#vermillion pond

[localdeerwoman]

I realized I've never posted art of my OC's before

The characters on the left are the main characters on my anthology series Vermillion Pond

And the doggo on the Right is Milo and their from a Horror short I'm writing called Running on Fumes.

Art by @tuvvin and dandydingo

[asydicsydney]

"Can't have anyone trying to find us" Too late, sorry Luna

44.753, -93.329, Vermillion Falls, Minnesota. (Technically, Savage, Minnesota)

East is Burnsville, as well as the Denny's. "The Lake" is Sunset Pond which fits with all their evening motifs. Minneapolis is actually 18.8 miles north. The Buffalo Tap & Grill is a bit northern but still in Savage. Also found a Braxton Drive in Minnesota, 13.4 mi NW of VF.

[anniebear-92]

Had this pop into my head while I tried to fall asleep last night. However as per usual this snarky blonde boy bullied his way into my thoughts and here we are. 😤

Reverse Nightmare comfort: Bakugo has had reoccurring nightmares since his run in with the slime villain and you are just the person to help him through it. Childhood best friends / neighbors.

Pairing: Bakugo x reader.

Warnings: SFW, fluff, nightmare comforts.

I decided there will be two endings so you can read both or the one you prefer. One platonic and one romantic. Reader is referred to have a super strength quirk. Brief mention the reader is female but mostly GN.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oi.”

You grumbled as the deep voice cut into your precious dreams, curling around your pillow tighter.

“Oi!” A finger jabbed into your side, earning your full attention now. Swiveling your head over a shoulder to come face to face with your ash blonde neighbor.

“Kats? What are you doing here at… 2 am?”

He huffed in response while lifting the covers, unceremoniously shoving you from your comfortable position. Many protests and the flailing of limbs, you found yourself on the cold side of the bed with two strong arms locking around your waist. Katsuki buried his face into the back of your neck, the soft puffs of breath tickling your skin.

Inhaling deeply you ran your fingers over the fine hair along his forearm, knowing your best friend needed a moment to gather his thoughts before he would finally tell you what was wrong. When you heard him shuffling behind you, it was a clear sign he was ready.

His words were muffled by your skin but being fluent in Bakugo, you heard him loud and clear.

“Had a fucking nightmare.”

Continuing to run your fingertips over his arms you waited for him to elaborate, or not. Leaving it entirely up to him.

“Stupid slime villain.” These words were lower, almost as if he did not mean for you to hear them. A sad smile crossed your lips as you remembered that day clearly yourself as if it were yesterday.

——— flashback to that day

You were furious. Absolutely, undeniably furious. Your so called best friend had just told one of your closest friends to unalive himself. All over not having a stupid quirk?!

You had left Izuku standing by the small Koi pond outside the school and were currently scouring the alleyways that you know your soon to be ex friend frequented. He was going to get a piece of your mind regardless of wither he wanted it or not.

“Hey Kaachan let’s go to the arcade today!” Your ears perked at the sound of your childhood friend’s nickname, making a line for the alley entrance. “Yeah whatever.”

Hearing that recognizable gravelly voice solidified that he was indeed just around the corner. Rounding said building, you were met with the spikey, haired boy and his two forever shadows.

“Oh hey! It’s L/N again, come to yell at us?” The boy with the creepy fingers waived at you with a snicker. As you passed, your arm shoved him out of your way a bit harshly that he crashed into the trash cans behind him. They stepped further away as you locked eyes with those vermillion that were widening in shock.

“You!” You growled in his face, gripping his collar and lifting him easily off his feet against the brick wall behind him. You began a screaming match with him about your green haired friend and how disgusted with him you were.

Finally dropping his collar and returning him to his feet he bit his tongue to hold back the venomous words he wanted so badly to spit. However you on the other hand had no filter at this point. “I don’t know how we are even friends right now!”

The words bit his heart as his foot shot out and kicked a nearby bottle, your e/c eyes shooting him the nastiest glare he’d ever seen on you. Meeting you back with his own when his lips parted to speak, however the voice that came next was definitely not his own.

“Wow girlie, you’ve got some strength in you! I think you’ll do, maybe even take down All might with this power!”

The bubbling voice sounding of someone drowning chilled your soul as both of your eyes locked on the growing green mass spilling out of the bottle Katsuki had kicked a moment before. The cap had busted off, releasing whatever villain now stood? Slithered? Before you.

His large grin widened as large tendrils wrapped themselves around your arm and wrists, a shriek leaving your throat as it began dragging you towards it. Your strength failed out of terror, having never faced a real villain in your life. Two large hands gripped your waist, yanking you free from the slime, only to be captured in the writhing mass themselves.

“No! I didn’t want you brat!” You turned to find Katsuki being pulled into the dripping slime of the villains body, your words failing you as he squirmed and let off explosions in the means to escape. “Well, you’re powerful too! What are they feeding kids nowadays? No matter, I’ll take you instead!”

(You all know what happens next, Izuku rushes in, all might saves the day. If you don’t.. what you doing here? Go watch the show! :| just kiddin back to the story) this is where the platonic / love endings come in. I started with the love, for the platonic scroll down until you see the ~~ again.

———- Romantic route

That day never left either of your minds, night terrors had plagued your mind for months after the event. You truly thought you were going to lose your best friend. Feeling powerless a hero had carried you away as a green haired streak went rushing in.

Your parents had freaked when you returned covered in green goo, only to send you away for the next ten months for hard training with your ex pro-hero grandfather for the UA exam. Leaving Katsuki to deal with his trauma all by himself.

