#valerie 01

[upwards-descent]

Pretty please reblog to enhance sample size ❤️

[honey-and-sims]

The rain had come down gradually at first but in due time, it grew into a full blown storm. Strong gusts of wind whipped the branches of trees in wild directions. Water droplets beat down rapidly against the pavement.

However, the small gathering had been so lost in conversation, shielded from the raging storm by the safety inside, that they only took notice once a loud crack of thunder crashed over their heads.

"Bullocks!" Winifred huffed, jumping in her chair at the sound, which caused bouts of laughter from everyone round the table. "It sounds like it's really coming down out there."

"You better go on and check on the sheep, Jackson. Sometimes they don't always know how to seek shelter." Beth warned.

"What in God's name are ye talkin' about? They be knowin' to 'ide from the rain!" Valerie insisted.

It wasn't a substantial heated argument between the two but nevertheless, Jackson heeded Beth's advice and went out to check in on the sheep. Leaving Winifred and Lawrence to listen to the old birds quarrel.

When Jackson returned, both Valerie and Beth were waiting at the door to find out which one of them had been right. Much to Valerie's disappointment, he informed them that, no, the sheep had not been safely inside their pen.

"I told ya, didn't I?" Beth chirped. To which, once again, Valerie had a counter. The two went off into another spat - talking over each other every other word.

Lawrence looked on with an expression of amusement, trying to keep himself from laughing each time they insisted the other was 'a loon' or called the other 'an old bat'.

Jackson eventually dismissed himself from the ladies and went over to join the couple at the table instead. "Them two will go at it all night," he sighed, gesturing in their direction. "But the storm is quite bad. I think it'd be best if yous stayed here for the evening."

Winifred sighed a little dramatically. "That's very kind of you, Mr. McAdams but we haven't the money to be able to afford the night here. I think we can manage our way home..." She trailed off, glancing up at him.

Before Lawrence could even get a word out, Mr. McAdams was insisting they stay free of charge and wouldn't allow them to say no.

And with that, it was decided. They would stay the night at the inn.

next / previous / first

[valeriele3]

Just finished reading Migi & Dali and damn do I want to read more of it but at the same time content with how it ended

Certain scenes gave me a lotttt of second-hand embarrassment but it was worth the read

A perfect mix of wholesomeness, dark and creepy themes

[itsjust-aiden]

CLOSED STARTER for @valeriegoldstein where: coral coast / block & bash music festival

The music festival scene isn't really Aiden's vibe, and it took a good twist of his arm to get him there. He would say so at least, if not for the fact Aiden is sometimes easily convinced with a simple invitation from the right person.

However, it is easy to get split up. Something he should have considered once it became known that cell service is pretty shoddy - it makes sense when the mass crowd is taken into account, and all his text bubbles have turned green (what is this, a fucking Android?), and he not buzzed enough to tolerate this alone. So, Aiden precariously balances his cokctail and pushes through the crowd as the recent set concludes, people flooding out to another stage or the food booths or wherever their next destination is in mind, trying to find a spot where he isn't bumping shoulders with others.

It is then as he peers under the dining tent where picnic tables are scattered, filled with other festival patrons or trash some people couldn't be bothered to throw away properly, Aiden recognizes Valerie. Or so he hopes because he sneaks up from behind, plucking an ice cube from his half-consumed drink so that when he is close enough, he can press it to the nape of her neck.

"What - too busy having fun to answer any of my texts?" Aiden prods, dropping the offending ice cube and leaning forward enough to be eye level with her. "Or is the service so shit you haven't gotten any of them? I might accept that excuse - I'm feeling pretty generous today."

[h0wled]

♮ . ◦ * ▒ : ̗̀➛ . @ensnaring  જ⁀➴  A  MAN  IN  THE  WOODS ,    comfortable  in  the  shadows ,     stops  to  smell  the  flowers . 

. . . wandering  soul  settles  easy .    although  every  place  is  alien ,   heart  is  quick  to  find  home  wherever  he  lay .    especially  amongst  the  trees ;   OLD FRIENDS ARE FAMILIAR AND FREE.     feet  wander  until  he  finds  the  edge  of  the  wood ,     eyes  adjusting  to  the  onslaught  of  sunlight .    field  stretches  before  him ,    a  wooden  fence  standing  between  him  and  the  GREAT EXPANSE  of  open  green .     and  just  beyond  that  border  he  spots  a  figure .    too  late  to  duck  and  run  now ,    he  smiles .    a  hand  raises  to  wave ,    an  awkward  introduction  to  woman  in  the  field .     a  new  neighbour .   and  one  he  meets  with  an  optimistic  grin .      “ hey . ”     calling  out  into  the  wind ,    hoping  it  would  be  carried  to  his  ear .

