#tea at the manor barbie | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

call-me-strega · 10 months ago

Text

How to Become a Step-Dad in 5 Easy Steps: part 2 (chapter 1/?)

Here is part 1, lore

Edit: ao3 link now here

They do go to a library in this chapter so there are a lot of references to books in this chapter. I've read some but not all of them so I can say anything about their quality more than as things that I thought sounded interesting in theory. A lot of the stuff at the library was inspired by my own experiences with public libraries.

~~~

Step 2: Get to know them

Within the next 4 months Jason ran into Danny several more times. Each time becoming more and more enamored with the young man. It was hard not to when he saw how kind and hard-working he was.

The first time he ran into Danny after their first meeting he actually ran into Ellie first. Well, technically she ran into him but that's beside the point. But if you were gonna get technical about it he heard her little giggles before he saw her.

He had been at the library during some of his downtime to peruse some books and relax. The life of a vigilante crime lord isn't a very peaceful one, go figure. That's why Jason liked taking some time to himself every once in a while whether it was to have tea with Alfred, hang with one of his friends or siblings, or in this case visit Gotham Public Library.

Sure he could've gone to the Manor Library or gotten something online but the Manor was pretty far from the Alley and preferred having physical copies of his books rather than a computer or tablet. Electronics just didn't have that nostalgic book smell or the soft touch of a well-loved page.

Going to the library also came with its own perks. For one, he got to visit Barbie at work. It was always nice to see her as they had this unspoken solidarity between them. The atmosphere was also a plus. There was just something special about being able to be completely solitary yet still have this special connection to the other patrons. Seeing the old man enjoying a novel with his wife, the book club that met on Sundays, the haggard office worker winding down on the weekend with a graphic novel, the young woman teaching herself sign language, the teens goofing off while they were supposed to be studying, a mom reading The Kissing Hand to her kids, all of the various people here for various reasons; all of it made Jason feel like he was a part of something bigger.

He was currently browsing a display of LGBT+ books for young adults that the library had put up for Pride Month. '"Cemetery Boys", "Aristotle and Dante", "You Should See Me in a Crown", "Six of Crows", "Boyfriend Material", "Red, White, and Royal Blue", "Carry On", Oh- "The Song of Achilles" that sounds interesting?'

That’s when he felt a small chill pass behind him. He initially dismissed it as a draft from the air conditioner, but soon after he heard the sound of excited giggles nearby. He didn't think too much of it assuming it was another kid on their way out of the children's section. However, something niggled in the back of his head that this particular giggle was one he was familiar with.

That's when he felt something collide with his leg. He looked down to see a small child with a head of glossy black hair in a red beanie glomping his leg. Suddenly, the child looked up and beamed at him. Jason's eyes lit up with recognition and he laughed.

" Hey there munchkin, how are you?"

Ellie continued to smile, releasing her hold on his leg.

" I'm doing really good Mr. Jason! Daddy told me he didn't have any work today and he said we could go anywhere we wanted! First, we went to the bodega a got these really big breakfast sandwiches! Like really really big! Like the size of my face and we shared! And then Daddy took me to the park and it was really fun! I saw a squirrel there but it ran away before I could pet it! And then we came here and Daddy said we'd make me a library card so I could get whichever books I wanted. He read Oh The Places You Will Go and Where the Wild Things Are to me and then they were gonna have story time and Daddy looked tired from the park so I told him to read one of his space books and rest while I went to story time like a big girl! When story time was over I looked around and saw you so I came over to say hi and thank you for the cookies and food because daddy says we should always say thank you when people give us gifts!"

Damn, the girl sure had one hell of a motor mouth on her. It seemed she and Danny were in the middle of a father-daughter day. It brought a smile to his face to see that she was well taken care of, but based on her very informative rambles, it seemed they were taking care of each other.

" Why don't we go say hi to your dad, huh Elle?"

The young girl gasped, "That's a great idea! Then Daddy can say thank you too! And then you can read with us and come to our house for dinner! Daddy kept saying how he wanted to make something for you too since you made us the-, the- uuh... luz-on-ya and cookies!"

" Whoa there munchkin, how about we just start with hi?"

Ellie nodded with a determined look on her face, she wrapped her little hand around his pointer finger and pulled him along to the semi-secluded corner of the children's section. Sitting there in an armchair next to a small pile of books was Danny, who seemed to be out cold, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy slipping from his fingers.

'Aah he must be tired from moving in and probably from working too' Jason thought to himself. A smaller voice in the back of his chimed in with its own two cents. ' He still made time for her. He took her out and is spending the whole day with her even though he's tired. He's a good dad.' That's when he made up his mind not to disrupt Danny's nap and let him get some rest before he had to tackle the rest of his father-daughter day with his hyperactive six-year-old. He placed a hand on Ellie's shoulder, stopping her as she was about to shake Danny awake, and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

" It looks like you were right about your dad being tired. How about we let him rest for now and I'll say hi another time? Besides I wouldn't want to interrupt your daddy-daughter day now would I?" He started to guide her to a different portion of the library quickly forming a plan, "Hows' bout we do something I think you'll like? Did you know sometimes they bring puppies and kitties into the library?"

The young girl gasped, " REALLY!"

" Yeah, sometimes puppies and kitties can help people who are feeling sad or nervous feel better. They also help teach kids how to act nicely and quietly so that they don't scare animals by letting them read to a puppy or kitty. I can help you sign up to read to a puppy or kitty today if you want? Then afterward, you can go tell your dad and he'll be really proud of you."

The young girl seemed so excited by the prospect that Jason worried for a second that she might explode.

" That's a great idea Mr. Jason! He'll be so proud of me and he'll bring me again! And I'll get so good at not scaring animals that the squirrels in the park will let me pet them! Then, Daddy will be so impressed that he'll let us get our own puppy and Cujo can come live with us!"

Jason winced, perhaps his plan had been a tad too effective. Single parents had a hard enough time keep themselves afloat while looking after their kids, a pet was extra expenses and another commitment to devote time and effort to. Pets were usually out of budget and out of question for anyone living in or near the Alley.

Well, he'd cross that bridge if he ever got to it. For now, he focused on getting Ellie signed up to read to Charlie, the old St. Bernard that was at the library this today. He and the trainer, he squinted reading her name tag, Amanda, supervised the session. Jason would be lying if he wasn't endeared by the sight of a young girl reading Dragons Love Tacos very enthusiastically to a dog nearly twice her size.

" It's nice to see a young father spending time with his daughter."

'I agree' Jason thought before realizing Amanda thought he was Ellie's dad.

" Oh- ah no I'm her -," Jason quickly made up his mind on the least creepy excuse he could find, " -babysitter. Although, her father does make a lot of effort spend time with her."

The dog trainer flushed and apologized for her mistake but Jason waved her off saying it was no big deal. Silently, he wondered how often Danny got time to himself. When he realized what he was thinking he raised an eyebrow at himself before dismissing it as worry for a young parent and wondering how he divided his time to be able to take such good care of his daughter.

Ellie was saying her final goodbyes to Charlie when he got a text from Alfred reminding him he had promised to meet him for tea and some chitchat. Once Ellie returned to his side he let her know that he had had fun seeing her today but that he had to go spend some time with his granddad and that he'd have to say hi to her dad another time. She accepted this with a surprising amount of maturity for a 6-year-old but made him pinky-promise that he'd definitely spend some time with the both of them next time they saw each other. Jason happily accepted and sent her back off to her dad before heading over to the tea shop he and Alfred liked to meet at.

" It is so nice to see you again Master Jason. I'm happy to see arrive in one piece. Usually when you are delayed it is due to some rather -ah, unfortunate hold-ups," Alfred greeted him. He returned the smile, sinking into his seat across from Alfred, ready to unload.

" Not this time Alfie, though it is a bit of a story."

" One I'm sure you'll be pleased to tell me all about," he challenged, raising an eyebrow. Jason just shook his head and chuckled.

" Sure thing Alfie."

The next time he ran into Danny and Ellie he was at the grocery store.

Jason had been examining a piece of zucchini when he felt a light, cool breeze quickly followed by the sensation of someone walking past him. A lean figure came and stood nearby inspecting the squash. Jason glanced up, having registered a new presence, before doing a double take. A small grin graced his lips as he spoke,

" Well hey there neighbor, didn't expect to see you today."

Danny looked up, slightly startled before he saw that it was Jason. He smiled back and returned his greeting in a warm tone.

" Hey neighbor, I didn't expect to see you either. Honestly, I was hoping we wouldn't meet till I had made a batch of my family's signature fudge to give you as a thank you when we returned your dishes for the food and for looking after Ellie that day in the library."

" Ah~ the little munchkin told you bout that did she?"

" She was pleased to inform me about how she was learning not to scare animals and how Mr. Jason was sooo nice and even pinky promised to spend some more time with her." he teased.

Jason flushed slightly, his hand coming up to the back of his neck,

" Oh yeah, I hope I didn't overstep my bounds there. She just seemed so excited."

" Yeah, that sounds like my little spitfire!" he chuckled fondly. He took a deep breath and continued. " Well if you don't have anything else going on tonight I'd love to have you over. Ellie has really been looking forward to seeing you again and I can whip up some fudge that you can take home with you if you stay for dinner?" Danny seemed to flush at his own forwardness before rushing to continue, " I mean- not that you have to, especially if you're busy! I just- thought it might be nice to get to know my neighbor, especially since Ellie seems to like you so much! But-"

Jason, who had just finished processing the dinner invite, interrupted before Danny spiraled deeper into his nervous rambles. He place a hand on Danny's shoulder to get his attention and spoke,

" Sure. I'd love to come over Danny." He smiled, puffing up his chest, “ Besides, I have a pinky promise to fulfill.”

Danny returned his smile with a laugh, giving Jason's shoulder an embarrassed shove. Jason grinned at having successfully made the other laugh. The two stared at each other for a beat, coming down from their high of making each other laugh, before flushing and looking away. A look of realization passed over Danny's face and he turned to speak to Jason again.

" You probably have your own groceries to finish and put away. How about you come over around 7:30? I can have the fudge cooling in the fridge while we eat, oh which reminds me, you’re not allergic to anything are you?"

Jason smiled back. "7:30 sounds great Danny and no, no allergies as far as I’m aware, though I’m not particularly fond of most shellfish."

“Well alrighty then I’ll see you at 7:30,” Danny confirmed with a smile and rushed off to continue his own shopping.

And that’s how Jason found himself standing outside the Nightingale residence in a casual maroon 3/4 sleeve tee, a dark denim jacket, and some of his nicer trousers with a bouquet of flowers he put a frankly embarrassing amount of thought into. He figured bringing more food wouldn’t be appropriate since he was a dinner guest, dessert wouldn’t fly either as Danny had claimed he’d be making fudge, and wine didn’t seem appropriate with a 6-year-old also in attendance.

‘Come on Jason, it’s just a casual dinner with your neighbors! Normal human interaction, nothing to be nervous about! You can do this!’

Jason took a breath and knocked on the door. He heard a pitched squee followed by a “it’s him daddy!” come from behind the door. Unconsciously, Jason smiled as he heard the door unlocking. As it opened he was met with a cool breeze from within the apartment and the sight of his two neighbors. Danny was in a pale, moss green apron, smudged with what appeared to be powdered sugar, over a pale blue button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and cuffed jeans. Ellie was dressed in an interesting combo of pink crocs, neon green leggings, a sparkly, powder blue tutu, a white shirt with glittery black script declaring her “Daddy’s little princess”, a denim jacket embroidered with flowers and vines on the back and sleeves, and a plastic tiara with a big purple gem in the middle fixed atop her signature red beanie.

“Hi,” Danny greeted a bit breathlessly. His young daughter stood in front of him beaming up at Jason.

“ Mr. Jason you came!” She bounced excitedly on her heels before launching forward to hug his leg. She tugged at his jacket before pointing to her own, “Look! We match!”

With a smile, Jason got down on one knee and offered the flowers to her, “ And what an honor it is to match with such a beautiful princess! Please, accept these flowers as a token of my goodwill m’lady!”

“Thank you!” The girl giggled, accepting the bouquet and scurrying back into the apartment. Jason watched her go with a smile. He then turned his gaze to look up at Danny who watched the whole interaction with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He met Jason’s gaze and smiled.

“Why don’t you come in too my good sir,” he teased, holding out his hand to help Jason up. Jason smirked at the opportunity Danny had unknowingly presented him. He took Danny’s hand but made no move to get up. Instead, he ran his thumb over the other man’s knuckles and slowly brought the hand closer to his face. He glanced up once more, teal eyes connecting to icy blue ones.

“Of course my dear king,” he whispered. His breath dancing over Danny’s hand, his lips ghosting over his knuckles. Maintaining eye contact, the kneeling man placed a gentle kiss on his knuckles, watching a beautiful red flush bloom upon the young man’s face.

‘His hand is cold. His fingers have the beginnings of callouses on them. It feels like his hand was made to fit in mine. This feels right’

Jason is snapped out of his reverie when Danny clears his throat. He coughs into his other hand while trying to hide his blush, averting his eyes in embarrassment. He doesn't withdraw his hand however, allowing Jason to continue to hold it. Jason took that as his sign to get up before this got too awkward.

He rose from the ground still not letting go of the other's hand. The pair stood there for a moment with their hands intertwined, as if a message was being passed through their tingling palms. A charge filled the air with an exhilarating tension. The kind you feel before trying something unfamiliar and new that, unbeknownst to you, will become your favorite.

“So, uh, let’s head in then?” Danny said, slowly withdrawing his hand from Jason’s, almost as if he was reluctant to do so.

“Let’s,” Jason replied and the two turned into the apartment.

Danny had Ellie show Jason to the bathroom so he could wash up as he set the table. He had made grilled squash, a macaroni and beef hotdish, and some Greek salad on the side. The three of them sat at the table making some small talk ( how are they liking it in Gotham, how did the rest of daddy-daughter day go, does Jason have restaurant/activity recommendations, would he like to see Ellie’s favorite model airplane, etc.) and laughing with each other over horrible dad jokes and Ellie’s antics.

Jason could feel his chest fill with an almost unbearable warmth. He would’ve sworn it’d have melted him from the inside out if it hadn’t been accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of joy and desire. The traitorous little whisper in his head returned to comment on how much he’d love to be a part of the Nightingale’s family.

Soon enough it was time for Ellie to head to bed and Jason to head out, lest he be late for patrol.

“Here, I can clear off the table while you put her to bed.”

Danny rushed to stop him despite the young child koala wrapped over his torso. “Oh, you really don’t have to do that. I can-”

“Relax your highness, let me take care of this while you put the princess to bed.” He gave Danny a kind look, hefting up the dirty dishes. Danny returned it with a grateful look and turned to go put his daughter to bed. Over his shoulder, Ellie looked up sleepily and weakly waved one last time saying “Goodnight Mr.Jason” in a small voice.

Jason smiled gently at her and replied, “Goodnight princess.”

He then turned back to his task of clearing the table. Moving the dirty dishes to the sink and the serving dishes to the counter. He figured he’d get started on the dishes while he waited for Danny to return. He let his mind wander as he covered a plate with soapy suds. Danny and Ellie seemed like a good pair of neighbors. He doubted they’d cause him any trouble and if they ever unintentionally did, Jason found himself thinking he’d find it rather easy to forgive them. The two were both so welcoming and full of life. They made Jason feel so happy and peaceful tonight. They welcomed him into their home and made him feel as if they enjoyed his company and wanted him around for more than just a cursory “return the favor” dinner. ‘As If he belongs there. With them.’ The little voice returned, prompting Jason to reel in his thoughts. He’s only known them for what? Two weeks? These weren’t the type of thoughts he should be having at this point. He tried to rationalize it telling himself he just missed the domesticity of family dinners like he had when Catherine was in a good stretch or like he had with Bruce, Dick, and Alfred as kid when they were all getting along. He made up his mind to attend one of the bi-weekly family dinners at the manor coming up. It’d be nice to see the little demon brat, big bird, and nerd bird again now that they were getting along like actual brothers.

“Oh! Jason you didn’t have to do that!” His train of thought broken by Danny rushing over to protest him doing dishes. “You’re a guest! You really didn’t have to-”

“It’s okay Danny, I wanted to,” he reassured the fussing young man who pulled him away from the sink. The young man responded by pushing him out of the kitchen and telling him to grab his jacket before turning back to grab something from the fridge.

And there he stood in the doorway, 20 minutes after he had intended to leave, still saying goodbye. Danny pushed a familiar Tupperware container into his hands, which recognized as the one he had given them lasagna in, now full of dark squares of fudge sprinkled with a bit of white and green on top.

Danny smiled as he handed him the sweets. “A family recipe with my own little twist on it,” he winked. Jason gratefully accepted, wishing the young man well and agreeing that he hoped to see the other again soon. And with that, Jason rushed off hoping that he wouldn’t be late for patrol.

~ Later that night Jason returned to his apartment, exhausted. He chucked his helmet off onto the bed and stumbled to his kitchen. He pulled open the fridge in search of something to eat when his eyes landed on the fudge his neighbor had given him. He pulled it out and grabbed a square, giving it a sniff before biting in. His eyes widened at the taste.

The fudge was, well fudgy, but not overly sweet. It had a richness of dark chocolate and a sweeter note from the white chocolate chips mixed in. There were also candied orange peels mixed into it which gave the fudge a bit of chew and acidity to break up the richness. The fudge was topped with pistachios adding a nutty, earthy flavor to the experience. He’s sure that if Martian Manhunter ever tried these he’d accuse Jason of giving him hard drugs. But what Jason liked most of all was the quality only homemade food and family recipes passed down over generations have. He could practically taste the amount of love and thought that went into this fudge.

Jason smiled to himself finishing off his square and decided the save the rest for later. He headed off to bed with a peaceful smile on his face and a warm, full, feeling in his chest.