When you had returned for UA’s entrance exam, you would’ve thought Katsuki saw a ghost upon locking gazes with you. You had grown up during the time away, filled out with age and training. You were even more beautiful to him now than ever before, especially now that you were back.

He had been stuck to your side like glue ever since, hence the fact the boy was laying in your bed, wrapped like an anaconda around your limbs.

“You wanna talk about it?” Your voice a whisper as he turned his head, cheek pressing to your shoulder. “No.”

You squirmed in his arms, turning so you were face to face with him. His beautiful red eyes were currently closed, frown lines and angry eyebrows still visible as you smoothed them out with a thumb. He let out a long sigh, face relaxing as you retracted your hand. Those gorgeous crimson eyes opened, showing the small gold flecks that encircled his dark pupils. They reflected in the sunlight that most people didn’t know existed save you who were privy enough to get close enough to see them.

“Better?” Your voice soft as his eyes followed suit, gazing into your own e/c ones that shown nothing but admiration for the boy.

“Yes.”

A soft smile graced your lips as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against your own, the tips of your noses brushing just so softly.

“I thought I was going to lose you that day.”

Your eyes raised to his, soft and sincere. You gave him a soft smile before poking his chest “It’ll take a lot more than that to get rid of me.”

He grinned, slapping your hand away.

“You’re an idiot you know.”

His words caused you to frown, eyebrows dropped to question the audacity this boy had at this moment. “How so?”

His own lips spread in a small smile as his hand lifted to trail his fingertips up and down your spine. Shivers ran through your body as he leaned even closer to twitch his nose back and forth against your own, earning a giggle from you.

“Because you continue to put up with me.”

A puff of air left your nose as you pressed your finger against his forehead, pushing him back softly. “You’re my best friend. How couldn’t I put up with you?”

He rolled his eyes, still not a frown line in sight.

“What did you do for the nightmares while I was gone?”

He turned his eyes towards the ceiling, a soft pink tint coating his cheeks. “I slept in your bed.”

A laugh escaped you as his turned darker, the frown lines back though not as deep. “You would crawl out your window, hop across the wall to crawl into mine, then sleep in my bed while I was gone?”

He nodded before turning his attention back to you, fingers trailing a thumb over the apple of your cheek. “It smelled like you.”

You smiled brightly, arms wrapping around his torso to pull him close. Resting your cheek against his warm chest, listening to the pitter pat of his heart beat.

“Y/N. I love you.”

Your breath caught, head pulling back as you looked up to catch his face buried into your hair. The tinge of red coated the tip of his ears, a smile that you couldn’t control broke onto your face.

“I love you too Katsuki.”

You listened as his own breath caught, chest stiffening as if he did not expect your returned feelings. He pulled away, eyes meeting yours with more adoration than you had ever seen in them before.

“You do?” Your nod brought his own wide smile, your favorite one that he only showed when you were around.

His fingers curled around your jaw, thumb pressing softly to angle your face towards his as he leaned in slowly to press his soft lips against yours. You had imagined this moment for a long time and it surely did not do it justice as he kissed you more gently than you ever thought possible for Katsuki Bakugo.

He pulled back after a moment, brushing a soft tear from your cheek. “Now go to bed. I’m tired.” He scolded as if he wasn’t the one who had woken you with his own issues.

You patted his cheek before turning in his arms that constricted, holding you tightly against the heat of his body.

“Good night Kats.”

“Good night Angel.”

