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seriouslysnape · 3 years

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Moonlight Dip

Neville Longbottom x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Fluff, Sexual content (super brief).

Word Count: 2,588

“We’re going swimming.”

Hogwarts was always desolate and quiet at this time of night. The only person who was supposed to be stirring was Filch, Mrs. Norris, and possibly Professor Snape keeping an eye out for any students who had grown bold enough to break curfew. Most students didn’t bother trying to sneak around the castle at night. Not because they were afraid of getting caught, but because if they DID get caught, they’d have to deal with Filch’s overly strict behavior. Honestly, that was a punishment in and of itself.

Which was why Neville just couldn’t seem to figure out why you were leading him through the dark corridors, moving like a woman on a mission. You had crept into his dorm around midnight or so, pouncing on his bed and shaking him from his gentle slumber. You barely waited for him to wake up before you were whisper-shouting at him that you had somewhere for the two of you to go. He never minded a surprise visit from you, but he also wasn’t very keen on attempting to slip out undetected. Still, his curiosity won out.

“Hey, uh, flower?” He whispered, not knowing where Filch might’ve been.

“Yes, Neville?” You whispered back, peering your head around the corner to check for anyone coming.

“Where are we going exactly? And why are you in your robes?” He questioned, feeling a bubble of nervousness in his chest.

Truth be told, Neville felt a little underdressed. He was clad in his pajamas bottoms and an old t-shirt that he only used to sleep in. You looked back at him with a smile, his heart leaping at how beautiful you looked under the illumination of the Lumos you had uttered from your wand. Neville had learned to be more spontaneous after he had begun dating you. You were as sweet and respectful as anyone, but you definitely had a wild side that sometimes shaved some years off of Neville’s life. He wasn’t sure what to think of it at first, but over time he found that he loved all of your silly shenanigans. Even the ones that had gotten you both in hot water before.

“I told you, Nev. It’s a surprise!” You answered, squeezing his hand that was interlaced in yours, “It won’t be a surprise anymore if I tell you.”

Neville made a puzzled, yet thoughtful look as he racked his brain of possible ideas. He thought that maybe that you were daring to venture to Hogsmeade for a late night snack. Every now and again, you’d convince Neville to help you with sneaking into Honeydukes after hours to snag a few treats (don’t worry, you always left the right amount of money on the counter to pay for it).

However, his theory was proven wrong when he realized that you were taking him past the courtyard and in the general direction of the Quidditch field. He was glad that it was well into spring now, and the nights were warm with the days. You didn’t play Quidditch though, and neither did he. So he couldn’t fathom why you were headed that way.

“The Quidditch fields are always dark this time of night. There’s no way we’ll be able to see.” Neville pointed out, mumbling under his breath when he almost tripped on a loose rock.

You turned to look at him again, another smile plastering on your face.

“Then it’s a good thing that we aren’t going there.” You replied.

Sure enough, you kept walking towards your desired locating, keeping your antsy boyfriend in tow. About the time that Neville had given up on trying to figure out where you were taking him, his question was answered. The lake was always so pretty at night, and tonight was no exception. The moon was only a phase away from being full, but still offering enough light to where the two of you could somewhat see. The reflection bounced beautifully off of the dark lake, creating glittering ripples in the water when it was agitated from it’s still position.

You let go of Neville’s hand once you were standing on the bank, crouching down to untie your shoelaces. Neville stood still, his arms at his side rather awkwardly. He wasn’t picking up on your plan just yet.

“I didn’t know that you like to fish.” Neville said aloud, not bothering to whisper anymore since there was no chance that anyone would be out here.

“I don’t.” You giggled, removing your shoes and socks.

Neville’s eyebrows raised, still oblivious even as your fingertips worked at untying the cord around your robes. Well, he WAS oblivious, until it was literally right in front of his face.

“Then why are we- oh my God, what are you doing?” He cut himself off when your robes fell to the grass, revealing your bra and knickers underneath.

Neville was glad that it was mainly dark outside, because his sudden deep blush would’ve been painfully obvious otherwise. You smirked at the bashful boy who was frozen in place, unsure of what he was supposed to do.

“We’re going swimming.” You announced, reaching for his hand again.

Except he didn’t take your hand. He wasn’t on board with this idea at all.

“Oh no. No, no, no. I draw the line at swimming naked!” He rattled off, taking a step away from you.

You weren’t offended in the slightest, and you were even rather amused at his skittish behavior. This was nothing new to you.

“I’m technically not naked.” You reminded him calmly.

“You’re in your knickers!” He hissed back, his eyes widening as he actually took a second to look at the lacy material.

“Exactly. Which equals not naked.” You returned, fighting the urge to burst into laughter.

“Nope!” He protested, sitting down on the grass instead, “I’ve defended us for getting caught sneaking off for Chocolate Frogs and breaking into the library at 3 o’clock in the morning. But I will not try to explain why we were in the lake naked.”

Neville seemed adamant about staying put where he was. He was tempted to get up and leave, but there was no shot in hell that he was going to leave you out here by yourself. He was perfectly fine with sitting off to the side and observing from a safe distance.

“You see me in my underwear all the time, Nevy,” You said, not really believing that the lack of clothes was what he was timid about, “Is it the ‘nakedness’ or the critters that sometimes live in the lake?”

Neville was frightened of a lot of things, and while he tended to love animals, aquatic animals were an exception. Fish and water-based bugs freaked him out for some reason that even you didn’t quite understand. The only animals that lived in and around water that he liked were frogs and toads. The only aspect of the lake that he might enjoy (aside from seeing you wet and half-naked) were the plants that were undoubtedly growing below the surface.

“Maybe both...” He murmured, resting his forearms on top of his knees that were pulled into his chest, “Regardless, I’m staying right here.”

You shrugged your shoulders, believing your intuition that said that he’d be in the water with you in less than fifteen minutes.

“Suit yourself.” You told him before making a graceful entrance splash into the water.