~~~

I tried very hard to balance out the dialogue and description as well as to not make it too long winded and keep the story moving so please let me know what you guys think. I love receiving feedback so if there is anything you want to see more or less of let me know. I’m also open to suggestions of where Jason should run into our father-daughter pair next.

If anyone's interested here is what the bouquet was comprised of: apple blossom- preference, basil- good wishes, white camellia- you're adorable, goldenrod- encouragement/good fortune, violets- watchfulness/modesty/faithfulness

I actually looked up a real fudge recipe so that I'd have and easier time describing it. You can find it here: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/candy/creamy-rich-pistachio-tangerine-fudge

#long post #like Long long #dead on main #jason todd x danny fenton #dc x dp #How To Become a Step-Dad in 5 Easy Steps #How to Become a Step-Dad #hbsd #romance #fluff #domestic fluff #falling in love #single dad!danny fenton #de-aged!dani #books & libraries #family dinner #jason todd #danielle fenton #danny fenton

166 notes · View notes

itslouisan · 2 days ago

Text

My Draculaura headcanons!:

(i mix g1 and g3!)

- Draculaura in my head is childhood friends with Valentine, they used to play together, have tea parties and sleepovers, after they rebonded Drac reassured Val it was fine, and hey, they still have tea parties, like old times

- in my headcanons she still leans MORE to the vampire side than witch, and in witch terms, she's actually a necromancer (big difference) and tarot reader

- she was the one to bring Ghoulia back to life and that actually makes them bond since it breaks how vampires tended to see zombies

- hear me out....demigirl?

- vivid fan of Melanie Martinez, likes J-pop and kawaii musics, loves musicals her fav being legally blond and listens to Malice Mizer

- she LOVES japanese subcultures and I actually picture her living some years in Japan more specifically Kyoto after graduating MH

- absolutely has a sweet fang and loves to bake red velvet heart shaped cake pops

- her and Clawd are still together and every noon they cuddle together in the dorms while watching movies and eating sweets

- I picture that the profession Draculaura would like to have (in which I also hc she'd love to have multiple jobs, beware Barbie she'll steal your place) being: fashionista, vampiric history teacher, necromancy teacher in MH, baker, photographer working probably with Elissabat for promos in her movies or even as far as working as a Japanese idol

- DEFINITELY has a garden that is just hers in her father's manor and Dracula makes sure it's perfectly taken care of so when she comes back Draculaura isn't too worried for the plants, her favorite flower being black roses and sakura flowers in their pink shade

- definitely in her time in the vampiric court Draculaura would sneak away with Valentine and Elissabat and just explore the town at night instead of focusing on the balls, though she'd come right on time for the dance and would always call either Elissabat or Valentine as dance partners

- THE NIECE OF THE VAMPIRE FROM SESAME STREET AND COUNT CHOCULA.

