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gretavanfleetposts · 2 years

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hi loves!!! congrats on hitting 300 followers, it’s well deserved and I’m so happy for you!!! I love ships mostly bc I’m nosey LOL so this is v exciting.

my name is Jen (here is my face for context hehe):

I’m in college studying creative writing. I want to work in publishing or become a published author myself some day. I’m a Taurus sun, pisces moon, aquarius rising (aka i have a lot of emotions and cry a lot over literally everything, good or bad).

I’m pretty outgoing, I can hold conversation really well and i make friends really easily, too, but going out isn’t something I make a point to do often. If I’m not going out I love to read, write, or binge watch shows/movies—really anything to get the creative juices flowing. My favorite move of all time is The Breakfast Club, but films like Dallas Buyers Club, The Theory of Everything, and Little Women hold very special places in my heart. My favorite books are A Little Life and Six of Crows. As you can tell, I love hurting my own feelings lol. My go to song to brighten my mood is anything by Prince, really, or Green Day. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of older music, and have found solace in the voices of Grover Washington and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Like I said before, I’m a writer, so I spend a lot of time in my head. I love bouncing ideas off of other people, but sometimes some people don’t get as excited as me and it hurts my feelings lol. That’s another thing about me: I’m very sensitive. I tune into everything and I’m too self aware for my own good. Reassurance is a huge need for me. I use people as my muses so I need someone comfortable with that.

My favorite item of clothing is my Taylor Swift sweater, and my favorite accessory is my paper airplane necklace. It almost acts as a good luck charm for me, as I can be superstitious at times, and I have a really huge attachment to it. Sometimes I’m convinced that if I don’t wear it my day is just gonna go to shit lol.

In terms of a partner, I’m really picky. I’ve stayed single for a long time because I enjoy my independence and I want someone who doesn’t feel threatened by that. I need someone equally as creative as me; I love sharing my ideas with the people I love and love when they share back. It’s another form of intimacy for me. I value honesty and loyalty, you know, the basics—I just want someone who is my best friend and lover wrapped into one human being. I think we all strive for that, really, but companionship comes first for me in romantic relationships rather than anything else. If i wouldnt be friends with someone outside of a relationship, why would I be with them in the first place?

My ideal date would be going to a book/record store and just bonding over what we find, then having a picnic or going to a vineyard. Anything where the connection can naturally grow is something I’d enjoy, but literature and music are so prominent in my life that I want to be able to share those interests with someone and be able to learn more through them. I just really love people and learning about what makes them who they are.

Thanks so much in advance!!! I’m so excited to see what you come up with. ❤️

Hey beautiful!

❤: Girl you are so gorgeous, oh my goodness. Also I could tell you're a writer just by reading this. I know it's just a ship request but honestly it was beautifully written. I love your creativity and that you art is inspired by the people around you. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a lot of emotions. Cuz girl, me too.

Ship: Josh

Because: I think Josh would love being your muse. Knowing how creative he himself is, I think it would mean the world to him thinking he was an inspiration for your creativity. Like that's probably the highest form of praise in his mind. I think he'd be a good partner and a good friend. He seems so honest and caring and I think the two of you would just click.

Scenario:

You were late for class, sure, but getting to class on time wasn't as important as finding your gold paper airplane necklace

Without it, your day was sure to go downhill

But you found it where you had taken it off the night before, strewn across your nightstand

You fumbled with the clasp, all too aware of the time which seemed to be getting away from you, and in your haste, pressed too hard for the too many-eth time

The clasp broke in your hands

You held it in your palm for a moment, tears already forming in the corners of your eyes, before placing it back down with a deep breath and resolving to go without it

It was going to be a long day

And a long day it was

Your professor had put grades in and you got a particularly bad grade on an assignment you had put a lot of time and thought into; an assignment you had loved, personally

In between classes you had grabbed a coffee, in desperate need of a recharge, which you had spilled all down the front of you before you could take more than five sips

Unfortunately you hadn't brought a change of clothes with you and you would have no time to change before your next class so you trudged on throughout your day with a wet, stained sweater

By the time you had finished with your classes for the day, you were more than ready to head back to your apartment

As soon as you walked in the door, you knew your boyfriend was there

You couldn't see him but you could smell his cologne from a mile away

You dropped your backpack off your shoulders and it fell to the floor with a hard thud

The noise must have signaled to Josh that you were home because he emerged from the living room where he had been browsing your record collection while waiting for you to get home

"Hey, mama," he said, cheery as ever. "How was your day?"

You broke down crying before ever getting a word out as he moved in to hug you

He rubbed your back as you sobbed into his chest, trying to comprehend what you were saying through sniffles muffled against his shirt

You told him about the frustrating day you had had, ending with how your day had started, your broken necklace

He pulled away from you abruptly at the mention of your necklace, much to your surprise

"Oh, about that," he began but instead of continuing, silently took your hand and led you to your bedroom

"I came over earlier because I couldn't remember what time you were done today and saw that it was broken"

He was fumbling with a small box but put his body between you and the task so you couldn't fully see his hands busy at work until he turned around

The little golden paper airplane now hung from a different chain, more delicate than the previous

It shimmered in the light as he held it out to you

"I got you a new chain for it. I didn't want you to have to go without it"

Tears welled up in your chest again, this time from appreciation rather than frustration

You turned your back to him and moved your hair so he could put it on you

His fingers brushed your neck as he clasped it and before letting his hands fall, he traced the line of the delicate gold chain across your skin, sending warmth through your entire body

You turned back to face him again and pressed a kiss to his lips as a thank you

It was a surprisingly good end to an otherwise terrible day and you had Josh to thank for that

I hope you liked it! Thank you for the request!

-⭐

Ships are currently closed

#ships #gvf #gvf ships #anon #anon ships #greta van fleet #greta van fleet ships #gretavanfleetpostsships

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itubainaretro · 3 years

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AU’s I’ll never write but spent way too much time thinking about to not share with anyone - part 1

- Letters to Juliet sobbe AU

Robbe, a part time journalist/part time film editor, goes to Italy in a pre-honeymoon with his soon to be husband, Theo, and as his fiancée is about to open his very first restaurant, he’s very busy visiting wineries and doing all kinds of research, so he ends up forgetting about Robbe and what was supposed to be a romantic trip for the both of them.

Robbe decides to go out and explore the small cities and villages nearby to kill time since he’s already there and that’s when he comes across thousands of “letters to Juliet” left in Juliet’s courtyard in Verona. He finds out that the letters are answered by the “secretaries of Juliet” and he kinda falls in love with the idea of a small group of women, from all ages and bearing different life experiences, willingly using their time to answer these letters left by usually heartbroken people to give them some kind of closure.

After a couple of days of coming to the courtyard by the end of the day to see one of Juliet’s secretaries taking the letters, Robbe finally musters up enough courage to ask her if he can join them and she’s thrilled to let him, so he joins them and a couple days later he finds himself answering a letter that was written 50 years prior, from a belgian young lady called Eileen.

A week later he’s surprised to be met with a now-elderly Eileen and her very handsome and very pissed off grandson, Sander, because she decided to follow Robbe’s advice and look for her long lost love Pietro Romano. Robbe, wanting to know the outcome of her story and being a romantic at heart, decides to help her. It’s easier said than done, as they find out later that there are many Pietro Romanos living in the area.

They spend many days looking for the right Pietro and coming across all types of people that are certainly not Eileen’s Pietro. When they come across a Pietro that sadly passed away a few months prior, Sander says enough is enough and that he can’t have his grandmother being sad anymore because of Robbe’s ridiculous idea. Eileen comes to Robbe’s defense and says he’s not at fault and that they both refuse to end this journey on a sad note, so they continue their search the next day, after Sander apologises to Robbe for his outburst.

When Eileen decides to stop at a vineyard so they can have a last moment together to drink some wine and chat before they part ways, Eileen sees a man that looks exactly like her Pietro and later finds out that the man is Pietro’s grandson. Eileen and Pietro finally reunite and Robbe swears he’s living a real life fairytale when he sees them together.

When they’re celebrating with Pietro’s family his and Eileen’s reunion, that’s when Robbe realises he’s fallen in love with Sander, and when Sander sees Robbe’s genuine happiness for his grandmother, someone he’s met only a couple weeks ago, that’s when he realises he’s fallen in love with Robbe too.

Sander tries going after Robbe after he leaves Pietro’s house, but he’s too late when he gets to Robbe’s hotel and sees him with Theo.

Months later Robbe receives an invitation to Eileen and Pietro’s wedding, that’s taking place in Italy. He decides he is going, but he’s going alone, breaking up with Theo when he sees that what they once had is not the same anymore and that his heart belongs to someone else now.

After some misunderstandings and Eileen’s heartfelt speech thanking Robbe for what he’s done for the both of them and that if it wasn’t for him and his latter they wouldn’t be there today, Robbe and Sander finally get together, confessing their love for each other and promising to never let go of a love like theirs.

Excerpt from the fic I’ll never write:

““Tell me about the girl you’re in love with”, Eileen asked.

“Uh, yeah, about that....”, Robbe said, looking down at his feet. He scratched the back of his neck, trying to buy some time before he came out for what probably was the thousandth time in his life, mustering up enough courage to do so to Sander’s grandmother, trying not to dwell too much on the fact that he didn’t know how she would react to it, what with the fact that she was much older than him and times were different now from when she was probably brought up with conservative values then. “... it’s actually a boy.”

Eileen looked at him and smiled sweetly, the way only a loving grandmother could. “Then tell me about the boy you’re in love with.”

Robbe let go of a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in and smiled. He told her then. Or at least he tried to. Trying to remember all the little things and small details that made him fall in love with Theo so fast and so deeply in the beginning of their relationship and coming to the realisation that the guy he once fell for then wasn’t the same guy he was supposed to be taking a pre-honeymoon trip with now.

He tried not to, but nothing could stop Robbe’s eyes from wandering around and catching a glimpse of Sander a few meters away from them, a small sketchbook on his lap, looking peaceful while trying to sketch the view of a sunny italian day underneath the shades of a merciful tree.

Robbe thought about how much Sander intrigued him and how he knew underneath that icey façade he showed him when they first met each other, there was actually a really sweet and gentle human being that was only acting like that at first because he was just trying to take care of his grandmother and be mindful of how she handled her heart and who she gave it away to, afraid she would get it broken once again.

He also thought about all the time they’ve already spent together and how much time he still wanted to spend with him, getting to know the small details that made Sander, him. Like his passion for art and David Bowie, how he preferred white wine to red, the soft smile he had that was reserved for Eileen and Eileen only, how his eyes were a bright shade of green when the sun hit them and how they looked grey, almost blue, when they were in the shadows or indoors.

And in that moment, when Sander looked back at them, fixing his eyes on Robbe, smiling softly at him, making Robbe think of the smile he had only seen Sander give Eileen, nothing could’ve prepared Robbe for the ache he felt right in the middle of his chest, making his breath falter, that felt an awful lot like longing. Longing for the things he once felt for Theo and longing for the things he wished he could feel for Sander without feeling guilty, and knowing that in that moment, he couldn’t have either.”

#wtfock #wtfam #au’s i’ll never write #robbe x sander #sobbe fic

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j-pankratz · 3 years

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these streets are yours

Yenalt, Past Geraskier, Past Almost-Yennskier, and a sort-of-but-not-quite Past Geraskefer. 2896 Words. Tags for Major Character Death, Grieving/Mourning, and Unresolved Romantic Tension. Major Character Death is important and, though gentle, permanent. ao3 link here

It had been nearly a year of luteless evenings.

Jaskier had passed in the way lucky humans (exceedingly lucky, in his case) do; warm, safe, in his own bed, with those who cared for him nearby. He’d also had the decency to go during a cool spell in the summer, meaning they could all gather outside for the funeral, mourn him properly, the way he’d wanted: a going-away party.

It had been beautiful; his students from all over had paid tribute, sung songs, played their instruments; tales had been told, Jaskier’s favorite pieces had been played. The annual festival Jaskier had become a patron of made promise to keep his memory alive. Oxenfurt had announced they would set up a fifth scholarship in his name, Jaskier having established the first four himself. All those he held dear had been able to attend, and by the end, it had truly felt more like the going away party he’d wished for rather than a somber elegy. A long line of former lovers had come as well, which had been amusing, to say the least.

It had been… good. It was a good funeral. They’d done as he asked, and he would have been proud.

“Is there such thing as a good funeral?” Geralt had asked.

The wind has whispered through the trees for the rest of the year in ways that sounded suspiciously like the tuning of a lute, to Yennefer, at least. She was projecting, she knew. But it was hard not to, when so much of the little world they’d built for themselves at Corvo Bianco had involved Jaskier, down to the accent tiles in the kitchen, a brilliant touch of cornflower blue running along the walls. The hanging chair in the backyard, wicker and worn now, where he’d sit and play for them while they watched the sun. The library that was filled with so many of his own works, and so many of his favorites.

All of it felt like ghosts now. He had only barely left, but felt so far away already, and yet he was right there in everything they owned, touched, did, said.

“As good as a funeral can get,” Yennefer had replied.