He watched as you plunged in, your entire frame disappearing under the water that looked black due to the inky color of the sky. Neville felt his nerves get fired up when you went under, a slight anxiety in his gut that you might not come back up. The lake wasn’t super deep by any means, only coming up to just below your hip. Neville knew that it was possible to drown in any depth of water, which was why he became a bit on edge.

Thankfully, though, you emerged from below the water before he could get too worked up. He watched with interest when your hands swept your wet hair backwards, slicking it on your head.

Neville had always found you pretty. He thought you were the most beautiful girl on the planet. While he always thought that you looked stunning, there were still times where it was much more clear to him. For instance, early in the morning when you’ve just woken up is one of his favorites. Or right before a Gryffindor party on Friday nights when you’ve taken extra time to get spiffied up. Seeing you always made his heart beat with a little more purpose. It reminded him of how much he cared for and loved you.

And this moment now really had him swooning.

His eyes studied as water droplets dripped from your frame, soaking into your underwear and gliding down your beautiful skin. It created a shiny gleam over you, bringing out all of his favorite parts of you. He must’ve fallen into a lusty daze, because he felt himself snap back into reality when you called to him.

“You sure you don’t want to get in?” You spoke, letting your fingertips trail over the surface of the lake.

Neville shook his head in response.

“I’m good here, tulip. Promise.” He said, still not sure if this was something he wanted to do.

You never pressured Neville into doing things he didn’t want to do. You never wanted him to be uncomfortable around you or associate discomfort with spending time with you. However, you knew that Neville was a worrier. He was an avid overthinker and sometimes just let his nerves get the best of him. You encouraged him to live a little more, without thinking about every single possible outcome of a situation. It’s great to be cautious and aware, but life without taking some risks could be...boring. You just didn’t want Neville to grow old with you and wish he hadn’t let his head get the best of him.

You swam out towards the middle of the lake, but not so far that you couldn’t see or hear Neville. You floated on your back and played with things that you found on the mushy, sandy floor of the lake. Neville maintained a conversation with you, but found himself feeling tempted to join you. It was just swimming. It wasn’t like the two of you were trying to blow up the lake or anything.

“How does...how does it feel?” Neville asked, stifling a giggle at how you were bouncing on your feet with your head lolled to the side to get water out of your ear.

“It’s nice. It’s not warm by any means, but it feels good.” You told him, wringing the excess water from your hair, “Changed your mind?”

Neville chewed the inside of his cheek, but he was warming up to the idea.

“I don’t even have a pair of swim trunks with me.” He argued.

You motioned towards your own body with a look of hilarity.

“Oh, and I’m wearing my swimsuit? It doesn’t matter, love. Just take off what you have on.” You instructed, getting hopeful that he was actually going to do it.

Neville stood from where he sat, stripping down to his boxers at a snail’s pace. He folded his clothes neatly, setting them next to your robes that he had also folded previously. He dipped his foot into the water, expecting it to be much colder than it actually was. It was a lukewarm temperature, something that would be refreshing on a hot summer day, but far too freezing for a frigid winter day. For his moderate spring night, it was perfect.

Neville didn’t love how the bottom of the lake felt on his feet. It was a mix of a squishy, gelatinous feeling. You reached for his hands excitedly, taking them as he waded out to where you were standing.

“So, what do you think?” You wondered, careful not to freak him out too much,

“It feels...nice. I don’t think I’ve ever been in this lake,” He admitted, “How did you even come up with this?”

“Well, you told me once that your Gran used to have a little pond behind her house that you liked to swim in during the summer. You said you enjoyed it and I thought maybe this would be something you’d like too,” You explained to him, suddenly feeling insecure about this whole thing, “I know it’s probably not the same or as fun.”

Now things really started to make sense. Neville felt the cage of butterflies flutter all into his belly whenever you did something sweet for him. Especially when it was something with sentimental value.

Neville had undeniably fallen in love with you. Not because of your witty personality or the random adventures you liked to take him on. Those things were plenty great, and he cherished those things with everything he had. But that wasn’t what made him decide that you were his future.

It was the pureness of your heart.

He fell for you more and more each time you did something for him. Whether it was as small as you combing your fingers through his hair when he was asleep on your chest in the common room, or as big as the time you devised a plan to throw a surprise birthday party for him at his Gran’s house. No matter what it was, you never hesitated to spend your energy, time, and love on making him happy.

“I did always like that pond, flower. But...you want to know something?” He said smoothly, with just the faintest hint of shakiness in his tone, “This is a lot better.”

He pulled you in close at the sight of your brightening eyes, bringing you down with him as he sank down to his knees under the top of the water.

“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” You pressed on.

“Because you’re here.” He mewled, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

His descent of kisses trailed down to your nose, to your cheeks, to your lips. His kisses were never rushed in moments like this. They weren’t ever in a rush to get to the point or so rough that he didn’t have a chance to feel it. He liked to take his time with you. He liked to savor you.

“I love you, Nev. I really do.” You professed once he pulled away from you.

“I love you, petal,” He returned, going to kiss you again, but stopped when he took a big swash of lake water to the face.

He let out a startled gasp at how he was totally soaked now. It dripped from his hair, droplets rolling to the tip of his nose before falling off back into the lake. He caught your mischievous expression, your cheeks puffed out as you fought your laughter.

“Really funny, doll.” He sputtered, nonchalantly reaching around to your back and unclasping your bra with one hand. He managed to whip it off of you with ease, leaving you completely naked on top.

“Neville!” You squealed, “Give it back! That’s my favorite one!”

Neville teased you as he held your bra high in the air above his head, chuckling as you struggled (and failed) to get it back.

“Don’t worry, love bug. I’ll take good care of it. But if you want it...” Neville paused, shimmying past you and waddling further out into the lake with a sneaky, yet innocent sneer on his face;

“You’ve got to come and get it.”