[longreads]

The Charango 

In this nuanced essay, Valerie Argentina Calvo writes of her father and of the power of music and violence in their family. 

I can see him. He stands proud, with his shoulders back; he’s short and stocky like a pitbull. His voice is just as proud as his posture, loud and deep, with a thick, warm, Andean accent. His wide jaw and square head make him look stern when his face is resting. But my dad is a performer, so his face is not often resting. Most of the time it is in a wide, amicable grin. He holds the neck of the charango in his left hand, and his right hand strokes it, smoothing down the hair, as though it were still living. His big hand covers almost its entire body. 

In my earliest memories my family had only one charango. It was the traditional kind, formed from the shell of an armadillo, the hair on the back still growing. When he introduced the instrument to someone new, my father always joked, When the hair gets too long I have to give the charango a haircut! The charango lived above the piano, right by the front door, hung by the neck so my father could easily play it. It was part of a sort-of mural my dad had created by hanging his instruments on the wall.

Read the full essay. 

[noelle-sims]

Val & Vienna !

my little angel babies are finally aged up! I'm so excited to finally get to start Vienna's storyline :D

Valerie (they/she) & Vienna (she/her) are the second set of twins in my fourth generation. Val is a gaming and fashion influencer, and Vienna (gen 5 heir) is a ballet dancer-in-training and is studying hard to get into U-Brite after graduation :) They are both super bubbly, sociable sims who love spending time with their siblings and each other.

hair / lip gloss / nails 01. co-ord / waist chain / legwarmers / shoes 02. dress / shoes 03. top / shorts / shoes 04. top / shorts 05. sunglasses / necklace / dress / shoes 06. necklace / headphones / top / waist chain / shorts / shoes 07. top / bag / pants / shoes hair 1 / hair 2 / glasses / lip gloss / necklace / nails 01. top / bag / skirt / socks / shoes 02. dress / shoes 03. workout set / shoes 04. top / pants 05. dress / shoes 06. dress / socks / shoes 07. dress / tights / socks / shoes

WCIF Friendly!

ty to the cc creators! @sentate @simstrouble @trillyke @jius-sims @arethabee @daylifesims @joliebean @its-adrienpastel @remussirion

[lustbitten]

even though ezra's talking to her, she wasn't paying attention to him aside from the fact that he was standing near her, the sounds of arthur sliding in and out of her making her head spin as she slips, but as she does, the two mens grip on her holds her up. humming contentedly as he rubs her drool over her face, she leaves her tongue out as they move her around, the only disappointment coming from the way that arthur slides out of her, leaving her cunt aching and waiting for him to continue using her. valerie shakes her head, "don't need more money, just want more cock..." is all she can manage before she's pouting at the two of them, but before she realizes it, she's on her back. helpfully, she scoots until she's in the perfect position for both of them, her legs open for arthur, revealing her glistening puffy pussy, the skin starting to turn red from how much she'd been fucked already and on the other side, her mouth wide open, tongue sticking out as she waits for ezra to fill her face with his thick cock.

even though ezra's question was aimed at her and her head shook back and forth as if saying no, he doesn't think valerie's really taking much in and wouldn't swear that she knows what they're talking about. "arthur here has a high opinion of your services, and i was thinking about sharing them with some more people, so he thinks that means you need more money from it." is it veering towards prostitution if he let certain customers fuck valerie? maybe, but there's a reason it's only for certain customers and ezra doesn't go into detail about it as valerie gags, body help up by arthur's grip on her. "easy, you're okay," arthur murmurs as ezra pulls his fingers out of valerie's mouth and wipes them on her face, smearing her drool across her skin. "i think you hit a good spot, arthur…. maybe i should take her mouth. flip her over for me." without question, arthur slowly pulls out of valerie, his cock bobbing hard and red, wet with the mixture of her juices and jack's cum, a mess that leaks out of valerie's sopping cunt with his cock to hold it in. easily he takes hold of valerie's slight frame and turns her over, ezra helping to grab her until she's spread out on her back, her head hanging off one edge and her legs over the other as arthur slides back inside of her.

