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aghotel · 11 months ago

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Escape to Winter Magic: The Ultimate Guide for Derby Winter Travel

As the air turns crisp and the holiday season unfolds, Derby transforms into a winter wonderland with enchanting and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. From mischievous elf trails to captivating theatrical performances and immersive experiences, there is something for every age and interest. Discover the joy of the winter season with our curated list of activities for Derby winter travel and unlock a world of winter joy and wonder.

Winter Stories at AVP Theatre

Enter the enchanting world of our Magic Storybook, where a captivating fairy and mischievous puppets bring charming winter tales to life. An interactive and laughter-filled show for the whole family, this theatrical performance is sure to leave you with warm memories of the season. Learn more about the event here.

Tree of Light at Derby Cathedral

Discover a serene escape from the holiday hustle and bustle this Christmas at Derby’s enchanting Tree of Light, nestled within the peaceful embrace of Derby Cathedral. From December 6th to January 5th, gather for moments of reflection, sanctuary, and the warm glow of light. Experience the true essence of the festive season in this tranquil setting. Learn more about the event here.

Northern Lights at QUAD Gallery

Experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights at the QUAD Gallery, where cutting-edge lighting, projections, and sounds transport you into an ethereal ambiance. Capture Instagram-worthy moments or simply bask in the enchanting display. It’s a mesmerizing experience that adds a touch of magic to your winter evenings. Visit QUAD Gallery’s website to lean more about the show.

Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2023

Whether you’re a skilled skater or just trying to stay on your feet, the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink is the perfect Christmas treat. With a covered rink, a viewing platform, and festive music, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a steamy hot chocolate or warming mulled wine afterward. Book your tickets here.

Mercia Marina Village & Park

Situated just outside Derby, Mercia Marina offers 24 acres of wildflower lake surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful landscapes. From countryside walks to relaxing boat tours and breathtaking cycle routes, the marina has something for everyone this winter. Explore retailers, boutiques, and galleries, creating lasting memories in this picturesque setting. Learn more this winter adventure spot here.

Cinderella by Annie Siddons

Embark on a thrilling theatrical adventure amidst the picturesque Derbyshire countryside with Cinderella, presented by Annie Siddons. This festive production promises a delightful show where daring to dream takes center stage. Ideal for the whole family, Cinderella invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of the season. For more information about the show and to secure your tickets, visit Derby Theatre.

Naughty Meg and the Christmas Elves

Experience the magic of Christmas with the return of Naughty Meg and The Christmas Elves by The Babbling Vagabonds. Born in a storm, Meg is the naughtiest girl in the world, causing havoc wherever she goes. This Christmas, she upsets the Christmas Elves, and war is declared. Join the adventure filled with laughter and joy. Find out more about Naughty Meg and The Christmas Elves at Festive Derby.

Festive Derby Food on the Market Place

A winter excursion is incomplete without indulging in delectable treats. Head to the Market Place and treat your taste buds to a variety of culinary delights. From traditional German sausages cooked over an open fire to loaded fries, crepes, and waffles, the on-site food vendors will satisfy all your festive cravings. Plus, you can enjoy your food inside the warmth of the tipi. Learn more about the culinary offerings at Festive Derby Food on the Market Place.

Visit The Stuart Hotel

After a day filled with winter delights, retreat to the cozy embrace of The Stuart Hotel in Derby. Whether you’re exhausted from the day’s adventures or seeking a relaxing getaway, The Stuart Hotel offers the perfect winter retreat. Take advantage of the Winter Warmer Offer, which includes a one-night stay, Full English breakfast, a welcome snack pack, early check-in and late check-out, and complimentary parking. Book your winter warmer stay now.

Derby is truly a winter haven with a range of activities that cater to all tastes. Whether you are a fan of theatrical spectacles, delicious winter treats, or immersive experiences, Derby winter travel itinerary has something special in store for you this winter. Embrace the season’s magic and create lasting memories with friends and family in this enchanting city.

Love to travel? Discover and book your perfect trip with local insights, travel guides and destination inspiration from AG Hotels Group. Sign up for our newsletters, here.

#luxury hotel #accomodation #hotels and resorts #hotel #hotellife #4 star hotel in derby

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harrietsblogunit4 · 1 year ago

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facts about Chatsworth House: 1. Chatsworth House is located in Derbyshire, England, and is one of the most famous stately homes in the country. 2. It has been the ancestral seat of the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, since 1549. 3. The house is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and extensive art collection. 4. Chatsworth House has been featured in several films and TV shows, including Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess. 5. The estate covers an area of over 1,000 acres, with gardens, woodlands, and a park. 6. Inside the house, you can explore over 30 rooms, including the Painted Hall, Sculpture Gallery, and State Apartments. 7. Chatsworth House hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, attracting visitors from around the world. 8. The estate also offers activities such as walking trails, a farmyard, and a playground for families to enjoy. 9. Chatsworth House has a rich history, with connections to notable figures such as Queen Victoria and the philosopher Voltaire. 10. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of English aristocratic life.

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charlotttee4 · 1 year ago

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The Gardens and Parkland at Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Derwent, surrounded by wooded hills and lush pastureland, on which graze herds of red and fallow deer, as well as flocks of hardy sheep. Much of the grounds are open to the public free of charge and feature beautiful woodland and riverside walks through the Derbyshire countryside.

There are also 105 acres of formal gardens designed by the renowned Capability Brown, the product of nearly 500 years of careful cultivation. Although some points of interest have been replaced to make way for new fashions, the garden retains many early features, including the Canal Pond, the Cascade and the 1st Duke’s Greenhouse.

Visitors of all ages can’t fail to be impressed by the sheer scale of the gardens, from extravagant water features, outdoor sculptures and monumental Victorian rock gardens, to kitchen gardens, sensory trails, and a maze

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wattophotos · 2 years ago

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Curbar Edge Hike In The Peak District.

A must visit place the views are amazing.

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myhauntedsalem · 4 years ago

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Phantom Planes

One compelling sighting was reported in the Cincinnati Post in 1976.

“Butler County, Ohio, deputies discontinued a search yesterday afternoon for a plane which reportedly had crashed in Reily Township near Imhoff and Indian Creek Roads late Wednesday night. Deputies said an amateur radio operator heard what he thought was a distress call from a plane believed to be flying from Oxford to Cincinnati about 11 p.m. About 1:45 a.m. yesterday, George Mosley, 1203 Azel Avenue, Hamilton, his son and two other boys became separated in the same area while coon hunting. During the separation the boys said they saw a white flash in the sky at treetop level, then heard screaming and a crash. Airports in Hamilton and Butler County had no record of any small craft filing a flight plan during those hours. Deputies used a plane and walked the area in search of a downed plane Wednesday night until fog set in on the Reily area. The search was continued yesterday morning and discontinued after nothing was found.”

Another compelling account occurred in Wales in the village of Llangernyw, Denbighshire. As moms were picking up their children after school several stated they were “sent running for cover” as a very old rusty unpainted plane roared close over their heads. They then watched as it dipped at high speed toward the ground in the distance. At the last minute it managed to pull itself up. When these moms inquired after the fate of this plane they were told that no plane was authorized to fly that low to the ground and that a plane of their description would not have been in good enough condition to fly.