*****

Tags: @lupinsslut @writingscape @msmimimerton @thefilmcity

#neville longbottom #neville longbottom x y/n #neville longbottom x you #neville longbottom x female reader #neville longbottom x fem! reader #neville longbottom fluff #neville longbottom imagine #neville longbottom oneshot #seriouslysnape

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moons-and-stars-and-shit · 4 years

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It worked! Sorry to bug you with a message! But I'd like to request a cake now!

So, about me. I have an actual name but I don't think I've heard it in months😃, instead I have a bunch of nicknames! (Rion, ri, oreo, onion, o, etc), I'm actually nb so I chose that name, however I 100% consider naming myself Arson💀My pronouns are they/them and I'm about 5'5, I have short, fluffy brown hair that I usually dye the front blue. I'm Asian hispanic, but I really don't look like either- my favorite foods are either really spicy and salty or sweet. Not the overwhelming chemical sweet tho, like a natural sweet flavor. My personality type is infp, and ig when I first meet people I can be shy (that's an understatement, I was mute for the first week of school🕳🏃‍♂️) but once I get to know people I can be pretty chaotic (once again, arson). I'm not a 100% demon spawn though, I don't really like making scenes in public and I probably will cry if I do- but I still have fun lol. I'm also the person who copes with severe mental health issues using humor, to an alarming degree 😔 I'm the therapist friend when really I'm the one who needs therapy. I also have a social battery that can die at random times, so I really like/need friends who can handle random mood changes of me going from energetic to silent in seconds. Academically, I'm really book smart, I'm a tutor, but my grades don't reflect it. I tend to procrastinate a lot and avoid studying, usually I catch myself last minute or trust memory on tests, but every now and then there's something that tanks my grades. I'm not very athletic, but I still try to play sports. I enjoy the feeling when I do something right, but the rest of the time I usually beat myself up for messing up.

And now just random facts 😃👍

My favorite color is yellow, not the bright eye sore shade that makes you want to throw up, but the nice softer, light shade. And I like anything that comes with that color! (Sunflowers, flowy sundresses and flip flops, summer activities, burning concrete, warm rain, etc). Nobody knows my music taste, it changes weekly, however I usually come back to mitski/cavetown or summer themed songs a lot! I enjoy playing music, but I have the curse of being a fast learner so that usually leads to be being bored and learning a new instrument at any given chance. And my birthday is a weird date that fucks with zodiacs so I can be considered either a leo or cancer, my personality changes a bunch, so take your pick lol. (Though emotionally I tend to be cancerous, I just express it and show it in a way a leo would) And someday I wanna be a long term traveler, or a florist. Just a job that makes me happy :). And I guess if I had to classify my aesthetic it would be bloomcore or soft grunge. I like wearing big sweaters and if I could I would wear a bunch of butterfly clips in my hair and wear mom jeans. (I would also wear man crushers, I mean, platforms if I was confident)

Aaaannnnd that was really long sorry!

To sum up, I'm just a bipolar bitch with depression and anxiety 👍

Thanks a bunch for just taking the time to read this!

@oririon

Romantic Matchup

Bokuto Koutarou

How Y’all Met

IERJNDJS

I’m getting a classic summer love vibe from this matchup 👀

Ok so I just Hc that Bokuto LOVES flowers

So he would always just go to the local flower shop to look at them

Pls hes to precious I cant-

But anyways you we’re working a summer job at the flower shop

And you grew fond of our little owl boy

You would always talk to him whenever he visited

He just made your job that much more enjoyable :)

So one day you stopped him right before he left and told him he could pick a bouquet of flowers if he wanted

He BEAMED at you and picked a bouquet of flowers he always looked at whenever he came

But what shocked you was instead of walking out with them

He gave them to you!

He then went on talking about how he really liked you but didn’t know how to tell you

At this point he was just rambling

So you laughed and asked him if he would like to go to the ocean with you after your shift

He agreed and you swear you saw stars in his eyes

After your shift you met up with Bokuto and went to the beach

You guys literally spent ALL day there!

And even some of the night 👀

Being the gentleman he is offered to walk you home

And when you two got to your house he asked you to be his s/o

What They Love About You

Ok starting off with a strange one

He loves the fact that your favorite color is yellow 💛

He just thinks it fits you so well 😊

He loves that you have to ability to turn your trauma into humor

Now I’m ngl...

Ye found it extremely concerning at first 🥲

But once you explained it was like a coping mechanism for you

He was super supportive!

AAAAAAAA

He LOVES your aesthetic!

He thinks it’s so cute

And once again he thinks it fits you 👀

He appreciates the fact that your smart

If he doesn’t understand something in class

He’ll just go to you!

And honesty going over the material with him has helped your understanding as well 👀

Bokuto s grades:📈

Your grades: 📈

Favorite Things To Do Together

Oml he loves summers with you

Any summer activity

Beaches

Ice cream

Flower meadows 👀

Summer night drives

The whole shtick

But when it’s not summer

He loves doing classic seasonal activities

Examples:

Fall - Jumping in leaf piles, coffee dates, preparing for Halloween, etc

Winter - Snowball fights/Making Snowmen, Christmas movie marathons, hot cocoa/ baking, etc

Spring - Dancing in the rain, picnics, gardening etc

It’s a vibe year round with bf Bokuto

Random Hc

His favorite season is summer

And his second is winter

Ik...polar opposites

Oof

He TOTALLY gets your mood swings

Although they may not be the same as his

He still understands them and respects them

Every year on your anniversary he buys you the exact same bouquet he gave you at the flower shop

Speaking of the flower shop 👀

He got a job there with you the following summer

So you guys basically spent most of your days together

Bokuto is REALLY bad at dark humor

But for some reason he still tries 😭

It’s either TOO dark

Or not dark at all 💀

Astrology

(We’re gonna go with your cancer zodiac 😂)

When Cancer and Virgo make a love match, a strong, down-to-earth relationship with staying power is the happy result.

This is a relationship with great potential to get better and better over the passing years.

Both Cancer and Virgo are goal-oriented and disciplined.

