#tree stumb

[roadtrippinlilly]

Red Shoulder Hawk

Medicine Creek Park

Ft. Sill, Oklahoma

Source Me laf@ilyF ❤️

[luthsthings]

EA sale + EP preorders + NEW Creator Code!

EA has a really big sale starting today (that's July 27, 2024, for those of you stumbing on this later!), and it includes a lot of Sims 4 packs! PLUS you can now preorder the Lovestruck EP.

And if that new EP has you nervous about all the mods it will break (starting with lots of mods that touch the UI…), and you use the Broken/Updated Mods & CC lists I make as part of how you manage around these big patches, there's a new way to support my mod-tracking work in the EA App checkout.

Thanks to an invitation from EA to be part of the Creator Code program, you can now add LUTHIENRISING as a "Promo Code" in the EA App. And it doesn't cost you any extra!

I'm hugely grateful for the content I receive as a member of the EA Creator Network. If only the money tree worked for real! So I'm also hugely grateful for the community support that helps cover some of the time I've been giving to the community since I started tracking broken and updated mods back when Sims 4 was still a nooboo. The Creator Code program is especially valuable to small potatoes like me, without early access to tons o' content or a big streaming audience.

Many, many thanks in advance to any of you or your friends or family who support me when they purchase. 💚

[crescentblossom66]

Prompt 4 Hesitate

The wind howled through the holes in his tree stumb, the random screams of the lost souls that haunt the swamp were rather quiet today, and even the nooses didn't make a peep. Subcon Forest was strangely quiet without the little nuisance around. Snatcher wasn't sure if he was sad that the innsolent kid was gone for a bit, or happy that he finally had peace and quiet again. One thing was for certain, he was bored. It had been a while since new souls had wandered into his forest, no new people to torment and ridicule for their foolishness. Due to the stagnation, he was more than glad when one of his many minons told him that someone had wandered into his forest looking for mushrooms or somehting.

He could feel the presence of his next victim the closer he got, they were near the abandoned and broken down houses that were once full of life. Now, that old village was just a shadow of its former self. He sprung his trap, making thorny vines shoot up in a circle around his target that he could only assume was shaking in fear right now. “HAHAHAHA Foooooool! You blew it! You-” He rose out of the ground and was a bit surprised at who he saw standing in front of him, the person not even flinching, they were even smiling. “- totally...screwed...yourself...” He trailed off shrinking back to a smaller size, and speaking in a quieter, less extravagant and scary voice. “What are you doing here?”

The orange cat in chef's attire waved at him. “Oh hey there, I was trying to find new ingredients to cook with and a forest always has a great variety of mushrooms and berries. You don't mind if I take a look around, do you?” That cat was at the kid's spaceship, always hanging around in the kitchen, she even waved to him whenever she saw him.

“Uh...” He rubbed his head in confusion, not sure if he should take the soul of the cat or not.

“Hey boss, look! That newbie brought a basket with good looking and smelling food. It's a shame I can't eat though because you cheaped out when you made our bodies...Yeah...” A group of minions of his were leaning over a picnic basket that had sandwiches and cupcakes in it.

He briefly wondered if there was a sandwich that had bacon in it...it had been such a long time that he had bacon. “Would you mind lowerin' those vines here, sweetie, I'd like to explore the forest a bit. I promise that I won't break anything.” The orange feline gave a gently smile stepping close to the vines that he had created.

The purple specter shook his head after being brought back from his thoughts. “Yeah sure...You don't have a bacon sandwich in there by chance, do you?”

“Of course I do, the little alien child told me that you like bacon, so I brought a few with me...not sure if ghosts can eat solid food though...and I don't know how to make an ethereal sandwich yet, I'm woriking on it.” She wondered out into the forest after he brought his vines down again.

The group of minions watched the cat walked further into the forest before turning back to their leader. “Boss, shouldn't you steal her soul or something?”

He found it! He finally found some bacon in this god-forsaken forest! “Nah, I'm feeling rather generous today, I won't even punish you with outhouse duty for insulting me about the body I so mercifully granted you.” The minion shivered and was quiet after that.

[universalinfo]

Top 5 Pioneering Incident Reporting Software Solutions

Navigating the world of healthcare can sometimes feel like trying to solve a giant jigsaw puzzle in the middle of a bustling city square. With countless moving pieces, regulations, and the ever-evolving nature of the industry, where do you even begin? 

Enter the realm of incident reporting software, your trusty guide through this maze. In this post, we’ll explore the top software solutions that promise not just to simplify but to transform your healthcare journey into a walk in a serene, well-lit park. Let’s begin, shall we?

1. SafeQual: Your Trusty Digital Sidekick in Quality Management

Remember those times when you tried to untangle that pair of headphones from your bag, and it felt like a never-ending puzzle? Well, managing healthcare operations can sometimes feel a bit like that, if not more complicated. And that’s precisely where SafeQual steps in, like that friend who magically untangles headphones in seconds.

SafeQual isn’t just software; think of it as your digital sidekick. A sidekick that understands the maze of healthcare, stands by you in every twist and turn and helps navigate through challenges with confidence. It’s built with a focus, a vision, and a promise to simplify. It’s like having a magic wand that transforms daunting tasks into manageable bits.

At its core, SafeQual is all about ensuring you don’t get bogged down by complexities. Our software’s main motive is to help healthcare organizations streamline processes, making them leaner and more efficient. 

It’s like adding a dash of automation magic, a sprinkle of data-driven insights, and a dollop of collaborative spirit, resulting in a delightful concoction that makes safety, quality, and risk processes a walk in the park.

With SafeQual by your side, every decision becomes clearer, every process smoother, and every hurdle easier to jump over. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a commitment to empower healthcare professionals to do what they do best: provide exceptional care.

2. SAI360: Simplifying Risk Management One Click at a Time

Imagine you’re at a carnival, standing in front of a giant spinning wheel. Each section represents a risk, an element, or a part of your business. Now, spinning that wheel without any strategy might seem fun at first, but it’s a gamble. Enter SAI360, turning that unpredictable spinning wheel into a well-calibrated compass that always points you in the right direction.

SAI360 isn’t just about connecting dots; it’s about creating a masterpiece from those dots. It’s like having a bird’s eye view over a vast maze, ensuring that you not only see every challenge and opportunity but also the best path to take. 

With its cloud-based platform, it binds elements like ESG, GRC, EHS, and more into a harmonious dance. The beauty of SAI360 is that it recognizes the uniqueness of every organization and offers the flexibility to customize as per your needs. So, no matter your size, scale, or scope, SAI360 fits just right.

But here’s the real kicker: it’s not all business. With over 25 years of experience, SAI360 knows that at the heart of every organization is its culture. So, while the software helps streamline tasks and manage risks, it also ensures that the heart (the corporate culture) beats strongly and in rhythm. 

3. Compliancy Group: Making Healthcare Compliance a Breeze

Picture this: you’re navigating through a dense forest, and every tree represents a different compliance requirement. It might feel overwhelming, and a bit confusing, and perhaps you’re just about ready to call it a day. But what if you had a map, a guide, and a friend all rolled into one to help you breeze through? Welcome to the world of Compliancy Group.

The Guard, by Compliancy Group, is like your personal shield against compliance worries. Imagine a tool that not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Whether you’re juggling HIPAA, HITECH, Omnibus, or PCI regulations, The Guard is there to catch you if you stumble, guiding you smoothly through every aspect of compliance with Safe Qual.

The beauty of Compliancy Group lies in its heart: an approach that’s rooted in kindness and simplicity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a compliance novice or a seasoned pro; there’s something here for everyone. It’s like having a gentle hand guiding yours, ensuring that every step you take is firm, confident, and compliant. 

With an easy-to-understand platform and a friendly support system, you can not only meet but ace those compliance goals, turning potential hurdles into triumphant victories.

4. MedStack: Compliance, Simplified and Secure

MedStack is like the unsung hero for digital health innovators, providing a secure and compliant foundation upon which your healthcare applications can thrive. It’s not just a tool but your ally in ensuring that your digital health application is not only brilliant but also safe, secure, and compliant.

The standout quality of MedStack is its dual power: blending platform and security, wrapped in a cloak of proven compliance. It’s like having a secret ingredient that propels your digital health app to meet, and often exceeds, the stringent demands of healthcare enterprise systems. 

With MedStack, you don’t just build; you build with assurance, knowing that the foundation is solid, secure, and reliable. It’s your silent partner in delivering not just healthcare, but care that’s guarded, trusted, and steadfast.

5. MedTrainer: Your All-In-One Compliance Conductor

Imagine trying to orchestrate a symphony where each musician plays a different tune. Chaotic, right? Compliance can feel like that sometimes: a chaotic symphony of regulations, training, and documentation. Now, imagine if you had a conductor, ensuring every note and every musician is in harmony. That conductor in your compliance orchestra is MedTrainer.

MedTrainer is not just software; it’s your comprehensive conductor, ensuring each element of compliance plays its part in perfect harmony. With MedTrainer, you’re not just meeting requirements; you’re crafting a culture of compliance and safety. It’s like having a librarian, a trainer, and a compliance officer, all bundled into one digital platform, guiding you through the multifaceted world of healthcare compliance.

From learning modules and documentation to simplifying credentialing, MedTrainer is like a handy toolkit, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Whether you’re a healthcare giant or a small practice, it adapts, molds, and becomes exactly what you need it to be, ensuring that managing compliance becomes as easy as flipping through a well-organized file.

With MedTrainer, it’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about crafting a melody where compliance, learning, and credentialing flow in harmony, creating a tune that’s not just regulatory compliant but is also beautifully efficient and effective. It’s your ticket to ensuring that compliance becomes a seamless, integrated part of your organizational symphony.

In Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, having the right tools can be the difference between wandering and striding confidently forward. With the right software by your side, you’re equipped to tackle challenges, streamline processes, and ensure that every decision made is informed and effective. 

So, as you embark on this exciting journey, remember to embrace technology, celebrate simplicity, and always prioritize the well-being of both patients and staff. 

Read More:

Incident Reporting Software Solution

[offwilds]

@ofgradobor  

Her hands and eyes had been busy, fingers intertwined with the roots of a rather rare plant.  She had been struggling to make a clean break and acquisition of it when she heard the descent of something (—no, someone) down the incline she sat near.  It startled her, causing Nereinne to clutch briefly at her chest, mouth agape as she swiftly turned full around, ruining what was left of the plant she had been trying to harvest.          