- girly loves to read and collect shoujo manga and extra cutesy slice of life manga.

- once dressed Frankie up in gothic lolita, it became their hobby to once a weekend get all girls together and dress up in lolita for photos

- learnt about her taiwanese heritage a bit later and took some late blooming to enjoy it, these days she constantly enjoys being connected to taiwanese culture

- as someone deficient of GH (growth hormone and also linked to some teen hormones such as what causes periods and boob growth) I like to imagine Draculaura actually has the same thing and that's what caused her to be a late bloomer on both psychically and in her vampire side, which was what got her interested into witchcraft.

- besties with Spelldon I don't make the rules

- auntie of Valentine's and Spelldon kids as well as the aunt of any of her best ghouls friends

Side note: I never read her diary since as a kid I didn't have basic Draculaura but her variations so I'm sorry if some info is incorrect due to diary content, also I only want to read her diary when I have my own g1 basic Draculaura

Also: @strawberry-spectre some of these are for u and inspired from your blog!!

Same for @mugcakey

#Spotify #silly #headcannons #writing #draculaura #monster high #monster high headcanons #draculaura g3 #draculaura g1 #kieran valentine #spelldon cauldronello #ghoulia yelps #frankie stein

8 notes · View notes

msweebyness · 8 months ago

Text

Miraculous Barbie: Nathaniel as Rapunzel

Here it is, the first entry in my Barbie movie adaptation series, with Nath in the lead role! Enjoy! @artzychic27 @imsparky2002

"Love and imagination can change the world."

CAST:

Nathaniel Kurtzberg as Rapunzel

Marc Anciel as Prince Stefan

Alix Kubdel as Penelope

Petra Markov as Hobie

Cash as Gothel

Phillipe as Otto

Alim Kubdel as Hugo

Penny & Alyssa Anciel- King Frederick/Stefan’s Mother

Kiran Anciel as Princess Katrina

Aya Kurtzberg as King Wilhelm

And so our story begins…

In a manor deep in the woods, there lived a young man named Nathaniel, fair as they came with long, beautiful red hair that reached to the floor.

The manor was concealed from the outside world, not only by the dark and monster-filled forest, but by a magic wall that stretched high into the sky, so high you couldn’t even see the top!

It was here that Nathaniel lived, working as a housekeeper for Cash, a callous and cold nobleman who was skilled in dark sorcery. Nathaniel was expected to keep the house in perfect order, with every nook and cranny spotless and a boatload of chores every day.

Nathaniel had been told by Cash that he was abandoned at only a few days old in the woods, and had been raised by Cash as his own since then, and that it was for this reason that maintaining the house was the least he could do. (Cash also had his sleazy pet ferret, Phillipe, who was a constant nuisance.)

Nathaniel had lived most of his life as a servant, but at the very least he had his art supplies to pursue his greatest passion: painting! His room was filled with beautiful images he had created with his brushes, many of the kinds of places he wishes to see someday. He also wasn’t lonely, because he had his two best friends. Alix, a young dragon who would one day be bound to serve Cash as her father, Alim did. And Petra, an anxious but well-meaning rabbit.

Daring and restless as she was, Alix longed for nothing more than to fly over the top of the magic wall and soar over the lands beyond. But Alim forbade it, positing that his daughter was too young and too inexperienced a flyer, which frustrated Alix to no end. Petra would often use her sensitive hearing to alert Nathaniel when Cash is returning so he can put his painting away, as the man often derides it as a “waste of time”.

One day, while Nathaniel is preparing Cash’s tea, Alix, while trying to use her still developing fire-breath to assist, accidentally knocks into a statue, which opens a passageway to a secret lower level of the manor. Nathaniel goes down to explore it, followed by an eager Alix and a nervous Petra. While down in the foreboding cellar, they discover invitations to various balls addressed to Cash…and an old painting of him with a red-haired woman, whose face has been slashed out.

But their most intriguing discovery by far, is an old ornate box containing a gorgeous and intricate silver hairbrush. What’s most striking about it is the inscription on the back: “Constant as the stars above, always know that you are loved. To our dearest son, Nathaniel, on his first birthday. With love forever, Mother and Father.” This confuses Nathaniel as it conflicts with the story he’d always been told by Cash.

He’s interrupted from considering this further when Cash calls for him, vowing to return later and investigate the room, as Petra and Alix work to get the room back in order, placing things back where they found them. But Nathaniel takes the silver brush with him. It says it belongs to him after all!

When Cash lays down for his afternoon rest, Nathaniel returns to the secret cellar, still thinking about the message on the brush. But when Petra accidentally startles Alix, causing her to punch a hole in the floorboards with her foot, Nathaniel discovers a secret tunnel that seems to lead away from the manor! Assuring his friends he’ll return soon, he goes to investigate.

Emerging from the tunnel, Nathaniel finds himself just outside a lovely little village that sits by a beautiful castle. Deciding to explore, he meets many of the villagers and is surprised by how friendly everyone seems to be. He almost feels at home here, even though he’s never left the manor before, and he finds himself wanting to stay and see more!

Meanwhile, back at the manor, Alix and Petra are worrying about their friend, waiting anxiously for him to return. Alix is contemplating flying over the magic wall to go try and find Nathaniel, when Petra alerts her that her father has arrived and is looking for her. Alix goes outside to meet him, and the two have the same argument they have many a day about her being too young to fly over the wall, leading Alix to storm off angrily as she’s still worrying about her best friend.

As Nathaniel goes for a walk by the river, he happens upon three children playing in a grove, the young Prince Kiran, and his two friends, Chris and Manon. But when Kiran goes over to fetch some apples from a tree for their horse, he falls into a pit trap in the ground, dangling above a deadly tangle of briars! Nathaniel rushes over to help, while Chris and Manon ride to find help as well. Nathaniel gets ahold of Kiran’s hand and manages to pull him up, only to lose his balance and nearly fall in himself! But someone catches him just in time…

It’s then that Nathaniel meets Prince Marc, Kiran’s older brother, who thanks him for helping the boy. While the children ride off to continue playing, Marc and Nathaniel begin to talk. Nathaniel states that this is his first time in the village and it’s certainly been exciting. Marc then asks if he comes from the kingdom of Queen Aya, explaining to a curious Nathaniel that she was the one who had ordered the pit trap to be set, going on to explain the years-long feud between her and the rulers of this kingdom, Queen Penelope and Queen Alyssa, who Aya claimed had done something unforgivable to her. Nathaniel asks why they can’t just talk and clear the air, but Marc sadly posits that they seem to be long past the point that that’s a possibility.

Hearing the three children begin to argue, Marc goes to check on them, as Nathaniel hears the clock in the village chime and realizes he needs to hurry back to the manor! Marc returns to find that Nathaniel has already left, wondering if he’ll get to see him again and realizing they never even exchanged names, but unbeknownst to them both…Phillipe happened to be wandering the village that day, and spotted Nathaniel, ready to report to his master!

Meanwhile, back in the manor, Nathaniel tells Alix and Petra all about the village and how wonderful it was. He tells them about the man he met, but when Alix asks his name, Nathaniel comes to the same realization that Marc did…just as Cash enters, inquiring if he had a pleasant trip today. Nathaniel asks the man why he never told him about the village, and is told that it was for his own safety, to protect him from the ‘evils’ there.

Cash then demands the name of the young man Nathaniel met in the village, but when Nathaniel tells him he doesn’t know, Cash accuses him of lying. When Nathaniel repeats that he doesn’t know because he didn’t have time to ask, Cash uses his magic to demolish Nathaniel’s paintings and his art supplies. When Alix and Petra try to defend Nathaniel, Cash threatens to harm them with his magic until Nathaniel insists they don’t know anything, and quickly sends them away. He tells Cash that he can’t keep him locked away forever, and in response, Cash transforms Nathaniel’s room into a tower, with no door. He calls for Alim, who he instructs to guard the tower, and tells Nathaniel that when he returns, he expects to be told the name of that young man.

Back in the village, Marc is returning to the palace, promising to help Kiran with his archery once he finishes speaking with their mothers. He enters the throne room where Queen Penelope asks if he’s had any luck finding the young man who saved Kiran, as they would like to express their thanks. When Marc reveals he hasn’t seen the redhead anywhere, Queen Alyssa wonders if he could be one of Aya’s spies. Marc doesn’t believe so, or else he wouldn’t have risked his life for Kiran. It’s reported by a page that there was no sign of Aya’s forces. Alyssa prepares to lead her own raid and tells Marc to be ready. He agrees, but something is clearly on his mind…

Returning to the manor, Nathaniel is still trapped and is now suffering from nightmares. But as he wakes from one, he reads the inscription on the back of the silver hairbrush, and resolves that one day, he will be free. But as he’s sleeping that night, the hairbrush is magically transformed…into a paintbrush.

The next day, Cash visits the village in disguise and learns that there is to be a ball for the elder prince’s birthday, while the knights of the kingdom report to Marc that they still haven’t had any luck finding the young man with the long red hair. Just at that moment, Marc and his mothers ride into the village to discover the aftermath of a terrible attack by Queen Aya’s men. Unbeknownst to them, Cash faked the attack with his magic, wanting to hurry a declaration of war along.

Back at the manor, Alix and Petra are using berries, vegetables and leaves from the garden to make new paints for Nathaniel, while contemplating how they could possibly help him escape. They bring the new paint to Nathaniel, who is incredibly grateful and discovers the transformed brush. But when he goes to use it on the wall, he discovers that it creates the images in his mind, without him even needing paint! And when a butterfly flies out of the image he painted of the village, and then Petra seems to fall through it, that’s when he discovers that this magical paintbrush can create portals…

When Nathaniel passes through the painting/portal, he ends up in the same grove where he met Marc…who just so happens to be there eating lunch, and is ecstatic to see him again! It’s then that Marc finally learns Nathaniel’s name, but Nathaniel insists that it’s better if he doesn’t learn Marc’s just yet. The prince is confused but agrees.

Nathaniel then shows Marc the paintbrush, asking if he can help find out who made it, in the hopes that that person may know who his parents are. Marc takes him to the silversmith, who recognizes the brush as the work of his brother, who unfortunately lives in Aya’s kingdom and who he misses terribly, as no one has gone between the two kingdoms since the beginning of the feud. Nathaniel is disheartened, but resolves to keep looking.