They are sincere and devoted to one another and share a strong sense of purpose.

No lightweight love here: These two were not really built for flings!

Cancer and Virgo deeply admire one another: Virgo respects Cancer’s quiet strength and dedication while Cancer appreciates Virgo’s keen adaptability and intelligence.

These lovers may get off to a slow start, but over time, bonds will only grow stronger.

The Cancer-Virgo love match prides itself on common sense and strong principles over fluff and inconsequential or fleeting connections.

They enjoy the material comforts of life, but they will only feel good about their bounty if it has come as a result of honest hard work.

There could be tiffs if Virgo becomes too critical for Cancer’s easily bruised feelings; Cancer needs to understand that it’s just Virgo’s nature to point out what they observe, that it’s not a personal attack.

A Virgo may bristle at their Cancer mate’s stubborn streak, but it’s a trait that a patient and understanding love partner like Virgo could come to appreciate.

Also, Virgo’s urge to serve suits Cancer’s affectionate, nurturing nature well.

Their dedication to working toward the same goals.

Both partners in this love match enjoy a stable home life and nice things, and Virgo truly enjoys helping Cancer along the way to achieving their goals.

Their shared goals and desires make theirs a highly compatible love match.

Overall Aesthetic

Bloomcore 🌸

Bloom - Jesse

This Side of Paradise - Coyote Theory

Flaming Hot Cheetos - Claire

Mystery of Love - Sufjan Stevens

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu fandom #haikyuu x y/n #haikyuu hcs #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu headcanons #haikyuu matchups #bokuto #bokuto koutarou #bokuto x y/n #bokuto x reader

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munchix-home-cooking · 4 years

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RP Log: Munchix and Rayena begin a long journey through Coerthas, starting from Gridania and ending at the Dravanian Hinterlands! In this, they simply get ready and hike through the North Shroud.

(Munchix Bogbelly) True to his word, though late by several moons, Munchix had sent Rayena a letter. ‘Meet me in Gridania, if you want to join my journey of culinary discovery through Coerthas!’ And such a day had come. Munchix, a large backpack resting by his side, leaned on the fence posting while he waited for any familiar faces by the aetheryte.

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena did indeed get his letter, packing her back and teleporting to the aetheryte crystal in gridania. She looked around before spotting Munchix and giving him a wave before walking over. "Hello, Munchix. I am here for adventure." she grinned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) He was impressed by how Rayena had teleported here with such ease. Due to pitifully small reserves of magical talent, Munchix had never been able to use aetherytes, instead opting to travel by land or sea. “Ah! Gobbed ta’ see ya! Do you have everything you need? It’s going to be quite cold where we’re going...Got a set of warm clothes? Tent? Extra tea cup?”

(Rayena Corsano) She smiled and nodded. "I have warm clothing, some food, a tent, but no extra tea cup as I didn't bring any tea. I don't even know if we could heat water in the snow. Though, I do have magic so, I can heat just about anything." she grinned. "Did 'ye have everything 'ye need is 'yer bag secure?"

(Munchix Bogbelly) With a big grin on his face, he fondly patted his backpack. “It’s alright, you can use my spare. Never know when you’re gonna need a nice, hot cup of leafjuice. And I’m good! Last time there was a hole in my pack, but that’s been patched up! Ready and rearin’ to go, if you are.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) A messily cut piece of burlap has been sewn onto Munchix’s backpack. It’s one of many similar fixes...

(Rayena Corsano) "Hey Munchix, 'ye know. I am a seamstress by trade, if 'ye need anything fixed or made, 'ye can just let me know and I can put something together. I specialize in fancy wear but, I think I can work with survival gear for 'ye." she beamed.

(Munchix Bogbelly) His eyes light up. “Really? I’d be mighty grateful. Should...Should I get this looked at before we leave then? Or do you think it’ll hold...” Munchix pokes one of the patches on his backpack, curious.

(Rayena Corsano) She beamed. "Let me take a look." she said before inspecting his pack, moving around to check all the patches sewn in. "I believe it'll hold but, if by chance it opens again, I've got me kit on me and can fix it for 'ye." she grinned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) He nodded, feeling assured by her expert opinion. “Got it. Now, let’s be off! Times a tickin’, and if there’s anything I know about Gridania...it’s that you don’t want to be caught out in the dark.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) we can start in the north shroud. yellow serpent gate :3 ))

(Munchix Bogbelly) ...and the moment Munchix steps foot out of Gridania, he’s attacked by a small gang of ‘forest friends’. Thankfully, the guard is nearby to help defend the gobcat...against ladybugs.

(Rayena Corsano) "Everything alright? Did 'ye get hurt?" she asked before sitting down next to Munchix, she looked concerned though a ladybug couldn't be that powerful compared to a tiger.

(Munchix Bogbelly) He lifts one of his arms and gives it a good shake - a pebble-sized ladybug tumbles out. “Ah no, I’m fine! It’ll take much more than that to send me to the lifestream!” For a second, he wonders why the wildlife in the Black Shroud are so keen on following him around? Perhaps his eating habits are upsetting the Elementals, or whatever they are? Munchix shrugs. A question for another time.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Alright, so our first destination is a camp in Alder Springs. It’s a bit of a walk, but we just got to head west and follow the sound of water. And hopefully, we find some interesting critters ‘long the way!”

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena nodded. "Good." she said, giving him a smile before raising to her feet, her chakrams hung along her hips. "Well, 'ye lead the way and I will follow, as long as we're not threatening looking we should be fine!" she beamed.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix isn’t a threatening looking guy to begin with, but he does his best to try to look even more meek. With Rayena’s okay, he dashes ahead, finally stopping at a crossroads.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Er, left, I think. OH look, there!” He excitedly points at the Treant Sapling as it lumbers about in the distance. “Something I’ve always been curious about...is how such saplings reproduce? My first guess would be through fruit and flower, which leads me to my next thought. How would such a fruit taste?”

