?”

The Traveler paused and turned towards Jean, nodding silently. Paimon was with them; they had been stopped in the middle of the city’s market plaza, finishing up a supply run between updating commissions and handing in bounties. The Acting Grandmaster looked nervous, for the few months the Traveler had known her, she had always seemed awkward and insecure when it came to social interactions, but perhaps that was just with them. The Traveler wasn’t the most talkative, and Paimon reminded them constantly that their blank stare always messed up their first impressions (“Seriously, what would you do without Paimon?!”).

Jean walked up to them, one hand pressed against her chest as her boots clicked along the cobblestone. “Good. I’m sorry for this, but could you come to the Knights’ Headquarters with me? I think it’s best we speak about this alone.”

“Someone has filed a complaint against the Traveler?!” Paimon squeaked. They were seated in Jean’s office, and somehow her floating body jumped another foot in the air when she became angry, “Who would do such a thing? Geez, you would think the people of Mondstadt would be thankful after everything we’ve done for them!”

“Everything I’ve done, Paimon,” The Traveler quipped, their lips curving into the slightest smile that those who didn’t know them would blink and miss it, “You just tag along and eat my food.”

“That’s not true and you know it! Paimon has helped you out so much-”

“Ahem,” Jean cleared her throat, “I’m sorry, but I’d like to continue, if that’s alright. I wasn’t sure how to approach this with you, I was worried that you would be upset…”

The Traveler leaned forward, pressing their palms against their thighs as they did, the picture of calm as they spoke, “I’m not upset.”

“Well, Paimon is! How dare they?!”

They now understand why Jean had been so hesitant when she called out to them before. Even now, although she had a bit more confidence seated behind her desk, she averted her eyes and seemed to study the stack of books piled up on the corner of the wood, “I still am not well versed in the customs of this world. If I offended someone, I would like to know why in order to correct it.”

That seemed to get Jean to smile. Albeit, it was still a nervous one, but a smile nonetheless. “Well, I’m glad to hear you’re not upset, but perhaps I phrased it wrong. It wasn’t necessarily a complaint but… several concerns were raised to me by Mondstadt citizens.”

“Several people complained?!”

“Paimon, calm down. Jean,” The Traveler nodded for her to continue, “What was it about?”

She scratched her cheek and laughed airly, “Well… I received word that you were caught scaling rooftops and collecting… mushrooms?”

“Honorary Knight, please wait!”

Jean shouted, her hand outstretched towards the tails of the Traveler’s scarf as they darted down the steps of the Knights’. They bolted out of the office suddenly, the only clue that her and Paimon had to go on was the way the Traveler’s eyes widened before they leapt out of their seat. Paimon was hurriedly flying behind them, the constellation-like fairy dust she shed buffeted Jean as it fell into the wind. Athos and Porthos stumbled as the doors flew open, taking a second before they started to move, asking in confusion if Jean needed help apprehending them.

“No! It’s alright! I’ll- I’ll handle it!” She placated, throwing a wave up as she continued to run after.

The Traveler circled the stone wall as they climbed the steps towards the Archon Statue, Paimon and Jean’s voices tuned out to their ears as they hurried ahead. They had been so busy with commissions they had forgotten… They had spent days collecting everything but they had gotten distracted… They needed to hurry-

“Paimon! Do you have any idea why they’re running away?” Jean said as she caught up to the pixie.

“Paimon doesn’t know! It might be about the mushrooms though!”

“Do you know why they were collecting them?”

“Not a clue! Paimon followed them when they were doing it a few times, but they never answered Paimon’s questions about why either!”

“That’s… strange,” Jean’s eyes narrowed as she watched the Traveler push through the crowds of the upper plaza, running straight towards the cathedral doors. Jean hadn’t expected things to end up like this at all. She had nothing but trust in the Honorary Knight, and while most of the questions raised to her about their activities had been just confusion, there were a few citizens- those who Jean normally categorized as easily paranoid or held biases towards outsiders and outlanders- who had voiced their concerns with suggestions of more dubious things. Jean had dismissed them, but as she watched the Cathedral doors fly open, thought of the way the Traveler had just fled when questioned, thoughts of her sister being just inside those doors, she pressed her lips into a thin line and steadied herself before she threw out her hand with an order-

“Aramis! Otto!” Both patrolling knights snapped to attention, “Catch the Honorary Knight!”

The heavy doors to the Cathedral were slammed open with a gust of Anemo power, and all eyes turned to the entrance. Hymns and the organ playing stopped, a melody of silence that made way for the Traveler’s footfalls as they pounded across the mosaic tile, racing up towards the Deaconess standing on the stairs to the mezzanine. Barbara’s hands jumped to the banister, ready to help in case of an emergency, but then she saw Aramis and Otto rushing in with weapons drawn, shouting for the Traveler to stop, and her sister right behind with her hand on the hilt of her own sword-

“H-honorary Knight!” Barbara regretted how her voice broke as she called out. As the Traveler got closer, she moved away from the base of the stairs, stopping at the top in front of the organ pipes with one of the columns acting as a defense should she need to jump behind it, “What’s the matter?”

The Traveler slowed to a stop in front of the door to the Basement. Barbara’s hands jumped to the catalyst book on her hip. They had returned the Holy Lyre der Himmel before and apologized for taking it, but was there a chance they would steal it again? Or something else? Why else were her sister and the Knights rushing in so desperately?

“Barbara,” The Traveler gasped as they looked up at the Deaconess. Their shoulders rose and fell as they breathed for just a moment before they froze when two swords crossed in front of them, stalling them back when they took a step towards the stairs.

“Stand down, Honorary Knight,” Aramis said, his voice stern, but the conflict evident as he said their title. What else was he supposed to call them in a moment like this? He looked to Otto who was just as lost. Paimon’s body did a somersault as she came to a sudden stop, her hands flailing when she saw the swords. Now only Jean’s heels could be heard clattering upon the floor as she ran to catch up with everyone, not having the time to throw reassurances at the startled church-goers standing in their pews.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Paimon put her hands on her hips, “We may have been a bit shady, but that’s no reason to draw swords on us!”

“No one is drawing a sword on you, Paimon,” Jean said, keeping her hand on her sheath as she rounded around the group, standing in front of the basement door and between Barbara and the Traveler, “It was just a precaution.”

“Sister, what’s going on?”

“Honorary Knight,” she raised her chin and looked down at them slightly, her eyes narrowed into an expression more befitting of the Acting Grandmaster, “I’m sorry, but you gave us quite a scare fleeing like that. I hope you know I don’t suspect you of any ill will, but you acted strangely and I was… concerned. Please, can we finish our questioning?”

The Traveler did not smile or frown, something that unnerved Jean even as she tried to keep her tone even and polite. Her facade slipped as they began to move, their expression neutral and their eyes hidden as they shut for a moment as they reached for their bag. Jean quickly drew her sword, Aramis and Otto flinched, theirs scraping against the other’s as they followed the Traveler’s movements. They did not appear to be drawing a sword, but…

From the satchel the Traveler withdrew several Philanemo Mushrooms- the items in question. Jean’s face fell in confusion when she saw them tied into bunches, and she became even more confused when the Traveler withdrew other items from the bag- and raised them up towards Barbara. There was a scroll, a set of vials filled with some swirling liquid- it almost looked like living water- and a small, sheer bag full of blue crystal shards.

“Are those… for me?” Barbara asked, stepping out from behind the column and towards the edge of the mezzanine. The Traveler nodded.

“What… what are they?” Jean faltered, slowly lowering her weapon, “Why did you answer my question before?”

“Hold on, Sister,” Jean could not see over her shoulder, but she heard Barbara’s heels moving back, then clicking together as her feet skipped past one another and moved to echo along the stairs, “Let me get a closer look.”

“Barbara, wait! It could be dangerous, the Honorary Knight fled when I asked and-”

Jean was forced into sheathing her sword when Barbara cut in front of her, and Aramis and Otto pulled their swords away as well when the Deaconess stepped closer. The Traveler lowered their arms as Barbara came down, handing the items off when the young woman whispered, “Let me see, please?”

She looked over the scroll before handing it back, and then poured out the gems in her hand and counted them alongside examining the vials. After a moment, her eyes lit up.

“Just as I thought! These are for an Ascension Ritual, aren’t they?”

The Traveler nodded.

“An Ascension Ritual? Then why didn’t you say so?” Jean sighed, motioning for Aramis and Otto to sheath their weapons finally. Jean pressed her face into one of her hands and shook her head, “You scared me for a minute when you ran out like that…”

“False alarm everyone!” Barbara sing-songed to the rest of the Cathedral, “Please return to your worship! We’ll get that hymn started up again in a few minutes.”

There was a murmur amongst the visitors who seemed unconvinced but relieved that it was nothing serious. Barbara’s eyes went to one of the children, Lily, who was sitting with her father near the back. She would have to make sure the girl wasn’t too frightened by what happened later, maybe she would sing a special song to help cheer the girl up if needed.

“Geez! Why didn’t you tell Paimon they were for an Ascension Ritual either?! This whole mess could have been avoided if you just talked more!”

“Honorary Knight, why did you run away when I asked you before? You made me worried that you might have been up to something nefarious.”

“Sister, how could the Honorary Knight ever do anything nefarious! They’re the Honorary Knight of Mondstadt for a reason,” Barbara said, the crystals clinking together in her hand, reminding her that she still had them, “Oh! I’m sorry, let me give these back to you-”

“No,” The Traveler pushed Barbara’s hand back towards her, handing off the rest of the materials to her as well, “For you.”

“W-what?”

“I… collected them for you. They’re what you need for your ascension ritual, right? Four vials of cleansing heart, sealed scrolls, Varunda Lazurite fragments and…”

“And Philanemo Mushrooms,” Jean finished.

“I was supposed to give them to you a few days ago, but forgot. When Jean asked me about them before… I suddenly remembered. That’s why I ran here as soon as possible.”

“Couldn’t you have waited until after you explained it all to Grandmaster Jean and avoided this whole mess?” Paimon complained. The Traveler shook their head.

“I didn’t want to forget again. And… I wanted Barbara to join us again as soon as possible.”

“Wait a moment! Honorary Knight, did you get all these things for me because you wanted me to get stronger?” Her hand fell to her side, “I’m sorry if last time I joined you, I was too weak…”

Seeing Barbara’s forlorn expression, the Traveler shook their head.

“You… got hurt last time you were with me. I felt bad so… It’s not that I want you to get stronger, but that I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Oh?” The Deaconess lifted her head and smiled a bit at that.

The Traveler continued, forcing the rest of the words out, “I know you are busy with your duties here, but I like having you travel with me. I might be going to Liyue soon, and was hoping that maybe you could accompany me for part of the journey there…?”

Barbara reached out, and placed a hand on their shoulder, the corners of her eyes smiling as well this time, “Of course, I would love to. Let me just put these in my office for now,” she said, lifting her hand full of the materials, “I will have to do the Ascension Ritual later tonight after worship hours are over. If you would like to join me for it, you are more than welcome to. When are you setting out for Liyue?”

“By next week.”

“Alright then. Thank you for this, Honorary Knight,” Barbara said, pulling them into a hug, “I’ll get everything in order so I can travel with you again.”