Many Phantom Plane sightings have been reported in Britain. Here are several more. An Englishman by the name of Tony Ingle reported his strange experience as he walked down a lane in Derbyshire one evening. He spotted an old-fashioned propeller warplane fly over him close to the ground. He was amazed because this plane made no sound. He watched as it descended quickly then bank to the left and disappear over a hedgerow that was in front of him. Ingle rushed to the spot only to find sheep grazing quietly in the field. There was no wreckage and he stated he felt an eerie silence.

In 1997 in Sheffield Peaks, a group of people spotted yet another old-fashioned propeller warplane flying very low to the ground. They stated they had to duck as it soared close over where they stood. They were all certain they saw this plane crash in the moors. Despite several searches this plane crash was never found. During World War ll this area of the moors witnessed over 50 plane crashes with numerous deaths.

One of the first reported sightings in Britain occurred in 1987 in the North Wales town of Abergele, when several people saw what they described as a very large unmarked “wartime transporter” appear out of no where and then vanish. They reported what they observed to the local airfield but no explanations were ever discovered. Yet another sighting in Britain in June of 1994 occurred when a couple spotted a plane while they drove over the Denbigh Moors. They watched as this plane passed near the front right side of their car—only about 100 feet off the ground. Stunned they saw this plane turn to the right and then “vanish into thin air”.

Another phantom plane was spotted over the Pacific Ocean exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. This plane traveling from Japan was heading toward land. An America airplane was sent up to intercept it. The Americans were surprised to see the plane was shot up on the side and that the plane was actually an American plane– a P-40—the kind attacked at Pearl Harbor the year before. As they closed in on the plane they spotted a pilot slumped over with blood on his face and clothes. When he spotted them he smiled and waved. Alarmed they noticed his landing gear was gone. They watched in horror as this plane lost altitude quickly and crashed into the land below. The wreckage of this plane was found later but no sign of the pilot was ever found. Where this plane came from remains a mystery.

In Montana in the 1950s three women who lived in Ovando saw a plane with smoke trailing behind it drop what they thought were several parachutes. At the same time a young man who lived in the same area of Montana spotted an explosion in the sky near his home. The local police were called out but no wreckage was ever found.

In 1997 in Long Island witnesses in Westbrook reported seeing a single engine plane crash into the water. They were surprised to note that as it hit the surface of the water it made no splash. When they reported what they had seen they were told that no planes were missing. But a search was carried out and no evidence of a plane was found in the water.

#Phantom Planes #paranormal #ghost and hauntings #ghost and spirits

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galfridus1 · 5 years ago

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Metro Blue

For the colour challenge I got this as my prompt. It is called Metro Blue and the colour reminded me of London’s Piccadilly Line.

Here is the story it inspired. Warning for fluffy Banlaine.

With a heave, Elaine hauled her suitcase through the doors of the train, just barely managing to control her momentum so that she did not hurtle to the floor. Gingerly she took a seat, checking her satchel was still around her shoulders and her passport safe in the zipped up pocket of her coat. It was a difficult business getting her large bag to behave but, after a few attempts, she managed to prop it up against her legs so that it was stable but mostly out of the way of the other passengers. She was ready to go.

The Piccadilly Line. Elaine gazed up at the poster where the map of London’s dark blue tube line was displayed. It showed all the many stops between Cockfosters and Heathrow Airport, including the little loop at the end where the trains would go round to Terminal 5 and so back again. It looked like some sort of demented snake and she shuddered a little before forcing herself to look straight ahead. This was an action she regretted instantly. The man opposite her, impossibly tall and sprawling out over the limited space with limbs that looked too long to be real, was leering at her with a lazy grin. His eyes were red and the teeth that stuck through his smile were sharpened to points, like little fangs.

She was just about to turn away from the unsettling sight, maybe to find a book to bury her face in, when the man fished out a brown bottle from the recesses of his coat and drank from it, smacking his lips with appreciation. Was that alcohol? Elaine opened her mouth crossly, then closed it again. Yes, it was illegal to drink on the tube and yes, the man was a despicable oath who ought to be told to stop, but no the person risking themselves should not, she decided, be her. Not on this occasion. So she went back to her initial plan, pulling a slim volume from the shoulder bag that rested next to her on the seat and, checking once more that her suitcase would not cause a nuisance to other passengers. She began to read with earnest, pleased the pages hid her increasingly hot cheeks.

Well this is interesting, the man thought to himself as he examined the woman sitting opposite him. Tube etiquette was that one did not look at other passengers, let alone stare at them, but Ban had never followed the rules. He took the broad in, from the soft, fine blonde hair that fell around her face so that it tickled her shoulders to her short, summer dress and light coat, the pocket of which she tapped nervously every three minutes. But it was her eyes that interested him the most. They were golden and blazing, conveying a strength of will that was totally at odds with her demure posture.

He also knew she hated him. Ban cackled out loud as the woman looked at him furiously, her mouth gaping open. He took another draft of ale smacking his lips with gusto, even though the liquor was not the best. It was hilarious and a challenge he could not pass up. He could tell she wanted nothing more than to tut at him but then talked herself out of it. Every thought in her mind flashed plain across her face. So Ban sank back in his seat, spreading his legs out in front of him so his right foot was just shy of the woman’s enormous pink suitcase and waited for her to lay into him.

But she ignored him. They passed through three stations, Ban inching his foot closer to her at each one, and still she just read. He cocked his head to one side, peering at the book in her hands. Pride and Prejudice. He snickered. A girl like that would read something old and stuffy. All pretence at stealth gone, Ban knocked his foot quite deliberately against the bright pink case so that the back of it rammed into the prim lady’s legs.

“Hey!” exclaimed the girl, her blazing eyes once more pointed in his direction. “What are you doing?”

Ban grinned, making sure his canines were on show. “Sorry~” he drawled as he raised his hands in mock surrender, chuckling a little to see the girl flinch.

[[READ MORE]]

“So you should be!” The girl looked at him, eyes like pointed daggers, before sucking in a deep breath. “Apology accepted,” she muttered more to herself than to him, before her face fell once more into the pages of her book.

Elaine was furious. Livid. And a little upset. She considered moving seat to get away from the uncouth man, but over the course of her journey the tube had slowly started to fill up with passengers. Now they were at Green Park and a whole host of people pooled as one onto the train. Within moments, every seat and spare patch of ground was occupied and the way to the door barred by several rather solid looking bodies. She was stuck. With the man. Though at least there were many others now with her, she comforted herself. Enough to subdue him should he turn violent.

Elaine grit her teeth and made herself mutter something about accepting the oaf’s apology, then attempted to lose herself in the wonders of Mr Darcy’s Derbyshire estate. And it worked. For a while. Then the man actually leaned forwards, the top of him pressing into her personal space. “What do you want?” she snapped at him.

“What do any of us want?” The man spread his legs out even more in front of him and Elaine cringed back into her seat.

Her nails dug into the palms of her hands and she was just about to bark out some angry retort when the man added, “I just wanted to talk, but I’ll leave you be if you’re busy…”

Elaine looked into the man’s eyes. He’s being sincere, she thought to herself. She could see loneliness in the depths of his, one she was more than a little familiar with. “What’s your name?” she whispered in spite of herself.

“Ban~” said he lazily, leaning back with a grin. “And yours?”

“My name’s Elaine,” she found herself saying.

Ban smiled. Finally he was getting somewhere. “Elaine, huh? That’s nice. And where are you flying to?”