Needless to say, Katsuki got the best of sleep in a long time, no nightmares to return that night. Instead of falling asleep holding a pillow that still held your scent, he got to hold you.

~~~~~~Platonic route

That day never left either of your minds, night terrors had plagued your mind for months after the event. Your parents had freaked when you returned covered in green goo, only to send you away for the next ten months for hard training with your ex pro-hero grandfather.

Leaving Katsuki to deal with his trauma all by himself. Upon returning for the start of UA he had stuck to you like glue, his best friend returned to him finally.

Katsuki shifted to pull away from you, his hands loosely holding you still as you continued to rub his arm.

“Feeling better?”

He nodded softly as you smirked “I can’t hear your brain rattling. Use your words.”

He snorted, a hand raising to slap the back of your head. “Hey! This is what I get for comforting you after a nightmare?” His lips curled into a smirk as he shifted you closer once more.

“Shut up and go to sleep.” You huffed in response, crossing your arms and grumbling obscenities at his expense.

“Oi.”

You paused, turning just your head to give him the stink eye. His own were closed, not a frown line to be found.

“I love you.”

You smiled, tapping your finger against his nose before turning back away, knowing full well your friend didn’t mean in a romantic kind of way. Though he voiced his feelings rarely, when he did… You could feel it.

“I love you too dummy.”

Katsuki snuggled back into your neck, getting the best sleep in awhile with his best friend as a snuggle buddy.

—————

Sorry if this is terrible it kept me up for awhile until I wrote it down. 😅

[thatstolenpayal]

i want to look how the flute sounds like. and like the piano theme of om shanti om. or like a marble statue of krishna when the first rays of the sun fall on it. or like jasmines pinned up in loose hair. like a whipped man holding the anklet of his girl with a smirk on his face. or like a peacock when it dances in the first rain. like a swan in moonlight. i want to look like a vermillion stained hair partition. like the moon's reflection i see in his eyes. or like love letters she sends him with her scent in them. like poetry written on a tissue paper. or a pond lit with oil lamps. sometimes like the city of ayodhya during diwali. and sometimes like someone's lost silver jhumkas. like the black thread my mom tied on my leg to save me from the 'evil eye'. or like alta on a dancer's feet.

[vilandel]

The Scent Of Lavender

Prologue of Lavender

A/N Fluff Warning: Baby Nozel being a mama's boy and terribly adorable. Angst Warning: It's Acier and Nozel... Do I need to say more?

Thanks to my mutuals here on Tumblr and Discord to help me and encouraging me to find a story for this title 💜

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

“Nozel, baby, where are you?”

Acier walked through the Silva Flower Garden, searching for her two year old son. Maybe she should have taken one of the nannies with her, but it was one of the rare occasions to have a day off and spend it with her baby boy, so she didn’t deemed it necessary. It was so nice to spend time with her child in privacy.

Well, until Nozel went off somewhere again. Oh, Acier knew that her son wasn’t one to wander off through the most dangerous and adventurous places like other children his age – like little Mereoleona Vermillion who scared the entirety of royalty when she fell asleep on two pet jaguars, belonging to some ambassador of a faraway foreign country – but Nozel was such a calm toddler. It was very difficult for most people to notice if he was there or if he went away.

Thank goodness the Silva Flower Garden wasn’t that huge for a toddler to get lost. Okay, there were some ponds that were a bit too deep for such a small child and some vines and it happened that stray cats came up her and since animals didn’t like Silvas for some tragic reason-

“Stop panicking, Acier Nereïda Silva!”

She got this. After all, she was a mother, she knew her son better than anyone and always noticed almost immediately when Nozel was here or when he was gone.

Okay, at the same time, she was also a very young mother, she was barely eighteen years old when she got Nozel and of course she lacked the parenthood or maternal experience. Not that many royals or nobles had that in the first place, letting their offspring being raised by nannies and gouvernantes until they were fifteen years old and considered old enough to be married off. But Acier have sworn herself to be a present mother for her children, for Nozel and the future babies she will hopefully have… once she convinces her husband to have more, but that shouldn’t be so difficult.

But well, it didn’t change the fact that she was a very young and inexperienced mother and that she lost her son for not even a minute and that she didn’t know what to do in a panic and what if her sweet baby boy gets hurt by the thorns of the roses or falls into one of the ponds or-

“Again, stop this at once, Acier Nereïda Silva!”

Acier stopped as she reached the pond with the water lilies. The view immediately helped her to calm down at least a bit. This was her favourite place in the flower garden and probably also in the whole palace. Not to mention that water lilies were her favourite flowers. How much time has she spend here, be it as a little child or during her pregnancy, wondering if she should name her child Nozel, Nathanael, Nebra, Noelle or Nymphea.

There, she heard some ruffles nearby. And some toddler noises. Acier walked quickly over there and let out a deep sigh of relief as she found her son walking around the lavender bushes.

“Nozel Aquila Silva, what are you doing so away from mama?”

She was really unable to sound stern, wasn’t she? Even when using her beloved son’s full name.

It wasn’t like anyone used the second names of royals often, but well, Acier liked the one she had and the one she gave Nozel, so she really couldn’t help it.

Nozel turned towards her, looking so adorable with his slightly wild silver hair and his white wing-like cape. He even had a few lavender blossoms in his hands.

“Now, what are you doing with this lavender, my little hatchling?”

“For mama.”

Acier couldn’t help but being in awe as her baby boy handled her the lavender shyly. Wasn’t he just the most adorable toddler in the whole Clover Kingdom? It started a few weeks ago, as he brought her some flowers in her office and she had been so happy about it that it motivated Nozel to do it again. Of course, the gardeners had to watch him, not only to stop him to pick flowers just like that, but also to make sure he wouldn’t get hurt.

Nozel didn’t got that yet, though. Her sweet baby had still such a simple train of thoughts. If flowers makes his mama happy, then he would give her some.