Back at the manor, Petra hears Cash approaching, and Alix panics, knowing that it he comes to the tower to discover Nathaniel gone, her father will pay the price! Petra goes to stall Cash while Alix travels through the painting to find Nathaniel.

Back at the palace gardens, Nathaniel gives Marc an invitation to the Masked Ball in honor of ‘the prince’s’ birthday, and Nathaniel agrees to come. Just then, Alix appears in the garden, through the painting/portal, and Marc draws his sword, thinking she’s dangerous because, well, dragon! But Nathaniel assures him Alix is his friend. Alix pleads with Nathaniel to return to the tower at least long enough that Cash won’t punish her father, and Nathaniel agrees, promising to return for the ball. He paints a portal back to the tower, arriving just in time.

Now back in the tower, Cash demands once again to know the name of the man Nathaniel met, and once again is told he doesn’t know. Angry, Cash tells the boy he can rot in the tower for all he cares. Nathaniel tells Alix that they all need to leave that night, and Alix must convince her father to come too.

Back at the palace, Marc is taking a stroll with Queen Penelope, and hesitantly asks if he might be permitted to invite Queen Aya as a gesture of good will, a step toward ending the feud. Penelope refuses, telling him peaceful resolutions are impossible with all that’s been done. This was the answer Marc had feared, and he doesn’t know what to do.

Back in the tower, Nathaniel uses the magical paintbrush to create a beautiful violet gown for himself, with Alix and Petra presenting him with an intricate mask to match the dress. But just at that moment, Cash appears and compliments Nathaniel, only to cut his long red hair off, and destroy both the painting/portal and the magical brush. He then casts an enchantment on the tower: "Tower, tower, do your part, never release your prisoner with a lying heart! Here for as these words are spoken, this fearsome spell can never be broken!" Blaming Alim for allowing Nathaniel to escape once again, he chains the dragon to the tower with magic. He then leaves to attend the ball, disguising himself as Nathaniel using the hair he sheared from the boy.

Back at the palace, Queen Aya has arrived in secret and is planning to launch an attack to make Queens Alyssa and Penelope pay for what she believes they’ve done, once and for all!

It’s then that Cash arrives at the ball, disguised as Nathaniel, and is spotted by Marc. Marc follows him and is led into the castle’s hedge maze, only for Cash to reveal himself, letting Nathaniel’s long red hair fall to the ground. Marc demands to know what the man has done with Nathaniel, but Cash only fires at him with his magic, forcing Marc to flee.

Alix goes to visit Alim, and begs him to help her help Nathaniel, explaining how the boy came back to prevent Cash from killing her father for letting him escape. Alim theorizes that if Nathaniel hasn’t been lying to Cash about knowing Marc’s name, then the spell shouldn’t keep him in the tower. So Alix flies up to Nathaniel, and sure enough, he’s able to pass through the magical barrier. While Alim is still apprehensive about his daughter being ready to go over the wall, he understands it’s what must be done, and Alix flies over it for the first time, carrying Nathaniel and Petra to the palace to try and stop Cash.

Back at the palace, Cash continues to pursue Marc, being sidetracked by Kiran and the other children. He fires a spell at Kiran, only for Marc to pull him out of the way, stalling Cash by dropping a banner on him. Meanwhile, in the ballroom, Queen Aya arrives and engages in a battle of swords with Queen Alyssa, while Queen Penelope evacuates all the guests.

Cash then enters the ballroom, and Aya recognizes him, with Marc questioning this. Aya explains that she knew him many years ago, they had been good friends. This infuriates Cash, who proclaims that they were more than friends, that they had been in love. Aya states that she was never in love with him, she saw him as a brother, and Cash states that she will pay for this ‘once again’, which confuses Aya.

Instead of explaining, Cash asks Queen Penelope why she and her wife despise Aya, with the Queen stating that Aya attacked their kingdom and people without cause, which is furiously refuted with the claim that they had stolen her son, which Queen Alyssa angrily denies. Cash then reveals that Alyssa is telling the truth…he stole the young prince. A furious Aya demands to know where he took Nathaniel, with Marc immediately recognizing the name. Cash states that where he is doesn’t matter as she will never see him again.

Only for Nathaniel himself to arrive with Alix and Petra just as Cash is about to blast everyone with his magic, demanding that he stop making everyone suffer. Cash refuses and blasts the chandelier, setting the ballroom ablaze, with Marc helping Nathaniel to escape. The two, along with Alix and Petra, lead Cash into the gardens, tricking him into entering the painting/portal of the tower Nathaniel left behind earlier.

With Cash now imprisoned forever due to all the lies he has told, the battle has been won. Nathaniel reunites with Aya, who apologizes to Alyssa and Penelope for all the trouble she caused them. The Queens accept her apology, knowing they would have been just as distraught if Marc was stolen from them.

Speaking of which, Nathaniel and Marc got to know each other better and started a beautiful relationship that lasted for five years before they were happily married and moved into their own castle by the sea, with Alix, Petra and Alim all living the good life there.

And they all lived happily ever after!

Their love will be Constant as the Stars Above! Leave your thoughts in the comments and reblogs, and watch for the next installment!

youtube

#miraculous ladybug #Miraculous Barbie #nathaniel kurtzberg #Marc anciel #Nathmarc #barbie as rapunzel #rapunzel #Youtube

18 notes · View notes

chryzure-archive · 2 years ago

Note

whats some media that is soooo chrysijacks/chryzure? what would their fave pokemon be.... any random assorted thoughts you've been thinking abt them lately? and ofc any new songs you found that are chrysijacks/chryzure...

chrysijackscoded media:

moulin rouge‼️‼️‼️

the princess bride

labyrinth….

anastasia

enchanted

ella enchanted too <3

tangled (i want jacks DEAD)

wicked :)

the scarlet pimpernel

all those early 2000s barbie movies. jacks makes an excellent pretty barbie <3

the phantom of the opera, but i also have a chryzure au for this, so i’m putting it in both of their categories

chryzurecoded media!!!!:

beauty and the beast (for reallllll)

the bone witch (azure is coming back to life to be w chrysi… peak chryzure)

the night circus <3

h.hadestown……….

the corpse bride!!!!!

the addams family

THE MUMMY.

nightmare before christmas

haunting of bly manor…

legend of zelda, but esp twilight princess

phantom of the opera !!

the velveteen rabbit… i can make it work, i can MAKE IT WORK

fablehaven <3

the nutcracker….. i will not elaborate.

chrysi’s fav pokémon is probably phantump, since she can see ghosts and talk to them… this is jst another ghost. she has adopted a new child.

my friend showed me a purugly and i literally gasped and said, “AZURE WOULD LOVE IT”, so there’s THAT answer! i’ve never seen a more azure-coded pokémon in my life

jacks i’m less certain of, but i looove espurr’s design bc it’s sooo little creature + i think jacks would take one look at it and jst keep it at all times. he’ll never admit it, but he’d die for this creature

misc chrysijacks thoughts consist of how funny it is in most aus that they’re already divorced. it’s jst a question of them getting back together. why are they trying out this relationship again when chrysi would’ve gladly thrown jacks out a window? who knows! they’re kissing so hard rn though!!!!!!!!

then come the other half of the aus where they’re childhood friends and it’s like. yeah no it’s totally normal for friends to have napped together since they were in middle school, all bc chrysi got nightmares when she slept on her own. it’s totally normal that jacks kisses chrysi regularly. friends do that, esp when one friend is immune to the curse. and then jacks has the gall to be shocked when ppl call him out for being in love w chrysi. okay, darling, don’t worry your pretty little head over that.

misc chryzure thoughts are fkskgkskcjsjzkjfkkdkckfjwksmcnekzmdndns……. like??!!? sticking a fork into the wall outlet rn because i am sooo!!! jst down to the simple day to day domestic life, it’s so clear how much they love each other…. they’re comfy w preparing each other toast and teasing each other for the way they like their tea and they’re both teasingly mad when the cat picks one of them over the other.

and then the whole reincarnation curse makes me go insane go wild. the number of lives they hold, where they loved each other unabashedly and wholly, only for them to die tragically? and the fact that both chrysi and azure have started to look forward to their next life, because the agony will stop, for just a little while… they get to be happy for a fraction of time in each of their lives, and that’s enough. that has to be enough. oh, the agonies…

also, azure’s hickey game is insane + chrysi wears off the shoulder shirts a lot. what’s she supposed to do w these, blue??? knock it off!!!!!!!

chrysijacks songs:

summer // circadian clock, baethoven

love song // sara bareilles (i’m not justifying my choice. jst know this is the same era of chrysijacks as the era when i first discovered his hair would be blue and i was horrified for the next two hours)

casanova // allie x

oh l’amour // erasure (i’ve mentioned this before but it’s sooo chrysijacks to me)

chryzure songs:

tether // sleep state

below my feet // mumford & sons

divine créature // la femme

see you tomorrow // evgeny grinko

#.asks #m.moon🎀#s.chryzure #s.chrysijacks #ive actually been thinking i need to make new and updated playlists for chryzure and chrysijacks…

3 notes · View notes

dibs4ever · 4 years ago

Text

Kicking

Barbara was laid back in the leather recliner at Wayne manor, her feet propped up, sipping a warm raspberry (caffeine free) tea sweetened with honey that her sweet husband had prepared for her.

Last she check Dick was aiding Alfred in the kitchen with dinner, Cassie and Stephanie ran off with her 2 year old son as soon as they had gotten to the manor. So that the couple could have a break from the hyper toddler

As for the rest of the clan she didn’t know where they were but at the moment the 7 and a half month pregnant woman was enjoying the quiet.

Then she felt the stirring inside her and sighed as she placed her hand on her belly

“Howdy Red” came a voice

She looked up seeing Jason enter the room

Smiling Barbara thrusted her back up so that the back of the chair would move into a more inclined position

Jason shook his head as he further entered the room

“No needs to get appropriated for me, keep relaxing” he assured

Barbara shook her head “No, honestly this position is more comfortable for what I know is coming.” Jason tilted his head “Coming?”

Barbara nodded waving him over

Reluctantly Jason did as told. Taking his hand Barbara placed it on her stomach

He looked at her oddly

“Just wait “ she assured

On cue Jason felt the jostle from her stomach hit his hand

His eyes widened “Was that?”