[honey-and-sims]

The old inn was built in 1400, used to house weary travelers. Back then, it was quite the establishment, and many people sought the inn for refuge but now, the business had died down quite a bit. That was alright by the current owners - a pair of siblings named Jackson and Valerie McAdams.

Lawrence himself was a frequent customer of the McAdam's family; his late mother being best friends with Miss McAdams. When the crops failed, his mother would often pick up shifts here and there to provide extra money for their household. Lucky for Lawrence, both McAdam's were there tonight, which is exactly what he'd been hoping for.

"Is that? Blimey, it 'tis!" Valerie said from her chair as Lawrence walked through the door. Her smile sprawled ear to ear, a little tipsy already upon their arrival. "Oh, my dear Lawrence! We 'aven't seen your face around here in ages!" She cooed.

Lawrence chuckled, knowing it had only been a few weeks. "I was busy, you know, getting the soil ready for winter…getting married." He announced proudly, wrapping an arm around Winifred. "Winifred, this is Valerie, that there is her brother Jackson, they own the inn and were dear friends of my Mum. And Valerie, this is Mrs. Baudelaire, my wife."

"Well now, you certainly are pretty my dear, perfect for our handsome Lawrence. Shame on 'im keeping you locked up in that house with all them chickens. Come, come! Have a drink!"

"Oh," Winifred whispered, a little taken aback by Valerie's forwardness but showing no sign of protest. Just another thing of note that was so different from her home in London where small talk wasn't all that usual. Typically, you put your head down and kept to yourself.

As the night pushed forward, Winifred slowly began to warm up. Much thanks to the seemingly never-ending supply of alcohol.

Once the other patrons had left, the bartender, who's name was Beth, came over to introduce herself as well. Winifred took a liking to her almost straight away. She was a little quieter than Valerie but seemed equally as interested to know more about her life before coming to Wales. All of them though, the McAdams' and Beth, were exceptionally welcoming to her.

As the ladies continued talking, she learned that Beth had married but was now a widow with no children, and Valerie had never been married and in her old age didn't think she ever would.

Truthfully, Winifred felt a little heartbroken learning their stories. Sad for Valerie that she didn't think it was worth it to fall in love after she 'aged out' of being a suitable wife and sad for Beth that she had found true love but had lost it. She couldn't help but to wonder which was worse.

The evening continued on with a small toast for the newlyweds, amiable chatter and much laughter. It had been such a pleasant night - a sense of community harboring there amongst them, a warmth that was likely aided but not demanded by the alcohol.

The night slipped by them all blissfully unaware of the storm that had been rolling in over head.

next / previous / first

[izadorable]

"It's best to let loose and just have fun. No expectations. Before you know it the right guy will catch your eye and you'll catch his." Isadora wasn't a romantic, but she did believe there was someone ( or multiple someones ) out there for everyone. The best things in life come when a person least expects it. When it happens it'll happen. In the meantime: look hot, have fun, and party. "Why don't you tell me what you're hoping for. How will a boyfriend help?" Isa asked as she took the other blonde's hand and led her out to the dance floor. As the music pumped through the small crowd, she began moving her body to the sound, leaving enough space and energy for conversation.

Valerie offered the girl a quick smile before knocking back the shot. The other girl had an energy that Valerie could easily see pulling other people in. She was magnetic. A complete stranger, yet Valerie wasn't ready to pick up her things and simply walk away. Maybe it was her frustration with her no-show of a date. Maybe it was her innate desire to change something about how she went about her life. Or maybe it was something else entirely. "Okay, fine. I'm hot," she laughed. The bartender passed the next round of shots down the bar. "Probably. I haven't found a decent guy to date in like, forever. At this point I feel like it's a waste of time to even try." She picked up the second shot, contemplating Isadora's offer. "Yeah, sure, why not? I'll, uh... follow your lead."