“Thank you, Nozel baby. I actually am quite fond of lavender. Why does flowers today, though?”

“Mama eyes.”

This took Acier a bit aback. But not in a negative way. It just was the first time that someone described her eyes to have the colour of lavender.

Acier knew the colour of her eyes very well. She saw it every day in her mirror, she saw how they were filled with tears when she failed again to do one of those complicated hairstyles that were so cool or shining brightly with happiness when something wonderful was happening to her.

A cold and bright metallic lilac.

It was a beautiful colour and Acier knew that it was quite rare. She liked the shade of her eyes. But the coldness was sometimes so distant. While so very fitting for a captain of the Silver Eagles, it seemed rather unfitting for a loving mother.

Lavender purple, on the other hand, was lovely and close and fresh and warm.

It wasn’t the shade of her eyes. But maybe, under some circumstances… and in the eyes of a two year old toddler…

Nozel got the same eyes as herself, but they never seemed cold and distant with him, despite how calm her son was. Acier hoped that it would never be the case.

But in a way, lavender also suited him.

Acier smiled fondly as she put the lavender at the beginning of her ponytail, before taking Nozel in her arms. Her sweet, precious baby boy…

“I’m so lucky to have you in my life, silver hatchling.”

“Mama.”

“Mama is here, Nozel. Thank you so much for the flowers. Now come, time to have some cake…”

Nozels eyes began to shine so brightly, looking more like lavender than metal. Like every Silva, her sweet son was sweettooth, it was practically a tradition at this point. Acier rubbed her nose against his before she walked towards the rose belvedere.

The servants had covered the small table with some of the most delicious cakes and pastries from the Silva chefs, as well as tea, milk and syrup. Acier giggled as she saw that there was also some lavender cake among the sweets, a Silva specialty since generations. Lavender seemed to follow her today.

It was a calm and fluffy afternoon, during which each little gesture was so precious as a diamond. How she put some milk in one of the porcelain cups and helped Nozel drinking it. How they shared a piece of lavender cake and laughed as there was bright purple cream around their mouths. How the birds were singing and the scents of the flowers flow around them.

Acier wished that they could have moments like this in the future, even when she won’t be captain of the Silver Eagles anymore and even when Nozel would be an adult himself… maybe having a family on his own and having some younger siblings.

As her eyes fell again on lavender, a memory crossed Aciers mind. Her honeymoon on Lavender Island. South of Clover, facing Raque and a few miles on the see, where a bunch of islands, each more beautiful than the other and each having one flower blooming practically everywhere, more than others.

Acier and her husband had went on Lavender Island and it was a fond memory. Looking at her son, who was munching on an orange tartlet, she decided that one day maybe, she could go back there and show Nozel, as well as maybe his future younger siblings, one of the places in the world that meant a lot to her.

It would happen one day. Acier made that promise. Anything to share with her son and her future children. Two or three more would be great.

Maybe she could convince her husband to come along, it would be good to have him more present from time to time.

It was a promise.

But Acier was never able to achieve that promise…

[pagesandplaces]

Taylor Swift Lipstick

Okay this is going to be a lot - I've spent the last few days trying to sleuth all I can on what lipsticks Taylor Swift wears because I'm obsessed and wanted to have it all in one place (this is mainly for myself) (also I am specifically currently obsessed with her VMAs 2024 lipstick colour choice, Taylor if you're reading this, drop a girl a line with what it is).

I'll update this periodically as I get more information.

So confirmed lipstick we know she wears:

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Dragon Girl by Nars

Satin Lip Pencil Luxembourg by Nars

Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Double Dare by Kat Von D

Obsessive Opulence MatteTrance Lipstick Christy by Pat McGrath (British Vogue)

LiquiLUST™ Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick ‘ELSON 4’ by Pat McGrath (Bejeweled Music Video)

Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Back in Vogue by MAC (Miss Americana Documentary)

Lust 004 Kit in Vermillion Venom by Pat McGrath (I Don't Want To Live Forever Music Video)

Satin Lipstick Demetra by Lovecraft Beauty (Elle US)

Artist Route Creme Lipstick Rose Wood by Make Up Forever (Tumblr Post)

Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Poppy by Elizabeth Arden (Allure)

Aqua Rouge #7 Red Lipstick by Make Up Forever

Retro Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo by MAC

Morocco Lipstick by NARS (First Chief's game confirmed by Lorrie Turk)

Unconfirmed lipsticks and their associated events:

Lip Souffle Matte Creame Lipstick Inspire by Rare Beauty (Taylor Swift TikTok 2021)

Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Delight by Rare Beauty (Chiefs 2024 Season Game Opener)

Retro Matte Lipstick Bronx by MAC (Chiefs 2024 Season Game Opener)

Liquid Lip Luxe Mattee Devoted Terra-Cotta Rose by Tom Ford (2024 VMAs)

Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Nude Oasis by Pat McGrath (2024 VMAs)

Kind Words Matte Lipstick Wise by Rare Beauty (Instagram Post July 2023)

Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick Fearless by Rare Beauty (Long Pond)

Matte Trance Lipstick Guinevere by Pat McGrath (Miss Americana)

Always Red by Sephora

Cruelty Free Makeup Dupes (nv = not vegan/ v - vegan)

Vice Lipstick Bad Blood by Urban Decay (nv)

Charlotte Tillbury (nv)

F.E.N.T.Y. (nv)

bareMinerals (nv)

Rare Beauty (v)

E.L.F. (v)

List of Cruelty Free/Vegan Makeups

[korpikorppi]

蓝家家规

Lán jīa jīa gūi

Lan Clan Household Rules

云深不知处内不可赤脚

Yúnshēn Bùzhīchù nèi bùkě chìjiăo.

Being barefooted is not allowed in the Cloud Recesses.

Previous rule || Next rule

Breakdown:

云深不知处 - Cloud Recesses

内 - inside; interior; inner part or side

不 - [before a verb, adjective, adverb] no; not; won't; not want to

可 - can; to approve; to permit

不可 - cannot; should not; must not

赤 - red; a kind of red slightly lighter than vermillion; revolutionary; loyal; sincere

脚 - foot; base

赤脚 - barefoot; be barefooted

Alternative translations:

I think there most likely are situations where being barefooted is quite acceptable even in the Cloud Recesses, so a better translation would probably be:

Walking/going around barefooted is not allowed in the Cloud Recesses.

Any mistakes in the translations or in the characters are mine, and if you spot any, please let me know 🙂.