Barbara smiled nodding “Yup, that was your niece”

Jason grinned “Wow, that's actually kinda cool!”

But then he quickly moved it “Now it feels weird. What is she doing?”

Barbara grimiced at the uncomfortable feeling inside her “That is what I was moving up for. “ she lifted her shirt over her belly so he could see better.

Jason watched as the skin on her stomach moved around in all directions “It's like a scene from an Alian movie.”

“Gee thanks “ Barbara grimiced “Nate did the same thing while I was pregnant with him.”

Jason's eyes widened, this is the second round of her going through this- what looked to be- extreme uncomfort

Barbara put a hand to her stomach, it moved up and down with the motion inside her “The baby flips a lot and moves into odd positions from what I've seen on ultrasounds, that's what you're seeing happen. Right now one of her feet are on my ribcage and the other is on my bladder”

Jason chuckled “I guess that makes sense with them being Dickie’s rugrats.”

Barbara smiled “Yeah. Just so you know it feels as uncomfortable as it looks.”

Jason nodded “You really are stronger than any of us Barbie.” he looked down taking noticed of her swollen feet “Want a foot message”

Barbara wiggled her toes “I was going to ask Dick. But- I mean if you're offering.”

Jason knelt down at the foot rest taking one of her feet and began kneading the heal with his thumbs

“Why are you doing this?” She asked out of curiosity, resting her head back as she enjoyed the relaxation. Jason always gave them best foot messages

Jason shrugged as he continued to work

“You are amazing Barbara. You're growing a human inside of you. Don't tell Dick but I think he chose a great sister in law. You two are perfect parents. Least I can do is be a decent brother and offer some support.”

She smiled down at him.

Jason looked up meeting her eyes for a second then quickly shook his head “Now don't go getting mushy on me.” he smirked before reverting his eyes back to her feet and continuing his work

#dickbabs #barbara gordon #jason todd #dick grayson

49 notes · View notes

luamaya · 4 years ago

Text

Songs I Like

People Ii: The Reckoning- AJJ

Sleepwalking- The Wild Life

Honeydew- Small Talks

Graceless- The National

Humans- Big Thief

Sleepy Tigers- Her Space Holiday

Cafeteria- Frankie Cosmos

Two Beers In- Free Throw

Waves- Beach Bunny

The Move- Laura Stevenson

Cody’s Theme- AJJ

Lemon Boy- Cavetown

Motion Sickness- Phoebe Bridgers

I’m Already Gone- A Day To Remember

Lost Cause- Beck

I Am So Mad at You- AJJ

Neutral Spirit Hotel- Local News Legend

Lua- Bright Eyes

Here Comes the Anxiety- The Wombats

Dammit- blink 182

This is Home- cavetown

Fish Fry- Slaughter Beach, Dog

Brave as a Noun- AJJ

Sea of Love- Cat Power

Living Room, NY- Laura Stevenson

School Globes- Removebeforeflight

Prom Queen- Beach Bunny

The Girl- City and Colour

A Moment of Silence- Toh Kay

The Internet Is Everywhere- Jeff Rosenstock

Acolyte- Slaughter Beach, Dog

Barbie- Lili Trifilio

Mega Guillotine 2020- AJJ

is your bedroom ceiling bored? (feat. Cavetown) - Sody

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea- Neutral Milk Hotel

Bottle Rocket- Lili Trifilio

Would You Be Impressed- Toh Kay

Better By Myself- Hey Violet

Emotional Anorexic- Svavar Knutr

First Day Of My Life- Bright Eyes

Shoegazer- Beach Bunny

Bad Bad Things- AJJ

929- Halsey

Nothing Gets Crossed Out- Bright Eyes

You Swan, Go On- AJJ

Headless Horseman- The Microphones

You- The Pretty Reckless

Hate, Rain on Me- AJJ

Break My Own- Taylor Bickett

6 Weeks- Beach Bunny

Garden Song- Phoebe Bridgers

Linda Ronstadt- AJJ

A.M. 180- PUP

Dear Sergio- Toh Kay

Saint Bernard- Lincoln

when the party’s over- Billie Eilish

Get Bummed Out- Remember Sports

July- Beach Bunny

Holocene- Bon Iver

Take Me To The Riot- Stars

A Line Allows Progress, A Circle Does Not- Bright Eyes

Nosebleed- Tigerwine

Suffice- Born Without Bones

Papercut- Linkin Park

Blonde Hair, Black Lungs- Sorority Noise

Satellite- Guster

This Charming Man- The Smiths

A Part of Me- Neck Deep

Timothey Leary- Wilco, Bright Eyes, They Might Be Giants

Favourite Tune- The Swellers

Tiny Vessels- Death Cab for Cutie

Counting Stars- One Republic

Situations- Escape the Fate

World- Citizen

The Quiet That No One Ever Knows- Brand New

5 O’Clock- T-Pain, Lily Allen, Wiz Khalifa

Days Were Golden- Sunny Day Real Estate

R U Still There- Chris Farren

Samson- Regina Spektor

Such Small Hands- La Dispute

...For Anyone- Mat Kerekes

The Summer Ends- American Football

I’ve Set Sail- Toh Kay

Girls- MARINA

Bang On The Door- Jeff Rosenstock

Bad Day- Daniel Powter

Writing On The Walls- Underoath

The Memory- Mayday Parade

Cut Your Bangs- Girlpool

She’s A God- Neck Deep

Future Me- Worriers

Jet- Citizen

back again- flor

Call Me Baby- Beach Bunny

Calling All Cars- Senses Fail

2009- The Swellers

Breaking the Habit- Linkin Park

What’s at Stake- The Swellers

Out Like a Light- The Honeysticks

Swear To God The Devil Made Me Do It- The Front Bottoms

The Widow- As Cities Burn

Trap Queen- Fetty Wap

Baby I Love You- Ryan Adams

dragon eyes- Adrianne Lenker

Passion Fruit Tea- Retirement Party

Reptilia- The Strokes

Spare Change- Just Nick

Sarah- Alex G

Calendar Girl- Stars

Boss Bitch- Doja Cat

Haven’t Had Enough- Marianas Trench

Get Ghost- Mark Ronson

Poe- Stick and Poke

End of Time- Bad Moves

Beautiful Day- U2

June 21st- Jeff Rosenstock

Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous- Good Charlotte

Inside My Head- The Swellers

Sick Boy- The Chainsmokers

In Another Life- Ashlee Simpson

hope is a dangerous thing for a women like me to have- Lana Del Rey

Look After You- The Fray

Fall Right In- Beach Fossils

Don’t Let Them See You Cry- Manchester Orchestra

Animal- Miike Snow

Blood In Your Mouth- Colour Revolt

You Are a Memory- Message To Bears

Handclap- Fitz and The Tantrums

Stranger- Rarity

Sleepless- Girlpool

Bruises- Lewis Capaldi

Two High- Moon Taxi

Cattails- Big Thief

If I Tremble- Front Porch Step

When We Were Young- Adele

Look What You Made Me Do- Taylor Swift

Young Folk- Peter Bjorn and John

Where the Buffalo Sleep- Sik Oheso

Ripcord- Real Friends

Rearview- Beach Bunny

Do You Really Want To Not Get Better- Joyce Manor

Somewhere I Belong- Linkin Park

Don’t Let Me Down- The Chainsmokers, Daya

LTCTLYBP- Pet Symmetry

hate u love you- Olivia O’Brien

Black Cat- Mayday Parade

Alice and Gertrude- Nana Grizol

American Lies- Pennywise

Second Letter From St. Julien- Sorority Noise

Stale Device- Girlpool

Be Nothing- Beach Fossils

Can’t Stop- Red Hot Chili Peppers

Piece of Me- Britney Spears

Would You Be So Kind- dodie

buzzcut- lovelytheband

Better Than Revenge- Taylor Swift

She’s A Lady- Forever The Sickest Kids

Lessons- Beach Fossils

Here’s a link to my playlist if anyone is interested:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4jAli1LWjjPmehumgt52bY?si=HgM-dd04T9q_FEDsjqZTaQ

5 notes · View notes

logi1974 · 5 years ago

Text

Südafrika 2019 - Teil 28

31. Dezember 2019

Einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr / Happy New Year!

Herrschaften und Oukies!

Heute Vormittag machten wir uns auf den Weg um in Constantia eines der Weingüter zu besuchen. Wir entschieden uns für das größte der Wine Estate, das logischerweise "Groot Constantia" heißt. Ursprünglich handelte es sich bei den ganzen Weingütern zusammen um einen Landsitz.

Simon van der Stel bekam 1685 auf Grund seiner Verdienste ein Stück Land hinter dem Tafelberg geschenkt. Der "arme Mann" kam mit dem geschenkten Land nicht aus und kaufte weitere Nachbarfarmen auf.

Er verstarb am 24. Juni 1712 als erster Gouverneur des Landes. Seine Hinterlassenschaft wurde schnell von seinen Erben verbraucht. 1716 wurde das Weingut bereits in drei Teile aufgeteilt: Groot Constania, Klein Constania und Buitenverwachting.

Nach zahlreichen Besitzerwechseln wurde Groot Constantia um die Jahrhundertwende an die Regierung von Südafrika verkauft. Diese nutzte die Farm für die Weinforschung.

Erst 1993 wurde das Weingut renoviert. Das Manor House mit historischen Möbeln versehen und zum Museum umfunktioniert. Der Cloete Cellar als Weinmuseum umgebaut. Zwei Restaurants wurde auf der Weinfarm beheimatet und ein Informationscenter eröffnet.

Heutzutage ist das Weingut ein beliebtes Touristenziel geworden. Über 500.000 Besucher aus allen Ländern der Welt sorgen für regen Betrieb auf dem historischen Weingut. Groot Constantia wird auch auf der lila Route der Hop-on-Hop-off-Busse angefahren.

Es werden täglich Kellerführungen und Weinproben angeboten. Die Weinfarm bietet auch Picknikplätze an, wo man in Ruhe aus dem tollen Korb genießen kann. Das komplette Tour-Paket inklusive Weinglas als Souvnier kostet 115 Rand. Das ist wirklich günstig.