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena looked over at the sapling once Munchix pointed it out, tilting her head. "I don't really know, maybe when it's time they produce seeds which they shake off and they grow. Though, they could always reproduce like animals do since they are a bit sentient." she giggled.

(Munchix Bogbelly) A gasp escapes from Munchix, and it’s quickly followed by a blush. “This is an aspect of Treants that I have not considered. There is so much we don’t know yet. But...I wonder.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) He inches a little closer to the Treant, eyeing the ground around it in search of seeds. Every so often, he looks up to check the branches of the creature. The Treant, so far, simply regards Munchix as an annoying fly.

(Rayena Corsano) "Or maybe when one dies, it sustains the earth and a new one grows from it, just like how other things grow if we decompose in the ground. Shame they don't talk though..."

(Munchix Bogbelly) “All interesting theories! Oh, waitwait. Let me write this all down.” He pulls out a beaten up tome from his pack, frantically flips to a page, and starts scribbling madly. The Treant saddles up behind him, as if reading what he’s putting down on paper.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Once he’s done writing, he puts the book away. In that motion, his foot slips on a round object. Munchix goes down with a nonchalant “oof,” and when he gets up, he holds the object up in his hand - a seed the size of a golf ball. He raises a brow at Rayena.

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena watches him scribble down before looking towards the Treant that settled behind him. She then gives the sentient tree and wave before looking over at Munchix as he fell. "Oh no! 'Ye alright?" she asked before eyeing the seed. "Maybe that is one of the babies..."

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Could be...” He examines the seed. It looks identical to an avocado pit. It might even just BE an avocado pit. But...what if it wasn’t? Munchix offers the seed to Rayena if she wants to take a look.

(Rayena Corsano) Ray takes the seed, inspecting it. "Kind of looks like an avocado pit but, if it is one of the babies, we should probably leave it here unless 'ye want an overgrown sentient tree following 'ye around. Though, 'ye always have a shady spot once it's full grown." she giggled.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix takes back the seed and without hesitation, tries to take a bite out of it. He fails to leave a mark. “Ooouwshh, thish thing’s hard! Thought it might be shoft, like a peanut...” He complains, rubbing at his jaw.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Rayena: it could be a baby! Munchix: *immediately tries to eat* xD )) (Rayena Corsano) munchix is a baby eater...confirmed)

(Rayena Corsano) She gaps than grimaces once he takes a bite of the seed. "Course it is hard, silly! It's a seed but, why did you bite it if we think it's a baby, you nearly killed a baby, Munchix."

(Munchix Bogbelly) He tucks the seed away in a side pocket. “Would you say that if I was eating a walnut? Hm, though...walnut trees aren’t the type to be walkin’ around like this one...” Munchix looks at the Treant again. He had never considered the moral dilemmas of his monster eating habits. Too much to unpack here. Gobbrain hurt.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “I don’t have the name ‘Bogbelly’ for no reason. But, if I’m about to eat something that you oppose to, just say the word. Sorry ‘bout that.” He tilts his head slightly to the left in apology.

(Rayena Corsano) She watches him place the seed into his pocket. "'Ye keeping it? Does that mean 'ye gunna see ut grow?" she asks, than shrugs. "Most things 'ye can eat. I am just unsure about babies, since they need to grow and experience life, and stuff that'll make 'ye sick or even kill 'ye but, other than that, eat anything 'ye want." she grinned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “A souvenir!” He grins. “Though our main purpose for journeying is lookin’ for new flora and fauna...I’ll admit, I have a personal motive as well. Our final destination, the Dravanian Hinterlands, is where my family lives. It’d be cool to show them this later.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Let’s keep going. We’re still a little ways off from Alder Springs.”

(Rayena Corsano) She nodded. "Oh! I can't wait to meet 'em. Let's go!" she grinned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) He led the way again, following the road to settlement.

(Munchix Bogbelly) The light of the Alder Springs settlement glowed gently against the calm, dark night. It wasn’t too far now, though...Munchix has stopped in his steps, eyes affixed on the humongous insects nearby.

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena stopped a step or so behind Munchix before following his gaze. "Oh. Becareful of those, they look rather big, than stinger looks painful." she shuddered.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “The stingers the size of a horsebird! Why’s it gotta be so big? Hunting...big prey, perhaps? Like us?” Despite what he’s saying, Munchix’s voice remains awfully chipper.

(Rayena Corsano) "Probably. They're predator bugs, big bugs. And the stinger probably has venom in it, either to paralyze them so the kill is easier or it outright kills 'ye. Though, me sister said someone told her the stinger is how they, uh, reproduce but, I could be wrong and it is venomous. Eitherway, I'd be careful." she nodded.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix’s takeaway from Rayena’s words of wisdom...will always be of questionable priority. Be careful? What’s that? “The stinger is how they reproduce?! But ALSO to kill?! That’s brutal! Hah, think of all the bedroom accidents these fellas get in!”

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Anyway, these sorts of creatures tend to be mostly shell and little substance. 3 out of 10 edibility. Of course, I’m still curious...Maybe the guard wouldn’t mind me picking through their kill sometime.” He eyes the sentry, who has presently been defending the bridge against any threats. Banemites, Ixali, whatever gets too close.

(Rayena Corsano) She makes a grimace face. "I can't imagine they'd taste good at all. Bleck." she said, sticking out her tongue, than looked over at the kill. "I don't see why not, it doesn't seem like they are too interested in it."

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix steps over to a Banemite corpse and uses a survival knife to slice a bit of pincer off. “Won’t know till’ you try! I’ll cook this up tonight...and don’t worry. I’ll take the first bite.” Thumbs up!

(Munchix Bogbelly) The pincer sticks out from his pack. Munchix follows the road to its end, to Alder Springs.