He’d grown old. He was a ripe 94 when he passed, and they’d both privately suspected he had wanted to go sooner than later at that point, as it became harder and harder to play. Not that Yennefer had ever had much insight into how the bard thought; they were… friends. Occasional lovers. Not like he and Geralt had been, though— and not that she’d ever minded, of course. Geralt had brought the mage and bard together, and neither had ever forced it further. Which, Yennefer admitted, had given her a deep respect for the bard she hadn’t been expecting to form. Yes, they’d been friends.

She’d expected Jaskier’s death to be difficult on Geralt. Of course it would, the two had been attached at the hip for decades, they were best friends, lovers, tied together so deeply she wouldn’t begin to try and decipher it, just as he had stopped trying to decipher her and Geralt. What she hadn’t been expecting was the loss to be such a blow to herself.

But that was death, wasn’t it? Knocking your breath away as someone else loses theirs. If he couldn’t breathe it, what use was air at all?

It was a stupid thought. But it lingered in her nonetheless.

Almost a year had passed, then, in the way grieving time always passes; both as molasses and the wind, heart-stoppingly slow and so quick they lost weeks to the ether. But it was summer again, and the birds were singing, and the sun cast the vineyard in a warm and pleasant glow, and the breeze carried the sweet smell of grapes to their porch, and Geralt had been spending increasingly more time in the study.

She’d peaked in a few times, just to see what he was up to— she could only ever see his back, it wasn’t reading, wasn’t writing, wasn’t… whatever she had expected. Instead, Geralt stood in front of the bookcase on one wall, where there was a waist-high counter of sorts, separating the top shelves from the bottom, which were reserved for larger, heavier tombs. He wasn’t looking at a book, though, or even staring ahead blankly as he had so often in the weeks after the bard’s death. He was staring at something small in front of him, lying on that counter, and for the life of her, Yennefer had no idea what it was.

The days were long and the evenings were heavy, and as one tumbled on past another, Yennefer became increasingly frustrated that she could not figure out what was preoccupying Geralt so. It was small, smaller than a book, so it wasn’t one of Jaskier’s poetry collections. Nor could it be the memory album Ciri had put together for the bard’s 85th.

He just stared. More than once, she could see him take a shuttering breath against tears. A handful of times, she’d crept in once he had left, looking for… something, some clue of what had been paining him, but she’d found nothing.

Weeks drew on. Geralt was increasingly agitated and trying hard to conceal it. He must have known she’d been spying, but neither had dared say a word. There was no bar, now, to break the tension. Well, something had to give.

Another evening, another opportunity for Yennefer to peak through the door ajar, to see her witcher’s back, his gaze drawn down, in the middle of a deep breath. The softly lit room made him appear almost as a statue, his sharply defined body looking smoother. She watched for a while, the steady rise and fall of his back and shoulders, the faded loose chemise he wore, his hair dropping around his shoulders and toward his face. She’d think him peaceful if she didn’t know any better. She did, of course. She tended to.

After a minute or two of just looking, (a gift she admitted she often took for granted, after everything they’d been through,) Yennefer pushed the door open just a bit, and it creaked in greeting. Geralt didn’t stir, but took a deeper breath than usual, and she only waited a moment before slowly stepping into the room.

“May I?”

Geralt went stiller, if at all possible, before raising his head and tilting it in invitation. She crossed to him, wrapped her arms around his middle, and planted a soft kiss against his back, burying her head in his shoulder.

“Hi,” he rumbled softly.

“Hello,” she returned with another small kiss. Geralt lifted his arm and brought it around her shoulders, and she tucked in neatly to his side. She looked down at his hands, and finally, there, the culprits lay. Two small strips of fine quality parchment, worn from how often Geralt had held them. Each had a fine filigree along the edges, and along the top read, “Toussaint Annual Bardic Festival”. Below, in neat calligraphy, one ticket read “Geralt of Rivia”, and with a slow sinking in her stomach, Yennefer read the next, identical in all ways save the center, which in small letters read “in memory of” above the gentle curl of the name “Jaskier, Julian Alfred Pankratz”. The bottom of both strips read two dates, the first a week and a day from then, the second a week later.

“Tickets,” Geralt sighed. She hated herself for not having figured it out before. Geralt and Jaskier had gone to the local festival every summer for thirty years, and she hadn’t even realized it was time— how had she forgotten? She’d never… gone, to be fair. She’d heard stories and had made the journey with them more than once, but it was Geralt and Jaskier’s time, and she’d let them have it to themselves. He’d let her have the autumn harvest markets with their witcher, so it’d only seemed fair, but now her heart ached to know she’d never seen the streets of Beauclair cleared, the frivolous banners hung, the tawdry vestments, the excruciating recitation of poetry— she’d never seen it with him. She never would, now, never see his eyes light up at the sights and sounds, the great wave of applause from fans as he bowed after a new song.

Were those tears? Fuck.

It was stupid. The only thing they’d shared was Geralt, after all. And Corvo Bianco. And, to a lesser extent, Ciri. And, she supposed, over 50 years of history. And friendships. And sometimes, a bed.

That was nothing. That should be nothing, to her.

“We usually go together,” Geralt says, as though that needs explaining. But he’d barely talked in weeks, so she let him go on. “He worked so hard to give patronage. Took him years. Was really proud of it. We’d already been going for years at that point, usually stayed the whole week. It was… tradition, you know. Made me promise…” he took a shuttering breath, “made me promise to keep going. Every year. Don’t know how I can, really, those streets are his. That whole place was just… his, you know? They ate out of his hand. It was,” Geralt laughed, and it was thick and wet, “it was something to see.” She could feel the lift of his arm as he ran his shirtsleeve across his eyes, but Yennefer’s eyes were trained on the tickets. She couldn’t look away.

No wonder Geralt had spent so much time in here.

“So, I’m supposed to go to this, and there’s a ticket for him, and it’s just…” she felt him shake his head. “I don’t know. It’s all his, it always was, I don’t know what the point is. They came… a month ago? Something like that, and a note that they’d be sent ‘in perpetuity’, as a gift for his support. But how can I…” The stood in silence, and Yennefer held to Geralt tighter. For her own sake, really. The world had begun to feel… drifty.

“I want to do right by him. But I’m just supposed to go, year after year, and watch as they forget him? As he fades away? It’s a fucking curse.”

“Sometimes I’m afraid I’ve forgotten his laugh,” Yennefer admitted, and she felt like a fucking child, and couldn’t bring herself to mind that, much.

Geralt nodded. “Mm. Or the— the way his nose wrinkled if something had—"

“Green peppers,” they said together around a laugh.

They stood there, wrapped in each other, and Geralt let a hand come up to stroke Yennefer’s hair as she tucked her nose into Geralt’s chest, on what she belatedly realized was one of the bard’s old chemises. “Let me give you something,” Geralt mumbled, and Yennefer opened up her mind, drew up, and went to go digging in his. But the memory he wanted her to see didn’t need to be dug for at all; he was practically throwing it at her, and she found herself enveloped in the sights and sounds of the streets of Beauclair all done up for the festival. Bright banners hung from windows and beside her, someone was selling some warm pastry out of a stall. She turned and there was Jaskier, maybe 60, that touch of gray dusting his temples that had so quickly taken over his whole head. His eyes were bright and shining and he was rambling on about something. He beamed, bright as the sun, and she felt the ghost of his touch as he wrapped a hand around her— around Geralt’s— upper arm.

She opened her eyes back to the dim study, and it was like a bubble has popped in her chest. She pulled away to look up at him, his eyes still cast on the tickets in his hand.

“Take me instead,” she said before she could even think to say it. “I’ll go. Show me everything I never got to see with him.”

Geralt looked down at her, frowning slightly, and for the first time that night they looked at each other, and she saw his face was full of warring grief and pain and hurt and confusion. There were two tracks of dried tears there, and she wondered what her own face looked like, at that point. She hated not knowing. She must look a mess.

“I don’t…” he sighed. “You’re not much for poetry,” he said, sounding more like a question.

“I could be,” she insisted.

“I just…” He took a deep breath, and she could practically see him trying to arrange the words just right for her. She’d grown more patient with him, something she’d learned from Jaskier. “I don’t know if I can go if you’re not enjoying it. It’s always been… his, and he was so happy there. I don’t want… I don’t want to taint it. With my sadness. Or seeing you… not enjoy yourself.”

“We’re going to be sad,” she said plainly. “We’re going to be sad, that’s just how that is. But… it was his. So there’s a piece of him there, and we can enjoy it. I won’t spoil the fun, and I wouldn’t ask to go if I didn’t think I would have a good time. I know I’m not a replacement for him—” she raised her hand to stop Geralt before he interrupted, “—nor do I need to be, nor do I wish to be, nor would I ever presume to be. It won’t be the same. But he wanted you to go— and if you want to go, I want to go with you. I want to enjoy it.”

Something in her nose stung. Geralt swallowed thickly. This shouldn’t have been anything.

She closed her eyes and remembered the memory Geralt had given her, recalled her own of Jaskier’s ramblings and smiles and soon she was tumbling through them, remembering even their spats and quarrels and it overwhelmed.

Wasn’t she supposed to be above this?

“Nothing,” she suddenly remembered Jaskier saying once, “is above song, or poetry. Some things are above words, but that is exactly why we write.” It had been a cool day in Oxenfurt, and on a whim she’d snuck into one of his guest lectures, and stayed behind after to give him a purposefully difficult time. It had all been barbs for a while, but had ended up turning into a real conversation, something they did not often permit themselves.

“So,” she’d asked, “what, is writing just an approximation of something so… big, grand, you can’t name it? What’s the use of words at all, then? There are other ways to convey something that don’t bother to use words at all. Surely they’d be more fitting for such things.”

He’d smiled widely. “We sing, write, tell stories, because after it’s all over, when we’re gone, you can carry it with you. You can’t carry a massive painting around and share it with someone else, and even if you could, it wouldn’t be the same. When you sing, you participate in the story, Yennefer. It’s never about the words. It’s about the people inside of them, and behind them. It’s about carrying someone else. Someones, really. Everyone. The whole world as it is, and was, and everyone to come.”

She hadn’t had much to say to that. She didn’t really get it, then, much as she thought she had.

And now, here she was. Bastard. Probably chuckling from beyond the grave. Smug as shit with a grin to match.

“Okay,” Geralt finally said. “Yeah.”

“We can?” Yennefer asked, yet again feeling so young and so… eager. She wanted to see the damn festival, now. Wanted to revel in it and let Jaskier be right, wanted to be carried by those songs and carry them with her in return.

“Yeah,” Geralt smiled, and his eyes crinkled in a way she hadn’t seen them do in ages. He nodded and tried valiantly to sound serious. “There are these fried pastries there, we’ll have to get some. Requirement, actually. For entrance. Multiple times a day.”

“Oh, of course. And we have to pick up some new volumes for the collection. Legally, we must,” she agreed soberly.

It was only a moment before they broke again, and she buried her face in his chest, in the warm linen of Jaskier’s old shirt, felt Geralt’s arms come to circle her, and the two began to rock side by side in something approaching a dance. They stayed like that, swaying silently as the crickets and cicadas of the valley chorused away, filling the room with a natural music and rhythm she’d grown to appreciate recently.

“I miss him,” Geralt whispered into Yennefer’s hair. She could feel him crying again. “I love him, I miss him, I miss him so much, fuck.”

“I know. I know.” She tangled the shirt in her hands tighter. Cradled the back of Geralt’s neck with another hand. And soon they were smiling again, not in spite of the grief, but because of it.

At some point, Geralt slipped the second ticket into her hand, and she looked down at it, and could not look away. Toussaint Annual Bardic Festival, in memory of Jaskier, Julian Alfred Pankratz. She read it over and over, until it sounded to her like a song.

#Geraskier #yenalt #geraskefer #Yennskier #major character death #butterbard's febuwhump #Grief #Mourning #this one made even me a lil sad to write

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insfiringyou · 3 years

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Where would each couple go for a vacation - like their ideal romantic getaway or more touristy place. JS mentioned London once but I can't picture them doing some kind of romantic island getaway. But I think nana/jhope would go some place cool like Rio de Janeiro

We actually think Yoongi will one day take Jeong-sun to England! Not as a honeymoon as we don't think they would have one, but more just as something he knows will make her so so happy. They wouldn't travel often together as they both prefer home, but they'd enjoy trips where they were going to see something in particular. It might be a landmark or a place they have read about. They'd not really enjoy typical beach holidays in overly warm places.

RM and Ji-eun would be most likely to go on a lot of city-break type holidays where they sight see and visit places of importance such as museums, beautiful buildings, churches etc. They would love Rome, Paris, London, Budapest, Prague (we mentioned in one fic that RM and V visited Prague together) in Europe, and closer to home would enjoy cabin type breaks like they had for Valentine's Day, where they can relax with a good book and a nice view.

Jin and Min-seo would love to go to places without too many tourists, but where it is sunny, beachy and with interesting buildings. They'd usually pick a smaller, more traditional town or village over a capital city. Places like Malta, Crete, Mexico etc. They'd love visiting vineyards, taking evening walks together, sitting on their balcony talking all evening.