The chosen images:

Well they could not be expected to wade into the Cold Pond wearing their boots, now could they... Even if they were wearing all the rest of their clothes 🤔.

And time for a little break now 🙂.

[thedeadthree]

— WIP FRIDAY !

TAGGED BY the dearest @unholymilf to share a few things ive been working on ! ty ty so much ash dear!

TAGGING: @feystepped, @risingsh0t, @kingsroad, @griffin-wood, @jendoe, @phillipsgraves, @marivenah, @leviiackrman, @chuckhansen, @denerims, @queennymeria, @aartyom, @blissfulalchemist, @shellibisshe, @adelaidedrubman, @florbelles, @corvosattano, @jackiesarch, @wayhavenots, @pegxcarter, @malefiicarum, @nightbloodraelle, @roofgeese, @morvaris, @jacobseed, @nuclearstorms, @carminasolis, @girlbosselrond, @anoras, @fragilestorm, @shadowglens, @arklay and you!

teehee i AT LAST got around to introducing the t*lou dears clowns with the one and only template from ash! so far i have tlou!olga and gianna <3 with this cutest coloring as well !

the VERY early stages of a piece for the dearest marta in honor of fh's release ! with orions cutest template!

another early stages but in honor of oc kiss week a piece for kenny and @griffin-wood's dear raylene with this template !

and now a bit of writing! moments before disaster if you will a piece for alva and rhaegy with a bit of rhaemion and enya lore connecting them to vanna and daemy and their babies !

Summerhal was beautiful at this hour. those fleeting moments before midday and after the morning when the sun was well off to reaching its zenith made even the hardest of hearts gaze in awe.

Alva descended from her horse, vermillion. To her left by a relatively small pond were the horses of Lord Rhaemion Targaryen of Starfall, the princess Elia’s dear longtime friend (and rumored paramour, he too a close and beloved friend of the prince as well, the nature of things was a topic for another morn). And the other of her dearest Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

She recalls when Rhaemion spoke of reason for choosing his horse. The almost pearlescent mane of his chosen mount reminded him of the scales of his dragon, Parthunaax known by the histories as the Burned Overlord. The Targaryens of Starfall or the Amethyst or Dawn Dragons still possessed the ones belonging to the riders they were bound to during and following the dance. Baelor and Parthunaax, Calla and Nahvintaas (a ilmestian dragon of Vilemyr), and Valaerra who was Rhaemion’s ancestor and her she-dragon Numinex. Though the most notable among them was the Ethereal, the Violet Star of Starfall herself once bound to the mistress of mists Iovanna Dayne, Starspire. The two year old daughter of Rhaemion recently began to speak her first words and has declared her favorite word to be the name of the ethereal. If this is any prediction that the girl at two has already declared her mount will not be a horse, but Starspire herself, one cannot fathom anything else. She laughed when he mentioned he will have to tell the girl when she’s older that the dragons are not to be flown in westeros and she will have to have a horse as he does. Lest the Dragon of myth and prophecy see her end by scorpion bolt.

On leaving vermillion by Rhaemion and Rhaegar’s. She makes her way by the remnants of the stone walkway closer towards the ruin. The three spent a lot of time in summerhall, her and Rhaegar spending the most.

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Shinkai Tenun no Shou Short Story - Heisuke

whoops. forgot to schedule this. guess i'm more tired than i thought. will deal with other stuff later i guess. anyway, this is my last post of the month!

enjoy!

Hakuoki Shinkai Tenun no Shou Short Story - "Benefits of searching for a lost person"

Translation by KumoriYami

【I heard that around Fushimi, there was a bald man looking around for his daughter.】

That morning, while I was sweeping, such a rumour reached headquarters.

(Could that bald man be father...?)

The moment I thought that, I became restless and anxious, so I asked Heisuke-kun to accompany me to Fushimi——.

"——So, you were able to find your missing daughter?"

"Yes, I've troubled you."

Looking at the bald man his daughter bowing their heads in thanks, Heisuke-kun and I looked at each other in dismay.

A bald man. Looking for his daughter.

He really did match father's characteristics...

"There's no shortage of people who look like monks..."

"Nn. It's great that his daughter is safe... I'm really sorry for getting Heisuke-kun accompanying me over nothing."

"It's fine. I'm not on duty today anyway, rather I wasn't doing anything."

Since I came to Kyoto in search of my father during the third year of the Bunkyū, it's been three years.

I've ended up looking for the wrong person more than time times, so I'm used to being disappointed...

"Seriously, I still can't find him..."

I unconsciously whispered.

What are you talking about. Isn't that the reason why you keep searching?"

"But, I haven't been able to find him for so long, so maybe he's already left Kyoto. There have been some rumours of him being in the western provinces, so maybe he has——"

"Chizuru!"

It was only after Heisuke-kun grabbed my shoulders and stared at me, that I came to my senses.

"Don't say it again. It's too early to give up now."

"Sorry..."

"I can understand your feelings. After all, it's a fact that nothing has been achieved yet.”

I lowered my head, and Heisuke-kun patted my shoulder, and smiled as he comforted me:

"Don't continue talking about depressing things. There's somewhere i want to go, so let's go there and have fun together!"

Fuushimi is located in the south of Kyoto and is a place with a long history. Centered around the area that was once known as Fushimi Castle, there were many samurai residences, temples, and shrines scattered around.

And among them, the most famous were undoubtedly——

"Look here Chizuru! It's everywhere here——there are torii!"

The 'Thousand Torii Gates' of Fushimi Inari Taisha in the Inariyama area [referring to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Senbon Torii Senbon Torii].

"What a spectacular view..."

"Hey, are there really a thousand torii gates here? Let's count them. One, two, three..."

"Hehe. I think we'll have to count until it's dark."

The sunlight shining through the torii gates and the sound of cicadas dyed our surroundings as we walked together [i guess? was really confused about a phrase here].

Looking at the endless vermillion torii, I couldn't help but sigh.

"....Being here always makes me feels as if I've strayed into another world."

"Yeah, I feel like I've been spirited away."

"That would be a problem... being spirited away before I found my father, that'd be putting the cart before the horse."

I smiled wryly as I continued to walk——

"Ah, there it is."