(Rayena Corsano) She blinked. "'Ye mean I have to eat it? What if I don't like it?" she asked before shrugging. "Good thing I brought extra food." she smiled.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “You don’t hafta eat it. We’re still in civilization, plenty of local chow to enjoy. And! If you don’t like it, then I probably won’t like it, and we can ‘don’t like it’ together!” Munchix is incredibly chipper about this.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “The Babbling Cork is a nice place to spend the night. Let’s head over there and enjoy the sights, shall we?”

(Munchix Bogbelly) munchix would try to eat a rock if not for Rayena xD ))

(Rayena Corsano) She giggled at his comment before nodding. "Ye! Let's!" she beamed and started to head over.

(Munchix Bogbelly) theres more ppl than I thought here! It's a nice place to be sure :D )) (Munchix Bogbelly) woah wait this place is way bigger than I thought ))

(Munchix Bogbelly) The moment Munchix steps in, he lets out a relieved sigh. “Ah! It’s nice to be off the road...Ever been here? It’s pretty swanky. Nice rooms, tastymuch food, and to top it all off...if you go on the deck behind the place, you’ve got front row seats to a huge waterfall!”

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena looked around. "No, I don't think I've been this far out from Gridania and I really don't go to Gridania very much." she nodded than beamed. "I really want to see this deck before we leave here. Would be nice over supper or breakfast." she grinned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “As I always say, the best time to see the world is now! Happy to show you ‘round.” Munchix puffs up his chest proudly. “Let’s go over and take a look then. I bet others have had the same idea, and we could even order food while lookin’ at the falls.”

(Rayena Corsano) "Yes! Lets!" she beamed, seemingly excited and before he could respond she was off.

(Munchix Bogbelly) OH WAIT HM am i mistaken... )) (Munchix Bogbelly) OH IT's the other side hahah ))

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix followed Rayena out, so pumped that he accidentally ran to the wrong side. For a second his heart drops when he’s met with a disappointing view of a cliffside...but he thinks to check the other side. Phew! There’s the view he remembers.

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena seemed to have gone the right way, curious where Munchix had gone, maybe he was getting food. Her thoughts seemed to vanish once she saw the waterfall. "Well, this is just perfect." she beamed and turned to look at Munchix once he arrived. "This looks so beautiful!" she beamed.

(Munchix Bogbelly) Munchix nods in agreement while enjoying the mist that rose out from the falls. “Can’t beat Nophica when it comes to spectacles in nature, huh?”

(Munchix Bogbelly) He settles down on one of the benches with a content sigh. And then, it’s back to work. He pulls out a small cutting board and starts to clean the Banemite stinger he hacked off earlier. It's a weird sight. The calming falls, juxtaposed with...butchering.

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena moved to sit down next to the gobcat watching him butcher the stinger, her head tilted, curious. She'd never seen anyone do this before though, she had never seen anyone eat the singer before either. "'Ye reckon it's safe? If there is venom..." she frowned.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “We’re exploring the great unknown! How wondrous!” With the way Munchix handles the knife, it’s obvious that he’s highly skilled at this sort of handiwork. “I’ve never cleaned a stinger of this size, but that makes it a little easier, actually. Usually, there’ll be parts around it that you can eat. And for everything else, boiling can hamper the effects of venom to an extent...”

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Rule number one. When trying something new, always start with a small bite, and only when you’re sure. And I’m not too sure about this.” Munchix picked away at the stinger, organizing it into neat piles. “Maybe just a little...lick.”

(Rayena Corsano) Ray looked outright concerned the more Munchix talked. "Okay. I think I am going to pass on the stinger cause it's no good if we both get sick, at least if one of us gets sick, the other can get help and cure them. So, if 'ye are truly curious, 'ye can eat it and just...tell me how it tastes." she beamed.

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Smart thinking!” Emboldened by Rayena’s promise of healing, he took a small nibble from a hopefully safe piece of stinger. His smile fell into a frown, and then back to a smile, and then...to a look of confusion. “.....................”

(Munchix Bogbelly) “It’s numbed my tongue, but in a pleasant sort of way? Er, well, enough for now. I don’t feel bad otherwise.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) I gotta head out soonish, so next posts we can wrap things up, and leave stuff for next time :D ))

(Rayena Corsano) Rayena watched his face as it transformed, looking at the stinger, than back at the gob cat. "Well, how does it taste? 'Ye look confused."

(Munchix Bogbelly) “Like an incredibly tough piece of raw scallop, I guess. Could use some salt to bring out its flavor a bit more. Something like this might go well if cut thinly and served with peppers...” Munchix shrugged. “But it’s not the best. Kind of has this weird...sharp taste that lingers after. Ah! This is all good to know...and pass on, in case of any. Unfortunate events.”

(Munchix Bogbelly) He pulls out the tome again and writes everything down in an entry dedicated to the Banemite. Perhaps this was Rayena’s first taste of Munchix’s true eccentricities, but it certainly wouldn’t be her last. The pair continued to chat until the night got too dark to stay out any longer. The journey would continue another day.

#ff14 rp logs #munchix bogbelly #rayena corsano

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josephkitchen0 · 6 years

Text

The Joy of Growing Horseradish (It’s Great With Almost Anything!)

By Sue Robishaw – Cold-climate gardeners can boast few crops that prefer their freezing winter abode, but the sturdy horseradish not only prefers it that way, it requires that cold. It does need a long enough growing season to grow healthy leaves and good roots, but if you plan on growing horseradish, know that the horseradish plant doesn’t need to be coddled through those unexpected frosts. It may not be a main eating crop, but it can enhance many less wild fare.

A hardy perennial of the mustard family, grated horseradish root has been enjoyed as a condiment for centuries. Not as common as mustard sauce in this country, it is still a favorite for many and well deserved of its special status. There are few crops that give so much for so little work.

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I started growing horseradish in our first few years of gardening. Having read that it was good to plant when growing potatoes to keep potato bugs at bay, I carefully put roots at each end of the potato plot. As I was also diligently rotating all my crops in those days, following the expert advice I’d read, the venerable horseradish followed our potatoes through the garden. As I gained more confidence in my gardening skills and growing horseradish, I began to depend more on my own thinking and observation than the book lore. And it was soon obvious that the horseradish/potato team was one of those “better in theory than practice” recommendations. Not that they didn’t do well together, but the horseradish left a trail of persistent offspring behind while the potato bugs were content to follow the potatoes wherever they went, with or without the horseradish.