Cursing through her teeth, she exhaled sharply, her eyes rounding with shock and ire at the sight of a lone figure of a man, leaping forward through the trees, running away from...someone? Or, something. Pushing herself to her feet, she made to step toward the man, meaning to call out to him when an ear piercing shriek halted her step, cutting her off. The earth shook: a deep vibration both of them felt from the soles of their feet to the crowns of their heads. Birds and other such wild life squealed and squawked and plunged out of the way of whatever monstrous being was stamping down the hill — and the sorceress — amidst the brush and trees, she laid in wait—breathing stilled to near motionlessness until she caught sight of the creature which she swiftly recognized as a kikimore rampaging down the summit of the hill toward them, smashing down every thing in its path.    Swallowing sharply, she raised her hand to bring forth and gather her magics, and she would have send forth a bolt of fire to smite the creature, when the stranger leaped forward with his great sword, cutting its legs in half; it shrieked, wild with fury, and she heard him gasp, felt a stream of hot, dark blood spill over her face, and she violently stumbed backward, her magic fizzling as something soon slammed into her, causing her to fall backwards onto the cold, damp ground- and soon, he was toppling over her too, his sword lodlged into the creature writhing at their side. 

She winced,  gasped a breathless little "fuck..."    feeling a cascade of blood trickle off his brow and onto her chin, making her push at his chest to get him off her as their gazes met amid the chaos, the creature at their side screeching and howling in agony. 

[fromdustofroads]

[stupitpizza]

The race was about to start.

Monster Machines were being fueled up and they were studing the map. "It's so long way," cyan truck said. Golden brown beside her said:" I heard that we can rest in resting places around the track." "We are on this track few days," said coral truck.

Star heard them and asked Connor:" How many days we are on this track?" Connor answered:" I don't know. It's first time for me to race on this track." Star thought for few seconds and said:" At least three or four days." Coco asked:" How to you know?" Star said:" I calculated the distance and my speed and i got the time. It was in hours but it was more than 24 hours and It's the one day." "Cool," Coco said. Then Griffin crashed into River. "Watch it!" Griffin snapped. River said:" You crashed into me. Didn't he?" The last words were for Connor. Connor whispered:" Don't turn attention to him." Griffin turned to Star and said:" Be ready to be humiliated, rookie. Everybody thinks that you will defeat me. But what if they are wrong." "Then it's in differend dimention," answered Star. Before Griffin could answer then announcer asked racers to move to starting point.

Every racer went to the starting point. Star then heard familiar voice shouting:" Go Star! You'll win this!" It was aunt Flora and her parents. Star took deep breath and whispered to herself:" Let's do this." Then the flag was lowered and lights went green. Racers put their petal to the floor and the race started.

Star didn't had hard time to get behind Griffin and front of Ash. Griffin keeped eye on Star and blocked her when she tried to get front of her. "Don't try," Griffin said:" The truck like you needs to just be in her house and shop online." Star said:" Don't worry. I'm not that type of girl. And you drive right into the branch on the road." Griffin stumbed into the branch what indeed was there. Star was now first. Ash giggled at the sight and followed Star. Griffin rose up and raced after them. "You'll pay for this," Griffin said.

Ash reached next to Star and Star smiled at her. Ash returned the smile until she shouted:" Look out!" Griffin was gaining and hit Star to rear bumper. Star spinned out and hit the barrier. Ash gasped but didn't stopped because Star was in the race right away. Griffin whispered:" She don't know when to give up, does she?" Then Ash pushed Griffin out of the race and Star drove past him. Griffin growled as Connor drove past him.

Connor drove next to Ash and Star. "We should be more careful," Connor said:" We can't injure Griffin or you'll be out of the race." Ash and Star looked each other and nodded. Coco was about to reach to them when her wheel bursted. She drove right into River and both of them flied out of the race track. Star stopped and let Griffin past her. She didn't care and drove out of the track to check on Coco and River.

Both of them were stangeled in trees. "Don't worry!" Star shouted:" I get you down! Somehow." Coco said:" We are alright. Win the lap!" The branch started to give away. Star looked at the trees and connected her winch to them and started to make net like thing. Then she shouted to them:" You trust me?" Coco said:" Yes." River asked:" Why you ask this?" Star then shouted:" Jump!" Coco jumped right into the net. River followed her and right on top of Coco. The branches broke and fell on the roof of River. "Oof!" River shouted and shook himself. Coco rose up and River slid off of her. "Thanks," Coco said to Star:" But you know that cats are always landing on their wheels." "Nice way to show it," Star said and she reconnected the net and Coco fell on her underside. Both of them laughed and went back to race track.

There River and Star helped Coco to the finishline. Coco went to mechanic right away. Connor said:" Good job helping Coco and River." Star said:" Thanks. Helping others are more important than winning. But this time i win and help." Connor said:" Follow me. I want to show you something."

They went to the cave and there was something shining. "What's that?" Star asked. Connor said:" It's something magical. I can't figure it out. I never can. I asked others but they couldn't ether." Star went closer and the glow went brighter. Star then saw something like engine part she touched it and then the explosion happened.

Everything went dark.

To be continued...

[the-fiction-witch]

Oh no

MOVIE MAZE RUNNER

COUPLE NEWT X READER

RATING SMUT

I sat on the log of the tree we had just cut down fiddling with my machete a little as I sat there having a little rest. Looking out across the glade to the many shades of green and the harsh shocking grey of the walls in the distance. People going back and forth doing their work, the gardens were expanding due to more of us here in the glade, so we were cutting down some trees to clear space, I looked up a little too the stump we were now working on removing, the tree already down so only the stump remained.

Zart and y/n were working at removing it, and I couldn't help looking at her.

Her Y/h/C hair Swaying back and forth across her skin as she moved. The orange vest covered in dirt yet still bright against her skin. It hugged her body close without any lines or hint of a bra under it like she usually has when she only wears the vest. The light brown trousers not too dissimilar to what most of the rest of us where but with a few patches where she repairs them so they don't go tattered like the rest of us, they hung off her legs and yet on the sweet curve of her arse they were so tight, so much you could see so much if you were looking. Which of course I was. Her clothes snug and In all the right places tight. She swung her machete at the roots of the stumb making good headway as she did, the muscles in her arm stressing even if they weren't as impressive as someone like minho or Gally but like everyone they were still there. Her breasts often bounced and moved as she worked.

Zart headed off to lunch leaving me and y/n still working, 

"You going to help or sit on your butt?" Y/n asks me 

"Come on you 'ad a break love. I'm due a break" he says 

"Ummm a break? Or are you just being a pervy little shank?" She laughed

"What do you mean?" I asked 

"I see you looking" she smirked as she worked 

"I'm watching you working? I'm not allowed to watch you work?" I asked 

"You can watch all you like newt" she winked her hand moved to the bottom of her vest pulling it up flashing her left breast to me completely. 

It was only for a few seconds but I saw everything, her sweet smooth skin, the curves in her skin, the orb of where it was, the breast hung there perfectly, her nipple hard to the breeze of the glade.

I froze trying my best to savour as much of the image in front of me as I could before she laughed and put the vest down leaving me frozen and rock hard. She blew me a kiss and went right back to working.

I couldn't help watching now I knew what they looked like underneath the vest, all I could see was there bouncing as she moved. 

"Uuuuhhhh…" was all I could force out of my mouth

"Aww so you do like looking?" She smirked and I nodded very fast she stabbed the machete into the stump and came over to me pushing my machete out my hand and sitting on my legs wrapping her own around my waist, in shock I put my hands on her hips and waist so she wouldn't fall "you can touch them if you want to" she smirked 

"I uhh I can?" I asked and she nodded kissing down my neck undoubtedly leaving a hiki from her harsh kisses I smirked and bit my mouth a little desperately moving my hands up to touch her, the rough fabric of the vest shirt against my hands, but the softness of her breasts, like marshmallows so squishy and jelly like, slowly groping and fondling her beautiful breasts "they uhhh they feel so good" I groaned 

She smirked pulling her shirt off and throwing it behind us leaving her naked from the waist up 

"That Better?" She asks 

"Much better love" I smirked pulling her to kiss me -

"Newt! Come on get your butt out of bed Alby needs to talk to you!" I heard Gally yell from the outside of my door 

"Alright alright I'm up!" I yelled back groaning as I sat up a little Waking myself up even if I'd have much rather stayed in that nice dream "oh no" I groaned as I felt the throbbing pain in my boxers and I felt something wet against my stomach and my legs. So I pushed my blanket away from me and saw the mess I had made because of my dream "ohh bloody 'ell" I sighed just as I did the door opened so I pulled the blanket back over me as it was y/n "morning…" she smiled 

"Morning y/n" I said quickly trying to make sure she didn't see anything

"Hey, you okay? Your really late up" she says sitting on my bed and I nodded "okay I just wanted to make sure you weren't sick" she smiled giving my cheek a little kiss as she did I could see right down her top at her beautiful breasts and I couldn't stop my hands grabbing them both and slowly groping they felt even better than in my dream she moved away a little confused looking at my hands on her breasts "funny way to say hello newt, do you do this to the boys too?" She asked 

"Oh my God I'm so sorry y/n" I said moving my hands away 

"It's alright newt, just ask next time" she smiled giving my lips a little kiss "Alby needs to talk to you then you can come visit for a cuddle" she smiled before she went down to the glade. 

[lemystical-puffle]

A3! Fantasy AU

This is just a starter for something I literally just thought of and I want to get it out. may add to this in the future and give character descriptions and make it a whole AU, but for right now this is what I have.

The story follows a travelling poet, Arisugawa Homare, and his tale. He was out at sea traveling with a crew, a ship he had snuck upon, and had hoped to find adventure that he could write about and publish. However, as most stories begin, there was a great storm that ripped the ship apart. In a rush to save his work and his own life, Homare stole one of the only support ships (or whatever they’re called. The tiny boats) with nothing but himself and his poems and went out to sea, letting the wind and waves carry him off with nothing but the sight of his sinking comrades to company him.

He falls asleep at sea and wakes up having landed on a strange island that he couldn’t seem to place, for as far as he knew they were days from any sort of land, so there was no way a nights journey could have taken him anywhere marked. But, due to his own strive for adventure and hope for a story, he ventured off on the island and into the forest beyond.