J-Hope and Nana would absolutely love places like Rio de Janeiro, or anywhere where the culture is really visually bold, colourful and exciting. They'd also love Mexico, Chile, Spain, Portugal, New Orleans etc. They'd both enjoy the warm weather and would spend a lot of money collecting trinkets to bring home (Nana is a bit of a hoarder).

Jimin would enjoy places with a more active night life. He'd love Tokyo, Paris, Berlin etc. He'd also enjoy more romantic places such as Paris and New York. Spending a white Christmas in NYC would be a dream for Jimin.

V would love taking his girlfriend to places with interesting art and architecture. He'd love central and Eastern Europe for its Baroque or Gothic architecture. He'd also enjoy places like Istanbul (no jokes about his safeword here!), Jordan, Egypt etc. where there is a rich cultural and visual history which has been preserved. Most of all though, we feel he would love Paris.

Jungkook and Young-soon would love adventure type holidays where they can go hiking, kayaking, zip-lining etc. Perhaps even more extreme type things like sky diving or bungee jumping. He'd also have a soft spot for the USA though and some more romantic getaways where they can go on evening beach walks.

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katfox · 4 years

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♡ Happy Birthday Jihyun xx♡

Summary: A sweet day for the birthday boy, and a present he'll never forget. ♡

Characters: Jihyun x Fem Mc/Reader.♡ Cameo: Jumin + Elizabeth III

Word count: 1000

He wakes up in the morning to the sweet smell of the fancy coffee Jumin had gifted him. Jihyun was a pretty simple guy, so it was hard to figure out the perfect gift for him. It was his birthday after all and he deserved something special, maybe homemade? You think of any potential presents- art, letters, baked goods, music, wine? The thought ran through your mind as you started pouring the coffee, a slight scream causing him to rush to your side. "Are you alright beautiful?" He looks at you holding your hand carefully as you had distractedly spilled coffee on yourself.

"Let me tend to y-", you cut him off feeling apologetic that you ruined his birthday breakfast in bed. You reluctantly let him as you didn't want to deny him anything on his birthday. He was so sweet and gentle, rubbing some cooling cream and bandaging it up careful before planting a kiss upon it. "Let's get back to your birthday breakfast, shall we?" You say with a faint smile. He agrees and let's you lead the way before he pulls out your chair like the gentleman he is.

In the midst of his special breakfast you think of doing something artistic as a gift for the birthday man in your life. You think about something that would be meaningful to him. He loves painting, photography, the sun, his friends, and you of course. The thought of giving him a plain self portrait had been done many times and you wanted to do something new, something a bit more unique. You finished the meal a little early before going to him, planting a soft kiss on his head.

You decide that maybe using your body will give him something to always think about. You actually laugh to yourself lightly at the thought that it'd be hung up in his studio, "nah.. haha." You grab the full length mirror and head to his home studio office, locking the door keeping him from exposing his birthday present. He can't deny his curiosity as you left without a word, but he also respects your space so he assumed you needed it. He headed to the bedroom to gather up some of his things for an upcoming work trip, which kept him pretty busy.

In the meantime you set a timer for the camera before working on your poses in the mirror to snap as many pictures as possible. You look around his office trying to find any props you can in order to add some oomph. Maybe some flowers or even paint itself, the thought of taking these photos made your heart race. Ah the photos progress your body start to grow flushed, the pinky hues along your skin added a sense of innocence to the artistically risque art. Picking a photo to base your present, on now that's where the real issue begins.

The picture was chosen after flipping through the collection repeatedly, before landing on the perfect one. You print out the picture in large pieces big enough to fill the large canvas set out. Once your figure was sketched out, you started your painting endeavor. Painting it turned out easier than you expected; you chose the colors that represented him the most. You lock up his office before heading for a shower, thankfully jumin has impeccable timing honestly.

Jihyun comes to the door to tell you the news of a little wine tasting on Jumin's charming vineyard. This was a good time seeing as though the painting needed to dry, so you went along with it. You wore a lovely, flowy dress and the sweetest sun hat he had picked up for you on his last trip. The ride to the vineyard was breathtakingly stunning, it was definitely a romantic scenic view. Walking through the vineyard however was so fresh and full of life, of course Jumin wouldn't have it any other way.

Wine tasting went smoothly and even Elizabeth was there so you had some snuggly company as the men conversed about the new wine collection. Being around them was endearing, you couldn't help but smile for their friendship. The time came for the two of you to depart while Jumin stayed a bit longer. You both talk about the experience in the car; Jihyun's raving about how Jumin has always been the best friend a person could ever hope for.

Once home you grabbed the love of your life, the sweetest man than was born on this very day many years ago. You couldn't have asked for a more gentler man and he's definitely the one to spend the rest of your life with. You bring him to his office, blindfolded of course for the teasing. He was nervously excited as always to see what you could've done for him this time. You take him into the room and loosen the scarf so he can regain vision.

You showed him the canvas it was almost the size of you, give or take a foot or so. The look on his face really said it all he was a bit flustered but he stared at it adoringly. He had no clue that you would've ever given him something so personal, created from your own two hands. He was so appreciative of it and didn't have many words upfront, but he would remind you every time he sees it how much he loves you. The rest of the night went comfortably, sweetly as you both cooked a romantic dinner to share.

As the night grew old a single pint of ice cream was split between you both, before you drifted off to sleep on the man you couldn't be without. He carried you to bed and tucked you in as he looked down at you. You looked so beautiful laying against his chest with your hair sprawled around. He whispers blissfully sweet nothings in your ear thanking you for one of the best gifts he'd cherish forever.

Bonus thought: Remember all the nudes left on the camera? Jihyun is definitely in for a surprise when he uses it next!♡

Thanks for reading

AN: I saw a picture of "thermal nudes" that is currently trending on Instagram and tiktok and used that as inspiration for this birthday story ♡ I hope you enjoyed it. ♡

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livefuntravelposts · 3 years

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7 Must-See Places to Explore in South Africa

Having lived in South Africa, I had the chance to explore the country. Having a great infrastructure, coupled with staggering landscapes, diverse, rich cultures, and unbelievable beauty, South Africa is one of Africa's most sought-after destinations. Renowned for its breathtaking sceneries, spectacular wildlife, beautiful beaches, and vibrant multicultural cities; South Africa has so many unique sites to discover that you could spend a lifetime exploring. Nestled at the southern-most part of the African continent and roughly spanning an area two times the size of California, South Africa is Africa's most iconic wildlife-touring destination. More often, when you think of the Big Five, Kruger National park comes to mind. Not only do you get a chance to see the king of the jungle, but you also get to see the magnificent view of Cape Town while relaxing atop the iconic Table Mountain. It is relatively easy to move around South Africa with the country's elaborate transport network. You can explore different places with ease either by car hire, rail or air transportation or you can drive yourself. Packed with so many places to visit, it is pretty hard to pinpoint which areas to explore and which one to leave for your next visit. Luckily we have compiled the best places you shouldn't miss while touring this incredible country.

Best Place to Visit in South Africa

1. Experience the Big Five at Kruger National Park Your vacation to South Africa won't be complete without a full-day game drive to Kruger National Park. Covering roughly 7,000 square miles of mountain ranges, exotic tropical rainforest, and grassy landscapes, Kruger National Park is an exciting place for an unforgettable Safari experience. Home to the most diverse wildlife and providing exciting game watching experiences worldwide, Kruger national park is full of award-winning vast landscapes, wild luxury, and exclusive accommodation. It has a reliable and excellent road network and some of Africa's best trackers ready to take you on the most memorable game drive experience. This historic conservation is home to a thriving wild animal population; lions, cats, giraffes and wild dogs. Plus, it's an excellent spot for bird watching. Kruger is also an exciting place for trekking safaris. If you are up for the challenge, you can replace your game drive experience by venturing out accompanied by an experienced guide, to explore the Park’s intriguing ecosystem. Where to stay - Camp and Lodging Options Kruger National Park is the ultimate rough diamond of South African expeditions. The private reserves make up the landscape commonly referred to as "The Greater Kruger," they are an entirely diverse entity than the National Park. The private reserves are where you find some of the finest game lodges, offering luxurious African accommodations in the bushes. The Kruger is a vast area, so vast; you cannot visit the entire landscape in a single visit. The massive park stretches over 20,000 square kilometers of thick forests and open plateaus. There is always more flora and fauna to discover. For those who prefer private safaris, the National Park is not your cup of tea. It is crowded with visitors and self-drivers at animal sightings during peak season. The lodges in Kruger include simple bucolic rondavels, safari tents, to lavish bungalows. You can choose between the self-catering facilities or check-in at any of the exquisite bush rest camps' restaurants. It is an excellent place that accommodates simple to extravagant budgets. Places to stay in include: The Greater Kruger the private reserves of the Sabi Sands The private Timbavati lodges and camps (Ngala Tent Camps) These private reserves offer exclusive accommodations and game drives/walks in the vast park with private guides that will drive you around the heart of the reserve, offering you an exclusively relaxed, intimate African Safari experience. Ulusaba Safari Hotels Sir Richard Branson's Ulusaba safari hotels offer various accommodations with medium to extreme budgets of great value. It's a friendly high-end service and a preference to many return guests to the region. Singita Lebombo A contemporary South African choicest lodge with unique safari lodge designs. Singita Lebombo has exceptional services and perfect game viewing landscapes. Tintswalo Safari Lodge Perfectly squeezed between the Timbavati Game Reserves and the Sabi Sands, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the Manyeleti Game Reserve - as part of the Greater Kruger Expanse. The lodges offer six deluxe rooms, a presidential suite, and a secluded private Manor House.

2. Cape City

Consistently ranked as one of the best holiday spots in the world for honeymooners, families, groups, and lone travelers, Cape Town is one of the best tourist destinations in South Africa. Sitting on the mountainous peninsula between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with the symbolic Table Mountain as its backdrop, this Mountainous City sits on some of the world's most remarkable tourism attractions. Breathtaking sceneries, intriguing museums, and many bars and restaurants, many of which can be found on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, make Cape Town a must-see attraction. Enjoy more scenic landscapes if you take a short drive outside the city. You will be mesmerized by the sandy beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and the small traditional fishing villages. Cape Town is appealing to practically anyone looking to have fun: honeymooners will appreciate the luxurious accommodations and picturesque views. Families with kids will love sharing the beach with curious penguins. The city's renowned food and wine experience are as enticing as its legendary and historic landmark: -The Table Mountain, a natural wonders of the world. Adventurers will have fun uncovering the secrets of Table Mountain.

Cape Town is a wonderful location to start your exploration of South Africa.

3. The Garden Route

This one tops the list, especially when it comes to South Africa holiday ideas for families, nature lovers, and outdoor fanatics. The Garden Route is a beautiful coastline stretching 200km in the East and West Cape Provinces of South Africa. This world-renowned length of coastline stretches for a couple of hours from Cape Town to the Plettenberg. Renting a car and driving yourself is the perfect way to enjoy a wonderful mix of picturesque indigenous forests, colorful towns, and rough sandy beaches along the way. The official Garden Route is a fantastic self-drive route from Mossel Bay in the west and stretches to Storms River in the east. Knysna is a strategic stopover town on the Garden Route with reasonable accommodations, all the attractions within easy reach. Visit the beautiful beaches within these vast landscapes, scenic lagoons, indigenous forest, and coves. Offshore see the friendly African penguins, dolphins, whales, and great white sharks. Mossel Bay has superb beaches, a museum showcasing the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz's life, who discovered the Famous Garden Route. Explore the bordering mountains; a trip to Oudtshoorn, the South African Ostrich industry with farms producing Ostrich feathers for extravagant hats and gigantic eggs is not to be missed. While outdoor activities are the main attractions on Garden Route (home to South Africa's best golf courses), delicious South Africa cuisine is never far away. Enjoy fresh oysters, and sunset boat rides at the famous Knysna Waterfront or a fast food place with a beach view in the neighboring Plettenberg Bay. 4. Cape Winelands Flanked by sub-splashing vineyards and rocky mountain peaks, the breathtaking valleys of Cape Winelands is best known for the great historic estates, beautiful little villages, five-star resorts, and the wine. The beauty of these Wineland's valleys surrounded by scenic mountain views is a real treat for to experience. Though the Winelands is an ideal option for romantic getaways and honeymooners, children enjoy the Winelands as well. There are roughly about 20 vineyards in Cape Winelands. However, the term refers to the three main vineyards in the region: - Stellen Bosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, all located in mountainous countryside with stunning Alpine-style views. You can start our day testing different wineries while feasting on a home-style farm-to-table delicacy or stroll through the oak-lined sidewalks to local art galleries while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Despite being only one hour's drive from Cape Town, a few nights in this quaint mishmash of vineyards and mountains will wash away any lingering city stress. It is truly one of the fascinating places to visit in South Africa.