[saharasawicki]

List of CC I've Downloaded from Patreon

Part 4 - All Free Quirky Introvert CC @qicc - Elanor Hair - Y2K Set - Kat Hair - Drema Hair - Scarlet Hair - Evergreen Balcony Set - Chelsea Hair - Rosa Hair - Jenifer Hair - Summer Love Kit - Zoe Hair - Valerie Hair - 1989 Dress & Top - Cynthia Hair Joliebean @joliebean - 'Tis The Season! Set by Joliebean northern siberia winds @northernsiberiawinds Just download everything they have kthanks SimwithShan @simwithshan (bunch of great selfie overrides) - VDay Series V1 - Roses For Her - Mirror Selfies V4 - PREGNANCY COUPLE Edition - Mirror Selfies V2 - Couple Edition - Mirror Selfies V1 - Selfie Overrides  - Let It Snow - Selfie Overrides - Selfie Overrides - Coffee To Go 1-800-CUUPID (NSFW) - 💘Lucky Bandana || VENUS💘 - 💘 VENUS || MuMu Headset 💘 - 💘 VENUS || Pixie Plats 💘 - 💘 EROS || Pixie Outfit 💘 - 💘 VENUS || Love Chain💘 - 💘CUUPID (FREE) || PEENIE BABY [FIXED]💘 nightingale sims @nightingalesimmer-blog - Irina Set - Bow Beads Necklace - Victoria Top & Skirt - Titi Set - India Top & Pants - Sienna Heels - Kisha Corset Top - Astrid Top & Skirt - Bryza Dress - Bryza Set - Alexia Studs - Maddison Jeans Choker - Mood Earrings (Small Collection) - Brenda Rings UTOPYA_cc @utopya-cc - Functional Handbag - Use Laptop Together 0.5 Ikari Sims @ikari-sims - GirlieZ Collection - Miranda Hair + Y2K Glasses - Arcana Collection pinkishwrld @pinkishwrld - small tattoos - bow tattoos 🎀 - simlish rib tattoos 🩷 - lower belly tattoos PimpMySims4 @pimpmysims4 - Pop Punk Pizza Party Event - Cooking Competition Event Jius-sims @jius-sims - Bubble Collection - Isaro Collection - Violet Collection - Party Collection 06 - Sneakers Collection 05 - Dazzle Collection 01 - Winter Collection 03 - Flats Collection 04 - Platform Ballerinas 01 - Over The Knee Suede Boots 01 Aladdin-The-Simmer - Orchid - Angel Hair

simstrouble @simstrouble - Laverna Hairstyle (4 Versions) - Agata Hairstyle (Bun & Ponytail) - Larisa Hairstyle - Andrine Hairstyle

[ofmdrecaps]

10/02-03/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Samba Schutte; Kristian Nairn; Rachel House; Vico Ortiz; Anapela Polatavaio & David Fane; Lindsey Cantrell; Dominic Burgess; OFMD Rewind/Lube As a Crew; Fan Spotlight: Never Left Podcast; Gay Pirate News Hour; Love Notes;

Hey crew! It's gonna be another day of catching up because wow- lots happened, and lots of life has happened to! Will do my best to get 10/04 up with catch up stuff as well tonight!

== David Jenkins ==

David is promoting Kristian's book! Simone is helping!

Source: David's Instagram

== Rhys Darby ==

Although these are from last year, they were just posted by Gabe Ross, so here they are!

Source: Gabeross42 instagram

More pics to come from the Largo Los Angeles "Rhys Darby Saying Funny Things Society" show that happened on the 10/01! You can actually see some extra stuff from the show on Rhys' Substack!

Source: Largo Los Angelos Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Wanna see a video of Taika participating in the Haka World Record? Check it out over on tiktok!

Source: Cristalmkt on Tiktok

Taika posted the new trailer for the latest season of WWDITS!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taika Waititi (@taikawaititi)

Source: Taika's Instagram

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian was out at Forbidden Planet doing signings! Did you get a chance to go?

Source: Kristian Nairn's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba is going to be joining the team of Legend of Vox Machina for season 3!

Source: Samba's Instagram Oh and remember Best Life? It won 3 Awards of Merit from the Best Shorts Competition!

Source: Valerie Chaney's Instagram

Heyy! Good news, Advanced Chemistry is coming out on 10/8 on digital!

Source: Samba's Instagram Stories

== Anapela Polataivao & David Fane ==

Anapela's new movie Tina premiered in Hawai'i on 10/03/2024! Lots of pics of the cast at the premier!

Source: Tina The Film Instagram / David Fane's Instagram Stories

== Vico Ortiz ==

Vico participated in the ActNOW's September Scene Study class (Justice for my Sister Fellowship) and helped the next generation of folks learn about "inclusive and trauma informed filmmaking for radical, authentic storytelling"!