In spite of frequent and careful digging, I wasn’t able to clear the plots of horseradish until we moved our garden right out of that area. Even then the horseradish persists, and 20 years later it is still there among the grasses and plants of the field.

Growing Horseradish

Though horseradish will grow in such conditions, it grows better roots for harvesting if given its own space and attention. It favors rich, deep loam and will not thrive on overly sandy or dry, gravely soil. And being a deep root crop, it needs depth to grow, so a hard subsoil won’t be to its liking either. But in the wide area between the extremes, which is pretty much any healthy garden soil, it will give you a good crop with little fuss. Plan on growing horseradish where its spreading habit can be contained. It’s a large-leafed, tall perennial plant so make sure it won’t be overpowering a more delicate neighbor.

Three years ago, in one of my many garden rearrangements, I invited our horseradish out of the field and back into the garden. I had space at the end of the new rhubarb bed which seemed the perfect spot. Being at the edge of the garden, it has tilled or hoed border on two sides, rhubarb on another, and a well-mulched path on the inside. A great home for growing horseradish. Though the bed was new, it was part of the old garden so the soil was good. Both the rhubarb plant and horseradish responded to these fresh, rich digs with such enthusiasm that I will be happy when the soil wears out a bit.

Though horseradish flowers, it seldom sets viable seed so propagation is by root or crown divisions planted in early spring or in the fall. It doesn’t take much of a root piece to get it growing. Horseradish is so hard to eradicate once established, but you’ll get a better plant (and root) with a good sized start of root or crown. Plant the crowns as they were growing originally, with the top level with the top of the soil, and the roots horizontally several inches deep in the soil, 12 to 18 inches apart in the bed. Mulch it well and let it grow, adding more mulch later as needed. As with most crops, if you have decent soil and a good mulch, you won’t need to artificially water the plants. They can handle the wet years and the dry years, the cold and the hot.

If well grown, the horseradish coexists amiably with the various insects that enjoy the plant. Flea beetles like to pepper my plants in the spring, but the leaves soon outgrow the onslaught and everyone is content. I’ve never had a problem with root maggots, but if you do, a sprinkling of wood ashes around the plants during the early season should help, as it does for the related radishes and cabbages. If your horseradish is overrun with pests, it’s likely your soil is not adequate for good growth. Work on the soil and let the horseradish and birds work on the pests.

The plants grow and the roots enlarge and thicken as the season progresses, working toward those tanned skinned, white fleshed, fairly firm roots that have such a fiery reputation to, as the 1937 Taylor’s Encyclopedia of Gardening says, “tickle the jaded appetites of the overfed.” Or simply to add some welcome spice to the homestead meal.

Digging

Horseradish roots can be dug any time the ground isn’t frozen. But as with most root crops, it is at its best in the fall, and even better after cold weather has arrived but before the ground freezes. This is generally when the bulk of the roots are harvested. You can harvest the first fall after you begin growing horseradish, but it might be better to let it grow another year to let it get established. The plant grows a large, long taproot with many branches and long side shoots. If you are going to grate the root by hand, you’ll want only the sturdy main root. But if you are going to chop or use a blender, then you can also make use of the larger of the side shoots.

When ready to harvest in late fall, I rake off the mulch, roughly dig up the main plants with a garden fork, and take the often branched main root and a number of the long slender shoots. There are many shoots and roots left throughout, and I rake the dirt back and let it go at that. Of course, there goes the nice and neat spacing, as next spring the plants will now grow here and there as they will. But it works and is an easy way to manage the plot. However, you can be more diligent in harvesting roots, pulling all you can find, then replanting six or eight-inch lengths of a pencil or small finger-size roots, or divisions of the crown of the main root as you did originally. There will still be many missed roots putting up small shoots, but the main plants will be as you planned and planted. This will probably give you a better crop.

You can also just dig up roots as you need them. If you have a thick mulch or deep early snow, the harvesting period can be extended until the depth of winter. Roots can also be dug in late winter/early spring when the ground thaws. But you’ll find when growing horseradish that the plant starts growing early so this harvest window is fairly small. Once growth has started, it’s best not to disturb the growing horseradish so it can put all its energy into producing good roots for fall, and not have to spend time repairing the damage done by mid-season harvesting.

Root Storage

If you want a continuous supply of horseradish sauce, you’ll need to store roots for making fresh sauce throughout the winter and spring. If well stored, roots can probably be saved and used on through the summer, but so far I haven’t had enough roots left to try that. Besides, for us, horseradish sauce isn’t as much desired in the summer.

Roots can be stored in slightly damp sand or leaves in a cool cellar or space. Use the smaller and damaged roots first, as the better roots will last longer. You could also dig a trench in the garden to store the roots with other root crops such as potatoes and carrots. Buried and covered with a thick mulch, they can be harvested until the snow gets too deep or the ground freezes. In early spring, these roots will be much fresher and in better shape than cellar stored ones. You run a risk of unexpected deep freeze or rodent damage, but the quality is worth the chance if you have enough roots.

The longer the roots are stored, the less pungent (relatively speaking) they will be, which can be a positive or negative effect depending on your taste. The prepared sauce also becomes mellower with age.

Sauce

Our sauce experience is rather mild compared with true horseradish aficionados, though we’re quickly becoming heavy users. I barely remember the first sauce I made from a few roots grown in our first backyard city garden almost 30 years ago. But I do distinctly remember the result when I took the lid off the blender for the first time — gasp, gasp! Great stuff for clearing the sinuses. Instantly, and cheaply. Highly recommended.