The Traveler reached up and fisted their hand in the fabric of Barbara’s dress, along the small of her back, returning the hug.

“Maybe you can help them work on their communication skills when you travel with them this time,” Paimon crossed her arms and sighed, meeting the eyes of Jean, who could only huff out a sigh of relief while her mind began to process of checking off the list of worries that would soon form when her sister got ready to set out on the road.

#genshin impact #barbara gunnhildr #jean gunnhildr #traveler #lumine #aether #paimon #my writing #writing

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sweeethinny · 4 years ago

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The Duke - Chapter 7

I know it took me a while to update, really, sorry, but it was because it was difficult to organize this chapter as I wanted. thank you so much for the comments, as always, is what motivates me to write I promise to take less this time

I hope you like it <3

AO3 | FF.NET | SIYE

read bellow the cut :)

| G.W |

‘‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this anxious.’’ Ginny comments, watching Henry move his wand and stack her suitcase with the others who are concentrated by the fireplace. ‘’I’ve never gone this far. You know, when I was little, I climbed the trees and dreamed of the day that I could go as far as I wanted.’’ She smiles from ear to ear, anxiously walking around the room, her dark green dress still a little wrinkled. She didn't even want help getting ready, she tied her hair with magic and tied the bodice as she could.

‘’I’m glad you managed to convince them, Miss.’’ Henry smiles at her, wearing the black uniform and maintaining the most serious tone he can, even though he also looks excited. ‘’I’ve never gone this far, either.’’

‘’We still have hours, hours, until we go.’’ Ginny watched the auror, a smile on her lips taking over her freckled face. ‘’We could fly! If my father agreed to take me to the Dueling Ball, then I can fly!’’ She comments as if she were a ten year old child asking for the cookie that is in the jar on top of the cupboard.

‘‘Sorry, Miss, but the shed is still locked.’’ Henry smiled awkwardly, shrugging. ‘’But we can go to the greenhouse, we haven’t been there in a while.’’

‘‘I don’t want to go to the greenhouse.’’ Ginny sat down on the mustard-yellow armchair that her mother insisted on keeping in the living room, even though it didn't match the rest of the decor. ‘’Can we do something else? Can we go to the city?’’ She didn’t even like going to the city, but if it meant leaving home, she would be accepting. Ginny just wanted time to pass as quickly as possible. ‘’Can we do anything? I just don’t want to sit.’’

‘’Your mom asked you to train the dance.‘’

‘’Nooo,’’ She stood up, approaching Henry and looking him deep in the emerald green eyes, she could almost see the reflection of herself in his round glasses. ''Let's do something fun ... You can take me somewhere fun, can't you?'' Henry sighed, looking quickly at the bags on the floor, then at the clock where he pointed out that everyone - apart from Ginny - was out of the house, and finally for her.

‘’We have to go back before everyone else,’’ Her eyes widened as she jumped in place and smiled like she hasn't smiled in days, locked up inside the house. ''And you must promise me that you will obey me.'' Ginny laughed, throwing her arms around Henry as if it were the most natural thing, hugging him tightly and feeling his chest tighten with intimate contact. He had never even touched her shoulders.

‘‘I promise.’’ Ginny stood on tiptoe, fearless enough to kiss him on the cheek flushed with shame. ‘’I’m going to get my hat!’’ And then she leapt out of the room, running up the stairs like a child who had won the cookie, almost screaming with joy.

It has been a difficult few days, locked up at home and barely able to go to the garden itself, without being escorted by Henry or one of her brothers. Her name had returned to the tabloids, but now, they said it was all a lie on the part of her family, to create fame. They went so far as to accuse her of being psychotic mad, and that respectable ladies should stay away from her. Some women even removed her mother's name from their guest lists for afternoon tea.

Ginny still didn't know how the family was still invited to the Dueling Party, but something told her that Mrs. Potter understood what it was like to have her name in the tabloids with several lies made up about her.

She also didn't know why she was so excited. Something inside her made her think that the party could be good after all, living a week in a completely different house and with new places to explore. If no one danced with her, at least she would have new gardens and new libraries to visit.

Putting on her hat and gloves, not even bothering to look in the mirror to check her clothes or put on more perfume, just running down the stairs again, almost tripping over her dress, but being held tightly by Henry, who was waiting patiently for her.

‘’Calm, Miss.’’ He smiled, and something inside Ginny burned and trembled, like that night when she dreamed that he kissed her. ‘’If you get hurt, you won’t be able to travel or go out to the city. ’’

‘‘I’m sorry, I’m looking forward to it.’’ She running her hand over her dress and waiting for him to give the orders to know where they would go. ‘’Should I get my cape?’’

‘’Of course, we don’t want anyone to recognize you, and there are always eyes everywhere.’’ Ginny didn’t think his over-care was stupid, not after the attack and having spent days locked up Ginny would even put on a wig if that meant leaving the house and seeing daylight, smelling new smells and seeing people besides her family.

[...]

‘’This is incredible.’’ She smiled, almost standing up so she could see even more of that man sitting on the stage below, concentrating on playing the piano, while ten women wearing white and black clothes, danced perfectly and synchronously around. They stood on tiptoe, rolled, jumped, and never seemed to lose their balance, always in the rhythm of the music.

That was their first stop, at least that's what Henry said. They Apparated into the middle of Muggle London, which Ginny had seen less than twice in her life, and then rode in a carriage to that huge building from which very loud classical music came, and some people entered. There were several columns, a huge staircase - the biggest one Ginny had ever seen - and several pictures that didn't move, scattered all over the place.

No one looked at her, except for the man in the suit at the door, no one even seemed to pay attention to her, which was a divine sensation, to say the least.

Henry managed to get them up to the top floor, entering a mezzanine that had the walls covered in a wine red velvet that reminded her a lot of the color of the dress that Fleur wore at one of the balls she went to, and that the wizarding world spent weeks talking about every little detail of the piece and how the woman was one of the most beautiful in the night. There were chairs, too, and a parapet that kept them from falling over to where the dancers and the man playing the piano were.

‘’What’s the name of that?’’ She whispered, unable to take her eyes off how the skirts of those women were static and round, and how they tiptoed with frightening ease.

''Ballet. It's just a rehearsal, the presentation is always done at night... They are rehearsing Romeo and Juliet.'' Ginny almost couldn't resist the temptation to look away from the women when she felt his hand next to hers on the arms of the chair, but maybe not even Henry noticed how their fingers were almost touching, and how close they were now too, given the fact that they needed to whisper to each other.

His scent flooded Ginny inside, something that reminded her of fresh herbs and male soap. Her chest heated up, her hands tingling as if something was out of control inside her, which Ginny believed was her lack of human interaction in recent years, and it suddenly became difficult to breathe with Henry so close, so hot it seemed to burn her shoulder where they touched, and so overwhelming that it seemed that every key on the piano that was played on stage resonated inside her head as if all her demons decided to dance to the beat of a racing heart.

‘’It’s a beautiful piece, too bad it’s a tragic story.’’ He kept talking, the women down there dancing at an even faster pace, which made Ginny more euphoric. ‘’I don’t know if there’s a version in the wizarding world for this, but if you want,’’ And this time, Henry actually put his big palm over her hand, squeezing it lightly and smiling gently at Ginny. ‘’I can lend you. I have the book stored in my stuff. I brought it as a reminder of my mother.’’

The woman did not understand how they went from almost never touching, to that stage. She didn't understand what it was that shone in his green eyes, let alone her fast beats, disagreeing with the now calm music.

She had already read several books to know that if it were described in a love story, it would be the prelude that the romance between the couple was emerging; racing heart, inappropriate thoughts that invaded her mind - did Henry kiss as well as he kissed her in the dreams that tormented her the last few nights? - and a feeling of numbness that made her almost unable to think. If that were a love story, Ginny was smiling like an idiot for the book and would feel as flustered as the protagonist.

But Ginny Weasley had no chance of having her own love story. Not when her entire reputation was destroyed by people who tried to kill her, and men who never accepted that her, a madwoman without a hopeful future, says no. There were no love stories for a woman like her, who, unlike Fleur, Hermione, and all the other women who had a line of men waiting for her, was abandoned at the back of the room like a long-forgotten widow.

She allowed herself to feel just one more second of that feeling that burned in her stomach, before blinking and turning her eyes to the dancers, pulling her hand back to her own lap and trying not to pay attention to the pain that seemed to plague her chest now more still.

‘’Thank you, it would be amazing, I’m sure we don’t have it in our library.’’ She sighed, steadying her hands so that the magic that seemed to burn her fingertips would cease.

The rehearsal continued and she and Henry remained silent for the rest of the time, just admiring the dancers and the pianist, from time to time she would glance at him just to catch him looking at her fingers, covered by the white gloves, resting in her lap. It was kind of silly that they still tingled, but Ginny made a point of ignoring it, for her own good.

When everything went quiet a few minutes later and people on stage started to talk, they got up to leave, still in silence and avoiding contact as if the two had some contagious disease.

Before they could walk out into that hall full of photos and trophies, a tall, dark-haired man appeared in front of them, wearing all-black robes like the ones she saw some men wearing at dances, with a snake badge that Ginny did not recognize for being from no family. But Henry seemed to recognize it, mainly because he put his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him in a few seconds.

''Put your head down and don't say anything.'' Henry's voice sounded in her mind, and Ginny followed the orders without thinking twice, feeling the tingling again at her fingertips, but now, it wasn't something that seemed happiness. In fact, it was the same feeling she had felt before being attacked in the park.

Something burned inside her and an acidic taste took over her mouth, while her survival instinct made her magic swirl inside her chest and seem close to exploding. But never really getting to do it.

‘’Good afternoon, Sir.’’ Henry speaks, but his voice is louder and thicker than usual. Ginny just pretends to fix the wrinkles in her dress, avoiding as much as possible to look at the coat with the snake again, trying to remember where she had already seen one like that.

‘’Good afternoon,’’ the male voice responds, taking a step to the side and letting them pass, even though she feels that for the first time in the hour they’ve been out of the house, they were being watched. ''Beautiful wife.'' Only then does she notice the delicate ring on her left finger, and Ginny knows it's just an illusion, but can't help but be surprised for a few seconds, before returning to normal and continuing to keep her eyes down.

''Thank you,'' but Henry doesn't move, and before she can understand what's going on, a cold shiver runs up and down her body, even causing her eyes to close to the weird sensation, before finally being pulled away by Henry.

‘’What was that?’’ Ginny whispers, feeling the air return to her lungs as soon as they step on the street in front of the theater, the afternoon light flooding them, as well as the sounds of a London that never seems to stop.

‘’I don’t know, but that man was a wizard.’’ Henry hasn’t released her yet, walking with her as fast as he can down the street, towards something Ginny has no idea what it is. ‘’And not a good one.’’

''What do you mean?'' They walk into an old library, a lady smiles at them as if she's never seen anything like it, and Henry directs them to one of the most hidden sections, then lets go of Ginny, and the shiver runs through her again, but this time, it's like she fell into a volcano. Was it that hot?