This is where he found a village. Hidden beneath the trees as a village made of wood, vines, and magic. There were small houses, with neighbors all greeting one another as brothers, talking about harvest, trade and other forms of small talk. He could see a stage in the center of town, the woof held together by tree vines and the stems of dandelions, with what seemed like old and broken light bulbs being strung down from the ceilings and lit by an energy unknown to man. There was a pink haired boy and a long brown haired woman standing in front of the stage, discussing something inaudible to the poet. There was a short green haired boy sitting on a stumb, sewing up the apron of a much larger brown haired man, recognizable by the scar on his cheek. There was another blonde man far off in the back, barely visible, carrying a small pouch of coins and distributing them evenly among the villagers, the purpose to such an act stumped the poet. His attention was then caught by two men, one with blue hair the other with a darker green, sweeping outside of a small hut. They had seemed to have gotten into an argument and it wasn’t until a not much older man with long silver hair, wearing a belt like thing with potions and concoctions at his side, emerged and got the two to calm down with a gentle tap at their shoulders.

Homare found himself staring at awe, astonished by his find. He grabbed his notebook and a quill he had kept with him and went to sit on a stump nearby, still peering in and writing down what he saw in the form of verses and rhymes. He kept this up for what felt like hours, filling pages of the book, until he was interrupted by his thoughts. When he went to peek again, he was greeted by a man his age with short silver hair, one of his eyes covered by his locks as he stared at Homare, the pair quiet.

“...”

“...”

“So...”

“Oh I am incredibly sorry for intruding I was just-”

“Are you going in?” 

[afy2018]

You’re a Queen (Revision) Chapter 1

Waverly awoke in her cold narrow chambers- only the bare minimum for Purgatory- to the sound of Stephani Jones, her Lady’s Maid, gently calling to her from the fireplace as she sparked it to life. Her mistress dismissed her to the doorway as she began her day. Waverly wished she could just dismiss her completely as the days preceding the anniversary of her father’s passing were always difficult no matter how many years had gone by, and only exacerbated by her sister’s desertion of her rightful place in their fief.

Once she tore off her nightgown, Waverly pulled out her black and silver dress she had imported from Holland with the box of British brass brooches and faux pearl jewels that were to adorn her clothes. The routine of her base skirt and gown proved to take less time than normal as Waverly summoned Stephani to help her with the rest of her dress and hair before the clock struck eight.

She went through her usual regimen which ended with her going down to dine with her Aunt but was quickly intervened by their butler, Percival Crofte, with a salt-crusted letter. Waverly plucked it from his hands and ripped it open, quickly skimming the words before handing it back to him as she changed course to the main chambers to meet her impending guest.

Her heart pounded in her chest and she began to break out in a light sweat from her layers and nerves. Her finely dressed doormen opened the grand room as she approached them. She entered the hollow chambers, her clicking shoes echoing through the entire room as the servants and noblemen silently watched her. Once she situated herself in her simple throne, Waverly nodded to Nedley, a greying man who was as loyal as a dog but just as opinionated as her aunt, to let in her old friend.

The doors across from her opened to a lone figure standing in the archway where her servants once stood. The young ruler sat back in her chair and watched as the visitor tentatively approached her. Once she was only a few feet away, Waverly took in the view of her guest that she no longer recognized. She looked over the features she once cherished so many years ago that disappeared in the now shockingly masculine attire she wore.

Waverly stood on the platform that raised her chair above the stone floor and began her descent towards her. After a few moments of staring at her, she dismissed her guards and noblemen alike to talk with her long lost friend. As the hallway’s doors closed, Waverly walked straight up to her guest, watching as she flinched at her speed, and punched her shoulder.

“WHERE have you been?” she hissed at her. Before she could answer, Waverly quickly pulled her into a tight embrace, “Welcome home, Wynonna.”

She felt tentative arms wrap around her as her sister loosely hugged her back and tucked her bare lips against her beaded shoulder. Waverly let her go and gazed upon her rugged appearance. From what she could see, her sister had dawned gentlemen’s attire with road worn boots wrapped in a fine cloth to cover their grime. Although her vest was plain in color and pattern, the cloak she had draped around her shoulders was deep emerald with a border of gold stitching that made her seem nobler than her rank allowed. She had a sword sheathed to her hip and dark leather gloves that were untouched by the weather.

“You are alive,” Waverly gasped. “You never wrote… well?”

Wynonna only nodded in response before finding her voice for the first time in the archaic castle, “Do you remember the stories Father used to tell us about the homestead? He talked about how this place wasn’t meant to house the noble or royal. It was originally a place for people to pass through when they were heading to and from the Phantom River Palace. It had not been until the fifteenth century that the Good Lord Earp established Purgatory as a fief,” she rested on her heels and continued, “I am only doing what Father always told us and explored the world. I have seen things and people I would have never thought existed had I not just gone out into the world. My dear sister, I have lived and-”

“And I have been here,” her sister interrupted.

“Yes, you have. I do not plan on staying any longer. I was just passing. I’m glad you got my note, I’d hate to catch you by surprise.”

“Yes, this morning, actually.”

“Mm, I sent it three weeks ago, shame it took that long,” Wynonna turned on her heels and began out of the main hallway and to her next journey.

Waverly chased after her older sister through the old hallways of their once-prosperous fief. The banners and coat of arms that were once lit by the chandeliers and candelabras for evening parties now hung against the decrepit walls of their home. They continued further down the palace hallways as the younger woman tried to get her sister’s attention. She jogged a bit before tugging on her thick cloak.

“Please, you need to stay here. Your absence has left our home in complete disarray!” Waverly berated her, her tone biting into her sister’s conscious. “Take responsibility for one thing at least once in your life!”

Wynonna stopped in her tracks and turned around to face her, only cocking her head to the side as she tried to hold back her rage. Carefully, she spat, “God, do you know what I had to go through after… after everything? You think your life was hard running this place with everyone caring for you, preparing you and holding your hand along the way? I was shunned, no one wanted me after Father croaked, not even you. You all thought I was a demon, a witch, some sort of… I don’t know, so come back when everyone hates you, then you can act like your life’s been hard.” She stood back from her sister, waiting for any response she knew would have to be coaxed out of her.

Waverly couldn’t look up at her, knowing that any mention of her memories would trigger something not only in her sister but within herself to flee. She also knew that torn look Wynonna got in her eyes of betrayal, and it killed her to remind her about their trauma-even though it was her fault. The older woman only watched her sister, huffing the air from her lungs in annoyance. She tore off her gloves, collecting them in her left hand as she placed the other one on her sister’s shoulder. Looking into her large eyes, Wynonna quickly pulled her in for a quick embrace, getting stuck as Waverly clung onto her. She sighed out a shuddering breath and kissed her forehead before her sister finally let go.

“I’m sorry,” Waverly apologized.

“No, you’re ri[ght]-” she almost comforted.

“Excuse me, Madam,” their advisor Nedley interrupted. “Sir Dolls is here to see you.”

Wynonna pulled her gloves on again and rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, nodding to the greying man, “Bring him to the main chambers, I’ll address him soon,” she commanded.

The voice she took on surprised her, after all of her travelings and escaping, she had thought that the tone would be lost to the nomadic gangs and foreign oceans, but it seemed to just be waiting at the edge of the Purgatory woods. She only cleared her throat as he went to their guest and turned to face her sister again.

“When did you stop wearing dresses?” Waverly asked as she looked upon her sister’s masculine fashion.

“When I set fire to them and bought a more efficient wardrobe. What have you been doing while I was gone?”

“I have been running our fief ever since Aunt Augustine approved it for me.”

Wynonna only shook her head, turning to watch as their advisor finally disappeared behind the door. “Do you know who Sir Dolls is.”

“A knight from our Duke’s Army. He was sent three fortnights ago.”

She shrugged and placed both hands on the hilt of her sword. “Is he attractive?”

“Seriously?”

“What, might I not dream of my knight in shining armor?”

“Ugh, I will leave you to your meeting with him,” Waverly said dismissing her sister’s comment.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“I’m off, Purgatory is your responsibility now, go visit Aunt Augustine in the dining room,” she nodded as she backed away from her.

“Yay, so much fun,” Wynonna sarcastically remarked. “I just hope I get unlimited access to the armory.”

She smiled at her and left her sister to her own affairs as she walked to shock yet another family member. After Waverly changed into her riding kit, she went to the stables, looking for her blood bay mare. Her horse was a young and spry beast that could have kept up with Wynonna’s wild spirit had she been paired with the older sister rather than her. She quickly had her saddled up and set off for her own time alone in the forest.

Waverly sped through the stables and out of the castle gates. Her destination was whatever she could find and as she followed the path from her home and through the glades, Waverly broke off to the barely beaten path that led to a stream. She felt the change of air as the trees burned their scent in her nose and throat. The only sound she heard was the huffing breaths her mare let out before she began to settle and slow down through the trees to avoid the low branches and roots. Waverly heard the sound of scampering critters and fearful does sprint to safety. She began to notice the distinct sound of water running through the pebbles, splashing and spilling onto the large rocks.

She dismounted at the water’s edge and went to a petrified oak that had fallen three years earlier. Waverly sat on it and listened as the low stream of crystal clear water rushed below her. It was a peaceful sound that numbed her ears and thoughts from everything else in the world. She felt a calming air rush over her body and begin to relax her muscles. The silence echoed in her head and vibrated through her soul as she lost herself in the pattern the water made on its surface as the stream rushed and trickled over the beautiful river worn rocks.

The only thing that broke her trance was a soft rustling as a horse came galloping through the trail somewhere nearby. She heard the horse’s hooves rapidly near her until they finally stumbled to a stop. Waverly slipped back into the low stream and glared up at the young rider. She gritted her teeth as the owner of the blue dun quickly dismounted. They were clad in silver armor that clanked and flexed with ease as they went to help the royal back up.

“You have some nerve scaring me,” Waverly muttered as she was helped up.

The knight took off their helmet, revealing a kind face of the young soldier in her padded cream colored coif. “I apologize, ma’am, but have you seen a man in red running around here recently?”

“No,” Waverly assured her, surprised at how gently the knight spoke to her.

“Hm, I’m almost sure I saw him running through here not too long ago.” Seemingly giving up and pulling her attention to the woman before her, she untied her coif and tucked it inside of her helmet. The young knight revealed her bright red hair that was tied back in a loose bun. With the loud clanking of her armor, she placed her hand over her heart and introduced, “I am Dame Nicole Haught of the Duke’s Royal Army. Again, I dearly apologize for frightening you.”

Waverly waved away her apology and went to her mare, “It’s fine. I am Lady Waverly Earp of Purgatory.”