Wir wollten jedoch kein Tasting mitmachen und auch nichts essen, sondern uns nur das Weingut ansehen. Zum Laufen ist es auf Grund der Hanglage nicht so sehr geeignet. Außerdem ist der Bewegungsradius für Besucher durch Verbote sehr eingegrenzt.

Immerhin konnten wir bis zu dem historischen Schwimmbad, oberhalb des Hubschrauber-Landeplatzes laufen. Dort war kein Mensch. Es war ruhig und schattig und die Sicht war fabelhaft.

Anschließend hatten wir einen Termin im guten alten Mount Nelson Hotel zum Afternoon Tea, der heute, dem Anlass entsprechend, ein Royal Tea war - es war Champagner im Spiel.

Für die meisten Einheimischen ist es schlicht das „Nellie“, das klingt persönlicher als „Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel“. 1899 wurde die Hotel Legende vor allem für betuchte Gäste von Passagierdampfern eröffnet und nach dem berühmten Admiral Horatio Nelson benannt. Damals war das „Nellie“ das erste Hotel Afrikas mit fließend Kalt- und Warmwasser.

Die Fassade bekam ihren zartrosa Look zum Gedenken an die Opfer des Ersten Weltkriegs. Deswegen nennen es die Capetonians ebenfalls: "The Pink Old Lady!"

Zudem ist das Hotel umgeben von Blumenrabatten in Knallpink und Blasslila. Passend dazu sind die Handtücher auf den Pool-Liegen rosa-weiß gestreift, und die Vasen in Lobby und Lounge sind vorwiegend mit rosa Sträußen bestückt.

Wer nun denkt, die Macher des Hotels seien hoffnungslose Kitschfetischisten, liegt falsch. Denn hinter der rosafarbenen Fassade steckt mehr: 1918 beschloss der damalige Hotelmanager, das Haus aus Anlass des Endes des Ersten Weltkriegs rosa bemalen zu lassen, zuvor war es weiß gekalkt.

Von den etwa 30.000 südafrikanischen Soldaten in der britischen Armee waren rund 5000 gefallen. Das helle Rosa sollte Hoffnung und Aufbruch signalisieren. Aus heutiger Sicht mag die Farbwahl überraschen. Doch gut drei Jahrzehnte vor der Erfindung von Barbie galt Rosa noch nicht als Mädchenfarbe, sondern als sanfte Variante agressiven Rot.

Die Rückseite und das Dach des Restaurants – hier ist, bis auf die Fensterläden und die filigranen Balkongeländer, alles im vertrauten Rosa gestrichen: die Mauern, die Rohre, der Schornstein, die kleinste Schraube.

Der Spitzname passt gut zu der wunderbar altmodischen Herberge nahe dem Tafelberg, die mit ihren Holzvertäfelungen und Messingbeschlägen klassisch englisch wirkt; das Nelson-Mandela-Porträt hinter der Rezeption macht allerdings klar, dass man in Südafrika ist.

198 Zimmer und Suiten, zwei Pools, Tennisplätze, Restaurants und die stadtbekannte „Planet Bar“ bietet das Hotel, das trotz Fünf-Sterne-Standard erfreulich lässig ist. Akkuratesse und durchdachte Perfektion, aber kein übertriebener Glanz. Very british!

Einer der ersten prominenten Gäste im „Mount Nelson“ war Winston Churchill. 1899 berichtete er als junger Korrespondent über den Zweiten Burenkrieg. Er wohnte im „Nellie“, das von den Briten zum Hauptquartier erkoren worden war.

Die Legende besagt auch, ein Gast habe sich über einen Landstreicher im Garten beschwert. Es stellte sich heraus, dass es sich um John Lennon handelte, der dort meditierte.

Angeblich soll man im „Nellie“ den besten Afternoon Tea der südlichen Hemisphäre geniessen können. Der wird in der Lounge aufgefahren, mit gut 100 Leckereien, alle hausgemacht, vom Gurkensandwich über Carrot Cake bis zum Tomatentörtchen. Das können wir ab heute soweit nur bestätigen.

Nachdem man seinen Platz eingenommen hat, wartet man nicht lange, dann wird eine mehrseitige Teekarte gereicht, aus der man auswählen kann/soll.

Hier hat man die Auswahl zwischen diversen Tees aus der ganzen Welt. Vom südafrikanischen Rooibos, über Hibiskus aus Ägypten, bis hin zum Schwarztee aus Sri Lanka. Einfach ein Traum für Teeliebhaber. Dazu wurde heute ein Pink Champagne serviert. Hat man sich entschieden, bekommt man gleich ein ganzes Kännchen heißes Wasser mit den bestellten Teeblättern gebracht.

Dann kommen auf schon die ersten Snacks. Am Tisch wird eine Auswahl an Fingerfood serviert, belegt mit z. B. geräuchertem Lachs, Roastbeef, Gurken und Mayonnaise usw..

Nach den Snacks werden neue Teller gereicht, dazu gibt es typisch britisch Scones mit Clotted Cream und Erdbeermarmelade. Noch einmal wird abgeräumt, danach kann man sich über das tolle Kuchenbuffet hermachen. Schokoladentorte, Zitronenmeringue, Gebäck, südafrikanische Spezialitäten und frisch geschlagene Sahne.

Definitiv ein Traum für jeden süßen Zahn. Pappsatt verließen wir das Nellie!

Lekker Slaap!

Angie, Micha und der Hasenbär

#Südafrika #south africa #constantia #groot constantia #mount nelson #kapstadt #cape town

2 notes · View notes

secondscratch17 · 5 years ago

Text

weird asks that say a lot

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans? All of them. I drink tea in coffee mugs and teacups. I love drinking wine. I like that I can recycle soda cans

2. chocolate bars or lollipops? chocolate

3. bubblegum or cotton candy? bubblegum if the flavor lasts long

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you? the stereotypical quiet, obedient, smart, goody-two-shoes kid

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups? somehow I like the aesthetic from soda bottles

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear? hONESTLY I can dO ALL OF THE ABOVE in the span of days. Went to work one day wearing beach-y clothes for spirit day. Returned to pick up a friend to go see a metal concert in VERY metal concert attire. I own short, sweet summery floral dresses and gothic dresses, too

7. earbuds or headphones? Earbuds, they allow me to be more mobile

8. movies or tv shows? movies

9. favorite smell in the summer? Fresh cut grass. The smell of the ocean. Churros at the fair

10. game you were best at in p.e.? Soccer, obvs. Somehow would always last until the end of the game in dodgeball tho because I was small and no one could hit me

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day? Cereal

12. name of your favorite playlist? Don’t have one.

13. lanyard or key ring? Key ring

14. favorite non-chocolate candy? Smarties!

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment? I remember re-reading Holes over and over just to make my book reports easier since I knew the boo so well. The Kite Runner was phenomenal and unforgettable

16. most comfortable position to sit in? idk?? I really can’t sit still in one position for too long

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes? Currently my hiking/outdoorsy shoes. Also my black Nikes that I play pickup in and wear to the gym

18. ideal weather? Sunny and 65. Maybe one or two clouds. The tiniest of faint breezes to cool me down.

19. sleeping position? Any I can get into and fall asleep in quickly

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)? Laptop. I can edit easier.

21. obsession from childhood? Probably any cheesy show on Animal Planet. The Most Extreme, Meerkat Manor, Big Cat Diary, etc

22. role model? I have a lot of different ones. Role models for athletics, role models for career and ambition choices, artistic role models...can’t pick just one

23. strange habits? Spelling words with the tips of my fingers

24. favorite crystal? Aquamarine

25. first song you remember hearing? how in the FUCK am I supposed to remember that. I do remember my parents playing The Beatles for me when I was a toddler

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather? Soccer! (futbol)

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather? Sledding, making hot chocolate, or playing indoor soccer haha

28. five songs to describe you? Who I am Hates Who I’ve Been by Relient K, Proud by the Icarus Account, Land of the Dead by Voltaire, Always Leaving by Mayday Parade, Wavin’ Flag by K’naan

29. best way to bond with you? Listening to my favorite music with me or watching the US Women’s national soccer team with me

30. places that you find sacred? Belfast, Maine. Gold Camp Road. Newport Beach

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names? Tight jeans with holes in them, fishnets, and a crop top

32. top five favorite vines? Vines still exist?

33. most used phrase in your phone? “tbh”

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head? O O O O REILLYYYYYY’S autoparts

35. average time you fall asleep? around 9

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing? I don’t remember

37. suitcase or duffel bag? suitcase

38. lemonade or tea? Is it warm outside? Lemonade. Is it cold outside? tea

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie? PIE!

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school? Zombie hunting or my professor cutting lab a half an hour short to go look at some Cedar waxwings

41. last person you texted? I think it was Robert

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets? Pants pockets

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket? Jean jacket

44. favorite scent for soap? Anything fruity

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero? Fantasy. It depends on how good the sci-fi movie is

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in? as little as possible lmao

47. favorite type of cheese? Parmesan

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be? A raspberry

49. what saying or quote do you live by? A great amount of good is always evened out by a great amount of bad

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have? Honestly Daniel knew how to make me laugh better than anyone. There are a couple of memories with him that I don’t remember entirely but I know that I ended up cry-laughing so hard that my head hurt. There was a time during my orientation camping trip when a bunch of us were playing ultimate Frisbee, and Jesse went to catch the frisbee in the most perfectly lateral horizontal position and the expression of focus just frozen on his face had me laughing so hard that I couldn’t see

51. current stresses? Sam. Jobs that I can apply for starting in May of 2020. Sam. STUDENT LOANS. Bills. Car payments. Wondering how fucked up my car has gotten since I’ve lived here on this ranch. Sam.

52. favorite font? Anything that looks fancy and sarcastic

53. what is the current state of your hands? Need to be washed.

54. what did you learn from your first job? The world is cruel and bad things happen without warning

55. favorite fairy tale? Uh....the Pied Piper?

56. favorite tradition? when my family visits for Christmas, eating lots of traditional Chinese food with them

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome? Heartbreak. Staggering rejection from the field I majored in. Probably a lot of body image struggles in there as well

58. four talents you’re proud of having? Writing, futbol, adaptability, flexibility. I think the last two are just traits but I don’t have a lot of talents I can invest in

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be? Let’s make like a baby and head out

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be? No idea

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.? Though we are far apart, our spirits share the same earth and the same sky

62. seven characters you relate to? Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit, Data from The Goonies, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, Eliza Thornberry from The Wild Thornberries, Raven from Teen Titans, Isaac from Teen Wolf

63. five songs that would play in your club? ANYTHING by Within Temptation. I wouldn’t be a good club owner. The catchy and pump-up songs from Hamilton.