Source: Instagram

Vico's voiced a new Audio book thats available now! Jasmine is Haunted is available at your local library and anywhere Audiobooks are sold!

"Jasmine Garza has a problem... and it’s not just the ghost that’s been haunting her for years! 👻 Perfect for any young listener who loves Ghostbusters, this queer, #LatinX paranormal fantasy is a fun and thrilling ghost hunting adventure perfect for spooky season. Available now everywhere #audiobooks are sold and at your local library with @hoopla.digital and @libbyapp! ✨🎧"

Source: Dreamscape Media Instagram

== Dominic Burgess ==

Dominic knows all too well how to get my attention. More Cat content.

Source: Dominic Burgess Twitter

== Rachel House ==

Rachel's film Te Maunga (The Mountain) was awarded the CIFEJ Award at the Schlingel Film Festival! Oh - and Correction, The Mountain movie was available 10/02/24 on digital in AoNZ and AUS. It's not available yet int the US. Sorry about the confusion!

Source: Rachel's Instagram

Another shot of Rachel at Tiff!

Source: birdrunningh2o Instagram

== Lindsey Cantrell ==

Our dear Set Designer Linds Cantrell shared some shots of a bakery in Auckland. Now-- is she clearing out her phone, or is there more to it? You decide :)

Source: Linds Cantrell Instagram

== OFMD Rewind ==

Our friends over at @adoptourcrew and @astroglideofficial kept the OFMD Rewind Watch Party going on the 3rd, and got it trending! Wanna see the tweet thread and have access to twitter? Visit them here! If you don't have access to twitter and want to see it, visit the Renewal Repo!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Never Left Podcast =

Some fun news from the Never Left Podcast team! They interviewed Etana Jacobson & Alec Moore, Director & Writer of Advanced Chemistry! Keep an eye out for it on October 8th!

Source: Never Left Podcast Instagram

= Gay Pirate News Hour =

Another episode of Gay Pirate News Hour is back Oct 5, 2024 1pm Pacific, 4PM Eastern on Youtube! Hosted by Our Flag Means Fanfiction, and joining are @ringasunn and IreneAdler. So excited for the next episode! (One of these days my life will calm down and I might get to join them). Check it out on OFMFF Youtube!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction

== Love Notes ==

Happy Friday Lovelies! I realize this recap is for weds and thursday but I'm gonna roll with it! I hope the rest of the week was kinder to you than the previous parts of the week. Please know we're thinking of you crew, it's okay if you're keeping low on the radar of fandom at the moment. It's also great if you're out honking your nose off! Whatever you're doing is what you need to do, and don't let anyone tell you any different. I know sometimes it seems like things just keep getting worse, lovelies, the world is a chaotic place, and it's okay to sit with your feelings and feel that. Just remember you're loved and it can and will get better one day. There will always be high points and low points in this life, that's just how it goes, but how you cope with those points changes for the better each and every time they pass. Remember you are wonderful, and you are strong, and you're gonna get through whatever you're dealing with, okay? Sending love and hugs, and all the good vibes into your weekend <3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by bailey ☻ (@anxiety.positive)

Source: Anxiety.Positive Instagram

[lostoneshq]

Notas OOC antes da leitura:

Vocês ainda podem e devem jogar na parte 1 do evento.

O evento encerra, oficialmente, na próxima Segunda, dia 01/07, às 23h59. Usem os próximos dias para continuarem as suas interações e/ou abordarem o que aconteceu no plot drop em interações novas.

Após o encerramento do evento, nós teremos um drop final (a parte 3 e final) onde inseriremos o RP em sua próxima fase, onde o véu entre o presente e o futuro começará a cair oficialmente. Mais detalhes sobre como será essa nova etapa virão na Segunda que vem, com a narração de encerramento do evento e tudo o que vocês precisam saber sobre o pós desse show de horrores da parte 2. Por enquanto, só joguem dentro dela! Tem bastante para digerir e será útil no futuro.

Qualquer dúvida, perguntem na inbox! Mas como sabem, o divertido é ter mistério, então algumas coisas não serão respondidas propositalmente ;)

As tags permanecem as mesmas.

Espero que gostem! Estarei aceitando sugestões para o FC do NPC Jacob Killingham.

NOITE DE DESPEDIDA: O FIM DO COMEÇO.

capítulo 2, parte 2.

Jacob Killingham.