The young knight sank to her knees, her hand still over her heart, “Lady Earp, I’m so sorry, a thousand apologies, M’Lady. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Oh my,” she chuckled, “Please stand, I’m not that important I only rule over a fief, or I once did.”

Nicole pushed on her knee to stand up and brushed off her armor. “Well, seeing that I’ve lost the thief I-”

“What is a Duke’s knight doing here chasing a lowly thief?” the lady interrupted as she walked back to her.

“Hm, yes that is a fair question,” Haught laughed to herself. “Serving his people as always. Say, is there a tavern nearby? I seem to have been turned around a bit and feel the need to relax before I get back to my duties.”

“Oh, well, there is a pub near the Purgatory castle actually, it is on the outskirts but… I’m babbling aren’t I, yes I am,” she chuckled as Haught pulled on the coif again, hiding her fiery red hair.

“No, no, babble on,” she joyfully responded.

Waverly blushed a little at her endearing words and looked down at the stream again. “I was planning on going back to the castle. You can follow me if you would like.”

“That would be wonderful, your highness,” she sincerely nodded before pulling her helmet on again.

“Perfect, then we should be off.”

They smiled at each other and mounted their beasts. Haught flicked the face of her helmet down and slid onto her horse. As she waited for the lady to mount her mare, she asked, “You said that you used to rule over the fief, who is it now?”

“My sister, back from her journeys.”

“So, what does that mean for you, Madam?” Nicole inquired.

“Ah, well, that means that I can explore my home and the beautiful terrain it has been blessed with,” she smiled as she gestured to the forest. “Well, when I’m not being interrupted by knights.” Noticing the way she tensed up, Waverly quickly added, “All meant in jest.”

They raced back to the castle through the dense trees and shrubberies before breaking through the glades to the dirt road to Purgatory. Nicole caught up to the speedy royal, smiling at her behind the metal helmet. As she studied her through the narrow slots of her mask, the young knight soon found her eyes more than curiously wandering Waverly’s figure as she expertly rode her mare. They slowed down once they cleared the glade, seeing the fortress and castle in the distance with the shops and houses that smattered the exterior of Purgatory. Waverly slowed her horse to a trot, wanting to talk to the knight as they neared her home.

“So where do you hail from?” she asked.

“I’m from Phantom River. I was sent here to aid the fiefs around this territory with any ruffians.”

“Really? We actually have another knight from the Lionheart King Carlo, Sir Dolls.”

“I have never met him, but there are many soldiers in the Duke and King’s armies. He might be apart of his royal highness’ personal armies. I’m just a guard.”

“Duke Carlo has more than one army?”

“No, but his brother has special forces who watch over him and are by his side every day, there is a section whose duty is to watch the people he deems important and then he and the Duke have my people who help keep order amongst the fiefs and towns.”

“How interesting. So you were sent here, why?” she tried again, trying to squeeze out as much information from her as possible.

“Well the fiefs of Purgatory, Derelict, and Haven are to be mine and another knight’s territory but to be completely honest, I was glad when I was assigned to this territory because I have always wanted to meet you.”

“Me?” Waverly laughed in disbelief.

“Yes, I have heard of your bravery in fighting off our Neighbors to the North. You saved the Duke’s most important road and his soldiers. You are seen as a legend… M’Lady,” she formally added.

“Oh, um, thank you. How long will you be staying?”

“I have been here for almost a month but I only have a week left on my contract.”

“Only that long? I insist that you stay longer, seeing that you are a part of the Duke’s Army, you are a special guest to us.”

“Oh, thank you, M’Lady,” Nicole responded, dipping her head.

“Please, this is the least I can do for a knight, truly,” she assured her. “Do you have anything else before we move you here?”

“Nothing that isn’t strapped to my steed,” Haught noted as she patted the back of her horse.

Little conversation transpired between them as they finished their journey to the local tavern. It was a centuries-old beaten shack that had been passed down between generations of local Purgatory citizens. The current owner, “Shorty” Seanan, was a trustworthy old man with the heart of an explorer but the knowledge of any other citizen there. He had always been able to learn from those who passed through the bar about the outside world that he dreamed of seeing. In turn, he would inform Waverly of the people he met and the stories they shared with him. It always made her pine for the adventures she dreamed her sister had. They were only dreams though as to the entire town of Purgatory, Waverly was the stable child, the one who survived her sister’s insanity.

The two women hitched their horses and walked into the busy bar. At the moment, there seemed to only be locals in their usual spots with Seanan watching his latest patrons walk into his business. He beckoned the Lady over and handed her a cup of ale.

“Good morning, Waverly,” he politely greeted. Haught noted his grand smile that broke through the thick grey and white beard. “How goes it?”

“Mm, I was feeling low until I met this lost puppy in the woods,” she joked gesturing to Haught. “Perchance, have you seen a man in red tear through town?”

“No one that seemed suspicious,” he shrugged. “Would you like anything to drink, lass?”

“Would you happen to have any lägers?”

“I do,” he proudly nodded, pouring her a stein full. He shooed away her money, “No need to pay madam, you are a friend of Waverly.”

“Thank you, I never caught your name.”

“Seanan, but friends just call me Shorty.”

“Shorty Seanan, I am Dame Nicole Haught of the Duke’s Royal Army.”

“A Royal Knight in this area. Well well well, welcome to Purgatory,” he nodded.

Waverly found a spot by the window where they could talk and drink. She found Nicole curiously regarding her and the patrons of the tavern.

“Do you have a question for me?” she asked her.

“I just have never heard anyone address a noble so casually. People never addressed a noble like that back home.”

“Well, that is not how we do it here. You will find that we are much more independent than where you are from,” Waverly explained. “I just wanted to let you know before we got to the castle.”

“How did your family gain power? You’re not related to royal blood, are you?”

“At first no, but my mother was a Gibson of the Lavelle-Obere family.”

“Really, so do you ever visit them in Lyon?”

“I have never met any of them. I barely remember my mother.”

“Did she pass away when you were young?” Nicole asked, catching Shorty’s protective eye. “I should not pry, nevermind.”

“The Earps have really been the only ruling family here with a few suitors from other wealthy families here and there. We Earps stick together despite the distance.”

“Is that your motto?”

“No, but it should be,” she smirked with a quick swig from her cup. “But enough about me. How did you become a knight, what’s your backstory?”

Nicole chuckled and shrugged, “I hail from the Kingdom of Ireland, the O’Haught family, specifically, from the Shannon Basin. But, uh, Shannon could never hold me still so I was sent to the academy out here to hopefully put some sense into me.”

“Did it work?” Waverly asked.

“I haven’t the faintest clue,” she flirted in her Irish accent, “did it?”

“Cheeky, I think Purgatory already has you under her spell.”

“Mm,” she chuckled, “I think the citizens have helped a great deal.”

Waverly cleared her throat as she stared at the empty cup in front of her. “I should introduce you in Court if you are going to be a guest here, that is.”

“I do not want to be a bother, really.”

“No, I insist. We will be glad to have a guest. It has been a long while since the castle had visitors.”

“If you insist-“

“I do. Now, it is,” Waverly paused as she looked up at a clock, “only a quarter past four so I would assume everyone is still in the castle…Well, I would assume so. We might want to go soon, I’m not too sure what my tribe’s up to as of recent events.”

“You mean your sister’s return?”

“Yes, exactly,” she confirmed as she stood up, pulling on her black pelisse and leaving money on the table for her old friend.

Nicole followed her to their horses, watching as her hostess effortlessly pulled herself onto her mare and waited for her to join her. She followed suit and then went down the street a few strides behind as she was trained until Waverly slowed down to match her pace. Nicole continued to watch her, silently regarding the farms and shops that they passed.

“For a noble, you wear a fair amount of black, seeing that these aren’t your colors.”

“Only today,” she cryptically informed her. “I’m surprised the Duke allows his knights to wear their family’s cloaks,” she asked back.

Nicole nodded, “My own personal touch.” She took a moment to fix the silver fox shaped hooks to her black green and purple plaid garment. “It is not a cloak, by the way. This is a traditional piece called a brat. Being the Child Ruler Lady Earp, have you ever traveled outside of Purgatory?”

Waverly sighed, trying to hide her eyes as they neared the stables, “No, I haven’t. Between lessons and watching my Uncle rule over my future affairs, I did not have time to explore. What about you? How long have you been a bonafide knight?”

“Seven years,” she proudly stated. “Seven years and I still forgot to give you this.” Nicole reached back into her saddlebag to produce a letter with a gold wax seal imprinted with the Carlo family emblem. “My contract with the Duke's official signature.”

“Keep it for now. So, a month and I have never even heard of you.”

“I should have been more vigilant but Derelict was more of a handful than I thought.”

“Ah, yes. They must either think you are an angel or hate you to send you to Derelict.”

“I like to think I’m an angel.”

“Your hubris would say otherwise.”

“Only when I’m beguiled by a pretty lady,” she tested.

“Try not to forget yourself, Haught.”

“I apologize, M’Lady,” she quickly corrected.

“But I’m glad I have that power over you,” Waverly teased.

From behind her helmet, Nicole gawked at her audacious flirting, only recomposing herself when they arrived at the stables, dismounting and unsaddling their horses. Waverly brushed out her mare’s mane with care while Nicole watched and smiled at the royal woman’s tenderness. Waverly then switched out the mane brush and began brushing out her mare’s coat. Nicole gave her blue dun stallion a sugar cube while she waited on the side. Waverly smiled as she peeked over her horse at the knight before she put away the brushes.

“I have never seen noble care for her own horse,” Nicole noted as she walked towards Waverly.

“I pride myself in caring for those I depend on,” she replied starting towards the castle.

“And what is your trusted steed’s name?”

“Ignis. What about your stallion?”

“Lex.”

“Law in Latin?”

Nicole shrugged and smiled, “He was given to me when I was far enough along in my training.” She took a moment and smiled, “You know Latin?”

“Yes. If I cannot travel, then I should at least keep myself educated.”

“Intriguing, a very learned noble. Most of the others I have met are pompous people who know no more than those they preside over.”

“Glad I’ve made a lasting impression on you,” Waverly flirted, her back to the knight once more as she took a few short cuts out of the stables. They walked into the castle through a side door for the servants where they found a maid making her way to Waverly. “Please prepare Dame Haught’s room. Preferably a guest room in the west wing. Her belongings are on her horse in the stables.”