‘’He was a Death Eater.’’ Henry speaks in alarm, his hands running through his messy hair naturally, pulling on the strands as he leans on the shelf behind him, closing his eyes and sighing.

‘’Sorry.’’ Ginny asks, embarrassed and still a little moved by the latest events. A death eater! She had only known two in her life, and her father always said that she shouldn't want to be in the presence of another a third time. ‘’I put us at risk again.’’

‘’Don’t say that,’’ The man seems to allow himself to roll his eyes, taking his glasses off his face so he can wipe the lenses, as if he wants to buy time to process the ideas. ‘’You liked the rehearsal, and it’s a pity that you can’t see the whole performance, but at least we left the house.’’ He shrugged, then suggested. ‘’We have less than an hour yet, if you want to… do something.’’

''Aren't you going to demand that we go back to my house?'' Ginny's eyes flashed, the thought of being able to spend more time outside, lit her up like a hundred thousand lit wands towards her.

‘’Well, we’re already here, right? We can venture a little further. That wizard didn't recognize you, or me.’’

‘’How are you sure about this?’’ Henry shrugged.

‘’Something tells me that no. The ring was pretty convincing as well.’’ His cheeks burned, but his green eyes held steady on those of Ginny, who also felt her cheeks warm up. ‘‘Forgive me for that, Miss, but it was necessary.’’

‘’Oh, don’t worry,’’ Ginny meant he could have kissed her to convince the man, and even then, she wouldn’t care. ''You were fast.''

‘’A quality that I acquired working for you, Miss. You never know when I'm going to have to do a non-verbal spell and protect us,'' Henry whispered, moving a little closer to her and making her feel that whirlwind of emotion again, before turning away and resting his back on the bookshelf. ‘’But we’ll have to be careful if we stay here. We can go to more reserved places, that no wizard would visit. ’’

‘’How you know so much about the Muggle world, if I may ask?’’

‘’I worked for a few years with the Muggles, Miss.’’ He smiled simply, lifting his shoulders. ''Shall we go?'' Henry took her arm, as he sometimes did - in rare exceptions - and Ginny nodded, ignoring her belly being mistreated by the thousand bats that flapped their wings inside, and followed him for a walk through London Muggle, as if it were very natural for everyday life, to walk arm in arm with a handsome man as they strolled.

She knew that she needed to enjoy that moment with all her heart, as she probably wouldn't have many more, and for the next few hours, Ginny would pretend that she was not a ruined woman and without a very hopeful future.

| ? |

‘‘She isn’t a normal witch.’’ The man sitting at the end of the table looked up at the woman on his right, looking a little desperate at the blood dripping from the body hanging on the table. ‘’I’ve seen her up close, her magic… it’s scary.’’

‘’Scary? Is a 23 year old girl scary?’’ He rolled his eyes, looking again at the photo of the redhead in front of him, dressed in a long blue dress and looking bored, sitting on one of the chairs at the party. ''Who is he?''

‘’Her bodyguard. One of Robards best aurors, I heard.’’ Another man, this time on the left, replied, not even seeming to care when the blood of that filthy woman dripped near his hand.

''A scary witch and one of the best aurors... What a great pair '' His humorless laugh echoed through the dining room, his finger running over the photo of the redhead and then that of the man who was dressed in the black uniform, proudly displaying the coat of arms of the Ministry and Aurors. ‘’Kill them. Don't waste any more time and hit him first.'’ He smiled, looking at the woman’s lifeless body, hanging from ropes that went from the ceiling to a few meters above the table, her dying hand falling near the frightened woman’s plate. ‘’They’re going to the Dukes ’party,’ Looking down, he watched all his followers there, ready to do anything he assigned them. ‘’Kill them too.’’

| H.F |

‘’Why are we going to go in a carriage?’’ Ginny asked as they waited in the living room, she perched on the window like a child, watching the three magic carriages posing in the gardens, the thestrals waiting patiently to fly back into the sky.

‘’It’s safer, and it would be too tumultuous to use the Flu or Apparate, we would end up overloading the flow and maybe some people would end up stopping at different places. Furthermore, the exact location of the Dukes' country house is unknown for security reasons.’’ Henry replied, standing near the door so he could escort the family when he was called, ready for the most important job of his life.

Robards had warned him to escort the whole family as safely as possible, even sending two other Aurors to travel together in the other two carriages, to avoid any surprises, since the protection around the house had been removed so that the Thestral could enter and leave with ease.

He would obviously stay with Ginny, escorting her at all hours, especially now, still a little affected by the presence of the Death Eater they encountered.

If he were alone, Henry would probably have followed the man and tried to find out some new information about the possible attack that Voldemort was planning, but with Ginny at his side, all he had to do was move on, but always with his eyes open to any stranger to follow or look at them.

The bewitched ring had already disappeared from her finger, but Henry thanked himself for having remembered the spell in time, happy that he managed to protect her. Of course, they shouldn't have even gone to the theater in the first place, but Henry thought the sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face for all the hours they spent together had been worth it.

Ginny deserved a few hours of a 'normal' life, without a thousand eyes judging her and commenting on her every step.

‘’Do you know where it is? You told me the road is long.’’ She looked over her shoulder, her hair tightly tied in a complicated hairstyle that unfortunately left the red hair hidden in a bun. Ginny had also changed the dress, wore a much more elegant one and that Henry knew had cost a very high price, as well as some others that she would wear during the week ahead. The purple color looked great on her - like all the others, Henry suspected - and the white and silver details made her shine.

"I was allowed to know only as a security measure, in case we need to escape in a hurry, but I had to swear with my own life that I wouldn't tell anyone." He clasped his hands behind his body almost automatically, vaguely remembering the light pain he had felt. Ginny's brown eyes bulged, and she jumped off the couch, hurriedly walking over to him, holding out her gloved hand as if asking to see the mark.

‘’You… why?’’ Henry reached out, feeling warm and electrified when her delicate fingers touched his palm, his chest feeling like it wanted to explode with the gesture.

It was almost distressing that he felt so… sick when she touched him. It always seemed like something inside him was stirring, and Henry was ready to die.

‘’For your safety, of course.’’ He would do anything to guarantee that she would be okay, he thought.

‘’This is eternal.’’ Ginny looked at him, brown irises shining toward him like the caramel candies that the elves make every Thursday afternoon, and Henry always eats.

‘‘I will hardly have another opportunity to go to the Dukes’ house, Miss, so it won’t bother me, I promise.’’ Henry smiled, politely pulling his hand away from hers, his palm feeling like it was on fire. ‘’Now, let’s see… I’ll have to go talk to your father, but another Auror will be taking care of your safety until we need to go, okay?’’

‘’Why can I never go with you? You will talk about me.’’ With her chin up and her eyes defiantly staring at him, Ginny raised her eyebrows, looking a lot like when he met her.

‘‘I don’t think your dad approves, Miss.’’ He wanted to laugh, but he kept his face straight and his hands were behind him, as the label said. ‘’We’re just going to go over the protocol, it’s pretty boring and you won’t miss anything very fun, I promise.’’ As if in sync, he hears a knock on the door, and Thomas, the other Auror, bowed to Ginny. ‘‘Please forgive me for having to leave you,’’ Henry did the same, despite not remembering the last time he bowed to her - not being in public. ‘’But you will be in good hands.’’

‘’I don’t believe that much,’’ she whispered, making a face. ''But that's what I have.'' With that, Henry withdrew from the room, waving to Thomas, who kept an unfriendly scowl, and making his way to the office on the third floor of the house, where Arthur was waiting for him.

Henry wanted to think that when he got there, he wouldn't have to listen to the same conversation that Robards had passed on to him and the other Aurors, but it was almost possible that Arthur would repeat the speech about taking care of Ginny and, as much as the Duke and Duchess were good people, keep an eye out for any strangers. Deep down, Henry knew that it was only Arthur father's concern that made the man say something Henry had already heard from the boss, but he couldn't even imagine what it must be like to know that his daughter is being threatened with death.

''Excuse me,'' He opened the door, entering after confirmation from Arthur, who was sitting in the usual chair, shuffling some papers, which Henry suspected was the letter the Duke had sent him a few days ago, reassuring the man about security. ‘’Did you call me, Sir?’’

''Of course, of course, sit down, my man.'' Unlike Mrs Weasley, Arthur was much more affectionate with Henry, respecting the limits of the hierarchy, of course, but still not taking some rules very seriously. His wife treated him very well, but Henry felt that the woman harbored a little dislike for him, but it may not be something directed at who he was, but the work he did in Ginny's life. Again, Henry would never be able to imagine the pain of needing his youngest daughter to be escorted, for fear that someone will kill her. ‘’I call you here to talk about something…’’

‘‘Say sir.’’ The man sighed, running a hand over his red hair that seemed to fall more each day.

‘’I found a good husband for my daughter.’’ Henry swallowed, happy that he managed to keep his face serious, but feeling out of breath in his lungs. ‘’He’ll be at the party, and I need you to watch him for me. If he’s respectable, he will marry her as soon as we get back.’’

Henry's tongue seemed to burn with unspoken words, like; will you marry your daughter to someone she doesn't even know? Your daughter is not an animal to be sold. Does she even know that? Will I have to leave her? But the man took a deep breath, clasped his hands on his knees, and continued to stare at the boss in front of him.

‘’I’ve already had him track down and everything is clean, but I need you to see the way he’s going to behave next to Ginny. My daughter does not deserve a man of arguable morals at her side.’’ Henry nodded, still a little dizzy. ‘’Furthermore, Mr Potter also knows him and has guaranteed that his family will more than approve the bond, as they need allies if they want to fight against You-Know-Who.’’

''I'm sure yes.’’

"And Ginny is an excellent witch, you know that yourself, the last two years she has perfected her art of dueling and the control of magic perfectly, so it will make a lot of difference for the family." Ginny hadn't improved her magic and control, to marry a weakling who needs a woman to defend himself. She needed someone to keep her safe enough, so she no longer had to worry about staying alive. The woman was barely 24 years old, and seemed to duel and defend herself as an Auror with over 30 years of service.

She definitely shouldn't marry someone who couldn't provide her with the least amount of security, so that her biggest concern would be that tomorrow the weather would be good enough to fly.

‘‘Sir, excuse the question, but does she know him?’’

‘’Oh, no, no, she’ll meet him at the ball.’’ Arthur assured him, pouring some Firewhiskey into two glasses that were already there on the table, but Henry denied it when the glass slid towards him.

‘’Thank you, sir, but I think I need to be sober for the trip.’’

‘’You’re a good man, Mr. Figg, an Auror of respect.’’ Arthur smiled at him, bringing the drink to his lips and then closing his eyes, as if he had headaches. ‘’This situation,’’ The cheeks almost automatically turn red with the liquid ingested. ‘’It has driven me almost crazy... Mr Potter organizing this party again called attention to the things that happened between our families.’’

‘’The kidnapping of the Potter boy?’’ Arthur nodded.

‘’But not only that, Mr Figg, actually, I wish it were just that… But the king has been pushing me too.’’

‘’The king?’’ If Henry had never even met the Dukes, the King was the last person he dreamed of seeing.