From Cape Town, rent a car and head to the Winelands. It is a beautiful area with great accommodations for all budgets. 5. Pilanesberg National Park Sitting at the heart of an ancient volcano and positioned next to a vast hippo-filled lake, the Pilanesberg National park is one of the top tourist attractions in South Africa, i.e. if you don't want to wander far from Johannesburg. Just a few hours from Johannesburg and right in front of the world-famous Sun City resort, this readily accessible park gives tourists an authentic safari experience. Home to some of the most fantastic wildlife, a game drive to Pilanesberg National park is frequently marked by incredible sightings of elephants, lions, brown hyenas, and a beautiful collection of birds. You can spend your day game – viewing, and if you are lucky enough, you will get to watch up-close as lions hunt. If you have seen enough animals, take to the sky riding in a hot air balloon for some picture-perfect views. The spectacular landscape and the lush greenery make for excellent photography, and since the park is outside the malarial belt, you won't need anti-malarial medication. 6. Sun City To be honest, Sun City is not one of my favorite places in South Africa, but travelers seem to love it. It is like Las Vegas and I would much rather be in nature. Sun City began as a "sin city," where gambling was allowed during the apartheid era, but ironically it was illegal elsewhere. The Sun City complex is located in Rustenburg, less than three hours’ drive from Johannesburg. It sits on Pilanesberg National Park's brink in an extinct volcano crater, which erupted millions of years ago. Sun City was constructed in the heart of this quiescent volcano crater. If you are looking for pure hedonism and endless entertainment, Sun City, also known as "the Kingdom of Pleasure," is the place to be. It is no exaggeration to say that Sun City offers the most vibrant range of South African holiday activities. Start your day playing golf in one of the famous golf courses. Then spend the afternoon relaxing at the slide-filled water theme park (Valley of the Waves) or go searching for the big five in the great Pilanesberg National Park, which is right next door. But don't assume the fun stops there; at night Sun City turns into a flashy hub of eateries, wine bars, casinos, and dazzling live shows. You will never want to leave Sun City. The world within a city resort complex includes four deluxe hotels, The Palace of the Lost City, two expansive golf courses, the Waterpark Valley of the Waves, a Grand casino, South Africa's finest concert and sports venues, and so much more. Most of the resort's activities are family oriented. 7. KwaZulu Natal It’s often stated that the locals know the best places to explore. When most South Africans go for a holiday, they often choose KwaZulu Natal as their vacation spot. KwaZulu Natal is home to brimming extensive five wildlife reserves, historical battlegrounds, soaring mountain peaks, and pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. If you are an independent – mind traveler, then KwaZulu Natal has some of the finest South Africa holiday spots for a bush and beach safari. Unlike the more sedate Garden Route, a KwaZulu Natal tour has other activities like scuba diving, battlefield excursions, and horseback riding in the scenic Drakenberg Mountain. For an authentic African experience, explore the northern part of KwaZulu Natal coupled with stunning beaches, excellent game reserves, and typical Zulu villages nestled together on sloppy hillsides near the historical battlefields. As you head further south, the terrain softens as the tropical winds pass through the countryside grasslands of the Natal highlands and down to Durban's colorful city. Our Final Word Nothing compares to the breathtaking and spellbinding sights that South Africa has to offer. This incredible country will impact you like on others. From the flourishing urban cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the vibrant indigenous Ba Kaap villages and the sun-kissed coasts, South Africa has it all in fashionable culture and history. As you explore South Africa, you will experience countless magical moments in every city mentioned in this article. I loved living there and having a chance to explore such a wonderful country.

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#krugernationalpark #southafrica #southafricantravel #southafricanwine

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santodomingos · 4 years

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╰ * BIOGRAPHY ━━ APPLICATION ━━ TIMELINE ━━ WANTED CONNECTIONS .

BASIC INFORMATION

FULL NAME. Bellamy Santo Domingo.

MEANING. Fine friend, handsome companion.

REASONING. The name was hand-picked by his grandfather, before his passing. He gave no explanations, but a small poem was written in his notebooks regarding this particular name.

NICKNAME(S). Bell, Bee, Bella, Santissimo (with teasing undertones).

ALIAS. Benvolio.

BIRTH DATE. 8th of October, 1994.

BLOOD TYPE. AB-.

AGE. Twenty four.

ZODIAC. Libra sun, Scorpio moon, Pisces rising.

GENDER. Agender. He doesn’t speak much about this, however, as he was raised in a very traditional and conservative family.

PRONOUNS. He/him. Bellamy has a feeling he’d be more comfortable using “they/them,” however, since he fears possible reprimands, especially from his father, he only ever attends to these pronouns when around people he considers safe.

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION. Panromantic.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION. Demisexual.

NATIONALITY. Italian.

ETHNICITY. Spanish, Japanese, Indigenous Brazilian.

RELIGION. Roman Catholic, with some Zen Buddhist influences.

CURRENT LOCATION. Verona, Italy.

LIVING CONDITIONS. Bellamy lives in a comfortable but rather small apartment in the San Zeno neighborhood, close to the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.

AFFILIATION. The Montagues.

THREAT LEVEL. Moderate to high. Proceed with caution.

BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN. Verona, Italy.

SOCIAL CLASS. Upper class.

EDUCATION LEVEL. Law Bachelor (University of Verona), currently studying for a Master’s Degree, with a specialization for International Law (started in the University of Rome, will conclude it in the University of Verona). Has presented many international symposiums, for his extensive research in the field. Has a summer course in the Hague Academy of International Law and many academic honors tied to his name.

FATHER. Celestino Santo Domingo, another generation of the family raised for war. Often called the best torturer inside the Montague ranks, he has served Damiano and his name since he was only a teenager, and became known as Lo Sciacallo di Verona. The Santo Domingos also have a traditional vineyard & winery, to cover most of their shady dealings, and are well respected amongst the townsfolk.

MOTHER. Cordelia Asahi Santo Domingo, née Oliveira. Daughter from an immigrant family, ended up in the mob to try and pay off her parents’ debts. Cold and ruthless, was mostly known for being a strong tactician.

SIBLING(S). None. Cordelia went through a second pregnancy when Bellamy was five to six years old, however, she ended up having a miscarriage. This was very hard on both of his parents, and was one of the reasons why Celestino hardened up his up-bringing of Bellamy.

BIRTH ORDER. Only child.

CHILDREN. None.

PET(S). A calico cat Bellamy himself rescued named Lucky. She is partially blind.

OTHER IMPORTANT RELATIVES. Balthazar Santo Domingo (deceased) and Reyna Santo Domingo, née Salazar, grandparents from his father’s side. Francisco Oliveira and Ayumi Oliveira, née Yamamura, grandparents from his mother’s side. His father has at least three siblings, and Bellamy has plenty of cousins.

PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS. Bellamy has never dated, although his father did try to make him date one of his friends’ daughter. Other than that, he has maintained a clean record, although he has had some romantic encounters that never went much farther than a few dates.

ARRESTS? None, although he has both run from the police & rescued some of his friends from it quite a few times.

PRISON TIME? No.

OCCUPATION & INCOME

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME. Montague soldier and bodyguard.

SECONDARY SOURCE OF INCOME. Research scholarship.

TERTIARY SOURCE(S) OF INCOME. Family funds, originated from the vineyard and winery, from which Bellamy takes a small percentage of. He saves them up and applies them as he sees fit. Bellamy also gathered some income from publishing articles.

SPENDING HABITS. Bellamy hardly ever spends his money on himself. He has very little physical belongings, excluding his books. He only splurges on his loved ones and, even then, he is more particular to meaningful gifts, no matter how small.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

PHYSICAL STRENGTH. 8/10. Bellamy has been trained in martial arts since he was a child, and he is constantly exercising (it shows).

OFFENSE. 6/10. As much as he knows how to cause damage, this is merely a matter of preference, as Bellamy tries to avoid direct and immediate action, to not cause much harm to himself and others.

DEFENSE. 9/10. This, again, is the result of his ideological vision for peace. He much rather stay on the defensive, and he is good at being a shield.

SPEED. 7/10. He is a big guy, there’s only so much he can do.

INTELLIGENCE. 8/10. Bellamy, albeit raised in a family of warriors of the best kind, also has a tactician as a mother, and was gifted with the soul of a philosopher. He has above average intelligence, can self-teach himself anything he puts his mind to, and is quick to analyze a situation.

ACCURACY. 7/10. His aim wavers, although not by lack of training. His father is very pushy with gun use, but Bellamy is not very fond of it, by the surprise of many. If he is forced to use a gun, he goes for non-fatal, but incapacitating, shots.

AGILITY. 8/10. His background as both a dancer (yeah, that’s a secret) and a martial arts connoisseur has provided Bellamy a lot of grace in his movements, and he has a good control over his body.

STAMINA. 9/10. Intense training since childhood does pay-off. He can go all night long, baby :eyes:.

TEAMWORK. 7/10. I mean, listen. He can work well in groups, but people tend to underestimate him and the way he does stuff a lot, which can be quite annoying to Bellamy, especially if we’re talking life-threatening situations. As long as you trust his abilities, he can work well with you.

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN. Italian, Portuguese, Japanese (his first languages, proficiency), Spanish, French (mild proficiency), Latin, Classic Latin, Greek, German, Dutch (self-taught, he can understand and read, but not speak them very well).

DRIVING. He can ride both cars and motorcycles, having one of his own. He can manage to change tires and doing basic repairs, if needed be. His mother taught him how to jump start a car.

SWIMMING. Bellamy loves to swim, and it remains one of his favorite activities to this day.

PICK A LOCK. One of the first skills his father taught him.

FIGHTING. Judo, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Aikido.

SKILLS. Combat knives, stealth, negotiation, diplomacy, basic medic skills, knowledge of the law, parkour.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

FACE CLAIM. Marlon Teixeira.

EYE COLOR. Caramel.

HAIR COLOR. Brown.

HAIR TYPE/STYLE. Long hair, often messy. Bellamy doesn’t cut it often.

VOICE. Bellamy has a deep, comforting voice, best described as the perfect timbre for singing lullabies or reading poetry. He is a baritone.

GLASSES/CONTACTS? Bellamy uses reading glasses, as not to strain his eyesight.

DOMINANT HAND. Naturally, it was his right hand. However, his father made him train both of them for combat and shooting purposes, so he is now ambidextrous.

HEIGHT. 184cm or 6 feet.

BUILD. Athletic, with well-developed muscles, since he has been physically active since his childhood.

SKIN TONE. Bellamy has a healthy tan, which gives him a golden glow.

TATTOOS. He has one tattoo, and it is very well hidden on the side of his hips (yes, it’s a secret. yes, it’s thexy).

PIERCINGS. None.

MARKS/SCARS. Bellamy’s whole body is covered in scars, both big and small, from strenuous training, abuse, and self-harm.

USUAL EXPRESSION. Bellamy is often serious, but he can easily soften up his expression as soon as someone searches for an emotional response from him. He smiles easily, although these are not his most honest expressions.

CLOTHING STYLE. Bellamy has a very simple and modest style, with functionality being the key element. His wardrobe is filled with neutral colors.

JEWELRY. He wear a ring his grandmother gifted him at all times, but in a necklace. Bellamy also always carries his grandfather’s rosary with him.

PERFUME. He doesn’t use any, but his shampoo smells strongly of vanilla and strawberries.

DIET. Bellamy tends to skip some meals, as he often doesn’t take care of himself very well. His diet, however, is very healthy and balanced. He avoids red meat, often eating only fish. He does have a big sweet tooth, but he is pretty good at controlling himself.

PHYSICAL AILMENTS. None, but he has a slight bone malformation on his left hand that has been corrected with surgery.

PSYCHOLOGY

JUNG. INFJ, the Advocate (Ni - Fe - Ti - Se).

ENNEAGRAM. 9w1, the Negotiator. Tritype: 925.

MORAL ALIGNMENT. Neutral good.

ARCHETYPE. The Caregiver.

TEMPERAMENT. Melancholic.

ELEMENT. Earth/water.

PRIMARY INTELLIGENCES. Verbal-linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal.

VICE. Envy.

VIRTUE. Temperance.

APPROXIMATE IQ. 124.

MENTAL CONDITIONS. Chronic depression, insomnia.

SOCIABILITY. Bellamy is very approachable and is also a great listener. He won’t often start interactions, but he knows how to navigate through people and the way to get to their hearts.

EMOTIONAL STABILITY. Moderate to low. Bellamy is way too good at repressing his own emotions, but this often leaves him spiraling after some months.

ADDICTION(S). He isn’t the type of person to be easily rendered by addictions of any kind, as he tends to be very careful with most things. Bellamy smokes, but even then, his packs of cigarettes often take months to finish.

DRUG USE. Bellamy uses sleeping pills with some frequency, and he is now taking Fae’s Blood as well, in order to fight his smothering feelings of depression and hopelessness.

ALCOHOL USE. Bellamy does not drink often, as he has a very low alcohol tolerance. He only drinks alone in his apartment, while reading a book and getting ready for bed, or in the company of people he really trusts.

PRONE TO VIOLENCE? No. Bellamy opts for violence as a last resort, although he does have certain berserk buttons that can make him act differently.