“How did you know…”

Ban grinned again. “You’ve got the biggest suitcase I’ve ever seen and you’re going to Heathrow. It wasn’t hard.”

He watched as Elaine’s shoulders fell a little and she gave a tentative smile, then to his surprise, she stowed her book away in her bag. “I’m going on an adventure,” she said in a bit of a whisper. “I’ve… not travelled much,” she admitted and his brows raised. Apparently once she started the girl could not stop. “But I think it’s time. My brother’s left home and I’ve no responsibilities anymore. I thought I’d go and see the world…” She trailed off, blushing slightly before her eyes looked directly into Ban’s. “I’m going to see an old school friend who’s moved to Rome but… I don’t know if this is such a good idea.”

“Why not?” asked Ban, finding he was genuinely interested.

“Well, I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s not me,” she insisted, her round eyes wide and pleading. “I’ve always been the responsible one, the one who stayed at home and looked after our parents while my brother… did not…” She blushed, her gaze falling to where she could watch her fingers lacing together in her lap.

“I see.”

Elaine looked up to find Ban looking at her kindly, all trace of the teasing smile gone from his features. “I understand,” he said softly. “I lost my family too.”

Elaine nodded, swallowing around the lump in her throat. “It feels wrong,” she whispered. There was a pause as the train burst out from the tunnel and into the light, the sudden sunlight enough of a distraction to help her stem the tears that had threatened.

“It feels wrong to be enjoying yourself? Or trying to?” Elaine nodded again, then fished in her bag to retrieve a tissue. “I get it,” said Ban as she blew her nose. “It does get easier.”

“What happened to your parents?” Elaine asked, chastising herself inwardly as Ban shook his head.

“I’d like to tell you, but this is the end of the line,” Ban drawled as the train pulled to a stop, a female voice floating over the tannoy asking passengers to check they had all their belongings before leaving the train. “We’re at the airport and you’re going to Rome.”

Before Elaine could protest, Ban picked up her bag with such ease she had to do a double take. She followed him in silence as they followed the signs for Departures, stopping by boutiques selling SIM cards and maps of the capital. “Here we are!” Ban declared as they made it into the terminal building, plonking her bag down on the shiny marble tiles.

“Thank… Oh!” Elaine felt her stomach fall as she registered the persistent rumble of annoyance in the background and the milling crowds of passengers all with cross faces. She looked up at the electronic display, her heart racing as she realised all the flight numbers were listed in red, the word ‘cancelled’ showing next to almost all of the listed departures, including her flight for Rome. “What’s going on?” she asked in a daze.

“Computer failure,” a gruff old man barked as he passed her. “It’s messed up air traffic control. All European flights are grounded until tomorrow. They’re telling us all to go home or get hotels,” he complained and Elaine followed his gaze to a group of uniformed officials with harassed expressions who were surrounded on all sides by angry people.

“I guess it’s fate,” she whispered. “I’ll go home. Thank you, Ban. I’ll take these back… hey what are you doing?” she yelled as Ban picked up her suitcase and began to walk away. He did not stop and she had to trot to keep up with him. “Hey! What…”

“There’s no flights right? So I’m taking you for a coffee,” Ban said as she drew up alongside him. He smiled down at her, and for the first time she appreciated just how tall he really was. “These things tend to work out when you relax.”

Elaine frowned. “But… don’t you have to get a flight too? You should go and see if it’s cancelled.”

“Nah, I was supposed to get off at Kensington,” Ban confessed as he rubbed the back of his head. “My mate’s got a bar there. The Boar Hat. He’s looking for a chef, but he’s going to hire me, he won’t mind if I’m late. Now, let’s get coffee.”

Elaine felt her pulse quicken as Ban held out his free hand for her to take, their fingers twisting together as he led her away.

Ban turned towards the girl holding his hand. This is the best day of my life, his heart sang as she gave him a tentative smile.

#nnt #ban #elaine #banlaine #colour challenge #fanfiction #long post

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cricketjames · 6 years ago

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A Past Remembered - Part I

A/N: It has always bothered me that Diana refuses to write the backstory of her own leading lady, so this is my attempt to remedy that. That being said, be patient. It’s going to take a few (though not many) parts/chapters for things to connect!

Part I

Eyam, Derbyshire - 30, June 1666

He idly traced the veins on the back of her hand as they sat together, staring into the distance as the sunlight waned around them, a bright beam breaking through the tree cover here and there. She wanted to say something to break the silence. Something, anything would be better than the cloud that hung around them. She opened her mouth to speak, then snapped it closed again. What could she possibly say to make this any better?

They watched as Mompesson and Stanley walked cautiously down the path out of town, a cadre of three men following in their wake. They stopped at the break in the road to kneel near the well. She saw Mompesson’s hand disappear into his coat pocket and then drop something - coins most likely - into the well while Stanley and their companions hoisted large bags onto their shoulders before turning to come from whence they came.

“Looks like there wasn’t a lot today,” she mused in a hushed whisper.

“Lizzie, hush,” he breathed back. She scowled at her hands. They technically weren’t breaking any of the rules. The wooded area atop the hill they sat on was well within the boundary line of the town. Not to mention Stanley was deaf as a post and Mompesson was too wrapped up in his do-gooding to notice the breath of a whisper from a scared girl carried toward him on the wind.

They watched as the motley crew ambled back toward town, slower now as they were burdened by the weight of their parcels. As they reached the crest of the hill and headed down toward the village, she felt Thomas breathe deeply as he dropped his head to his bent knees.

“May I speak now? Or has Stanley suddenly the hearing of owl and will suss us out of our hiding place post haste?” Lizzie asked, attempting to make Thomas crack a smile. She hadn’t seen him smile in so many weeks - months, even.

He shot her a look, then inclined his head for her to continue. She laced her fingers with his where they rested on his knee.

“As I was saying, it doesn’t look like the good people of Derbyshire were able to spare much from their surely overflowing stores today.”

“They do what they can. We’re lucky Mompesson had the forethought to arrange the exchange.”

“Oh yes, let us praise the great Mompesson. He’s the reason we’re all trapped in this town like rats on a sinking ship.”

Thomas cut his eyes at her, “There’s no need, Lizzie.”

She huffed out a breath, and pushed the hair that had escaped from her cap out of her face. She knew she was being harsh, but didn’t the situation warrant it? Mompesson had all but signed their death notices when he had closed the town. Now he stood, preaching not inside the church but in the open air in the courtyard - heaven forbid the man be trapped indoors with the potential carriers - about how all townsfolk must persevere and trust in the Lord so that they all be saved. Thomas gave her hand a comforting squeeze before standing and pulling her to her feet.

“How many today?” she asked quietly, as they picked their way back through the woods toward town. Her query was met with silence and a stony face.

“Thomas? How many today? This week? Isn’t anyone keeping count?” She was growing agitated. Lizzie stopped walking, tugging on his hand to force Thomas to turn around and face her. “You aren’t protecting me, Thomas. I asked. I want to know. How many?”

“Five,” he answered, plainly. “Five this week. Edward Thornley, Ann Skidmore, Jane Townend, Emmott Heald, and John Swann,” he ticked off the names on his fingers as he counted.

She blanched at the list and allowed him to pull her along down the path.

“The Thornleys have lost two. The Skidmores three…” he quietly recited as they walked.