The maid nodded and went to prepare the guest room as Waverly left to make a meeting for Nicole, letting her follow her in silence through the open corridors until they came upon the grand doors to the main chambers. She walked in, seeing her sister sitting on the throne with their Aunt behind her as Sir Dolls knelt down in the center of the room. He had been explaining his reason for his assignment in their fief and his confusion of not being informed of Wynonna’s return. Waverly stood in the back, watching her sister ogle the knight as he mindlessly recited his speech to her. She curtsied to him as he walked up to stand next to the older Earp sister.

“Wynonna, Dame Nicole Haught of the Duke’s Public Army has arrived to watch over our fief.”

Waverly sat in the chair next to her sister, Sir Dolls dipping his head to the younger woman. Nicole walked to the center of the room and produced the letter she had tried handing to Waverly earlier, holding it out for Dolls to retrieve. He tore it open and read it aloud:

“‘For Lady Earp of Purgatory. I have been informed that you are lacking the proper number of law enforcement in your area. I have sent over one of my finest Dames to aide in replenishing your forces. I hope she is of use to you. ~Duke J.C.’” Dolls regarded the letter for a moment, his eyes darting to Nicole for a moment before turning to his mistress. “It is official, the Duke’s stamp is on this.” Dolls confirmed handing the paper to Wynonna. “What is your decision?”

“Well, keep her. I would not want to anger Carlo so early. Go get clean and you can discuss your placement with Nedley.”

“Thank you, your highnesses,” Nicole bowed, standing up as she was whisked away to her chambers.

In a brief moment, she caught Waverly’s eyes, winking at her, while the blonde maid led her out of the room. She followed her to the small room that would become her personal chambers for the duration of her stay in Purgatory. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it was better than the farmhouse she was staying in Derelict. As she pondered on her new home, Nicole wrote a letter to be sent to the old mayor of her change in lodging and mission- something she was more than glad to do. In her brief time in Derelict, she had already chased around over twenty thieves, helped behead five murderers and hang nineteen other criminals. In the Shannon Basin- and even in Phantom River- there wasn’t as much crime to worry about. On more than one occasion, Nicole had to lock up her horse and belongings in order to protect them from any thieves. Crime seemed to come in waves with a few days being quiet with the usual bickering amongst the locals to major crimes and brawls which ended in major injury or death.

Nicole sat back in a cheap chair in the corner. Hearing it creak loudly under her weight, she instantly sat back up, looking down at the old wooden seat with the worn and dusty velvet cushion which now had an impression of her rear. She closed her eyes and moved the chair to the open window, feeling it loosely shake in her hands. Nicole restlessly huffed as she sat back in the chair, now feeling it shake under her. It really wasn’t the worst situation she was in, but she expected Purgatory to be at least a bit nicer. She couldn’t completely remember how it looked when she was last here, but when she was eleven she had followed her parents to this casual town with its charismatic rulers. In her time alone, the young knight reflected back on her old memories as she regarded the beautiful mountain range that guarded the small town within the valley below.

Waverly escaped the main hall after their guest’s departure but was swiftly as she left the room, her sister joined her in the hallway with her old mischievous smile. She stood in her tracks even as her sister tugged her towards the stables.

“Whatever you have in mind is going to have to wait until tomorrow,” she evenly told her.

“Not even an adventure?” Wynonna playfully whined.

“Not tonight, it is too early for you to get into trouble and skimp out on your duties.”

“You mean like you did this afternoon?”

“Yes,” she proudly admitted, “But I was not getting into trouble. How are you acclimating to power?”

“It is pretty nice, but I’m surprised I have not been confronted by any old flames from town.”

“I think once all of them know that you are here, every one of your past mistakes will come creeping out of the woodwork, I can assure you of that.”

Wynonna comically threw up her hands and asked, “Well what do you do for fun around here?”

“I’m almost sure that what I find fun, you will think is boring as can be,” Waverly submissively stated. “I do know that there is a plentiful stash of booze in the basement from our old parties.”

“Mm, and you would not happen to have to key?”

“Our key master has them all, but I know that Uncle Curtis had one in his office, you remember where that is, right?”

“Yeah,” she nodded heading down the hallway. “Aren’t you gonna join me?”

“No, I’m going to check on our guests.”

“Hm, okay. Want me to bring anything from my plunders?”

“Mm… no, thank you.”

Waverly left her sister to her own devices as she meandered through the open corridors of her home. It wasn’t anything grand but it was the only place Waverly really knew. Kept behind closed doors and inside the basin that entrapped Purgatory, she rarely ever made it past the forest and mountain passages to explore before being called back home. The only place she had visited outside of the fief was the grand palace in Phantom River which housed the Duke of their fiefdom. It was a grand manor with Gothic architecture that was popular at the time it had been constructed with grand windows that flooded the large rooms with light for any occasion that was hosted there including one for herself. The party held thereafter she aided the King’s Army through Purgatory while fighting off their Nordic foes was a grand affair with the Duke’s extended family, even his own brother attended to celebrate her achievement.

Once she entered the North Wing, Waverly quietly rapped on the wooden door to Dolls’ room. He answered instantly, still clad in his tabard and trousers, but his belt sitting on the bedside table. Standing closer to him, Waverly noted his gentle features. She had never seen someone that looked like him in person. His skin was so perfectly dark with little to no imperfections. He was a very kind spirit with a polite demeanor and proper grammar Waverly thought not quite possible for knights. Dolls bowed and kept his distance as he was taught, the untouchable guardian for Purgatory he had been assigned to be.

Waverly returned to the West Wing, attending to Nicole before retiring to her own quarters until supper. In the long corridor of rooms, the young Lady went to her guest’s chamber, rapping on her door and patiently waiting for her to open it. Nicole stood before her in a very different outfit. She had ditched her heavy armor and chainmail for a long green and white jerkin that buckled in the middle and up fairly high on her neck. She stood before her with her hands behind her back in attention while she waited to be addressed.

“How are your lodgings?”

“Not too bad especially with the view of the mountains,” she gestured to the window. “Thank you for being so kind as to let me stay here.”

“I’m glad you are enjoying your room,” Waverly smiled.

“How are you, M’Lady?”

“I’m quite well, actually. I’m, uh, glad our paths crossed,” she confided in her. “There has been a lot happening, but I know that you will do great things to help us and Nedley. I do hope you do not feel too cramped here.”

Nicole waved her hand, “I think I’ll fare perfectly well while I’m here and at this point, I’m glad I’m somewhere else. Would you like to come in?”

“Sure.”

Nicole took the other chair from the desk and placed it by the old velvet one by the window. “I’m actually quite glad you came by. I wanted to apologize again for overstepping my boundaries. I hope I did not offend you, M’Lady.” Waverly sat in the chair, lounging in the creaking chair as she listened to her. “I hope my mistake has not set us back.”

“I’m sure it hasn’t,” she assured her. “Tell me a bit more about yourself. If you are going to stay here, I would like to know at least a bit about my guest.” Waverly relaxed into the chair as she regarded the graceful mountain range. “For instance, why do you cover up your accent?”

“I try to sound less conspicuous when I’m not home. You Brits haven’t always been the kindest to my people, so I just try to blend in.”

“So why do you not fake it around me?”

“I guess I just trusted that you would not judge me based on where I grew up.”

“Mm, you are right, I try not to judge based solely on appearances,” Waverly shyly agreed. “Now, tell me, you do a fair amount of traveling, where have you been?”

“Ah, many places,” she began, placing her hands on her knees and standing before her hostess. “I have been all over the Fief and England.”

“Have you been to London?”

“Only for a short while when I was young. Duke Carlo sent me and a few others out there to shadow Royal Guards and Constables before we were sent back to implement their policies.”

“Sounds amazing,” Waverly smiled, “How was the city?”

“Cramped, in all honesty, and we were stationed in the Royal Barracks alongside the other Guards. The city was dark and there were people everywhere, shoulder to shoulder, no matter the time of day,” she chuckled. “It was a fun way to explore the city.”

“So did you drink your way through London?”

“No, not entirely, but I did gamble my way through Wembley.”

“Oh my.”

“Well, I learned that I don’t have great luck, but I at least got the chance to immerse myself in the city while I was there.”

“How much money did you lose?”

“More than I’m willing to admit,” she laughed. “With your sister in power, you might actually have time to explore outside of Purgatory.”

“Maybe, but I would not mind a guide to take me on my adventure. Where else have you been?”

“One of the first places I was stationed was Leeds back in 1619. It was a fairly quiet town when I was last there. Not much to do but the people were kind, so I was able to make some connections while I was there.”

“With whom?”

“Some of the cloth traders, but I ended up spending the most time with the Pressman family and their tribe in Harewood.” Nicole took a moment to watch her hostess’ reaction, smiling as she elicited a longing gaze from her. “I’m sure they would love the company of such an intriguing person like yourself.”

“Oh, I think you might have mistaken me with someone else, I am not that interesting,” she dismissed. “But I would love to travel to Leeds someday. Anywhere else you have been?”

“Only random deployments around England and Scotland. I never got the chance to ask you, but what have you always dreamed of doing?”

“I… nothing interesting, I just want to explore the world.”

“You must have read something in your books. Something that sparked your desires more than anything else?” Nicole meandered around the room as she waited for her to respond. She spent the silence gazing at the old novels on the shelf, dust resting upon them undisturbed for years. She plucked out a fictional book from the highest shelf. “Have you read the books in here?”

“No, especially not those ones,” she joked.

“Ah, yes. I can see why not,” she noted as she looked at the surprisingly clean book in her hands. “Hm, but not this one. It’s not in English, do you know what this says?” she asked handing Waverly the dark maroon book.

She brushed her thumb over the silver lettering pressed into the cover as she read it out loud, “Phaedrus, it’s a dialogue piece from ancient Greece.”

“A dialogue, of what?”

“Of persuasion, death, and… humanity,” she explained.

“Interesting never heard of it.” Nicole flipped through the book, stopping fairly early on as a few words caught her eye. “Humanity, what do you consider a topic of humanity?” she asked, folding down the corner of the page.

“Well, um… I-” Waverly cut herself off as Nicole walked to the balcony, “I consider it… what are you doing?”

“I think I hear someone,” she whispered as she looked over the edge. “Dolls and your sister are talking down there.”

“Where?” she asked as she joined Nicole by the wall.

“I think they’re bickering.”

“Why?” she wondered as she peered over the edge.