‘’Yes, Dumbledore has.. has been reminding me and James of something that connected our families for a long time.’’ Arthur drank some more, seeming to gain liquid courage to continue. ‘’A prophecy that made all this happen… ’’ Henry waited for him to continue, barely knowing what to say in the face of it. "It said that.. That two kids would be born 10 days, 10 hours and 10 minutes apart, and that they would be the only ones, with the wedding bond, to kill You-Know-Who." The man sighed, and Henry noticed that he was looking at the picture of Ginny on the wall, dressed in a light pink dress, and with a mouth dirty with blackberries. ‘’Are you aware of what it is like to look at your little girl, so small, and think that she is destined to kill one of the greatest wizards that ever existed? That if she doesn't do that... ’’

‘’If she doesn’t?’’ Henry insisted, thinking he was never under so much stress as he was at that time.

‘’She will die.’’ Then Arthur was silent, watching little Ginny laugh and hide her dirty hands behind her back, looking away, as if he wanted to get into the photo. ‘’Die like Harry Potter died.’’

‘‘I’m sorry, sir, but I thought the Dukes had said it was just a lie.’’

‘’No, James just doesn’t want to accept the idea, but Dumbledore believes that the boy will not have survived until now. The prophet who predicted this, was clear in saying that the farther the soul mates got, the weaker they would be, and the more likely they would end up being taken by You-Know-Who. After Harry disappeared, she was consulted by the king, who thought it pertinent to warn us now that she made it clear that if the boy had indeed survived, he would have died at the age of 20 or 21, and would not have passed that age. ’’

''Why that?''

‘’Because he would have spent a long time away from the protections that the soul mate and prophecy govern him. It was at that same age that Ginny was attacked. On her 21st birthday.’’ The man denied, closing his eyes again. ‘’Dumbledore insisted that I marry her once and for all, so that she is safe about marriage protections. It’s not much, but it’s much more than we can offer.’’

‘‘Do you believe in this prophecy?’’ Arthur laughed humorlessly, opening his blue eyes towards Henry.

‘’Harry Potter was never found, was he?’’

[...]

''Miss, I beg you to wait for me, then go inside the carriage,'' Henry asked, feeling an irritating headache, redoing the security spell around the carriage that Ginny would travel in, just as Thomas and Joe did with the other two.

The Weasleys were all talking behind the Aurors, eagerly waiting to board. Ginny was the happiest of all, barely stopping in place as she chatted excitedly with Ron about what she imagined they would do during the week they would be away from home, looking much happier than Henry remembered seeing her.

But at the same time that he was happy that she was happy, Henry remembered her conversation with Mr Weasley, and how desperate he looked. Ginny was getting married. Ginny could die.

Damn Harry Potter, who arrested her in that fate.

‘’All done, come on in, Miss.’’ Henry signaled to her, interrupting the conversation between the brothers, and smiling apologetically at them.

‘’Thank you, Mr Figg.’’ She jumped into the vehicle, followed by Ron, the twins, and lastly, Henry. As soon as he closed the door, and touched the magic coin that was the point of communication with Thomas and Joe, the carriage began to move and leave the floor. ''This is so exciting!'' Ginny opened the window curtains, and Henry even thought about asking her to close, as it was safer and prevented anyone from seeing her inside, but there were so many charms around them, that he thought it was okay to let her have fun for just a few minutes.

There were two benches, facing each other, the twins and Ron were in front of him and Ginny, and everyone seemed to marvel at the view of the property from above, much higher than they normally went with the brooms.

‘’How long to wait, Mr Figg?’’ Ron asked, still looking out the window, before he got tired and closed the curtain.

‘‘I think two or, at most, three hours. Thestrals are fast animals, they tend not to linger.’’

‘’Do you see them?’’ It was Fred who asked this time, and Henry nodded.

‘’He has seen death several times.’’ Ginny spoke before Henry was able, as if to say the obvious. ‘’Almost all Aurors have seen someone die, and if they haven’t, they’re not doing their job in the right field, because in the midst of wars, it’s impossible not to witness it.’’

‘’You shouldn’t know about that.’’ Ron pointed out.

‘’But I know, because I ask him. What else would we talk about? One hour this matter would come up, Mr Figg has been with me since I was 21.’’

‘’Miss Weasley doesn’t know any macabre details, only that I’ve seen death.’’ He lied, thinking that her brothers shouldn’t know that Henry once described how a man’s eyes were pulled out of his face. ‘’I would never give that kind of detail.’’

‘’Besides, Ron, I think I’m better able to hear about it than you are, because although I remember, when you first saw blood, you passed out.’’

Henry did not listen very much to the conversation between the siblings, looking at the small window beside him, and watching the clouds.

If Ginny married, he would be forced to walk away from her and never work with her again, even if her husband asked for a security guard, Henry would no longer be assigned to work. His contract, of course, said that when she signed her name on the wedding paper, he would automatically be disqualified as her personal security guard, and for some reason, it saddened him.

Henry had spent so much of his life alone, without many friends besides his mother and the boy who took piano lessons with her, without much vision for a profitable future. As soon as he was able to join the aurors, he imagined that he would prosper and be more social, but soon it proved much more difficult than expected. When you worked with arresting, killing and looking for murderers, there was not much time and energy left to make friends and date, and most guys didn't want to be friends with the same guy who helped him carry the body of a dead child in a confrontation.

It turned out that he just stayed at home, reading some book or the record of someone wanted, making theories and trying to think of a plan for the next day. Always trying to stay alive, even though it seemed to get more difficult with each passing day.

He had been so sorry for Robards when he told him about Ginny. The girl had lost control of her magic and now in addition to being threatened with death, she suffered public retaliation. Henry understood, at least in part, the pain she was suffering, as he felt the same thing when he saw someone dying in front of him for the first time - a colleague - and also lost control of the magic.

It had been traumatic, and Henry almost took his own life when memories of Cedric's icy white body fell in front of him. That had been the closest to a friend he’d had in years, and even though they had only known each other for a few months, the man tried to stop the Death Eater who raised his wand for Henry.

He understood what it was like not to be able to control even the wand in his hand, feeling his body tremble and his chest warm with magic, even looking like the spells would come out of his fingertips. He was desperate to say the least, and Henry sympathized with Ginny before he even met her.

A woman shouldn't feel as out of control as he had, a few weeks before he met her.

And now, he was going to see his best friend - and the woman who moved his poor heart - marry a guy who wouldn't even bring her so much security, and all Henry could do is nod, bow, and leave.

Henry sighed, closing the curtain and realizing that the argument between the brothers had stopped. ‘’Do you think the transfiguration festival will take place?’’ George asked - Henry knew how to differentiate them, no matter how difficult it was.

‘’Sure, it’s a tradition,’’ Ron said, running a hand through the red hair so characteristic of the family. ‘’I trained all week, I want to show that I’m good.’’

‘’Hmmm, is it because of Miss Granger?’’ Ginny winked at her brother in front of her, a smirk on her lips. ''Oh, Mr Weasley, you are so good at transfiguration spells, please marry me.'' She spoke of what should be an imitation of the Miss in question, the back of her hand on her forehead dramatically, and the other, stretched out towards Ron, who had red cheeks like curtains.

‘’She doesn't talk like that, you idiot.’’

''Hey. Women don't like men who treat their sister badly,’’ Fred warned him, punching Ron in the arm. ‘’And neither are the brothers!’’

‘’Women like polite men, who take her for a walk and treat her politely.’’ Ginny raised an eyebrow, arms crossed under her chest as if she could duel with her brother right there. Ron rolled his eyes.

‘’I treat her with respect... And what would you know about it? As far as I know, Mom didn't tell me about anyone taking you for walks.'' Ron looked sorry for saying that the next moment, but before he could apologize, or whatever, Ginny seemed to bristle like a wildcat.

''Because I'm a woman, you imbecile, and unlike the three of you, my head doesn't work just to think about when I'm going to sleep with someone.'' The three in front of her opened their eyes wide, and Henry almost laughed, but he thought they were too far from the ground to risk being thrown from the carriage. ''What's it? Now, after all, will you think I don't know about that? Oh, please, that's why the three of you are single, you very much doubt a woman's intelligence.’’

[...]

As soon as they landed on the floor, Henry felt the headache bothering him again, especially the scar on his forehead, the one that was always covered by his hair. After making sure it was safe, he got out of the carriage and undid the necessary protections for Ginny, Fred, George and Ron to get off too, and as much as he closed his fists around his wand, relaxed his shoulders, and took a deep breath, he still felt that tightness in his chest and burning on his forehead, which had bothered him since they started approaching the village where the house was.

It was much more than he ever thought he would have the honor of entering; it was a bigger mansion than any he had ever seen. There were more windows than he could count, large columns surrounded by rose vines, the stone-clad house was much better cared for than any he had ever known. The garden was very well maintained, with trees well over 100 years old, and flowers perfectly pruned. There were even statues, like the ones he had seen in a Marquis' house, but unlike that of the man, it was not just one, but several scattered around the garden in a way that looked beautiful and made sense. Some waved at them, and others just continued in their poses, were very well made and almost made him think that they looked like humans covered in plaster.

It was like going to an enchanted place, which brought an immense sense of peace and something even familiar, as if Henry had already been there before. What was silly, he knew.

As soon as they were ready, the Aurors followed the family to the front door, the path was long and well defined, separated from the rest of the garden, with bushes decorating the sides of the small road, and as far as he could see, the Dukes were waiting for them, wearing neutral and elegant clothes.

Henry hadn't been prepared to meet the Dukes in person, and he guessed it was nervousness that made him feel a strange urge to cry or run, as if something stopped him from breathing fully and made his knees look weak. He never imagined performing for such important people.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were the first to greet, bowing first and then giving hugs and smiles, then the children, who just bowed one by one as the rule dictated and spoke a few words, and finally, the Aurors.

The Duke and Duchess looked at Henry as if they recognized him - perhaps Arthur had shown them his identification as Auror, where there was a photo. The Duchess had red hair that was darker and shorter than the Weasleys', and green eyes that looked like big, shiny emeralds in her thin and pale face. The Duke was almost the opposite of her, tall, with skin that was darker and tanned than his wife's, black hair and cropped but still a little messy, and dark eyes.

The clothes looked of great quality, much more than he could buy in his life. The thick fabrics covered them without any wrinkles, and the Potter Family crest, carved in gold, was proudly displayed.

Something inside Henry burned even harder, and as if his memory tried to remember where he had seen them - probably, in a newspaper in the past few weeks, which had several pictures of the two - his head hurt a lot. He wouldn't show weakness in front of them, so he just closed his eyes and bowed completely, swallowing the desire that had arisen.

‘’Mr, Mrs Potter, it is a pleasure to meet you.’’ Henry said as soon as his turn came, much closer to the two, who didn’t seem very comfortable with the situation. Perhaps it was the fact that it was the first party they had been throwing in years, and after what Henry had heard from Arthur, he couldn't imagine that the Dukes were happy knowing that their son was probably really dead. ‘’My name is Henry Figg.’’