She closed her eyes, “Jane. That’s the Townend’s youngest. She was only two…no, three. They celebrated her birthday just past Christmas…” her voice trailed off. “Emmott and Mary Heald’s children are now orphaned and Elizabeth Swann…”

“Pregnant with their first child,” he finished for her. He dropped her hand to rub at his eyes with the heels of his hands. “There’s at least a dozen more in the village with the pustules. I thought we were coming to the end. We seemed to lose less in the winter and now…if I’ve kept count we’ve lost more in one month than we did the entirety of the five before.”

She knew his count was right. How could it not be? Thomas being one of the few able bodied and illness- free men left in the village had been all but pressed into service to assist in the burial of the dead. It was a gruesome task, and she worried for him daily. He wouldn’t let her come near him after a burial. He had been given a reprieve for the last two days, a small blessing from Mompesson.

He stopped walking at the crest of the hill, staring down into the village. His eyes were fixed on the church, but his gaze was far away. She could almost see the wheels turning in his mind.

“Love, what are you thinking?” she asked, laying a hand on his arm. He shook his head, his eyes not leaving the church.

“You can tell me, you know. You can tell me anything. I promise I won’t faint or run screaming,” again, trying to make him smile.

He pursed his lips and nodded twice before turning to her and taking her hands in his.

“You have to go.”

She blinked owlishly at him, her brown eyes darkening in confusion.

“Go? Go where? Mompesson closed the town. We can’t go anywhere. Are you feeling…” she reached out to touch his forehead instinctively.

He dodged her hand with a feint to the right before snatching her hand out of midair and grasping it between both of his own.

“Lizzie. You have to. You’ve got to go. Get out of here. We’ll take a few days and figure it out. There has to be a way. You can’t stay here.”

“What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere,” she tried to pull her hand back and only succeeded in making him pull her closer.

“You are.”

“No. I’m not,” she said, clipping her words and snatching her hand away from his. “Are you crazy? I’m not going ANYWHERE, Thomas. I’m staying right here.”

“You will go. You’ll do as I say and go. Save yourself and…”

“And what, Thomas? Did you just conveniently remember that I’m currently carrying your child? Where the hell,” she started.

“Elizabeth.”

“Where the HELL,” she continued, “am I supposed to go? Am I to go to Grindleford? Or perhaps to Abney? Or, no, wait, maybe you expect me to somehow get myself all the way to Sheffield ON MY OWN with no aid. Thomas, everyone anywhere closer to Sheffield knows me. They know I am your WIFE. How am I to explain how, or forget how - WHY I left the village? I’ll be a pariah or just outright killed in the street. Who will miss one more poor victim from Eyam? My name will just go down in the ledgers as one more victim of the sickness, struck down at the ripe age of twenty three!” Sshe threw her hands in the air and then stalked a few paces away, hands on her hips and breathing hard. “I will not leave you here. I cannot. What you’re asking me to do is leave my entire heart here, in Eyam and go…somewhere. Wherever I went, I wouldn’t have you - or even KNOWLEDGE of your wellbeing! Don’t you see that would be impossible for me? You wouldn’t be able to do it either!”

Thomas ran his hands through his sandy hair, making the shorter bits at the crown of his head stand up in disarray.

“I don’t know what else to do! All I do know is that I cannot lose you!” Hihis voice was just this side of yelling - a volume Lizzie had yet to hear in their time together. She closed her eyes and didn’t turn to face him. Her sweet, mild mannered, green eyed boy who was loathe to raise his voice to anything, let alone her, had transformed in the span of what felt like the longest days of her life.

“I don’t know what else to do,” he said again, softer. She heard the thump of his weight hit the ground as he sat heavily. She turned and her heart broke all over again. He looked so broken, head between his knees and hands clasped at the nape of his neck. She went to him, her skirts billowing around her as she sank to her knees beside him, pressing a kiss to his clasped hands before resting her forehead against his shoulder.

“We don’t have to figure it out now,” she whispered. “Not yet.”

“But…”

“No. We’re going to go home, eat dinner, I’ll help your mother finish the mending and then we’ll go to bed. Together. We’ll wake up tomorrow, together. We’ll go about our days, together. Until it’s bad enough that we cannot see a way out - together.”

He unlaced his fingers and turned to face her, a small smile peeking through the dark clouds that composed his face.

“You’re a stubborn fool, you know that?”

She smiled and nudged his shoulder with hers, “Yes. But I’m your fool, and you’re mine. In sickness and in health. If this doesn’t qualify as sickness, I don’t know what does.”

He shook his head, standing and helping her to her feet.

Eyam, Derbyshire - 8, August 1666

Even the air around her seemed heavy. With the windows boarded and the door only opened to admit food and water - neither on any sort of schedule - the heat of the fire in the hearth only added to the intense feeling of suffocation. It seemed every inch of the house was taken by someone - or something. For a time it seemed as though something was working. What, she wasn’t sure entirely, but something seemed to be making headway against the relentless onslaught of death, even if that headway was only a drop in the proverbial bucket. She had gone outside, even in the blistering cold just months ago, to feel alive, even if only momentarily. Now, with the change of the season, that luxury was gone until the cold breath of winter crept upon the village again or until the Almighty intervened.Truth be told, she wasn’t entirely sure she would live to see this winter, nor was she positive she wanted to. It seemed the Lord had forgotten about this tiny place. This dot on the map that she was positive would go down in history as the place where one man with a savior complex condemned an entire village in one fell swoop.

How had they all agreed? They had watched him, proselytizing behind the pulpit that Sunday only weeks ago. Sandwiched between the doxology and benediction, he had told them, with Thomas Stanley sitting sedate in the first pew, of his plan to save them all.

She closed her eyes and could hear his words, forever etched on her subconscious, rattle around inside her exhausted brain.

“We must do our part to save our neighbor. As put forth in the book of Mark, twelfth chapter and thirty first verse: ’The second is this: Love thy neighbor as thyself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ It is our duty as brothers and sisters in Christ to protect those around us from this scourge, save them from the horrors that we ourselves have borne witness to. It is through faith, and faith alone, that Eyam shall survive. Beginning on this day, the twenty fourth of June in the year of our Lord 1666, Eyam will no longer be open. None shall pass the boundary stone to enter or exit the town. Let this scourge end here, with us.”

In Lizzie’s opinion, the man was a stupid git - a damn fool if she wanted to be precise about it. These were thoughts she had trained herself to keep inside. No woman in Eyam would ever speak out against the rector outside of the whispering of bedfellows. Even then, Lizzie mused, it would shock her mightily if Elizabeth, her soft spoken and kind hearted mother-in-law, would have ever breathed a negative word about Mompesson OR Stanley to John.

Lizzie’s hands ached along with her back, the opened blisters weeping against her skirts as she sat staring at the wood of the table, mind blank except for panic and disbelief that this was all really happening. They had buried John and Elizabeth just four days ago - four! - and in the morning they would lay to rest two more. She did not wish ill on anyone in the household, but truth be told she felt that it was unlikely Young John would live to see morning. His breathing had been unsteady all day, leaving those that remained in the home watching, waiting, and worrying. They had lost four already, one more would surely devastate Elizabeth.