MANNERISMS

SPEECH STYLE. Bellamy is very careful with his words, weighing them in before anything rash can come out of his mouth. He is never loud, and tends to approach most conversations with a persuasive tone to it, often offering a compromise to easily gain over others. He is very empathetic in handling information people offer him.

QUIRKS. Drinks tea after every meal. Can only sleep well if he has someone by his side (when he doesn’t, he hugs a plush bear he got as a gift many years ago). Has extremely quick reflexes and doesn’t take very well to sudden and abrupt approaches.

HOBBIES. Reading, swimming, painting, horseback riding, cooking, chess, gymnastics, running, learning new languages, going to museums and art galleries, dancing.

HABITS. Goes to church at least three times per week, although he often doesn’t attend masses anymore. Doing stretches and yoga once he wakes up and before bed. Drinking tea after every meal.

NERVOUS TICKS. Bellamy has trained himself to become unreadable, but he still messes around with his hair, depending of the situation at hand.

DRIVES/MOTIVATIONS. To keep his loved ones safe and protected.

FEARS. Being worthless, unloved and abandoned. Seeing his loved ones die or get harmed. Failing to meet up his family’s expectations and subsequently disappointing them.

POSITIVE TRAITS. Wise, protective, loyal, diligent, nurturing, humble, just.

NEGATIVE TRAITS. Self-sacrificing, insecure, passive, repressed, can have sudden outbursts of emotion, hypocritical, self-destructive.

SENSE OF HUMOR. Bellamy doesn’t often cracks up with laughter, and he is not one for sarcasm, either. He has a subtle sense of humor, you could say, and he only lets himself go and enjoy some fun when feeling absolutely safe.

DO THEY CURSE OFTEN? Not at all. Bellamy is very polished in his speech, and he is a wordsmith of sorts. He will hardly ever curse.

FAVORITES

ACTIVITY. Horseback riding.

ANIMAL. All of them. Bellamy is just a big animal lover.

BEVERAGE. Red or rosé wine.

BOOK. Persuasion, by Jane Austen.

CELEBRITY. Bellamy knows absolutely nothing about celebrities, and I mean nothing.

COLOR. Regarding clothing, Bellamy prefers neutral tones (white, grays, and browns, especially). In general, soft orange is his pick.-

DESIGNER. He is a thrift shopper! No money to expend on futile things, especially for himself!

FOOD. Sukiyaki.

FLOWER. Sunflowers.

GEM. Moonstone.

HOLIDAY. Easter.

MOVIE. Princess Mononoke.

MUSICAL ARTIST. Chopin.

SCENT. Spices, herbs, natural scents in general.

SPORT. Fencing.

WEATHER. Soft rain in a warm day.

#self harm tw #abuse tw #mentioned only on the physical section/scars!#╰ * xiii . development ━━ ad meliora .#╰ * o . dossier ━━ sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc .#╰ * v . graphics ━━ ars longa ; vita brevis .

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blackswaneuroparedux · 4 years

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Anonymous asked: I really enjoy your cultured posts and especially about wine. I never knew that Roger Scruton wrote about wine! You tantalisingly talked in bits and pieces in past posts about your chateau vineyard in France. I understand why you protect your privacy but can you say a bit more. I was also hoping as a wine connoisseur you can explain to me what wine sommeliers in restaurants mean about wine having ‘terroir’? Are they just making stuff up to look down on us poor saps or is there something to it?

Your experience with the sommelier reminded me of the classic British television comedy, ‘Fawlty Towers’, where John Cleese’s perpetually hard pressed hotel owner, Basil Fawlty, says with his usual sarcasm, “I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn’t know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret.”

I’m sorry that you had from what I can surmise bad experiences with sniffy sommeliers when it came to appreciating wine. I have had one or two depressing experiences myself but it’s important to call out such rudeness so that others don’t have their dining experience spoiled. In Paris at least I can honestly say the spectre of the rude sommelier is dying out - and I have eaten in many great restaurants where I’ve had very lovely experience chatting with sommeliers versed in their wines.

These days sommeliers are positively jumping for joy if you show any kind of wine literacy. Don’t forget these men (and women) have worked extremely hard to hone a refined sense of their craft and they just want to share that knowledge and wisdom with you - otherwise it goes to waste.

Everyone likes to be appreciated and so I go out of my way to listen and appreciate their recommendations based on what I like or if I am looking to pair something interesting with the food I have ordered. If I don’t know I just ask. Indeed often I do know but I still ask because I’m curious to know if there is a better choice of wine and also because I want to learn. There is no shame in asking. Remember they are there to guide you to have the best dining experience in their restaurant. So engage with them with kind civility and your palate will thank you. And tip generously (if applicable).

I do indeed have a chateau vineyard in southern France - south of Paris anyway. But it’s not just mine. I invested in a dream that belonged to my two cousins who are the real wine connoisseurs. Out of their request for discretion I don’t talk too much about it here on this blog (they follow my blog). I can say that I admire both my cousins hugely (I get brownie points for saying that) for their hard work, risk taking, passion, and their artisanal flair.

Both my cousins gave up lucrative corporate careers to follow their dream to owning and managing a small vineyard. In this case it was bought from the family of my cousin’s French wife; her very old traditional family had the vineyard for generations. They had fought off French revolutionaries who wanted to burn down their chateau because of their old roots but they managed to prevail and survive. They barely survived the Great French Wine Blight (the Phylloxera infestations) that was a severe blight of the mid-19th century that decimated many of the vineyards across France. But times change. It’s not a romantic business but an unforgiving one. So rather than sell up to rapacious Chinese investors and other outsiders they instead sold it to us.

I have my day job and that keeps me extremely busy. My two cousins (and their French wives) manage the whole vineyard with other hired staff. They make all the decisions and I do the drinking (for quality control purposes, naturally). I help out when I can. This could be from business marketing advice or attending a few wine merchant trade shows. I often go to Shanghai and Hong Kong for my corporate work and my Chinese is passable; and so I help out my cousins who might be out there when I am there too. In fact one of my cousins was out in Shanghai just before the Wuham Covid 19 outbreak in China; thankfully he got out fine and didn’t suffer any symptoms after his trip.

More fun for me is actually spending time on the vineyard. Call me weird but I really do look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting down in the dirt. It’s incredibly back breaking work - pruning or harvesting - but very rewarding because we’re all in it together. The camaraderie is immense.

I love escaping into the countryside and I just enjoy the easy bonhomie and companionship of my cousins and their French partners for whom wine is a passion and a way of life. Besides learning a lot more about wine, I also get to run, cycle, and hike in the surrounding hills, a world away from crazy city life.

Like many vineyards in France (and indeed vineyards around the world) the Coronavirus has made it an even more challenging environment to produce and sell wine. We did a lot of business in China and now, like many others, we’ve taken a hit. But we’re not down for the count. We’re fortunate that we are more robust with what we have in place. But like everyone else uncertainty of the future with an expected recession means we need to dig in deep and weather the oncoming storms. But we’ll be fine.

So what is this odd French word, ‘terroir’?

The French have this expression they use when it is clear they are tasting a true terroir wine - "un goût de terroir" - a taste of the place.

Terroir is a largely misused term, though the general understanding of the term of terroir is correct that it refers to the place of where the wine is made. Terroir is not something you pick up after tasting a few wines from one vineyard. It's more complicated than that, which of course makes it harder to use. Which is no fun, because people really like saying fancy French words when talking about wine.

A classical definition of terroir would be something along the lines of this: terroir is the aggregate factors that affect the physical vineyard site: geography, geology, weather, and any other relatively unique environmental conditions that might affect the process or final quality of the fruit.

Put simply terroir is the combination of micro-climate, soil, sun exposure, weather conditions and other environmental influences on wine. To Europeans in general and to the French and Italians in particular, terroir is a key indicator of quality in wine.

The best way to understand what what terroir means is to think of terroir as a different accent - an English accent sounds different from a Scottish accent which sounds different from a Welsh accent. Although the English language is the same, these accents have their own sense of place. Once you are fluent in the language of wine these different accents start to become a lot more pronounced. These ‘wine accents’ echo the terroir where the grapes were grown and the wines were made.

So what does this mean in practice? Take the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to grow because it is very fussy with climate. With the grape being so fussy it is remarkable that the grape can be grown in many parts of the world. Its home is in Bourgogne (Burgundy), France, and yet the grape is grown successfully in Germany (where it's called Spatburgunder), Italy, United States, New Zealand and Australia, among others. So while Pinot Noir is a very fussy grape, it can grow in different climates. It's just the the way it expresses itself can be vastly different. This starts with fruit, whereby it will express a wide range from red fruits like cranberry (cooler climates) right through to black fruits like plum (warmer climates).

The key is the soil - and the sweat and blood that goes into cultivating it.

Soils contain a huge array of types of rock, decomposed rock, and organic materials, in a seemingly infinite array of mixes of topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock. Grape vines tend to grow vigorously and this causes a tendency toward better wines emerging from counterintuitive places - places with relatively poor soils. Too many nutrients and too much water near the surface and the vines will not push down deeply into the ground, seeking out what it needs to live. The belief is, if it does so it will find a more complex variety of nutrients that lead to better, more nuanced wines.

Soil, however, is not the only facet that gives us a full sense of what terroir means.

It is not enough to have a great mix of soils. Vines grown for grapes have a range on Earth in which they will ripen. Champagne, for example, is near the northern ripening limit for growing grapes — around the 49th parallel. They usually do not achieve anywhere near full ripeness nor do they want it - they need lots of acidity - so a northern location works well for their purposes. Too far south, however, and relentless sun and warmth will yield over ripened, jammy, sometimes stewed tasting fruit, lacking acidity and possessing searing levels of alcohol, at times. So the parallel on which the vines are planted is important.

Next, prevailing weather patterns in the region, such as adequate, but not typically heavy rain is necessary. The further north the vineyard site, the more that frosts and hail will likely be factors in varietal planting decisions, as well as harvesting. Achieving full ripeness before vinification is generally the goal for winemakers, but in certain climates the likelihood of sudden rain and weather changes which would dilute or damage the fruit, all go into the perception of the terroir.

Where the vines are planted, even within a commune in Burgundy, can prove very important for several of the reasons listed above: a southeast facing slope in the Côtes de Nuits, for example, provides a poor soil (meaning a good soil for wine grapes,) making the roots grow down deep into limestone, searching for nutrients. The top of the slope to the vineyard's back creates a microclimate and gives a small rain shadow effect, potentially dropping a major portion of rain on the western slope away from the quickly-harvesting vignerons on the other side, before their crop becomes diluted or destroyed. Not to say it always works out this way, because it does not. The point here is that the position within the mesoclimate and even microclimate is important.

Further, the angle or aspect toward the sun in our example is tremendously important. In our example, facing southeast gives the grapes a higher average number of hours per day to ripen in the sun, without getting the stronger, sometimes-harsher evening sun directly. When there is rain, rot can be a problem which leads to yet another factor - slope. A well-drained soil is very important, and altitude is a factor, which will lead to variation throughout a vineyard on such a slope.

Finally, a very important factor in terroir that is not always mentioned is the hand of man.

In the local customs for wine growing, winemaking, cuisine around those wines, and traditions sometimes dating back thousands of years, there emerges a tendency to understand what works well in the local soil and climate. Based on those ideas, certain decisions are made in the cellars that nudge the wine in the direction of one style or another. Decisions can be made that completely mask - destroy - the sense of terroir. Yet decisions are made, nonetheless. They do influence the final product.

Two producers owning parts of the same few hectares of land produce products of two wildly different qualities. There are decisions to be made of using wild yeasts or cultivated yeasts, steel tanks or oak barrels, the type(s) of oak, where it is from, the amount of toasting.

A poor vineyard manager can plant vines in impeccable terroir, but fail miserably in their ability to farm the grapes appropriately, even assuming they planted the right grapes for that terroir. Equally, you can give an inexperienced winemaker the best grapes from the best terroir and he is still very likely to make a mediocre wine at best.

Now, this isn't to say that a great winemaker can take substandard grapes from a poor region and turn them into great wine. But it takes a knowledgable and experienced winemaker to make the best of the spectacular grapes that world-class terroir and impeccable farming technique provides.

So all in all, I would say that terroir, vineyard manager and winemaker are equally as important and there can be no weak links in that equation if quality wine is to be produced.

The point is that all of these factors affect the wine. The best winemakers are artisans who work hard to let the land and vines speak. Over time, some places on Earth have been identified as having very high potential to produce outstanding, unique wines that sing with a voice like no other. That is terroir.

Music is like wine. We appreciate different composers and their pieces more as we understand more of the context of each piece.

Most wine drinkers, no matter their level of knowledge and sophistication, are on a similar path of evolving understanding. Each mouthful whose flavours and aromas we drink, each bottle label we unconsciously imprint in our memory, each line-item on a wine list that we select for the evening’s meal is another volume in our own library of experience, and determines how we will experience the next. The more wine we drink and the more we learn, the better context we have to evaluate (or enjoy) every future glass. So wine drinking is not a race nor is there a prize. You go at your own pace. It’s your own journey of self-discovery. Ignore the pretentious twattery that so often hinders the enjoyment of good wine.