Suddenly, Heisuke-kun stopped in the middle of a path between the torii.

In the middle of a clearing, there was a rather large pond.

"This pond is...?"

"It's called Ajigaike Pond....I've heard that this place is particularly effective for finding people."

"Finding people...?"

"I heard that if you clap your hands by the pond, the direction of where the echo comes from is, is the direction of where the person you're looking for is in."

"Then the place that you wanted to go was..."

I asked as I blinked my eyes, and Heisuke-kun sheepishly scratched his head.

"...We came to Fushimi after great difficulties, and while I don't know if this will be helpful, I wanted to try everything that I could."

"Heisuke-kun..."

"Alright, let's do it!"

"Yes...!"

At Heisuke-kun's urging, I walked to the edge of the pond, and closed my eyes.

——Please, I hope to find my father——.

I clapped my hands to pray while a sharp sound spread through the pond, and as the winds rustling through the trees and the cicadas chirped, the direction the echo I heard came from——.

"...How was it, Chizuru?"

"Hm..."

Looking at Heisuke-kun's worried face in front of me, I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's wrong, did you not hear the echo?"

"It's not that. I did hear it, but..."

I paused and pointed in that direction.

Where I was pointing——that had stunned Heisuke-kun.

"The echo... seemed to have come from Heisuke-kun's direction..."

"I don't know anything though!?"

"I think so too. That's why... as long as I stay together with Heisuke-kun, does that mean... I'll be able to find my father?"

Although that was something I said myself, my face still turned red for some reason.

Of course, I know that this was just a coincidence...

"...I see. So we just need to stay together."

In contrast to me, Heisuke-kun was staring into the distance, and quietly gazed at the pond.

"So it means that we won't be separated for the time being..."

"Heisuke-kun? What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing."

Shaking off the lonely expression that flashed across his face, Heisuke-kun smile again and spoke.

"Hey, Chizuru, you might get angry hearing me say this. I, ah, just a bit sometimes... I feel like it's fine if we never find Kodo-san."

"...What does that mean?"

"Sorry, I'm being too willful."

Heisuke-kun looked lonely again as he narrowed his eyes and grabbed my sleeve.

"If you do find Kodo-san , won't you no longer have a reason to stay with the Shinsengumi, and have to go back to Edo? I think that'd be very lonely."

——Indeed. That would be the case.

I haven't' considered that for a long time, but that is a fact.

"“.... But someday... there will be times when we all have to separate ways, and there's no way around it."

"......"

I hope that I'll be able to find my father.

But I also don't want to part from Heisuke-kun and everyone else in the Shinsengumi.

In my heart, these contradictory thoughts couldn't be entangled...

"Sorry, I've said some boring things. Let's head back to headquarters after eating something delicious!"

With these words, Heisuke-kun stepped forward.

I also followed Heisuke-kun's back, and walked through the torii gates as we left there.

-end-

The folklore [if that word should be used here?] is related to the Seven Wonders of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Apparently if you clap your hands towards the pond, the direction the echo comes back from is supposed to be a clue for the direction the person you're looking for is in.

Reference:

https://bunbun.hatenablog.com/entry/kodamagaike https://fushimiinari-guide.com/kumatakasha/ https://www.cyber-world.jp.net/fushimiinaritaisya-nanafushigi/ https://kyotojisyanabi.com/2021/07/05/higashiyamatoreiru-inari-keage/].

While most of those links are in Japanese and contain the same information, for that bit in the translation, I looked up the pond name name, then the bit about the clapping before confirming it on multiple sites. Couldn't really find anything in English that referenced clapping at a lake at Fushimi Inari Taisha for some reason so I just wanted to be sure about what I was writing.

[localdeerwoman]

Heyo y'all ^^

So I've been working on a personal writing project for the past few months, and I feel that I'm ready to start posting some of it here soon.

Vermillion Pond follows a psychedelic band and its member's personal journeys through late 60's rural Alberta.

It's still mostly the research phase. But I write small vignettes as writing and editing practice, and I'll be posting those here.

Hope y'all will give them a read

[starbrightotaku]

@pokemon-ash-aus

@xxtc-96xx

@alolanrain

Mew OC

Name: Starlight

Human identity: Nova Stellar

Age: 80000+

Physical age in human disguise: 23

Markings: White/Silver starburst patch on shoulder

Fur color: pale pink almost white

Eye color: ice blue

Backstory: Starlight is the daughter of the first Mew. And was the same Mew who saved Goh and Chloe. She has drifted from place to place when not hanging out in the Hall of Origins. Currently lives in Vermillion City as she finds Goh amusing. Works as a historian for the museum.

How she meets Goh: A Pidgeot drops Goh into Starlight/Nova's pond. She talks to him and finds out why he wants to catch Mew. Starlight/Nova is recruited by Project Mew for her historical knowledge. She finds it amusing to mess with the equipment. Goh finds out while visiting her that she is a Mew. So he gets a few chuckles out of Starlight/Nova's pranks.

Does Goh catch her?: Yes after she has her fill of pranking the ever loving crap out of Project Mew.

Living with Goh's Pokemon: She doesn't stay at Cerise Park. She still has her own home, but travels with Goh and Ash more often than not.

Goh's relationship with Starlight/Nova: parental. As both of Goh's parents are busy, Starlight/Nova acts as a surrogate mother. He has slipped and called Mewther on accident but after a while they just accepted it.

Aftermath of Goh's passing: After Goh dies an old man, Starlight retreats into the Hall of Origins and refuses to leave her space for a year. Arceus seeing how distraught the Mew was decided to speak to Giritina and Yveltal about where Goh and Ash's souls ended up. Looking into her interactions with the pair along with Hop and Leon the god decided to reincarnate them as Starlight's own children.

Finding out: Learning she was to be a mother of four shocks her. But it isn't until her boys are born that Arceus awakens the memories of their past selves. Mew Goh hugs Starlight and say via telepathy, "You really are my Mewther now. Love you mom."

Part 2 will be added at a later date.

[chibipwincess]

Eyes by .W. Ginni Eyes - Fatpack @Anthology

Nails by (Enfer Sombre*) Pond nails {Reborn} @Mainstore

Top & Skirt by Loki - Abigail Velvet Set @Kustom9

────── °.  「 e x t r a ◦ i n f o r m a t i o n 」 .° ──────

── G e n e t i c s

‣ Head: LeLUTKA Briannon Head 3.1 .