Her eyes cast to the corner where Elizabeth sat, dutifully mending a shirt of John the Elder’s that had been rent at the shoulder weeks earlier. She puzzled at the futility of the exercise, given the owner had been buried four days ago by the hands of herself, Elizabeth, and tiny, fragile Anne who was barely big enough to hold a spade upright - let alone help carry her father’s body.

Dearest John. It was hard to reconcile the big, burly man who had been such a presence in the home for the entirety of the time Lizzie had been in Eyam was…gone. From the first sign of the sickness - the dark, inflamed area the size of a grape just beneath his right ear - to burial in less than two days. The house felt empty without him, despite the unrelenting sensation of being crammed in on all sides.

After the edict came that families were to bury their own dead, Thomas and Oner had taken to helping other families with the heart wrenching task. The cemetery was full and families were turning to open pasture - ownership be damned - to lay their beloved to rest. Elizabeth had chosen a small patch of earth for their family, not far from the home they shared. Everything was happening too quickly for any of the traditional burial rites to occur. There were few headstones, most final resting places marked with a rough hewn wooden cross or a sizable stone with initials and two dates - dates that were often far too close together - so that any surviving relatives, if there were any, could one day replace the makeshift markers with something more permanent. Watching tiny Alice, at the tender age of seven, carefully etch her own father’s name and dates of life into a stone too heavy for her to carry had almost ended Lizzie on the spot.

That night, Thomas had again begged her to leave, to sneak out of the city while she was still able under the cover of darkness. He had pleaded with her - literally on his hands and knees to go, leave and save herself and the child.

But she couldn’t. How could she leave when all she cared about in the world was here in this tiny village? She knew things. It was true her knowledge was vague - but it was still knowledge! Surely, even the most limited grasp of what was happening to the village would be of use and could help in some way. She had held onto the hope that something she was doing would help. She made all uninfected members of the family wash as thoroughly as they could daily. She kept the small home swept and the floor clear of debris, trying desperately to not allow any sort of pest inside the home lest anyone else fall ill. She and Elizabeth burned the clothing and bedding of the deceased, despite the knowledge that those possessions could be of use to the family and would not be easily, if ever, replaced. The family had survived, and dare she say even moderately thrived, the entire ten months prior. How could they have gone so long without losing anyone when entire families were disappearing all around her? It seemed they were in a small oasis, untouched by the plague that raged around them. She did all she knew to do, all she could do given the resources around her. She’d never seen plague before - it had been gone for so long that she hadn’t even spared a thought to consider it. If she had, could she have saved them all? Would it have mattered? Why hadn’t she been affected?

She didn’t have time, or the energy if she was being completely honest with herself, to entertain the thought for long. The day had been long. Unending. Horrible. What little amount of space she had in her head for conscious thought was really focused on one thing and one thing only.

Thomas.

Her sweet, sandy haired Thomas.

Gone.

Stolen away from her in the darkest hours of the night when her eyes had slipped shut only briefly. She would never forgive herself, ever, for allowing her guard to slip and the sleep deprivation she had been fighting for over a week take over. Unlike his father, he hadn’t been taken quickly. The death toll had not abated in the days after the town had been insulated. If anything, the numbers had grown exponentially with the town burying as many as eight people in a single day. There was not a single day that went by that a life wasn’t lost, a loved one wasn’t laid forever to rest. Lizzie felt like a fool for thinking that somehow she and Thomas would escape, that they would somehow, someway, make it through this darkness and live a life of peace and happiness on the other side. Now all she could see was darkness, ever present and pressing down on her from all sides.

Eyam, Derbyshire - 13, August 1666

There was nothing left. The house, which had once felt large and full of life in comparison to Lizzie’s former home, was completely empty. Devoid of any of the charm and character that once had delighted her, thrilled her, and welcomed her into its warm familial embrace.

Elizabeth sat across the table, staring at a slice of bread. The table between them stretched far too big for two people, having once comfortably sat twelve. Nothing moved outside - animal or human. The animals of Riley farm long since sacrificed to feed a starving family. The only two souls left alive on this patch of earth were Lizzie and Elizabeth. Two Elizabeths. Lizzie had long known that her name, according to both her mother and the parish priest, bore the meaning of consecrated to God. How could she ever have known how literal that meaning would come to be?

Elizabeth pushed the plate and untouched bread away from her and looked up at Lizzie.

“You have to go,” she said quietly.

Lizzie blinked at her, surely she must have misheard her.

“Pardon?”

“You have to go,” Elizabeth repeated.

“I…I’m not…” Lizzie stammered, unsure of the intent of her mother-in-law’s words.

“I spoke to Thomas,” Elizabeth continued. Lizzie’s eyes bugged and Elizabeth allowed the beginnings of a smirk to show in the lines of her weary face. “Before. I spoke to Thomas before he...He told me that if there came a time that it seemed all was lost that I must force you to go.”

Lizzie was silent, her jaw dropped leaving her mouth slightly open as she tried to process Elizabeth’s words. She shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs, “Thomas and I spoke of it too, just after the town was closed. I told him I wasn’t going, and I’ll say the same to you.”

“There is nothing keeping you here,” Elizabeth said softly, standing and crossing around the table to sit next to Lizzie.

“You! You are here!” Lizzie said, a tinge of panic creeping into her voice.

Elizabeth sighed, her eyes slipping closed, as she reached out to caress the younger woman’s cheek.

“Lizzie, I’m an old woman who has lost almost everything I cared about in this world. I buried my husband and six children and yet bear no symptom of this pestilence myself. The only thing left in this world that I care about is you and the child you carry.” Lizzie blinked rapidly, a hand dropping to her stomach. “Thomas told me, though I had my own suspicions.”

“That rat,” Lizzie breathed.

“He never was able to keep much of a secret,” Elizabeth mused. “He was always the first to inform me of his brothers’ wrongdoings and would almost always betray his own secrets in the process.”

“That sounds like my Thomas.”

Elizabeth smiled, a true smile, and rested her hand on top of Lizzie’s. “If I can do one thing right in this time of hell on Earth, let it be saving you and the child. Just knowing that you’re gone from this place and safe would let me rest my weary bones. Let me go to my grave knowing that there is someone out there who carries on the memory of our family and doesn’t let our existence fall to dust and escape on the wind.”

“I just…” Lizzie started, her breath catching in her throat as a sob threatened to escape.

“It is what Thomas wanted, it is what I want, and I know if John were with us he would be telling you to go as well. If you look inside, I think it is what you want, too.”

Lizzie gave a quick jerk of her head in assent, almost not by her own volition, as tears ran freely down her face and neck, pooling on her collarbones.

“We’ll come up with a plan, you and I. No one will think much of two ladies alone in this big house. We have time - though not a lot, a day at most - to put things in order. I’ll help you as much as I can.”

“But what will you do?” Lizzie asked, forcefully wiping at the tears that refused to stop flowing, stemming the running of her nose with the back of her hand.

“Manage. It’s what mothers do. You’ll learn that one day soon. Now, let us clear this table and sleep. Our beloved will visit us in dreams and we’ll set about determining the next step forward in the morning.”

Lizzie nodded, sniffing one last time and wiping her eyes on the hem of her skirt. The ladies cleared the two plates and two cups in silence, stowing the untouched bread back in the cupboard. As they bid their goodnights and turned to retire to their own sleeping areas, Lizzie turned back.

“Elizabeth?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Thank you.”