May I add wine enjoys companionship. It makes love to fine food and good conversation. Yes, wine can be drunk on its own but it is more than just a balm to the soul. It is best appreciated when shared or paired - as one might with a cigar and a whisky - with good food. In the words of the late Paul Bocuse, who was a celebrated Michelin starred chef and father of French Haute Cuisine, “La véritable cuisine sera toujours celle du terroir. En France le beurre, la crème et le vin en constitueront toujours les bases.”

Thanks for your question

#question #ask #wine #personal #vineyard #drinking #sommelier #wine making #terroir #french #france #grape #culture #food #life #family

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serendipityunho · 5 years

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𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧

↳ 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠:

Tokyo, Japan

hongjoong would enjoy sitting by the cherry blossoms and river while he’s writing in his little book about new inspirations for a song

forget about the sight in front of you, hongjoong is definitely more aesthetically pleasing than the pink leaves

it’s just so beautiful and calming, it allows hongjoong time to focus on himself and relax

𝐒𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚:

Jaipur, India

he said he wanted to go to india so here he is

seonghwa would be very interested in the new sense of asian culture and would be willing to try things he’s never tried such as foods and clothing

it would open up new doors for him, eye-opening you may say

he’d definitely want to go back again if he has the chance because he just misses the food and aesthetics

𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐨:

New York City, USA

ok but can you imagine how many BOYFRIEND LOOKS we’d get?

yunho would love the walks through central park and especially if it means he’d get to go to the zoo, whatta baby

he’d be chillin in at the local cafe looking like a boyfriend while on his phone or sumn

now on rainy days in new york, he’d stay in his little apartment or hotel just looking at the skyline while watching harry potter movies with a cup of hot chocolate in his hands

𝐘𝐞𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠:

Mykonos, Greece

omg just imagine the wind hitting him when he’s sailing through the sea

wine and dining almost every day because he’s classy like that

yeosang would take in every bit of the moment while sipping on his expensive wine and eating that $$$ platter of goods

very interactive with the locals, he would ask what’s popular around and would try it.

he’d enjoy the sun while sailing around the coast, admiring all the blue roofs and white blocks

𝐒𝐚𝐧:

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

he’d be getting drunk of coconuts the entire time

all of his energy needs to be put somewhere, where else than diving into the crystal clear waters of bora bora?

san would have the time of his life, getting sunburnt for the first time and loving it

he’d be so excited to see all of the turtles and kayaking in those transparent kayaks and then enjoy watching the sunset

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢:

Florence, Italy

naw imagine how pretty he would look under the arch of vines

he’d be having the time of his life trying to make wine in the vineyards

mingi would absolutely love all the new foods there are, especially the different type of pasta he’s never seen before

always sniffing the flowers in the bushes at the boboli garden bc he babie

𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠:

London, England

wooyoung would love the mysterious atmosphere on rainy days. he’d find it so peaceful yet sexy at the same time?

he’d be strolling up and down the streets, walking in and out of cafes with coffee in his hand

smiling 24/7, especially when he reaches the top of the ferris wheel

a lot of pictures, his camera roll is flooded with buildings and art from the museums

𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐨:

Paris, France

we all know he’s a little romantic on the inside

will not hesitate to indulge himself in boxes of macarons while sipping rosè

jongho will spend most of his time admiring the view of the eiffel tower from wherever he is, could be at a cafe or simply on the rooftop eating more macarons

you best know he would put a lock on that bridge

#ateez #ateez headcanons #kpop #kpop headcanons #kim hongjoong #park seonghwa #jeong yunho #kang yeosang #choi san #song mingi #jung wooyoung #choi jongho #headcanons

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dangerousheartwasteland-blog1 · 4 years

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A Complete France Travel Guide for Your First Visit

How to Prepare, What to Do, and How to Have Blast!

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If you’re planning your first trip to France, then I’d love to help you out with this complete France travel guide. For many travelers, France is among the top destinations on their bucket list. There are many reasons to visit this wonderful country.

Each of us has our own reasons for traveling. It could be to experience the culture, taste the mouth-watering cuisines, or visit the famous and historical landmarks. Whatever your reason may be, this complete France travel guide will help you prepare for your trip so you can make the most of it. Let’s begin!

Contents

France at a Glance

Why You Should Visit France at Least Once

Top France Destinations to Visit

France Travel Tips to Remember

Suggested France Travel Itinerary

France at a Glance

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There are so many things that France can offer. From its world-class architecture and art to the simple but beautiful rhythm of the people’s daily life, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this country. You can visit France over and over but you will always feel that there are still so many things to explore, food to taste, and places to see.

Rich Culture

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France seduces us with its iconic landmarks, art collections, and diversity and the volume of its cultural repertoire. What’s really interesting about traveling to France is that when you’ve visited the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and the French Riviera, there’s a lot to keep you excited for the rest of your trip.

France is a top destination with over 89 million travelers visiting the country each year. Take part in experiencing the rich French culture by visiting the many museums and galleries. You should also visit ateliers or artists’ workshops so you can get a closer look at how French artists work on their craft. For sure, you’ll be inspired to find your inner artist.

Gastronomic Adventure

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Good, mouth-watering food is one of the most important parts of French culture. Start your day by visiting a boulangerie and eating a warm croissant. Let your nose take the lead and allow your feet to follow. With so many bistros to choose from, you could eat at a different one for each meal.

Make the most of your France trip by taking on a gastronomic adventure. Food for the French is not simply about consuming it but rather about experiencing it. So, observe, try, and learn the French way of eating while you’re in the country. You’ll never see food the same way again.

Why You Should Visit France at Least Once

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There are countless reasons why you should visit France! It’s among the most visited countries in the world. France is blessed with an amazing sea coast, tranquil rivers, beautiful farms and meadows, and stunning landscapes.

When it comes to culture, art, and food, France is leading the way. Its capital, Paris, is filled with wonderful public squares, art-nouveau architecture, and baroque palaces. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is also there and it continues to be the country’s cultural symbol.

Being in France, you’d want to see more than Paris. In the north, you’ll find the beautiful meadows and the historic D-Day beaches. In the south, the Mediterranean Sea coast will greet you along with the cities of St. Tropez, Marseilles, Cannes, and Nice.

Wherever you may be in France, you’ll notice that the geography is unique and so are the flavors of their cuisine. Dominating the country is the arts and performances. There are so many writers, poets, and painters that share the most inspiring spots along with travelers.

There’s a lot to be said about France and why you should visit the country at least once. Here are some of the best reasons to do so!

Fall in Love with the Cities

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If you’re the type of person who’s into poetry, architecture, cuisine, and art, you’ll fall in love with the French cities the moment you arrive. When you’re there, it would feel as though you wouldn’t want your trip to end and just stay there forever. Apart from Paris, make sure that you visit some of the country’s best cities like Marseilles, Toulouse, Canne, Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Avignon.

Enjoy the Picturesque Countryside

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A big portion of the country is comprised of quiet and calming villages that you may easily overlook. Once you’re through visiting the cities, travel to the countryside and embrace the warm hospitality of the French people. Some of the unique places that you should visit are Strasbourg and Mont-Saint-Michel. Taste the home-made sweets, cheese, and wines.

Spend Time in the Famous Beaches

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Travel to the south of France and see an almost never-ending coastline. Enjoy the sun and sandy beaches. You have so many options such as Normandy, Saint Tropez, and Monte-Carlo. There’s so much to see and experience in France and the beaches are definitely one of them. So, when you’re in the country, make sure that you visit them and go for a good swim!

Immerse Yourself in the Art and Culture

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The French style is so distinct that you can see it in their architecture, art, and culture. The whole country is filled with it. As you may already know, France is where the best art museum on the planet is - the Louvre. The country is also the place where the Impressionist art movement began. Whatever kind of art you may like, from the classics to pop culture, France has something to offer.

Experience French Cuisine

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It’s impossible to visit France and not be amazed by French cuisine. The food is definitely something to experience. From their cheeses to their pastries, steak tartare and the sauces, you will surely not get enough of it. Once you’ve tasted French cuisine, you’ll always be looking for it. Try dining in the country’s many quaint bars and cafes. Each has something unique that you should try.

Now that you have plenty of reasons to visit France, you may be thinking “what cities should I visit in France?” Don’t worry. We’ll cover the top France destinations as well. That way, you’ll have options on where to go to and immerse yourself in.

Top France Destinations to Visit

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France is among Europe’s exciting and diverse places to explore. The romantic castles and hill towns will enchant you. Its river valleys and vineyards stretch across the landscape of the country. It makes you feel that you stepped into a place from childhood fairytale books.

France is a combination of both man-made and natural beauty. It is really something to experience. If you’re still wondering where to go to, here are some of the top France destinations to consider for your trip.

Basque Country

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This place is an isolated but beautiful French region. It is anchored by St-Jean-de-Luz which is a seaside town and Bayonne which is a riverside town. The lovely villages of this countryside will give you easy access to various sights and numerous cities just across Spain’s border.

Brittany

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You’ll love the rugged and windswept Brittany. Its gorgeous coast, seemingly-forgotten interior, and Celtic ties is a different experience altogether. There are several towns that you should definitely visit there. Dinan is where you’ll find the medieval center, St-Malo is a wonderful beach resort, and make sure to see the sea-swept Fort la Latte castle.

Languedoc-Rousillon

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This place is perfect for those who love the sunny climate. It has a Spanish flair to it, featuring Albi which is a cathedral that looks like a fortress. The Toulouse-Lautrec museum is also there. Visit Carcassonne which is a walled town with cobblestones, turrets, and towers. The Cathar castles and village are something to see. Its vineyards seem to go on and on. Don’t forget to stop by the lovely Collioure and other Mediterranean villages.

Lyon

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Lyon is situated between Provence and Burgundy. It is an old town with an Italianesque feel to it. The city has a Gallo-Roman museum and two Roman theaters. It also houses the French Resistance Center which is a fine arts museum with an impressive collection.

Paris

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The capital city is also the world’s capital when it comes to literature, food, fashion, and art. It has breath-taking art galleries, chic boutiques, corner cafes, grand boulevards, and many historic monuments. Be sure to visit Orsay and Louvre to have a glimpse of various art masterpieces.

Provence

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This place is where Arles is. If you’re an art enthusiast, you’d love to see the Van Gogh sights. Avignon is also in Provence where the Palace of the Popes is found. Be amazed by the Pont du Gard aqueduct from the ancient Roman times. Visit the villages of Vaison-la-Romaine, Roussillon, and Les Baux.

Reims and Verdun

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Reims is famous for its champagnes, historic cathedral, and many cellars that serve the sparkling brew. Near it is Verdun for those who like history. It is the site of battles during WWI and it has an unforgettable and compelling memorial to the fallen brave men.

The French Riviera

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In the French Riviera, there are countless coastal resorts to choose from. You can visit Nice and be amazed by the many art museums, Antibes with its beautiful beaches, the romantic Villefranche-sur-Mer as well as Cap Ferrat, and for those who are feeling lucky, you can play casino games in Monaco. There are also inland villages that will intrigue you like St. Paul-de-Vence and Vence. If you want the breath-taking view of the Mediterranean, visit Eze-le-Village.

Are you feeling inspired by all these places that you can visit in France? For sure you’re only just a small nudge away from booking that flight to France. So to help you prepare for your trip, let’s cover some of the tips that will be useful for your trip!

France Travel Tips to Remember

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Now that you have a wide array of choices when it comes to the places to visit in France, you’d surely want to know how to prepare for your trip. Here are some practical tips on how to prepare for your trip to France.

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Currency: The currency being used in France is the Euro. As for ATMs and Credit Cards, look for the CB logo which stands for Carte Bleue Visa or MasterCard. It may be difficult to find shops that accept American Express though. Don’t worry about ATMs as they’re not a problem to find.

Electrical Socket: They have 230V AC electricity in France. This means that the power outlets are two-prong round sockets. Before you leave for your trip, buy a universal travel adaptor to avoid any hassle.

Visa: Since France is a member of the European Union and Schengen Agreement, EU nationals can travel Visa-free. Australia and Canada nationals can stay for a 90 days Visa-free within the Schengen Zone. Other nationals need to apply for a Schengen Visa.

Safety: Like most countries in Europe, France is safe. However, because of the country’s geopolitical stance, there are many parts that are on terror alert. Nevertheless, France is generally safe. In Paris, Marseille, like other major cities, there are risks of getting scammed, mugged, and petty theft. It’s important to be vigilant.

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Language: French is the main language that is spoken in the country. There are regional languages as well such as Breton, Catalan, and Occitan. In major cities, English is spoken widely. But it would be best if you try to learn some French phrases to help you get around in case you get lost or if you’re asking for directions.

Transportation: The country’s public transportation is fantastic. Many areas are connected by high-speed trains. There are also car rental services that are affordable and accessible if you want to explore the cities on your own.

Dos and Don’ts While Traveling in France

To make sure that you have the best time in France, it’s important to learn some of the basic dos and don’ts. These tips will save you a lot of trouble while you’re in the country. Take note of these and be sure to keep them in mind.