‣ Shape: . Yubbi . // Personal Shape .

‣Skin: Heaux.

‣ Eyes: —–

‣ Blush: Cake Inc. + [Utopia]

‣ Body: eBODY - REBORN + Waifu Boobs

‣ Hair:  VCO ~ AKI Hair + VCO ~SOO HAIR BANGS A

── N o t ◦ s p o n s o r s

Cardigan: - Vermillion - Nabi Cardigan

Glasses: - Sour - Jennie Glasses

[bbumtravel]

The place often likened to The Soul of Japan.

Introduction

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its historical significance, traditional culture, and stunning landscapes. As the former imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto preserves a wealth of cultural heritage that attracts millions of visitors annually.

History and Heritage

Founded in the 8th century, Kyoto served as the capital of Japan until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This long history is reflected in its numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto's preservation of traditional Japanese architecture and customs offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural past.

Cultural Attractions

Kyoto boasts a multitude of cultural attractions:

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple famous for its stunning golden exterior set against a pond and lush greenery.

Kiyomizu-dera: A historic temple renowned for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of the city and its cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.

Fushimi Inari Taisha: An iconic Shinto shrine known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that lead up to Mount Inari.

Gion District: Known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and geisha culture, Gion offers a glimpse into Kyoto's traditional entertainment district.

Gardens and Nature

Kyoto is home to beautiful gardens and natural landscapes:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A serene bamboo forest that creates a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park: The former residence of the Imperial family, surrounded by gardens and preserved historical buildings.

Philosopher's Path: A scenic walking trail lined with cherry trees that bloom spectacularly in spring, connecting several temples and shrines.

Traditional Arts and Crafts

Kyoto is a center for traditional Japanese arts and crafts:

Nishijin Textile Center: Showcases traditional kimono weaving techniques and offers workshops for visitors.

Noh and Kabuki Theaters: Performances of traditional Japanese theater arts that have been preserved and passed down through generations.

Cuisine

Kyoto's cuisine, known as Kyo-ryori, is a highlight for food enthusiasts:

Kaiseki: A traditional multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and reflects Kyoto's culinary traditions.

Matcha: Kyoto is famous for its matcha (green tea), which is used in tea ceremonies and various culinary delights such as matcha-flavored sweets and desserts.

Conclusion

Kyoto captivates visitors with its blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and traditional culture. Whether exploring ancient temples, strolling through serene gardens, or indulging in exquisite cuisine, Kyoto offers a journey into Japan's cultural soul, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the country's heritage.

[bloodsoakedcambion]

Frog Journal exercise

Fergy sat down and started scratching away at his scrapbook. The contents of his pockets had been ruffled by the chaos of the day, some leaves had crumpled and flaked, some grasses and cuttings dulled in the absence of the sun, but the vermillion splendour of the chip had faced no such loss. There was no love lost for most of the pieces, simple casualties of a long day's exploration. He tended to flourish them with anecdotes and annotations regardless, the only exception would be that of excellency. Of course, that did warrant a story. A carefully-told story, with tact taken to remember the details. He scratched his chin, leaned over his table for a biscuit, and grabbed a napkin with which to start the ditty that'd mark the day…

Fergus and the Little Comet. Part One.

Behold, behold and rejoice ye reader! Aye, does not this frozen fragment of fire perplex and intrigue ye? I had just begun a normal day, normal as I had baked my buns sweet as I like them, normal as I had sat on my patio in the damp April sun. Normal, that Teddy and Alan had passed by on their way to the pond, normal that I could simply lay with little care for working or writing. I spent my morning in those normal comforts, and nearly convinced myself to stay past lunch before a wandering sunlit jade strut in the distance. So pretty as it was, undoubtedly the Spring foliage, I brought myself to plod over and spy a look. Yet as I went, into the grasses and greens, this special hue seemed to dance back and away. I had already broken the treeline by the time I spied the source of the thing! Some mighty sanguine, a ravishing ruddy gleam, had cut a gorgeous glow into the leaves. Well I'm not one to shy away in the face of the unusual, let alone the downright strange, so I took a hop, skip, and a jump across the field and up to the foot of the hill. It was remarkably chill amongst the grasses, even under the pitching sun, yet it grew mighty hot as I danced up the slope.

Hand shading my eyes and my wits all about me, I carefully slid towards the glow. It was magnificent, a glowering scarlet that pitched up and all around from the dirt, dyeing the razed patch of grass and the whole world around a raw, saturated red, pink, and gold. I could barely look at the thing, eyes so sharply squint, but I always keep my collecting tools in my day trousers. I tapped it once with my hammer, and brought it down heavy when it only seemed to hum in response. Off came a clatter! A handful of shrapnel. It Seemed to calm, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was. I might've stopped to puzzle what to do, whether to get fetch Gunter or to strike it again, but now that I could look I was transfixed! The colour was no different in the thing itself, a regal landscape of bands and crystals that wuthered and crashed like waves. I pocketed one of the chips and resolved to take the long route back. Long enough to consider what to write here, and long enough to pick up a few more specimens to mark the day by. All for naught of course - something can only be so impressive when framed next to the spectacular. I have many questions to ask, and while I hope that Gunter and the others may be able to answer them, I really have to wonder for myself. Why were there no other beasties? Why was I the one to find it, and why has no one come by to talk about the strange thing? I can't speak for the whole village, but I've known the lot of them long enough to know they can't resist a good gab, and what better gab than a marvel? All the best, Fergus. I shall have more to write here tomorrow.

[vilandel]

Nanthild (Solid and Rosette's daughter)for 16, 8, 6 and 2 please❤