#outlander fanfiction #outlander fanfic #claire fraser #no you aren't high - i'm back

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the-ashford-arms · 7 months ago

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Discover the top 10 attractions in Ashford-in-the-Water with our exclusive guide. From picturesque nature trails to historic sites, this list covers essential destinations for every visitor. Explore quaint tea rooms, stunning riverside walks, and the rich heritage of this charming village. Perfect for travellers planning a memorable trip to one of Derbyshire’s most scenic locales.

#Ashford-in-the-Water attractions #things to do in Ashford #Derbyshire tourism #travel guide #scenic spots in Ashford #historic sites Ashford #nature trails Derbyshire

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vixxscifiwritings · 6 years ago

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The Foxglove Meadow (8/?)

Summary - In which a single summer in Derbyshire becomes a learning experience for the people involved. In which Wonshik finds his love is not who he expected it to be, Taekwoon struggles with coming to terms with his past while finding he can love again, Jaehwan parts with a long standing affection, Minah learns how society influences lives in a way that’s complicated and Haneul learns that sensibility is harder practiced than preached.

Story Masterpost

Tag List - @blossomtearsleo @tomatoholmes @merlionmen @seraphistols @k-craze-97

Chapter 8 - Of Things To Come

"You look thoughtful" Minah said, getting into bed next to Haneul. The candle had long since burnt out and the book in her lap lay forgotten. A closer inspection revealed that the book was upside down, a sight very uncharacteristic of her cousin.

"I have a lot to think about" Haneul told her. She put the book away and lay down as well.

"Perhaps you'd like to talk about it?" Minah asked her gently. Haneul shook her head, opting to pull the blanket over her. Minah nodded, understanding that her cousin wasn't verbose when it came to her troubles.

"I don't want to marry Lee Jaehwan" she spoke silently.

"Lee Jaehwan?! Did he already propose?" Minah asked her.

"He hasn't. But I can see that our parents are very enthusiastic about it and knowing Jaehwan..." she trailed off.

"You think he likes you?" Minah asked her.

"I think... that he is rather attentive and affectionate to me but only because we were childhood friends long ago" she explained.

"Or it is quite possible that he loves you for who you are now. And why is that a bad thing?" Minah asked.

"He barely knows me Minah. He remembers Haneul who was fourteen and would run around in the countryside to play with him. He doesn't know who I am as a woman. His affections are misplaced and to not disabuse him of the notion would be to deceive him" Haneul said, clutching onto her pillow.

"And... I don’t think I will ever love him more than a friend or a close brother" she added, taking a deep breathe.

Minah let out a sigh. "Do you think, that perhaps you don't like Jaehwan or can't think of him in a romantic way because you might like someone else?" she asked carefully. Haneul frowned at Minah, not knowing what she was suggesting.

"Someone like Jung Taekwoon?" Minah asked out right for she had never been one to mince her words.

"Why would you think that?" Haneul asked, her eyes widening at the prospect of it.

"It's no secret that he is attentive to you. And he is a handsome and rich man who decidedly seeks you out for goodbyes. Maybe you aren't engaged but I wouldn't be wrong in assuming that a formal courtship wasn't far" Minah reasoned.

"You are mistaken Minah. He has never made any such intentions known to me. If he had any designs of marrying, no, courting me then they have been purely his own with no encouragement from me or my behaviour" Haneul refuted.

"Consecutive dances and solitary walks together are hardly indicative of lack of interest" Minah pointed out.

"I assure you that I remain unaware of any such engagement and I doubt even the slightest possibility of such a proposal" Haneul told her.

"For shame.You might be breaking a heart even if you don't know it" Minah sighed.

"It is rather awful isn't it. Jung Taekwoon was rather handsome and charitable in character" Haneul conceded in a whisper. The two girls giggled trying to stifle the noise in the pillows. They stopped after a while, letting silence reign.

"Why don't you give Jaehwan a chance? If it really isn't meant to be then you can reject the engagement proposal" Minah told her.

"It isn't that easy. I have no reason to say no save my lack of affections. Our families our close, Jaehwan is a good man who will keep me very happy" Haneul told her.

"People learn to love each other in time. That's what Mama says" Minah told her.

"Perhaps-" Haneul stopped, cut off by the door to their room opening. It was Sanghyuk, in his nightwear, rubbing his eyes and walking into the room.

"What's the matter Sanghyuk?" Minah asked, diverted by the interruption.

"I can't sleep" he told her with a pout.

"Why not?" Haneul asked with a frown.

"Just can't" he replied with a shrug.

"Come sleep with us then" Minah said, making room between her and Haneul. Sanghyuk climbed up and lay down between them, immediately hugging Minah and falling asleep.

"So much for not being sleepy" Minah laughed silently. Haneul just shook her head and gently stroked his head. After a while they could hear his breathing slow down and Minah yawned herself. Haneul shifted to stroking her hair and humming a lullaby for the two.

"Jaesuk has written to invite all of us to a private ball" Hyunshik told the family the next afternoon.

"A private ball? I was under the assumption that the ball was to be public" Minjun said, frowning slightly.

"I felt the same my dear but it isn't so. Also, Younhee has requested the presence of the entire family. Including Minah and Sanghyuk" he pointed out.

Haneul snuck a glance at her mother. She knew her father had asked her mother this in company so she couldn't say no. But that didn't mean that her mother was pleased by it.

"When is it?" Minjun asked before saying anything.

"In ten days' time" Hyunshik told them.

"I suppose that means you both will need clothes. I am not sure that Minah has a proper gown or a proper shirt for Sanghyuk was brought along" she said. A lot more was implied in her manner but never voiced and it was a small victory for Hyunshik.

"Excellent. I believe Haneul and Soojung can accompany the two to the town to visit the seamstresses" he told them.

"Indeed Papa" Haneul agreed. She looked around but Soojung wasn't here yet

"That's settled then. I shall reply to Jaesuk promptly" Hyunshik said happily. Minjun went back to her knitting and Haneul to her bonnet and ribbons. She was happy that Minah was coming along as well. But she didn’t know what to do about Jaehwan.

It was a unique problem.

She didn't want to be quick to judge. His affections were not unwelcome but something didn't quite feel right about it. Haneul just couldn't justify what she had told Minah last night. She dreaded the meeting because she didn't know what to do when she did meet him.

“Mama” she started hesitantly.

“Yes dear?” Minjun asked.

“Mama, what do you think of Lee Jaehwan?” Haneul asked her.

“What am I supposed to think of him?” Minjun asked her, putting her knitting away and concentrating on Haneul.

“As a person. He seems quite friendly and I do not know what to make of it” Haneul confessed honestly.

“Jaehwan is a polite boy. He is friendly and you two have always been close. Do you have a reason to suspect his behaviour?” Minjun asked her.

“No. I suppose not” Haneul lied.

“I see. Well he is a good mannered gentleman. A sweet and jovial temper too. He would keep any woman happy” Minjun told her.

“One can see that his character is pre disposed to keep the people he loves happy” Haneul agreed.

“You must be grateful to be amongst the ones he does favour” Minjun said, probing for something.

“I am grateful for his continued friendship. I was rather surprised that he asked for me” Haneul told her.

“I thought it was because of your continued correspondence” Minjun said.

“I assumed so as well. But… we barely know each other as we are now. I remember a younger Jaehwan who would always pull on my braids when we played and he remembers a Haneul who would follow him along because she was start struck by adventure. We are different people now” Haneul explained.