#hinny #harry X ginny #hinny au!#soulbound #Harry Potter #jily lives #Ginny Weasley #regency era

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myhouseidea · 4 years ago

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Rural House in Portugal is a project designed by HBG Architects. The brief was to transform an ancient community oven, owned by the client’s family for decades, into a comfortable, single bedroom vacation house, with space to gather the family when needed. Photography by Ricardo Oliveira Alves

Ricardo Oliveira Alves Architecture Photography and Video – Fotografia e vídeo de arquitetura Casa na Aldeia de João Pires – Henrique Barros Gomes

#gallery-0-6 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-6 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Ricardo Oliveira Alves Architecture Photography and Video – Fotografia e vídeo de arquitetura Casa na Aldeia de João Pires – Henrique Barros Gomes

The original construction was a small, single-story volume, with thick exposed granite walls and a gable roof. A walled area, including an almost ruined porch, complemented the property. The region has very cold winters and stifling summers. According to the brief, the intervention should also provide ease of use in both situations. Located in a small, well-preserved village in the rural centre of Portugal, the house, as many others around it, was closed and unused for more than half a century. An austere and traditional exterior, materialized in rough granite, blends gently with the surrounding constructions, but contrasts with a clearly contemporary interior, delicately shaped into a cosy, warm and comfortable space, with a surprising luminosity. A loft-like interior gathers kitchen, living, and eating areas into a single space at the entry level, while the intimate areas are harboured in a mezzanine. The main focal element of the intervention is the customized stair-bench-table-fireplace, that sets all the rules for the project. Light input, carefully controlled through zenithal openings, produces dramatic effects on the bush-hammered stone and on the wooden elements that proliferate in the house, changing its ambience throughout the day. Customized carpentries help to add a sense of quality to the space, while providing for multiple storage areas. The walled patio includes a shed, a small garden, a few trees that will hopefully age with the house, and a pond.

Location: Aldeia de João Pires, Portugal Project: 2014/2015 Construction: 2017/2020 Architect and Interior Designer: HBG Architects (Project team: Henrique Barros-Gomes) Photographer: Ricardo Oliveira Alves

Rural House in Portugal by HBG Architects Rural House in Portugal is a project designed by HBG Architects. The brief was to transform an ancient community oven, owned by the client’s family for decades, into a comfortable, single bedroom vacation house, with space to gather the family when needed.

#bathroom #bedroom #HBG Architects #house #house idea #houseidea #kitchen #living #myhouseidea #Rural House in Portugal

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lynxmuse · 5 years ago

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The library train continues! And what’s this, combining books and adaptive reuse, two of my favorite things, together? Yes indeed!

Housed in a former tram (streetcar) maintenance sheds, the library takes full advantage of the old tramway doors to craft huge windows with giant shutters that playfully incorporate a bookshelf motif when open.

Inside, the space is kept wide open, punctuated only by furniture (including the bookshelves with colourful seating/desks), and a mezzanine against the great exposed brick wall that itself nestles a kid’s corner that rises like a boxy mountain.

Nicely, the library expands outward into an adjacent café, which itself is adjacent to a sports complex that occupies the rest of the repair shed. Even there, books (and games) abound!

Altogether forming a wicked community hub, this is one great bit of adaptive reuse, keeping the history and aged ruggedness of the old shed and marrying it with an airy comfort. I liked it a bunch, if I lived nearby I’d be there often for sure. Nicely done.

The Norrebro Bibliotek

#architecture #building #creating space #design #library #books #copenhagen #adaptive reuse #community

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fountainpenguin · 6 years ago

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Can we see more pictures of your sims game? It looks so fun! Anything you’ve built that you want to share?

*Slides you the goods*

The houses will also be on the sideblog shown from several angles, but here are some basic previews. All the items are things I’ve saved up for and bought, or obtained in events, so it’s… very rewarding to complete these, heh heh.

Timmy’s house - Main floor

Please notice Dad’s trophy (“Father Time”) in Dad’s sewing room (“Mice Capades”) and the fact that the laundry room is on the main floor (“Dust Busters”). The kitchen appliances move around in canon, but you get the idea.

Timmy’s house - Upper floor

I turned the space above the garage into the attic (modeled after “I Dream of Cosmo”) instead of building a third floor for it. I’m extremely proud of that mezzanine. Timmy’s bathroom changes colors throughout the series, but I went with pink because of “Fairly Odd Baby.”

His parents have the green bathroom and the blue one is downstairs. His parents’ bedroom is modeled after “Dread and Breakfast.” That purple room over there is for Tommy and Tammy, since they’re in my game. In Riddleverse canon they live in the basement, but I haven’t built it yet. In canon, that’s probably where the entrance to the attic is.

Timmy’s parents’ bedroom is seen in the episodes “Dread and Breakfast” and “Dog Gone,” though I wasn’t able to place the door across from the bed as it is in the show. They also have lamps on the nightstands, but I took them out to move things and forgot to put them back when I took this picture. The lamp at the end of the upper hall is also a “Dread and Breakfast” ref.

Chloe’s house - Main floor

Chloe’s canon house is quite interesting… All the floors are wood, even in her bedroom and the kitchen. Interesting choice considering her family. The green kitchen was based off the glimpse we saw in “Which Is Wish?”

Hands-down my favorite part of Chloe’s house is the fact that instead of a TV across from the couch, there’s just an elaborate painting of a unicorn.

Chloe’s house - Upper floor

I haven’t figured out what to do with that brick room in the back yet (Probably make it a laundry room), and her parents’ bedroom is still bare, but this is pretty nice overall. I like how Chloe’s room takes up 50% of the whole floor.

I didn’t place Chloe’s bathroom along the same wall as the hallway like it’s shown in canon (which doesn’t even make sense anyway), so I went with the next best thing.

Blue Castle - Main floor

You can see Foop over there sitting in the camarilla court’s dining room (“Fairly Odd Baby”). The TV room with the big red couch was mentioned in my one-shot “Not All the Same.” There’s a smaller reading room nearby that was mentioned in the one-shot as well.

The great hall is here with all its tables, as well as the head tables for the High Count, High Countess, their heir, and the First General to sit (with mirrors behind them to symbolize transparency and honesty). You can see some statues in the hallway by the stairs. I’m very proud of the kitchen and the secret passages. You can’t see it well from this angle, but there’s a potion cauldron in there that represents the bottomless cauldron of the Dagda before Anti-Cosmo lost it.

In the back, you can glimpse Anti-Wanda in the High Countess office, with the High Count office beyond it. It cost me around 6 million Simoleons to build the entire Castle (which is three floors at the moment) and I’m very pleased.

Crocker household - Main floor

Pretty self-explanatory! Building it was a lot of fun, and my one complaint is that I couldn’t put the basement stairs where I imagine them, so they’re kind of just… over there in the corner. I built this house before I started writing Come What May, so that fanfic is accurate to this house design.

The cat by Kevin’s feet is Smokey (“Timmy’s Secret Wish”). Girlfriend is a siamese and she lives here too.

Crocker household - Upper floor

SPOILERS! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in the mystery room in Come What May… Imagine it being absolutely cluttered, but it basically looks like that. The flying broom closet is in there, as well as a gaming system, a desk, and a bed that looks like a coffin because I couldn’t resist. Let’s say Foop brought that in.

The only reason the mystery room exists in Come What May is because when you build a second floor, you can’t get rid of the blank rooms that get built above the main floor… so I put it to good use. The one on the other side of the house isn’t really there.

I went with the canon from “Secret Origin of Denzel Crocker” that Denzel’s room is above the garage. In the back corner of the house is the room where Kevin is currently staying. It was Denzel’s bedroom when he was a kid, and became Kevin’s mom’s bedroom after Denzel moved out.

You can see the creepy grandfather clock at the end of the hall, with its one light hanging above it. That’s the clock from “The Old Man and the C-”

Crocker household - Crocker Cave

This is as far as I got before I started working on the castle, and I haven’t gone back and expanded it (Basements are really expensive). Still, you get the idea. The laundry area was based on the episode “Crock Talk.”

Ambassador cabin - Exterior

Goldie’s ambassador cabin from the one-shot “All I Ever Wanted” (though it should be in the woods, not the beach).

Ambassador cabin - Main floor

I’m not a big fan of the island villa because it’s super cramped, but I remodeled it from the default A LOT and I’m pretty pleased with how it came out. Goldie’s office is worth noting, as well as that lovely lounge area. Must be a nice place to hang out.

Ambrosine’s house

One of our important locations in Origin of the Pixies. Emery’s room used to be H.P.’s room until he moved out. Please appreciate my entrance hall, diagonal chair by the fireplace, wooden bathtub, and pet rabbit out back. Also, forgive the high-tech fridge… I put it in there to feed someone and forgot to take it out, whoops. The black cupboard in the kitchen is supposed to be the fridge.

China’s house - Main floor; still a WIP

Still working on this one, but it’s coming along nicely. H.P.’s office is up front on the right, China’s on the left. The trellis in the back is where they were married, and I included the shed they took their wedding photos in front of.

I’d like to turn one of my apartments into Pixies Inc. headquarters… I drew a floorplan on paper, but I’m not sure how well I can make it work. We’ll see. The other apartment might be turned into the Spellementary School dorm. I have the Water Temple partially built as well.

And yeah, it is really fun! It’s completely free to play, but it’s the kind of app I’d be willing to spend a small amount of money on if there was something that I really, really wanted, because the gameplay and graphics delight me. The quests are lots of fun and the create-a-sim customization options are plentiful enough to keep me happy. I’ve put a LOT of effort into obtaining all the pajamas and collecting all the special event hairstyles, let me tell you.

Sims Freeplay was my first entrance into the Sims, so I’m not sure how it compares to the main Sims games, but I enjoy it on a daily basis and I highly recommend it. I’ve maxed out to the highest possible level at the moment (55) so I can’t earn any more XP unless they come out with a new update that lets me, but I still enjoy earning the moneys so I can build some fun buildings.

I chose not to complete the Seniors quest because I didn’t want to progress to the quest that forces aging and death, so my one complaint is that the automatic aging feature can’t be turned off once you obtain it. However, if you don’t complete the quest, you don’t have to worry about your Sims ever dying. I want to live in my fantasy town for a while longer.

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sawtellaustralia · 2 years ago

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Picturesque Privacy

#realty realestate property houseforsale

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hometoursandotherstuff · 9 months ago

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This home is very different. It was built in 1917, which would make it part of the prairie style architectural movement. Located in Lakeview, Oregon it has 5bds, 3ba, $450K.

This door is so unusual, isn't it? It looks like it was a walk-in freezer door. There's a stepdown to the hallway past the first stair.

Very large living room has 2 large columns.

They are on either side of the opening to the dining room.

There's an interesting office/library with built-in shelving, a corner woodburning stove and window seats.

Large bath on the main floor has a shower.

Enter the kitchen from the front of the house and through the hall.

Cute little pantry.

The kitchen is quite large and has an arch, plus an arched opening in a half wall.

On the other side of the arches is a family room.

At the top of the stairs is a nice mezzanine with a door to the upper porch.

There's a cozy TV room up here.

And, a pretty large kitchenette.

This room is larger, but the rooms are kind of skewed looking.

The laundry room doubles as a bath.

This one is a child's room. The bedrooms need some serious brightening.

This has to be the primary bedroom.