Oh, thank you Anon for asking this to Nanthilde, our most silver Silva 💖

Describe your perfect day. My perfect day is being in the Silva Flower Garden, either at the belvedere with the roses or at Grandmother's water lily pond. With bergamot tea and some salted caramel and a good bunch of books, as well as some riddles. The more difficult, the better. A picnic with the family is also nice, either just the four of us or the whole Silva clan. I also love to go shopping, either alone or with friends and family, like with Mom, my aunts and my cousins, as well as Iris.

What do you think had the biggest impact on you growing up? Mom. I always admired how observant and clever she is. No wonder Dad fell for her, even though their marriage was arranged. When I was little, I wanted to become exactly like her. Mom encouraged me to follow my interests, but also made sure that I know that I shouldn't be a copy of her, risking to be in her shadow, but more becoming my own person. I'm very glad she did. I don't think I would have liked to be a copy of her and be in her shadow on the long term. Uncle Asta and uncle Nozel also had a great impact on me. Uncle Asta with his optimism and never-give-up vibe, uncle Nozel with how to handle complicated things, to assume your mistakes and to always try to care and protect my loved ones.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? Accepting that it's okay to cry. As a child, I always had some difficulties to show that I'm sad. I definitely got Dads royal pride. My brother Eis fell sick, very sick, to a point that seven-year old me was worried he might die. That thought really made me sad, but I refused to show it, because I'm a Silva Princess. I must have seemed very distant during my brother's illness, but it was so painful to me to keep my worry and sadness for myself. It was only when Dad actually came to me and asked me what was wrong that I finally let go. I ugly cried, yelling that I didn't want my brother to die. I felt really ashamed about that, even more that I couldn't stop crying. Dad did his best to comfort me, telling me that Eis won't die, that he was just very sick. And that it's not a bad thing to cry, even for a royal. He is a bit awkward at comforting, but he tried his best. Well, Dad brought me to aunt Vanessa, but mostly that she could help to distract me from my worries. I still have some hard times to show my sadness, but not in front of my family.

Who is your best friend? Tell us about them! My best friend is Iris Vermillion, daughter of Mimosa and Langris Vermillion. She is very kind, but I admit that she is a Daddy's girl personality wise. When nobles are bothering, she is the one who is ready to portal them away and I'm the one who has to hold her back. Iris is even scarier than her father, because she actually got her mother's angry face when she is bothered by nobles. You know, the one with the kind smile and such. Otherwise, Iris loves fairy tales, she is a huge milk drinker – becoming lactose intolerant is her nightmare – and she has a sweet singing voice. Like a nightingale. And she is very close to her uncle Finral as well. Both Finral and Langris teach her spatial magic, since Iris is the first ever to use spatial magic both offensive wise and supporting wise. I know that her parental grandparents are enthusiastic about it, at least from what I heard. Iris, her siblings and also her cousins don't have any contact with them, except occasional gifts on their birthdays. She told me that it is for the best. And given what she told me about their grandparents, I give her right.

[mikem-dawnm-japan]

Tuesday 21st May - Day 15

This morning we headed for the beautiful wooded island of Miyajima which is famous for its giant torii gate, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine. We took a coach for about 40minutes from Hiroshima and then joined the ferry, as foot passengers for the 10 minute crossing. The island has many sika deer wandering the streets, they are very used to the visitors and are quite tame, feeding them is not allowed, however this does not stop them from trying their luck at snatching bags or snacks that unwary visitors are not keeping an eye on! The area is famous for its oysters and walking down the Main Street every other stall is selling oysters in some form or another. It also sells maple leaf shaped cakes (momiji manju) made from sweet bean paste, which have a variety of fillings from cheese to chocolate, many shops also sell these specialities.

We walked as a group to the shrine, it is on the edge of the inland sea making it a very picturesque location with the mountains in the background. The shrine is dedicated to three goddesses; goddess of the sea, goddess of traffic safety and goddess of good fortune and fulfilment of wishes. First built in 593, it was remodelled in 1168. The vermillion colour of the shrine and the torii gate is considered to keep evil spirits away. The corridors in the shrine total 260m as they pass by the main shrine, the stage, the music rooms etc. the torii gate weighs 60 tons and stands 16.5m high, the roof is made of thatched cypress bark. The present gate is the 9th since the first was built in 1875.

After the visit we had a couple of hours of free time, some of the group joined Kas to see the Daishoin Temple, however, we decided to head back to the town, stopping off for a refreshing drink of local lemon soda. We wandered the stalls and picked up a few gifts and searched for a restaurant that was serving oyster burgers, as Mike had set his heart on trying one … we found a small place close to the ferry terminal Mike got his burger and I had a delicious vegetable tempura dish. We had been fortunate in that the morning had been relatively quiet but as we left more and more coach loads arrived. We headed back to the hotel.

Mike decided to have a nap whilst I went back to the Peace Park, which was just a few minute walk from our hotel, as I wanted to capture some more photos. We had been recommended to visit the Shukkeien Gardens, about a twenty minute walk from the hotel, we were pleased that we decided to visit. The gardens, adjacent to one of the art museums was very pretty and peaceful, set in the midst of the city. Originally constructed in 1620 for the feudal lord of Hiroshima. The idea behind the garden was to collect together in miniature a series of views of Hangzhou, China. There is a large central pond, with more than 10 islets, around the edge are mountains, valleys, bridges, tea cottages and arbors with a connecting pathway joining them all. In 1945 the garden was destroyed by the bomb but the garden has been restored to its former glory. The gardens receive about 250,000 visitors each year.

The afternoon was very warm and we were both very tired so decided to have a small meal and then go back to pack up for moving on tomorrow.