“Is that a bad thing? And what prevents you two from increasing this knowledge now?” Minjun asked.

Haneul bit her lip before going back to her bonnet. It had been finished long ago and she had been fiddling with it because she had been restless since her discussion with Minah last night.

“Invite him for tea. Write to him today and invite him to lunch after the Sunday mass day after. Such an acquaintance would only be beneficial” Minjun advised.

“I will. Perhaps I can ask Chanhun to take the note along with Papa’s reply” Haneul agreed.

Minjun watched her get up and walk towards the study. This was a good sign. Haneul had been thinking about Jaehwan and if what she had understood from his actions was correct, Haneul would be spoken for before the season ended. And the Lees were good people. Haneul would be happy. And this brightened her day considerably.

"Papa, you have a calling card" Haneul said, holding out a note. Chanhun had accidentally given her the card along with her letters.

"A calling card? Are we expecting someone to return to town any time?" Minjun asked.

"Not that I remember dear. Perhaps we have new neighbours. There are many cottages yet to be let out on the Chatsworth Estate" Hyunshik said taking the card.

"I believe it is Kim Wonshik’s family. I saw him in a carriage in town yesterday when we went to the seamstress" Minah told Haneul.

"Yeah! He was with a lady who looked a lot like him. Maybe a sister" Sanghyuk agreed.

"And lo behold, you are correct. Wonshik has written to announce the arrival of his mother and a younger sister. He has extended an invitation to tea any time we are free next week" Hyunshik summarised.

"We have no engagements next week save Thursday tea with the Oh family and the ball on Friday" Minjun remembered.

"I believe you are dining with Jaehwan on Monday too Haneul" Soojung put in.

"That's today Ma'am. He had prior commitments on the day of so I invited him here tonight" Haneul told her.

"Tonight! I was under the impression it was tomorrow" Minjun frowned.

"I've already instructed the staff for dinner Mama. And the maids are to do a thorough cleaning of the rooms on the ground floor in the afternoon as well" Haneul told her.

"That is a relief. I believe you will spoil your mother this way" Hyunshik laughed.

"As it should be so. Haneul must learn to take care of her own household soon enough" Minjun said with a sniff.

"But we must reply to the invitation. Perhaps Tuesday evening tea?" Hyunshik suggested.

"I would find it favourable indeed. We can order some fine tea cakes from the bakery" Minjun nodded to herself.

"Are we to meet them on Tuesday then?" Sanghyuk asked. "If they agree then probably" Minah told him.

"I believe it is time for your lessons then" Soojung said, causing Sanghyuk to complain. Hyunshik laughed as Minah made no attempt to placate her brother.

"If you will excuse me I will make sure everything is going fine for dinner tonight" Haneul said excusing herself from the room.

"I must compliment your choices Mrs Kim. The food was delicious" Jaehwan said with a broad smile.

"Haneul chose the courses for dinner tonight Jaehwan. And please you can call me Minjun" Minjun said happily.

"I just remembered earlier today that you liked freshwater fish" Haneul added. "I am glad you did" he replied.

"Maybe we can retire to the drawing room for some coffee and cards" Hyunshik suggested.

"I was hoping to take a walk through the gardens. There is a rather cool breeze and it hasn't rained in a few days" Jaehwan told him.

"That will be more fun! And Jaehwan can tell me more stories from university" Sanghyuk cheered.

"Perhaps later Hyuk. Jaehwan will be here for a while. He can tell you stories on a later date. Haneul likes to walk after dinner as well. Maybe she can accompany you" Minah said. Minjun nodded in agreement.

Haneul froze when Jaehwan looked at her. "If you're not tired or unwilling.." he trailed off.

"I'd love to accompany you" she said hastily. Jaehwan nodded to himself. He got up with the rest of the family. They lingered behind till everyone was out before walking to the gardens.

"Haneul?" Jaehwan called gingerly.

"Yes Jaehwan?" she asked him.

"I am afraid that I haven't been honest to you about my intentions" he said stopping in the path. They stopped in the center of the garden, with the small fountain behind them.

"I don't know what you could possibly mean by that" Haneul said turning away from him and walking to the flower beds.

"Haneul. Surely you must know by now" Jaehwan started hesitantly.

"I cannot if you won't say it Jaehwan. I couldn't possibly know" she replied. Her heart was beating fast and she knew he knew she was lying. The unspoken possibility had hung in the air between them for a very long time.

"We've been friends for a very long time Haneul. And for some time now, I have felt more for you than just friendship" Jaehwan said. He took her hand boldly, causing Haneul to step back.

"You've grown lovelier than I remember you to be. My feelings for you have grown stronger after I saw how kind and beautiful you really are. And I must ask you if you feel the same" he asked without reservations.

"Jaehwan. I don't know what to say" Haneul started hesitantly.

"I feel honoured that you hold me in such high regard but I ..." she trailed off uncertainly. This confession was too sudden. She didn't know how to respond to his strong words. She had spent days thinking of what was to be said in this exact situation but she had no idea to phrase her thoughts.

"I suppose this is too sudden a revelation" Jaehwan said, noting her uncertainty. Haneul nodded, unsure of what to do.

"I need some time to think" she requested.

"I figured as much. Do you think... would you allow me to bias the answer in my favour?" he asked her. Haneul looked up to find him smiling softly at her. He leaned, kissing her gently in her lips. A simple peck but it was too bold. It assumed too much.

"Jaehwan we shouldn't" Haneul said pulling away from him.

"Right. Forgive me. But promise me that you will think about it?" he asked her. Haneul nodded and the two of them continued their walk. For now all she could think of was his question.

#story: foxglove meadow #vixx fanfiction #i swear this story isn't dead

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aghotel · 1 year ago

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Scenic Viewpoints in Huddersfield You Can Not Miss

Huddersfield is truly blessed with an abundance of options when it comes to marvelling at beautiful vistas. Nestled within the exquisite landscape of Yorkshire, which is often referred to as “God’s own county,” the town boasts some of the most picturesque views within the region. If you’re seeking splendid locations for a picnic or a day out, be sure to include the following scenic viewpoints in Huddersfield on your must-visit list.

Castle Hill:

Castle HillRising more than 300 metres above sea level and commanding a vantage point over Huddersfield, Castle Hill stands as a grand spectacle. This locale provides an awe-inspiring setting for a leisurely picnic with your loved ones. The site, a designated ancient monument, is crowned by the Grade II-listed Victoria Tower on its summit. During the summer holidays and on most weekends, the tower opens its doors to the public. Castle Hill holds the distinction of being an ideal spot to bask in the enchanting sunset amidst open surroundings, accompanied by music and cherished company.

Top Tip: The path narrows as you ascend towards the summit. Hence, it’s advisable to park your vehicle in the lower parking area and explore the view on foot.

Pule Hill: Pule HillPule Hill offers gratifying panoramas from its trails across the Moors. Commencing from the charming village of Marsden, the journey to this hill caters to a memorable day out, encompassing vast expanses of open moorland and panoramic views from the pinnacle of the Pennines. The entire trail presents an excellent terrain for walking and running, with a variety of route options and distances to choose from. Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with a splendid platform to admire vistas extending over Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Pro Tip: The most convenient parking area is at the National Trust car park near the canal and Marsden railway station. Be sure to peruse the maps outlining various routes in the vicinity.