Nicole pulled her from the edge as Wynonna looked up at them. “Hm… I’m not quite sure.” They silently tried to listen in to the conversation, failing as they only heard the inflections in their voices as the two argued below. Nicole clasped her hands nervously against her chest and turned to face her hostess. “I wonder if supper’s ready.”

Waverly escaped from the dining hall to her chambers where she began to undress. She slipped into her light nightgown and scanned her library for any books she wanted to read again, but knew that she would have to go back to Nicole’s chambers to find her favorites. Her head sank as she rolled out the small kinks in her neck, pressing her hand to her back to hopefully relieve some of the pain from her corset. After her usual routine, she watched the setting sun from her bed and shielded her eyes from the rays that reflected off of her vanity. She blew out the remaining candles by her bed and slid under the covers, feeling the warm pan of coals underneath her protect her from the cold nights.

A sudden knock broke her lucid mid-slumber. Using the remaining light from just between the Cloody Pass, Waverly walked to the door, opening it to spot Nicole in her brat and jerkin, her sword strapped to her hip.

“Dame Haught, what are you doing here?”

“Dolls sent me to watch over you.”

“Why?”

“Something he and Wynonna spoke about,” she explained, “What we thought was their disagreement.”

“Well, you can tell them both that I am perfectly capable of watching over myself, I have gotten by just as well without her for the past seven years, thank you, madam.”

“I understand, but I-”

Waverly waved her hand to silence her before placing it on Nicole’s shoulder, “Try not to worry yourself, I will talk with Wynonna about this.” Nicole quickly nodded and stepped out of her way as she awaited her next order. “Go back to your room, if I lose I will retrieve you.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Waverly began her trek through the ever dimming castle to the old Southern Wing where she and her sisters once played and created trouble. She silently passed by their old playroom and the chamber their Governess lived in. Beyond that were their rooms that had been refurbished by Aunt Augustine only a year after the disappearance of her elder nieces. Waverly couldn’t stand this wing, nor the Eastern side where her parents’ and Aunt’s rooms were, and spent her time avoiding the hallways as often as she could in the cramped fiefdom. She sighed as she locked eyes with Wynonna’s door before finally knocking on it, only a moment passing before her sister opened it.

“I have no need for your protection, I have gotten by just well without it. I know your gesture was out of love, but I find it rude to use a guard to protect me from night terrors.”

“Night terrors? I-”

“I sent her back to her room-” Wynonna only rolled her eyes and pulled her into her room. “What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to protect you and this town from… Them.”

“You will have to be more specific,” she huffed, regarding the room she was in.

“The Revenants, I saw them on my way, er, their banners. They were making their way back over Lover’s Pass like last time.”

“Last time? You mean the last time when…-”

“When everything went to hell, yes,” she confirmed, her eyes worriedly glancing at her sister then down at her own necklace. “Just like last time,”

“We are not prepared to fend them off again, there are far too many of them and I doubt the Guerilla tactics you learned from your hiatus will be of use.”

“We need to prepare then. You remember how to spar?”

“Of course I do. I had nothing better to do with my time.”

“I know you don’t want a guard, but will you humor me and keep each other safe? I have Dolls with Aunt Augustine, so you aren’t alone in being watched over.”

“What about you?”

“No one knows I’m here except for us and the servants.”

“What about when they do find out, because they will, Robert will.”

“Well, if I die then I die and I guess you’ll have another go as the ruler.”

“Don’t joke about that, Wynonna,” she huffed, “I’ll let her guard my room, just… if you go after them bring us along.”

Waverly stepped out of the unfamiliar room and started towards her own chambers before her sister could protest. She took the same route back to Nicole’s room this time and knocked on her door, not wanting to spend any more time awake as the night finally settled in the valley. Nicole stood before her with her hair down and only in her black trousers and white button-up, having removed her outer clothes for her own slumber. Waverly took a step so she stood under the doorway.

“Did you win?”

“I’m only humoring my sister. May I come in?”

“Wouldn’t you rather stay in your room, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“I’m far too tired to care,” she huffed, finding her spot on the love seat by the fireplace.

“Please, take my bed, I’ll stay by the fire,” Nicole offered. “It’s the least I could do for you.”

“No, I’d rather stay by the warm fire tonight.”

“I insist, please, sleep in my bed, your maid placed a bed warmer underneath so I would not freeze,” Nicole almost commanded. She stood and neared her hostess, placing her hands in the same spot her belt would have been. “My duty is to protect those who inhabit Purgatory, and that includes you.”

“And they say yours is a dying breed,” she joked defeatedly as she went to Nicole’s bed. “At least find your spot in here once the fire dies.”

Nicole closed her eyes and shook her head, “I’ll have to decline your offer, M’Lady, thank you.”

[strangewhitegirl321]

Grisly (10th, 11th, & 12th)

{Not my gif}

Mainly 10th Doctor

Words: 1800

Originally posted to my Wattpad account.

   (A.N. So I wanted to get this up for Halloween, but that didn't happen R.I.P. Just my luck I would nearly die Halloween day, too. Way to go, me. But, anyways, here it is. Please cut me some slack I'm still on puke brain.)

   The Doctor ran as fast as his legs could carry him- dodging trees as his eyes were glued to his screwdriver. A deep pit was growing in his stomach, a tightness in his chest. Something was sucking away at him from the inside- something evil and all-consuming. All the Doctor knew was that something was wrong. Donna thundered after him, barely able to keep up as she panted, screaming at him.

   "What's the matter with you!" She cried after him. "Slow down, Doctor! How are you even tracking her?!" Her words were stressed and barely intelligible through her pants and the nervous quaking of her voice.

   Suddenly, the Doctor skidded to a stop, eyes wide and mouth gaped. His vision was glued somewhere in front of him, and as Donna slid to a stop beside him, he whipped around to her. She flinched as he moved- the setting sun glaring in her eyes.

   "Can you hear that?" He sounded almost as if he was in denial- but never the less, Donna took a deep gulp of air before swallowing her gasps in an attempt to hear. As her laboured breaths came to a stop, goosebumps rose on both parties' skin as they took in the sound of far off wailing.

   Without a second thought, the Doctor took off again. He recognised that sort of cry- every single emotion behind it. Rage, sorrow, self-pity, loss, and guilt all grumbled up into one horrid, heart-wrenching sound- raspy and treacherous, pausing and undoubtably somehow muffled with tears the screams continued.

   Donna tried to dart after him, however tripped on her own clumsy feet and cursed as she smacked into the ground.

   "Doctor! Doctor!" She yelled as she shakily attempted to clamber to her feet. However, a hot pain in her ankle caused her to stumble back to the ground, collecting dirt under her nails and crunching the sour leaves beneath her hands.

   The Doctor was already far ahead of her- so far ahead she couldn't see him any longer.

   And yet, a worried, shocked voice chimed from behind her, "Donna?"

   As the Doctor ran forward, the wails and cries got louder. They were the cries of a familiar voice- a voice he knew very, very well. A voice he knew, that was in pain and utterly lost- the closer he got, the more his mind seemed to panic, the more his hearts seemed to steel themselves and tighten in his chest. Tighter, tighter they strung themselves- so tight now that if any pressure at all were applies they would begin to fray and tear.

   As he approached the tree line, a figure caught in the corner of his eye. It was a man standing ahead of him, slightly stumbling out from the trees, limply stripping off a tweed coat before letting it fall to the ground. Another struggling step and the man himself fell- the Doctor ran up behind him, intending to help- before he forced himself to grab onto a tree and jerked to a halt.

   His eyes widened- his mind froze, his body shook, and the howls of loss and misfortune seemed to make sense. Before both him and the strange man, there was a (h/c) girl sitting in the middle of a muddy road. Her clothes were ripped, her hair a dreadful mess and her face bright red and angry.

   The girl- she was someone more important in his life than she had probably ever realised. A past companion he loved- adored, even. And it broke his hearts to see her the way she was.

   (Y/n) dug her fingers in the mud, blood seeping in between her fingers and staining them red. Trembling, she dragged herself across the mud, through guts and gore as she wailed in pain and loss. Her long, once pretty skirt snagged on trodden down plants and picked up bits of skull and brain that were thrown far throughout the road.

   Pitifully, she latched her hand around a small, cold arm before carelessly dragging it through the mud to her. With one disgusting, dirty arm she cradled the body of a small child, while with the other she seemed to attempt to piece his skull back together.

   Seconds turned to minutes as she tried, and tried, and tried- before giving up with a sob and leaning over, burying the top of her head in the bloody mud as her cries and screams seemed to pick up in volume and sorrow.

   "Please, please," The Doctor could hear her begging, "Please! My baby boy- my baby boy-"

   Tightly clutching the body to her she writhed around in the old blood as she whimpered and groaned. Suddenly, without sparing a glance in front of her, she knowingly lugged herself toward another body, crushed and mangled and sprawled out uselessly on the ground. (Y/n) wrapped an arm around the body, collapsing on top of it, still cradling her son to her chest as she cuddled into the mutilated chest of the dead man she had loved.

   The Doctor could hear her every gasp between her whines and snivels, he watched as her form rose and fell with every whimper. Almost as if on cue, both he and the strange man stumbled forward towards the girl. Both his hearts felt strung out- nearly drawn from his chest as one of his hands reached for her the closer he got to her. The man from before froze, watching the Doctor go behind a mess of dark hair.

   Finally, the Doctor reached her. His hands hovered over her hesitantly, unsure of how to handle her. He was worried she would reject any comfort he could offer, or that he would scare her- but all he really wanted was to help her. The Doctor wanted to steal her away from the bloody scene and protect her. The thoughts nearly drove him mad, so he dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist.

   At first (Y/n) froze- her cries stopped, her sniffling halted, however soon she began to fight him. With one arm she began to bat at him, screaming for him to let her go. Panic laced every octave of her voice, only causing the Doctor to tighten his arms around her.

   He wanted to soothe her, calm her down- say something to show he wasn't going to hurt her. But all he could do was constrict his arms around her and bury his face in her back as her fingers weakly scratched at his arms.

   The man from before, upon hearing (Y/n)'s screams began to rush forward. In a vain attempt to both be gentle with (Y/n) and rip the Doctor off of her, he ran forward and grabbed his arms, prying him off the poor girl.

   Forcefully now, the man dragged the Doctor away from her, unintentionally soiling his coat on the bloody ground before releasing him. Standing between the Doctor and (Y/n), he glanced back to check she was alright. Now that she was free she harshly scrambled away from the two as fast as she could on her knees. Collapsing onto the ground, she forced herself into a sitting position before turning back to look at the two men with wide eyes.