The walk-in closet has a fridge and microwave.

And, it shares space with a bath.

The large up & down wrap-around porches are lovely.

A very big finished attic has potential.

A nice 2 car garage with new doors and cement driveway.

I tell what this small building is in the yard.

And, this is a very unusual shed.

The entrance to the property looks like you're entering a street. This unique property is on a .42 acre lot.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/246-S-E-St-Lakeview-OR-97630/343689129_zpid/?

#prairie style homes #unique homes #unusual homes #houses #house tours #home tour

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davidoespailla · 6 years ago

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Into the Woods, We Found 10 Lovely Log Cabins Priced Below $300K

realtor.com

Log cabins are magical places. Remote and rustic, often surrounded by trees, they provide a cozy retreat from the stresses of daily life.

Although early versions built by American colonists were drafty and uncomfortable, over the years the log cabin has become a symbol of American resilience in the rugged wilderness. These days, you’ll find many that were lovingly built by hand and even tailored to specific interests and activities.

While they certainly aren’t fussy or pretentious, today’s log cabins are outfitted with the creature comforts sought by buyers who aren’t keen to hike to an outhouse when nature calls. They’re also further proof vacation homes aren’t just for the richest 1%—everyday working folks can afford a retreat of their very own.

With affordability in mind, we chopped through the thicket of log cabin listings across America to find 10 that were priced below $300,000. They’re sure to inspire you to pack a bag and head into the great outdoors.

56965 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, OR

Price: $260,000 River view charmer: Built in 1950, this two-bedroom red cabin sits on just under a half-acre in the woods. The property also includes a large shop and laundry room, one-car garage, wood shed, and private deck overlooking a river.

McKenzie Bridge, OR

realtor.com

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95 Dewey Dr, Ellijay, GA

Price: $199,900 Cabin with amenities: You’ll find this two-bedroom cabin just across the road from the Coosawattee River. Built in 2000, it offers over 1,100 square feet of living space and is situated on a secluded 1.63-acre lot. If you decide to leave its cozy confines, there’s a recreation center just up the road with an indoor heated pool, fitness facility, and game room.

Ellijay, GA

realtor.com

———

25 Bull Pine Rd, Idaho City, ID

Price: $295,000 Gated in the pines: Located in a gated community less than an hour outside Boise, this cabin is situated on just over an acre of woods. Built in 1980, the four-bedroom cabin has a covered, wraparound deck on both the upper and lower levels. The community’s roads are maintained year-round and surrounded by pristine, public land for communing with nature.

Idaho City, ID

realtor.com

———

1150 Burnett Station Rd, Seymour, TN

Price: $245,000 Wooded bliss: Built in 1982, this roomy cabin has two bedrooms and a loft in its 2,400 square feet of living space. The open floor plan features a wood-burning fireplace, cathedral ceiling in the living room, a large kitchen with island, and tons of natural light. Outside, the home sits on a large, level yard and has a charming front porch made for lounging.

Seymour, TN

realtor.com

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38010 Highway 12 W, Lolo, MT

Price: $279,900 At one with nature: Completely modernized inside, this cabin built in 1946 was designed to exist in harmony with its spectacular surroundings. A cool one-bedroom cabin, it features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, custom doors, and a wood-burning fireplace. It sits on a lot just under a full acre that’s a short distance from the Lolo Hot Springs resort.

Lolo, MT

realtor.com

———

1543 Miners Lake, Ely, MN

Price: $239,500 Family fishing: Located on Miners Lake, this three-bedroom cabin boasts water views from inside and outside the home, including the large deck out back. The 1-acre property also comes with a 260-square-foot bunkhouse and 185 feet of shoreline. The Trezona Trail runs alongside the property and offers hiking, cross-country skiing, and access to snowmobile trails.

Ely, MN

realtor.com

———

Slate Mills Rd, Sperryville, VA

Price: $275,000 Old Rag Mountain retreat: Sitting atop a gentle hill, this log cabin from the 1700s was imported from Pennsylvania in 2002. It now sits on a 3-acre lot with views of Old Rag Mountain. Awaiting a buyer with a taste for history, it features a stone foundation and three floors with a total of 2,058 square feet of living space.

Sperryville, VA

realtor.com

———

878 Viridian Ln, Fairbanks, AK

Price: $175,000 Sled dogs’ delight: Located just a quick walk from the Alaska Dog Mushers Association, this mahogany cabin sits on nearly an acre, which is plenty of room for your sled dogs to run and play. Built in 1982, the two-bedroom cabin is kept warm and cozy thanks to two Toyo stoves.

Fairbanks, AK

realtor.com

———

13370 Highway 167, New Brockton, AL

Price: $260,000 Grand living: Far from a little house in the woods, this six-bedroom cabin offers more than 3,300 square feet of living space. There’s a basement apartment with separate access as well as a large workshop. Built in 1979, the main house offers gorgeous views, a private balcony, skylights, two fireplaces, a great mezzanine, and an oversize deck for entertaining.

New Brockton, AL

realtor.com

———

1421 Zermatt Dr, Pine Mountain Club, CA

Price: $200,000 Forest charmer: Recently updated, this 900-square-foot cabin from 1979 is situated on a quarter-acre in the forest. The roof of the two-bedroom abode was constructed of cedar shake, but it has a fiberglass underlay to protect the home from fire.

Pine Mountain Club, CA

realtor.com

The post Into the Woods, We Found 10 Lovely Log Cabins Priced Below $300K appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Into the Woods, We Found 10 Lovely Log Cabins Priced Below $300K

#TRUSTED LOCAL REALTOR #Into the Woods #We Found 10 Lovely Log Cabins Priced Below $300K

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necrokittytales · 6 years ago

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Necrokitty Tales: Trouble in Inkwell Isle (Chapter 11)

Authors’ note: Remember, Necrida’s writing will be in italics and SPKC’s writing with be regular font.If you have no idea what this roleplaying thing is, you can start from the beginning here.

–

Amber and Sullivan continued walking from the Clip Joint until they came to a stop near the shore.

“I live on that tiny island there" Sullivan said pointing at a small shack surrounded by water.

Amber’s fur almost stood up at the sight of the river. She hated getting wet, almost as much as she hated getting caught. “We don’t have to swim , do we?” She had a couple of things in her possession that wouldn’t do so well if they got wet. Like trinkets and powders. Especially powder that could be put in drinks to make certain companions sleepy.

Sullivan smiled “Oh no! Don’t worry! We can cross with this” He walked towards a small wooden boat that miraculously floated on the side of the river. “You won’t get a drop on ya’, sweetheart” He said, proud of his boat.

Amber looked at the tiny boat and inwardly groaned. So much for sneaking out again after dark. Still, maybe not a total lost. Sullivan seemed kind of sweetly dumb and also the type that might have some documents that could lead her to some of the bigger sheep she could fleece.

She patted down her fur and fixed him with a hard look. “Okay, but if I get wet, I’m not going to be a happy kitty.”

“Not a drop on ya’, ma'am” the salamander answered full of confidence while preparing the raft. “Hop on, darling” he said offering his hand to help her get on the boat.

Amber took his hand. “Okay, well I’m trusting. Contrary to popular belief, nobody likes a wet pussy…cat,” she added climbing into the boat anxiously.

Sullivan laughed at Amber’s comment and helped her to accommodate on the surprisingly stable raft. “You ain’t like no woman I’ve ever met, Amber. Where you from? I haven’t seen you in this isles before.” The salamander could feel his heart falling hard for this woman. So direct, so daring, so charming and pretty and funny and she seemed to be interested in boats! ‘Where have you been all my life’ he thought to himself, and row slowly towards the shed making sure not a single drop fell on his lovely companion.

Amber smiled. “Oh Sully, I’ll tell you all about myself once we’re on dry land.” She eyed the water nervously. It was hard to lie when she was near water. It made her too anxious. Anyone would be probably be anxious around water if they had been tied in a bag as a kitten and tossed over a bridge into the icy water.

Not-not that had ever happened to Amber. No. Nothing like that. If anyone asked her, she would deny it…But just to be safe, she should save her words. She hummed instead and thought about the lie she would weave instead once they were on dry land.

The salamander noticed his passenger a bit nervous so he hurried and finally reached the shed.

“Here we are, ma'lady!” Sullivan threw a rope to attach the boat to a post and got out of the raft with a jump. He turned to Amber and bowed offering his hand again to help her get out.

Amber dashed off that boat as fast as she could without it looking too weird. She looked at the little home. “So how did you get a place like this?”

“I built it myself with scraps from sunken boats,” Sullivan said proudly “It’s not much, but then again, I don’t need much.” ‘Except someone to share it with,’ he thought to himself, admiring Amber’s silhouette.

The word scraps and sunken boats made Amber hesitate but she started to walk toward it. “Ya ever have to head inland for storms or do you find that she holds up pretty well?” She was curious to see the inside.

“It doesn’t look like it but it holds pretty well.” He knock the wood and a small piece of roof fell with a thud next to them. The salamander gulped “Uh… L-ets go inside, I’ll make some tea or… something,” he said nervously getting inside the shack.

Amber prayed to whatever gods were out there that they would help protect her thieving ass before following the salamander inside.

It was a small cozy shack decorated with boat parts and ropes. On the left there was a small tidy kitchen next to a round table fashioned with a barrel, covered with charts and many other documents. On the right a ladder to reach what it seemed to be the bed on a mezzanine, a small couch and a heater.

“P-please! Make yourself at home” He started to organize the papers on the table and shoving them on the only closet, leaving Amber to look around.

Sure enough, it was kind of cozy. Her eyes dilated slightly to quickly observe her surroundings and noted Sullivan grabbing handfuls of paper and watched him shove them in the closet. Looks like she’d have to go pawing through those once she had Sullivan knocked out.

She pressed her cheek against the back of his shoulder and pretend to shiver. “Oh, Sully, could you fix us both a drink? I’m awfully chilly.”

Sullivan shivered at the gentle touch of the feline. “S-shure! I-I think I got some whiskey… or.. or if you prefer I can make some tea or coffee?” He proposed walking to the kitchen and grabbing with a shaky hand a couple of mugs.

Amber never had whiskey before. She was more for the creamy sweet drinks herself (A white Russian was literally cream and vodka). Still, it did seem the more hardcore of thieves and associates of the wrong side of the law drank whiskey so she nodded. “Whiskey sounds good,” she decided, giving him one final nuzzle before taking a seat.

The salamander’s heart was beating so fast! He couldn’t help but smile and giggle like an idiot and served the whiskey.

“Em… well… If you would like to spend the night here, you can take my bed, I’ll sleep down here”. He said shyly looking at his mug.

“Well, I just hate the thought of sleeping alone, maybe you could help me stay warm after this?” Amber tried to coyly suggest, bringing the whiskey to her lips.

Sullivan’s eyes widened. Was she suggesting what he thought she was suggesting? ‘No! Sullivan, you better watch it!’ He said to himself ‘She might mean something else’ He gulped “If you want I can turn on the heater, a-a-and I got more blankets around here somewhere!” He stood up towards a chest on the right side of the shack, next to the ladder and opened it to reveal a couple of blankets and a big pillow.