Holme Moss: Holme MossHolme Moss, an iconic ascent in the British hill-climbing tradition, has hosted significant racing events such as the Tour of Britain and the now-defunct Leeds Classic. Situated 11 miles to the south of Huddersfield on the border between Yorkshire and Derbyshire, this high moorland route follows the course of the river Holme, ascending gently through Holmfirth and gaining an altitude of 524 meters. Intriguingly, the transmitting station located on the site provides coverage over an extensive area encompassing South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Greater West Yorkshire, and Manchester.

Top Tip: Spanning 2.9 miles with an ascent of nearly 524 metres, this viewpoint will put your endurance to the test. Therefore, remember to bring ample refreshments to stay hydrated and invigorated throughout the day.

Discover these scenic viewpoints in Huddersfield with Fortune Hotel, offering a plethora of superb amenities that encompass king-size Hypnos beds, ensuite bathrooms, complimentary on-site parking, and free Wi-Fi. Just nestled off M62 at Junction 24, our 3-star Huddersfield hotel is an inviting and economical sojourn in West Yorkshire. Experience more and spend less by booking direct: www.aghotels.co.uk/fortune-hotel

#fortune #huddersfield

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britpicker · 6 years ago

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Can you make a post on popular vacation spots in the UK? Not for people outside Europe, but Europeans traveling within the country? Thanks so much. Your blog is seriously intriguing and helpful!

Oooh this is a fun one! Gosh. Okay, I’ve not travelled much in the UK but I’ll try my best.

Seaside Towns

Brighton

Brighton is on the south coast of England, and it’s about an hour’s train journey from London. It has a pebbled beach and a vibrant nightlife. It is known for its huge LGBT+ community. Here’s an interesting section from its Wikipedia article:

Brighton has recorded LGBT history in the city since the 19th century. Many men were initially drawn to Brighton by the enormous numbers of soldiers garrisoned in the town during the Napoleonic Wars. Evidence suggests that a floating population and good transport links with London helped its reputation as a place for the LGBT community. By the 1930s, Brighton started to flourish as a gay destination and many gay and lesbian pubs started to establish themselves. During the Second World War, Brighton was filled with soldiers. Women and men in the forces who were away from home meeting other lesbians and gay people for the first time in their lives also heard about Brighton and its special pleasures and helped turn it into a gay destination in the post-war years.

Brighton is a cute little town and an attractive day-out sort of destination for Londoners. when it’s hot, the beaches become absolutely rammed.

Blackpool

Blackpool a the day-trip destination for places such as Manchester, but when I was younger it was a great location for a holiday of a few days. It lies on the North-West coast, and is known for being very tacky. There is a big theme park there, named the Pleasure Beach, and its famous rollercoaster, the Big One (formerly known as Pepsi Max Big One), was the tallest rollercoaster in the world when it opened in 1994, standing at 213ft. It remains the tallest rollercoaster in the UK.

It remains a fairly good theme park, however the town has gone downhill and lost the charm of its heyday. The promenade is full of tacky tourist shops and amusement arcades, and a lot of businesses have shut up shop. Blackpool still has its draws. The Blackpool Tower is the town’s main landmark, was built in the image of the Eiffel Tower and is a big tourist attraction. It houses entertainment venues, the Tower Circus, and even the Tower Ballroom, which has hosted televised shows from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, and you may also have seen it in the Jennifer Lopez/Richard Gere film Shall We Dance.

Blackpool has a ton of history, but I feel like it’s being left behind. I would go there on occasion, if only for the nostalgia. Despite all of this, it remains the UK’s favourite seaside resort, one that most British people have probably visited in their lifetimes (particularly people from the North)

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is far less of a tourist trap than the previous two, located on the south coast, west of Brighton. There isn’t a whole lot to say about Bournemouth, but I wanted to include something a bit less touristy and this was also a location on the list of the UK’s favourite seaside resorts. It’s a calmer seaside town, associated less with partying and more with gardens to explore.

Parts of Dunkirk were filmed in nearby Swanage, a Victorian seaside town.

Also nearby, just incidentally, is a three chalk rock formation called Old Harry Rocks.

We have a postcard displaying a map of the area in our toilet (don’t ask) and every time I see the name Old Harry Rocks, I giggle. I found it especially amusing when I was writing my old Larry fic, Lightning Strikes Twice.

Other seaside towns/resorts to consider: Dover, Southend, Hastings, Scarborough/Bridlington.

Country Breaks

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds covers an area of almost 800 square miles, running through five counties in the centre of England, slightly south-west. The area was deemed an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. Being such a large area, there are so many choices of accomodation or things to do. The area is known for its rolling hills but, containing so many villages, there’s far more to do than enjoying the scenery or going off on walks. Quaint pubs or tea rooms, hiking trails, wildlife parks, horseriding… sounds like a dream for a calm, relaxing getaway.

Peak district

The Peak District covers a huge area too, crossing borders of several counties. A bit further north than the Cotswolds, it is mostly in Derbyshire but spreads out into Manchester, Cheshire, Yorkshire and Staffordshire also.

Like the Cotswolds, the Peak District is known for its views and villages, but in addition there are theme parks (the little village of Alton in Staffordshire is home to one of the UK’s big theme parks, Alton Towers) caves, castles, museums… another solid choice for a relaxing getaway, but there’s probably more to do than in the Cotswolds.

Other country breaks to consider: Forest of Dean (of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows fame), Lake District, Dartmoor, Isle of Skye (of SOTT mv fame), Cornwall, Bath

City Breaks

London

Ah, London! If you’re not from the UK, you’ve probably yearned to come here. A bustling metropolis with a population of eight million. London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is dripping in ancient history and if you look for it, you’ll never stop learning new things about London, from Jack the Ripper to the Plague to the Great Fire of London.

I’m not sure what to say about London that you probably don’t already know. It’s probably the kind of place someone from elsewhere in the UK might come for the day or for the weekend. As a tourist, there are endless amounts of things to see. Big Ben/Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace… we have galleries, we have a history museum, a science museum, a war museum, a childhood museum… the list goes on.

My guide to London Living and Working Locations might help if your character isn’t from London but is visiting. In terms of affordable hotels/air B&Bs, the living section probably still applies.

Manchester

Manchester is another major UK city, however the population is only half a million. Manchester a city filled with heart, with a proud history. It’s a modern and trendy location, restaurants, cinemas, bars abound. The music scene is rich, producting Oasis, Take That, the Stone Roses, Davy Jones. One of the UK’s best-loved soap operas, Coronation Street, is set in Manchester and of course, the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford is a big draw.

Other city breaks to consider: Liverpool, Cambridge, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast

This post is by no means extensive and the examples given are based around my own knowledge and interests. I have personally visited all of the seaside towns, none of the country break locations, and just Manchester from the city break locations (but I’ve lived in London my whole life)

Give them a Google and explore! If anyone has any specific questions or needs help Googling (that’s a thing, I promise. I can help you with terms haha) let me know!

#Anonymous #KK chat #gosh now i wanna go on a country break #they feel so romantic to me #esp if you find like #a cottage to rent with like a fireplace #uk breaks #uk holidays #also like can you believe #the day you sent this #i was like everyone send me anons im bored #and then it took me like ten days to answer this?

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