O nome ecoou através da quinta festa — que não era nada surpreendente comparada às outras. Acontecia no mesmo jardim mágico onde o anúncio da despedida fora dado, no coração do Reino dos Perdidos: o Palácio da Magia. A decoração era um tanto da mesma, com a flora fluorescendo sob a forte luz do luar: o único luar daquela noite agora que as luas se encontravam para beijarem uma a face da outra em um rito de pura magia e simbolismo. Ah, verdade seja dita… Não precisavam de uma quinta festa esbanjadora quando o luar, sozinho, era um evento. Ele enchia o céu do mais puro tom de prata e centenas de estrelas dançavam em sua órbita, venerando-o. Jacob Killingham poderia ter se perdido naquela visão se o seu nome não tivesse sido chamado uma segunda vez, ancorando-o de volta à realidade. 

Ao seu lado, alguém o cutucou: “é você, cara!” e Jacob sorriu um pouco sem jeito. Todos o olhavam agora, afinal, havia uma espada brilhante em cima de sua cabeça. 

Uma espada de verdade, com a lâmina apontada em direção ao seu crânio. Completamente normal… 

Isso sem falar na ironia de toda a situação. Jacob Killingham era também conhecido como o Novo Rei Legítimo, ou seja, o cara que supostamente seria escolhido pela Excalibur para destronar Arthur na nova versão da história do Rei Legítimo.  

E ali estava ele, sendo escolhido pela Excalibur. 

“Jacob Killingham.” Merlin repetiu o chamado. Talvez estivesse ficando impaciente… Talvez tivesse sido melhor ignorar os desejos da Excalibur e escolher alguém como Valerie Williams, Damla Ataman ou Loren Hawkins que não hesitariam em voltar para casa. Mas Jacob tinha se voluntariado como eles, não tinha? “A Excalibur fez a sua escolha. Por favor, venha até nós.” 

Jacob secou as palmas nas laterais da calça de alfaiataria e percorreu o trajeto até o gazebo onde os grandes nomes da Academia da Magia, o Rei, a Rainha e o braço direito deles, Lancelot, esperavam por ele. 

“Legítima Majestade…” Ajoelhou-se diante de Arthur. Seu pouco tempo no Reino dos Perdidos havia lhe ensinado que você não queria o Rei Legítimo como o seu inimigo. Você não queria, nem por um segundo, demonstrar que duvidava de seu poder ou, no caso de Jacob, demonstrar-se satisfeito com a ideia de roubá-lo de seu posto. Independente de renome e status em seus próprios reinos, todos ali temiam Arthur. Talvez muito mais do que temiam Merlin. “O senhor poderia…” Ainda de cabeça baixa, gesticulou brevemente na direção da Excalibur, a espada que só poderia ser manejada pelo Rei Legítimo — pois qualquer mão que a tocasse, não sendo a mão de Arthur, queimaria e cairia. 

Tire essa coisa daqui!, era o que queria dizer. 

Arthur soltou uma risada humorada. Divertia-se com a subordinação, e especialmente naquela noite a submissão de seu suposto usurpador o regozijava. Aproximou-se, puxando a Excalibur de volta, e inclinou o tronco para ficar à altura de Jacob. “Você é fraco, garoto… Nunca poderia ser o Rei Legítimo.” Sussurrou para ele antes de se afastar com um sorriso traiçoeiro.

Eu nem queria ser, Jacob quis responder, mas não o fez. Muito provavelmente aqueles eram os seus últimos minutos ali, e ainda assim, ele temia fazer de Arthur um inimigo maior do que ele já era. 

“Levante-se, garoto.” Merlin pediu e Jacob prontamente obedeceu, voltando-se para a multidão que os assistia do jardim. O grande mago abriu os braços e curvou os lábios em um sorriso. “Que a cerimônia comece!”

(...)

Você está na platéia, esperando o momento em que Jacob Killingham atravessará um portal mágico ou o que quer que seja que a Academia preparou para a passagem. Ao seu lado, um perdido reclama sobre não ter sido escolhido — deixou coisas importantes para trás, em seu mundo — e um pouco atrás de onde se encontra, você consegue escutar Simba conversar com Flynn algo sobre precisarem se preparar para o pior cenário com a Defesa. Pessimistas ou simplesmente conformados?

“Que a cerimônia comece!” Merlin enuncia animadamente.