   "She won't recognise me," The strange man suddenly breathed, before launching into action. Squatting down in front of the Doctor, he attempted to draw his attention.

   "Hey," He began, before having to roughly swat him on the shoulder. The Doctor's face was now smeared in blood after hugging the girl, and his mouth clamped shut as his eyes met with the man's in a dangerous glare.

   Gulping, the man fixed his bowtie before quietly explaining, "You aren't helping."

   The Doctor's eyes softened a bit, his facial expression growing complex- worry, curiosity, fear, anger jumbled all together in one small frown.

   "Go to her. Don't touch her, just offer her your coat," The man commanded gently, glancing back at (Y/n). The Doctor stared at him, before slowly rising up out of the mud. His gaze locked onto his former companion, a girl he had practically raised and loved as his own child- and his eyes grew mellow and tender.

   Her chin quivered as he grew closer, and slowly he put his hands up to prove he meant no harm. The stranger from before watched, concern laced through his every feature.

   As the Doctor came to a steady halt, his light, sympathetic eyes remained glued to hers, keeping her gaze on his. Every move of his was gradual as he tried his best not to startle her. Gingerly, he slipped his coat off his shoulders and folded it around his arm, squatting down in front of her and offering it to her.

   Both the strange man and the Doctor had failed to notice that (Y/n) was still protectively gripping the body of her son to her chest. A shaky breath escaped her throat, and her eyes flickered from the Doctor's to his jacket. For a second, her free arm began to reach for it, before she pulled back.

   Agonisingly slow, her head moved to look down at her son. A cold shiver ran through her body, and gently, she reached up to fiddle with the collar of his bloodied shirt. Somehow, her face seemed to fall even further into grief, and she rocked forward slightly, desperately clutching him to her now with both hands.

   The Doctor's mouth fell open slightly as he watched, the arm holding his coat quivering. (Y/n) weakly looked up at him, despair written on every edge of her expression, before as softly as she could, she laid her son on the ground. One of her hands shakily smoothed his shirt down and she flinched at some unknown thought- before finally, she reached forward and feebly took his coat.

   She struggled to put it on, feeling as though she was drowning in the fabric before eventually settling for simply letting it rest on her shoulders. Her gaze fell to the ground, only watching from her peripheral vision as the Doctor stood to his feet.

   "C'mon," His voice was frail, barely heard over the sounds of the animals waking for the night. He began to back up, watching as she tiredly pulled herself to her feet. Knowing she was close behind, he began slowly walking to the TARDIS. Frequently, he would glance back at her- eyes catching the sickly glaze over her face.

   The strange man from before began to cautiously follow behind, seeming to rush forward in anticipation every time (Y/n) would stumble.

   The three walked, a dark, thick and suffocating mist seeming to stick to them. The retched smell of blood accompanied (Y/n) as she hobbled through the forest. Anyone who saw them would believe they were ghosts, prisoners of a never ending wandering- and in many ways, two of them were.

(This was finished quite lazily, I apologise for that. I'm publishing it before my editor helps me out with it as well. If you see it has been updated, there will be a chance many thing from the moment the Doctor found reader to the end will have changed. I wanted to publish this as quickly as possible, which is also why I'm splitting it into two parts..)

Part 2

[smallrobothugeworld]

Leaves ||

Smols that are based on plants! A short fic about a planty smol! I may continue, I may not. Who knows?

_____

It paused for a second and turned around quickly, out of breath, brushing one of the leaves functioning as hair from it's face so it could see better.

[I]Sigh

[I]Whatever it was, it was gone

Quickly getting itself dusted off, it started pushing it's way through the other plants that were still, unlike it. Still, it treated them like it would treat a parent, a sibling or a close friend. With plenty of respect.

The small plant creature double checked it's bag. Inside was various bags of powder and small boxes of herbal medicines. Adjusting the bag, it started running through what it perceived as a thick jungle, but to any normal-sized being was just a normal field infested with dandelions.

[I]Wait... isn't this the way?

[I]I don't remember this rock being here...

[I]Am I lost?

Assuming all these changes to his normal path was just some changes made by the "Flesh Monsters" as they were called, the green being pressed onwards for what felt like hours, until eventually it found itself surrounded by trees easily fifty feet tall.

[I]Wait... is that...

It's gaze was distracted by a clearing, and smoke rising from a large bonfire in the center. A familiar sight!

[I]Home

And so it eagerly jogged through the thick grass lining the forest floor into the clearing, ready to enter its village...

Until it realized this wasn't its village. It was a camp for Flesh Monsters.

And four of them were sitting on rocks around the fire, staring at the small green creature that had just stumbed into their camp

[puutterings]

almost pleasant at this distance

        He rose and with a laborious pretense of dawdling sauntered to the door, out and around the house to where the tulip tree stood. As if idly, he leaned against the trunk and studied the sprawl of its roots. Some of them were thicker than a young tree. They writhed and contorted the ground. Standing still like pythons petrified, they yet seemed to move with a speed the more dreadful for its persistence. Glaciers were not more leisurely, nor more resistless.       The roots dived into the earth, some of them bent upon reading the foundation walls. They had but one instinct, the hunt for water, and nothing could check them but death.       Down the outside stairway of the cellar went RoBards and stumbing in the dark found the wall nearest the tree and passed his hands along it like a blind man.       His anxious fingers encountered tendrils pleached against the rough masonry. He made a light and found that the tulip tree was already within the walls. The roots were like worms covered with mould. On the cellar floor was a dust of old mortar, and bits of it slowly shoved out from between the chinks. Some of the dislodged mortar was no older than the night when he had lifted out stones and buried Jud Lasher somewhere inside there and smeared fresh mortar in the crevices.       Terrified by the peril of this secret inquiry of the far-delving roots, he went back to the outer air.       Either he must be surrendered to exposure or the tree must be executed. The life of such a triee if let alone was far beyond the human span. The strength of it was uncanny.       He stood a while, as motionless as the roots, charmed by their snaky spell. Then an idea came to his rescue. He called to Albeson, who was puttering about the yard in his Sunday-go-to-meetin’s with his collar off for comfort.       “See those roots,” said RoBards. “They’re going to tip the house over if we don’t kill them. Get your saw and ax and we’ll cut them off now.”

—

ex Within These Walls, by Rupert Hughes (1923) : 273 University of Illinois copy : link (missing title page, typewritten instead) same, via hathitrust : link, but LoC copy : link (missing frontispiece, but other illustrations present; and names Arthur Ignatius Keller as illustrator)

—

remarkable, beautifully written, engineering-nuanced final chapter, about flooding a valley (behind a dam) to provide water to New York. The water rises, to cover Tuliptree Farm, the scene of a crime. This is chapter 55, entire —

      A strip of land two hundred feet wide and ninety-two miles long must be secured by condemation and purchase, from Esopus Creek to New York across thousands of farms, and a siphon must be driven a thousand feet under the Hudson River between Storm King and Breakneck.       The work involved the submersion or removal of sixty-four miles of highways, and eleven miles of railroad, nine villages and thirty-two cemeteries of nearly three thousand graves, some of them more than two centuries old.       And Tuliptree Farm with its graves was only one of this multitude. Keith and Immy fought the city in vain. Nothing they could do could halt the invading army of fifteen hundred workmen that established itself at Valhalla and began to dam the Bronx abouve White Plains.       The dam was of cyclopean concrete, eighteen hundred feet across, and it was made to hold thirty-eight billion gallons of water. Which was only a fifty-day supply for New York.       The new lake with its forty miles of shore line would obliterate no villages and few burial places. But one of those few was the Robards’ plot and Keith trembled to think that when the house came down and the cellar walls were removed piecemeal, the bones of Jud Lasher would be disclosed. p 355-359 : link

...One little coffin was found there which Keith could not account for.       That was Immy’s secret and she kept it, though it ached in her old heart, remembering the wild romance of her youth. A blush slipped through her wrinkles and the shame was almost pleasant at this distance. p 360 : link

—

Arthur Ignatius Keller (1867-1924), wikipedia : link  

[peculiar-monstar]

Wake me up inside

Paring: Kylo Ren/Ben Solo x reader

Genre: songfic! soulmate

Words: 2,682

Summary:My take on the soulmate thing, mixed with a song fic. Bring me to life, by Evanescence Reader is a human like race, only difference is when they don't find their soulmate, they can turn into marble. She does this and is like that for a very long time, until she invades the dreams of a certain Supreme Leader who's yet to find his soul mate as well. Fluffy happy story.

For years she searched for her love,  the one special enough to be the reason behind the black inked words that adored her body.  Each elegant letter spreading from one side of her collar bone to the other, spelling out the first words to be spoken to her by her soulmate. Though as the years went by,  she still found herself alone, still waiting to hear the simple "Awaken my love, for I have found you. " Watching everyone she knew find theirs, she began to lose hope and grew cold. Until one day, beyond brokenhearted she laid down deep in the forest of her home planet, and took one last breath before her entire body turned to marble. 

      A few hundred years would pass,  as life and time continued forward around her.  Her planet grew and all that she had know had passed on.  As the generations continued, her statue like form remained unchanged.  Her kind had known of this outcome if one never found their one, but none had suffered the outcome.  Eventually she became a common monument to the planet, something of a part of the ancestors, her story left behind in history. Though her sleeping form remained in the center woods, pale white against the rich greens, she was simply now just a decorated sculpture upon a chiseled base. 

       There she was,  her (y/h/c)  cascading past her shoulders, her delicate form radiating a warmth he has so desperately craved for as long as he can remember.  Her striking features surpassed anything he had ever thought beautiful. She was disappearing into a thick maze of greenery and towering trees as he followed after her. He was running to keep from losing sight,  stumbing into the clearing his eyes landing on her figure that was now laying across what resembled a stone bed.  Catching his breath,  and in three strides he was beside her,  reaching his gloved hand towards the wine colored gown that clung to her curves. As his the leather brushed the silk, he found himself sitting upright panting in his bed. Kylo's black hair damp from the sweat that covered his brow. Running his large hands over his face, he pushed himself out of bed. 

How can you see into my eyes like open doors ?