Do learn a bit of the language

Try your best to learn some French before you go on your trip. While French people do speak English, they would really appreciate it if you make the effort of speaking in French. You don’t have to be thoroughly fluent. Just learn a few phrases that will help you get by. Here are some phrases that will be useful for your trip.

In English, please? - En Anglais, s’il vous plait

I don’t speak French - Je ne parle pas francais

Hello - Bonjour

Yes - Oui

Thank you - Merci

Excuse me - Pardon

Please - S’il vous plait

Goodbye - Au Revoir

Do know when you should greet with a handshake or a kiss

In France, you shake the hand of someone you’re meeting for the first time. If you’re meeting with friends, you’re greeting should be a kiss on both cheeks. In smaller villages, strangers usually say hello to each other. This is not the case for big cities. The French take time to warm up to strangers so don’t feel bad if you say hello and don’t get a response.

Do wear nice clothing

You’re in the world’s fashion capital so it would be nice to dress the part. Avoid wearing short shorts or sweatpants when you’re walking the streets of Paris. Of course, it’s also best to dress up when you’re going to dine at restaurants. Go for sensible and stylish clothes. But you don’t have to overdo it. Just pick something comfortable and won’t catch attention.

Don’t talk about sensitive topics

As a traveler in a foreign land, it’s best to avoid discussing issues about religion, politics, and other topics that may be too sensitive. As a common courtesy, the French don’t advertise their religion or their beliefs. It is expected for you to do the same. There are so many topics to choose from that won’t make the other person you’re talking to feel awkward. You can talk about sports, fashion, and culture or history.

Don’t complain about slow service or waiting

The French people take their time, especially when they’re eating with friends. They love savoring their food and drinks. It’s very different in the American way where everything is fast and people are in a hurry. If there’s anything you can learn from the French, it’s to cherish the moments when you’re eating, enjoying your coffee, and just being with good people. So, while you’re in France, never complain about having to wait.

Don’t talk loudly

This is something that you shouldn’t do just in France but anywhere you may be in the world. It is rude to talk with a loud voice. It also disturbs and distracts other people. You may be excited about your trip but avoid talking loudly especially in crowded areas and public spaces. If you’re riding the metro, be considerate of the locals who may be tired from the day’s work and would want some quiet time.

Don’t speak in English to a French person right away

French people love their language. They do know how to speak English but some feel that they’re not very good at it. So, when you speak to French people in English, you may not get any response. Don’t be surprised. But don’t be offended either. It’s not that they’re being rude, they just don’t want to look like a fool. Do try your best to learn some French phrases so you can ask for directions, order food, and have a full experience while you’re in France.

So, you know some dos and don’ts for your France trip. Just observe what the locals are doing and try to follow it. You’ll be fine. Most of the rules are really just common courtesy. Be respectful, be courteous, say please and thank you, and of course, apologize if you did something wrong. Don’t be intimidated by the rules that you’ll end up not enjoying your trip to France.

When is the Best Time to Go to France?

Source

You can visit France at any time of the year. But it’s better if you know what you’d expect for every season. For example, you may want to go there at a particular time when the climate is sunny. Or maybe you want to see the top attractions but would prefer to avoid the peak season.

The best time to go is during spring from April to May and autumn from September to October.

October to March is the low season for tourism. During these months, it’s winter to spring. Most attractions are only open for shorter hours and fewer days. But prices can drop by up to 50% less compared to the peak season. Do take note that some restaurants and hotels in rural regions are probably closed during this season.

April to June and September is midseason. The weather is warmer. It’s nice to explore the main cities. You can avoid crowds during this time. Accommodations are also more affordable.

July and August are the peak seasons. It’s sunny during these months. Many travelers go to France, especially over the holidays and weekends. If you still want to visit the country during the peak season, do bring an umbrella in case it rains.

How Much Money is Needed to Travel to France?

Source

Traveling to France can be quite expensive. But you can still enjoy the country for as low as $60 to $90 a day. Your largest expense is usually transport and accommodation. Food can also be somewhat costly so if you want to spend less on it, you can opt for self-catering. But since you’re already in a place where the food is something you wouldn’t want to miss, don’t forget that you deserve to splurge at least a few times.

Here’s a rough estimate on the budget you should prepare when traveling to France.

Accommodations

Dorms: $17 to $47

Budget Hotels: $70 to $100

Mid-Range: $100 to $220

Splurge: at least $235

Food (a meal for one person)

Lunch Menus: $25

Restaurants: $25 to $50

High-End Restaurants: at least $80

Transport

Local Transit per trip: $2 to $4

Long-distance trains: $30 to $235 (It’s best to book in advance)

Long-distance buses: $18 to $35

Taxis: at least $18 but only for short distances

What to Pack for Your France Trip?

Source

Compared to many European countries, France is blessed with pleasant weather. You’ll be needing a variety of clothing to suit the country’s weather conditions though. For example, in the summer, there may be a few rainy days. It could get quite cold, especially if you’re somewhere mountainous. Do bring clothes that you can layer if in case you’re feeling the chill.

Like any trip, you have to bring the essentials and clothing you’d love to wear especially when you’ll be taking photos of your trip. What I do recommend is bringing a travel scarf, a water bottle so you don’t have to keep on buying bottled water, and a good pair of shoes for walking.

Food to Try in France

France is known for its luxury cheeses and fine wine. French food is simply exquisite. The country has a wide range of traditions when it comes to cuisine. Wherever you may be in France, you’re sure to experience gourmet meals. Here are some of the dishes that you should definitely try.

Source

Croissant - Of course, you can’t complete your trip to France without eating baked goods like croissants. You can even observe how this simple pasty is made in some of the boulangeries. Don’t worry about the carbs for now. Just enjoy the many French pastries.

Croque Monsieur - This one is bread that is freshly baked and has ham and cheese as well as mustard. It’s the perfect snack when you’re hungry from all the walking around the city. It would certainly give you an energy boost.

Beef Bourguignon - If you want to experience the French way of cooking meat perfectly, then be sure to try this dish. To make it, the best beef cuts are chosen and slowly stewed in red wine along with vegetables and herbs. It’s a flavorful French dish that you’ll fall in love with.

Escargot - If you are feeling adventurous, try this dish! It’s among the most sophisticated and traditional French foods. It’s best to eat them while warm with parsley cream, wine, or garlic butter. Forget that they’re snails. Just close your eyes and eat them because they’re absolutely delicious!

French Cheese - You can be in any part of France but you’ll never get enough of cheese. There are so many kinds of cheese that you’ll just be amazed. Stop counting the calories and indulge!

Suggested France Travel Itinerary

Whether it’s your first trip to France or you’re a returning traveller, it is important to plan your itinerary. It will ensure that you will be able to experience as much of France as possible. Here’s a suggestion for your France travel itinerary.

Days 1 to 3: Paris

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Of course, your trip to France should include visiting the Eiffel tower. Also, drop by other famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum. Explore the lovely streets and take a break at the little cafes for some coffee and macarons.

Day 3 to 5: Epernay, Champagne

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If you love tasting goodness, then you definitely have to go to the birthplace of champagne. The beautiful rolling hills and landscape will make your glass of bubbly even more amazing. Go cycling along vineyards and try wine tasting. The small town’s charm is something to experience.

Day 5-7: Loire Valley

Source

This is where you’rd find yourself as though you’re in a fairy tale. There are so many Chateaux that will make you feel you’ve traveled back in time. Enjoy the impressive Renaissance architecture. Visit the castles of Nates and Ambroise. You’ll love the French culture and history of this place.

Final Thoughts

France is an amazing place to visit. If you’re thinking about traveling to France, don’t hesitate. This is a place you should absolutely visit at least once in your life. There’s so much to experience and see and do and feel. The French culture will open your eyes to the richness and beauty of life. Start going through your closet to find the clothes you’d want to wear while in France. Make that checklist of places you want to see and the food you want to try. And lastly, what are you waiting for? Go and book a flight to France!

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tossing-cookies · 5 years

Text

Summer with the RFA

Requested by @the-mysterious-human

Jaehee

- ICED COFFEE

- seriously, this girl will always have a cup of iced coffee in her hand, any flavor.

- if she’s not working, she likes to go on long hikes to clear her head or take you to local cafes

- BEACH BABE™— this girl has an incredible body.

- Thanks to years of judo, Jaehee’s muscles are toned, and she’s exceptionally curvy. She looks AMAZING in a bikini.

- seeing you in a swimsuit gets her adorably flustered. She loves your body

- on the beach, she enjoys a fruity sangria or mimosas. They’re very refreshing on hot days

- She worries about you getting sunburned and will remind you to use sunblock and protective clothing

- Always carries around a tube of sunblock and an extra pair of sunglasses

- she tans beautifully and rarely gets sunburns

Jumin

- In the mornings, he will eat breakfast outside on the balcony if the weather is nice

- He goes on a lot of “business trips” to the vineyard to test the wine made out of the grapes grown there.

- If he can, he takes you with him to taste the wine

- You can bet he’s going to take a lot of pictures of Elizabeth 3rd basking in the sunlight coming in through the windows

- Jumin does not particularly enjoy the pool at his estate, but he likes to go swimming so he can see you in a bathing suit

- he will worship every inch of you

- Making out in the pool? Yes. Making out in the hot tub with some wine on a clear night? HELL yes. Does it need to stop there?

Yoosung

- Baby boy BURNS so easy in the sun

- Please slather him in sunblock- SPF 500

- he overheats easily, but does little to prevent it. Please remind him to drink some water

- If he sees you in a bathing suit, he’s a blushing mess, it takes a solid 15 minutes just to be able to look directly at you without covering his bright red face

- Lord help this innocent baby

- During summer break Yoosung is LIVING, and by living I mean playing LOLOL all night and going to sleep when the sun comes up

- if he’s not playing LOLOL, he’s probably hanging out with you

- He spends a good amount of time at Zen’s house drinking beer and complaining about V

Zen

- Looks drop dead gorgeous in a bathing suit and knows it

- he doesn’t sweat, he glistens

- he is adamant about not damaging his skin and has a sunscreen regimen.

- will insist on helping you put some on and is very sensual about it

- acts cool but is screaming on the inside when he first sees you in a swimsuit. Is there a snake in his pocket or is he just happy to see you?

- is very concerned about his and your hydration— always reminds you to drink plenty of water

- late night walks under the stars with you? Sign him the hell up. He’ll say some cheesy romantic line and kiss you when the mood is right

707

- It’s summer? He hasn’t seen the sun in months jk jk

- but seriously, he doesn’t get out much

- when he does get a chance to go outside, he likes to go for a drive in his fancy cars, usually taking you with him

- doesn’t care about sunblock

- occasionally he will take a break from Dr. Pepper in favor of some lemonade.

- sexy sweaty boy

- does not enjoy the heat too much

- will probably take you somewhere fun like an amusement park or water park

- he brags in the messenger about how good you look in a swimsuit but refuses to send a picture for “privacy”

- eats lots of ice cream with you

#mystic messenger #headcanons #mysme #jaehee kang #jumin han #zen #yoosung kim #saeyoung choi

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reylofanfictionanthology · 5 years

Photo

After the Blazing Fire Dies: the 2019 Reylo Fanfiction Anthology Treats Master Post

The After the Blazing Fire Dies Collection on AO3 | Gift Fic Masterpost Part One | Gift Fic Masterpost Part Two

sun and moon by Anonymous for aionimica

“You look pale.”“I always look pale,” he says without thinking, and then flushes.Rey of Jakku laughs. “Pale as the moon, my lord.”“And you are as bright as the sun.”

In the Worshyr Grove by Anonymous for apisa_b

Canonverse, meeting unexpectedly.

graft my soul to yours by Anonymous for bitterbones

Kylo Ren didn't know he made a mistake until the pain started.

Breakout by Anonymous for bittersnake

In which Rey, Finn, and Ben break Ransolm Casterfo out of prison... for reasons.

Rammahgon by Anonymous for bittersnake

Rey didn’t know how to begin to be a Jedi, repair a lightsaber, or how to stop the First Order.

the question by Anonymous for crossingwinter

In which Ben proposes to Rey.

Twelfth Night by Anonymous for crossingwinter

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our King!" He announced grandly, gesturing wildly at Rey, who was still as frozen as a deer before the hunt. Cheers came from all quarters, nobles and servants alike. "Do we have a Queen?"

I was glad by Anonymous for crossingwinter

Princess Rey of Austria is to become the future English queen.

What Are You Doing Christmas Eve? by Anonymous for Dalzo

Ben wants to ask Rey a really important question.

Dinner With Friends by Anonymous for flypaper_brain

Rey and Ben are preparing for dinner with Rose's new friend and her husband. Rey just needs a bit of reassurance.

The Kitchen by Anonymous for flypaper_brain

Rey and Ben, hunting for their first house.

By Your Light by Anonymous for hipgrab

It’s cold outside, so Rey and Ben must figure out how to stay warm.

Force Annihilation by Anonymous for incognitajones

A Resistance team crash-lands on an uncharted planet, with unfortunate results.