Amber deftly pulled out one of the packets of powder and put a small amount in his glass before swirling it. “I’ve heard that skin to skin contact is the best way to stay warm,” she chuckled, enjoying watching the salamander squirm. She lifted his glass up and approached him, placing it in his hands. She held up her own and clinked it to his. “Cheers to a very sweet host,” she toasted bringing her glass to her lips again.

He shook like jelly when Amber got him his glass in such a seductive way. He could barely keep the liquid in his recipient and decided to drink it all in one sip. His body was on fire, the butterfly feeling in his tummy getting wilder and his cheeks couldn’t take any more blush without bursting of his nostrils. "Hmhmm” he managed to answer looking unbelieving at Amber’s gorgeous eyes.

Amber took a big gulp out of her whiskey only for her throat to immediately burn like fire. She choked and coughed very unsexily, her eyes watering. “Holy shit, THAT’S what whiskey tastes like?! Oh my God you just drank the whole glass!” She coughed and choked, nearly falling over.

Sullivan smiled at the woman coughing. That took some of the pressure off him. “Hehe, too strong? I can water it down for ya, sweetheart” he grabbed her glass and walked to the kitchen to get a refill. “I’m sorry I ain’t got nothing softer.”

“Yes, please if you can, that would be great,” Amber swallowed. Her ears perked up. “If you have milk, you could add that! Or just give me the milk. Whatever’s easier!”

She glanced at the time. That powder would need another 10-15 minutes to take effect and seeing how fast he drank his whiskey, she could see him blaming his soon to happen sleepiness on that.

“Oh uh.. I don’t drink milk but… I might have some apple juice” he looked inside a cabinet and took a half full bottle of apple juice. “Maybe you can mix it?” He filled her mug half way and offered back to her.

He surprised himself staring at the woman’s soft figure and felt ashamed. He turned his look down to his feet blushing from embarrassment and his own body heat. 'Keep it together, Sullivan! T-try make some conversation!’ He thought to himself.

“Em… so… y-you come to the joint often?” What a stupid question, he was there pretty much everyday and he would have definitely notice her.

Amber shook her head. “No, I couldn’t help but be attracted by all the excitement and noise! So I walked in and they had my favorite drink and I decided to just stay and maybe meet someone special.” And their wallet.

She eyed him curiously. “You have an awful lot of charts, Sully. Are you a sailor or an engineer or something?”

The salamander smiled at her hoping she would feel the same way tomorrow. “Heheh, very perceptive! I used to be a sailor but now I work on the docks, taking care of the boat’s cargo. And from time to time, some ask my help to find the safest route in high seas”. He gulped another glass of whiskey. He was starting to feel tired.

Amber smiled. “Really? Hmm. You ever run into any sea monsters?” She asked, watching him start to slowly succumb to the effects of the drug.

Sullivan laughed “A few, actually. You wouldn’t believe!” He started narrating his encounter with a giant octopus and how he gulped half of his crew when he started to feel heavy. He got comfortable on the barrel and lay his head on his arms. At this point, he was barely pronouncing the words and slowly fell asleep.

Amber listened attentively - mostly because she wanted to know where the hell that octopus lived and how she could avoid it at all costs! She saw Sullivan’s eyes start to droop and she crept a bit closer to encourage the sleepy salamander to sleep, gently rubbing her soft fur against him.

“Shh, just rest now,” she coaxed.

Sulivan fell completely asleep with a silly smile on his face.

Amber hummed quietly to herself and began to rifle through his papers once she was sure he was asleep. She wondered if there were any treasure maps. That would be swell.

Amongst the documents, Amber found the schedule of this weeks arrivals and their cargo. Most of them had food, a couple materials for a magic shop, one of them contained tons of nectar, but there was one in particular that had an unspecified cargo that had to be delivered to King Dice’s casino.

Amber wondered if the nectar was for Rumor, Queen of the bees. She knew that her subjects were far and wide, hell, she had seen one in the Clip Joint.

But what really got her attention was the one for the casino. King Dice was a dangerous man but where there was great danger, there were also great rewards. She looked at the paper, trying to see if there was any indication of the shipments’ contents.

There was nothing in the papers that indicated what the cargo was, only that there were five boxes and that they had to be delivered to King Dice himself.

Amber made a note of the date of the shipment and sighed. Whelp. She was trapped here until morning. Might as well make the best of it. She started to clean up a bit and wash their cups, making sure to rinse out any possible residue from the powder.

This was going to be a long night.

—–

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Isle!

Hilda had started slowly walking with Carl from the Clip Joint. She was a bit sad for missing the fight. Suddenly she stopped. “I know what I wannnnna do!” She got extremely close to Carl’s face “Let’s pass in front of Cagney’s! I’ll show him I don’t care if he doesn’t want to see me again, cause I got better friends than him!” She released the caterpillar’s neck only to grab his hand and start walking towards the flower field.

Carl remembered something about Cagney. He doesn’t head that direction very often but the general consensus was, unless you had a reason to be there, you stayed out. Still, Carl was willing to risk it, especially as Hilda’s dress hiked up just a bit to see some more of her leg…and some scratches. Huh.

He thought about asking about the scratches, but the minute she started touching his neck and pulling his hand, he decided against it. He allowed her to lead him for a little bit before tugging her to a stop. As much as he liked to show up other guys, he wanted to make sure he was getting something out of this and it wasn’t just a waste of his time.

“So after we visit your friend, why don’t we head back to my pad and we can have some really good fun there,” he suggested. The drunk woman hesitated and he fingered part of her dress. “Unless you don’t want to show up your friend.”

Hilda frowned at the caterpillar when he made her stop and stared at his fingers playing with her dress. Oh! If only Cagney could see this … even his roots would twitch!

The woman swept away Carl’s hand with a malicious smile “Sssave it for when we get thhhere. And I’m not drunk enough to go to strangggers padds. Mmy house is closer, wwe can go therrre after that big ooold ddddandelion has been rrreminded! how much he wwwants me… as a friend!” She immediately added “Obbvvmiosly…” She kept walking staggering every now and then.

Carl’s eyes widened. Her place? Well, dang. This night was going better than he thought. He took her smile as a more “come hither” grin and straightened himself out. Besides, if a dandelion was going to give him trouble, Carl was fairly certain he could defend himself. Afterall, he WAS a caterpillar. He wrapped one of his hands around her shoulders. “Just a quick hello and then I’ll give you a night you will never forget.”

“Oh, HE will never forrget last nnnight!” Hilda drunkenly said remembering Cagney’s awefull words. “Aand I’ll make ssure of it!” She poked at the caterpillar trying to be threatening.

They finally reached the field and Hilda hold herself on the white bench and turned to Carl. “Ok, plaay it coool. You’re my new best bud, and wwwe are just taking a wwwalk to… enjoy the sstars! ” she looked up just to see a black sky with some gray clouds left. That’s right… she forgot to put them on after seeing Cagney talking to the new neighbor. “To enjoyy the aair” she corrected.

Carl winced. Hilda was a lot louder than she thought she was. Or maybe she was naturally a loud woman. He wasn’t entirely sure. Still, as long as she didn’t squawk too much, it should be fine. Just say hi to her friend or something and then he’d have to keep her a bit quieter on the way back to her place. Didn’t need to raise too many questions. It didn’t look the best bringing a clearly intoxicated woman home but Carl didn’t have the best intentions.

She was the one who drank a lot. A girl could be asking for something like this. She’s just lucky he was such a nice guy.

–

Cagney jerked awake at the sound of someone yelling. Again. This was the second night in a row. And when he realized it was Hilda, he scowled. “Stupid sky witch can’t let me have one night in peace,” he grumbled.

He could hear her getting closer and his mind dully tried to remember what to do. Apologize? No, no, not that. He had only done it twice and yeah maybe it worked out, sorta. But Hilda was a very different woman. And there was no way in hell he was going to apologize to her.

He remembered he decided to burrow, and did so before the woman could spot him.

–

“Ok, hhhere wwe go… ” she rested against the fence and took some air “HAHAHAHA! OH, CARL… YOU’RE SOOO FUNNY…” she yelled to make sure she would wake up the carnation.

Carl did think he was hilarious but considering he didn’t tell a joke, he was a bit confused. “Funny? Uh yeah, I guess I know a few jokes.” Was she trying to prank him right now?

He was all for showing up someone but if this was her just having a go at him, he couldn’t help but feel irritated. He’d let her go for a few more calls and then they would be off, whether she was ready or not.

–

How the hell could he hear her underground?! Cagney sat in the darkness in the dirt wondering if this was his punishment for his antics. To never get a good night’s sleep again? Seemed about right.

“OH, CARL… YOU’RE SOOO FUNNY…”

He started at that. Carl? Who the hell was Carl? He didn’t know any Carls. Did she really bring another guy to his field? He clenched his fists.

Cagney cooled down and started to smile. Nah, Hilda was just screwing around. There was no way she’d bring a guy here. He was getting all worked for nothing.

—

Hilda twisted her mouth and frowned looking at the darkness in the field. Maybe… he came back to that bat lady and now he’s spending the night with her?!

She shook her head trying to get rid of these thoughts and decided to keep trying. “Oh, Carl! It has been ssucha lovvely evvening… you mmade me forgget all about that giant wweed!” She grabbed the fence with both hands, she was getting really sleepy and her stomach started to feel a bit upset but she kept going “Nnnothing can ruinnn thhhis mmagical nnnight!”.

Carl was now annoyed. They walked all the way over here and the guy might not even be home? He was starting to feel like he had been played. Maybe he shouldn’t be such a nice guy after all. Maybe then would a girl like Hilda take him seriously.

Hilda was starting to get angry and decided to go wake the carnation herself. She tried to cast a cloud but only managed to make a small fog around her hands. “Uh?” she was surprised. She was too inebriated to use her powers.“Uhg! Carl! Help me up the ffence” she ordered at the caterpillar while trying to climb it.

Showing up a guy was one thing. Trespassing (and physical exercise) was something completely different. He grabbed her dress and began to pull her back. “Alright, we played your little game. C'mon, a promise is a promise. Let’s go.”

–

Cagney paused. That actually did sound like a guy. He grit his teeth. Really?

—

The dress made a small ripping sound and Hilda immediately turn to Carl angry “What the HELL are you doing?!”

Carl hadn’t meant to rip her dress but at sound of her getting angry made him pull a bit harder. She was going to get mad AT HIM? The caterpillar who had been nothing but gentlemanly toward her, buying her drinks and walking her back.

Looks like she was going to be one of those women who just used nice guys like him. “I’m not playing around. We’re leaving,” he argued, definitely having the upper hand as far as strength went in Hilda’s current state.

–

Cagney was trying to piece together who had been talking when he heard Hilda yelling in alarm. He tensed significantly. Wait, was she having a problem?

–

Hilda tried to set herself loose from the caterpillar but she was too drunk and could barely coordinate her mouvements. “Let me gggo, you moron! Or Immm gonna frry you with a lightning!” She tried to sound threatening while trying to push him away from her.

Carl gave her another tug and pulled her off the fence. Her dress caught on the fence and tore a bit more, revealing more leg than she probably would have liked.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Carl grumbled, “Otherwise I wouldn’t be dealing with this…” He glanced at her legs to see some rather strange marks. Almost like deep scratches.