Essas são as últimas palavras que você escuta antes de sentir o tempo parar, e com ele, tudo ao seu redor congelar. Os seus músculos estão paralisados; você até tenta mexer os seus dedos primeiro e o seu braço depois, mas não consegue. O seu peito ainda sobe e desce, sua cabeça ainda vira de um lado para o outro, mas todo o resto… Congelado.

Você não é o único — nem mesmo Merlin consegue se mexer, embora seja nítido que ele faz esforços. 

“Quem é você?” O grande mago grita. Você olha de um lado para o outro, buscando por algo ou alguém para quem Merlin possa estar perguntando aquilo. “O que você quer?!”

Finalmente, uma risada eclode no ar. De cima do palco, Jacob Killingham ri, torcendo o pescoço de um lado para o outro como se acordasse de um transe. Ele dá uma volta, alongando os braços e as pernas. 

É nítido que aquele não é Jacob. Não é sua voz, não é o seu jeito de andar ou de falar, e os seus olhos, a única parte que ainda se parece com Jacob em seu próprio corpo, estão vidrados. 

“Finalmente! Uau, vocês sabem como dar uma festa!” Jacob—não, Aquilo fala, batendo palmas. “Ah, Merlin, quem eu sou? E eu achava que você poderia ser mais inteligente… Pelo menos como era antigamente. Mas faz tanto tempo, não é? Você deve estar cansado de ser tão poderoso! É por isso que só pensa em dar festas e criar namorados para você.” Ele dá um oizinho para o Feiticeiro. “Não estou reclamando, certo? Eu adorei as festas! Como eu disse, vocês todos sabem como dar uma festa muito mais do que sabem resolver os seus problemas mágicos.” 

“Pare…” Merlin começa a falar, mas “Jacob” menea a mão no ar e o mago é silenciado, assim como qualquer um que tenta levantar a voz depois dele. 

“Nananinanão. É a minha vez de falar.” Ele dá um tapinha “amigável” na bochecha de Merlin antes de se virar na direção da platéia. “Legal, né? Aposto que vocês passaram todo esse tempo pensando: oh, Merlin! Todo poderoso! Um deus na terra! 

Há!

Ele não sabe o que faz! Ele não sabe nada! Todo esse papo de equilíbrio, de diferentes magias… Uma grande merda que não significa nada!

Vejam bem, pela primeira vez, alguém está tentando fazer a diferença. Alguém descobriu algo que ele esconde e fez o que precisava ser feito. 

E esse alguém sou eu.” 

Ele faz uma reverência, como se encerrasse a sua aparição em uma peça de teatro. Você ainda não consegue falar, mas não tem tempo de tentar, porque “Jacob” retoma o seu monólogo:

“Eu poderia ter feito algo para impedir toda essa celebração antes, não se enganem... Mas qual seria a graça? Quero dizer, o que eu ganharia simplesmente estalando os meus dedos e fazendo as coisas acontecerem do jeito que eu quero? É entediante, não é mesmo, Merlin?” Jacob lança uma piscadela para o citado. “Eu quero desfrutar da partida enquanto ela acontece. Quero a emoção, o horror em seus rostos enquanto o mundo que vocês conhecem entra em ruínas e uma nova era começa.”

Ao longe, você percebe Lancelot quase conseguindo quebrar o encanto da paralisia. Você tem certeza que “Jacob” quer que isso aconteça no momento em que o guarda real consegue se desprender das amarras invisíveis e avança na direção dele empunhando a sua espada. 

Parecendo entediado, Jacob suspira e gesticula com a mão no ar. Lancelot congela com a espada apontada para o perdido, mas em vez de voltar até o seu lugar e ficar parado como estava antes, ele gira a ponta da lâmina em direção ao seu próprio tronco. Os olhos do guarda esbugalham-se, suas mãos tremem ao serem animadas contra a sua vontade. Você é obrigado a assistir enquanto Lancelot, lentamente, dá um fim em sua própria vida. 

O guarda cai no chão, seu sangue escorrendo do palco em direção à grama do jardim, tingindo-a de negro sob o céu noturno. 

“Ah, não fiquem tão tristes! Ele ia morrer na nova versão.” Jacob dá de ombros, chutando o corpo inanimado de Lancelot. “É isso que eu estou falando: as coisas vão acontecer como eu quero. Só não tem graça que sejam tão…” Ele gesticula para o corpo do guarda, fazendo uma careta. “Eu teria adorado uma luta, mas eu estaria em desvantagem.” Suspira. 