64. favorite website from your childhood? Wasn’t allowed much computer time. I was allowed to visit educational sites and occasionally the Disney site

65. any permanent scars? some self-harm scars. Probably the one on my right leg that I got from CO parks and wildlife. I stepped on a barbed wire fence that had been plastered to the ground, but the metal sprang up when I stepped on it and ripped through my skin

66. favorite flower(s)? Plumerias

67. good luck charms? I’m not sure if I have any.

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried? earthworm flavor from Bertie Bott’s every flavor beans

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned? uh...Something about not being able to spray silly string on Halloween in Hollywood

70. left or right handed? Right handed

71. least favorite pattern? wtf

72. worst subject? anything math related, I really struggled in GIS.

73. favorite weird flavor combo? I...have no idea

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen? 2. I’m a baby

75. when did you lose your first tooth? I was 6

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)? chips and fries

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill? a succulent

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store? sushi from a grocery store, the quality can surprise you

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo? Both are terrible

80. earth tones or jewel tones? Jewel tones

81. fireflies or lightning bugs? I hate bugs

82. pc or console? PC

83. writing or drawing? Writing, I’m terrible at drawing

84. podcasts or talk radio? Not into either

84. barbie or polly pocket? I had both

85. fairy tales or mythology? God!!!! Like hearing about both but mythology I guess

86. cookies or cupcakes? Cookies

87. your greatest fear? Being forgotten. I also have a terrible, horrible fear of drowning

88. your greatest wish? In the times I’ve struggled I often find myself wishing for peace. Not only for myself, but for others to easily feel peace with everyone else

89. who would you put before everyone else? Sierra

90. luckiest mistake? Mistake? There’s been lucky accidents but I don’t think any of my mistakes have been lucky

91. boxes or bags? It depends on what I’m packing and where I’m going

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights? Sunlight

93. nicknames? T, Tear, Tear-tear, T-Dog, Miss T..a few of my recent favorites from soccer: Ronaldinha and Thierry Chun

94. favorite season? Fall! Shit, especially in New England

95. favorite app on your phone? I don’t know

96. desktop background? A picture of a simple dock leading out to sea

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized? My parents’ and brother’s

98. favorite historical era? Victorian era, for sure

2 notes · View notes

conundrum-rp-blog · 7 years ago

Photo

「 the acrimonious; bitter inside and out; they don’t think before they act or speak whatsoever; they have a short temper as well and anything and everything can anger them; they give no second thought to the consequences of their actions. 」

➽ who tells your story?

You never were what you were supposed to be. At the age of ten your mother dressed you up as a proper pureblood and told you to go play with the rest of the children, to behave and act the part. You wanted nothing to do with it. Tradition was strict, though, and your mother even more so; therefore you were made to play along with the charade. You were smart, but ruthless; and it was a surprise to no one that you chose recklessness in the end. Your mind felt divided in two. One part belonged to your mother, to the pureblood galas, to large manors and boring conversation. The other was your real self, the one that broke out whenever you were wearing your Death Eater mask; it allowed you to be free.

Lord Voldemort was defeated though, and that freedom was snatched away from you. Without a clear leadership or purpose you feel pointless, your anger consumes you as you sit silently next to your mother sipping tea in your fancy robes once again. You would jump into any opportunity that allowed you to take back what you used to have; you would do anything for it, even if it means risking your life. If Bellatrix Lestrange is willing to offer you that, then you have no doubt who you’re going to follow now.

➽ companions

╳ alecto, amycus carrow: close, the incendiaries ╳ evan rosier: old flame, unsolved, the secret affair ╳ rodolphus lestrange: having doubts about, the fallen idol ╳ amelia bones: annoyance, tense, the lifelong rival ╳ bellatrix lestrange: admires, the guide ╳ peter pettigrew: suspicious of, the unproven ally

➽ archives

╳ Name: Antonine “Antonin” Dolohov ╳ Age: 25 ╳ Pronouns: She/her (Cis female) ╳ Affiliation: Death Eaters ╳ Occupation: Socialité ╳ Blood Status: Pureblood ╳ Former Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw ╳ FACE CLAIM: BARBIE FERREIRA

#antonin dolohov #barbie ferreira #marauders rp #hp rp #antonine dolohov #taken

4 notes · View notes

thelittleredheadedmusician · 8 years ago

Text

Birthday Wishes

A very Happy Birthday to @pansexualcassiecain!!! May your day be filled with cake and love! And of course Cass.

Cass rolled over and stretched, kicking the blankets that had tangled themselves around her legs off of the bed. Groping the nightstand for her phone she squinted at the bright screen as she sat up. Roughly ten different text messages glowed at her, fighting to be opened first, all with various phrases of the same sentiment. She smiled and tapped her passcode in as she made her way to the kitchen and the food it held.

Leaning against the counter Cass couldn’t stop herself from laughing into the apple she had grabbed for breakfast. The very first message she opened had been Steph’s and it contained a video her best friend had obviously compiled over the course of patrol the night before. Hopping onto her kitchen counter Cass turned the phone’s volume and got comfy as she tapped the screen to make it play.

“CAAAAAASSSSSS!!! IT’S YOUR DAY OF BIRTH!!!” Batgirl yelled at the camera. “As such I have taken it upon myself to gather you well wishes. This will likely need editing...” Batgirl trailed off and a look of concern flashed across her face before she immediately perked up, “Really O? Thank you! So what that was was that Oracle just said that she’d help me edit the video so Operation Birthday Wishes for Black Bat is a go!” The camera, Cass figured Steph had been using her phone to record this, turned around and she got a great view of the Gotham skyline as Batgirl fired a grapple and jumped off the roof with a woop.

The video then cut to an image of Red Robin in an alley cuffing a couple of thugs. “Double R! Redbird! My man, my boyo, my bestie!” Steph called from off screen. Tim looked at Steph and even Cass could tell he was quirking an eyebrow at their blonde friend from under his cowl. She stifled a laugh at the expression she knew she would later screen shot.

“Batgirl? I- do I want to know?” Red Robin asked as he straightened up and nudged the thug slightly more to the side.

“I’m gathering birthday wishes for Black Bat!” Steph told him, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet if the video’s shaking was any indication.

Tim grinned, “Ok. What do you want me to say?” he stepped closer to Steph and the camera.

“Whatever you want! But keep it PG,” she replied.

He laughed, “My name is Red Robin, not Red Hood. Alright. Happy Birthday Black Bat! You’re my favorite sister, even if you weren’t my only sister, and I’m honored to call you that.” He glanced down at the thug on the ground then back to the camera, “Yeah, he’s unconscious enough for this. Cass, you are an amazing dancer, fighter, and person. I’m so glad to know you and have the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. I missed you and can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re back in Gotham. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and by sure you stop by the manor at some point because you deserve cake.” He smiled and waved at the camera.

“Aw, that was sweet Timmy.”

“Thanks. Now do you mind giving me a hand?”

The video cut to a rooftop, or at least Cass guessed it was a rooftop because the footage was shaking like crazy. “Red Hood! Wait! Agh! O? A little help on this one?” Steph shouted as she ran. The shaking and presumably Steph slowed as the figure she had been chasing stopped. “Thanks. I owe you like times a million at this point. Hood! Just two minutes! For Cass!”

Her brother crossed his arms over the red bat on his chest, “Fine. But only because I like Black Bat and Barbie asked nicely.”

“Um ouch.” Steph sassed as she adjusted her phone. “So I’m recording well wishes for Black Bat’s birthday. If you could just be nice for like two minutes I swear I’ll not bother you for the rest of the month.”

Jason laughed as he removed his helmet, just leaving the red domino underneath. “We both know that’s a false statement Blondie. Alright,” he addressed the camera, “Cass you are one helluva gal. Honest. You’re one of the few people in our messed up family that I actually like and that’s saying something cause you regularly eat my food.You’re goofy and have a heart that’s about six sizes too big. So double the Grinch’s!” He grinned at his own joke and Cass laughed as on the recording Stephanie groaned. “No comments from the peanut gallery,” Jason told Steph pointing a finger at her. “So yeah. Keep being awesome and have a great birthday sis.”

“Thank you Jason!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just make sure Oracle knows that I’m expecting that takeout when I get back.” With that he put his helmet back on and jumped off the roof.

“Well somebody sure knows how to make a dramatic exit,” Steph mumbled causing Cass to lose it. She accidentally hit her head on the cabinet and pausing the video went to get ice.

Coming back she tapped play and the screen cut once more to a different roof, “C’mon Damian. It’s for Cass and you love her.”

“-tt- I do not.”

“You like her better than you like me.”

“I tolerate you Brown, I respect Cassandra. There is a difference or shall I get you a dictionary for your own birthday?” Her youngest brother snarked as he appeared on screen, sitting on the roof polishing his katanna.

“Fine. Whatever. But if you really respected her you would tell her so and since I am putting this together for her birthday...”

Robin tilted his head up and glared, Cass smiled because no matter how menacing he thought that face made him look she thought it made the baby bat down right huggable. “-tt- Fine.” He rearranged his features into a more pleasant expression before beginning, “Cassandra. You are a superb fighter with whom I am honored to train. Your discipline and skill is commendable and near incomparable. You are also a graceful dancer and have taught me much about how to be ‘normal’. Thank you for your companionship and may you have a pleasant birthday. That good?” Damian asked as he returned his attention to the sword in his lap.

“I honestly don’t know what that was but I’m gonna take it. Thanks Dami!” With that Steph must have took off running once again because the camera suddenly shifted and the images blurred. Cass burst out laughing at the still audible “No names in the field fatgirl!”

The video next cut to an image of the cave where still in his Nightwing suit but the mask discarded Dick was practicing he gymnastics. “Yeah! Anything for Cass!” He said as he flipped himself onto his hands and walked on them to where Steph must have been standing at the edge of the mats. Flipping himself back onto his feet he grinned at the camera.

“Showoff.” Cass muttered with a grin at her brother.