Edelwiess by Anonymous for jeeno2

Captain Kylo Ren hires Rey, a postulant from the local abbey to be a governess for his adoptive children. As time goes on, music grows in the Ren household and the Captain and Rey must choose: love or duty?

Founding Day by Anonymous for jeeno2

Senator Ben Organa is upset in the weeks leading up to the Alderaanian Founding Day celebration, so his bodyguard has a plan for a gift that just might make him happy. She would very much like to make him happy.

The Stairwell by Anonymous for jeeno2

Ben Solo has worked with Rey Johnson for the past two years. And he's been in love with her the whole time. He just needs to work up the courage to tell her... unless she beats him to it.

Lavender Midnights by Anonymous for kuresoto

She knew her familiar wasn’t a normal cat. A curse broken in the night changed everything.

Hijacked Holiday by Anonymous for MeadowHayle

Rey and Ben have been dating for eight months. They’re taking things slow, but when Ben borrows his Uncle Luke’s cabin in the mountains and conveniently plans a romantic holiday getaway in order to avoid his family at Christmas, nothing goes quite as planned.

Investiture by Anonymous for MissCoppelia

In which Ben goes to daven for his father’s yahrtzeit and manages to prove to himself once again that he is both a terrible person and a terrible Jew. Oh and he sort of falls in love.

Trying Something New by Anonymous for MissCoppelia

“I can do this, I can do this, I can do this,” Rey thought to herself as she tugged her bag over her shoulder. She wanted to do this. She’d pored over holonet sites in preparation. The mere idea of Ben’s request made her wet. And terrified. Just a little terrified.

Don't Complicate It by Anonymous for monsterleadmehome

Rey, an Omega, in order to get a job as a chalet hostess, poses as a Beta. On getting the job, she's assigned to the chalet owned by the Organa-Solo family, with Rose Tico as her co-hostess. Rey knows it'll be a breeze; all she has to do for a season is cook, clean and serve drinks to society bigwigs. What could happen?Ben Solo, of course. Ben Solo, big old Alpha, who Rey finds herself in need of when her plan to pose as a Beta goes suddenly awry...

The Hunters by Anonymous for OccasionallyCreative

Rey and Kylo meet as they hunt vampires in Victorian England.

Tickle Monster by Anonymous for okaypianist

Ben finds love, comfort, and a few kicks to the ribs when he tickles Rey.

the librarian (or, where ben solo can't talk to a pretty girl) by Anonymous for perperuna

Dr. Ben Solo often goes to a certain library that he does not need to go to.

First Night by Anonymous for persimonne

Kylo Ren won't let his wife see him naked, and then she finds out why.

iron and steel by Anonymous for politicalmamaduck

The Resistance is waiting for them, waiting for one brother of the Night’s Watch and one wildling to open the gates of King’s Landing and let the army conquer the city--and with it, the Seven Kingdoms.

Babel by Anonymous for redbells

They understood each other when they were young. Now, in the face of arranged marriage, Rey couldn't be sure

linger by Anonymous for rissanox

myosotis by Anonymous for rissanox

Ben picked the flowers for their wedding.

Some Vast Unnameable Fear by Anonymous for roamingbadger

After Kylo Ren's relationship with Rey is discovered by the Resistance, the Supreme Leader hurries to save her and bring her back to the First Order. If he makes it in time.

Something From Nothing by Anonymous for sciosophia

It was Rey, the fostered neighbor kid that had run loose all over Luke’s land once upon a time; the one that had pestered him to play or go swimming back when he’d spent his summers out here in the sticks. Once again memory pulled Ben under: chasing her into the pond, splash, cool green all around him, her legs flitting by as she swam away. Rey, her lip cut. Rey, spitting watermelon seeds with his dad- every summer, Rey. She’d grown up well. The years that had kicked Ben from one side of the world to the other had been a hell of a lot kinder to Rey. She was in scuffed boots and jeans that had been washed soft and broken in to cradle her legs (when had they gotten so long?) gently. She was in a worn t-shirt, and the once-shoulder length hair she’d sported as a teen had grown out into a braid that was resting over one shoulder. “Oh, she said, casually as anything, as if she hadn’t just angrily barged into private property. “Hey, Ben.”

Whitlatch's Guide to the Fauna of the Naboo System by Anonymous for six4au

Rey and Finn go birdwatching. It doesn't go as expected. It's better.

and after us, the flood by Anonymous for spookykingdomstarlight

Ben is here, she reminds herself for what feels like the thousandth time since they fled the war together. He is all you have.But the bond is gone, and he will barely look at her, and it doesn’t seem fair that she could escape Jakku and find people who actually cared for her and still, somehow, end up alone again.

crimson red, juliet by Anonymous for spookykingdomstarlight

He lets her, though. Lets her nails rake bloody slashes down his cheeks, lets her pull his head down so her tongue can dip into the thorn-filled hollow where his eyes should have been. Used to be. [Angsty plant-based body horror for angsty magic space babes ]

A New Generation by Anonymous for thewayofthetrashcompactor

Ben glances at Rey and quietly asks, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with a twice-fallen former warlord who doesn’t know what place he has in this galaxy except as a porg-mother?”

baby you can drive my car by Anonymous for tigbit

They call them “soulmates.” Probably because it leaves less of a sting in their mouths.

The Maiden and the Horned One by Anonymous for TourmalineGreen

Village girl Rey decides to take an offering to appease the forest god in hopes that a late frost won’t kill the first grape buds in the village vineyards. The ancient ritual entails a maiden who who has just reached womanhood to bring the Horned One an offering of honey. However, when Rey reaches the temple, she realizes that there is much more to the ritual and the true offering is her virginity.

Wintertide by Anonymous for TourmalineGreen

It was important work, gathering fuel for the Burning of the Ren, though only an outcast like the Scavenger could do it. The ceremony marked the turning of one year into the next, and ensured the light would come again to drive back winter’s darkness.The good Queen had tried to change the ancient rite, to mark the year without the loss of one more soul from their war-torn land. But in the ten years since her decree, the disasters sweeping over them had only multiplied. Famine, flood, unearthly winds and the summer’s fires had torn at people’s goodness, and the refugees that sought the Queen’s peace had only taxed it more. When a Wizard suggested that only human sacrifice would appease the angry spirits, the people listened, and demanded a real Ren for the fire.

alone with a heart meant for you by Anonymous for walkingsaladshooter

Ben orders Grubhub; Rey's car breaks down.

#reylo #reylo fanfiction anthology #after the blazing fire dies #rffa writers #master post #treats #mod post #moodboard

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antique-symbolism · 5 years

Text

The Second Time He Asked Her

In response to @merielleswriting‘s prompt “Before the Beginning,” from this post!

Characters: Kofi Asanbosam, Analyn Aswang (Jacket Asanbosam’s parents)

***

Late October, 1997 22 years before Cat and Cleo’s Guide to Cross-Country Liminality

The soft glow of the roaring fireplace illuminated every detail of Analyn’s face, the curve of her lips set into a perfectly content smile. Shoulders pressed together, she and Kofi each sipped slowly at a glass of red wine, enjoying the quiet that only came after hours of coaxing their children to bed.

“Where's this one from?” she asked, holding up the glass as she savoured the complex taste.

“Spain, 1924,” Kofi said. He took a long sip, memories coming to mind that were just as soon dismissed - as wonderful as they were, he was very happy to be in the present with her.

“Were you there?” she asked.

“Briefly,” he answered. “I visited a vineyard called Puerta del Cielo and bought this very shortly before a local wildfire wiped out most of the vines.” Eyes dancing with a playful light, he added, “Then I knew I would have to save it. To share with someone as special and as rare as it became.”

“Oh, please,” she groaned, giving him a small, indignant shove. Despite herself, she grinned into her wine and turned away, the rim of the glass keeping her smile out of sight. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and took the opportunity to turn her head back towards him with a gentle pull. He looked into her eyes with a lovesick grin. “It isn't fair of you to hide your beautiful smile when something I said caused it.”

Analyn snorted with affectionate laughter and shook her head. "You're too much.” "Next time you can come with me," he said, stroking her arm with the lightest touch, unrelenting in his charm. "I'll take you to the vineyards under the moonlight. It’ll be very romantic.”

“Not with two children in tow, it won’t be,” she countered playfully. He watched the way her eyelids fluttered as she rolled them at the thought of trying to manage that kind of chaos.

“I was thinking a little later,” Kofi said. “Once they’re both grown and we have infinite moments like this to spend together.”

“Please, I can barely stay up past eleven now-” She yawned halfway through the words, the mere mention of it lulling her to sleep. “I don’t think I’m going to be much more nocturnal in my sixties.”

“Maybe a little later, then,” Kofi offered, intertwining his fingers with hers. She moved in closer to him, his presence like a magnet drawing her in. “Maybe in your hundreds?”

Analyn’s voice quickly became stern. “Kofi-” she started.

The mood of the room shifted in an instant. He pulled back, ever so slightly, so that he could look her properly in the eyes. “Consider it.” All traces of their mutual good humour evaporated, and his voice became a soft plea. “Please.”

“I did consider it,” Analyn said. “Carefully. Five years ago, when you first asked me.”

“So much has changed since then.”

“Yes, but my answer hasn’t,” she said firmly.

“You can take time to think about it,” he told her. “You don’t have to make the decision right now.”

“But I have made my decision.” Analyn’s voice became harder with each exchange, but it never escalated in volume.

Similarly, Kofi’s voice stayed level, but his tone became increasingly insistent, an urgency in his words. “What if something happens to you? We just adopted our second child. I want them to know that their mother is safe.” He squeezed her hand. “I want to know that their mother is safe.”

Analyn let go of him. “And who’s going to take care of them during the day when we’re both asleep?” she asked. “Who’s going to take them to the bus stop and wait with them when the sun comes up? Don’t you think they’ll panic when they see their mother bedridden with the pain of transformation for weeks on end?”

His reply was immediate. “We can figure it out.”

“It concerns me that you didn’t think to figure it out before you offered.” She had fully separated from him, arms crossed, now occupying her own private space on the couch. Their glasses of wine had been placed to the side of the coffee table, forgotten.

Kofi took care to speak calmly. “Besides the logistics,” he moved a little closer to her to bridge the widening gap between them. She allowed it, but did not lean in to meet him. “What concerns you?”

“Does it matter?” Analyn asked.

“To me, yes.”

“I don’t think I want to tell you,” she said. “Because if I do, you’re just going to try to talk me out of it.”

“You have my word I will not,” he promised. She still hesitated. He gave her just a hint of his warm smile. “Should I say it in Realm Speech for you?”

Ignoring this, Analyn relented, though her voice remained steady. “It doesn’t exactly sound like a pleasant existence,” she told him. “But honestly? I told you last time, and it hasn’t changed - I don’t want to live forever.” Her shoulders went up in a slight shrug, but nothing about the gesture was unsure of itself. “Eighty, ninety years? That’s enough for me.”

He looked like he was about to say something, but she didn’t give him the chance. “I mean, outliving our children? Can you imagine that, Kofi? I could never see Jaya-” A lump in her throat stopped her words; she shook her head as if to banish the thought. “Or Jackie- I could never see that happen. I could never live with that.”

“It might be possible that when they’re older, they’ll want to-”

“You will not ask them,” she ordered sharply. “You will not put that kind of pressure on our children. You will not ask them to make that kind of decision.”

“Annie...” he began, startled by her sudden intensity. But the way she looked at him, narrow eyes daring him to disagree, made him come up short for words. He waited a beat, and decided that it was an avenue best left, for the moment, unexplored. There was plenty of time later to have that conversation. “I am only saying that you don’t know the future. There are-”

“You’re doing it,” she interrupted him. “You said you weren’t going to try to convince me, and that's exactly what you're doing.” He was once again left without words to reply, leaving a long moment of silence hanging in the air. Finally, Analyn said, “Don’t ask me again, Kofi. I’ve made my decision. As soon as I said no, it should have been a full stop.”

Kofi looked as if there were many more counterpoints waiting to bubble to the surface, more sentiments tripping over themselves to be expressed, but he simply said, “Of course.” He took her hand again. “Of course you’re right, my love,” he said softly. “I’m sorry.”

He saw the tension lift from her shoulders as soon as he let it go. He ran his thumb across the back of her hand as if etching the apology into her bones, to be sure it was received.

Finally, she nodded, satisfied. When she relaxed again into his touch, he lifted her hand and pressed his lips first against her knuckles, then against the inside of her wrist, feeling the pulse that beat just under her skin. He let his kiss linger for a long moment before placing her hand on his cheek, then his hand on hers. “I will never ask again.”

***

Despite his promise, he would ask once more, many years later. Desperately, with shell-shocked eyes, he would plead with her over the sound of the sirens to let him do it before it was too late.

But her answer had not changed.

***

CCGCCL Tag List (ask to be added or removed!)

@pbjplatypus @wolfbook22 @esaevian @thesteamgoth @dimmadarn @abalonetea @luna-evans-writes @allyn-racki @the-midwrite-oil @sarmarble @megxnswrites

#ccgccl #oc tag kofi #oc tag analyn #the second time he asked her #I edited this like 3 times since posting oops

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