He wrapped his sticky hands around her leg and pulled it close to look at it. “What the heck happened to your leg?”

–

Something was up. Cagney started to gradually unburrow himself and blinked unsteadily before spotting Hilda. Yeah, there she was. What the heck was she wearing? And why was she screaming?

“HEY!” Hilda shouted “GET OFF ME!” She tried to kick him but he prevented her from doing so. The woman, and the many voices in her head, started to panic. “LET ME GO!!!” She yelled struggling to release herself from the caterpillar.

Carl never hit a girl but he was seriously considering possibly slapping one if nothing else but to protect his hearing. He stopped looking at her scratches and gave her a dirty look. “Hey, you knew what you were getting into with the way you were acting! So why don’t you be quiet and -!”

Carl’s speech ended in a shriek as he was ripped off of Hilda and suspended in the air. Many small sharp items were pressing into his lower half and he flailed around wildly upside down only to look into the very irate expression of a carnation.

Hilda fell on all fours and looked at the caterpillar confused. She didn’t knew he could fl-oh wait… She focused her eyes at the other tall figure “Cagney?” She almost whispered, feeling her body becoming heavier.

Carl.

Freaked.

Out.

“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God!!!” He started to blubber, looking into the very sharp teeth of the flower. Why did this flower have sharp teeth?? Weren’t they supposed to be nice and sweet?!

“Tell me why I don’t turn you into mulch right now,” the flower snarled.

Carl’s mind went blank. “This was all a huge misunderstanding!” He tried to explain, “See, I met this girl and she was coming on to me and she wanted to visit a friend is all!”

“She came on to you?” He snorted.

“You gotta believe me, Mr. Flower!”

“Oh for fu- I’m Cagney,” he snapped squeezing harder.

Carl’s eyes widened in alarm. “You’re-you’re Cagney?! But Hilda said you were a daffodil!”

Cagney grit his teeth, “Hilda says a lot of things. But right now, she’s not saying I should let you go…or even live.”

Carl continue to panic and looked down at Hilda. “Hilda, say something to him please! I’m really sorry!”

Hilda took a moment to try to follow what was going on. A minute ago she was struggling trying to get this grabby caterpillar off her and the next he was upside down crying like a baby, being hold by “Cagney!” She said happy to see him until she remembered she was mad at him “Cagney!” She repeated angry and frowned at the flower.

She felt a breeze on her thighs and looked down to her exposed leg and wounds. She opened her eyes widely “You ripped off my dress!!” She pointed at Carl “y-youuu… grrabby… grabbyson… piece of sshit!” She tried to stand up, holding herself on to the fence but her legs were as if they were made of jelly and she decided to stay on her knees, making it look like it was her decision to stay there and not a lack of strength.

Cagney winced at the change in tone and he turned toward her briefly, “Hilda just…” The rest of her slurred words clicked in and he jerked back toward Carl. “You did what?”

Carl whimpered. “It was an accidental thing ya know? She was on the fence and She’s drinking and I don’t want to die please.”

“Carl! Yyou… bbastard! Can’t keep yourrr… sticky hands to yourrrrssself. Yyouu ooowe me a drrress!” she was so tired. She forced herself to look at Cagney “and yyyou owe me a crrrystal dome…” she said with a weak voice resting her head on her shoulder. She could feel her guilt tighten in her tummy, or maybe was her upset stomach warning her it was about to evacuate.

Cagney’s shoulders slumped and Carl realized very quickly that there may be something more going on between the two than just an argument. “Listen, can I leave? I won’t bother her again.”

The carnation scowled but realized beating the hell out of the caterpillar wasn’t going to do anyone any good. Well, it would make him feel better, but judging by how unsteady Hilda was, that probably wasn’t the way to go.

He gradually set the caterpillar on the ground but did not release his grip. “Apologize to her,” he warned.

Carl looked at the semi conscious woman. “I’m really really sorry.”

“And give her whatever coin you have so she can get a new dress.”

“Wh-what? That doesn’t-” a look from the flower made him realize it was either his life or his coins and Carl quickly dropped what coins he had in front of Hilda.

Hilda stared smiling at the caterpillar leaving coins in front of her. “Yyyeah, yyou pay for my dress yyou… worm… looking thing” She couldn’t think of anything better.

Cagney smiled. “Great, now time to get the hell out of here.” And with that, he chucked the caterpillar into the next meadow. His attention turned to Hilda and his brows furrowed. “Hey, you okay?”

She broke in laughter when Cagney got rid of him. Looks like caterpillars fly after all. She stopped laughing at the sound of the flower’s voice and shrugged a bit frightened avoiding visual contact. This… wasn’t going to be as fun as she thought, but it was definitely worth it if it was just to hear his old friend, or ex-friend, talking to her again.

She opened her mouth to say how sorry she was for doubting him, that she overreacted and was really shitty of her to kick him out of his own surprise birthday party, that she didn’t wanted to loose him and that she will keep coming every night to his field with strangers until he forgives her.

Unfortunately, a small vomit came out instead of words.

Cagney watched Hilda throw up and winced. That didn’t look comfortable. He neared her carefully. “Can you get home okay?”

Why did he ask that? There was no way in hell she was going to be good to walk or fly anywhere. He looked her over. That is a nice dress. Well, was. There were tears all over it. He glanced at her legs and did a double take.

That was a pretty significant looking scratch right there. He hovered a little closer, trying to get a better look without coming off as a creep.

Hilda felt so embarrassed. She wanted HIM to be the one in this state of weakness, not her! She nodded at him and after taking deep breath tried to stand up again revealing more of her shivering legs and scratches. “I'mmm ffine… jusst… the tequila sshot… was a baaad idea”. She fell on her knees again. “Damn it.”

“Huh,” Cagney was only half listening at this point. He caught a better glimpse of her legs and realized those were some scratches alright. It looked like there was something else there. Something actually in the skin.

He realized he had been staring and quickly looked away. He was mad and worried. And happy. On the one hand, he said he’d never see her again and was angry about failing that. But on the other hand, he wanted nothing more than to sweep her off her feet and hug her as tight as he could.

She still didn’t dared to look at the carnation. “Sssorry about the puke… yyou can take somme of Carl’s coins and…” she started giggling “hire ssomeone to … clean it, hahaha, Carl. Caaaarrrllll” she started laughing now. “It sounds like a last second made up nname. Like… I imagine his parents, hholding the bbaby, and realising they haven’t chossse a nnname… so they look around and their like, like 'Chhhhaaaiir? Hm… Cloossseeet?’ Until, hahahaha, until they look through the window and hahaha and they see a car! And and they’re like 'Caaaarr? ’ and the added the L to make it sound like a name! Hahahaha caaaarrrllll hahaha! ”

She laughed so hard, her bruised body started hurting “Oh! Haha! Ouch! Haha! Shit, that hurts, hahaha” she tried to stop laughing and softly caressed her ribs.

Cagney really really really wanted to start laughing and hugging her. But the memory of her turning into Tauros and threatening to gouge his eyes out was still pretty fresh so he held back.

Still, she didn’t normally hurt when she laughed. “What hurts?” He asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Hilda manage to control her laughter as the pain became stronger “Well you should know!” She coughed a little regaining the anger that drove her to this situation in the first place. “I’m gonna be shitting thorns for a while…” she closed her eyes trying to rest a little. Well, her plan kinda worked, she got his attention… But what now?

“Thorns? What are you talking about?” He asked before realization hit him. He had nearly crushed her just 24 hours ago in his spiky coils. “Oh shit,” he must have stabbed her a bit. Had he left thorns? He looked at her legs again. He had to be sure about that though.

“Lie down and spread your legs,” he instructed. The words were already out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

Hilda started to spread her legs when her brain finally managed to process what she just heard. She opened her eyes in surprise and closed her legs tightly “Thafuckyoujustsaid?!” She managed to yell looking at him with regained vigor.

Cagney waved his leafy hands on her. “No, no, that’s not what I meant! I was just gonna-oh shit. That came out really bad.” He pulled his petals.

Hilda was hurt. He needed to do something about that.He quickly plucked some leaves from two plants and tucked them away before approaching the woman again. “I’m going to take you home, okay?”

Her sudden movement made her head spin and she could feel gravity pulling on her making her fall on her side with a little ripping noise. “Oh for fucksssake! Nnow I know why it was ssucha bargain” her voice got weaker at the end. “Just… let mmme… rest… here….” This position was actually very comfortable, plus laying on grass, with the smell of rain and Cagney… this was a pretty good way to pass out.

“No, no don’t-oh dammit, Hilda,” Cagney swore as the woman passed out on the grass. He stared at her for a minute before looking toward her home. Uphill. Uggghhh

He uprooted himself and scooped the woman up as carefully as he could before walking back to her home. She smelled nice, well besides the liquor, but she smelled of Hilda and rain and that was always a nice combination.

He walked by Isabella and Mina’s home and was secretly glad the little girl was probably asleep. Last thing she needed to see was a flower carrying off unconscious women into the darkness. That would be a bit harder to explain.

He trudged his way up to her door and adjusted her so that he pressed her head against his chest, his other arm reaching along the stone wall until he found the fake brick and pulled it out, revealing a spare key to her home. Hilda was a smart girl and as far as he knew only a few people knew where that key was and it was only to be used in an emergency. Well this was technically one, even if it would lead to him getting murdered in the morning.

Cagney placed her on her bed and hesitated before pulling one of her legs out. Yes. Thorns. He had thorned her. He carefully started to pluck them out, trying to be as gentle as he could as she winced. With each pull, he quickly placed lavender and aloe over each spot.

He hesitated once more. She was probably punctured underneath the dress too.

Hilda twitched occasionally at the feeling of the thorns being pulled and tightened her thighs. She put a hand on her sore ribs and winced in pain.

Cagney saw her hand on her ribs and swore. He grabbed one of her blankets and very very very carefully removed her dress, being extra cautious not to look at anything he hadn’t seen before.

He covered her breasts with the blanket and spotted the few thorns in her ribs and plucked those out quickly, pressing the leaves to them. He let a hand wander up her chest to feel for more only to nearly touch her breast.

He could feel himself heat up and quickly finished up before she could open her eyes. He clumsily slipped on a dry night gown over her naked body and sighed in relief.

He should leave soon. Maybe get a good night’s sleep before she killed him tomorrow. He wrapped her up in the blanket and looked at her sadly.

“I’m sorry, Hilda. I really like you. And I’m so sorry.” Better not risk death by tornado though and he left her room. He bailed as quickly as he could out the front door, replacing the key and stone before burrowing back home.

He wondered how long he would be allowed to live tomorrow morning.

—-

CHAPTER 01, CHAPTER 02, CHAPTER 03, CHAPTER 04, CHAPTER 05, CHAPTER 06, CHAPTER 07, CHAPTER 08, CHAPTER 09, CHAPTER 10; CHAPTER 11 (You’re here)

#rolplay #cuphead #amber alleycat #Sullivan Wells #cagney carnation #hilda berg #necrida #smallpersiankitten #fan fiction #submission

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