“Cass, you are one of the kindest, most selfless people and I’m proud to call you my little sister. I love watching Disney movies together and when we dance and play tag. Thank you for braving my cooking and always watching over Tim and Steph. I hope you have an excellent birthday and I promise we’ll have another movie marathon soon.” He then grinned and blew a kiss to the camera. Cass smiled at that, knowing it was his way of trying to speak her language.

“That was cute. Thanks Dick.”

“Anytime. B is poking around the computer if you still need him.” Dick said as he went back to his gymnastics.

“I do, thanks!”

It then cut to an image of Batman silhouetted against the cave’s huge computer screen. “Batman? Do you have a second? It’s for Black Bat’s birthday.”

The large man turned around and pushed the cowl off his face, “For you kids I can always make time.” Cass could just imagine her best friend squirming slightly at that.

“Uh, cool. Um, thanks. So I’m collecting birthday wishes for Cass if you’d like to say anything.”

Bruce nodded and turned to stare directly into the camera, “Cassandra, you are the best daughter any father could hope for and you make us all very proud. I hope you have a happy birthday.” The corners of his mouth twitched up in the barest hint of a smile before he turned his attention back to Steph. “Good?”

“Perfect, thanks B.” The camera then dropped to point at the floor and Steph practically ran away. Once again it swooped to look at Steph, “You got an almost smile out of Batman. You are definitely the favorite.” Cass grinned, she knew she was the favorite.

The next cut was to the manor’s kitchen where Alfred sat at the table with a cup of tea. “A birthday message for Miss Cassandra? I can certainly do that.”

“Aw thanks Alfred!”

Clearing his throat Alfred smiled at the camera, “Miss Cassandra, you are one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and talented young women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Your compatriots obviously some of the others,” at this Cass could hear Steph give a soft “aww” and she couldn’t help but blush at the older man’s kind words. “I know that if you even accomplish half as much with the rest of your life as you already have it would be a feat. May you have a wonderful birthday and please stop by for cake.” He gave a short nod and smiled.

“Perfect. Thank you Alfred.”

“Anything for you girls Miss Stephanie.”

The next scene was on the rooftops of Gotham once more and Steph had managed to track down Duke and Harper in the same spot. “I thought we were going to all go get ice cream tomorrow?” Harper asked as she put a hand on her hip.

“Well yeah but I’m doing this too. You really think the boys would get ice cream with us?”

“Touche.”

“I’d get ice cream with you guys.” Duke said looking between the camera and the blue-haired girl.

“Alright, I’ll text you when and where later.” Harper told him with a shrug.

“Alright, on topic I need your birthday wishes for Cass.” Steph told the other teenagers.

“Cassandra the magnificent,” Harper began with a wicked grin. “You my lovely are stunning in more ways then one. You make me laugh constantly and always know exactly what I’m feeling. You are one of my best friends and I’m so happy to have you in my life. I hope that you special day is just as special as you are!” She laughed a bit and made a goofy heart out of her fingers to point at the camera. Cass grinned down at the image and made a mental note to screenshot that later too.

“My turn? Ok, Cass you are truly one in a million. You don’t talk much but that’s never stopped you from teasing me and cracking jokes. You’ve always been nothing but welcoming to me and for that I thank you. I hope that you have a great birthday.” Cass smiled a Duke, the two hadn’t known each other long but they were quickly becoming great friends.

The last cut was to the inside of the Clocktower where Barbara sat in front of her computer screens. “Whenever you’re ready Babs.” Steph said and the redhead nodded. “Cass, when I first met you I had no idea how close we would become but I sure am glad we did. You taught me so much about myself and gave me so much of exactly what I needed when I was in a bad time and that is perseverance. For that I will be eternally grateful. You’re one of my closest friends and I love you like a sister. I hope that you have a very happy birthday. Love ya Cass.” Babs smiled and then repeated her words in sign language and Cass forced herself not to cry because she knew Barbara would tell her that tears shouldn’t be wasted on her.

The camera then spun to show Steph, still in her Batgirl suit but cowl pulled down and blonde hair wildly disheveled. “Cass! I hope that when you wake up and watch this video that it starts your birthday off right. You’re my very best friend and I would honest to god be lost without. The lessons you taught me and the bravery and kindness that you exhibit every day are things I can only hope to strive for. Have an extremely happy, merry, wonderful, all around great birthday! Love you!”

The screen went black before returning to her messaging app. Cass smiled down at the screen before typing out quick thank yous to he family and friends. It was a happy birthday indeed.

Jean, I hope your birthday wishes are just as wonderful as Cass’s. Happy Birthday darling!

14 notes · View notes

stretchjournalemerson · 5 years ago

Text

Sister Sleuths

I left my dorm room at Emerson College and walked a block to the Chinatown Orange Line T stop. In my backpack I had a set of pajamas, my toothbrush, and, most importantly, my laptop. I was on my way to my older sister Meghan’s house in Jamaica Plain, where we were about to delve into the new Nancy Drew computer game, “Midnight in Salem.” I got off at Green Street, and walked about half a mile to her house. As soon as I arrived, Meghan ordered us some Chinese food.

I set up shop on the dining room table, with my laptop on the table between us. We each plated some orange chicken and white rice and poured ourselves glasses of $8 white wine. I double-clicked on the icon with an oil lamp, and “Midnight in Salem” started to run. When I was five or six, I would watch over Meghan’s shoulder as she played some of the earliest Nancy Drew games on the silver Dell desktop in our attic playroom. Sometimes my older brothers, Joseph and Thomas, came to assist her when she would get stuck. I didn’t help much, because Meghan was in middle school, and the smartest person I had ever met, and I was only in kindergarten. Per Meghan’s suggestion, I tried my hand at Detective Barbie rather than Nancy Drew. I summoned all of the sleuthing skills I had learned from watching my sister. I interrogated every suspect, followed the conveniently conspicuous yellow footprints, and chased the trenchcoat-clad culprit on a jet ski. I solved the mystery of the Carnival Caper in less than two days. I deemed Detective Barbie too simple for someone who had studied a master detective for so long, so I started playing a Nancy Drew game by myself, “The Treasure in the Royal Tower.” I tried to ask for help as little as possible, because I wanted to be as smart as Meghan, and she rarely needed help. It took me at least a week to finish “Treasure in the Royal Tower,” but as soon as I did, I moved on to other games – “The Haunted Carousel,” “Danger on Deception Island,” “Secret of the Old Clock” – determined to become as great of a detective as my sister. In 2009, Meghan started high school. She barely had time to hang out with me, let alone with our favorite detective. She didn’t buy the new game, “Ransom of the Seven Ships,” or the game after that, “Warnings at Waverly Academy.” Those two games instead became my ninth birthday gifts, and the title of Murphy Family Resident Sleuth was passed down to me. Meghan seemed okay with that. In fact, I doubt she thought much about Nancy Drew again until she left for college in 2013. Much of the time we texted, she would ask me if the new games were fun, and tell me that she wanted to play some old ones (“The Curse of Blackmoor Manor” is her favorite). I would send her snapchats of Dave Gregory from “The Secret of Shadow Ranch” asking Nancy, “Uh… You got a steady back home?” or when said steady Ned Nickerson finally told Nancy in the thirty-second game that he loved her. I took the lead on the controls for “Midnight in Salem,” and Meghan took notes and kept track of where we had been and who we needed to talk to. We, as Nancy Drew, had to figure out who framed Mei Parri, cousin of Nancy’s best frenemy Deirdre Shannon, in the arson of the house that had been built by Judge John Hathorne in the 17th century. This game should have been released in 2015, but HerInteractive, the company that makes the games, pushed back the release date multiple times, until it finally came out on December 3, 2019. I knew the game itself would be kind of a disaster – HerInteractive changed the game platform, resulting in extremely low-quality graphics, and Nancy had a new voice actress – but I didn’t care. I had been itching for a new game for years, and I had the chance to play this one with the person who introduced them to me in the first place. Meghan was part of the reason I wanted to go to college in Boston. When she graduated from Northeastern University, she got a job in the city and moved into a house in Jamaica Plain. By the time I moved into Emerson, we hadn’t lived in the same state for six years. Seeing one of your best friends only a few days out of the year gets old after six years. Days before “Midnight in Salem” came out, Meghan and I had already planned to play it together the next weekend. I guess it was a blessing in disguise that this game took so long to come out, because I got to play it with my sister, and the fact that “Midnight in Salem” is set in Massachusetts felt like some kind of sign that I was in the right place at the right time in my life. I slept over at Meghan’s house after playing for several hours, and as soon as we woke up I asked her if she wanted to keep playing. “Duh,” she said, grinning widely. Wearing her lavender purple bathrobe that she’s had since she was in middle school over her pajamas, Meghan started cooking breakfast while I brought my laptop to the kitchen and placed it between the two chairs at the island. She made scrambled eggs, toast with Nutella, and English breakfast tea. Once she sat down and we milked and sugared our teas, I double-clicked the oil lamp icon and we picked up from where we left off. We spent about two more hours playing. She rode the T back to school with me before she met up with a friend to watch football. “You can keep playing,” she told me on the way back. “You bought it, it’s your game.” This was true, I did buy this game with my own money, and it was downloaded on my own laptop. But even without a financial contribution from my sister, “Midnight in Salem” belonged to both of us. I didn’t want to play it without her – we started it together and I wanted to finish it together. We completed it over Christmas vacation at home in New Jersey. I plugged my laptop into the television in the living room so Meghan could sit on another couch while I navigated from the computer. Our Mom came to watch us struggle with the same puzzle for what felt like 100 hours. We discovered that Mei Parri’s sister accidentally set fire to the Hathorne House, a twist that made both of us gasp. We escaped the flooding underground tunnels of Salem, and caught lawyer Alicia Cole red-handed trying to sell the Hathorne House to the state for a profit. In September I moved to a new city, had to make new friends, take new classes, and live on my own for the first time, but Meghan was always a T ride away, and in the chaos of the last weeks of my first semester, Meghan and Nancy Drew provided me with much needed stability and comfort. Spending a Saturday night playing a Nancy Drew game is not something I could have done with any of my friends, or even my three other siblings. My nerdy affection for the games is something only Meghan understands, because she feels the same way about them. I am grateful that Meghan brought Nancy Drew into my life, but I am more grateful that Meghan will always be my right-hand detective any time I need her.

#stretch2020 #emerson college #memoir #creative writing

0 notes