Você arrisca olhar para a Rainha e o Rei. Lágrimas escorrem ininterruptamente dos olhos de Guinevere, enquanto o pescoço de Arthur parece prestes a explodir com a sua respiração pesada e as veias saltando. Morgana, um pouco distante, luta contra lágrimas.

“Meus pêsames.” Jacob debocha do casal real antes de se voltar para a multidão tão horrorizada quanto cada um naquele palco.  “Onde eu estava mesmo… Ah, Na verdade, vamos deixar para outro dia! Acho que já falei demais por hoje! E tudo o que eu queria fazer era interromper a festa...” Balança a cabeça. “Mas, antes de me despedir, eu gostaria de dar um presente para vocês! 

Amanhã, quando vocês acordarem, não se lembrarão do que acabou de aconteceu. Muito traumatizante, né? Eu sei, eu sei. Não era minha intenção que as coisas ficassem tããão pesadas, mas eu acabo perdendo o controle às vezes. É o meu temperamento…

Então, amanhã, eu darei a vocês uma nova versão do que aconteceu essa noite. Vocês se lembrarão, é claro, que o grande Merlin e sua Academia falharam de novo… Vocês saberão que o nosso corajoso e cavalheiro Lancelot morreu dando a sua vida por… Hum. Não sei, não pensei nisso ainda.

Vocês saberão que algo aconteceu nessa noite e, mais uma vez, se verão presos em um mundo em ruínas. Mas vocês não se lembrarão de mim. Pelo menos não agora, pois a hora não chegou ainda.”

Cada palavra de Jacob soa ensaiada, como se ele tivesse preparado aquele momento como um ator prepara o seu roteiro para uma peça de teatro. “Eu deixarei que se divirtam até o final do Eclipse com as lembranças do que vocês sabem agora. Será divertido assistir. Au revoir.” Ele sorri pela última vez, faz uma última reverência, e o corpo de Jacob Killingham desaparece em um piscar de olhos. 

Você consegue se mexer de novo. Você sabe que pode falar se tentar.

Mas o jardim cai em silêncio e o grito gutural da Rainha Guinevere, ajoelhada ao lado de Lancelot enquanto Rei Arthur e Morgana tentam tirá-la dali, não será esquecido por você tão cedo.

[musebluebird]

Having her so close to him was beginning to cloud his senses. Valerie caused things in Patrick that he thought were buried long ago. Part of him hated that after all this time she could still make him feel that way while the other part of him was filled with nostalgia for all they had been and all they could have been if she didn't know. I would have gone. To this day Patrick still didn't know exactly why she had left, he had come up with thousands of theories but honestly he wanted to hear it from her. That would at least give him some peace because despite rationally knowing that he hadn't done anything wrong, Patrick kept wondering if he was the one who had pushed her away or that he had done something that had pushed her to leave.

"Thanks, it's nice to have you here, Val," he admitted giving her a sheepish smile. "Did you just come back for the funeral?" That was Patrick's subtlest way of asking if she had come back to town and he hadn't heard from her.

up and leaving was something valerie really hadnt wanted to do. she had once loved the man, still she never stopped thinking and caring for him. when she had left a part of her broke leaving him behind without telling him why she was going. though she knew he would be the man to try to solve the issue and she hadnt wanted him to get tangled up with her family drama. it was easier this way, harder for them, but easier in the long run.

however she had never really thought she would see him again. though upon hearing of his mother's passing there was no way val couldnt come back into town no matter what it meant for her. she owed it to not only patrick but his mother. she had been such a kind woman to valerie, the closest thing to feeling the love from a parent as one could get. while she was there, for the short period she was planning to stay, she knew she had to be careful. she would make her appearance to say her last words to his mother and him and be gone by that night. once she had felt his arms wrap around her it took everything in her not to crack. her emotions were all over the place but she knew she needed to stay strong, now wasnt the time for her to be upset about herself, it wasnt about her. "you dont have to thank me. really. i heard about it and.. i owed it to her. she had always been so good to be." she admitted. "and then you.. i couldnt fathom how you must have been feeling and i-" she paused and dropped her arms pulling back. if she was going to talk to sensible him she needed to do it out of his arms. taking a step back she looked at him. "and i just wanted to be here for you.."