Leading you down, into my core

Where I've become so numb, without a soul

My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold

Until you find it there, and lead it, back, home

Arriving in the command room,  he listened to the officers relaying information regarding the planet they had set coordinates to land on. His mind only half aware with what was going on around him, as his thoughts slipped back to his dream. His towering height and expressionless mask causing those present to quietly continue prepping for the ships landing.  Watching as ship passed into the planets atmosphere, the bright sky reflecting off the eyes of his mask, he was drawn back by the sound of another's voice.  "Supreme Leader,  we will be landing shortly for supplies and refueling,  then we will be ready for departure tomorrow morning." A tall gingered hair man spoke.  Giving only a slight trun of his head as a sign he'd even heard a word,  Kylo spun on his heel and headed out of the room,  boots echoing along the way. 

Hidden away in his quarters, Kylo found his mind had wondered back to the woman in his dream.  He had seen her every night for the past three days.  The dream ended the same way, just as he would reach her he'd wake up,  never getting any further.  Closing his eyes,  he tried remembering each of her features.  Her long hair,  her (y/s/c) skin, and her mesmerizing eyes. How every detail of her was perfectly etched in his memory, and how she would gracefully move through the thick foliage as if it were nothing. He remembered the surroundings,  how it looked and how he was chasing after her dressed in his usual black attire, but without his mask. He'd thought about calling out to her,  but before he would get the chance he'd wake up breathless and the cycle would start again.  

Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Jolting awake from yet the same dream,  Kylo groaned as he moved his hair from his face.  He was growning frustrated with the lack of knowledge given to him of this woman.  Dressing himself he silently made his way about the ship,  encountering no one as he exited the vessel.  The crunch of dirt under his boots filled the air as he looked upon the structures built across the planets surface.  At this hour few were awake,  let alone planning on conversing with the Supreme Leader.  In an attempt to clear his head,  he walked along the various dirt paths that riddled the common areas, until he had reached a large wall of trees.  

Choosing to keep going along the worn tail he soon reached a collection of stone statues scattered through a garden.  Passing by each one he looked them over with intrest, each a different representation of the planets history. Reaching the end of the garden he saw one stature that appeared to be older then the rest,  as the vine like shrubs had begun to claim it. The dark woods making it difficult for him to ses,  he pulled his light saber and ignited it,  using it's light as he searched any writing. Confused as to why this particular one lacked any wording,  he bent down noticed the figure looked like a sleeping woman.  She was positioned as if she had laid on her side and buried her head into her right elbow, and her left arm draped gently outward, over the stone platform under her.  The Marble was a pale color with a mix of grey swirls. With a gentle touch he traced along the plant covering her with his saber, causing the plant to brun and shrivel,  revealing the rest of her form. With a twitch of his hidden lip he switched the weapon off and turned back headed in the direction of his ship. 

Now that I know what I'm without

You can't just leave me

Breathe into me and make me real

Bring me to life

There he was,  breathless as she stood before him, her eyes on him as she waited for him to catch up.  Vanishing into the black of the woods just as he reached for her.  Entering the clearing,  he knew what he'd find, her atop the stone bed sleeping. He knew each move before they happened, stopping just before he touched her. Closing his eyes waiting for the realization to hit him as he awoke, only to open them and find himself still standing before the woman. Sucking in a sharp breath, he let his out stretched hand make contact. Kylo watched with shock as the woman stirred under his touch. Slowly she turned,  her dark lashes fluttering open,  revealing her gorgeous (y/e/c)  to his. Her full lips forming a welcoming smile as she looked at him. 

Helping her sit up,  he couldn't help but be overcome by the intense warmth he felt as she trailed her finger tips along his face,  tracing each feature, beauty mark,  and finally the scar he had received not long ago. Closing his eyes as her finger ghosted over the end of the scar that continued beyong the collar of his cowl, he released a shaky breath he had been holding.  Lifting his heavy eye lids, he flicked his chocolate orbs up locking on to hers.  In silence he held eye contact as he stayed kneeling infront of her,  listening to the thump of her heart. He parted his lips just as she spoke,  her voice soft and sweet, "Save me from the dark. " 

 Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Snapping his eyes open, he was once again in his chambers, tangled in his sheets.  Ripping the cool fabric from his body, he exposed his muscular torso littered with battle scars to the cool air.  Lifting his left arm his eyes read the words that had been present since his birth. "Save me from the dark" running his hand over each letter as he'd always done, he found relief washing over him.  He had assumed once he had chosen the dark himself, his soulmate would be lost,  thinking the dark they would speak of would be him.  

The relief faded as he realized he still hadn't spoken a word to her,  and still had no idea as to where she was.  The location seemed familiar, some what similar to the planet they were currently on. Processing every detail he could in his mind he clentched his fists in the sheets,  trying to remember. The trees,  the clearing,  the stone be--.  Jumping from his tangled mess of torn bedding he stumbled across his room and out the door.  

Bring me to life

Bring me to life

Running full force in the maze of halls,  he collided with a few officers taking them to the groundas he tore threw the ship.  "Ren?  What is it?  Supreme Leader?!? " Hux yelled after him as he narrowly missed being slammed into by the shirtless wall of a man. Kylo made quick work covering the space from the ship to the common area he was at during the night.  Coming to a sudden halt when he found two paths leading to opposite sides of the surrounding forest.  All eyes were on him as he looked between both trails,  recounting which he had taken in the dark. Everyone froze as he balled his fists in frustration.  

"Ren!  What is going on?" The sharp spoken Hux called again as he caught up to the pacing Supreme Leader.  "Where is garden with the statues?" Kylo demanded,  looking at the people still staring at him.  "What garden?" Hux questioned, still confused.  "There's one here with multiple statues, I found it last night but I need to get there again,  and now." Kylo searched the growning crowd again,  waiting for anyone to answer.  His eyes pleading as he looked from face to face. "It's there,  over to the far right,  just past the trees." A voice shouted from one of the merchant booths. 

Frozen inside, without your touch

Without your love, darling

Only you are my life

Among the dead

No sooner had the words reached his ears,  had his legs started carrying him in the said direction.  The general running after him,  followed by a few people from the still accumulating crowd.  Whizzing past trees and bushes who's branches scratched and stung as they hit his bare chest, he didn't slow down till he entered the clearing.  Stopping long enough to allow oxygen to enter his lungs,  before picking up his quick pace again.  One by one,  he went by each statue as he'd done previously. Eyes flying from one to another as he rounded the corner to the end of the garden. 

Finding the last figure resting peacefully on her bed of stone, just as he discovered her earlier.  The burned plant pieces surrounding her as the light shone above the trees, giving her Marble body a slight glint. With the light fully allowing him to see her he followed the outline of her side with his finger tips, her curves fitting perfectly with the woman of his dream. Kneeling down to where the statues face lay buried in her arm,  her smooth stone hair splaying down her shoulders, he very cautiously reached for her hanging hand. Placing his broad plam over the top of the icy cold appendage,  he held on to it,  and said the first words that came to mind "Awaken my love, for I have found you."

I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems

Got to open my eyes to everything

Don't let me die here

Bring, me, to, life

The quiet tension was broken by gasps from the group of people that had joined in the garden. Kylo stayed staring,  eyes never blinking,  waiting for anything.  Frowning he looked over his shoulder to Hux,  who kept his face void of any emotion. Biting back the tears that pricked in his eyes, Kylo turned his eyes back to the hand he still clung to.  Ever so slowly the swirled Marble began to fade,  as the fingertips turned color.  With wide eyes he watched as the (y/s/c)  tone spread up the arms,  and over the rest of the womans body.  Her stone gown, now a rich wine red, and the flowing hair now a beautiful (y/h/c). He let go of the now warm hand he held and stood from where he'd been.  Murmurs rose from behind him as everyone else witnessed a statue be brought to life. 

It took a couple of seconds before the woman began to stir. Kylo watched as her shoulders twitched as she took in shallow breaths. Her hair slid away from her face as she lifted her head.  Kylo placed his hand on her shoulder as she cracked open her eyes,  adjusting to the light around her.  Looking up,  she followed the arm on her up to it's owner, her eyes crawling up his toned chest until they stopped at his eyes. Her mind mapped and memorized his features,  taking all of him in as she sat up completely. Reaching her hand out she found contact with his as she intertwined her fingers in his.  Kylo dropped to his knees infront of her, desperately trying to read her thoughts as she moved to trace his scar. 

Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Tightly closing his eyes when he felt the sensation of her skin on his,  he found himself in such a wave of emotion it left him unable to speak.  The woman gauging his reaction to her touch,  let a smile spread on her lips before being the first to speak.  "I've waiting for you to save me from the dark for so long." Her voice rang in his ears just as sweet as it had in his dream.  He wrapped his large arms around her and placed his forehead to her chest,  listening to her steady heartbeat.  "Show me." He said,  his voice muffled against the fabric of her dress.  

She softly placed her hands on either side of his head,  her fingers weaving onto his dark locks.  Suddenly memories flashed through Kylo's mind,  and feelings flooded through him of how she had searched and longed for her love.  Seeing her grow cold and then nothing but darkness for what seemed like eternity,  until a red glow got his attention. Immediately recognizing it as his own red saber and just below it on the ground laid his helmet, the red glow shinning off his silver accents. While he saw her life,  she was met with his as well.  All the fighting,  pain,  and hurt he'd experienced and what he had been through and it brought tears to her eyes.  Glancing up Kylo saw the streams of hot liquid running down her cheeks as her glassy eyes focused on him.  Smiling he wiped them away with his thumb, shushing her.  "No need to cry,  it was the past, now that I have found you,  I can see nothing but happiness,  I love you (y/n)" She lifted her lips to meet his in a soft kiss,  breaking it long enough to whisper a soft "I love you too Ben."

Bring me to life

Bring me to life

Bring me to life

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey fanfic reader, @fandomadocumentary here. We’re two students making a documentary about fandom, and we’re trying to do some research on reader insert fanfiction. We have an anonymous 3-question survey designed to understand how people interact with reader insert fanfiction. You can answer it for this fic, or any other reader insert fic you’ve read! If you have a spare 30 seconds, please check it out!

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[slutsrus4u]

You seem like you got some fucking slip SlurpSlurp fucking jammed up in your fucking shit you know asking questions like that trying to figure out what Jill is like trying to fucking beat your head against a fucking tree stumb you’re going nowhere fast quick it’s all slurp slurp slurp

[newszada]

Australia: Spectacular ‘tree of life’ present in lakehttps://www.newszada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Australia-Spectacular-‘tree-of-life-found-in-lake.jpgAmateur photographer Derry Moroney stumb...https://www.newszada.com/australia-spectacular-tree-of-life-present-in-lake/?feed_id=872566&_unique_id=600066b8d5628