After we moved to our northwoods homestead and having grown the stuff for several years, I decided I really needed to do something with it. At that time, I felt I had to can or preserve in some fashion everything I grew or could harvest. But the only thing I knew to do with the sauce was as a condiment with meat. And, living without refrigeration for the first time, we were well on our way to a non-meat diet. I did harvest some roots though and decided to make a sauce.

Our electricity was limited then and came from our sole solar panel. Besides, we had left the blender and other such encumbrances behind. So I got out the simple but effective common box grater and (the earlier horseradish eye-watering experience still fresh in my mind) took it out in the yard on a breezy day and grated up a half pint for sauce. It did wash out a few tear ducts but not nearly as violently as the blender in the kitchen had. I think I mixed it with vinegar, per the preserving books I had, but still didn’t quite know what to do with it. We not only weren’t eating meat, we didn’t have refrigeration. Living in our small cabin, we didn’t even have much of a cool spot. And the books said you had to keep the prepared sauce refrigerated. So we gave the sauce to my Mom and Dad.

But my growing horseradish was thriving, and I wanted to use it, so I figured I’d have to can it. Not knowing quite how to do that, I wrote to the one source I thought might be able to help, Countryside magazine. How, I inquired, does one can horseradish sauce? Hoping they (not knowing who “they” were at that time) might print a reply in a future issue. To my great surprise, I received a hand-written note back from the editor (also publisher, manager, writer, man-of-many talents), JD Belanger. One doesn’t can horseradish sauce, he (I assume with some restraint) kindly explained, it would ruin the flavor. He said he regularly made quarts of sauce, simply keeping it in the refrigerator, and eating it with breakfast eggs every morning. Quarts?! Wow.

Even when I moved my horseradish from field to garden, I didn’t seriously consider making sauce. It was as much for having good roots to give away that it made its way back into my life. A good friend, gardener and amateur chef, Peter Copenhaver, mentioned wanting to get some horseradish growing on his and Melissa’s new place. So the first harvest from the prolific new plot was a bucket of roots and crowns for him to plant and for sauce. Later he kindly gave us several half-pints of prepared sauce in return. So of course, we had to at least try it. But with what? No meat to eat it with, and since our years of raising chickens was long past, we seldom ate eggs.

A common supper for us in fall and winter is potatoes (baked if the heating stove is going) with various vegetables–whatever is in season or in storage-sautéd and steamed with onions and garlic. That’s what was on the table, so that’s what we tried Peter’s horseradish sauce with. Wow! It was delicious, and a great side for the potato dish. We were hooked. That sauce went fast.

It was too late in the winter to dig roots, but the following fall I harvested a good crop for both Peter and myself. We were back to making and eating horseradish sauce. But this time, there was no problem with how to store it. We ate it too fast for one thing, but I also found the sauce keeps just fine for many months in our cool root cellar.

Although I knew I could grate the roots with the grater, it’s a slow process. So the next trip to the St. Vincent de Paul store gained us a small, used blender. Our solar array was much larger now than our early one-panel system, and we could afford the electricity. Although still not fond of kitchen gizmos that take up too much space and time, I do like the blender for making horseradish sauce. However, we did the job outside in the woodshed this time which was much more pleasant. Mid-winter we took the blender out to the shop building to make sauce.

Recipes

Peter’s sauce had a great flavor, so I asked him for his recipe. He didn’t have exact quantities, but this is what he thought he put in:

2 cups grated horseradish root

2 large cloves elephant garlic

2 tablespoons cane sugar

2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt

1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons ground prepared mustard

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar (maybe more)

Being a homesteader, I adapted Peter’s recipe to my own preferences. The second batch I remembered to keep track of the quantities. This is what I came up with:

Wash and scrape horseradish roots with a knife or carrot peeler. Grate or cut into pieces for blender

2 cups chopped horseradish root

4 cloves regular garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup cider vinegar (approximately)

If using a blender, add small quantities of root at a time with as much vinegar as needed to keep it working. Add other ingredients and blend to your liking, adding vinegar for a good consistency. Put in clean jars. Makes 3 to 3-1/2 half pints.

Be prepared, the fresh sauce is pretty potent. Some like it hot; while I like it better after it’s mellowed for a month. Either way, it’s a great accompaniment for a variety of meals, whether plain or fancy. You’ll find it on a healing herbs list as it is great for congestion, coughs, bronchitis and sinus problems. A great addition to the cold climate garden.

I hope this inspires you to start growing horseradish this season!

Originally published in Countryside in September / October 2005 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

The Joy of Growing Horseradish (It’s Great With Almost Anything!) was originally posted by All About Chickens

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josephkitchen0 · 7 years

Text

The Joy of Growing Horseradish (It’s Great With Almost Anything!)

By Sue Robishaw – Cold-climate gardeners can boast few crops that prefer their freezing winter abode but the sturdy horseradish not only prefers it that way, it requires that cold. It does need a long enough growing season to grow healthy leaves and good roots, but if you plan on growing horseradish, know that the horseradish plant doesn’t need to be coddled through those unexpected frosts. It may not be a main eating crop, but it can enhance many less wild fare.

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Growing Horseradish

Digging

Root Storage

Sauce

Recipes

Peter’s sauce had a great flavor, so I asked him for his recipe. He didn’t have exact quantities, but this is what he thought he put in:

2 cups grated horseradish root

2 large cloves elephant garlic

2 tablespoons cane sugar

2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt

1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons ground prepared mustard

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar (maybe more)

Being a homesteader, I adapted Peter’s recipe to my own preferences. The second batch I remembered to keep track of the quantities. This is what I came up with:

Wash and scrape horseradish roots with a knife or carrot peeler. Grate or cut into pieces for blender

2 cups chopped horseradish root

4 cloves regular garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup cider vinegar (approximately)

I hope this inspires you to start growing horseradish this season!

Originally published in Countryside in September / October 2005 and regularly vetted for accuracy.

The Joy of Growing Horseradish (It’s Great With Almost Anything!) was originally posted by All About Chickens

0 notes